Instead of issuing bonds to raise funds, corporations can also issue shares of stock. A share of stock is a financial instrument that gives the holder a share in the firm’s ownership and there- fore the right to share in the firm’s profits. If the firm does well, the value of the stock increases and the stockholder receives a capital gain1 on the initial purchase. In addition, the stock may pay dividends—that is, the firm may return some of its profits directly to its stockholders instead of retaining the profits to buy capital. If the firm does poorly, so does the stockholder. The capital value of the stock may fall, and dividends may not be paid. Stocks are traded in exchanges in many parts of the world, with the largest exchanges located in New York, London, and Tokyo.