#TradingTools101 There was a time years ago when the only people able to trade actively in the stock market were those working for large financial institutions, brokerages, and trading houses. The arrival of online trading, with the instantaneous dissemination of news, has leveled the playing field. Easy-to-use trading apps and the 0% commissions of services like Robinhood and Charles Schwab have made it easier than ever for retail investors to trade.