What was the latest thinking on the forums with regards to investing?
So instead of hiding money in a mattress, we purchase in index fund. This purchases shares in public companies.
This money does not directly go to the company bottom line, it doesn't necessarily get invested IN a productive business does it?
Why Do Companies Care About Their Stock Prices? | Investopedia
I suppose the question is, given the absolutely enormous amount of money in that system (shares, funds, etc.), and the enormous size and growth (bubble?) of the finance sector, how does this utilization of money actually compare to savings, or to literal investment in business infrastructure or growth, or buying material goods, etc.