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How to Buy and Sell Stocks

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If you need cash, aren't happy with your investment returns or want to diversify your investments, you may have to liquidate some of your stocks. Buying and selling stocks is extremely easy these days; you can trade stocks online or with Cash App and Robinhood. Those are just a few of the avenues at your disposal. Today, we'll discuss the procedures associated with buying and selling stocks, and we'll share some incredibly helpful resources.

When Is a Good Time to Sell Stocks?

Before you start the selling process, make sure it's an appropriate time to trade your stock. If you need to use the proceeds from the sale for other expenses, you may not have the option to delay the sale. However, if you're just looking to change your investments, it is important to take time to evaluate your decision.

Avoid selling your stock as a reaction to temporary fluctuations in the price. For example, the stock market may have a rough day and cause the price of your shares to plummet. Resist the temptation to sell your shares simply because you're concerned the price will drop even further. Instead, look at the stock's long-term performance when deciding whether it's a winner or a loser. Most companies are listed on stock exchanges such as NASDAQ. Check out their daily market overviews to inform your decision.

Decide Which Stock Prices Are Acceptable To You

Figure out if there's a minimum price that you want for the stock. Remember, the price of a share of a stock fluctuates from day to day and even hour to hour. When you put in the order to sell the stock, it's possible to attach price conditions to the sale.

For example, let's say that you don't want to sell the stock until the price is above $30 a share. Charles Schwab states that you can use a limit order, which states that you won't accept a price that's under a predetermined amount.

Can I Sell My Stock Anytime?

It's possible to sell your shares of stock on your own. Log onto the website or app for your investment company, locate the stock that you want to sell and click on a button that says "sell." Once you get to the trading screen, you can specify how many of the shares of stock you want to sell. Set any stipulations or requirements that you have regarding the share price, then submit the sale form.

Regular trading hours for the stock market are between 9:30 am and 4 pm Eastern Pacific Time. After-hours trading is possible, but stocks prices are much more volatile during this time frame.

Selling Stock With A Brokerage Service

If a stockbroker assisted with the purchase of the stock, you can contact them to help you sell it. Your broker will typically execute the sale within 24 hours of receiving your request, according to The Balance. If you have complex price conditions attached to the sale of your stock, the expertise of a broker can ensure your sale request adheres to these stipulations.

Pay Attention to the Time

If you put in for a sale outside of normal stock market hours, know that the transaction will not occur until the next day the market is open. This can influence the price that your stock sells for, as the sale will occur at the opening trading price unless you add price stipulations.