A broker acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers in financial markets, facilitating the trading of securities such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investment products. Brokers are licensed professionals who provide various services, including executing trades, offering investment advice, managing portfolios, and conducting market research.
There are different types of brokers, including full-service brokers, who provide a wide range of services and personalized advice, and discount brokers, who offer trade execution with minimal fees and limited advisory services. Online brokerage platforms have also become popular, providing investors with direct access to trading and investment tools. Brokers earn their income through commissions on trades, fees for services, and sometimes through spreads on buy-sell transactions.