<human>:  How does a stock market work?
<bot>: A stock market is a platform that allows people and institutions to buy and sell securities, such as stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments. Typically, buyers and sellers agree to a price and conduct their transactions over a computerized network. The stock exchange sets the initial market price, which can then be influenced by a variety of factors, such as the recent market performance, news, and other public information. In order to buy or sell stocks, investors must use a broker or other financial service provider.