The goal of investors is to have a good selection of investment opportunities. The opportunity to earn healthy returns is the primary goal of investing. A good investment opportunity is based on doing proper research, selecting a company with excellent business fundamentals and timing. Picking winners from investment opportunities requires effort and sound judgment.

Taking advantage of investment opportunities means knowing what you are buying, the risks involved and having an exit strategy. The key is increasing the odds in your favor that you will be making money on the investment. The difference between getting a good return and a great return on an investment opportunity is timing. By recognizing value in a company before others, you will be able to buy shares in a company at an attractive price.

Online trading is quick and easy, online investing takes time

With a click of mouse, you can buy and sell stocks from more than 100 online brokers offering executions as low as $5 per transaction. Although online trading saves investors time and money, it does not take the homework out of making investment decisions.

Set your price limits on fast-moving stocks: market orders vs. limit orders

To avoid buying or selling a stock at a price higher or lower than you wanted, you need to place a limit order rather than a market order. A limit order is an order to buy or sell a security at a specific price.

Online trading is not always instantaneous

Investors may find that technological "choke points" can slow or prevent their orders from reaching an online firm.

Know your options for placing a trade if you are unable to access your account online

Most online trading firms offer alternatives for placing trades. These alternatives may include touch-tone telephone trades, faxing your order, or doing it the low-tech way--talking to a broker over the phone.

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