1. Indices Think of indices as scoreboards for markets. They track the performance of groups of stocks to give a snapshot of how a market or sector is doing. Example: The S&P 500 shows how the 500 biggest U.S. companies are performing.

2. Futures Futures are agreements to buy or sell something (like oil, gold, or even an index) at a fixed price in the future. They’re tools for planning ahead—companies use them to lock in prices, and traders use them to bet on price changes.

3. Bonds Bonds are like IOUs. You lend money to a government or company, and they promise to pay you back with interest. They’re a safe way to earn steady income and balance risky investments.

4. Forex (Foreign Exchange) Forex is the market where currencies are traded, like exchanging dollars for euros. It’s essential for global trade and also a place where people make money from currency value changes. Each of these is a tool in the financial world, whether for managing risk, making investments, or tracking market trends.