When you watch news programs, you may hear lots of talk about the stock market and shares. However, you may not know exactly how the stock market works, or what is a share in the stock market. In a nutshell, a share is a piece of a company. Publicly traded corporations will sell stocks (also known as shares) to members of the public, who are then free to resell them whenever they wish. Most stock traders look for affordable shares that show potential – when these rise in value, they will sell them and pocket the difference in the form of profits.

Playing the stock market games by trading shares and knowing when to buy and sell can be risky, but rewarding. In some cases, people have investing with little or no capital, and gone on to make millions. Stock splits (vast increases that lead to instant wealth) are always the dream of any trader or investor.

Getting started learning about shares is just the beginning of developing a fuller understanding of the stock market. Once you’ve found share prices that fit your budget, you should begin to research the company names and learn their codes in the stock market. Track these stocks, or shares, on a daily basis, seeing if they rise or fall. By keeping an eye on stocks you might want to buy, you can begin to see the big picture. Comparing one affordable share to another can let you know what’s hot and what’s not. Before you buy, do some studying online or in libraries. Read everything you can about how to trade shares for fun and profit.