All securities markets work on the same principle: creating a venue for buyers and sellers to meet.

The price for all securities balances supply and demand. The principal difference between the various markets is the method used to reach that balance.

A number of markets exist in the United States. Some of them are very large, while others are small and local. Some of these markets handle only options trading, while others are limited to commodities.

This course focuses on two of the most important markets: The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ.