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1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 148 (from laksa084)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa148.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.investopedia.com/stocks-4427785\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.investopedia.com/stocks-4427785\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/stocks-4427785","crawl_time":1775903993,"first_indexed_time":1544046992,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,investopedia!www,\/stocks-4427785 s443","src_root_hash":"7273739457760125548","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Stock Investing Essentials","meta_descriptions":["Browse Investopedia’s expert-written library to learn about investing in stocks and more."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Advantages of Long-Term Stock Investment\nFrequently Asked Questions\nThe most expensive publicly-traded share of stock of all time were the Class A shares of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A), Warren Buffet’s conglomerate and holding company as of January 2022. They hit $487,675 per share on Jan 18, 2022.\nIt’s important to remember that this does not mean it is the most valuable company by stock value. The value of a company’s stock, or “\nmarket capitalization\n,” is determined by multiplying the price of its shares by the number of its shares.\nAs of early 2022\n, the all-time closing high of the Dow Jones is 36,799.65 points, which it reached on January 4, 2022. The index’s all-time intraday high was 36,952.65, reached on Jan 5, 2022.\nUnrealized gains or losses represent the amount you would gain or lose if you sold your investment, often a stock, at its current value. You “realize” these gains or losses when you actually sell the investment.\nWhen people talk about stocks, they are usually referring to common stock, which is stock that usually gives voting rights in shareholder votes. Preferred stock almost never confers voting rights, but if a company only has enough money to pay some of its dividends, it has to pay preferred stock dividends first. In addition, in the event of a bankruptcy, preferred stockholders have priority over common stockholders on company assets.\nCyclical stocks are those that tend to rise and fall with the broader economy, falling when the economy is doing poorly and rising when the economy is doing well. Non-cyclical, often also called defensive stocks, tend have steadier performance that do better when the economy is down are down but peak less high during boom years.\nKey Terms\nStock\nStock is a type of investment representing ownership of a business. A unit of stock is called a share.\nStandard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index\nThe S&P 500 is an index of the stocks of 500 large U.S. companies that make up about 80% of the U.S. stock by market capitalization. It is a benchmark for large-cap U.S. stocks and is often used as a proxy for the U.S. stock market as a whole.\nCyclical Stock\nCyclical stocks are stocks that tend to rise and fall in line with the broader economy. Cyclical stocks include those of technology, finance, and energy companies. This contrasts with defensive stocks which tense to have steadier returns, drop less when the economy falls, and rise less when it grows.\nCommon Stock\nCommon stock is a security that represents partial ownership of a company. When people colloquially refer to “stock” this is what they mean. It contrasts with preferred stock, a type of security that has aspects of both bonds and stocks.\nPreferred Stock\nPreferred stock is company stock that is issued at a fixed par value, similar to a bond, and that does not confer voting rights, but has priority over company earnings when allocating dividends and priority over common stock in bankruptcy proceedings. Preferred stock has characteristics of both common stock and bonds. It occupies an intermediate space between the two in terms of its risk and returns.\nFloating Stock\nFloating stock, is the number of shares of stock a company has that are actively being traded by the public. It is generally referred to as “float.”\nSecondary Offering\nA secondary offering can refer to when a major investor sells their stock on the public market or when a company issues additional stock after its IPO. The former just puts more shares onto the market, while the latter creates more overall shares to raise additional funds for the company.\nFractional Share\nA fractional share is ownership of a portion of a single share of stock. This allows investors to buy stocks even if the price of their individual shares is extremely high, such as is the case with companies like Berkshire Hathaway.\nEquity Compensation\nEquity compensation is when employees of a company are paid stock, stock options, or a similar type of investment. By tying the employee’s compensation to the stock price, they are meant to encourage the employee to work to maximize shareholder value.\nMeme Stock\nA meme stock is broadly any stock that has gained substantial popularity and investment online through social media. The term was popularized after investment in retailer Gamestop was driven through popularity on the r\/wallstreetbets subreddit.\nInitial Public Offering (IPO) Lock-Up\nAn IPO lock-up is a contractually specified period prohibiting large shareholders from selling their shares for a specified period of time after a company has its IPO. Lock-up periods are meant to stop major shareholders from selling large numbers of shares early on and pushing down the stock price early on.\nBig Tech's Market Dominance Explained Through Key Charts\nBefore You Invest in Stocks, Here Are 2 Critical Steps You Must Take\nAs a Gauge of Stock Market Health, Which Indicator Should You Be Looking At? Insider Buying or Insider Selling?\nThe Stock Market’s Biggest Winners—From Biden to Clinton\nThe Top 5 Performing Stocks During Biden's Presidency\nThese Were the Top 5 Stocks During Trump's First Term—Here's Why\nWhy Are Penny Stocks No Longer Less Than $1?\nHow Owning Wine Stock Can Uncork Unexpected Perks\nThe Surprising Benefits of Owning Hotel Chain Stock You Might Not Know About\nThe Basics of Tech Stocks: 10 Tips Every New Investor Needs To Know\nBest Day Trading Courses for April 2026\nWhy Tesla Retail Investors Keep \"Undying Faith\" When Vehicle Sales and Stock Sink\nUnlock Exclusive Perks with Cruise Line Stocks: A Hidden Dividend\nWhy Weight-Loss Drugs Could Be Game-Changers for Your Investment Portfolio\nAre You Tired of Politicized CEOs? Research Shows You're Not Alone\nShould You Buy Stock Before an Earnings Call? Here's What You Need to Know\nHow Tariffs on Chinese Goods Could Affect Your Grocery Bill\nPayPal Mafia’s Influence in Trump’s Second Administration\nWhat's in Elon Musk's Multi-Billion Dollar Pay Package and Why Did a Judge Reject It?\n12 States With Teens' Social Media Regulation—Is Yours One of Them?\nCostco’s Revenue Per Store: What the Numbers Show\n3 Companies With Frequent Stock Splits and Why It Matters for Your Portfolio\n5 Stocks Kicked Off the S&P 500 That Have Outperformed the Index\nWhat Happens When a Stock Is Dropped From the S&P 500?\nThe Best Performing S&P 500 Stocks Over the Past 30 Years Might Surprise You\nIs Investing in Meme Stocks a Good Idea?\nPolitical Risk\nGuide to Selecting the Best Artificial Intelligence Stocks\nSemiconductors and Advancements Investors Should Watch Out for\nFood Insecurity and Its Impact on the Stock Market\nDiscover Differences in Mid-Cap Indexes for Better Investing\nUnderstanding Stock Types: Common, Preferred, Blue-Chip, and More\nOnline Investing for Beginners: Essential Steps and Key Considerations\nWhat Are Meme Stocks, and Are They Real Investments?\nHow To Give Stocks as a Holiday Gift\nApple's 5 Most Profitable Lines of Business\nSecured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Definition and History\nDoes Prime Day Impact Amazon's Stock (AMZN)?\nShould You Worry When Insiders Sell Their Shares? Here's How to Find Out\nAs an Investor, Do You Really Have to Listen to Quarterly Earnings Calls?\nHidden Risks in Your 401(K) Index Fund: Is It a Tech Fund in Disguise?\nThe Dow Broke a Half-Century-Old Record—Here's What It Could Mean for Your Money in 2025\nMagnificent 7 Stocks: What You Need To Know\nHow to Rebalance Your Portfolio\nIndex Rebalancing: What Every Investor Should Know\nESG Investing 2024: How to Align Your Portfolio with Your Values\nHow to Buy Fractional Shares on Webull\nHow to Buy Fractional Shares on Fidelity Investments\nHow to Buy Fractional Shares\nHow to Automate Your Investing\nHow to Invest in Web 3.0: A Comprehensive Guide\nUnderstanding the Dividend Discount Model (DDM) for Stock Valuation\nCommon Stock: What It Is, Different Types, vs. Preferred Stock\nDebt\/Equity Swap Explained: Benefits and Impact on Bankruptcy\nPreferred vs. Common Stock: Key Differences Explained\nS&P 500 Index: What It’s for and Why It’s Important in Investing\nWarren Buffett's Stock Picking Strategy: 5 Key Clues\nFinding Short Candidates With Technical Analysis\nWhat Are Income Stocks? A Simple Guide With Examples\nEfficient Market Hypothesis: Is the Stock Market Efficient?\nUnderstanding Cyclical Stocks: Examples, Risks, and Growth Opportunities\nPage Sources\nInvestopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our\neditorial policy.