Step 1: Recalling the Market Capitalization Formula:
The market capitalization ($MC$) of a listed corporate entity is mathematically defined as the total market value of its outstanding equity. It is calculated using the following formula:
$$MC = N \times P$$
Where:
• $N = \text{Total number of outstanding shares issued by the company}$
• $P = \text{Current market price per share}$
Step 2: Analyzing the Variables:
While the total number of outstanding shares ($N$) remains relatively stable (changing only during corporate actions like stock splits, bonus issues, or rights issues), the market price per share ($P$) fluctuates continuously throughout every trading session.
Step 3: Determining Computation Frequency:
To reflect real-time equity valuations, stock exchanges compute and update the market capitalization of all listed companies on a daily (C) basis at the close of every trading day.