What are stocks?

Stocks represent shares of ownership in a company. When an individual buys a stock, they are purchasing a small piece of that company, which entitles them to a portion of its profits and potential voting rights in certain decisions affecting the company's operations. The value of stocks can fluctuate based on various factors, including company performance, market conditions, and investor sentiment.

Investing in stocks allows individuals to potentially benefit from the company's growth, as the value of their shares may increase over time. Furthermore, many companies pay dividends to their shareholders, providing an additional income stream as well.

In the context of the other options, government bonds are debt securities issued by governments to raise funds for public projects, loans represent borrowed funds that businesses repay with interest, and assets for future investments refer more to a company's resources that can be utilized for growth rather than ownership by individuals. Thus, the definition of stocks as shares of a company that can be bought and sold accurately encapsulates their purpose and function in the financial markets.