Question

why were joint - stock companies created?
to allow individuals to finance and share the benefits of trade
to reduce the risk of overseas business
to let two or more individuals buy stock in a company
to create bigger companies

Explanation:

Joint-stock companies emerged primarily to address the high risks and large capital needs of overseas trade and ventures. By pooling capital from multiple investors, they spread the financial risk of costly, long-distance business activities, which was a core driver of their creation. While other options relate to features of these companies, reducing overseas business risk is the foundational reason for their establishment.

Answer:

B. to reduce the risk of overseas business