A stock is a share of ownership in a public company. Companies issue shares to raise money for a variety of reasons, including paying off debt, launching new products and expanding operations, according to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Investors buy stocks with the hope that these ownership stakes will grow in value over time. There are two main ways to generate returns from stocks: capital appreciation and dividends.
Stocks are one of the most important assets in a well-diversified portfolio. They can help build wealth and outpace inflation over the long term, offering an opportunity to grow your investment faster than savings accounts or other fixed-income investments.
However, stocks can be volatile, with price movements influenced by many factors such as global economic events, investor sentiment and market fluctuations. The volatile nature of stocks can be especially challenging for investors with low risk tolerances, since sudden declines in the market can lead to significant losses.
Investing in stocks can be a great way to diversify your investment portfolio by adding exposure to different sectors and geographic regions. A financial advisor can work with you to understand your investing goals and assess your risk tolerance, helping you select stocks that align with your goals.
There are two major categories of stocks: common and preferred. Common stocks represent partial ownership in a company while preferred stocks offer specific rights that can include enhanced voting privileges or priority to profits and liquidation proceeds, which can be beneficial for retirees. In addition, some companies issue special “dividend” stocks that pay out regular, recurring distributions to shareholders.
The prices of stocks are determined by supply and demand, similar to the pricing of any other commodity. The supply of a particular stock at any given point in time is defined by the number of shares available for sale on the market, known as the “float.” The amount of demand at that moment is defined by investor sentiment and expectations for the company’s future profitability.
In the short term, the price of a stock can also be influenced by rumors or news, such as an upcoming merger or acquisition. In the long term, the price of a stock is typically based on the company’s fundamentals, including its ability to increase profit and expand its operations.
A key benefit of stocks is their liquidity, meaning that they are easy to sell at any time if you need to access your money. In contrast, some fixed-income investments may take longer to mature, making them less accessible when you need it most.