2260: stocks Feb 22, 2021

Stock markets these days might use some of the fastest computers out there, but the initial sense of the word 'stock' is directly related to trees with the Old English 'stoc' meaning 'trunk' or 'block'. Unsurprisingly too, it is related to the word 'stick'. Beyond that however, the connection between foliage and finance is unclear. It could be related to the idea of futures being an outgrowth or a stable foundation, being likened to branches though no one really knows. It could possibly be influenced by tally sticks used throughout the Ancient and Medieval world to keep records for taxes and other deals.