Supply and demand, like a lemonade stand
Imagine a lemonade stand where everyone suddenly wants a cup. The seller can ask for more money. Stocks work the same way. If lots of investors want a company's shares, buyers compete and the price climbs. If many want out, sellers compete and the price drops.
Company results
Every three months, public companies share how much they sold and earned. If results beat what experts expected, people often rush to buy. If results disappoint, they often sell. What the company says about the next few months can matter even more than the past quarter.
News and big events
New products, lawsuits, new rules, a change of leadership or a big customer deal can all change what investors think a company is worth. So can news about the whole economy, such as inflation, jobs and what the central bank does with interest rates.
Interest rates and mood
When interest rates are higher, borrowing costs more and safe savings pay more, so stocks can look less attractive. When rates fall, stocks often look better. Investor mood matters too. Fear can push prices down faster than facts alone would, and excitement can push them up.
The big takeaway
Stocks move because people keep changing their minds about what a company will earn in the future. That is why a daily brief that explains the reason behind each move is more useful than just seeing a number turn red or green.