Steps to getting started with online stock trading

Are you considering investing in the stock market? Investing is a great way of having your money work for you so that you can reap potentially higher rewards in the future. Online trading is one of the modern forms of investing that focuses on short-term profits over long-term gains. Even so, before putting your money in the stock market, you need to understand the basics so you can confidently trade for profit.

If you are looking for ways to diversify your portfolio, buying HK stocks might be good for you. Investing in the Hong Kong stock market allows you to put your money into work so that it grows over time. Thankfully, starting out is not difficult as MoneySmart helps you compare and choose the best online investment brokerage, so you can open your account and start trading.

For aspiring traders in Hong Kong, online brokerages make it easy for you to trade stocks quickly from your comfort with your computer or smartphone. To ensure you have the best experience leveraging the Hong Kong stock market, this post will discuss how to get started with online stock trading.

Steps to getting started with stock trading

Investing in stocks is a simple way to gain exposure to Hong Kong securities. However, considering that trading stocks come with their fair share of risks, understanding the basics can help you start strong.

Advances in technology make it possible for anyone Hong Kong resident with a smartphone or laptop to access the financial markets and start online stock trading. Here is how to start and get going:

1. Determine your investing approach

Everybody can be a successful stock market investor, but how you approach the market can make or break your success.

If you have the time and desire to research and evaluate Hong Kong stocks on an ongoing basis, you can invest in individual stocks with minimal risks. This is a more active approach, meaning you will have to keep a constant eye on stocks.

If you are not okay with the mathematical aspect of trading, you can consider passive approaches like Robo-advisors.

2. Open an online stock trading account with a broker

You need a brokerage account – a unique type of account designed to hold your investments – to start investing in the stock market.

That said, when opening an online stock trading platform, you need to ensure that the broker offers tools and support that matches your needs. Generally, beginner traders should consider brokerages offering great customer support, useful education resources, and reasonable account and trade minimums.

MoneySmart helps new traders compare and pick the best online trading platforms in Hong Kong.

3. Set a stock trading budget

Online stock trading can be a fascinating and gratifying experience, but this should not push you to put all your money in stocks. As with other high-risk businesses, you should not allocate over 10% of your portfolio to, say, individual stocks.

Precisely, only invest an amount you can afford to lose should things go not as unplanned. After all, there is no guarantee of growing your money.

4. Learn to analyze, use market orders, and limit orders

When it comes to online stock trading, there is no shortcut; you must be ready to learn all through.

While fundamental analysis tracks growth curves and revenue streams, offering you an easy path to profits, you will need to do technical analysis as you advance. You will also need to keep an eye on reasonable price growth and other factors that can give you a competitive edge.

5. Start trading

Once you have your investment account and budget ready and are able to analyse, you can get started with trading.

With online stock trading, there’s almost nothing that beats a hands-on, low-pressure experience. Thankfully, brokerages offer you an option to practice trading before investing real money. Practice trading with paper trading or virtual trading and get yourself the skills to grow your profits.

Conclusion

Being a successful investor requires considerable effort and time to learn. If you are in Hong Kong and considering trying your hands in the stock market, you could be the next billionaire in the next few years if you put your money in stocks. Just make sure to follow these steps and tips. Should you feel overwhelmed by the sheer options in the market, MoneySmart helps you compare the best brokerages to pick what suits your needs.