A percentage of profits that are paid periodically to stockholders.

Individuals who have purchased a share, or many shares, of stock in a publicly owned company.

Owning different stocks in various industries that perform differently under a variety of economic conditions.

The probability of making a profit or losing money in an investment.

The location in which stocks are bought and sold.

A person who acts as a go-between for the buyer and seller of a stock; usually charges a commission fee.

A company owned by stockholders or shareholders. Anyone may buy stocks from this type of company.

A company owned by an individual or a small group of people. These companies’ stocks are not traded in the stock market.

Good economic times.

Bad economic times.