Did you know? The concept of buying and selling shares of ownership in companies dates back hundreds of years, with early stock exchanges emerging in Europe during the 17th century. Today, the U.S. stock market is the largest in the world, allowing investors to purchase shares in thousands of companies. Stocks represent a claim on a company’s assets and earnings, and their prices fluctuate based on market conditions, business performance, and economic factors. Investing in stocks has been one of the primary ways for individuals and institutions to build wealth over time.