A stock trader, equity trader, or share trader or broker is someone or entity involved in trading equities securities. In the United States, stock traders can also be an investor, broker, futures broker, or dealer, all of whom can be found online. These online stock trading platforms are accessible to all stock traders and by trading with them, a trader can buy and sell stocks. These stock trading platforms vary widely in the ease and access they offer to traders. Traders can select the platform that most suits their needs, whether it is simple to use, has high minimum investment amounts, offers frequent trade entries, allows for customization of options, provides real-time stock quotes, and provides information on trading volume and trends.
Equity trading involves the buying and selling of securities in the stock markets. These transactions involve issuing and re-issue of securities as well as buying and selling of options within the securities. As with other financial markets, equity trading is primarily influenced by the government and the global economy; however, stock traders can choose to invest in other financial markets as well.
Short-term trading platforms enable stock traders to sell shares of stock that are within the day’s closing prices. A short-term stock trader can make money if the price of the securities fluctuates dramatically over a few minutes to several hours. As price movements are natural occurrences within the stock markets, short-term stock traders must be able to interpret these price movements. Short-term traders will find that it is relatively easy to predict short-term stock price fluctuations.
Swing traders are also involved in stock trading. Swing traders purchase securities according to the way the stock prices move, and they may hold the stock for a number of days before selling the securities. This type of trader will have the most profits when a company is expected to show earnings results for a few consecutive months. The minimum amount of time that a trader must hold onto a stock is one week. If a trader is able to buy and sell stocks daily, he or she will be classified as a swing trader.
Day traders and swing traders differ slightly, and both have their own methods and strategies. Day traders, who do not have the benefit of holding a stock overnight, will usually execute their buy and sell orders through telephone. In order to buy and sell stocks at the right time on the financial markets, a day trader must be very knowledgeable about the current stock market activities. A day trader may use automated stock traders, or buy-and-sell programs, which give them personalized advice about stock market trades. A swing trader can trade using automated stock traders or real time strategies, but he or she must still be present to execute their buy and sell orders.
No matter what type of trader you are, you must learn about the different types of trading that are available to you. You should know that different types of investors come with different levels of risk and efficiency. You will find that learning about the different types of traders will help you become a successful stock investor.