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software will be able to decide instantaneously which way to route the order. Like most of the other technology we have mentioned, this smart routing will be a common part of the online investor's tools within a few years.
Suffice it to say that the typical online investor will have more choices as these networks become more readily accessible. The fees for connecting to them will go down, just like everything else, as there are more traders aware of them and wanting to take advantage of them.
Connections will become more sophisticated as bandwidth broadens, so that within a reasonably short time, the technology of trading for the typical online investor will look quite different than it does today. It is only a matter of when, not if, just as our friendly discount brokers, to stay competitive, will have us all smiling as we enjoy trading without a commission, no matter how many shares we wish to buy or sell. Once again, welcome to the new millennium gold rush, where the individual online investor keeps getting better picks and fancier shovels.
Elements of the Home Office
Ideally, trading from home will be done from an office that is quiet, comfortable, and has the elements to facilitate concentration of attention on the task at hand, which is watching the market and executing trades. It will be large enough so you are not cramped and the space will be clean and organized to help you feel in control. The notion here is that if you are going to take trading seriously, you need to set up your office to reflect that intention.
Organizing your trading setting is a step toward disciplining your mind to create the frame to help you succeed. Online trading favors those who can take in a lot of information, pick from it what is useful in the moment, and block out data that is not immediately useful. To do this, you need to have your computer system, monitors, software, telephone, television, and anything else relevant to trading all set up to suit you and functioning properly, so that attention does not need to be diverted to these things.
It is useful to have a view out of at least one window from your office that is open, peaceful, and where plants, flowers, or trees may be easily seen, like a garden or backyard setting. This fosters turning away from the monitor often to refocus your eyes, looking out at least 100 feet or more. A garden setting is ideal, so that not only are

 
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