How to Invest in the New York Stock Exchange

Set up a stock market trading account. You can do this by depositing your start-up capital with a traditional brokerage or by using one of the many discount brokerages cropping up all over the Internet. If you're a novice investor, it is recommended that you open an account with a well-established brokerage and make all your trades through a stockbroker.
Spend some time following the New York Stock Exchange before you invest, and make practice trades using a stock-market simulator if you're brand new to the world of investing. Follow business news to track current trends in the NYSE and get the inside scoop on up-and-coming companies.
Choose a company to invest in. Because the New York Stock Exchange lists the topmost companies of any stock market in the world, virtually every imaginable industry is represented on it. Narrow your options by identifying an industry to invest in, and then turn your focus onto finding a good company in that industry.
Research directly from the definitive source by heading to the official website of the New York Stock Exchange (see Resources below).
Search for New York Stock Exchange-listed companies that are undervalued. Known as 'value investing,' this technique searches for solid companies with stock sitting below the market value it ought to have given its financial position. Work with your financial adviser to find undervalued stocks, or opt to go with a blue-chip corporation or up-and-coming company, depending on your risk tolerance.
Use your stockbroker or your online-trading account to buy shares of a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Especially for short-term investments, it is crucial to keep a close watch on daily activity. Sign up for stock alerts, or check frequently for quotes, keeping in mind that trading on the NYSE takes place Monday to Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST.