Stock is a type of asset that represents partial ownership of a company. The value of a share changes when the price of the company rises or falls. Investors often earn dividends and vote in shareholder meetings. Investing in stocks can help you grow your wealth and outpace inflation over time.

Stock markets typically use two-sided trading, where buyers and sellers make offers to buy or sell shares in a company. The size of bids and offers is called the spread, and it affects the price. A market with a narrow price spread is considered more liquid than one with a wider one. If buyers outnumber sellers, the price will move higher.

There are many ways to invest in stocks, including through mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These funds often include hundreds or even thousands of companies and are a great way for beginners to get started.

The first step is to find a reputable broker. Then, pick a few companies you want to buy shares in. You can also consult with a financial planner to help you decide whether or not a particular stock is right for you.

You should always choose your investments based on facts and your financial situation, not emotions. It’s important to understand the risks and rewards of investing in stocks, and to take it slow if you’re new to the market.

A company’s stock can fluctuate based on several factors, including the economic climate and corporate news. For example, a company that has experienced a major product recall may see its stock decline in price as investors worry about its future.

Sectors – groups of companies that share common traits – can also impact the price of a stock, as can a stock’s profitability. Some sectors are more volatile than others, and it’s best to avoid buying too much of a single type of stock in a sector.

Capitalization – the total amount of money in a company – can also influence a stock’s price. A company can be capitalized through an initial public offering (IPO), which raises the company’s public stock price and makes it available to everyone interested in purchasing it.

IPOs are generally the most popular way to go public and are usually issued on major stock exchanges, like the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq. Once a company has gone public, the stock is accessible to all investors, and its price will fluctuate based on the supply and demand of the market.

Liquidity – the ease of buying and selling a stock – is a key factor in how well a stock market operates. If there are many buyers and sellers making sequentially higher and lower bids and offers, the market has good liquidity.

Stocks can be purchased directly from the company or through a brokerage firm, such as Schwab. A brokerage firm will then transfer the stock into a client’s account.

There are three main types of stocks: common, preferred, and convertible securities. Each has its own unique characteristics.