Bears, Bulls, and Pigs are found in the stock market. These names refer to people and their attitudes toward stock market performance. Stock prices are set by the Securities and Exchange Commission, a regulatory agency of the U.S. government. Stock prices are set by the supply and demand for stocks. The Securities and Exchange Commission regulates the stock markets to insure honest practices are followed and accurate information is provided to buyers and sellers of stocks.
Stock markets are open on business days around the clock, around the world.
Stock markets exist in many different countries located in different time zones, so markets in Europe and Asia are open and in operation while U.S. citizens are sound asleep in their beds. Sometimes companies buy their own stocks on the stock market. A company for a variety of reasons may wish to have its stock price increase in value. One way a company might be able to increase the price of its stock is by buying its own stock. It is hard to buy a good stock today because all the good ones have already been purchased.