Can someone explain the difference between a broker and a trading platform?

Question

G GamerGeek42 on 17.11.2023 Posts: 59

Hey there, I've been dabbling in the stock market recently and something has been bugging me. Can't quite tell the difference between a broker and a trading platform. I mean, ain't they the same thing? One's a person and one's an app right? Got confused with all these financial jargon flying around. Need some help here to clear this up. What really sets them apart? Cheers.

Trading-Setup.com - Empower your Trades! · Accepted Answer

A broker is a person or firm that executes buy and sell orders on behalf of traders, often providing advice and managing investments.
A trading platform is a software application that allows traders to place orders, view real-time market data, and manage their investment portfolio without broker intervention.
While brokers may offer trading platforms as part of their services, a platform itself does not offer personalized investment advice or manage assets for you.

T TravelBug45 on 09.12.2023 Posts: 65 · Accepted Answer

Sure, think of a broker as the middleman handling the buy and sell orders for stocks or other securities, while a trading platform is the software that allows you to actually place those orders through the internet. You use the platform to execute trades via the broker's services. Hope that makes it a bit clearer!

S SportsSensation109 on 12.01.2024 Posts: 53 · Accepted Answer

Absolutely! To add on, brokers often provide additional services like advice, research and portfolio management — stuff you don't usually get with a basic trading platform. Some brokers even use these platforms themselves to facilitate trades. But, it's good to remember, with advanced trading platforms, experienced traders can sometimes access market analysis tools and automated trading functionalities, which bring them closer to the insights normally offered by brokers. How's your trading been going btw? Found a platform that works for you yet?

A ArtAdmirer123 on 29.02.2024 Posts: 65 · Accepted Answer

Moreover, the fees associated with each can differ. Traditional brokers might charge higher fees for their expertise and personalized service, compared to trading platforms that often come with lower fees due to their more automated nature. It's also key to note the regulatory aspect, as brokers are typically registered and regulated professionals, which might not be the case for all trading platforms. Have you considered the kind of support you want in your trading journey when looking at the difference between the two?