Historically, the stock market has provided investors significant and positive returns over the long term.
Few investors purchase shares in each company they follow.
Risk varies depending upon the strategy followed, and it is important for an investor to understand fully the risk of each strategy. There are many differences between an investment in common stock and an investment in options. Unlike common stock, an option has a limited life. Common stock can be held indefinitely, while every option has an expiration date. If an option is not closed out or exercised prior to its expiration date, it ceases to exist as a financial instrument.