2006-08-08 02:49:15 · 9 answers · asked by shajuana n 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Investing
I just started buying stocks myself. I use Scottrade, and it is really convenient and easy to use. You open an account, deposit at least $500, and you can trade online for only $7 a trade (I did some research and that was a very fair price. Other sites charge more based on the size of the trade). Also, Scottrade has very good analyst information. It compiles a bunch of analysts' opinions and tells you if they say Buy, Strong Buy, Sell, Hold, etc.... I would take a look and get a feel for the website.
www.scottrade.com
Also, if you sign up and put me down as a referral, you will get 3 free trades, which is a nice thing for them to do.
2006-08-08 02:55:25 · answer #1 · answered by PiccChick12 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can't answer 3 of these 10 questions, you have NO business investing yourself.
1. What is a P/E ratio?
2. What is the beta of a stock?
3. Do you understand the efficient froniter?
4. What is the company's earnings momentium?
5. What is a good price to book ratio?
6. What is the alpha of a mutual fund?
7. What is R.O.E.
8. What is the difference between fundamental and quantitative analysis?
9. What is market capitalization and why is it important?
10. Do you have the emotional fortitude to sell when things are going up, up, up and to buy well "Rome is burning"?
These are just a few of the basics. If you don't know what you are doing you are speculating NOT investing. You can manage your "play" money but let an expert handle your investments. Take this from a former do-it-youself know-it-all.
2006-08-08 12:50:54 · answer #2 · answered by Mike 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would open an account with an online broker (etrade, scotttrade etc) If you have less than about 5k to invest read the fine print of the agreement as some brokerages charge service fees on small accounts.
In general I'd recommend buying stock in a no load S&P 500 fund or exchange traded fund. Two examples are SPDR and iShares funds (ticker symbols SPY and IVV.) These own stock in the 500 largest US companies and are an effective way to invest in the stock market without the risk of investing in individual stocks (which I wouldn't recommend until you are familiar with the way the market works and have time to research the individual companies you purchase). Good luck.
2006-08-08 10:26:31 · answer #3 · answered by Adam J 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Learn to Invest Money in Small Cap Stocks and Make Triple Digit Profits Part Two
By: John S Kim
This is a great article to start with and then there are companies on the borders of the web site that you can do some more research.
2006-08-08 10:02:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you'd never played the stock market before, it is best to get a stock broker. They will be able to advise you. If you have investment experience, then you don't need a stock broker, but I would still recommend it.
2006-08-08 09:55:02 · answer #5 · answered by lexie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I called Fidelity and had them send me a package to set up an account. I like working with them. They send me updates on my investments and tradiing can be done on line, so it fits my lifestyle.
2006-08-08 10:30:21 · answer #6 · answered by carosun2000 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try scottrade. No inactivity fees. $7 per transaction (buying or selling).
2006-08-08 09:52:24 · answer #7 · answered by Dave 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use ETrade which is also a great bank.
You'd have to tell me how much you have and how much risk you want to take for more advice.
2006-08-08 09:52:51 · answer #8 · answered by diamondspider 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would suggest getting an online account. you can manage your investment easily
2006-08-08 09:56:59 · answer #9 · answered by Dennis O 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