Market data refers to the information that reflects the current state of a market, including prices, trading volumes, and trends. This data is essential for investors, businesses, and analysts to make informed decisions. It can include statistics on various assets such as stocks, bonds, and commodities, and is often collected from exchanges and financial institutions. Market data can be categorized into two main types: real-time data and historical data. Real-time data provides up-to-the-minute information on market conditions, while historical data offers insights into past performance. Both types are crucial for understanding market dynamics and forecasting future movements.