Broker

Australian stockbroker CommSec, releases a "Research Wrap" document weekly and usually arrives after market close on Friday. The research wrap usually includes stocks which the research arm of the stock broker recommends to watch in the upcoming week or weeks.

There are two types of brokerage fees, one is tax-deductible and the other is not. If you are an investor, trading fees are usually factored into your cost base when calculating capital gains tax. If you are share trading, the brokerage fee is deductible as a business expense. You pay the second type of brokerage fee when you either buy or sell a stock, which is a capital expense rather than a deduction.

You’ve probably been in the share trading business for quite some time now but has there ever been a point that you seriously thought of which tool you should choose for your trading and which broker you should use? If there hasn’t, you’d better be doing that now because futures trading has never been as risky as now and if by this time, you are still struggling with the way the stocks shares move, ask yourself if you are really ready to do trading futures.

In the Broker recommendations section you may find some analysts or brokers recommending certain stocks listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX). Some may say they are Overweight or Underweight on a stock while others will claim a stock will Outperform. Some others may actually give instructions like Sell, Buy or Reduce. We will have a look at what these broker and analyst recommendations actually mean.

How does one become a stockbroker?

I want a career working with the stock market and personal finances. Moving to Wall Street is not an option, I live in Michigan. Where can I find programs that will give me the qualifications needed to get a stock market/finance career. Most colleges offer accounting degrees but I am having a hard time finding personal finance/stock market degrees.

Can I purchase stocks on my own or do I have to use a broker or an online trading company?

You can acquire stocks in the following manner:
1. Gift - they are given to you as part of your salary or Christmas present.
2. Dividend reinvesment plan
3. Direct on-market purchase through a broker
4. Sometimes from the company if they are issuing more shares
5. If brand new company - buy shares from IPO
6. Through executing derivatives such as options

If there is anymore please let me know.