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Beginner stock market guides

New guides are added regularly. Each one explains a single idea in plain English.

• Why Do Stocks Go Up and Down? Explained Like You're 5A simple explanation of why stock prices change every day, from supply and demand to earnings, news and interest rates.
• How to Read a Stock QuoteLearn what every number on a stock quote means, including price, change, volume, market cap, P/E ratio and the 52 week range.
• What Happens When the Stock Market Closes at 4 PM?Find out what the closing bell means, why prices matter at the close, and what after hours trading is, in plain English.
• How to Start Following Stocks Without Risking Any MoneyA calm beginner guide to learning how stocks work by following companies you already know, before you ever invest a dollar.
• What Is Earnings Season and Why Does It Move Stocks?Earnings season is when public companies report results. Learn why it matters, what analysts watch and why prices jump.
• Stocks vs ETFsStocks give you a piece of one company, while ETFs give you a basket of many. Learn how they differ and when people use each.
• What Is a Stock Market Index? S&P 500, Nasdaq and Dow ExplainedA stock market index is a scoreboard for a group of companies. Learn how the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite and Dow differ.
• How to Read an Earnings Report in 5 MinutesA plain English walkthrough of the numbers in a company's quarterly earnings report and what to look for first.

Educational information, not financial advice.