A stock exchange is a regulated marketplace that connects companies raising capital with investors, provides liquidity and price discovery, enforces disclosure and supports financial-sector stability. Major global exchanges include the NYSE, Nasdaq and LSE; in Africa, the JSE and Nigerian Exchange Group are key regional hubs.
Penny stocks are low-priced, small-company shares often trading OTC or on junior markets. They can offer big percentage gains but carry heightened risks: manipulation, illiquidity, limited disclosure, and higher trading costs.
Stock investment means buying shares to own part of a company. Stocks provide capital to businesses and offer potential income and growth to investors, but they carry market risk. Diversification, time horizon, and informed planning help manage that risk.