Stocks are a great way to invest your savings and build toward financial goals. But they can also cause your portfolio to lose value if you don’t understand what you’re buying or how to manage the risk.
A public stock is a publicly traded company’s share of its capital. Its shares are listed on a stock exchange, like the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq, which makes it accessible to everyday investors and allows companies to disclose financial information to the public.
Liquidity
A stock is generally easy to buy and sell, making it a popular investment for many individuals and families. When there are more buyers than sellers, the price of a stock will tend to trend up. When there are fewer buyers than sellers, the stock’s price will trend down.
Price appreciation
Typically, a stock’s value will increase over time as the company becomes more profitable and grows its business. But stock prices can also fall as the economy goes through a downturn, or when the demand for a stock’s shares is less than its supply.
Investors typically buy shares of a company’s stock to earn dividends or capital gains when the company makes money. In addition, shareholders can sell their shares at a higher price and make a profit when the share price increases.
Common stock usually gives owners voting rights on major issues at annual meetings, electing a company’s board of directors and other matters. Preferred stock does not give holders the same voting rights, but it entitles them to receive dividend payments before common stockholders and can recoup their investment if a company goes bankrupt.
Dividends
If a company’s stock price increases, it will pay dividends to its shareholders in the form of periodic payments. These dividends are typically paid at a rate that equals the total earnings of the company over the past year. The amount of a stock’s dividends can vary, but they are often high in the case of large domestic stocks.
Growth potential
In the past, stocks have generated returns that beat inflation and other investments with lower volatility. They are an important part of a balanced portfolio that includes other assets, such as cash and bonds, to protect against market downturns.
Asset allocation
The asset mix of a portfolio is one of the most significant factors in determining the performance of your investments. A good mix can boost your returns, reduce volatility, and help you reach your long-term goals, such as retirement and college savings.
A company’s geographic location is another important consideration for investors to consider. While a company’s headquarters might be in the United States, its products may be sold in other countries. Identifying a company’s geographical location can help you determine whether it has the potential to grow its operations globally and increase its profits.
Stocks are a great way to invest in a diverse portfolio of well-known businesses, with the potential for a strong return over time. They can be particularly helpful in growing your savings, which can help set you up for a successful retirement.