In 2025, stock markets in the United States accounted for roughly ** percent of world stocks. The next largest country by stock market share was China, followed by the European Union as a whole. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the NASDAQ are the largest stock exchange operators worldwide. What is a stock exchange? The first modern publicly traded company was the Dutch East Industry Company, which sold shares to the general public to fund expeditions to Asia. Since then, groups of companies have formed exchanges in which brokers and dealers can come together and make transactions in one space. Stock market indices group companies trading on a given exchange, giving an idea of how they evolve in real time. Appeal of stock ownership Over half of adults in the United States are investing money in the stock market. Stocks are an attractive investment because the possible return is higher than offered by other financial instruments.

China's main stock market index, the SHANGHAI, rose to 3534 points on July 18, 2025, gaining 0.50% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has climbed 5.13% and is up 18.52% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from China. China Shanghai Composite Stock Market Index - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

Japan's main stock market index, the JP225, fell to 39819 points on July 18, 2025, losing 0.21% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has climbed 3.46%, though it remains 0.61% lower than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Japan. Japan Stock Market Index (JP225) - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

Israel's main stock market index, the TA-125, closed flat at 3087 points on July 21, 2025. Over the past month, the index has climbed 5.72% and is up 52.27% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Israel. Israel Stock Market (TA-125) - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

Argentina's main stock market index, the Merval, rose to 2075286 points on July 18, 2025, gaining 0.44% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has climbed 0.54% and is up 32.27% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Argentina. Argentina Stock Market (MERVAL) - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

Silver rose to 38.18 USD/t.oz on July 21, 2025, up 0.04% from the previous day. Over the past month, Silver's price has risen 5.74%, and is up 31.35% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Silver - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

Gold rose to 3,352.48 USD/t.oz on July 21, 2025, up 0.04% from the previous day. Over the past month, Gold's price has fallen 0.48%, but it is still 39.94% higher than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Gold - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.