Secures are financial instruments that represent ownership or a claim on an asset. They can include stocks, bonds, and other investment vehicles. Investors purchase secures to gain potential returns, such as dividends or interest, and to diversify their portfolios. The value of secures can fluctuate based on market conditions and the performance of the underlying asset. In the context of finance, secures are often used as collateral for loans. This means that if a borrower fails to repay the loan, the lender can claim the secures to recover their losses. Understanding secures is essential for making informed investment decisions and managing financial risk.