How does a stock differ from a bond?

A stock represents ownership in a company, which is the fundamental distinction between stocks and bonds. When an investor buys a stock, they obtain a share of the company's equity, which gives them partial ownership. This ownership comes with rights such as voting in shareholder meetings and receiving dividends, if the company decides to distribute profits. Stocks are tied to the company's performance; as the company grows and becomes more profitable, the value of the stock typically increases.

In contrast, bonds are debt instruments, where the bondholder is essentially lending money to the issuer (which can be a corporation or government). Unlike stocks, bondholders do not have ownership in the company; they are creditors to the issuer. Bonds typically pay fixed interest over time and return the principal amount at maturity, which does not fluctuate with the company's performance in the same way that stocks do.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for investors, as it influences investment strategy, risk tolerance, and expectations regarding returns. Stocks provide the potential for higher returns through appreciation and dividends but come with higher risks, while bonds typically offer more stability and predictable income, albeit with lower potential returns.