Mega-cap

A mega-cap stock is a company with a market capitalization (total value of all its shares) of $200 billion or more. These are the titans of the stock market—think household names that dominate their industries. You'll hear mega-cap thrown around when people discuss the biggest, most stable companies, because they're often considered lower-risk investments compared to smaller firms. Mega-caps tend to move markets; when they have a bad day, the whole market often feels it. For example, if a mega-cap tech company reports disappointing earnings, it might drag down the entire tech sector. They're popular with conservative investors seeking steady, established businesses.