‹ Back

How to start trading: 12 Steps to Launch Your Investment Career

 

By Daniel Asikpo Sep 14, 2023

 

Times have changed, gone are those days when investing was housed by few entities or personalities and was mostly regional. We are now in an advanced world where finance is put in the global market for all to partake in from the comfort of their home, workplace or office.

 

 

As the global market continues to expand, many are picking interest to partake by trading in this financial system but some always find it difficult to go through its complexity from the belief of it being real to the concern of making interest.

 

In this article, we will be discussing how newbie investors can venture into the global market with tips on how to stay successful when trading assets. Sit back, relax, read and learn.

 

What is Trading in the Global Market?

 

Trading is an engaging act of buying and selling financial assets, such as stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, or other securities with the goal of generating profits by capitalizing on price changes.

 

Depending on whether they are speculating on a bullish (increased) or bearish (decreased) market price, the technique here is to either buy low and sell high or sell high and buy low. 

 

Trading types include short-term (day trading), medium-term (swing trading), and long-term investing. Though each trading type has its strategies and risk profiles, traders use various tools and analysis techniques to make informed decisions and manage risk in the financial markets.

 

12 Steps to Launch a Successful Trading Career

 

1. Educate Yourself

 

Self-education is a strong foundation to achieve success in the financial markets. Before diving into the world of trading, it's crucial to educate yourself about the financial markets. Start by understanding the basics of stocks, bonds, commodities, forex, and cryptocurrencies. Use the numerous online resources, books, and courses available to learn about trading.

 

2. Define Clear Trading Goals

 

Setting clear goals and objectives is vital when trading the market. Whether you are after short-term gains, long-term investments, or a combination of both, developing a trading strategy to align with this aspiration can be achieved through your goals.

 

3. Choose a Trading Style

 

Trading style will depend on your risk tolerance, time and personality. Common trading styles include day trading, swing trading, and long-term investing which comes each with its own risk and reward.

 

4. Select a Trading Platform

 

A reputable trading platform is key, especially for newbie traders. Note, that this is where your asset will be stored. Research and choose a reputable platform or brokerage account that offers the assets you want to trade. Ensure it has user-friendly features, competitive fees, and strong security measures. Do well to check their rating.

 

5. Practice with a Demo Account

 

Demo accounts help you to practice your trading skills without fear of acquiring losses. Most trading platforms offer demo accounts where you can practice trading with virtual money. This is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the complexity of the platform, test your strategies, and gain confidence before moving ahead to trade real capital.

 

 

6. Develop a Trading Tactic

 

A well-structured trading tactic is essential for success. This tactic should be seen as a master plan. Define entry and exit points risk management strategies, and position sizing.

 

7. Risk Management

 

There is a clear rule in investing which says only risk what you can afford to lose. Managing risk is crucial in trading. Avoid over-leveraging your positions. Use stop-loss orders to limit potential losses and diversify your portfolio to spread risk.

 

8. Start Small

 

As a beginner, it's wise to start with a small trading account. This allows you to gain experience without risking a significant portion of your capital. Gradually increase your investment size as you become more comfortable and successful.

 

9. Continuous Learning

 

The financial markets are dynamic and ever-changing. Stay updated with market news, economic indicators, and trading strategies. Consider joining online trading communities or forums to exchange ideas and learn from experienced traders.

 

10. Keep Emotions in Check

 

Emotional check is very important in the financial markets. Greed and fear can cloud your judgment and lead to impulsive decisions. Avoid chasing quick profits by sticking to your trading plan. This helps to maintain emotional discipline that brings success in the long term run.

 

11. Track and Analyze

 

Keeping a track record of your trades is essential for data referencing. Make sure all entry and exit points, profits, and losses are available for market tracking. Analyze your trading performance regularly to identify areas for improvement and refine your strategies.

 

12. Seek Professional Advice

 

There are experts and professionals you can reach out to If you're unsure about a particular trade or strategy. It will be dangerous not to seek advice from financial professionals or experienced traders. It's a valuable way to gain insights and avoid costly mistakes, especially in a global market where loss seems inevitable.

 

In conclusion, I will add, that global financial trading is real and has been in existence for years. Becoming a successful trader takes time and discipline. Nevertheless, it is advisable to take advantage of laid down steps which many professionals applied to drive out the needed success. Trading can be fun and rewarding, leading also to financial stability. This will all depend on your level of seriousness and discipline when approaching the financial markets.