\nNew York Stock Exchange (NYSE). \"Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. BRK.A.\" Accessed Jan. 22, 2022\nYahoo! Finance. \"Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI). Historical Data.\" Accessed Jan. 14, 2022.\nU.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. \"Stocks.\" Accessed June 28, 2021.","attrs_markdown":"\n\n[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/stocks-4427785#main)\n\n[Investopedia](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/)\n\n[Trade](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/simulator\/?inv_to_sim=global_nav)\n\n- Please fill out this field.\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/stocks-4427785)\n\nPlease fill out this field.\n\n- [News](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/news-4427706)\n  News\n  \n  - [Markets](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/markets-news-4427704)\n  - [Companies](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/company-news-4427705)\n  - [Earnings](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/earnings-reports-5218419)\n  - [CD Rates](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/certificates-deposit-news-7111770)\n  - [Mortgage Rates](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/mortgage-rates-5184598)\n  - [Economy](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/economic-news-5218422)\n  - [Government](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/political-news-4689737)\n  - 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[View All](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/personal-finance-4427760)\n- [Economy](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/economy-4689801)\n  - [Government and Policy](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/government-and-policy-4689793)\n  - [Monetary Policy](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/monetary-policy-4689792)\n  - [Fiscal Policy](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/fiscal-policy-4689796)\n  - [Economics](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/economics-4689800)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/economy-4689801)\n- [Reviews](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/financial-product-reviews-7110783)\n  - [Best Online Brokers](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/best-online-brokers-4587872)\n  - [Best Crypto Exchanges](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/best-crypto-exchanges-5071855)\n  - [Best Savings Rates](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/high-yield-savings-accounts-4770633)\n  - [Best CD Rates](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/best-cd-rates-4770214)\n  - [Best Life Insurance](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/the-best-life-insurance-companies-8763666)\n  - [Best Mortgage Rates](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/mortgage-rates-5094943)\n  - [Best Robo-Advisors](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/the-best-robo-advisors-8764849)\n  - [Best Personal Loans](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/the-best-personal-loans-8761582)\n  - [Best Debt Relief Companies](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/the-best-debt-relief-companies-8763179)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/financial-product-reviews-7110783)\n\n- [Investing](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/investing-4427685)\n# Stocks\n\nStocks represent ownership of a company. Stocks owned either directly or through a mutual fund or ETF, will likely form the majority of most investors’ portfolios.\n\n## Stock Investing Essentials\n[![Benefits of holding stock for the long term.]() ![Benefits of holding stock for the long term.](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/h6048LWIKMWvt5Y3CMrDbBkwj7M=\/771x514\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/FinanceYourFuture-Benefitsofholdingstocksforthelongterm-v12-a77eed8e1f5744cdaf6da1a211f68956.png) Advantages of Long-Term Stock Investment](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/investing\/052216\/4-benefits-holding-stocks-long-term.asp)\n\n[![Woman leaning on a desk with her back to a computer monitor, talking on the phone. ]() ![Woman leaning on a desk with her back to a computer monitor, talking on the phone. ](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/cQacjkwJ4Fe1PHBbyNXJo2N67l4=\/144x95\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-2192192226-f185a4a8cb6148c78f692bb73a9bf6b2.jpg) Investing in Index Funds: Key Benefits and Drawbacks Revealed](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/investing-in-index-funds-4771002)\n\n[![Stock market chart and index numbers display declining trend shown on the graph]() ![Stock market chart and index numbers display declining trend shown on the graph](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/TWa3gjmgrsZb0UwR3Q5X68TxBOI=\/144x95\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-2247199536-7cdc1e75e67d4be9a7a20040c7fde8e2.jpg) The Top 25 Stocks in the S\\&P 500](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/ask\/answers\/08\/find-stocks-in-sp500.asp)\n\n[![Stock trader reacting to stock market declines]() ![Stock trader reacting to stock market declines](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/GGAbDG6TE5H8GEj52aE9pBgQVm0=\/144x95\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-519813184-3e05f7ad7758413c98072951651f0f59.jpg) Where Does the Money Go When Stock Prices Fall?](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/basics\/03\/060603.asp)\n\n[![Stock exchange traders working at their desks with computer screens]() ![Stock exchange traders working at their desks with computer screens](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/4d9MkiOvKfSCK6B-utT1hT_2hp8=\/144x95\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-2212545851-5fa748db57a44922b713eb4f1a76b974.jpg) S\\&P 500 Average Returns and Historical Performance](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/ask\/answers\/042415\/what-average-annual-return-sp-500.asp)\n\n## Frequently Asked Questions\n- What’s the most expensive stock of all time?\n  The most expensive publicly-traded share of stock of all time were the Class A shares of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A), Warren Buffet’s conglomerate and holding company as of January 2022. They hit \\$487,675 per share on Jan 18, 2022. It’s important to remember that this does not mean it is the most valuable company by stock value. The value of a company’s stock, or “[market capitalization](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/investing\/market-capitalization-defined\/),” is determined by multiplying the price of its shares by the number of its shares.\n  \n  Learn More: [What's the Most Expensive Stock of All Time?](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/ask\/answers\/081314\/whats-most-expensive-stock-all-time.asp)\n- What is the all time high of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA)?\n  As of early 2022, the all-time closing high of the Dow Jones is 36,799.65 points, which it reached on January 4, 2022. The index’s all-time intraday high was 36,952.65, reached on Jan 5, 2022.\n  \n  Learn More: [What Is the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) All-Time High?](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/ask\/answers\/100214\/what-dow-jones-industrial-average-djia-alltime-high.asp)\n- What are unrealized gains and losses?\n  Unrealized gains or losses represent the amount you would gain or lose if you sold your investment, often a stock, at its current value. You “realize” these gains or losses when you actually sell the investment.\n  \n  Learn More: [What Are Unrealized Gains and Losses?](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/ask\/answers\/04\/021204.asp)\n- What is the difference between preferred stock and common stock?\n  When people talk about stocks, they are usually referring to common stock, which is stock that usually gives voting rights in shareholder votes. Preferred stock almost never confers voting rights, but if a company only has enough money to pay some of its dividends, it has to pay preferred stock dividends first. In addition, in the event of a bankruptcy, preferred stockholders have priority over common stockholders on company assets.\n  \n  Learn More: [Preferred vs. Common Stock: What's the Difference?](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/ask\/answers\/difference-between-preferred-stock-and-common-stock\/)\n- What’s the difference between cyclical and non-cyclical stocks?\n  Cyclical stocks are those that tend to rise and fall with the broader economy, falling when the economy is doing poorly and rising when the economy is doing well. Non-cyclical, often also called defensive stocks, tend have steadier performance that do better when the economy is down are down but peak less high during boom years.\n  \n  Learn More: [Understanding Cyclical vs. Non-Cyclical Stocks: What's the Difference?](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/00\/082800.asp)\n\n### Key Terms\nStock\n\nStandard & Poor's (S\\&P) 500 Index\n\nCyclical Stock\n\nCommon Stock\n\nPreferred Stock\n\nFloating Stock\n\nSecondary Offering\n\nFractional Share\n\nEquity Compensation\n\nMeme Stock\n\nInitial Public Offering (IPO) Lock-Up\n\n- Stock\n  \n  Stock is a type of investment representing ownership of a business. A unit of stock is called a share.