In 2024, 62 percent of adults in the United States invested in the stock market. This figure has remained steady over the last few years, and is still below the levels before the Great Recession, when it peaked in 2007 at 65 percent. What is the stock market? The stock market can be defined as a group of stock exchanges, where investors can buy shares in a publicly traded company. In more recent years, it is estimated an increasing number of Americans are using neobrokers, making stock trading more accessible to investors. Other investments A significant number of people think stocks and bonds are the safest investments, while others point to real estate, gold, bonds, or a savings account. Since witnessing the significant one-day losses in the stock market during the Financial Crisis, many investors were turning towards these alternatives in hopes for more stability, particularly for investments with longer maturities. This could explain the decrease in this statistic since 2007. Nevertheless, some speculators enjoy chasing the short-run fluctuations, and others see value in choosing particular stocks.

Graph and download economic data for Share of Corporate Equities and Mutual Fund Shares Held by the Top 1% (99th to 100th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBST01122) from Q3 1989 to Q1 2025 about mutual funds, wealth, equity, percentile, corporate, and USA.

In 2023, 52 percent of the households in the United States owned shares in a mutual fund. This is a significant increase on the 5.7 percent recorded in 1980, but close to 46.3 percent found in 2013.Mutual fundsA mutual fund is a variety of collective investment vehicle, managed professionally that pools money from many investors in order to purchase securities. They play an important role in household finances in the United States of today, most notably in retirement planning. It is commonly applied only to the forms of collective investment that are regulated and are sold to the public at large. The majority of mutual funds are what is known as ‘open-ended’, meaning that shares can be bought or sold at anytime. There are a number of advantages associated with mutual funds as opposed to direct investment in individual securities. The nature of the fund as a collective investment vehicle provides increased diversification and ease of comparison to investors. The fact that they are managed professionally, and that the investment is pooled, enables participation in investments that would normally only be available to larger investors. Mutual funds are also stable in price as daily liquidity ensures minimum loss of value. Despite several advantages, as with every aspect of investment some disadvantages are to be taken into account. Fees are an inevitable part of a professionally managed fund, as is the inability to customize the investment. A common complains is also that the investor has less control over timing of the recognition of their gains.

The main stock market index of United States, the US500, rose to 6074 points on June 24, 2025, gaining 0.80% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has climbed 2.57% and is up 11.05% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from United States. United States Stock Market Index - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on June of 2025.

Graph and download economic data for Corporate Equities and Mutual Fund Shares Held by the Bottom 50% (1st to 50th Wealth Percentiles) (WFRBLB50095) from Q3 1989 to Q4 2024 about mutual funds, wealth, equity, percentile, corporate, and USA.

United States US: Stocks Traded: Total Value data was reported at 39,785.881 USD bn in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 42,071.330 USD bn for 2016. United States US: Stocks Traded: Total Value data is updated yearly, averaging 17,934.293 USD bn from Dec 1984 (Median) to 2017, with 34 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 47,245.496 USD bn in 2008 and a record low of 1,108.421 USD bn in 1984. United States US: Stocks Traded: Total Value data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.World Bank.WDI: Financial Sector. The value of shares traded is the total number of shares traded, both domestic and foreign, multiplied by their respective matching prices. Figures are single counted (only one side of the transaction is considered). Companies admitted to listing and admitted to trading are included in the data. Data are end of year values converted to U.S. dollars using corresponding year-end foreign exchange rates.; ; World Federation of Exchanges database.; Sum; Stock market data were previously sourced from Standard & Poor's until they discontinued their 'Global Stock Markets Factbook' and database in April 2013. Time series have been replaced in December 2015 with data from the World Federation of Exchanges and may differ from the previous S&P definitions and methodology.

End-of-day prices refer to the closing prices of various financial instruments, such as equities (stocks), bonds, and indices, at the end of a trading session on a particular trading day. These prices are crucial pieces of market data used by investors, traders, and financial institutions to track the performance and value of these assets over time. The Techsalerator closing prices dataset is considered the most up-to-date, standardized valuation of a security trading commences again on the next trading day. This data is used for portfolio valuation, index calculation, technical analysis and benchmarking throughout the financial industry. The End-of-Day Pricing service covers equities, equity derivative bonds, and indices listed on 170 markets worldwide.

Based in Toronto, the TMX Canada was the largest stock exchange in the Americas as of December 2024 in terms of companies listed, with 3,569. The B3 - Brasil Bolsa Balcao was the largest in South America, with 339 companies. Stock exchange size The number of companies is a straightforward way to measure the size of a stock exchange, but there are others. For example, market capitalization, or market cap, refers to the number of shares available on the exchange multiplied by the price per share. This paints a picture of the financial size of the exchange. Another metric is the measure of capital raised, which gives an idea of the profitability of the exchange for the companies listed. Why measure stock exchanges? A stock exchange is essentially a place where people can buy shares in a company. In principle, one can go online and buy from any of the exchanges in this statistic. However, companies choose where to offer their stock for a variety of reasons. These initial public offerings (IPOs) take place in the countries chosen by the company as the place in which that company can best earn money. This affects the inflow of money into the market, and a vibrant exchange will help established firms as well. On the supply side, an economy can profit from the securities industry as well. For these reasons and others, analysts pay close attention to the size of exchanges.

Stocks traded, total value (current US$) in United States was reported at 44315891180000 USD in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. United States - Stocks traded, total value - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

Graph and download economic data for Share of Corporate Equities and Mutual Fund Shares Held by the 50th to 90th Wealth Percentiles (WFRBSN40176) from Q3 1989 to Q1 2025 about mutual funds, wealth, equity, percentile, corporate, and USA.

