What stock should I buy if I want to keep it for a long period of time?

Answer 1

Put IBM on your watch list. Not only are they big on big computer systems, but they have and R&D pipeline to die for. They've got some faster computing coming (in a consortium with Sony and Toshiba) and are one of the big players in nanotechnology, indeed a lot of the early pioneering work was done by them.

Also check out C (Citicorp). They are one of the consistently high profit companies and pay pretty fair dividends. I read where some rich bigshots abroad have piles stashed in it because it is stable and profitable and very, very consistent--a sort of invest and forget it thing.

Answer 2

Stocks are more volatile - up and down- than mutual funds. If you are looking for gains, look into a mutual fund. They might have a higher rate of return than stocks and will invest in larger companies such as McD's, Home Depot, etc. Look up any stocks in Morningstar.com. they can tell you the top holdings and rate of return. You don't need an advisor to do this. When you find one you like, you can call the find company themselves. Just check the fees before you commit to buy.

Answer 3

If I were you, I would buy stock in a company that made products that are used by most people around the world, & used up quickly creating the need to buy more. Things like oil (ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips), soap, toothpaste, cleaning products (Proctor & Gamble, Colgate Palmolive, Clorox), food (I would not invest in food producers as bad weather can destroy crops too quickly, instead I would look at people who make supplies for farmers -- seed, chemicals -- Dupont, Dow, Monsanto). Then I would look at which of these type companies have made enough money each and every year to be able to increase their dividends each year for the past at least 25 years. As one example, Proctor & Gamble has increased their divs for the past 50 years.

Answer 4

I agree that a mutual fund is the only stock-based investment you can buy and hold and not worry about.

ANY stock is vulnerable and has to be monitored closely.

Perhaps Berkshire Hathaway might be safe, but that is not so different from a mutual fund.

Answer 5

If you're interested in a long term investment, maybe you should buy government bonds that guarantee you the principal value at its due date. If you still want to buy shares of stock, take a look at the finance sector, I think it's the safest bet.

Answer 6

Look into mutual funds, learn a lot about them. Many can have up to 14% average annual gain over the long term. They are a good retirement wealth vehicle. Also, check out Roth IRAs, if you are looking at this for retirement.

Answer 7

I would buy an indexed mutual fund or ETF. Individual stocks require a lot of research.

Vanguard is generally the best & lowest cost source for ETFs & mutual funds...I have some of them myself.

Answer 8

I'm invested mostly in health and pharmaceuticals....baby boomers hold a large chunk of national wealth,and will be spending it in the next few years to maintain active lifestyles,I'm averaging 13% the last 3 years

Answer 9

Long term slow growth stocks like coca-cola, at&t, etc.
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Do NOT invest in hydrogen speculation. Too risky, leave that for those who can afford the risk. Hydrogen is not the future.
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Answer 10

You can freeze ANY kind of stock for two to three months