Glossary

A security is a tradable financial instrument that represents ownership, debt, or the rights to ownership in a company or other entity.

Securities can be categorised into two main types: equity securities (stocks) and debt securities (bonds). These instruments are used by companies, governments, and other organisations to raise capital and provide investment opportunities for investors. 📈💰

For example, shares of Apple Inc. (AAPL) are equity securities, while a UK government bond (gilts) is a debt security.

Fun fact: The first known securities were issued in the 13th century in Venice, when the government started issuing bonds to fund public projects. The Amsterdam Stock Exchange, founded in 1602, is considered the world's first official stock exchange, where shares of the Dutch East India Company were traded. 🌍📜