What is Stock in Finance
Before we go any further, learn the differences between Stocks and ETFs, and start comparing, let's first know the meaning of a stock. What is stock? Well, to understand it most simply, stocks refer to the shares issued by a company when it goes public. These stocks, also popular as shares, help the company raise funds for their venture. But what do you get in exchange? What is the benefit that comes with investing in stocks? Simple! Shareholders then receive a certain portion of the ownership of the company.
Based on what stocks you get, you also enjoy some privileges. These privileges may be related to enjoying dividend yield or getting voting rights in a company's crucial decisions. For example, if you are holding preferred stocks, then you don't get voting rights. Instead, you enjoy the preference of getting higher dividends with the company's earnings.
If you're looking to invest in stocks, there are a variety of companies listed on the BSE and NSE. However, before you start investing in stocks, make sure to assess the financial health, company's performance and reputation, product quality and management, alignment with your financial goals, and other factors like these.
Pros and Cons of Investing in Stocks
Now you already know what a stock is and what certain privileges you may get with this type of instrument. But are they worth investing in? Well, to come to a final decision, investors may need to understand the pros and cons of investing in stocks. Then, you may compare the same and make an informed decision accordingly.
Here are some of the benefits of investing in stocks.
Over time, stocks have been seen as instruments that offer good returns over a longer time period. Let's understand this with an example. Say you invested ₹50,000 in a company's shares with a yearly return of 20%. This means by the end of the year, your investment would be somewhere close to ₹60,000. However, this doesn't mean you may close your eyes and invest in any stock. Instead, make sure to do thorough research and analysis before investing. And always remember no stock is risk-free.
With certain stocks, you also get to enjoy the benefit of earning dividends. This means you get an extra source of annual income. Plus, your overall returns on investment also increase. This makes stocks or shares an attractive investment option.
By investing in stocks of several different companies, you can also diversify and build a well-rounded portfolio. This diversification of portfolio can be quite helpful in distributing the risk and thus, reducing the severe impact coming from a single stock. This means that if the stock of one company is doing badly, you may compensate it with the gains of stocks from other companies.
As mentioned earlier, investment in stocks comes with a variety of privileges. Ownership benefits are one of them. You get several rights like voting privileges, involvement in the company's decisions, and much more.
Though you enjoy a variety of benefits with investment in stocks, there still are some disadvantages. Here is a list.
The share market has a reputation for being quite volatile. This means that even if you're involved in long-term investments, your investments are going to see a lot of market ups and downs. This may lead to anxiety and stress in investors.
As mentioned, before you start investing in stocks, you need to conduct research and analysis on different stocks of different companies. Reading about each of these shares, and doing separate research can be quite time taking and tiring. However, neglecting the same can lead to bad investment decisions, ultimately affecting your overall investments.
Shares are generally liquid, meaning you can easily sell or buy them. However, with market fluctuations, when individuals are in state of panic, there may be liquidity issues. Meaning, you may face difficulties while looking for potential buyers for your shares in such a period.
Types of Stocks in the Share Market
As mentioned, stocks give you certain privileges. But what stocks are those? Well, from this, you may have realized that stocks are of different types. Here are two types of stocks.
With common stocks, comes a company's partial ownership. You get to enjoy a few privileges. This includes participation in the election of the board of directors. Additionally, you also get the privilege of having some control over the company's management and other policies.
However, in case of a failure of the company, individuals with common stocks are out quite behind in the distribution of money. Priority is given to the lenders. Next comes individuals with preferred stocks, and only after that common stockholders can claim anything.
One of the most prominent differences that make preferred stocks distinct from common stocks is that with preferred stocks, you don't get any right to vote. Individuals with preferred stocks enjoy the benefit of earning higher dividends.
These preferred stocks are further classified into several types. For example, convertible preferred stocks, cumulative preferred stocks, and redeemable preferred stocks.
What are ETFs in Finance
A stock is a single instrument but about ETFs? What is an ETF? These can be understood as a basket of securities. This basket may consist of several instruments like bonds, stocks, and much more. These securities are referred to as holdings. These holdings are then managed and sold by a fund manager.
Pros and Cons of Investing in ETFs
Similar to stocks, there are several benefits and risks involved with investing in ETFs. Let's understand the same.
With ETFs, you get the benefit of investing in different securities across different industries and sectors. This comes in handy for portfolio diversification and risk management.
ETFs, like stocks, are also quite liquid and can be traded all day. This gives flexibility to the investors to trade in cases of market fluctuations.
ETFs are managed professionally, majorly under expert guidance. This helps with portfolio management and diversification at the same time. You need not go through cumbersome research and analysis procedures.
The trading of ETFs happens in real-time. This may lead to volatile returns. The same can also disrupt the financial strategies and goals of investors with low risk-bearing capacities.
Though you may earn dividends via certain ETFs, they still do not match the level of return you receive from individual stocks.
Similarities Between ETFs and Stocks
Before we delve deep into stocks vs ETFs, let's see their areas of similarities. Here are some key points showcasing the same.
Both: stocks and ETFs are used by investors as a stream of revenue.
Be it, stocks or ETFs, both are available in a variety of options you may choose from.
Both: ETFs and stocks are taxable.
Investors can trade both of these instruments in the stock market.
Difference Between ETFs and Stocks
Now that you know the meaning of stock and ETFs, their types, pros and cons of investing in them, let's move ahead. Let's focus on the stocks vs ETFs debate and see the major differences between the two.
Features
| Stocks
| ETFs
|
Meaning
| It refers to the shares issued by a company to raise capital.
| It refers to a basket of different securities. This may include commodities, stocks, bonds, and more.
|
Accessibility
| Investors get access to stocks of a particular industry or sector.
| With ETFs, investors get access to a variety of industries or sectors based on their financial goals and the objective of the fund.
|
Risk involved
| With individual stocks, the risks are related to the performance of your stocks.
| With ETFs, the risk is comparatively lower because of the diversification that it offers across different securities.
|
Liquidity aspect
| The liquidity of the stocks depends very much on the stock’s nature.
| For ETFs, the liquidity may vary and depends very much on the composition of the portfolio
|
Cost of Investment
| Stocks are a comparatively cost-effective form of investment since you may invest with lower brokerage charges and more.
| ETFs require professional management, thus the expense goes comparatively higher.
|
Management
| Investors may self-manage their stocks based on market trends and research.
| ETFs are managed by expert fund managers who are responsible for the composition of the portfolio and much more.
|
Diversification
| For diversification of your portfolio, you may need to invest in several individual stocks.
| Diversification is easy with different securities in the portfolio.
|
Portfolio control
| With self-management, you have better control over your stocks.
| It needs professional management; thus, the control is passive.
|
Conclusion
Any important decision in your life needs careful planning and research. And investment is no different. Before you invest in ETFs, stocks, or any other financial instruments, make sure to carefully assess these instruments, compare their pros and cons, and only then form a conclusion. Also, make sure your investment aligns with your financial objectives and goals. You can also get professional help in case of need.
Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.
This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.
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