The next step in the pre-trade phase is comprehensive market research and analysis. This helps market participants in forming a clear understanding of current market dynamics, spotting trading opportunities, and assessing potential risks. It's important to understand that this is not just about looking at a few charts and reading their headlines. It's a comprehensive approach ensuring a 360 degree view of the market. Some of the most important techniques employed by market participants are fundamental analysis and technical analysis. If an investor fundamentally evaluates a company like Apple, for example, they'd scrutinize its earnings reports, assess debt levels, look at metrics like price to earnings ratios, et cetera, to judge whether the stock is potentially undervalued or overpriced. While fundamental analysis provides the why to invest. Technical analysis provides the when the investor might examine the charts of Apple, recognizing certain patterns or using various tools to predict future price movements.