Stock

A stock (share, equity) is a tradable security which grants the purchaser ownership of a fraction of a corporation as well as a claim on a percentage of its assets and earnings (dividends). The two main types of stock are common and preferred. Common stock entitles owners to dividends as well as a say at stockholder meetings. Preferred stock owners are entitled to higher dividends but do not have the right to vote at shareholder meetings. Stocks can also be traded as CFDs.