Stock Markets and Investment

American stock markets, and those throughout the world, are the primary means by which people invest in businesses. Investment in business means jobs, and the opportunity for profits for owners (stockholders). Yet, most Americans have very little idea of what the stock market does--except, perhaps, crash. Unless a crash were to occur, and another depression were to set in, most people do not believe that the good or ill health of the stock market has any real bearing on them. Instead, they believe, it is the place where the rich get richer, while the rest of the world hopes for a few of the auxiliary benefits of those riches. In fact, there are few institutions that have so much relevance to people's lives as the stock market. And, there are fewer still that offer nearly everyone the chance to participate directly in their processes. Everyone knows, of course, that the stock market is not just a place where a person can make money--money can be lost there as well. But, with a proper, informed approach, many more Americans could be using the stock market, improving economic growth, and benefiting themselves as well. Unless people know more about it, however, this is unlikely to happen. Renovated educational approaches, a different focus in media coverage, and promotions by interested parties, are the three means by which this situation can be remedied.

There are two aspects of Americans' understanding that need to be addressed--they need to understand what the sto

t and jobs or politics or personal investment is clear, the student will become an adult who accepts the market as something that is relevant, and has potential for her/him. The NAIC is very interested in promoting market awareness among adults. The group offers seminars, videotapes, and various publications that facilitate adult learning. Such educational information is very practical. But, as the Beardstown group, and the new investment club champions, the Klondike Club of Buffalo, Wyoming, found, all the information investors need is readily available. The Value Line Investment Survey, PBS' Nightly Business Report and Wall Street Week, and numerous magazines such as Money and Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, all provide information at a level that the average person with a basic knowledge of the market can understand. Cook makes it clear in his discussion of investment groups that none of these successful investors had specialized training. The best investment group in the country includes "a doctor, a prosecuting attorney, a bookkeeper, two teachers, a school superintendent, a veterinarian, an entrepreneur, a cattle rancher, and insurance agent, and two service station operators" (Cook, 1996, p. 88). But, educat

Category: Business - S