When were stocks first issued, according to financial history?

Stocks were first issued in the 17th century, making this the correct choice. The emergence of joint-stock companies during this time marked a significant shift in how businesses were financed. The establishment of the Dutch East India Company in 1602 is often cited as the first instance of stocks being issued to the public. This company offered shares of ownership, allowing individuals to invest in ventures that were much larger than they could undertake alone.

The practice of issuing stocks provided a new way for companies to raise capital by distributing ownership among a larger group of investors, effectively sharing both the risks and rewards of enterprise undertakings. This innovation not only facilitated the growth of commerce and trade during the Age of Exploration but also laid the groundwork for modern equity financing.

The other options—ranging from the 14th century to the 18th century—do not accurately capture the time when stocks were first created and sold to the public in a recognizable form. The joint-stock company structure developed significantly around the 17th century, thereby establishing a foundational practice that endures in capital markets today.