Equities, also called shares or stocks, represent ownership in a company. Share markets allow investors and traders to buy and sell listed company securities through an exchange or broker.
A share represents part ownership in a company. If the company performs well, shareholders may benefit from share price growth, dividends or both. If the company performs poorly, the share price can fall.
Equity markets give clients exposure to companies, sectors and broader market themes. Shares can be used for longer-term investment, active trading or portfolio diversification.
Company earnings, dividends, interest rates, economic data, sector trends, commodity prices and investor sentiment can all influence share prices.
Common areas include large-cap companies, banks, resources, technology, international shares, ETFs and indices that track broader equity markets.
Share prices can rise or fall and dividends are not guaranteed. This page is general information only and does not provide financial advice.
For general background on shares, equity ownership and share market risks, see Australian investor education resources.
MoneySmart: Shares