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How does the stock market work? - Oliver Elfenbaum

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TEDEd Animation

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In the 1600s, the Dutch East India Company employed hundreds of ships to trade goods around the globe. In order to fund their voyages, the company turned to private citizens to invest money to support trips in exchange for a share of the profits. In doing so, they unknowingly invented the world’s first stock market. So how do companies and investors use the market today? Oliver Elfenbaum explains.

Despite starting with responsible long-term goals, many investors at some point favor strategies that try to make quick cash. What types of messages would help investors stay on track, even if their goals may not be reached for 10-15 years?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Oliver Elfenbaum
  • Director Tom Gran, Madeleine Grossi
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
  • Art Director Madeleine Grossi
  • Layout Artist Madeleine Grossi
  • Storyboard Artist Tom Gran
  • Designer Madeleine Grossi
  • Character Designer Tom Gran
  • Animator Tom Gran
  • Sound Designer Euan James-Richards
  • Composer Euan James-Richards
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Associate Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Associate Editorial Producer Dan Kwartler
  • Script Editor Emma Bryce
  • Fact-Checker Brian Gutierrez

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