How to Read Stock Prices (6 Steps)

Look up the symbol of the company you are interested in on sites like Yahoo's Finance page, eTrade and MSN Money. Use this symbol to locate the stock price for that company on a finance website.
Find the number labeled 'Last Trade.' This number indicates the last price at which shares of the stock were bought or sold, and it will give you a good idea of the price at which experts value the stock.
Locate the time labeled 'Trade Time.' This indicates the time the last trade occurred.
Locate the number labeled 'Change.' This number measures, in dollars, a stock price's change for that day.
Compare the number labeled 'Volume' to the number under 'Average Volume.' This shows how many stocks have changed hands that day compared to the average over an indicated period.
Look at the current price. This is the current established value of a share; the current price multiplied by the total number of shares is equal to the current judged value of an organization.

How to Open a Stock Market Account

Select an online stock broker. It is important to compare stock commissions, other fees and the services the broker provides through their website. Changing brokers can cost $100 or more, so this is an important step. The Smart Money broker 2009 Broker survey is linked below. The top three rated brokers in the survey were E-Trade, Fidelity and Charles Schwab.
Apply online for an account with the selected stock broker. The online application process will take about 10 minutes and you will receive instant approval and an account number. Stock brokers are required to collect employment information to comply with Securities and Exchange Commission rules.
Fund your brokerage account. Money can be sent to a stock broker account by wire transfer, electronic ACH transfer or by sending a check. Wire transfer is the fastest but has fees on both ends. It takes three to four days to set up an ACH transfer. Once set up, ACH is an easy way to move money in and out of your stock account.
Familiarize yourself with the broker's stock order screen and place trades for the stocks you want to own. Stock purchases are done by designating the number of shares. A market order will be filled at the current price. If you want to buy or sell at a specific price, use a limit order.