stocks

Stocks are financial instruments that represent ownership in a company. When an individual buys a stock, they are purchasing a share of that company, which entitles them to a portion of its assets and earnings. Stocks are typically traded on stock exchanges, where their prices can fluctuate based on supply and demand, as well as the company’s performance and overall market conditions. Investors often buy stocks with the expectation that they will increase in value over time, allowing them to sell at a profit. Stocks can provide dividends, which are payments made to shareholders out of the company’s profits. They are a key component of investment portfolios and are often used to build wealth over the long term.