How can I differ between bonds and stocks?

The stocks and bonds issued by the largest corporations are often traded on stock and bond exchanges. Stocks and bonds of smaller corporations are often held by investors and are never traded on an exchange.

Stock, represent an ownership interest in a corporation. 

Bonds are a form of long-term debt in which the issuing corporation promises to pay the principal amount at a specific date.

Basic difference is stocks are equity products and bonds are debt market products/Fixed Income products. Both gets traded on their respective secondary markets.

Holder of a Bond means, person lend the money to the respective organization/government/corporation, etc. Borrowers responsibility to repay it as agreed on the terms and conditions while issuing the bonds.

Bonds are different kinds short term/long term and money market products based on their tenure. and also can be issued by Government/ corporates, etc. Government bonds are more secured than compared to other bonds.

Holders of Stocks means, person is the shareholder of the respective organization and being a stock holder, attached to risk as it may fetch him good returns and yet times he may not even get back his investment if in case the organization/stock issuer is in losses and had to windup.

stocks are classified preferential/non preferential stocks. preferential stock holders have preference/priority over the non-preferential, but not on the bond holders.

Bonds has the priority to pay before paying for shares ... also bonds has not vote right but shares has this right

1. Stocks, or shares of stock, represent an ownership interest in a corporation whereas bonds are a form of long-term debt in which the issuing corporation promises to pay the principal amount at a specific date.2. Stocks pay dividends to the owners, but only if the corporation declares a dividend whereas bonds pay interest to the bondholders generally at a fixed interest payment.

 

Governments raise funds through selling bonds to the public. On the other hand, companies raise their funds by selling stocks to the people. Government bonds are more secured investment from the perspective of the bond holders compared with the stocks and shares issued by companies. 

Stocks, or shares of stock, represent an ownership interest in a corporation. Bonds are a form of long-term debt in which the issuing corporation promises to pay the principal amount at a specific date.Stocks pay dividends to the owners, but only if the corporation declares a dividend. Dividends are a distribution of a corporation's profits. Bonds pay interest to the bondholders.  Generally, the bond contract requires that a fixed interest payment be made every six months.Every corporation has common stock. Some corporations issue preferred stock in addition to its common stock. Many corporations do not issue bonds.The stocks and bonds issued by the largest corporations are often traded on stock and bond exchanges. Stocks and bonds of smaller corporations are often held by investors and are never traded on an exchange.