A hundred years ago, only the rich and powerful traded in the financial markets, as they were the only people who could afford it. Today things are very different. Rich people still gamble on the financial markets, but you don’t need a personal broker or a big bank balance to have a go at online trading. Anyone can open an online trading account.
There are a number of online trading options to choose from, including binary trading or commodities investment. In general, you can split online trading into three different categories: short term, medium term, and long term. Each has its merits and risk profile.
Day Trading
Day traders can make a lot of money in a short period of time. Binary trading is a good example of a day trading vehicle. With binary trading, traders bet on whether the price of an asset – which can be anything from currency to a stock market index – will rise or fall. So, if you bet money that the price of gold will go up in the next hour and it does, you win, but if it falls, you lose your stake.
You don’t need much experience or money to try day trading. It is an easy way for novice investors to practice their skills, and with a large number of online trading websites available, anyone can have a go.
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Swing Trading
Swing traders buy stock for a longer period of time. This allows for a greater movement in prices, and therefore more profit, but there is also a greater risk involved in the trade. Unexpected political or economic events may cause large and unwelcome changes to the price of stock.
Position Trading
Position trading is a long-term investment. Here traders buy stock for up to several months, in the hope that it will increase in value and they can make a profit when they sell.
As well as trading in stocks and shares, you can also trade in the foreign exchange markets. Buying and selling foreign currency or speculating on whether the price of particular currencies will rise or fall, can be lucrative if you are good at predicting market trends.
How to Trade Online
Before the internet, the only way to trade in stocks, commodities and currencies was to open a trading account with a broker, who would make the trades on your behalf. These days it is very different and anyone with an internet connection can start trading online.
Opening an account with an online trading platform is easy. However, there are many platforms to choose from, so do your research before you sign up for an account. Make sure the online trading platform you sign up with is regulated, as some are not.
Lastly, never trade online with money you cannot afford to lose. Careful investors only speculate with disposable income and don’t get too emotionally involved in their trades. They have a plan and they know when to walk away. After all, it is very easy to chase a small loss and end up making a much bigger loss as a result.
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