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In the simplest terms, a bond is a loan that is made to an entity, which pays back the loan (along with a predetermined amount of interest) on a specified maturity date. For example, when a person buys a United States Treasury Bond, they know in advance the rate of return and the date of maturity; further, they are backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the United States of America.

On the other hand, buying stock is buying a small share of a large company, and amounts to investing in the company's earning potential. A share of stock is not a loan; rather, it is the actual purchase of a tiny portion of a company. There is no promised rate of return or guarantee backed by any entity. The investment is entirely subject to the company's ability to turn a profit. The investment may increase in value or even decrease in value with a great degree of volatility.

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15y ago

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