8. Trading hours
All brokers deal during London market trading hours (8.00 am to 4.30 pm, Monday–Friday). You may be able to deal outside market hours. In this case your broker will process your order first thing the following morning, which is when prices of FTSE-100 stocks can fluctuate wildly. Avoid trading out of hours unless you use a limit order.
9. Fantasy trading
Some brokers offer facilities for fantasy or paper trading, which is to go through the motions without committing real money. Your mock portfolio may include securities and funds in any combination offered by your broker. You may record the time and date of every mock transaction and whether it was a buy or sell.
The exercise enables you to see your trading history as well as current trades and to learn from your mistakes. But its value has limitations. No mock trade is the same as playing hardball with real money.
A good demo takes you through how to place an order. Many brokers offer this.
10. New equity issues
Your online broker may give you access to new equity issues. Before you take up any offer.
