Welcome to a new term with Mark’s Morning Call! In this episode, Dr. Jennifer and Mark dive into the fundamentals of investing and what it really means to buy stocks. They unpack why owning shares is owning a piece of a company, and how understanding your risk profile can guide your first steps in building a portfolio.

From stock prices vs. company value to the role of market capitalization, this conversation highlights the essentials every new investor should know. Plus, why starting with familiar companies and embracing a buy-and-hold strategy can build confidence and set the stage for long-term success.

🎯 Key Takeaways

• Stock prices don’t equal company size or value

• Market capitalization is crucial in assessing a company

• Risk profile matters in shaping your portfolio

• Investing in familiar companies builds early confidence

• Buy-and-hold is a proven strategy for many investors

• Volatility is part of short-term trading—but long-term holding helps

📌 Keywords: investing, stock market, buy and hold, market capitalization, risk profile, investment strategy, stock prices, company value, financial literacy, investment mindset