Starting Your Investment Journey – A Beginner's Guide To The World Of Trading
- Brainz Magazine
- Jun 20, 2024
- 4 min read
Sam Onigbanjo, with over twenty years of entrepreneurial experience, is a luminary in digital marketing and business coaching and is deeply engaged with generative AI within the digital marketing landscape. His journey includes a distinguished corporate career spanning across prestigious organizations such as the BBC, Vodafone, and AIG, where he delivered impactful marketing strategies both in government and blue-chip companies, locally and internationally.
Welcome to the fascinating world of investments! Whether you’re looking to dip your toes into commodities, stocks, cryptocurrencies, or forex, this guide, written by me Sam Onigbanjo, will provide you with an insight in to regulated and unregulated trading.
Understanding commodities: A stable choice in an unstable market
Commodities, such as gold, oil, and agricultural products, are foundational goods in any economy and can be a great starting point for new investors. Trading commodities from home has never been easier, thanks to online platforms. However, understanding the dynamics, such as the use of Contracts for Difference (CFDs), is crucial. CFDs allow you to trade the price movements of these goods without physically owning them, focusing on mastering your entry and exit points, which ultimately is where money can be made!
Why consider commodities?
Inflation hedge: Commodities like gold often retain or increase their value during inflation. Remember when inflation surged and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Governor Andrew Bailey of the Bank of England are wrestling with? Commodities can protect your purchasing power, so you are not a financial victim of inflation.
Diversification: Adding different types of investments to your portfolio can help spread risk. It’s not about luck; it’s about strategic planning.
Tangible assets: Unlike digital currencies, commodities have intrinsic, tangible value.
Navigating the challenges
Volatility: Commodity prices can be highly unpredictable, influenced by factors like geopolitics or natural events.
Additional costs: If you choose to own physical commodities, consider storage and insurance costs.
Complex market: The commodities market can be complex and requires a solid understanding of its various aspects.
Stocks and shares: The gateway to corporate profits
Stocks represent a share in the ownership of a company, potentially allowing you to benefit from its profits through dividends and value appreciation.
Benefits of investing in stocks
Potential for high returns: This year 2024 Companies like Tesla and Nvidia have shown that well-chosen stocks can offer substantial returns.
Dividend income: Some stocks provide regular income through dividends.
Liquidity: Stocks are relatively easy to buy and sell.
What to watch out for
Market risk: Stock prices can fluctuate widely, influenced by external factors.
Knowledge is power: Successful stock investing requires research and a deep understanding of the market.
Cryptocurrencies: The Modern Gold Rush – without the tangible value , but I must say the cryptocurrency market is worth more than $2.4 trillion!
Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that use cryptography for security and are typically decentralized, running on technology like blockchain.
Advantages of cryptocurrencies
High potential returns: The digital currency market is known for its rapid growth potential.
Accessibility: Cryptocurrency markets operate 24/7, offering constant trading opportunities.
Risks involved
Extreme volatility: Prices can dramatically increase or decrease within short periods.
Regulatory landscape: The legal status and regulation of cryptocurrencies are still developing.
Forex trading: The World’s Largest Financial Market
Forex involves trading currencies and is known for its high liquidity and 24-hour trading availability.
Why trade forex?
High liquidity: It’s easy to enter and exit trades in a market that operates around the clock.
Leverage opportunities: Forex allows significant leverage, meaning you can control large positions with a relatively small amount of capital.
Forex trading risks
High risk: The potential for significant losses, especially with leverage, cannot be understated.
Global economics: A thorough understanding of global economic factors is necessary to succeed.
Choosing the right broker
When trading Forex in the UK, choosing a regulated broker is crucial for your security. Regulated brokers, like those overseen by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), offer greater protection, transparency, and accountability, reducing your risk of fraud and unethical practices. Verify a broker’s registration on the FCA's official website. Here is a link to a FCA Broker I use and have referred to thousands of other users
Starting your investment journey can be thrilling and, at times, overwhelming. By understanding the basics and carefully selecting your trading platforms and investment types, you’re setting yourself up for success. Remember, every investor was a beginner at some point. Happy investing!
For more insights and detailed discussions, tune into my podcast or join my trading club for a live session. Here's to making your first investment move with confidence and knowledge!
Sam Onigbanjo, Forex trader, AI enthusiast, Business Leader and Mentor
Sam Onigbanjo, with over twenty years of entrepreneurial experience, is a luminary in digital marketing and business coaching and is deeply engaged with generative AI within the digital marketing landscape. His journey includes a distinguished corporate career spanning across prestigious organizations such as the BBC, Vodafone, and AIG, where he delivered impactful marketing strategies both in government and blue-chip companies, locally and internationally. Recognized as a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing in 2006, Sam has made significant strides in harnessing technology to enhance marketing communications for a diverse set of global clients, resulting in multiple innovation awards. His career is marked by the creation and implementation of thousands of marketing innovations, skillfully crafted to engage decision-makers and consumers alike. Sam's profile is further enriched by his active involvement in forex trading and coaching. His Mantra is " 2024 the year AI set us free"
