Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about trading with AimX — from US market hours in South African time to platform pricing, simulation trading and FSP compliance.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, and various other payment methods depending on your location. Please contact our support team for more information on accepted payment methods in your region.
Why is the American Stock Market actually multiple stock exchanges?
The US has two primary exchanges — the NYSE (New York Stock Exchange) and the NASDAQ — each with its own listing requirements, trading rules, and market structure. Many other regional and electronic exchanges also operate under SEC oversight. When people refer to 'the US stock market', they're typically referring to this combined ecosystem of exchanges.
What time does the Market open?
The US stock market (NYSE and NASDAQ) is open Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 16:00 Eastern Time (ET). In South African time (SAST), that translates to 15:30–22:00 during summer (our winter) and 16:30–23:00 when the US observes daylight saving time.
What is the best time to trade?
The first hour after the market opens (09:30–10:30 ET) and the last hour before it closes (15:00–16:00 ET) typically see the highest volume and volatility — which means more opportunity, but also more risk. Mid-day trading tends to be slower with wider spreads. For beginners, we recommend observing market behaviour across different times before executing live trades.
Can I trade forex, commodities, or JSE-listed shares?
AimX focuses on US stocks (all of them), cryptocurrency, and ETFs — that's where our education, simulation trading, and AI tools are optimised, helping you build solid, transferable skills. Commodities, JSE-listed shares, and forex are available through a third-party partner, so you can still access those markets when you need them.
Do I really have to look at the news every time I trade?
Yes — context is critical in trading. A stock can move sharply on earnings releases, macroeconomic data (like CPI or interest rate decisions), or breaking company news. Ignoring the news means trading blind. The AimX platform integrates relevant market news directly into your dashboard so you always have the full picture before executing a trade.
What is TP/SL and how does it work?
TP (Take Profit) and SL (Stop Loss) are risk management orders. A Take Profit order automatically closes your position when the price reaches your target profit level. A Stop Loss order automatically closes your position if the price moves against you by a specified amount — protecting you from larger losses. Both are essential tools for disciplined trading.
Why does the system not auto-buy shares after a 4% price rise?
Automated buying purely based on a percentage price rise is a high-risk strategy known as 'chasing momentum'. A stock rising 4% could indicate genuine momentum — or a temporary spike before a reversal. AimX's approach is education-first: we teach you to read context (volume, news, technical levels) before making a decision, rather than relying on a single trigger.
When should I buy a stock?
There's no single universal answer — that's why education matters. Generally, you look for a combination of: strong fundamentals (earnings growth, low debt), technical signals (price breaking above resistance, rising volume), and favourable macro conditions (sector tailwinds, low interest rates). Our course covers each of these frameworks in depth.
Is the Market open on weekends?
No. The NYSE and NASDAQ are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Some brokers offer limited pre-market and after-market trading on weekdays (typically 04:00–09:30 ET and 16:00–20:00 ET), but liquidity is much lower during those sessions.
What are the American Public holidays (market closures)?
US markets close on the following federal holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day (4th July), Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Some holidays see early closures at 13:00 ET.
Is it better to buy cheap or expensive shares?
Price alone tells you very little. A R10 share can be overpriced and a R5,000 share can be a bargain — it depends on earnings, growth potential, and valuation metrics like the P/E ratio. Focus on value relative to price, not the price itself. Our course teaches you how to evaluate a stock's true worth.
What if I am an experienced trader? Is AimX for me?
Absolutely. Experienced traders use AimX for the live trading platform's low fees, fast execution, and professional tools. You can bypass the educational curriculum and register directly for a live account. Many experienced traders also use our simulation trading environment to back-test new strategies risk-free before deploying real capital.
How much money is needed to start investing or buy my first share?
With fractional share trading available through the AimX platform, you can start with as little as a few hundred rand. The key is to start small, manage risk carefully, and scale up as your confidence and skill grow.
I don't have time to do this. How can I decrease the time needed?
The AimX platform is designed with this in mind. Tools like watchlists, stock screeners (gainers/losers), price alerts, and integrated news feeds let you monitor the market efficiently without being glued to a screen all day. Our course also teaches time-efficient swing trading strategies that work for people with busy schedules.
Are you a Financial Service Provider, and can you give me investment advice?
AimX is an educational and simulation trading platform. We are not a registered Financial Service Provider (FSP) under the South African Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act, and we do not provide personalised financial or investment advice. All content on the AimX platform is educational in nature. Always consult a qualified financial advisor for personalised investment guidance.
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