The history of the American stock market had its beginnings in the late 1700s during the fledgling years of the country. In Philadelphia, founding citizens of this new world instituted a stock exchange wherein currency could be exchanged in order to support business and stimulate this new economy. This initial exchange gave way to a group of merchants who banned together to form the New York Stock Exchange. This initial assembly of men met every day on Wall Street to trade their stocks and bonds – an outdoor ritual that lasted through to the early 1900s, when commerce moved indoors. Today, investment on this scale has come full circle – operating outside the bricks and mortar of traditional trading. Today’s investors operate en masse through the Internet, buying and selling stocks online with the click of a mouse. Buying and selling stocks online has become the new way of investing. In this chaotic world of long work hours combined with the juggling of frenzied family schedules, the computer has taken an ever-increasing role – giving us a place to work, communicate, and be entertained any time of day from the comfort of our homes. The computer has also taken an ever-increasing role in investing, offering consumers the opportunity to trade online. Several reputable companies have pioneered the online investment arena where they have kept pace with the changing needs of today’s modern investors. In accessing stocks online, investors have been given access to a bevy of services previously only obtained through visiting brokers in the brick and mortar world of finance. Online investment through reputable brokerage companies requires investors to set up an account through the website. They can then access their financial portfolio at the touch of a mouse. Additionally, these companies will offer up-to-the-minute stock quotes, historical performance and forecasts for each stock, as well as in-depth information about each of the companies. Investors report that the ability to trade stocks online offers many benefits not provided through traditional brokering. First and foremost, online investment offers lower brokerage fees than required through traditional brokerage houses. Through online trading, investors typically pay $10 and under per trade. Online trading also affords investors a level of independence and control not previously experienced through traditional trading. Investors can pick and choose stocks online that meet their own personal financial goals. Using the tools provided through the brokerage websites, investors can research those companies and stock in which they are interested. Further, investors can access their portfolio to keep careful track of their financial status as they move towards the goals they have set out for themselves. Part of what keeps the financial world moving at a pace that continues to stimulate economy and promote business is its ability to adjust to changing conditions in society. Online trading is simply a response to what is happening in the world of finance on a grander scale. The ability to buy and sell stocks online meets investors where they are in today’s world and gives them the opportunity to take a greater role in their own financial future.

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