The first trade is not a test of luck but of readiness. Before you press buy, settle three things:
- Your goal and horizon. Long-term investing in listed shares is a different activity from short-term trading, in instruments, time and risk.
- The amount you can afford to lose. Do not invest money committed to a near-term obligation or an essential expense.
- Your source of information. Company disclosures and official reports, not rumours and messaging groups.
And before all of that: understand the cost of the trade. Check the Fees and Commissions page and use the trading calculator to find your break-even before executing.