With the internet evolution having changed the face of communication across the world, it also has changed the manner in which businesses interact with their customers and the manner in which business transactions take place. Now anyone who has an internet connection can trade online and with ease. Even novice investors and traders and get access to ample amount of information regarding the stock market and the various steps regarding how to invest in one.

The internet has opened up a new dimension by offering a number of investment portals as well as websites. There are also a number of websites that are available online for people who are interested in learning about both stock as well as day trading, by providing different professional-level strategies and skills. Trading involves a process where brokers buy and sell stocks through an exchange where they also charge a commission for the same. While brokers initially had to trade on the floor or had the option of making these trades via the phone almost all of the exchanges offer online portals for it to occur electronically. Online trading  is thus the new style which investors as well as traders across the world rely on.

When a person chooses a broker a person has to keep in mind a number of factors as the different firms offer a variety of services, accounts and help.

Some of the important factors include:

• The amount of money a person plans to invest: While searching for an online broker, it is a known fact that most firms require a certain amount of money so as to open an account. This; however is very different from a minimum account balance; although a number of brokerages have that as well.
• The frequency with which a person plans to trade: It is also very important to know the frequency with which YOU as an investor would like to trade/invest in the market. It is important to check if online brokers charge fees for account inactivity. It is also very important to evaluate how much the site would cost you.
• A person's level of experience and the amount of guidance that is required: One of the important factors to look out for, especially for novice traders/investors is the amount of assistance that is available online. Very often those brokers/sites which are cheap offer very little assistance.
• Any additional services that may be required: Different sites are known to offer different services. While some will be available from a particular website, there may be some which are not available on another.

While there are many different styles such as day, swing and position trading; there are also many different types of markets that investors can choose from. Some of these include stocks (equity), forex, bonds, derivatives and the commodity (physical assets) market. 

This market trades primarily for primary products that manufactured ones. There may be soft and hard commodities. While soft commodities refer to those agricultural products such as cocoa, wheat, sugar and coffee; hard commodities include those which are mined such as silver, gold and oil. This market includes derivative and physical trading which is inclusive of forwards, spot prices, futures and options on futures.