Understanding Stocks

Understanding stocks is the basis for investing in the stock market. The old saying about not seeing the forest for the trees applies to many new investors and traders, bedazzled by the breadth of opportunities in the stock market. Expanded trading abilities brought to us by leveraged trading strategies such as hedging often lead to a sense of power in fast paced investing and trading. Understanding stocks is the first of the basics of stock investing. Stock shares are partial ownership in a company. Owners of shares of stock share in the profits of the company but do not directly manage the company. The stock investor has a share in the overall value of the company but not in its individual assets or its debts.

Understanding Stocks I

The stock of a company is a representation of the first money put into a company. The value of stock in a company is dependent upon the ability of a company to make money either by selling its products, selling off assets, or being voluntarily or involuntarily bought by another company or individual. The total capitalization of a company is that of its total number of shares multiplied by share price and represents its market value. In understanding stocks it is important to differentiate between common stocks and preferred stocks.

Understanding Stocks II

Common stock is the usual means of stock ownership. Common stocks confer the right to vote for company directors and in other company decisions. Preferred stocks are a hybrid that gives the holder equity in the company, preferential standing for receiving dividends but, often, does not confer voting rights. Also, if a company is liquidated holders of preferred stock may have preferential rights to payment compared to common stock holders. Just like bonds that a company sells, preferred stock is rated by credit rating companies. Preferred stock often sells for more than common stock as it is commonly considered to be a more secure stock investment.

Understanding Stocks III

Understanding stocks also includes understanding how and why stock price varies over time. Long term investing in stocks typically means looking at the price to earnings ratio of a stock as well as cash flow ratios to determine what a stock is worth. These are fundamental analysis factors used to determine basic stock value. Technical analysis of a stock involves looking at price movements and comparing to known price patterns in order to predict future prices. Although traders in stocks and commodities have used fundamental information to guide their decisions for centuries the development of Candlestick trading tactics in the 17th century was the first real technical trading. Technical analysis tools such as Candlestick charting guide traders today in understanding stocks and their price movements. The old saying that Candlestick basics let the market tell the trader what the market will do is as true today as when Candlestick chart formations guided rice traders so long ago.

Understanding stocks and understanding what drives price movements will give today’s trader the same advantages in trading stocks, trading options, trading commodities or trading futures that those practicing Candlestick charting techniques enjoyed in the days of the Samurai.

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