Really good explanation, DH.
From the shareholder's side, that's basically what stocks are: a unit of ownership that can be bought and sold at fluctuating prices, usually with the intent to make money by buying and selling smartly.
From the company's perspective, stock is a way to raise capital.
I know the basics and the book definitions and stuff, but I'm clueless about the pragmatic: the real world of stock ownership. I have no idea which brokerage firms are trustworthy and affordable, and I have no idea how to purchase anything on any Japanese index (or hell, an American index).
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Watch and you'll see... someday I'll be... part of your world!