Although the number of Americans holding shares in companies and mutual funds has increased dramatically, "just ordinary people investing in businesses" is misl

Although the number of Americans holding shares in companies and mutual funds has increased dramatically, "just ordinary people investing in businesses" is misleading in the extreme. > About 162 million Americans, or 62% of U.S. adults, own stock. The top 1% holds 50% of stocks, worth $21 trillion. The bottom 50% of U.S. adults hold only 1% of stocks, worth $437 billion. > Most Americans indirectly hold stocks through a mutual fund, an index fund, or a retirement account such as a 401(k). A smaller percentage directly holds stocks, meaning they purchase individual shares. - Motley Fool