\n  \n  [Learn More](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/s\/stock.asp)\n- Standard & Poor's (S\\&P) 500 Index\n  \n  The S\\&P 500 is an index of the stocks of 500 large U.S. companies that make up about 80% of the U.S. stock by market capitalization. It is a benchmark for large-cap U.S. stocks and is often used as a proxy for the U.S. stock market as a whole.\n  \n  [Learn More](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/s\/sp500.asp)\n- Cyclical Stock\n  \n  Cyclical stocks are stocks that tend to rise and fall in line with the broader economy. Cyclical stocks include those of technology, finance, and energy companies. This contrasts with defensive stocks which tense to have steadier returns, drop less when the economy falls, and rise less when it grows.\n  \n  [Learn More](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/c\/cyclicalstock.asp)\n- Common Stock\n  \n  Common stock is a security that represents partial ownership of a company. When people colloquially refer to “stock” this is what they mean. It contrasts with preferred stock, a type of security that has aspects of both bonds and stocks.\n  \n  [Learn More](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/c\/commonstock.asp)\n- Preferred Stock\n  \n  Preferred stock is company stock that is issued at a fixed par value, similar to a bond, and that does not confer voting rights, but has priority over company earnings when allocating dividends and priority over common stock in bankruptcy proceedings. Preferred stock has characteristics of both common stock and bonds. It occupies an intermediate space between the two in terms of its risk and returns.\n  \n  [Learn More](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/p\/preferredstock.asp)\n- Floating Stock\n  \n  Floating stock, is the number of shares of stock a company has that are actively being traded by the public. It is generally referred to as “float.”\n  \n  [Learn More](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/f\/floating-stock.asp)\n- Secondary Offering\n  \n  A secondary offering can refer to when a major investor sells their stock on the public market or when a company issues additional stock after its IPO. The former just puts more shares onto the market, while the latter creates more overall shares to raise additional funds for the company.\n  \n  [Learn More](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/s\/secondaryoffering.asp)\n- Fractional Share\n  \n  A fractional share is ownership of a portion of a single share of stock. This allows investors to buy stocks even if the price of their individual shares is extremely high, such as is the case with companies like Berkshire Hathaway.\n  \n  [Learn More](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/f\/fractionalshare.asp)\n- Equity Compensation\n  \n  Equity compensation is when employees of a company are paid stock, stock options, or a similar type of investment. By tying the employee’s compensation to the stock price, they are meant to encourage the employee to work to maximize shareholder value.\n  \n  [Learn More](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/e\/equity-compensation.asp)\n- Meme Stock\n  \n  A meme stock is broadly any stock that has gained substantial popularity and investment online through social media. The term was popularized after investment in retailer Gamestop was driven through popularity on the r\/wallstreetbets subreddit.\n  \n  [Learn More](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/meme-stock-5206762)\n- Initial Public Offering (IPO) Lock-Up\n  \n  An IPO lock-up is a contractually specified period prohibiting large shareholders from selling their shares for a specified period of time after a company has its IPO. Lock-up periods are meant to stop major shareholders from selling large numbers of shares early on and pushing down the stock price early on.\n  \n  [Learn More](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/i\/ipolockup.asp)\n\n[![A young person sitting in a yellow chair outdoors holding a device]() ![A young person sitting in a yellow chair outdoors holding a device](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/9lR2Dqxd2012xcMkwLBUAaDDy_A=\/144x95\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-2213735007-e1987dd7b8be40f18523979133d8e268.jpg) Nintendo’s Billions Come from Ignoring the Latest Technology—Here’s Why](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/why-nintendo-often-ignores-the-best-technology-11862293)\n\n[![Bill H Gross standing by a large window with a city and greenery background visible through it]() ![Bill H Gross standing by a large window with a city and greenery background visible through it](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/RPru_UBFjpHUerM9b0OOvDzBojg=\/144x95\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-1062263758-c977c16ce3b846e9b70911aed2f7c1d0.jpg) Bill Gross Cautions Against 'Buying the Dip' Amid Concerns Over Market's Uncertain Future](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/bill-gross-cautions-against-buying-the-dip-amid-concerns-over-markets-uncertain-future-11817959)\n\n[![Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at the Nvidia AI Summit Japan in Tokyo, Japan, on Nov. 13, 2024]() ![Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at the Nvidia AI Summit Japan in Tokyo, Japan, on Nov. 13, 2024](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/C8haAyKUnyJw06x1NQCmluTlJ7w=\/144x95\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-2183803200-2e3eeb6a91214c8283a187b2313fa518.jpg) Nvidia's Growing Influence on Retirement Funds Sparks Concern Amid Market Volatility](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/nvidia-s-influence-on-retirement-funds-11800289)\n\n[![A building with an IBM logo on its facade partially obscured by green foliage in the foreground]() ![A building with an IBM logo on its facade partially obscured by green foliage in the foreground](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/1FwTxMuWTMNAKvIB_kqVQCHfaLw=\/144x95\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-2217247280-568f939d601d4fb1a99d4de3a05823f9.jpg) IBM's Big Comeback: How 3 Strategic Moves Are Captivating Wall Street](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/ibm-s-big-comeback-how-3-strategic-moves-are-captivating-wall-street-11798295)\n\n[![A woman holding a smartphone outdoors near tall buildings reflecting on the glass facade]() ![A woman holding a smartphone outdoors near tall buildings reflecting on the glass facade](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/jqkz1EdU3nzprsPWBmawaajeWQ8=\/771x514\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-1355774776-4752a50ce48945e3b96bd78169c606ec.jpg) Big Tech's Market Dominance Explained Through Key Charts](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/the-mag-7-in-charts-how-big-tech-dominates-the-market-11866473)\n\n### Explore Stocks\n[All](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/stocks-4427785) [Growth Stocks](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/stocks-4427785) [Top Stocks](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/stocks-4427785) [Value Stocks](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/stocks-4427785) [Dividend Stocks](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/stocks-4427785)\n\nMore\n\n[Tech Stocks](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/stocks-4427785)\n\n[![A person viewing a stock trading app on a smartphone at a desk]() ![A person viewing a stock trading app on a smartphone at a desk](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/5NpRCBxYTtxcLYrDv8o8Y5i8EfE=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-1364393604-de56b81d3c3a45bba12cda7380dbb34b.jpg) Before You Invest in Stocks, Here Are 2 Critical Steps You Must Take](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/what-to-do-before-buying-stocks-11777332)\n\n[![Person using a digital pen on a tablet with charts and graphs on a desk]() ![Person using a digital pen on a tablet with charts and graphs on a desk](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/6Cz87uAx8i1xEfEwyNv0WFpiNqk=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-1420865325-763de6d7a23b4ab8a31d5cc2a89b5cc9.jpg) As a Gauge of Stock Market Health, Which Indicator Should You Be Looking At? Insider Buying or Insider Selling?](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/insider-buying-or-insider-selling-indicators-11760828)\n\n[![Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden depicted with investment companies' logos]() ![Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden depicted with investment companies' logos](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/-Q6IZI-MHw-o0r0GHqBQ0LVSA8s=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/Topstocksunderthelastfivepresidents_D_final-1a911495bef34f93948a03f08515b67a.png) The Stock Market’s Biggest Winners—From Biden to Clinton](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/top-performing-stocks-by-president-11756953)\n\n[![Joe Biden smiling, slight side view, lights softly out of focus in the background]() ![Joe Biden smiling, slight side