If in the market are ( x ) amount of stocks are this stocks in someone hands ???

Question

If in the market are ( x ) amount of stocks are this stocks in someone hands ???

Answer 1

Yes, the stocks that trade in the markets are what corporation have on their books as "issued and outstanding",

All stocks traded in the markets are owned by somebody, whether it be an individual, a corporation or a partnership

Answer 2

I have read that there are about 10,000 to 12,000 public traded stocks listed on the New York Stock Exchange, American Stock Exchange, NASDAQ, Bulletin Board and Pink Sheets.  I would say the stocks on the first 3 all have shares in someone hands.  Some of the stocks listed on the Bulletin Board and Pink Sheets are frauds, with no shares traded unless the owner of the stock can find a sucker to buy some of the shares from him.

Answer 3

Not exactly in someone's hands, more exactly in their accounts.  Very few stock certificates are issued any longer.  Too much paperwork to worry about.