economies and, by association, in their equity markets, to the point that they were companies, given how well Chinese investors understand these companies and the potential Since 2011, emerging concepts and funding alternatives have. The Definition of a Stock Plain and simple, stock is a share in the ownership of a company. Stock represents a claim on the company's assets and earnings. As you acquire more stock, your ownership stake in the company becomes greater. Whether you say shares, equity, or stock, it all means the same thing. • Investing on the stock market is riskier than some other investments. The reason for this is that share prices rise and fall all the time as economic and market forces change. • However, the higher risk involved also means that you have an opportunity to make a greater profit. Usually, higher risk means a higher return (profit).