view, lights softly out of focus in the background](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/bYg4RW8pAIu6JlGBhcEJrm8hQAs=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-1365686171-e40c9bf5d6fb40c5afb00d2ded34ae88.jpg) The Top 5 Performing Stocks During Biden's Presidency](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/top-5-performing-stocks-during-bidens-presidency-11755132)\n\n[![Donald Trump facing the camera]() ![Donald Trump facing the camera](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/RZJmBV0495lgaYsvxTaMxTQfiMA=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-941499498-3fcb4252c75c4ffdbceed4e1eeb93d2f.jpg) These Were the Top 5 Stocks During Trump's First Term—Here's Why](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/top-stocks-during-trumps-first-term-11753307)\n\n[![Stacked coins placed on a financial chart with line graphs]() ![Stacked coins placed on a financial chart with line graphs](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/UUIh9ZZrAYHfr2dDr-cBnzT2HVU=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-140194262-a358d6ea2e4e4ed4972100bf63782329.jpg) Why Are Penny Stocks No Longer Less Than \\$1?](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/what-penny-stocks-cost-11749520)\n\n[![Two people holding wine glasses walking through a vineyard, smiling and enjoying the setting]() ![Two people holding wine glasses walking through a vineyard, smiling and enjoying the setting](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/t1igDSyPPlWWgdS37ZT_Y0tgSWc=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-1445188114-c3d712f6ed8e4f2bbe6dc1db87cd2c8c.jpg) How Owning Wine Stock Can Uncork Unexpected Perks](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/perks-owning-wine-stock-11736716)\n\n[![Holiday Inn and Holiday Express hotels for families]() ![Holiday Inn and Holiday Express hotels for families](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/yubwP_ZbAj98cHvbrmDAOzr8SDE=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/HolidayInn_Getty-59a54daa685fbe0010435a42.jpg) The Surprising Benefits of Owning Hotel Chain Stock You Might Not Know About](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/the-surprising-benefits-of-owning-hotel-chain-stock-11730289)\n\n[![Illustration of a hand holding different tech stock symbols.]() ![Illustration of a hand holding different tech stock symbols.](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/d52d-xi0pKmMCSAGUAj_kzHkIz0=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/TheBasicsofTechStocks-XTipsEveryNewInvestorNeedstoKnow_final-6970db8f64a849ddbde826e630ef01d8.png) The Basics of Tech Stocks: 10 Tips Every New Investor Needs To Know](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/basics-of-tech-stocks-11744096)\n\n[![Beginner trader studying material from a day trading course while practicing on trading account.]() ![Beginner trader studying material from a day trading course while practicing on trading account.](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/iELKHJ4mlTxPPUm73GgBn63m4VQ=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-1398113520-0b758848b6b8493bb5bf51548eed9819.jpg) Best Day Trading Courses for April 2026](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/the-best-day-trading-courses-11716509)\n\n[![Tesla CEO Elon Musk speaks during the official opening of the new Tesla electric car manufacturing plant on March 22, 2022 near Gruenheide, Germany. ]() ![Tesla CEO Elon Musk speaks during the official opening of the new Tesla electric car manufacturing plant on March 22, 2022 near Gruenheide, Germany. ](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/qqILL_3LURgOXFRpBDrnnpybp2M=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-1239417462-ed20e673f4b64f328edbc7b60c1697c5.jpg) Why Tesla Retail Investors Keep \"Undying Faith\" When Vehicle Sales and Stock Sink](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/why-teslas-stock-soars-despite-car-sales-numbers-11705040)\n\n[![Woman on a cruise lounging on a deck chair.]() ![Woman on a cruise lounging on a deck chair.](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/mou7FqwGkoFTU5qddsICjCWCCyk=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-119717060-8720c61eef8a49cf9a97657fffd41260.jpg) Unlock Exclusive Perks with Cruise Line Stocks: A Hidden Dividend](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/benefits-of-owning-cruiseline-stock-11692051)\n\n[![A person holds prescription medication boxes for Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro at a pharmacy.]() ![A person holds prescription medication boxes for Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro at a pharmacy.](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/8PZzAvVn2PNLefCkLGyUhhM6VFM=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-2161043945-28b9500cbfd74af4a3f3439f34875dec.jpg) Why Weight-Loss Drugs Could Be Game-Changers for Your Investment Portfolio](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/weight-loss-drugs-investing-8782913)\n\n[![Two people in suits, with one waving to a ground from a stage in a darkened auditorium.]() ![Two people in suits, with one waving to a ground from a stage in a darkened auditorium.](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/gQBPNVwDjqVwY5zo39NkExYBsTM=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/GettyImages-200128029-004-e07bdff85f164426b31a0cfa18deb061.jpg) Are You Tired of Politicized CEOs? 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A Simple Guide With Examples](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/i\/incomestock.asp)\n\n[![]() ![](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/I8V7XGM7U3rucU32MAfytGAAGFU=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/128013432-5bfc2b96c9e77c0026b4fb00.jpg) Efficient Market Hypothesis: Is the Stock Market Efficient?](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/basics\/04\/022004.asp)\n\n[![Cyclical Stock: A company whose performance mirrors the state of the economy.]() ![Cyclical Stock: A company whose performance mirrors the state of the economy.](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/thmb\/m1UHc6KOn4bjS3mLNJjLJ2WtBNo=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/Cyclicalstock_final-02439ac641e2400488c2a0caa41f2798.png) Understanding Cyclical Stocks: Examples, Risks, and Growth Opportunities](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/c\/cyclicalstock.asp)\n\nPage Sources\n\nInvestopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our [editorial policy.](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/legal-4768893#EditorialPolicy)\n\n1. New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). \"Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. BRK.A.\" Accessed Jan. 22, 2022\n2. Yahoo! Finance. \"Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI). Historical Data.\" Accessed Jan. 14, 2022.\n3. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. \"Stocks.\" Accessed June 28, 2021.\n\n[Investopedia](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/)\n\n[Newsletter Sign Up](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/stocks-4427785)\n\nFollow Us\n\n- [News](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/news-4427706)\n- [Investing](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/investing-4427685)\n- [Simulator](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/simulator\/?inv_to_sim=global_nav)\n- [Banking](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/banking-4427754)\n- [Personal Finance](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/personal-finance-4427760)\n- [Economy](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/economy-4689801)\n- [Reviews](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/financial-product-reviews-7110783)\n- [Dictionary](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/financial-term-dictionary-4769738)\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/about-us-5093223)\n- [Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/legal-4768893#toc-editorial-policy)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/careers)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/support.investopedia.com\/contactus)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/brands-privacy)\n- [Terms of Service](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/brands-termsofservice)\n- [Advertise](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/advertising)\n\n- [\\#](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-num-4769350)\n- [A](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-a-4769351)\n- [B](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-b-4769352)\n- [C](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-c-4769353)\n- [D](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-d-4769354)\n- [E](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-e-4769355)\n- [F](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-f-4769356)\n- [G](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-g-4769357)\n- [H](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-h-4769358)\n- [I](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-i-4769359)\n- [J](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-j-4769360)\n- [K](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-k-4769361)\n- [L](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-l-4769362)\n- [M](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-m-4769363)\n- [N](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-n-4769364)\n- [O](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-o-4769365)\n- [P](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-p-4769366)\n- [Q](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-q-4769367)\n- [R](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-r-4769368)\n- [S](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-s-4769369)\n- [T](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-t-4769370)\n- [U](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-u-4769371)\n- [V](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-v-4769372)\n- [W](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-w-4769373)\n- [X](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-x-4769374)\n- [Y](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-y-4769375)\n- [Z](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms-beginning-with-z-4769376)\n\nInvestopedia is part of the [People Inc.](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/) publishing family.