The Difference Between the Stock Market & Share Market

Stock market and share market mean the same thing but common usage varies by country.

Stock market and share market essentially mean the same thing. Both terms describe an exchange in which buyers and sellers of stock---or shares---may trade in a market with high liquidity.

Basics

BusinessDictionary.com defines stock market as an "alternative term for stock exchange." The website sharemarketbasics.com provides an overview of stock exchange basics and uses the terms stock market and share market interchangeably.

U.S. Stock Market

Stock market is the common term referenced by news and media outlets to describe stock exchanges and trading in the United States. Most news references verbally or textually use stock market when giving news and updates about trade on the New York Stock Exchange.

UK Share Market

Interestingly, share market tends to be commonly used in the United Kingdom when reference is made to trade in the London Stock Exchange or other stock exchanges. Stock market is also used, but share market is much more common in the United Kingdom.

References

• Business Dictionary: Stock Market Definition
• Share Market Basics: Shares & Stock Market Education Centre