This is when they will sell the first stocks, called taking the company public. Once that happens, no individual person owns the company because they have sold it to the stockholders. However, the founder can retain a controlling interest in the company if they own 51% of the shares.
Since the US stock market is so sophisticated, it is easier in this country than in many others to take a company public. This helps the economy grow, since it provides a boost up to companies wishing to grow very large. The stock market's sophistication means that information on companies is easy to obtain, and this increases the trust of investors from around the world. As a result, the US stock market attracts more investors, making it even easier for a US company to go public.
The stock market is also an economic indicator of how well the U.S. economy is doing. If investors are confident in the economy, they will buy stocks. Some experts believe it can often predict by about six months what the savviest investors think the economy will be doing. For that reason, the stock market usually rises in the expansion phase of the business cycle.
Stocks and Stock Investing FAQ
- What Are Stocks?
- What Are the Benefits of Stock Investing?
- How Does an Individual Investor Participate in Stock Investing?
- How Do Stocks and Stock Investing Affect the US Economy?