\n\nNewsletter Sign Up\n\nNewsletter Sign Up","attrs_readable_markdown":"[Advantages of Long-Term Stock Investment](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/investing\/052216\/4-benefits-holding-stocks-long-term.asp)\n\n## Frequently Asked Questions\n- The most expensive publicly-traded share of stock of all time were the Class A shares of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A), Warren Buffet’s conglomerate and holding company as of January 2022. They hit \\$487,675 per share on Jan 18, 2022. It’s important to remember that this does not mean it is the most valuable company by stock value. The value of a company’s stock, or “[market capitalization](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/investing\/market-capitalization-defined\/),” is determined by multiplying the price of its shares by the number of its shares.\n- As of early 2022, the all-time closing high of the Dow Jones is 36,799.65 points, which it reached on January 4, 2022. The index’s all-time intraday high was 36,952.65, reached on Jan 5, 2022.\n- Unrealized gains or losses represent the amount you would gain or lose if you sold your investment, often a stock, at its current value. You “realize” these gains or losses when you actually sell the investment.\n- When people talk about stocks, they are usually referring to common stock, which is stock that usually gives voting rights in shareholder votes. Preferred stock almost never confers voting rights, but if a company only has enough money to pay some of its dividends, it has to pay preferred stock dividends first. In addition, in the event of a bankruptcy, preferred stockholders have priority over common stockholders on company assets.\n- Cyclical stocks are those that tend to rise and fall with the broader economy, falling when the economy is doing poorly and rising when the economy is doing well. Non-cyclical, often also called defensive stocks, tend have steadier performance that do better when the economy is down are down but peak less high during boom years.\n\n### Key Terms\n- Stock\n  \n  Stock is a type of investment representing ownership of a business. A unit of stock is called a share.\n- Standard & Poor's (S\\&P) 500 Index\n  \n  The S\\&P 500 is an index of the stocks of 500 large U.S. companies that make up about 80% of the U.S. stock by market capitalization. It is a benchmark for large-cap U.S. stocks and is often used as a proxy for the U.S. stock market as a whole.\n- Cyclical Stock\n  \n  Cyclical stocks are stocks that tend to rise and fall in line with the broader economy. Cyclical stocks include those of technology, finance, and energy companies. This contrasts with defensive stocks which tense to have steadier returns, drop less when the economy falls, and rise less when it grows.\n- Common Stock\n  \n  Common stock is a security that represents partial ownership of a company. When people colloquially refer to “stock” this is what they mean. It contrasts with preferred stock, a type of security that has aspects of both bonds and stocks.\n- Preferred Stock\n  \n  Preferred stock is company stock that is issued at a fixed par value, similar to a bond, and that does not confer voting rights, but has priority over company earnings when allocating dividends and priority over common stock in bankruptcy proceedings. Preferred stock has characteristics of both common stock and bonds. It occupies an intermediate space between the two in terms of its risk and returns.\n- Floating Stock\n  \n  Floating stock, is the number of shares of stock a company has that are actively being traded by the public. It is generally referred to as “float.”\n- Secondary Offering\n  \n  A secondary offering can refer to when a major investor sells their stock on the public market or when a company issues additional stock after its IPO. The former just puts more shares onto the market, while the latter creates more overall shares to raise additional funds for the company.\n- Fractional Share\n  \n  A fractional share is ownership of a portion of a single share of stock. This allows investors to buy stocks even if the price of their individual shares is extremely high, such as is the case with companies like Berkshire Hathaway.\n- Equity Compensation\n  \n  Equity compensation is when employees of a company are paid stock, stock options, or a similar type of investment. By tying the employee’s compensation to the stock price, they are meant to encourage the employee to work to maximize shareholder value.\n- Meme Stock\n  \n  A meme stock is broadly any stock that has gained substantial popularity and investment online through social media. The term was popularized after investment in retailer Gamestop was driven through popularity on the r\/wallstreetbets subreddit.\n- Initial Public Offering (IPO) Lock-Up\n  \n  An IPO lock-up is a contractually specified period prohibiting large shareholders from selling their shares for a specified period of time after a company has its IPO. Lock-up periods are meant to stop major shareholders from selling large numbers of shares early on and pushing down the stock price early on.\n\n[Big Tech's Market Dominance Explained Through Key Charts](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/the-mag-7-in-charts-how-big-tech-dominates-the-market-11866473)\n\n[Before You Invest in Stocks, Here Are 2 Critical Steps You Must Take](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/what-to-do-before-buying-stocks-11777332)\n\n[As a Gauge of Stock Market Health, Which Indicator Should You Be Looking At? 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Research Shows You're Not Alone](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/politicized-ceos-8779055)\n\n[Should You Buy Stock Before an Earnings Call? Here's What You Need to Know](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/should-you-buy-stock-before-earnings-call-8774762)\n\n[How Tariffs on Chinese Goods Could Affect Your Grocery Bill](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/tariffs-on-chinese-goods-8773900)\n\n[PayPal Mafia’s Influence in Trump’s Second Administration](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/the-paypal-mafia-8759491)\n\n[What's in Elon Musk's Multi-Billion Dollar Pay Package and Why Did a Judge Reject It?](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/elon-musks-multi-billion-dollar-pay-package-8757243)\n\n[12 States With Teens' Social Media Regulation—Is Yours One of Them?](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/states-with-social-media-regulation-for-teens-8757983)\n\n[Costco’s Revenue Per Store: What the Numbers Show](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/costco-sales-per-store-8750031)\n\n[3 Companies With Frequent Stock Splits and Why It Matters for Your Portfolio](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/companies-with-most-stock-splits-8709383)\n\n[5 Stocks Kicked Off the S\\&P 500 That Have Outperformed the Index](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/stocks-kicked-off-sp-500-outperformed-8731496)\n\n[What Happens When a Stock Is Dropped From the S\\&P 500?](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/delisting-a-stock-from-the-s-and-p-500-8721818)\n\n[The Best Performing S\\&P 500 Stocks Over the Past 30 Years Might Surprise You](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/best-performing-s-and-p-500-stocks-8720206)\n\n[Is Investing in Meme Stocks a Good Idea?](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/investing-in-meme-stocks-8663954)\n\n[Political Risk](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/p\/politicalrisk.asp)\n\n[Guide to Selecting the Best Artificial Intelligence Stocks](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/artificial-intelligence-stocks-8404873)\n\n[Semiconductors and Advancements Investors Should Watch Out for](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/semiconductor-impact-on-the-stock-market-7367723)\n\n[Food Insecurity and Its Impact on the Stock Market](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/food-insecurity-and-its-impact-on-the-stock-market-7968108)\n\n[Discover Differences in Mid-Cap Indexes for Better