Instead of buying individual companies, you can buy "baskets" of stocks.
: Using Robo-advisors (like SoFi Invest or Betterment) to automatically manage a diversified stock portfolio based on your risk profile. 2. Indirect Investing via Funds different ways to buy stock
The primary way retail investors buy stock is through online brokerages and mobile apps . Instead of buying individual companies, you can buy
: These track a market index like the S&P 500, providing instant diversification across hundreds of companies in one purchase. Instead of buying individual companies
: Many 2026 platforms allow you to buy small fractions of expensive shares for as little as $1, lowering entry barriers.
: Automatically using cash dividends earned from stocks you already own to purchase additional shares or fractions of shares. 4. Options & Derivatives