| Stock Market 101 For Beginners |
 |
 |
 |
| Written by Arthur McCain |
| Wednesday, 14 July 2010 15:34 |
|
The way to understand how the stock market works is by looking at the stock market chart. The stock market chart shows how all the stocks of companies are performing.
The way to understand how the stock market works is by looking at the stock market chart. The stock market chart shows how all the stocks of companies are performing. The words 'stock market' bring to mind a collage of institutions, long calculations, jagged graphs, stacks of paper, harried traders and bright screens. When a new corporation is established capital can be generated in many ways. One possibility is for the entrepreneurs to contribute. Another possibility is to get banks and venture capital investors to invest in your company. Or one could issue bonds, which is a way of selling debt. The most advanced method is to issue stocks i.e. shares of the company's ownership. This gives rise to trading opportunities in the stock market. To see how the stock market works is go to any website financial page and click on the name of this index. Next is to set the time frame for months. When you are viewing the stock market over the last 12 months with the month to month price rather than the day to day price you will find all the zig zags are gone. 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. Investing points are: 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. DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice. For other sources visit: Stock Market Timing or http://market-timing.org/stock.aspx |