An equity, stock, or a Common Share is a type of security which represents ownership in a company. When you purchase a stock, you become a shareholder, stockholder, or part-owner of a company.

Equity or stock investments are suitable for investors who are willing to take significant risks in exchange for maximum return potential through long-term capital growth. When you invest in equity, you become part-owner of the company who issued the shares you bought. Unlike bonds which typically provide fixed interest payments over its term, equities provide earnings to investors through price appreciation and/or dividends. However, a stock's value is highly affected by the company's actual business performance and growth prospects, as well as, the prevailing sentiments of the market. Thus, equities are more volatile than bond investments but have the potential to provide higher returns over the long-term.

a. Market or Price Risk is the possibility for an investor to experience losses due to changes in market prices of securities.

b. Liquidity Risk is the possibility of losses due to inability to sell or convert the bond or equity investment into cash immediately, or in instances where conversion to cash is possible but at a loss.

• Invest directly in individual securities issued by a publicly listed corporation. The investor is the one who assesses and makes the decision on which security to purchase.
  

• Buy units/shares of a collective investment scheme or a pooled fund thereby indirectly investing in securities issued by a government or corporation. In this arrangement, various investors/participants pool their money and entrust the same to a fund manager, who will be the one to select and buy the underlying securities as allowed by the pooled fund's objective and policies.
  

Contact your Relationship Manager, visit the nearest BPI branch, or email BPI Securities at bpitrade@bpi.com.ph to know more about Equities.