An investor in the stock market makes money trading stock. There are two kinds of investors, short term and long term. Short term investing can make more profit than long term investing. Short term investing means frequently buying and selling stocks. A long term investor holds his stocks for a long period of time. Most new traders choose to be short term traders.
To become a successful stock market investor, you need to learn the vocabulary of the stock market. This is the number one tool you need. It is hard to understand what is going on until you have mastered the terminology used. A complete understanding of how the stock exchange works is necessary if you want to correctly analyze the market and develop strategies that lead to high returns on your money.
Next, you need to decide how much of your capital, your investment, you are willing to risk when you buy or sell stocks. The amount of risk lets you know what type of stocks you are interested in and how long you will hold them. The risk sets the playing field for the stocks. Generally, the larger the risk, the larger the reward. Many people want a smaller, surer return on (or of) their money, especially new investors while they are learning the process.
Stocks with big, big risks often offer equally big, big rewards. This is not for everyone. Usually only investors with a big portfolio or very aggressive investors gamble on these. Remember, it takes time to learn about and understand the market. Talk to professional in the stock market field like financial experts, successful fellow investors, stock traders, etc.
Two traits successful investors have in common are perseverance and patience. If you keep learning, refining your strategies, and reinvesting your earnings, you might become a full time trader.
Finally, there are some wonderful stock analysis websites, stock market for dummies books and software tools that assist in analyzing the trends of stocks. Some of these are also available on line and at websites. Use all of the GOOD information available to you. Happy trading.