Once you determine which business cycle the economy is currently in you can start researching for a trade. It is best to have some sort of a system in place that will be used before EACH trade. Here is a simple 5 Step formula to help get you started.

Five Steps to Investing Online :

1. Find a stock This is the most obvious and most difficult step in stock trading. With well over 10,000 stocks to trade a good rule of thumb to consider is time of the year. For example, as I write this, it is the beginning of spring. It would make sense to consider stocks that traditionally make runs, or slide if you are bearish, during this time of year.

2. Fundamental research Many short term traders might not agree with the necessity to do ANY fundamental analysing, however knowing the chart patterns from past times and the news relating to the stock is important. An example would be takings season. If you’re planning on playing a stock to the upside which has missed its revenues target the last three quarters, caution might be in order.

3. Technical research This is the bit where signals come in. Stochastics, the MACD, volume, moving averages, RSI, CCI, support levels, resistance levels and all of the rest. The heap of signals you choose, whether lagging or leading, may rely on where you get your education. Keep it straightforward when first beginning out, using too many indicators at the start is a ticket to the land of giant losses. Get exceedingly comfortable using 1 or 2 signals first. Learn their complexities and you will be certain to make better trades.

4. Follow your picks Once you have placed a few stock trades you should be managing them properly. If the trade is meant to be a short term trade watch it closely for your exit signal. If it’s a swing trade, watch for the indicators that tell you the trend is shifting. If it’s a long term trade remember to set weekly or monthly checkups on the stock. Use this time to keep abreast of the news, determine your price targets, set stop losses, and keep an eye on other stocks that you may want to own as well.

5. The big picture As the saying goes, all ships rise and fall with the tide. Knowing which sectors are heating up stacks the chips in your favor. For example, if you are long (expecting price to go up) on an oil stock and most of the oil sector is rising then more likely than not you are on the right side of the trade. Several trading platforms will give you access to sector-wide information so that you can get the education you need.

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