stocks and shares

[kopend]

what is the difference between stocks and shares
also can you buy stock in gold bars?

[dzug]

For the differences (which vary in the US) see here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stock

If you can find a stockbroker who will accept payment in gold bars, then yes; normally you'd have to sell them first.

[kopend]

so in the usa they call it stock and in the uk we use the term shares?

[dzug]

In broad terms, yes.