Your investing questions, our clear answers.

Our response:

The stock market brings together people who want to buy stock (shares in a company) with those who want to sell. When you buy stock (or equity) in a company, you receive a piece of the company and become a part owner. Learn more about stocks and the stock market.

You buy stocks through an investment firm, commonly known as a brokerage firm (this may be online), through a representative or advisor (a stockbroker or broker) who places the orders for you.

You may also invest in the stock market through investments such as mutual funds or exchange-traded funds, which hold a collection of investments that often include stocks.

Learn more about investing basics and risk. Before you consider investing in the stock market, understand the risks involved and the risk-return relationship.