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Securities trading involves the buying and selling of financial instruments, known as securities, on organized markets like stock exchanges. These securities can include stocks, which represent ownership in a company, and bonds, which represent debt.1234

The primary functions of a stock exchange are to provide liquidity for securities, encouraging savings to be channeled into investment, and to act as a pricing mechanism that allocates capital efficiently. Trading can occur through various methods, including continuous auctions, or increasingly, through electronic trading platforms. Leverage, or borrowing money to increase buying power, can amplify both gains and losses in trading. Understanding the risks and rewards associated with different investment types is crucial for smart investing.1563

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