Online trading means trading of stocks through internet. In simple words online trading has brought the stock exchange literally to our homes. There are dedicated sites that offer online trading platform to indulge in trading of stocks. Since the introduction of online trading there has been a surge of investors, primarily new investors who were earlier shying away from the market. Online trading has made it possible to trade in different kinds of securities like stocks, bonds, futures, options, ETFs, forex currencies and mutual funds. There are some obvious differences between online and traditional trading. In traditional trading the activities are carried out through a broker, he helps the trader with suggestions on how to proceed in the trade. The transaction is carried out through archaic communication tools like telephone. The broker assists the trader in the whole process in the form of collecting and providing information for making better trading decisions. In return of this service the trader charges a commission on every trade, which is most of the time on the higher side. The traditional form of trading is a time consuming process and generally benefits long time investors who don’t do much trading.

On the contrary there is a change in the process when it comes to online trading. Stock brokers have their websites through which they provide a platform to indulge in online trading of stocks. The platforms are very useful because they provide additional information like market data, news, charts and alerts. Market data is provided in the form of levels namely 1.5, 2 and 3. Day traders are the kind of traders who require every level of market data. Trading decisions are taken by the trader himself. Traders are allowed to trade more than one product, one market and/or one ECN with his single account and software. It is important to note that all trades in online trading are executed in (near) real-time. Online brokers in return of their service charge trading commissions and fees for the usage of the software.

Advantages

• Fully automated trading process with access to advanced trading tools.

• Online trading of stock allows trading in real-time market data and multiple markets and products.

• Possible to indulge in faster trade execution that facilitates day traders in swing trading.

• It is easy to open and manage an account and does not have any geographical limitations.

• Online trading favors active traders, who trade in bulk but demands lesser commission.

Disadvantages

• Online trading is risky if trading is done extensively on margin

• There are chances of trading loss in case of mechanical/platforms failure

• Online traders fall sort of constant support and suggestion

• The fee of online brokers vary

Having said everything, online trading has been a big boost for the stock market.