Many people sensibly trade with virtual money before opening an online account. Resources on the Web Besides practicing your market acuity with virtual portfolios, you might want to find your way around the information resources of the Web. In most cases, quotes for individual stocks are delayed by 15 or 20 minutes. These display the history of a stock in graph format. Many of these charting tools have evolved to a level of sophistication unheard of just a few years ago.
News is free for the most part, as well as extremely deep and professional.
These publications remedy their pokey image by providing online editions, which feature some or all of the printed content, plus special Internet reporting. Whatever online broker you choose will provide some kind of account management and portfolio display. If you don't find it sufficient, there are plenty of free alternatives around the Web, like here at Raging Bull. Pit your instincts against thousands of competitors in stock market trading games. Some of this content is available only by subscription, though even high-brand commentary sites offer free trial periods.