The Six Technologies That Helped Transform Investing

Table of Contents

Then: BUY! BUY! SELL! SELL!

Now: *Tap*

For hundreds of years, trading was a noisy, pressure-filled, fast-paced affair. Carried out on the crowded trading floors of stock exchanges, such as the world famous New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), it was available only to a select few.

Today, however, with market information at your fingertips and the ability to trade from anywhere, at any time, investing has never been more accessible. And it’s all thanks to the evolution of technology. Let’s take a quick look at how far we’ve come.    

1. Electronic Stock Exchanges

You might think making bids and purchasing stocks digitally is a fairly recent development, but the fact is it’s been possible since 1971. That’s when NASDAQ launched the first ever electronic stock market.

Fast-forward to 1984, and the NYSE introduced the world to SuperDot, while NASDAQ gave us Small Order Execution System (catchy), both of which allowed smaller investors to execute trades via electronic channels.

2. Online Trading

Electronic trading helped clear the floor of traders, but it was online trading that fundamentally changed the game for brokers – and investors.

Previously, placing a trade involved a broker or financial advisor, who’d take a commission. However, by the late 1980s, major brokerages had begun developing online platforms to allow individual investors access to current stock price information, and to buy and sell directly.

3. The Phone

Or more specifically, the cell phone. From the 1970s onwards, the mobile phone has been pivotal to the transformation of investing. First, by allowing information to be shared faster, and second by cutting the reliance on a landline to execute trades.

Today, the smartphone in your pocket has more computing power than the computer used by NASA to land a man on the moon. With a few swipes and taps, you can access a whole host of market information in seconds.  

4. Personal Finance & Investment Apps

Personal finance and investment apps (such as Invstr) have helped to break down the barriers to investing for everyday investors. What was once deemed an option only for the wealthy, investing in the stock market is now more accessible than ever before.

These apps give you the option to review up-to-date information, track investments, and – in the case of Invstr – practice trading entirely risk-free.

5. Social Media

Love it or loathe it, there’s no denying the impact social media has had on our lives over the past decade. And for investors, it has proven itself particularly useful. It can be used to track the effects of news on global markets, or to gauge the feelings around a company in real-time.

What’s more, prominent social media users can actually influence stock prices. Look no further than the tweets of Donald Trump and Elon Musk for evidence.

As much as you may want to tune it out, it pays to pay attention to social media.

6. Big Data

For the longest time, vital market data was only available to those operating at the sharp end of the financial industry. This left everyday investors out in the cold, picking up snippets from the press, or stock tips from friends and family.

However, with the advent and accessibility of big data, even the smallest of investors can make calculated calls by reviewing a treasure trove of numbers and information.

What Does the Future Hold?

The world of investing is evolving at a rapid pace, and shows no signs of slowing down. Algorithms, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) will soon make their way into retail investment products, which will further enhance the accessibility of investing.

At Invstr, we believe anyone can take control of their financial future, and become a true market master. So, what are you waiting for?

Download Invstr today from Google Play or the Apple App Store and practice trading with our risk-free investment game!

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Risk Disclosure:

Invstr is not a bank and banking services are provided by Vast Bank, N.A.

Brokerage and Banking services are currently only available to U.S. residents.

Invstr app and web services are provided by Invstr Ltd. Advisory services are provided by Invstr Financial LLC, an investment adviser registered with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) details of which can be obtained here. Securities brokerage and custody services are provided by Apex Clearing, a broker dealer registered with the SEC and a member of FINRA and SIPC. There is no bank guarantee on securities and securities may lose value.

Investing involves risk and can lead to losses. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Invstr app and web services are provided by Invstr Ltd. Invstr+ advisory services are provided by Invstr Financial LLC, an investment adviser registered with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). Securities brokerage and custody services are provided by Apex Clearing, a broker dealer registered with the SEC and a member of FINRA and SIPC. There is no bank guarantee on securities and securities may lose value. Vast Bank N.A. a nationally chartered bank and member of the FDIC, provides the banking products, including the products and services related to digital asset accounts. As with any asset, the value of Digital assets can go up or down and there can be a substantial risk that you lose money buying or holding digital assets. You should carefully consider whether trading or holding Digital assets is suitable for you in light of your financial condition. Your digital account does not support wallet to wallet transferring of your digital assets (i.e. cryptocurrencies) outside the platform. Any Digital Assets in your digital asset account are not insured by any government entities, including but not limited to FDIC or SIPC. The Invstr Visa® Debit Card is issued by Vast Bank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A Inc and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Invstr Ltd, Invstr Financial LLC and Invstr Securities Ltd are subsidiaries of Marketspringpad Holdings (collectively “Invstr”) and Invstr is solely responsible for the application services and website content.

Watchlists provided when users first access the service are not a recommendation to invest. Instead they are provided to help users better navigate the service. Users are free to edit and create their own watchlists. From time to time, Invstr will suggest instruments solely based on an individual’s interest and the interest levels of the Invstr community. The statistical and portfolio builder models generated by Invstr do not reflect actual investment results and are not guarantees of future results. Comments provided by Invstr leaders, influencers or members of the Invstr Community are not recommendations and should not be construed as such. Invstr does not endorse the content or the positions posted by them. Their investment approach, and that of the models provided by Invstr, may be different from yours and may not be appropriate for you.