The U.S. equity market refers to the marketplace where shares of publicly traded companies in the United States are bought and sold. This market includes major stock exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the NASDAQ. Investors can trade stocks to gain ownership in companies and potentially earn returns through price appreciation and dividends. The performance of the U.S. equity market is often seen as a reflection of the overall economy. Key indices, such as the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average, track the performance of selected stocks and provide insights into market trends. Investors use these indices to gauge market health and make informed investment decisions.