Business
5 important things to know about trading in the stock market
As a person who is interested in the stock market, you probably know that it comes with a risk like any other financial decision.
Trading in the stock market can be a great way to gain financial success and diversify your investment portfolio. You can trade on the market on your own as well as with brokerage companies like HFM, which can become a reliable service provider in your activities.
But before you put down any amount of money, there are 5 key things you should keep in mind.
Let’s explore what is the stock market and what you should know about it together.
What is the stock market?
The stock market is a vibrant and reliable platform that ensures fair trade between buyers and sellers of securities. It allows them to discover the price of shares, serving as an indicator of economic conditions. All transactions are secure, liquid, and transparent thanks to continuous competition in the open market which safeguards fairness while providing great liquidity options.
5 things about trading in the stock market
Let’s take a closer look at some moments that are important for efficient trading in this financial market.
- Buy low, sell high
Despite the short-term downturn in oil prices, most consumers are still benefitting from cheaper fuel costs. However, any market dip is often seen as a sign of an impending bear market. In reality, though, stocks have historically been one of the best long-term investments and will likely continue to rise over time with or without intermittent corrections along the way.
- Think long-term
Trading on short-term earnings reports or data is not the best way to maximize profits as a trader. Instead, opportunities arise when a stock or sector that has been overlooked by the market shows resilience and delivers consistent returns in spite of economic conditions. An example is transportation stocks like airlines and railroads which can offer considerable gains when industry trends shift favorably.
- There is no certain metric
Professional and amateur traders alike all have their preferred methods when it comes to assessing stock values, from price-earnings ratios to dividend yields and profit margins. However, there is no single metric that can definitively distinguish between good stocks versus bad ones.
- Dividends are on your side
Dividend-paying stocks provide a degree of stability in comparison to other types of investments. However, caution must be taken when evaluating offers that seem too good to pass up – they may not hold their value as expected over time.
- Know what you need
The brokerage industry has become increasingly competitive, with firms vying to offer the best trading options. However, for most traders, their basic needs can be met by any provider. When placing an order it’s important to know what type you are entering. A market order will execute immediately at whatever price is available while limit orders only complete when within predetermined parameters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, trading in the stock market can prove to be a great opportunity if you make smart investments. Knowledge is key when it comes to successfully navigating the stock market, so always take the time to do your research and create an investment plan. Make sure that you understand where you want your money to go and how long you are willing to wait for a return on your investments.
Kolomoni Microfinance Bank has awarded grants to five female entrepreneurs to boost their businesses as part of its commitment to promoting women in business.
The initiative, organized to mark International Women’s Day, was themed “Accelerate Her Growth.”
According to the bank, the decision to support women was inspired by World Bank data, which shows that 41 percent of Nigeria’s micro-businesses are owned by women.
Delivering the keynote address, business strategist, Ebun Akinwale, emphasized that entrepreneurship requires resilience, creativity, and passion.
She illustrated this by recounting her own business challenges and highlighting the critical role passion plays in overcoming obstacles.
The event underscored Kolomoni’s mission to empower women and support small businesses in Nigeria.
Other speakers at the occasion were Odunayo Oyebolu, a seasoned entrepreneur; Victori Ajiboye, a marketing strategist with global experience; and Simi Ojumu, a finance expert.
The beneficiaries said the financial support was a validation of their hard work and a boost of confidence towards scaling through in their businesses.
The winners were selected after sharing their entrepreneurial journeys and presenting business proposals for financial assistance from the bank.
The 8th edition of the Nigeria Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Summit and Awards (Nigeria SMEAwards) is set to take place in Lagos for the first time in its history, marking a significant milestone for this prestigious event.
Endorsed by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the annual awards celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit driving Nigeria’s economy.
The visionary convener of NigeriaSMEAwards 2025, Adedayo Olalekan, said, “Governors from Zamfara, Sokoto, Ebonyi, Borno, Enugu, Ekiti, Benue, and Kaduna States have all implemented transformative initiatives that have greatly benefitted local enterprises.
“Their contributions will serve as a beacon of inspiration for the nation.”
Speaking at a recent press conference in Lagos, Olalekan emphasised that the event would introduce a fresh and unique approach, moving away from tradition.
“Despite economic challenges, Nigerians continue to show an unwavering commitment to progress”, he said.
He noted that the awards will not only honor outstanding individuals, but also recognise the critical role state governments play in nurturing vibrant SMEs.
“State governments have been instrumental in fostering a supportive environment for SMEs, which in turn benefits both the awardees and the larger economy.
“With major banks like Providus, Access, and First Banks competing for top honors, the 8th NigeriaSMEAwards promises to be a night of celebration, recognising exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s SME landscape”, Olalekan added.
Amid global challenges such as inflation, geopolitical instability, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Nigerians continue to show remarkable resilience.
Their efforts, according to reports, have contributed to job creation, economic growth, and overall prosperity, with SMEs at the forefront of this success.
This year’s awards will recognise governors who have made significant strides in advancing the SME sector within their states.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) consultants in Rivers State have called on entrepreneurs to be focused and avoid distractions.
The experts, who were speaking on the recent developments about the change of leadership in the state, said entrepreneurs need to put more efforts in their businesses in order to break even in the present situation in Rivers State.
Speaking in a chat with The Tide, an international SMEs consultant, Amb. Larry Goodwill Ajiola, said the political moves is capable of distracting SMEs who are not grounded in their businesses, adding that “the serious minded business men and women would utilise the opportunity to increase their revenues”.
Amb Ajiola, who is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rumuomasi Co-operative and Credit Society Limited, Port Harcourt, said, “Rugged entrepreneurs look out for business opportunities in situations around them, whether good or bad”.
He reiterated that the loan facility given to 3,000 SMEs in the state revived and expanded businesses, adding that the empowered businesses should continue to push, no matter the situation.
“credit is a powerful tool for achieving financial security.
“We can only keep imagin the economic value that the over 3,000 MSMEs would add to the positive economic dynamics of Rivers State and the Local Government Areas in terms of Gross Domestic Prooduct (GDP), increased tax returns, employment creation, income distribution, and production of goods and services”, he said.
Another SMEs Expert, a business consultant and SMEs trainer, Mr. Chisom Sam-Orji, in his advice, noted that every SME in the state should realize that change is the only constant thing.
He said SMEs should also know that “tough times never last, but tough people do”, adding the need for every entrepreneur to stay focused on creating value and remain resilient.
“This is not the time to be distracted by every noise around your space, but to maximize every time you have to focus on the essentials and keep creating value.
“For some people, it may just be the time to diversify, create new products and services to serve a new or existing market. But this must be based on the facts available to you via research and market surveys”, he said.
The SMEs expert also said the present time in the life of an entrepreneur is a time to cut off unnecessary excesses that surround one’s business.
“Those extra costs that may hamper your growth in this season and beyond, and focus on just essentials.
“SMEs should find certain leverages that are available to aid their business growth. This could be in form of grants, knowledge, and other leverage tools.
“Collaboration is one big way to grow in this season. Finding ways to collaborate with like minds instead of competing could enable a product or service gain advantage in the market and beyond.
“They should also find ways to sustain and grow their customer relationship as this is key to sustaining business flow. They must seek new and efficient ways to serve their customers and gain their loyalty”, he stated.
He further called on every entrepreneur to keep building capacity and never take their eyes off their visions, adding the need to muster every courage it takes to keep building and moving forward.
Lilian Peters