Stock brokers sell securities to the brokerage firm's clients.
The brokers are expected to find and sign up new clients, match various securities to clients' needs, and develop an effective sales presentation for various securities. The broker's income is earned primarily through commissions generated by the sale. However, there is a very wide variation around this number, with many earning far less and many earning far more. For example, a brokerage firm may employ securities analysts who are experts on the health care industry, the forest products industry, the banking industry, the computer industry, etc. A portfolio manager selects and manages investments that meet the goals of the firm's clients.