View data of the S&P 500, an index of the stocks of 500 leading companies in the US economy, which provides a gauge of the U.S. equity market.

This dataset is about stocks. It has 3 rows and is filtered where the company is Reinsurance Group Of America. It features 8 columns including stock name, company, exchange, and exchange symbol.

This dataset is about stocks. It has 1 row and is filtered where the company is American Eagle Outfitters. It features 8 columns including stock name, company, exchange, and exchange symbol.

As of April 10, 2025 , Splash Beverage Group, Inc. experienced the largest year-to-date (YTD) increase in stock price. The company's stock value increased by 813.04 percent - which was higher than Regencell Bioscience Holdings Limited, in second place, growing by 501.22 percent.

A list of the top 50 Capital Investment Services of America Inc holdings showing which stocks are owned by Capital Investment Services of America Inc's hedge fund.

United States US: Number of Listed Domestic Companies: Total data was reported at 4,336.000 Unit in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 4,331.000 Unit for 2016. United States US: Number of Listed Domestic Companies: Total data is updated yearly, averaging 5,930.000 Unit from Dec 1980 (Median) to 2017, with 38 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8,090.000 Unit in 1996 and a record low of 4,102.000 Unit in 2012. United States US: Number of Listed Domestic Companies: Total data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.World Bank.WDI: Financial Sector. Listed domestic companies, including foreign companies which are exclusively listed, are those which have shares listed on an exchange at the end of the year. Investment funds, unit trusts, and companies whose only business goal is to hold shares of other listed companies, such as holding companies and investment companies, regardless of their legal status, are excluded. A company with several classes of shares is counted once. Only companies admitted to listing on the exchange are included.; ; World Federation of Exchanges database.; Sum; Stock market data were previously sourced from Standard & Poor's until they discontinued their 'Global Stock Markets Factbook' and database in April 2013. Time series have been replaced in December 2015 with data from the World Federation of Exchanges and may differ from the previous S&P definitions and methodology.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Market Outlook

The global Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) market size was valued at approximately USD 1.3 trillion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5%, reaching an estimated USD 2.71 trillion by 2032. This robust growth is driven by increasing awareness among businesses about the benefits of employee ownership, such as improved productivity, enhanced employee retention, and attractive tax incentives.

One of the primary growth factors for the ESOP market is the increasing recognition of employee ownership as a driver of company performance. Numerous studies have shown that companies with ESOPs experience higher productivity, better employee morale, and lower turnover rates. This is because employees who are also owners are more invested in the success of the company, leading to a more engaged and motivated workforce. As more companies recognize these benefits, the adoption of ESOPs is expected to rise, fueling market growth.

Another significant growth driver is the favorable tax treatment of ESOPs. Both companies and employees can benefit from substantial tax advantages under ESOP structures. For instance, companies can deduct contributions to the ESOP, and employees can defer taxation on the ESOP shares until they receive distributions. This makes ESOPs an attractive option for businesses looking to enhance their financial health while also offering valuable benefits to their employees. The tax incentives associated with ESOPs are expected to continue driving market growth over the forecast period.

Additionally, the increasing number of retiring business owners is contributing to the growth of the ESOP market. Many business owners are turning to ESOPs as a viable succession planning tool. By selling their shares to an ESOP, owners can ensure a smooth transition of ownership while also rewarding their employees. This trend is particularly prevalent among small and medium enterprises (SMEs), where the transfer of ownership to employees can help maintain the companyÂ’s legacy and stabilize its future. As the baby boomer generation continues to retire, the demand for ESOPs is likely to increase.

Regionally, North America holds the largest share of the ESOP market, driven by the high adoption rate of ESOPs in the United States. The US has a well-established regulatory framework and tax incentives that support the growth of ESOPs. However, other regions, such as Europe and Asia Pacific, are also experiencing growing interest in employee ownership models. Countries in these regions are gradually introducing favorable regulations and incentives, which are expected to boost the adoption of ESOPs and contribute to market growth.

Family Offices have increasingly become significant players in the ESOP market, particularly as they seek to diversify their investment portfolios and support sustainable business models. These private wealth management advisory firms, which serve ultra-high-net-worth individuals, are recognizing the potential of ESOPs to foster long-term growth and stability in their investments. By investing in companies with ESOP structures, Family Offices can align their interests with those of the employees, promoting a culture of shared ownership and accountability. This alignment not only enhances the financial performance of the companies but also contributes to the preservation of wealth across generations. As Family Offices continue to explore innovative investment strategies, their involvement in the ESOP market is expected to grow, providing additional capital and expertise to support the expansion of employee ownership models.

Plan Type Analysis

In the ESOP market, plan types can be categorized into leveraged ESOPs and non-leveraged ESOPs. Leveraged ESOPs involve borrowing funds to purchase company shares, which are then allocated to employees. This type of ESOP is particularly popular among companies seeking to quickly transfer a significant portion of ownership to employees. Leveraged ESOPs can be advantageous as they allow companies to benefit from tax deductions on both the interest and principal repayments of the loan. However, the complexity and financial risk associated with leveraged ESOPs require careful planning and management.

Non-leveraged ESOPs, on the other hand, do not involve borrowing funds. Instead, the company makes annual contributions of its own shares or cash to buy shares, which are

A list of the top 50 General American Investors Co Inc holdings showing which stocks are owned by General American Investors Co Inc's hedge fund.

Graph and download economic data for Rest of the World; Foreign Direct Investment in U.S.: Equity; Asset (Market Value), Level (BOGZ1FL263092141A) from 1945 to 2024 about FDI, market value, equity, assets, and USA.

A list of the top 50 American Financial & Tax Strategies Inc holdings showing which stocks are owned by American Financial & Tax Strategies Inc's hedge fund.