What does the term "float" refer to concerning shares?

The term "float" refers specifically to the number of shares that are available for trading by the public on the stock market. This value is crucial because it represents the shares that are not held by insiders, such as company executives and board members, or those that are tied up in other restrictions. A larger float typically indicates that there are more shares available for general trading, which can impact liquidity and price volatility.

For investors and analysts, understanding the float is important as it can influence market behavior. A limited float could result in higher volatility as any change in buyer or seller interest can lead to more dramatic price movements. Conversely, a larger float generally allows for smoother trading and less susceptibility to significant price swings. Therefore, option B accurately defines what “float” means in the context of share trading.