Investing](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/comparing-mid-cap-indexes-5225246)\n\n[Understanding Stock Types: Common, Preferred, Blue-Chip, and More](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/types-of-stocks-5215684)\n\n[Online Investing for Beginners: Essential Steps and Key Considerations](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/how-to-invest-online-5215204)\n\n[What Are Meme Stocks, and Are They Real Investments?](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/meme-stock-5206762)\n\n[How To Give Stocks as a Holiday Gift](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/how-to-give-stocks-as-a-holiday-gift-5204765)\n\n[Apple's 5 Most Profitable Lines of Business](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/apple-s-5-most-profitable-lines-of-business-4684130)\n\n[Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Definition and History](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/secured-overnight-financing-rate-sofr-4683954)\n\n[Does Prime Day Impact Amazon's Stock (AMZN)?](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/news\/how-prime-day-impacts-amazon-stock\/)\n\n[Should You Worry When Insiders Sell Their Shares? Here's How to Find Out](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/when-insiders-sell-their-shares-11699289)\n\n[As an Investor, Do You Really Have to Listen to Quarterly Earnings Calls?](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/listening-to-quarterly-earnings-calls-8772324)\n\n[Hidden Risks in Your 401(K) Index Fund: Is It a Tech Fund in Disguise?](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/risks-in-your-401-k-index-fund-8771636)\n\n[The Dow Broke a Half-Century-Old Record—Here's What It Could Mean for Your Money in 2025](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/how-the-dow-broke-a-50-year-record-8764078)\n\n[Magnificent 7 Stocks: What You Need To Know](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/magnificent-seven-stocks-8402262)\n\n[How to Rebalance Your Portfolio](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/how-to-rebalance-your-portfolio-7973806)\n\n[Index Rebalancing: What Every Investor Should Know](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/index-rebalancing-7972596)\n\n[ESG Investing 2024: How to Align Your Portfolio with Your Values](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/how-to-invest-in-esg-7499371)\n\n[How to Buy Fractional Shares on Webull](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/how-to-buy-fractional-shares-on-webull-7499351)\n\n[How to Buy Fractional Shares on Fidelity Investments](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/how-to-buy-fractional-shares-on-fidelity-7499561)\n\n[How to Buy Fractional Shares](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/how-to-buy-fractional-shares-7482606)\n\n[How to Automate Your Investing](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/how-to-automate-your-investing-7378239)\n\n[How to Invest in Web 3.0: A Comprehensive Guide](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/how-to-invest-in-web-3-0-7480982)\n\n[Understanding the Dividend Discount Model (DDM) for Stock Valuation](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/ask\/answers\/042415\/when-can-i-use-dividend-discount-method-ddm-value-stock.asp)\n\n[Common Stock: What It Is, Different Types, vs. Preferred Stock](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/c\/commonstock.asp)\n\n[Debt\/Equity Swap Explained: Benefits and Impact on Bankruptcy](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/d\/debtequityswap.asp)\n\n[Preferred vs. Common Stock: Key Differences Explained](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/ask\/answers\/difference-between-preferred-stock-and-common-stock\/)\n\n[S\\&P 500 Index: What It’s for and Why It’s Important in Investing](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/s\/sp500.asp)\n\n[Warren Buffett's Stock Picking Strategy: 5 Key Clues](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/ask\/answers\/081114\/how-does-warren-buffett-choose-what-companies-buy.asp)\n\n[Finding Short Candidates With Technical Analysis](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/stocks\/08\/short-selling-analysis.asp)\n\n[What Are Income Stocks? A Simple Guide With Examples](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/i\/incomestock.asp)\n\n[Efficient Market Hypothesis: Is the Stock Market Efficient?](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/basics\/04\/022004.asp)\n\n[Understanding Cyclical Stocks: Examples, Risks, and Growth Opportunities](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/c\/cyclicalstock.asp)\n\nPage Sources\n\nInvestopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our [editorial policy.](https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/legal-4768893#EditorialPolicy)\n\n1. New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). \"Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. BRK.A.\" Accessed Jan. 22, 2022\n2. Yahoo! Finance. \"Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI). Historical Data.\" Accessed Jan. 14, 2022.\n3. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. \"Stocks.\" Accessed June 28, 2021.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Advantages of Long-Term Stock Investment Frequently Asked Questions The most expensive publicly-traded share of stock of all time were the Class A shares of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A), Warren Buffet’s conglomerate and holding company as of January 2022. They hit $487,675 per share on Jan 18, 2022. It’s important to remember that this does not mean it is the most valuable company by stock value. The value of a company’s stock, or “ market capitalization ,” is determined by multiplying the price of its shares by the number of its shares. As of early 2022 , the all-time closing high of the Dow Jones is 36,799.65 points, which it reached on January 4, 2022. The index’s all-time intraday high was 36,952.65, reached on Jan 5, 2022. Unrealized gains or losses represent the amount you would gain or lose if you sold your investment, often a stock, at its current value. You “realize” these gains or losses when you actually sell the investment. When people talk about stocks, they are usually referring to common stock, which is stock that usually gives voting rights in shareholder votes. Preferred stock almost never confers voting rights, but if a company only has enough money to pay some of its dividends, it has to pay preferred stock dividends first. In addition, in the event of a bankruptcy, preferred stockholders have priority over common stockholders on company assets. Cyclical stocks are those that tend to rise and fall with the broader economy, falling when the economy is doing poorly and rising when the economy is doing well. Non-cyclical, often also called defensive stocks, tend have steadier performance that do better when the economy is down are down but peak less high during boom years. Key Terms Stock Stock is a type of investment representing ownership of a business. A unit of stock is called a share. Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index The S&P 500 is an index of the stocks of 500 large U.S. companies that make up about 80% of the U.S. stock by market capitalization. It is a benchmark for large-cap U.S. stocks and is often used as a proxy for the U.S. stock market as a whole. Cyclical Stock Cyclical stocks are stocks that tend to rise and fall in line with the broader economy. Cyclical stocks include those of technology, finance, and energy companies. This contrasts with defensive stocks which tense to have steadier returns, drop less when the economy falls, and rise less when it grows. Common Stock Common stock is a security that represents partial ownership of a company. When people colloquially refer to “stock” this is what they mean. It contrasts with preferred stock, a type of security that has aspects of both bonds and stocks. Preferred Stock Preferred stock is company stock that is issued at a fixed par value, similar to a bond, and that does not confer voting rights, but has priority over company earnings when allocating dividends and priority over common stock in bankruptcy proceedings. Preferred stock has characteristics of both common stock and bonds. It occupies an intermediate space between the two in terms of its risk and returns. Floating Stock Floating stock, is the number of shares of stock a company has that are actively being traded by the public. It is generally referred to as “float.” Secondary Offering A secondary offering can refer to when a major investor sells their stock on the public market or when a company issues additional stock after its IPO. The former just puts more shares onto the market, while the latter creates more overall shares to raise additional funds for the company. Fractional Share A fractional share is ownership of a portion of a single share of stock. This allows investors to buy stocks even if the price of their individual shares is extremely high, such as is the case with companies like Berkshire Hathaway. Equity Compensation Equity compensation is when employees of a company are paid stock, stock options, or a similar type of investment. By tying the employee’s compensation to the stock price, they are meant to encourage the