Everyone's new to investing in stocks at some point - good for you to ask this very basic but important question right up front!

Stock Trading | Scottrade

The short answer is, yes you can. However, there is also the question of should you buy stocks in individual companies, which I'll cover later. In terms of buying a stock yourself, the easiest way to do so is to open up a brokerage account with a discount provider such as Charles Schwab or Scottrade. For thinly traded shares small companies that average few shares traded per day , consider putting a Limit Order in place to make sure you don't pay a premium. Here's a link that talks about what Limit Orders are:.

By buying shares in the ETF, you are effectively buying stock in dozens, if not hundreds of different companies and spreading out your risk rather than putting all of your eggs in one basket.

I personally no longer buy shares of individual stock for this very reason and recommend the same to all of my clients. Yes, you can sell or buy stock by yourself. You simply open an account online with a company like Charles Schwab, Fidelity, TD Ameritrade, Scottrade, E-trade these are just examples, not recommendations, there are many other places to open a brokerage account.

ELI5: Selling shares on the stock market always works instantly. How is it possible that there is ALWAYS someone looking to buy what you have at market price? : explainlikeimfive

The fact that you are "new to this" is a huge red flag. I highly recommend you speak to a qualified advisor before making your first investment purchase.

Also, if there was only one book I could recommend to a new investor it would be The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham. Smart investing can be highly satisfying so take it slow, do your research, and seek out an advisor that has your best interest in mind. You can certainly give the instruction to buy or sell a given stock on your behalf.

Share of publicly traded companies are generally traded on exchanges such as the New York Stock Exchange NYSE. Your cash and any shares you own are generally held by a custodian such as Charles Schwab, Scottrade, TD Ameritrade, etc.

Visit one or more of those sites and open a practice account--no real money is needed!

Try out the system for yourself. Once you become comfortable and after you do plenty of research, you may want to buy and sell. I hope that helps.

Yes, you can absolutely do that, investing and managing on your own. Before I became a financial professional, I used to be a DIY investor myself.

There are many things to consider when you invest on your own: Your specific goal will direct you in selecting what kind of stocks you need to own. Depending on where you invest, the dividends and capital gains can either be taxed or not at all. Until you have the time to study the investment journal, how can you be sure you have the most diversification to reduce the investment risks? Those are just some initial questions for you to consider.

You can always buy or sell stock without a brokers assistance. This is why there are discount brokers so you can place trades at a minimal cost and skip the broker advice and commissions. Buying and selling a stock is not rocket science, but you need to know the rules and expectations of you and your trade. Some let you take their platform for a free trial.

Also, if you want to buy a mutual fund looking at one of the bigger companies Vanguard, Fidelity etc,. Wal-Mart Orders Tech Partners to Get Off Amazon Cloud Uber CEO Travis Kalanick Resigns. Dictionary Term Of The Day. A measure of what it costs an investment company to operate a mutual fund.

ucujaluxu.web.fc2.com - Investing - Stocks

Latest Videos PeerStreet Offers New Way to Bet on Housing New to Buying Bitcoin? This Mistake Could Cost You.

Guides Stock Basics Economics Basics Options Basics Exam Prep Series 7 Exam CFA Level 1 Series 65 Exam. Sophisticated content for financial advisors around investment strategies, industry trends, and advisor education.

Most Helpful Most Recent. Rowan, Dave Bethlehem, PA. Here's a link that talks about what Limit Orders are: Good luck with getting started! With Kind Regards, Dave. Free Consultation Was this answer helpful? Moerdyk, Wyatt Boerne, TX. Hope that helps, and happy investing! Mesler, Ronald Boise, ID.

Great question for Investopedia! Swanger, Rose Knoxville, TN. Hello, Yes, you can absolutely do that, investing and managing on your own. Investopedia does not provide tax, investment, or financial services.

How to Trade in Stocks Online - dummies

The information is not meant to be, and should not be construed as advice or used for investment purposes. While Investopedia may edit questions provided by users for grammar, punctuation, profanity, and question title length, Investopedia is not involved in the questions and answers between advisors and users, does not endorse any particular financial advisor that provides answers via the service, and is not responsible for any claims made by any advisor.

Investopedia is not endorsed by or affiliated with FINRA or any other financial regulatory authority, agency, or association. All Rights Reserved Terms Of Use Privacy Policy.