Definition
A piece of ownership in a company. One share is one unit of that ownership.
The story
Own one share of a company with 1 billion shares and you own one-billionth of it: a tiny claim on its profits, and usually a vote at shareholder meetings. A share's price moves as investors change their view of what the company's future profits are worth.
Why markets watch it
Stocks are what the S&P 500, the Dow and the Nasdaq are made of.
Connects to
Last seen in
We explain why it moves markets. What you do with it is your call. Commentary and education only. Not financial advice. All terms