Londoners enjoy a “Silent Night” as Big Ben falls silent, London, UK on August 21, 2017. ose Allerston from Clapham, London said “After a stressful day in the office, I couldn't think of anything better than going home and climbing into bed – but when I saw this bed opposite Big Ben I just couldn't resist getting in for a snuggle”. (Photo by Imagewise Ltd/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

Some are in it just for the money, others to help buy a meal. Then there are those who trade for fun or to spend time among friends. Millions of investors – pensioners, security guards, high-school students – dominate China's stock markets, conducting about 80 percent of all trades. Retirees gather in brokerage houses dotted around China also to enjoy some company and savour the air conditioning on hot days. Some start as young as 13, trading from home with an eye on future careers in finance. Winning isn't guaranteed. This year, among the most turbulent in China's financial history, its stock markets more than doubled in the six months to May, only to crash amid concerns that growth in the country, which makes everything from cars to steel, is slowing faster than previously thought. (Photo by Aly Song/Reuters)

Marcelo Gutierrez of Colombia in action during the Valparaiso mountain bike downhill race in Valparaiso, Chile on February 11, 2018. Runners from around the world participated in the mountain bike race on the streets of the port. (Photo by Rodrigo Garrido/Reuters)

Workers produce Bing Dwen Dwen plush toys at the workshop of Jinjiang Hengsheng Toys Co., Ltd. on February 8, 2022 in Jinjiang, Fujiang Province of China. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images)

Mexican collector Pablo Perez, holds up a Star Wars R2-D2 toy while he displays a toy collection of Star Wars characters and items at his home in Monterrey, Mexico December 12, 2015. Perez has collected more than 3,000 toys and items from the Star Wars movie series over 10 years, local media reported. (Photo by Daniel Becerril/Reuters)

A family rides a bike amid rain in Lahore on October 16, 2023. (Photo by Arif Ali/AFP Photo)

Members of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) demonstrate their skills on motor-bikes during the BSF Golden Jubilee Day celebration in New Delhi on December 1, 2015. (Photo by Money Sharma/AFP Photo)