What's the Difference Between the Equity Market and the Stock Market?

The terms equity market and stock market are synonymous. Both refer to the purchase and sale of ownership shares in public companies through any of the many stock exchanges and over-the-counter markets in the U.S. and around the world.

A share of stock represents an equity interest in a company. That is, the investor is buying an ownership stake in the company in the expectation of receiving a share of the profits in the form of dividends, or benefiting from the growth of its stock price, or both.

Equity Capital

To a company, selling shares is a way to raise cash to expand the business. In order to do so, it lists its stock on one of the stock exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq, or the London Stock Exchange. The process of listing a new stock issue in the U.S. is long and arduous, as it includes detailed financial filings that meet the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

An alternative for a company in search of financing is issuing bonds. A bond is a form of debt that is repaid over time with interest. Most public companies over time issue both stock shares and bonds.

Generally, the stock exchanges are referred to as the equity markets, while the trade in bonds is referred to as the debt market.

Types of Stock

There are two primary types of stock that companies issue: common stock and preferred stock. The trade in common stock is far more active, and when a stock price is quoted it always refers to the price of a single share of common stock.

Owners of common stock shares usually are entitled to exercise their voting rights regarding a company's board of directors and other important company decisions. They may or may not get regular dividends. The board decides at least annually whether it will pay a dividend and how much it will pay based on the company's latest revenue.

Preferred Shares: Guaranteed Dividends

Preferred stock owners do not usually have voting rights. However, preferred stock shares are issued with a guaranteed payment at regular intervals of larger dividends than common stockholders receive. Shares of preferred stocks do not tend to rise or fall in price as sharply as common shares over time. Investors value them for their dividends, not for their potential for growth. It is important to note, however, that dividends in preferred shares can be suspended, but only in the case that it is suspended for common shares. In other words, the preferred shareholders must get paid first, before a common dividend is considered.

That makes preferred stock shares a kind of hybrid of a stock and a bond. Preferred stock shares are sometimes convertible into common stock shares under specific conditions.

Investopedia does not provide tax, investment, or financial services and advice. The information is presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.