Definition ∞ Public equity markets are financial venues where shares of publicly traded companies are bought and sold by investors. These markets provide liquidity for company stock and allow for capital formation through primary and secondary offerings. They are regulated environments that facilitate price discovery and investment opportunities for a wide range of participants. These markets represent a significant portion of global financial activity.
Context ∞ While distinct, public equity markets and digital asset markets are increasingly interconnected. News often reports on traditional financial institutions exploring tokenized equities or blockchain-based trading platforms. The potential for digital assets to offer new forms of public market participation is a growing area of discussion and development.