Investing in the stock market can provide financial returns that are significantly greater than those offered through your local bank.  By purchasing investment vehicles that are traded on the market, a substantial return on investment can be realized.

Higher returns however are not free.  The price for greater returns is the risk associated with the investment. This is often referred to as the risk/return trade-off.  The riskier the investment, the higher the expected the return, and the greater the chance that a loss will be incurred.

A low-risk investment is more secure, however the expected return is also low.