How to Understand Stock Buying and Selling in Investment Apps

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How to Understand Stock Buying and Selling in Investment Apps

Master the basics of stock trading through clear examples and app-based guidance

Confused by complicated stock app numbers? You're not alone. When I first opened a trading app, the overwhelming data made me feel stocks were only for the rich or finance-savvy. But investing isn't rocket science — it just takes the right guidance, clear understanding, and the courage to start.

Understanding the Order Book

What Are 'Bid' and 'Ask'?

The order book is a central feature in stock trading apps like Ajaib. It displays two key columns:

  • Bid: Buy offers — how much buyers are willing to pay
  • Ask: Sell offers — the price sellers want for their shares

Each row represents a price level and the number of lots available. One lot equals 100 shares.

A Simple Market Analogy

Imagine a unique marketplace for oxygen tanks. Sellers line up their products under price signs (like 600k, 700k, etc.), while buyers place written offers under their preferred price levels.

If more people are selling than buying, sellers must lower their prices to attract buyers. If demand increases (like during a pandemic), prices soar because buyers are willing to pay more — mirroring the behavior of stock prices in the market.

How This Relates to Stocks

In the order book:

  • Bid prices resemble buyers waiting in line at their preferred price levels.
  • Ask prices reflect sellers offering shares at specific prices.

If you want shares instantly, you can choose the lowest ask price and skip the queue. This is commonly referred to as "hajar kanan" in Indonesia — aggressively buying at market price.

Live Example: Unilever (UNVR) Stock

Suppose Unilever is currently trading at IDR 4,890. On the order book, you might see:

  • Bid: 297 lots at 4,890 (buyers waiting)
  • Ask: 771 lots at 4,900 (sellers ready)

You can queue to buy at 4,890 or immediately purchase at 4,900. But smart investors typically avoid overpaying unless urgency is a factor.

The Power of Supply and Demand

Stock prices move because of simple economics — supply and demand. If more people want to buy than sell, prices rise. If selling pressure is higher, prices drop.

"Stock prices rise when demand exceeds supply — just like oxygen tanks during a health crisis."

Beware of Stock Hype

Some influencers promote stocks on social media, causing sudden price spikes. This "pump" behavior can be risky. If too many people buy based on hype, prices inflate temporarily — but usually fall once the buzz fades.

Key Lessons:

  • Don’t blindly follow stock recommendations.
  • Do your own analysis, even if basic.
  • Understand how order books reflect real-time market psychology.

How to Start Trading Easily

With modern apps like Ajaib, starting is easier than ever. Here's how:

  1. Download the app
  2. Register in under 10 minutes (no paperwork)
  3. Use referral code sahamdarinol for free stocks
  4. No minimum deposit required
  5. Begin trading and observe the order book in action

Final Thoughts

Reading the order book empowers you to make smarter trading decisions. You don’t need to be an expert — just start small, observe the market, and learn as you go.

Start now. Don’t be afraid to learn. Investing in yourself is always a good decision.

If this helped you understand stock trading better, feel free to share it or drop your questions in the comments!

Label: Finance

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