Shares
 
FAQs

Visit our FAQ page to find the answers to the most commonly asked questions, including how to create an account, explaining ETFs, and providing useful links, forms, and tables.

FAQs
Shares

Start investing in Australian shares the smart way. Discover ThinkTrader today.

Open Shares Account
Learn To Trade
 
Indicators & Chart Patterns

Deepen your knowledge of technical analysis indicators and hone your skills as a trader.

Find your detailed guides here
Trading Glossary

From beginners to experts, all traders need to know a wide range of technical terms. Let us be your guide.

Learn more
Knowledge Base

No matter your experience level, download our free trading guides and develop your skills.

Learn more
Learn To Trade

Trade smarter: boost your skills with our training resources.

Create a live account
Market Analysis
 
Market News

All the latest market news, with regular insights and analysis from our in-house experts

Learn more
Economic Calendar

Make sure you are ahead of every market move with our constantly updated economic calendar.

Learn more
Technical Analysis

Harness past market data to forecast price direction and anticipate market moves.

Learn more
Live Webinars

Boost your investing knowledge with our live, interactive webinars delivered by industry experts.

Register now
Special Reports

Engaging, in-depth macroeconomic analysis and expert educational content from our in-house analysts

Learn more
Market Analysis

Harness the market intelligence you need to build your trading strategies.

Create a live account
Partnership
 
Money Manager

Increase your income and get compensated for your trading knowledge with ThinkInvest, putting you in control.

Learn more
Introducing Broker

ThinkMarkets ensures high levels of client satisfaction with high client retention and conversion rates.

Learn more
White Label

We supply everything you need to create your own brand in the Forex industry.

Learn more
Regional Representatives

Partner with ThinkMarkets today to access full consulting services, promotional materials and your own budgets.

Learn more
Partnership

Plug into the next-gen platforms and the trades your clients want.

 
About ThinkMarkets
 
Sponsorships

Check out our sponsorships with global institutions and athletes, built on shared values of excellence.

Learn more
About Us

Find out more about ThinkMarkets, an established, multi-award winning global broker you can trust.

Learn more
Negative Balance Protection

Trade with peace of mind. Never lose more than what you deposited, no matter what the market conditions.

Learn more
Careers

Discover a range of rewarding career possibilities across the globe

Apply now
ThinkMarkets News

Keep up to date with our latest company news and announcements

Learn more
Trading Infrastructure

When it comes to the speed we execute your trades, no expense is spared. Find out more.

Learn more
Contact Us

Our multilingual support team is here for you 24/7.

Learn more
About ThinkMarkets

Global presence, local expertise - find out what sets us apart.

Create a live account
Log in Create account

What is share trading?


Learn what share ownership means and how to trade ASX listed shares



Open Shares Account

What is share trading?

Share trading is the buying or selling of company shares on a stock exchange. Currently there are 2 exchanges in Australia: the main one is the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) and the other one is Chi-X, which launched into the Australian market in 2011. The two exchanges provide improved market liquidity and competition, which drives transaction costs down.

To buy and sell shares, investors need to open an account with a market participant or a broker. There are different types of brokers. A full-service broker can provide you with investment advice and manage your orders for a fee. Online platforms such as ThinkMarkets allow self-directed investors to place their own orders at a cost-effective brokerage fee compared to a full-service broker.

Investors in shares can receive two types of returns, capital gains via movement in share prices and income via dividend payments.

what is share trading

What affects stock prices?

Share prices fluctuate constantly in the short term due to investor supply and demand. They are driven by factors like news events, performance, market fundamentals, economic factors and market sentiment. 

Download our popular guides to learn how to navigate the markets when making your investment decisions. 


Learn More

What is a dividend?

A dividend is the distribution of a portion of a company’s earnings. The dividend amount is different for each company and can change from year to year depending on the company’s earnings and pay-out ratio.

Not all companies pay dividends. Dividends are usually paid by companies that do not need to retain their full earnings to keep their business functioning. As they are typically well-established companies their share price is usually stable, compared to growth companies whose share price is prone to price fluctuations. 


Learn More

Join a cost effective Australian broker you can trust
Back to top