The basics of stock market investing include understanding different types of stocks (such as common stocks and preferred stocks), evaluating a company's financial health and performance, and conducting thorough research before making investment decisions. It's important to consider factors like the company's earnings, growth potential, competitive landscape, and management team. Additionally, learning how to read stock charts, analyze financial statements, and calculate key ratios can provide valuable insights into a company's stock and help you make more informed investment choices.