Stocks represent ownership shares in a corporation, providing shareholders with a claim on part of the company's assets and earnings. When you purchase stock, you effectively become a partial company owner. Stocks are typically classified into two main types: common and preferred. Common stockholders have voting rights and may receive dividends, while preferred stockholders have a higher claim on assets and earnings and often receive fixed dividends.

Companies issue stocks to raise capital for expansion, development, or other financial needs. Stocks are bought and sold on stock exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq, through brokers or online trading platforms. The price of a stock fluctuates based on supply and demand, influenced by factors like company performance, industry trends, and broader economic conditions.

Investing in stocks offers the potential for significant returns but carries risks. Market volatility can lead to rapid changes in stock prices, impacting investment value. Diversification, or spreading investments across different stocks and sectors, is a common strategy to manage risk.

Understanding stocks involves learning about market dynamics, financial indicators, and economic factors. It requires research and often a long-term perspective to navigate the complexities and achieve investment goals.