What is stock trading?

Synopsis:

  • Stock trading involves buying and selling stocks for profit, with various strategies like day trading and value investing.
  • A stockbroker facilitates transactions between buyers and sellers and provides investment advice, charging a fee or commission.
  • Full-service brokers offer comprehensive services, including investment advice and portfolio management, but at higher fees.
  • Discount brokers provide essential services at lower costs, suitable for investors who prefer to manage their own trades.
  • Direct access brokers allow real-time trading with advanced tools, ideal for active traders despite higher fees.

Overview

Stock trading is the process of buying and selling stocks in stock markets. It is a way for companies to raise capital by selling shares of their company to investors. You can buy and sell these shares on the stock exchange to make a profit.

Stock trading involves analysing market trends, researching companies, and making informed decisions about buying and selling stocks. There are different types of stock trading strategies that you can use to make a profit, including day trading, swing trading, position trading, and value investing. Stock trading can be a rewarding way to grow wealth and achieve financial goals.

Who is a stockbroker?

A stockbroker is an individual or a firm that acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers of stocks. They facilitate the buying and selling of stocks on behalf of their clients and charge a fee or commission for their services.

Stockbrokers can provide valuable investment advice and research to help you make informed decisions about buying and selling stocks. They play a crucial role in the stock market by assisting companies to raise capital and providing investors with access to the stock exchange.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced investor, a stockbroker can help you navigate the complex world of investing and make the most of your investments.

Different types of share market brokers

Full-service brokers

These brokers offer various services, including investment advice, research and portfolio management. Their role includes researching stocks to invest in and studying market trends and investing patterns. Considering the full-time role for this job, they charge a higher fee or commission for their services.


Discount brokers


Discount brokers provide essential services to clients at a lower cost than full-service brokers, making them a popular option for investors seeking to minimise trading expenses. These brokers offer online trading platforms, research tools, and educational resources. While they don’t provide the in-depth investment advice or research that full-service brokers offer, they are ideal for investors confident in making their own financial decisions.


If you are comfortable conducting your own research and analysis and want to save on fees and commissions, discount brokers can be a cost-effective solution for managing your investments.


Online brokers


These brokers operate online and offer services through a website or mobile app. They typically offer lower fees or commissions than full-service brokers.


Direct access brokers


Direct access brokers offer immediate access to the stock market, enabling you to execute trades in real-time without intermediaries. Their advanced trading platforms allow for the swift buying and selling of stocks, which is crucial for day traders and other active investors. Although direct access brokers often charge higher fees or commissions, they provide sophisticated tools and features to enhance your trading decisions and overall strategy.

Types of trading in the stock market

There are different types of stock trading strategies that you can use to make a profit. These include the following -


1. Day Trading


Day trading is a stock trading strategy where traders buy and sell stocks within the same day to capitalise on short-term price fluctuations. Using technical analysis and tracking market trends, day traders identify stocks likely to experience quick price changes. They typically hold stocks for only a few minutes or hours, often executing multiple trades throughout the day.

While day trading offers the potential for high rewards, it also carries significant risks. It requires sharp skills, discipline, and quick decision-making. It can be especially difficult for beginners without the necessary experience or market understanding. However, for seasoned traders skilled at managing risk and making informed choices, day trading can be a profitable way to earn in the stock market.


2. Swing Trading


This strategy involves holding stocks for a few days or weeks to capture short-term price movements. Swing traders use technical analysis and market movements to identify stocks likely to experience short-term price fluctuations. Swing trading can be less risky than day trading because it allows traders to take advantage of short-term market movements without making quick decisions or taking on many risks.


3. Position Trading


This strategy involves holding stocks for a longer period, typically several months to several years. Position traders use fundamental analysis and market trends to identify stocks that are undervalued or have long-term growth potential. Position trading can be less risky than day or swing trading because it allows traders to take advantage of long-term market trends without making quick decisions or taking on many risks.


4. Value Investing


This strategy involves buying stocks undervalued by the market and holding them until their value increases. Value investors use fundamental analysis to identify stocks trading at a discount to their intrinsic value. They typically look for stocks with low price-to-earnings ratios, high dividend yields and strong balance sheets.


Value investing is a long-term strategy that requires patience and discipline. If you can manage risk and make informed decisions, value investing can be a profitable way to make money in the stock market over the long term.


Note: There are various approaches to trading stocks, and choosing a method that aligns with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment style is essential. Long-term investing could be the ideal choice for a passive income stream. However, if you prefer more hands-on control of your portfolio or find trading exciting as a hobby, swing or position trading may suit your preferences.

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