People often consider investing in the stock market a difficult task due to the involvement of numbers or advanced mathematics. Investing is one of the best ways to generate wealth over a long period of time, but many people find it difficult to formulate trading strategies, fundamental analysis, technical analysis and investing strategies. Although it is true that some investors make use of advanced mathematical models, many investors have achieved great success in thestock marketusing just basic math.
An investor looking to learn more aboutmath for stock marketshould focus on the 3 main concepts:
Basic arithmetic
As an investor, it is necessary to be proficient in basic arithmetic like adding, subtracting, division and multiplication. Learning basic arithmetic can help in making use of certain algebraic equations, allowing you to invest smartly in the stock market.
Future Value
As the name suggests, the future value equation can help you ascertain the future value of an investment after a period of time and the amount of money one needs to invest to achieve their financial goals.
The formula to find the future value of an asset is:
F = P * (1+R)t
where,
F: Future value
P: The present value of the investment that has been made by the investor
t: The number of periods for which the returns received will compound
R: The interest rate or rate of return
Compounding
While learning math for stock market, another important concept that needs to be understood is compounding.
In the world of investing, compounding refers to the process in which the returns that are generated by the investment are reinvested. These returns stay invested and start earning returns as well.Compounding is especially helpful in the long term.
Probabilities
Probabilities are a very helpful concept in math for stock market. Probabilities can help an investor can get an idea of what the odds are of an investment performing well. While making investment decisions, an investor has to consider various factors like the company’s management, business models, financial ratios etc. After assessing these factors, an investor can come up with a probability of an investment being successful. Depending on this probability, the investor will make an investment decision.
When investing, there is no certainty or guarantee that an investment will perform well therefore, probabilities can help an investor put their hard-earned money into stocks that have a higher probability of performing well. Moreover, understanding probability can also help you in risk management.