Buying shares is one of the most common ways you can begin your journey in the financial markets. From long-term wealth creation to receiving dividends, shares offer a wide range of potential benefits.
However, the purpose of share market investing can vary depending on your individual goals, financial awareness, and market conditions. Understanding what a share is, the key advantages of investing, and associated risks can help you make informed investment decisions.
A share represents a unit of ownership in a company. When you buy shares, you essentially become partial owners of that business. This ownership gives you a claim to a portion of the company's profits and, in some cases, a right to vote on company matters.
The share market plays a crucial role in both corporate financing and individual investing. Check out the purpose of share market investing:
Companies turn to the share market to raise funds by offering their shares to investors. The money collected through this process helps businesses finance a range of activities, including scaling operations, introducing new products, or reducing existing liabilities.
A commonly used method for this is an Initial Public Offering (IPO), which allows companies to access capital from the public for the first time.
The stock market creates opportunities for the public to share in the growth of businesses. It facilitates the redistribution of wealth by allowing individuals, including retail investors, to participate in the financial success of listed companies.
This contributes to a more inclusive economic framework, providing opportunities for wealth creation.
There are several reasons why people invest in shares, most of which relate to building and preserving financial well-being. Check out the benefits of share market investing:
One of the main reasons to buy shares is the possibility of capital appreciation. When the value of a share increases over time, you can benefit by selling the shares at a higher price than the purchase cost.
Many companies share a portion of their profits with shareholders in the form of dividends. If you are looking for regular income, dividends can serve as a supplementary source alongside your salary or other earnings.
Shares traded on recognised stock exchanges, such as the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), are highly liquid. This means that you can easily buy and sell them. This allows you to adjust your portfolios according to market conditions or your personal financial needs.
Historically, equity investments have provided returns that outpace inflation, preserving the purchasing power of invested capital. While not guaranteed, this potential makes equities attractive for long-term financial planning.
By investing in shares across different industries and geographies, you can spread your risk. Diversification reduces the impact of a poor-performing investment on the overall portfolio.
Long-term investment in shares can result in significant wealth creation due to compounding returns. Reinvested dividends and rising share prices work together to grow capital steadily over time.
Owning stocks means holding a real stake in a company, which can give investors a personal connection and sense of involvement in its progress. Beyond potential financial returns, it offers the satisfaction of being part of a business’s growth and having a say in key matters through voting rights.
Stock market investments can offer comparatively higher returns over a short period, especially during favorable market conditions or positive company developments. Unlike fixed-income instruments, equities allow investors to benefit from rapid price movements, but this potential for quick gains also involves higher risk and market fluctuations.
Every investment carries risk, and shares are no exception. Here are some important risks to consider before investing:
Share prices fluctuate based on economic data, company performance, geopolitical events, and investor sentiment. This volatility can result in significant gains or losses within a short period.
Not all companies offer dividends. Some reinvest all their profits for growth. While this may lead to capital appreciation, it could also mean limited regular income.
Investing a large portion of capital in a single stock or sector increases exposure to specific market movements. Diversification helps reduce this risk.
You should consider the tax implications of capital gains and dividend income. Other costs, such as brokerage fees, transaction charges, and regulatory levies, also apply and can affect net returns.
Shares play a fundamental role in helping you build wealth, generate income, and achieve financial goals. While the advantages of share market investing are many, a clear understanding of the market, realistic expectations, and a disciplined approach are crucial for long-term success.
Whether for capital growth, income, or diversification, the reasons for buying shares vary, but they all serve the broader aim of financial empowerment.
This content is for informational purposes only and the same should not be construed as investment advice. Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited shall not be liable or responsible for any investment decision that you may take based on this content.
The share market enables companies to raise capital and gives you the opportunity to invest in those companies. Hence, it contributes to both business growth and personal wealth creation.
The share market offers potential capital appreciation, dividend income, liquidity, diversification, and inflation protection, among other benefits.
You can invest in the stock market to build long-term wealth, earn dividends, benefit from market growth, and diversify your portfolios.
Yes, investing in shares carries risks, such as price volatility and economic fluctuations. However, proper research and diversification can help manage these risks.