There was once a time when the only people who were able to trade actively in the stock market were those working for large financial institutions, brokerages, and trading houses. But, with the rise of the internet and online trading houses, brokers have made it easier for the average individual investor to get in on the game. Day trading can turn out to be a very lucrative career, as long as you do it properly. But it can also be a little challenging for novices—especially for those who aren't fully prepared with a well-planned strategy. Even the most seasoned day traders can hit rough patches and experience losses. So, what exactly is day trading and how does it work? Day trading is defined as the purchase and sale of a security within a single trading day. It can occur in any marketplace but is most common in the foreign exchange (forex) and stock markets. Day traders are typically well-educated and well-funded. They use high amounts of leverage and short-ter...