This indicator encompasses the total number of companies that have their shares listed on a stock exchange and includes foreign firms that are solely listed on domestic markets. It reflects the vibrancy and scale of a nation’s equity market, serving as a key metric for investors seeking insights into market accessibility and investor confidence. Notably, investment vehicles such as mutual funds, unit trusts, and firms primarily established to manage investments in other listed entities are excluded, ensuring a focus on operational enterprises. Additionally, each company with multiple share classes counts only once, providing a clearer picture of distinct corporate entities operating within the market. This metric is pivotal for understanding the economic landscape and the opportunities available for capital investment. Source: