Equity Markets are defined as markets which allow the issuance and trading of shares, stocks and securities on the exchanges. In common parlance, they are also referred to as the stock markets.

A robust and thriving equities market is generally perceived as an important barometer of a market economy. The presence of equities markets are beneficial to both organizations and investors – companies benefit as they can tap capital funds by entering the market and lay investors benefit as they get an opportunity to buy, sell, hold and accumulate stocks.

Equity markets, therefore, facilitate a common platform for issuers and buyers. An example of a prominent global stock exchange is the New York Stock Exchange (or NYSE), NASDAQ, London Stock Exchange, etc.