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Stocks 101

How stocks work, how the market runs day to day, and how to place your first order.

  1. What a stock is, and what market cap meansOwning a slice of a company, why the price moves, and how company size is measured.
  2. Market mechanics: bid, ask, spread and hoursHow a trade actually matches, and when the market is open.
  3. Order types: market, limit and stop-lossThe order type controls the price you get.
  4. How to execute your first tradeThe mechanical steps from account to order. What to buy is your decision, not this guide's.
  5. Dividends explainedWhat dividends are, how ex-dates work, and why a 12% yield is usually a warning.

Education only, not investment advice. Trading involves real risk of loss, including loss of everything you put in. See the full disclaimer.