There's never been a better time to get into stocks. New technologies provide tools and equipment for novices that previous generations of investors and traders didn't even dream of. The go-to guide for beginners, Understanding Stocks, provides everything you need to start out strong. From opening an account, to evaluating stocks, to making trades, it covers all the fundamentals-market language, players, rules, strategies, and environment-and helps you build a solid portfolio by developing the right balance between risk and reward. This updated third edition includes brand-new chapters on: risk management; identifying winning stocks; testing your trading strategy; Bitcoin and alternative investments; ways to read the market quickly and accurately; technical and fundamental analysis; and short-term trading and long-term investing. In addition, this comprehensive resource brings you fully up to date on pattern day trading rules and zero commissions; strategies for both bull and bear markets; the influence of computer algorithms; and preparing for the market open. You don't need a fortune to make a fortune. Michael Sincere explains everything you need to succeed as an investor or trader.