Account

New to ADSS? Open an
account now to get started.

OR

Already have an account?

Add funds to your ADSS account

Account

New to ADSS? Open an
account now to get started.

Add funds to your ADSS account

Trends & Analysis
News

Dow Jones, S&P 500 soar to record closing highs

News

Week Ahead Preview: 6th of Oct

News

Tesla shares slide despite blowout Q3 deliveries

News

Crude oil snaps 3-day losing streak

News

USD holds ground as federal government shuts down

News

Gold Price Eyes $4,000/oz

Trends & Analysis
News

Dow Jones, S&P 500 soar to record closing highs

News

Week Ahead Preview: 6th of Oct

News

Tesla shares slide despite blowout Q3 deliveries

News

Crude oil snaps 3-day losing streak

News

USD holds ground as federal government shuts down

News

Gold Price Eyes $4,000/oz

Breadcrumb navigation close

Shares definition

Shares are units of ownership in a company. The two main types of shares include preferred shares and common shares. They are also known as equities or stocks.

 

Shares are traded on stock exchanges. Businesses issue stocks to raise funds for new projects or to expand. When a business does well, it can choose to distribute part of its earnings to shareholders in the form of dividends. To start trading shares, investors need to work with a stockbroker or an investment firm or provider.

 

Preferred stocks

Preferred stocks are stocks that come without any voting rights for stockholders. This means that when it comes to electing a board of directors or voting on company policies, preferred shareholders have no say. Preferred stocks are sometimes viewed by investors as similar to bonds because they have set payment criteria, and investors are guaranteed a fixed dividend that is paid out regularly, making them less risky than common stocks. The dividends are generally higher when compared to those issued for common stocks.

 

Common stocks

Most companies issue common stocks, and most people talking about stocks are referring to this particular type. Common shares represent a claim on the company and its profits, which is received in the form of dividends. They also confer voting rights to shareholders. These rights allow shareholders to vote on certain corporate decisions, elect members of the board of directors, or exercise a certain amount of control on management issues and corporate policies.

 

Start trading with ADSS

ADSS offers a range of global markets for traders, with CFD opportunities in indices, commodities, forex, equities and more. We also feature tutorials, how-to guides, and weekly webinars to help you navigate the financial markets and find better trading opportunities. You can start trading and investing online by opening a live trading or demo trading account.

 

See all glossary trading terms


© ADSS 2025


Investing in CFDs involves a high degree of risk that you will lose your money due to the use of leverage, particularly in fast moving markets, where a relatively small movement in the price can lead to a proportionately larger movement in the value of your investment. This can result in loses that exceed the funds in your account. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and you should seek independent advice if necessary.

ADS Securities LLC – S.P.C (“ADSS”) is authorised and regulated by the Securities and Commodities Authority (“SCA”) in the United Arab Emirates under First Category: Dealing in Securities and Fifth category: Arrangement and advice (Introduction). ADSS is a Limited Liability Company – Sole Proprietorship Company incorporated under United Arab Emirates law. The company is registered with the Department of Economic Development of Abu Dhabi (No. 1190047) and has its principal place of business at 8th Floor, CI Tower, Corniche Road, P.O. Box 93894, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The information presented is not directed at residents of any particular country outside the United Arab Emirates and is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person in any country where the distribution or use is contrary to local law or regulation.

ADSS is an execution only service provider and does not provide advice. ADSS may publish general market commentary from time to time. Where it does, the material published does not constitute advice, or a solicitation, or a recommendation to a transaction in any financial instrument. ADSS accepts no responsibility for any use of the content presented and any consequences of that use. No representation or warranty is given as to the completeness of this information. Anyone acting on the information provided does so at their own risk.