Equity investments refer to money that is invested in a company by purchasing shares of that company in the stock market. These shares are typically traded on a stock exchange. Equity investors purchase shares of a company with the expectation that they’ll rise in value in the form of capital gains, and/or generate capital dividends. If an equity investment rises in value, the investor would receive the monetary difference if they sold their shares, or if the companys assets are liquidated and all its obligations are met. Equities can strengthen a portfolio’s asset allocation by adding diversification. Some potential benefits of equity investments include:
- Possibility to increase the value of the principal amount invested in the form of capital gains and dividends.
- Diversification: investors can invest in a large number of equities from multiple industries to diversify their portfolio through mutual funds, ETFs or index funds.
- Accessibility: equities can be invested in through many different channels, making these investments and the benefits that come with them extremely easy to access.
However, like all investments, there are risks associated with equity investments. Market risks impact equity investments directly, and stocks will often rise or fall in value based on market forces. As a result, investors can lose some or all of their investment due to market risk. It’s important to invest with the right strategy in mind so that equities help you achieve your financial goals. Working with a financial advisor can be helpful in this regard.