employee to work to maximize shareholder value. Meme Stock A meme stock is broadly any stock that has gained substantial popularity and investment online through social media. The term was popularized after investment in retailer Gamestop was driven through popularity on the r/wallstreetbets subreddit. Initial Public Offering (IPO) Lock-Up An IPO lock-up is a contractually specified period prohibiting large shareholders from selling their shares for a specified period of time after a company has its IPO. Lock-up periods are meant to stop major shareholders from selling large numbers of shares early on and pushing down the stock price early on. Big Tech's Market Dominance Explained Through Key Charts Before You Invest in Stocks, Here Are 2 Critical Steps You Must Take As a Gauge of Stock Market Health, Which Indicator Should You Be Looking At? Insider Buying or Insider Selling? The Stock Market’s Biggest Winners—From Biden to Clinton The Top 5 Performing Stocks During Biden's Presidency These Were the Top 5 Stocks During Trump's First Term—Here's Why Why Are Penny Stocks No Longer Less Than $1? How Owning Wine Stock Can Uncork Unexpected Perks The Surprising Benefits of Owning Hotel Chain Stock You Might Not Know About The Basics of Tech Stocks: 10 Tips Every New Investor Needs To Know Best Day Trading Courses for April 2026 Why Tesla Retail Investors Keep "Undying Faith" When Vehicle Sales and Stock Sink Unlock Exclusive Perks with Cruise Line Stocks: A Hidden Dividend Why Weight-Loss Drugs Could Be Game-Changers for Your Investment Portfolio Are You Tired of Politicized CEOs? Research Shows You're Not Alone Should You Buy Stock Before an Earnings Call? Here's What You Need to Know How Tariffs on Chinese Goods Could Affect Your Grocery Bill PayPal Mafia’s Influence in Trump’s Second Administration What's in Elon Musk's Multi-Billion Dollar Pay Package and Why Did a Judge Reject It? 12 States With Teens' Social Media Regulation—Is Yours One of Them? Costco’s Revenue Per Store: What the Numbers Show 3 Companies With Frequent Stock Splits and Why It Matters for Your Portfolio 5 Stocks Kicked Off the S&P 500 That Have Outperformed the Index What Happens When a Stock Is Dropped From the S&P 500? The Best Performing S&P 500 Stocks Over the Past 30 Years Might Surprise You Is Investing in Meme Stocks a Good Idea? Political Risk Guide to Selecting the Best Artificial Intelligence Stocks Semiconductors and Advancements Investors Should Watch Out for Food Insecurity and Its Impact on the Stock Market Discover Differences in Mid-Cap Indexes for Better Investing Understanding Stock Types: Common, Preferred, Blue-Chip, and More Online Investing for Beginners: Essential Steps and Key Considerations What Are Meme Stocks, and Are They Real Investments? How To Give Stocks as a Holiday Gift Apple's 5 Most Profitable Lines of Business Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Definition and History Does Prime Day Impact Amazon's Stock (AMZN)? Should You Worry When Insiders Sell Their Shares? Here's How to Find Out As an Investor, Do You Really Have to Listen to Quarterly Earnings Calls? Hidden Risks in Your 401(K) Index Fund: Is It a Tech Fund in Disguise? The Dow Broke a Half-Century-Old Record—Here's What It Could Mean for Your Money in 2025 Magnificent 7 Stocks: What You Need To Know How to Rebalance Your Portfolio Index Rebalancing: What Every Investor Should Know ESG Investing 2024: How to Align Your Portfolio with Your Values How to Buy Fractional Shares on Webull How to Buy Fractional Shares on Fidelity Investments How to Buy Fractional Shares How to Automate Your Investing How to Invest in Web 3.0: A Comprehensive Guide Understanding the Dividend Discount Model (DDM) for Stock Valuation Common Stock: What It Is, Different Types, vs. Preferred Stock Debt/Equity Swap Explained: Benefits and Impact on Bankruptcy Preferred vs. Common Stock: Key Differences Explained S&P 500 Index: What It’s for and Why It’s Important in Investing Warren Buffett's Stock Picking Strategy: 5 Key Clues Finding Short Candidates With Technical Analysis What Are Income Stocks? A Simple Guide With Examples Efficient Market Hypothesis: Is the Stock Market Efficient? Understanding Cyclical Stocks: Examples, Risks, and Growth Opportunities Page Sources Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy. New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). "Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. BRK.A." Accessed Jan. 22, 2022 Yahoo! Finance. "Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI). Historical Data." Accessed Jan. 14, 2022. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. "Stocks." Accessed June 28, 2021.
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Stocks owned either directly or through a mutual fund or ETF, will likely form the majority of most investors’ portfolios. ## Stock Investing Essentials [![Benefits of holding stock for the long term.]() ![Benefits of holding stock for the long term.](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/h6048LWIKMWvt5Y3CMrDbBkwj7M=/771x514/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/FinanceYourFuture-Benefitsofholdingstocksforthelongterm-v12-a77eed8e1f5744cdaf6da1a211f68956.png) Advantages of Long-Term Stock Investment](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/052216/4-benefits-holding-stocks-long-term.asp) [![Woman leaning on a desk with her back to a computer monitor, talking on the phone. ]() ![Woman leaning on a desk with her back to a computer monitor, talking on the phone. ](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/cQacjkwJ4Fe1PHBbyNXJo2N67l4=/144x95/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/GettyImages-2192192226-f185a4a8cb6148c78f692bb73a9bf6b2.jpg) Investing in Index Funds: Key Benefits and Drawbacks Revealed](https://www.investopedia.com/investing-in-index-funds-4771002) [![Stock market chart and index numbers display declining trend shown on the graph]() ![Stock market chart and index numbers display declining trend shown on the graph](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/TWa3gjmgrsZb0UwR3Q5X68TxBOI=/144x95/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/GettyImages-2247199536-7cdc1e75e67d4be9a7a20040c7fde8e2.jpg) The Top 25 Stocks in the S\&P 500](https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/08/find-stocks-in-sp500.asp) [![Stock trader reacting to stock market declines]() ![Stock trader reacting to stock market declines](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/GGAbDG6TE5H8GEj52aE9pBgQVm0=/144x95/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/GettyImages-519813184-3e05f7ad7758413c98072951651f0f59.jpg) Where Does the Money Go When Stock Prices Fall?](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/basics/03/060603.asp) [![Stock exchange traders working at their desks with computer screens]() ![Stock exchange traders working at their desks with computer screens](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/4d9MkiOvKfSCK6B-utT1hT_2hp8=/144x95/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/GettyImages-2212545851-5fa748db57a44922b713eb4f1a76b974.jpg) S\&P 500 Average Returns and Historical Performance](https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/042415/what-average-annual-return-sp-500.asp) ## Frequently Asked Questions - What’s the most expensive stock of all time? The most expensive publicly-traded share of stock of all time were the Class A shares of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A), Warren Buffet’s conglomerate and holding company as of January 2022. They hit \$487,675 per share on Jan 18, 2022. It’s important to remember that this does not mean it is the most valuable company by stock value. The value of a company’s stock, or “[market capitalization](https://www.investopedia.com/investing/market-capitalization-defined/),” is determined by multiplying the price of its shares by the number of its shares. Learn More: [What's the Most Expensive Stock of All Time?](https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/081314/whats-most-expensive-stock-all-time.asp) - What is the all time high of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA)? As of early 2022, the all-time closing high of the Dow Jones is 36,799.65 points, which it reached on January 4, 2022. The index’s all-time intraday high was 36,952.65, reached on Jan 5, 2022. Learn More: [What Is the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) All-Time High?](https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/100214/what-dow-jones-industrial-average-djia-alltime-high.asp) - What are unrealized gains and losses? Unrealized gains or losses represent the amount you would gain or lose if you sold your investment, often a stock, at its current value. You “realize” these gains or losses when you actually sell the investment. Learn More: [What Are Unrealized Gains and Losses?](https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/04/021204.asp) - What is the difference between preferred stock and common stock? When people talk about stocks, they are usually referring to common stock, which is stock that usually gives voting rights in shareholder votes. Preferred stock almost never confers voting rights, but if a company only has enough money to pay some of its dividends, it has to pay preferred stock dividends first. In addition, in the event of a