Bonds are loans from investors to companies, municipalities, etc. paid back over time with interest. Commonly referred to as “fixed income” since most earn a fixed rate of return.

Stocks  are shares held in a single public company, signifying a portion of ownership in that company.

A security is broadly defined as a financial instrument that holds value and can be traded between parties. Common securities include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds or other types…