In a previous essay, the basic work of the stock market was described. Some of the reasons why companies go public and some of the reasons why people invest werc given. The American stock market is the most closely watched of the markets around the world. There are several reasons for this. The American stock market ~*reflects the economic outlook~1 of most Americans. It also reflects the state of American busi- In a previous essay, the basic work of the stock market was described. Some of the reasons why companies go public and some of the reasons why people invest werc given. The American stock market is the most closely watched of the markets around the world. There are several reasons for this. The American stock market ~*reflects the economic outlook~1 of most Americans. It also reflects the state of American busi-