> When I purchase a stock, I do it in the express belief that I will get a physical share of that company When you put money in a bank, acquiring interest, you

> When I purchase a stock, I do it in the express belief that I will get a physical share of that company When you put money in a bank, acquiring interest, you no longer control that money, the bank is free to invest it, though obligated to return it. This is part of your agreement with the bank. When a broker buys stock on you behalf, there are often similar arrangements in the T&Cs. Your stocks therefor, cannot be borrowed, or sold, without your consent; but you need to read the terms to see what you are consenting to.