This is one of the leading markets on which to trade in the United States. For starters, the Dow is composed of only 30 large cap stocks. The New York Stock Exchange, sometimes called "The Big Board", on the other hand, consists of roughly 3,000 companies at a value of around $17 trillion and is one of the largest markets in the world in stocks and bonds trading.

With the current economic downturn, however, the daily reports from the New York Stock Exchange are not glowing. There was a huge stock sell-off. The "Big Board" indicates that losers beat winners 7 to 1 on a volume of 920 million shares. Not the kind of news that investors like to hear. The Dow was also a loser with a new 6 year low.

Educational Offerings
The New York Stock Exchange is considered the most investor-friendly exchange in the world. What this means is that the NYSE is zealous about protecting the interests of both their large and small investors. Each year the NYSE offers a Teachers' Workshop Program for teaching the basics of stock market procedures for students and teachers benefits. The workshop is held on the trading floor of the NYSE. The workshop for 2009 has not been scheduled yet.

There is an educational seminar offered for College and graduate students, which includes a lecture or discussion session for interested individuals. The New York Stock Exchange website has volumes of information relative to making informed trades.

Learn which investments are right for your situation
Investor education materials are available on the New York Stock Exchange website. Closed end ETF's and Index ETF's are among the funds offered as investment choices A closed end ETF is similar to a mutual fund in that it combines the assets of its investors, using a professional money manager. Unlike a mutual fund, however, a closed-end ETF issues a certain number of shares in a public offering and lists them on a stock exchange such as the New York Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange. Rather than buy or sell shares directly from the fund, they buy or sell shares through the stock exchange just as they would any other stock purchase or sale. ETF's may be bought or sold as part of a brokerage account, a retirement account, a trust account, or a custodial account. (A custodial account, for example, is one that might be set up for the education of a child, or a grandchild.) Dividends from ETF's may be taken in cash, or used to purchase additional shares. Much more can be learned about ETF's and other investments on the NYSE website or through your professional stockbroker. There is no indication, however, that ETF's will replace mutual funds. There is still a cost advantage in mutual funds due to dollar-cost averaging.

Before you open an account on the New York Stock Exchange, or before making any investment decision, be sure to check with a financial professional to discuss your long and short-term goals.

Caterina Christakos is a private investor and published author. To get more information go to: http://highyieldinvestmentreview.com