The complex world of stocks and shares

The first shares, a journey through time

Did you know that the first stock exchange was created in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in the early 17th century? At that time, the Dutch East India Company was the first company to issue shares, allowing investors to become co-owners and share the risks and profits of maritime trade. It was a major innovation that helped fund large expeditions and laid the foundation for modern capitalism.

Stories of records and luck

The history of stocks is full of tales of fortunes made and lost. In 1929, the New York Stock Exchange experienced a spectacular crash, marking the beginning of the Great Depression. But there are also stories of companies that have made their investors rich. For example, if you had invested in Walt Disney shares at its IPO, your investment would have increased significantly over the years. In contrast, one of Apple's co-founders, Ronald Wayne, sold his 10% share in the company for only $800. That same share would be worth billions today.

Penny stocks: A high-risk investment

Penny stocks are shares that sell for a very low price, usually less than a dollar per share. They are often associated with small companies and are considered high-risk investments, but also with the potential for high returns.

Surprising anecdotes

The stock market is also the scene of unusual stories. For example, General Motors had to recall a car after a complaint of only 13 words from a buyer, but the company ended up winning a lawsuit worth over $10 billion. Another interesting fact: a former professional basketball player named Lou Pai made $250 million selling his Enron shares, but was not indicted for it. Finally, Donald Trump's Taj Mahal was the first gambling company to go bankrupt.