Core Insights - The stock market is not a strict zero-sum game; it is fundamentally linked to economic growth and corporate profitability, allowing for potential mutual benefits among investors over the long term [3][23] - Stock price increases can be attributed to two main categories: genuine corporate value growth and speculative market behavior [3][6] Group 1: Genuine Corporate Value Growth - Companies with strong profitability and consistent performance, such as Apple, see their stock prices rise due to real value creation, benefiting long-term shareholders [4][23] - Apple's stock has increased hundreds of times over the past two decades, driven by substantial cash flow from its product ecosystem [4] - The rise in stock prices reflects the wealth generated by the company being distributed among its investors [3] Group 2: Speculative Market Behavior - Companies lacking strong competitive advantages may experience stock price increases driven by market speculation, leading to a cycle of rapid price increases followed by significant declines [6][9] - The GameStop case illustrates how speculative trading can lead to massive price swings, benefiting early investors while later entrants may incur substantial losses [7][9] Group 3: Industry Trends and Structural Opportunities - Stock price increases can also result from favorable industry trends, where companies capitalize on rapid market expansion [10][11] - Netflix's stock growth from 2007 to 2020 was fueled by the explosive growth of the streaming industry, reflecting market share gains rather than just company performance [11] Group 4: Policy and Macro Environment - Stock price increases can be driven by favorable policies or macroeconomic trends, as seen with Tesla, where government incentives for electric vehicles significantly boosted demand and stock prices [12][13] Group 5: Market Expectations and Future Growth Potential - Companies with average short-term performance may see stock price increases based on market expectations of future growth, as demonstrated by Amazon's early stock performance despite initial losses [16][17] Group 6: Structural Changes and Innovation - Stock price increases can also stem from strategic changes, product innovations, or technological advancements, as evidenced by Nvidia's stock growth driven by AI and data center demand [18][19] Group 7: Mergers, Restructuring, and Asset Value Release - Companies can unlock potential value through mergers, asset sales, or strategic restructuring, leading to stock price increases, as seen with Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox [21]

Group 1: Market Characteristics - The US stock market operates under different trading hours compared to domestic markets, influenced by daylight saving time and winter time, requiring investors to be precise in their timing to avoid missing important trading periods [1] - The US market employs a T + 0 trading system, allowing investors to sell stocks on the same day they are purchased, which increases trading flexibility but also raises the risk of increased transaction costs and decision-making errors [1] - There are no daily price limits in the US stock market, leading to potential significant price fluctuations in a short period, which demands higher risk tolerance and psychological resilience from investors [1] Group 2: Tax Considerations - The tax regulations related to US stock investments are complex, with different tax rates applicable to dividends, interest, and capital gains, depending on the type of income [1] - There are distinctions in tax policies between resident and non-resident investors, with non-residents potentially facing specific withholding tax rates on dividends [1] Group 3: Market Risks - The US stock market is influenced by various factors including global economic conditions, domestic economic data, and geopolitical events, which can lead to market volatility [2] - Changes in monetary policy, such as interest rate adjustments by the Federal Reserve, can significantly impact market liquidity and stock prices [2] - Different sectors such as technology, finance, and consumer goods exhibit unique characteristics and development cycles, necessitating thorough research and analysis to make informed investment decisions [2] Group 4: Investment Platforms - When selecting investment platforms and brokers, investors should consider factors such as service quality, commission fees, trading tools, and product variety [2] - Larger online brokers may offer convenient trading interfaces and extensive research reports, while smaller brokers might have competitive advantages in specific areas or lower commission fees [2] Group 5: Knowledge and Research - Investors should acquire foundational financial and investment knowledge, including understanding key metrics like price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, to evaluate stock value effectively [3] - Tracking and analyzing the fundamentals of listed companies, including product competitiveness and market share changes, is crucial for understanding a company's growth potential and risk profile [3]