bankruptcy, preferred stockholders have priority over common stockholders on company assets. Learn More: [Preferred vs. Common Stock: What's the Difference?](https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/difference-between-preferred-stock-and-common-stock/) - What’s the difference between cyclical and non-cyclical stocks? Cyclical stocks are those that tend to rise and fall with the broader economy, falling when the economy is doing poorly and rising when the economy is doing well. Non-cyclical, often also called defensive stocks, tend have steadier performance that do better when the economy is down are down but peak less high during boom years. Learn More: [Understanding Cyclical vs. Non-Cyclical Stocks: What's the Difference?](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/00/082800.asp) ### Key Terms Stock Standard & Poor's (S\&P) 500 Index Cyclical Stock Common Stock Preferred Stock Floating Stock Secondary Offering Fractional Share Equity Compensation Meme Stock Initial Public Offering (IPO) Lock-Up - Stock Stock is a type of investment representing ownership of a business. A unit of stock is called a share. [Learn More](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/stock.asp) - Standard & Poor's (S\&P) 500 Index The S\&P 500 is an index of the stocks of 500 large U.S. companies that make up about 80% of the U.S. stock by market capitalization. It is a benchmark for large-cap U.S. stocks and is often used as a proxy for the U.S. stock market as a whole. [Learn More](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sp500.asp) - Cyclical Stock Cyclical stocks are stocks that tend to rise and fall in line with the broader economy. Cyclical stocks include those of technology, finance, and energy companies. This contrasts with defensive stocks which tense to have steadier returns, drop less when the economy falls, and rise less when it grows. [Learn More](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cyclicalstock.asp) - Common Stock Common stock is a security that represents partial ownership of a company. When people colloquially refer to “stock” this is what they mean. It contrasts with preferred stock, a type of security that has aspects of both bonds and stocks. [Learn More](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/commonstock.asp) - Preferred Stock Preferred stock is company stock that is issued at a fixed par value, similar to a bond, and that does not confer voting rights, but has priority over company earnings when allocating dividends and priority over common stock in bankruptcy proceedings. Preferred stock has characteristics of both common stock and bonds. It occupies an intermediate space between the two in terms of its risk and returns. [Learn More](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/preferredstock.asp) - Floating Stock Floating stock, is the number of shares of stock a company has that are actively being traded by the public. It is generally referred to as “float.” [Learn More](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/floating-stock.asp) - Secondary Offering A secondary offering can refer to when a major investor sells their stock on the public market or when a company issues additional stock after its IPO. The former just puts more shares onto the market, while the latter creates more overall shares to raise additional funds for the company. [Learn More](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/secondaryoffering.asp) - Fractional Share A fractional share is ownership of a portion of a single share of stock. This allows investors to buy stocks even if the price of their individual shares is extremely high, such as is the case with companies like Berkshire Hathaway. [Learn More](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fractionalshare.asp) - Equity Compensation Equity compensation is when employees of a company are paid stock, stock options, or a similar type of investment. By tying the employee’s compensation to the stock price, they are meant to encourage the employee to work to maximize shareholder value. [Learn More](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/equity-compensation.asp) - Meme Stock A meme stock is broadly any stock that has gained substantial popularity and investment online through social media. The term was popularized after investment in retailer Gamestop was driven through popularity on the r/wallstreetbets subreddit. [Learn More](https://www.investopedia.com/meme-stock-5206762) - Initial Public Offering (IPO) Lock-Up An IPO lock-up is a contractually specified period prohibiting large shareholders from selling their shares for a specified period of time after a company has its IPO. Lock-up periods are meant to stop major shareholders from selling large numbers of shares early on and pushing down the stock price early on. 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Readable Markdown	[Advantages of Long-Term Stock Investment](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/052216/4-benefits-holding-stocks-long-term.asp) ## Frequently Asked Questions - The most expensive publicly-traded share of stock of all time were the Class A shares of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A), Warren Buffet’s conglomerate and holding company as of January 2022. They hit \$487,675 per share on Jan 18, 2022. It’s important to remember that this does not mean it is the most valuable company by stock value. The value of a company’s stock, or “[market capitalization](https://www.investopedia.com/investing/market-capitalization-defined/),” is determined by multiplying the price of its shares by the number of its shares. - As of early 2022, the all-time closing high of the Dow Jones is 36,799.65 points, which it reached on January 4, 2022. The index’s all-time intraday high was 36,952.65, reached on Jan 5, 2022. - Unrealized gains or losses represent the amount you would gain or lose if you sold your investment, often a stock, at its current value. You “realize” these gains or losses when you actually sell the investment. - When people talk about stocks, they are usually referring to common stock, which is stock that usually gives voting rights in shareholder votes. Preferred stock almost never confers voting rights, but if a company only has enough money to pay some of its dividends, it has to pay preferred stock dividends first. In addition, in the event of a bankruptcy, preferred stockholders have priority over common stockholders on company assets. - Cyclical stocks are those that tend to rise and fall with the broader economy, falling when the economy is doing poorly and rising when the economy is doing well. Non-cyclical, often also called defensive stocks, tend have steadier performance that do better when the economy is down are down but peak less high during boom years. ### Key Terms - Stock Stock is a type of investment representing ownership of a business. A unit of stock is called a share. - Standard & Poor's (S\&P) 500 Index The S\&P 500 is an index of the stocks of 500 large U.S. companies that make up about 80% of the U.S. stock by market capitalization. It is a benchmark for large-cap U.S. stocks and is often used as a proxy for the U.S. stock market as a whole. - Cyclical Stock Cyclical stocks are stocks that tend to rise and fall in line with the broader economy. Cyclical stocks include those of technology, finance, and energy companies. This contrasts with defensive stocks which tense to have steadier returns, drop less when the economy falls, and rise less when it grows. - Common Stock Common stock is a security that represents partial ownership of a company. When people colloquially refer to “stock” this is what they mean. It contrasts with preferred stock, a type of security that has aspects of both bonds and stocks. - Preferred Stock Preferred stock is company stock that is issued at a fixed par value, similar to a bond, and that does not confer voting rights, but has priority over company earnings when allocating dividends and priority over common stock in bankruptcy proceedings. Preferred stock has characteristics of both common stock and bonds. It occupies an intermediate space between the two in terms of its risk and returns. - Floating Stock Floating stock, is the number of shares of stock a company has that are actively being traded by the public. It is generally referred to as “float.” - Secondary Offering A secondary offering can refer to when a major investor sells their stock on the public market or when a company issues additional stock after its IPO. The former just puts more shares onto the market, while the latter creates more overall shares to raise additional funds for the company. - Fractional Share A fractional share is ownership of a portion of a single share of stock. This allows investors to buy stocks even if the price of their individual shares is extremely high, such as is the case with companies like Berkshire Hathaway. - Equity Compensation Equity compensation is when employees of a company are paid stock, stock options, or a similar type of investment. By tying the employee’s compensation to the stock price, they are meant to encourage the employee to work to maximize shareholder value. - Meme Stock A meme stock is broadly any stock that has gained substantial popularity and investment online through social media. 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