There's no longer anyone to stand between the investor and the process. It's one way the World Wide Web can empower people - and Internet technology makes it all possible. But this technology also brings new responsibilities. While people can save money and conduct transactions at their leisure, the last domino falls on them. By eliminating the salesman, the broker or the financial adviser, they've accepted all the risks of the decision making process. Whether they win or lose depends on them and them alone.

Just as the Automatic Teller Machine changed the way people can do their banking, online investing will release people from the many constraints that

One issue that has arisen is whether or not a computer can understand the subtleties of the stock market in the same way a human brain does. Many brokers consider themselves "artists" because of the way they can interpret information and turn it into wealth-building tactics. Because the OptiMark technology is so new and untested in everyday trading at this time, the match of wits will undoubtedly evolve, much the same way computer chess has developed.

A new era of trading is beginning. These two systems are being developed strictly for use on the Internet with the focus being on the individual investor. It will revolutionize the market for the average online investor because the market will become more accessible.

Trading stocks online is so easy and so cheap that a growing number - 4.6 million by last count - are doing it routinely (Globefund, 1999). Already, one of every five retail stock trades is made online, and this figure is expected to rise. Here are some of the advantages of managing a portfolio through the web:

Accessibility. Online investors can review trading activity 24-hours-a-day. The benefits of 24-hour accessibility are apparent if, for example, their day job limits them from keeping on top of the markets and keeping in touch with an investment advisor.

have held them in traditional investing. Recent technological advances like OptiMark and Digital Stock Market will make it possible to trade reliably on a home computer for parents and kids alike.

Before opening an online account, for instance with E*Trade or Datek, the investor must complete an application form and send it to them. One can usually be obtained via an online request or by telephone. A wide range of accounts is typically offered. Once the application is approved, the online broker may equip an investor with customized trading software, a username and a login password.

*sum* Convenience. Investors can review their accounts and place transactions from anywhere in the world, 24-hours-a-day, every day. Also online brokers may promote and sell "no-load funds" (funds which do not have sales fees) as an added service, even though the broker receives no compensation from the fund company if these funds are purchased.

The introduction of online investing has opened up the stock market for many average citizens who were once intimidated by the process. People who thought buying stocks were out of reach or that playing the stock market is something only the wealthy do, now have investment opportunities literally at their fingertips. Anyone who has access to the Internet can participate in the market. For example, Mary Lopez* recently opened an account with E*Trade. "The process was remarkably easy," she stated. Once she signed up with E*Trade, she sent them a check for the amount of money she wanted to trade with. She began with $5000 partly because she already owned stock from her previous employer, Century Cable (the minimum dollar amount to establish an account with E*Trade is $1000.00). E*Trade then equipped her with a password, account information and access to live quotes of the stock market prices. Since she is a novice, she only deals with stocks she knows about. For instance, !

Many online investors manage only a small part of their portfolio and leave larger portions in the hands of an advisor. Others manage all their investments themselves. But what is important is that they manage their investments up to the level of their comfort and expertise.

t the order was executed. The order department notifies the broker who then confirms the trade with the buyer.

The typic

Some common words found in the essay are:
Wall Street, Morris Siegel, E*Trade Datek, Wide Web, Commission SEC, Importance E-, PC Mac, Motley Fool, Carol Future, Internet Explorer, stock market, online investor, online investing, wide web, online broker, online investors, online trading, wall street, world wide web, world wide, digital stock market, brokers charge, funds sales fees, assets managed online,
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Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)