Stock Market 101 For Beginners

This is an appropriate way to describe the stock market. It is also the reason behind the intimidation many new investors face prior to taking part in the commotion.

Information, as the saying goes, is power and this is particularly true in the case of stock. Experience is certainly useful in profiting via stock, but with the right knowledge, even a novice investor can make decent returns at the start of their stock-related endeavours. A stock market can be defined as a public market where company stocks are traded at an agreed price. Such shares are created to generate capital for a company. When an investor buys shares of a company he is entitled to an equity ownership of that company. Such trade is defined as primary market. If he/she decides to trade these shares with another investor they enter the secondary market. These are simple examples of trading carried out in the stock market

How exactly today’s stock markets evolved into being is a long story dating back many centuries. Even though trading and corporations began in the early days of civilization, the first charters of corporation were recorded in Britain in the 16th century. The first joint stock companies began in the Netherlands. In 1602, the Dutch East India Company was the first company in history to issue bonds and shares.

Over the centuries stock markets have undergone vast improvements and today most stock markets incorporate advanced technology in to their trading process. For example, in the Tokyo stock exchange trading is completed by computers. Even though the exact process of stock markets depends on their internal organization, in every country stock markets are under government regulation to ensure the safety of investors.

While some stock exchanges function as non profit corporations, for example the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), others are profiting businesses that earn money for the trading services they provide. Such examples include the National Association of Securities Dealers automated Quotation (NASDAQ) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE).

Alternatively, you can invest in the stock market through special plans such as those involved with retirement. Examples of such plans are the 401k in America and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). In these instances, you do not have any control over traded stocks. The third way to invest in stocks is via Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRIPs) or Direct Reinvestment Plans (DIPs), where you do get a say in the stocks you buy or sell.

Stocks listed under the firm are “held in street name” and are insured by governments up to a certain sum, against bankruptcy or fraud of the brokerage firm. Of course, you get no such guarantee for stocks listed under your own name, although you will get the actual stock certificates. Most investors choose to have their stocks held in street name because of the massive reduction of paperwork and stress that is instead transferred to their brokers; individuals who are well trained to process, track and store related paperwork.

Do keep a positive attitude. Remember that a good player will always expect and accept losses gracefully. Those who brood over losses will always miss the next profitable opportunity. Always accept failure as a step towards victory. Don’t be afraid. When you enter the market you need to be confident and firm with your decisions. Remember that in trading, there are ‘the quick and the dead’! A strong strategy will be your first step towards building the confidence you need

Don’t get in and out of the market. If you have made mistakes and suffered losses, be strong, learn from your mistakes and improve. But if you decide that the stock market is not really the thing for you-leave and leave forever. You don’t want to lose more than you already have. Do remember… “It’s just business- nothing personal! Have you taken a loss today? Forget it. Have you taken a profit today? Forget it even quicker! As an investor, don’t let your ego, fear and greed come in the way of clear and rational thinking. To be a successful investor you must always practice patience, determination and rational thinking in the face of challenges.

Do Lots of Background Reading and Research. Even if you believe that you have the best broker in the country it is mandatory that you know exactly what is going on in the market. Remember it is your money. In order for you to make the best decisions you must have all the available information. So as well as reading the daily press like Financial Times / Wall Street Journal etc, try to read the trade magazines and annual reports of the firms you have or are hoping to invest in. Don’t be left behind

You should always consider the previous day’s trading range when making a decision. Regardless of your strategy, you should use this as one of the last steps in your checklist to verify your strategy. It is a simple trick. It is a fairly simple task that will bring great benefits.

For other sources visit: Stock Market Timing or http://market-timing.org/stock.aspx