Definition:

Stocks, also known as common stocks, are ownership securities that represent a portion of a company. They are typically traded on public stock exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or the Nasdaq.

Types of Stocks:

• Common stock: Represent common ownership in a company and entitle shareholders to vote on company matters.
• Preferred stock: Has priority over common stock in terms of dividends and asset liquidation.
• that is not available for public trading.
• Insider stock: Stock owned by company insiders, such as executives or board members.

Key Factors Affecting Stock Prices:

• Supply and demand: The number of buyers and sellers of a stock affects its price.
• Earnings per share (EPS): Company’s projected or actual earnings per share influence stock price.
• Price-to-earnings ratio (P/E ratio): The ratio of a stock’s price to its EPS.
• Dividend yield: The percentage of return on investment from dividends.
• Market conditions: Overall market conditions and economic factors affect stock prices.
• Company fundamentals: Company’s financial health, growth prospects, and industry position can impact stock price.

Major Stock Indices:

• Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA): Tracks the performance of 30 large U.S. companies.
• S&P 500: Tracks the performance of 500 large U.S. companies.
• Nasdaq Composite: Tracks the performance of all Nasdaq-listed companies.

Investing in Stocks:

• Mutual funds: Invest in a pool of stocks managed by professionals.
• Index funds: Track a specific market index, such as the S&P 500.
• Individual stocks: Invest in individual company stocks.

Benefits of Stock Ownership:

• Potential for growth: Stocks have the potential for capital appreciation.
• Dividends: Some companies pay dividends to shareholders.
• Participation in company: Owning stock gives you a vote in company matters.

Risks of Stock Ownership:

• Volatility: Stock prices can fluctuate widely, affecting your investment value.
• Risk of loss: You could lose money if the value of your stock declines.
• Lack of liquidity: Some stocks may have low liquidity, making it difficult to sell.