Stocks are one of the most common forms of investment and are highly regarded as a profitable and secure source of wealth-building for the average individual. In short, a stock is a portion of a business. When you buy a stock, you’re purchasing a share of the company that’s offering that stock. As the value of the stock grows, your initial investment increases in value.

Stocks make it possible for people just like you to invest in the world’s most successful businesses without needing to have much background knowledge or experience. Businesses offer shares of their company in order to generate money for growth, the production of new items or services, and other projects.