Instructions

• 1). Review the companies listed on the NYSE. To start your research, the NYSE provides a link to earnings reports for the listed companies. Choose from medium- to large-sized public companies' preferred and common stocks, initial public offerings, indices, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, warrants and certificates.
  
  
• 2). Contact a full-service or discount broker, or choose an online brokerage, to trade NYSE-listed stocks. Once you have chosen the stocks in which you wish to invest, call your broker to execute your trades. Alternatively, you can enter the trades yourself by computer. The benefit of trading on stocks on the NYSE includes the exchange's commitment to maintenance of efficient and orderly markets.
  
  
• 3). Follow the NYSE-listed stocks in your portfolio with real-time quotes from the financial press. Using your online trading software usually provides access to a customer account record. Make buying and selling decisions based upon your financial goals and objectives.
  
  
• 4). Maintain copies of your NYSE transaction reports, called confirmations, for tax purposes. Discuss the tax impact of short-term trading and long-term capital gains with your financial adviser. Settle buy and sell purchases in your brokerage account within three business days.