Today, 56% of people in the United States say they own at least a share of a publicly-traded stock. Investing in stocks is common knowledge in the information age.
People can quickly open up brokerage accounts to purchase any shares that they’d like. There are countless pieces of content that can help get you up to speed in learning the ropes.
We’re happy to shine some light on what not to do when you’re ready to get into stocks. The common stock trading errors below will do you in if you’re not careful.
1. Failing to Do Your Research
Knowing your options for stocks lets you pull the trigger on the right one whenever you’ve found it. You’re investing your hard-earned money into your investments, so treat yourself like the partial owner that you are.
Thoroughly read the prospectus and listen to or watch shareholders’ meetings each quarter. You should have an understanding of what the company does and what makes the stock valuable.
Study the 52-week range, dividend history, market cap, price to earnings ratio (P/E Ratio), volatility, and revenue growth.
2. Not Having a Stock Trading Strategy
Once you do your research, it’s important that you come up with a stock trading strategy that fits you. Approaching the market with analysis and an order of operations helps you set and achieve goals.
The stock market is wide open to people with numerous investment personalities.
Perhaps you’d like to become a daytrader that wakes up in time for the markets to open and watches assets and commodities like a hawk. Other traders are building slow and steady for their retirement nest egg.
The clearer you make your strategy, the easier it’ll be to chart your path.
3. Choosing the Wrong Stock Trading Platform
The trading platform that you choose means everything to your experience. This is where you’ll read stock information, create a watchlist, buy and sell shares, and automate stock market positions.
You’re also taking on the fees of the platform, which dictates how much profit you’ll keep. Look for trading platforms that offer trials so that you can test the waters first.
Looking into websites like monexsecurities.com.au can help you branch out into international markets as well.
4. Getting Caught up in the Noise
Too many people jump on becoming a stock trader for the wrong reasons. There’s always going to be a sexy stock of the day, and the noise is louder now that we’re in the social media age.
Stocks like Gamestop (GME) and AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. (AMC) made a lot of noise and had a run as the hottest stock on the planet before spiraling back down to earth.
Avoid the noise and stick to your formula so that you can take the wins and losses that come with it.
5. Taking Your Risk Tolerance for Granted
Risk tolerance is real. Knowing yourself and your risk tolerance will prevent you from getting stressed out and making mistakes.
It’s better to stay within the range of your risk tolerance level so that you can feel good about everything in your portfolio. If you’re young and have no attachments, it might be best to get aggressive with your strategy so you can maximize growth.
Examine this aspect of your psyche so that you can enter the market with the right state of mind.
6. Forgetting to Diversify
Never fall too in love with any single stock. Think of these shares as your soldiers to accomplish your mission, not a king that you’re beholden to.
Mix up between blue-chip and growth stocks. Look into tech and different sectors, and add some Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) to your portfolio.
Diversification will protect your stock trading profits so that you come out on top.
Avoid These Common Stock Trading Errors
Steering clear of these common stock trading errors will help you get the most from your investments. The market is ripe for the picking if you have the right information.
Use these points as a guideline to get started.
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