How To Start Trading – A Step-to-Step Roadmap

Overview

We’ve all heard those rumors where traders are making big bucks through online trading, right? Well! The whole concept sounds extremely exciting, but if you don’t know how to start trading, it can be a bit overwhelming. Like other amateur traders, we have also begun our journey, not knowing anything at all about the stock market. But don’t worry; we are here to rescue you from the trouble! Let’s break down the information of online trading in India and how to get started.

What is Trading?

Let’s begin with the basics. Trading is like playing a game, but instead using dice or cards, you trade securities and other financial assets. It is different from investing, which mostly focuses on buy-and-hold strategy. The benefit of trading is to both parties – depending on the trader’s strategy and stock market knowledge. 

Fun Fact: The first long-distance trade was practiced 5,000 years ago between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley.

In India, there are two types of trading: Primary and Secondary. Here let’s roll the basic grounds of these:

Primary Trading:

Imagine buying a video game directly from a game developer – that’s primary trading. Primary market happens when companies issue new shares to raise capital. It offers traders the right to buy an offering from the bank who did the initial underwriting of a specific stock. Best example of a primary market is an IPO.

Secondary Trading:

Now imagine buying the same video games from any shop at the marketplace. Here, traders buy or sell securities with the investors in the secondary market, often known as “stock market”, such as NSE, BSE, NYSE, etc. This is the part we will be discussing further in this blog.

Interesting Fact: $32 trillion was the recorded global trade value in 2022 according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

How to Start Online Trading in India

After the digitalization of India, trading has become convenient and getting popular among youth everyday. Now that you want to dive deep into the world of online trading, let’s begin with the baby step – how to start online trading:

Selecting an Online Broker

First and foremost, you will need a trading platform or a brokerage account to get started. Think of it as your door to the stock market journey. In India, there are several options available for a broker, such as Sharekhan, Dhan, Zerodha, Upstox and more. Each option comes with brokerage fees and features. Zerodha and Dhan is one of the popular choices among traders for its user-friendly interface and minimal brokerage fees.

Open Demat Account & Complete KYC

Just like a retailer helps you with finding stuff at a store, your online broker will help you set-up your Demat (Dematerialized) and trading account. Further, you will need to complete your KYC (Know Your Customer) for identity verification. It requires personal documents, including PAN card, Aadhar card, and bank details.

Fund Your Account

Once you complete the account set-up, you’ll need to add money to your trading wallet. You can transfer money from your bank account to your trading account.

Research and Learn

If you go to the market to buy a car, you explore all the options and features available before making a purchase, right? Just like that – research and learn about your favorite stock before you start trading. Understand how it works, the different types of orders, and the risks involved. Remember – in this battlefield – knowledge is your best weapon. Learn from the best courses and equip yourself with basic knowledge. 

Or you can access Trading in the Zone – Elementary course for free on YouTube and get started with your trading journey.

Now you have successfully learnt how to open your trading account with added tips (for our friend). Market is dynamic and trading comes with certain risks. It’s important to equip yourself with necessary market knowledge before making a major investment.

Benefits of Online Trading

Why do people get into online trading? For the same reason, everyone does – money. But what’s more than money that online trading has to offer. Well, here are some of the perks:

• Convenience: You can trade from the comfort of your home or anywhere with an internet connection.
  
• Access to Information: You get access to a wealth of information and research tools to help you make informed decisions.
  
• Diversification: You can invest in a variety of assets, spreading your risk.
  
• Cost-Effective: Online trading platforms often have lower fees compared to traditional brokers.

How to Open A Demat Account

Consider it like your digital wallet that holds stocks and other securities. If you want to know how to open a Demat account – here follow these steps:

Choose a Depository Participant (DP)

A DP is an institution that holds your Demat account. It often includes brokerage firms and banks such as Dhan, Zerodha, Sharekhan, HDFC Securities etc.

Fill Out an Account Opening Form

Move next in the process by completing your details, including your PAN card, bank details, etc.

Submit KYC Documents

Just like the trading account process, you’ll need to submit essential KYC documents to confirm your identity for security purposes.

Lock the Agreement

Read thoroughly all the terms and conditions and lock your process of Demat account opening via signing the agreement.

Get Your Demat Account Number

Once the application is successfully processed, you will receive a Demat account number.

Well! Now you’re all ready to start your trading journey! 

Writer’s Tip: Knowing all the cuts and edges of the stock market will help sharpen your game and reduce the market risk that everyone talks about.

How to Choose Stocks For Trading

Now, let’s get to the fun part – selecting stocks to trade. Here’s a simple strategy for you: 

Research: Study the companies you believe in, including their financial health, earnings reports, and industry trends. You can also pick blue chip companies as a beginner for a safe play.

Diversify: Well! Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your risk and invest in multiple but not too many stocks. You can go with different sectors or industries too. 

Set Financial Goals: Whether you want to trade for long-term or short-term gains. As per our expert Instructor, Mr Sooraj Singh Gurjar suggests – believe in your own research and do your own homework. Never just rely on news, rumors or tips from friends.

Writer’s Takeaway

Stock market is like a vast ocean –  a venture that leads to financial freedom. But to get through this – you need to equip yourself with a compass, right map, and basic knowledge of the stock market.Remember – practice makes a man perfect but if you’re women – know that there are no exceptions for you here either (wink-wink). Learn, practice, and observe the market fluctuations – until there is no one to predict the market like you do. 

FAQs

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