Trade is a fundamental concept in economics and everyday life, referring to the act of buying, selling, or exchanging goods, services, or financial instruments between individuals, entities, or countries. Its main objective is to satisfy needs and achieve profits.

Trade can occur on various scales, from simple exchanges between two people (barter) to complex international trade involving many countries. In the context of financial markets, "trade" also means the activity of buying and selling assets such as stocks, bonds, commodities, or cryptocurrencies with the aim of profiting from price fluctuations. Efficiency and specialization often drive trade, as they allow parties to focus on what they do best and obtain other products they need through exchange.