Stocks...

[Wren57]

Hondaman-iac asked about this, so I thought I'd post it here in case anyone else has interest in the subject...

the run-down on stocks is this... each share of stock is partial ownership to whichever company it is purchased in. So... basically, buy a good company with potential to grow. You might think this is obvious, which it is, but companies shares are already priced according to expected growth, so you want to find one with a fairly low P/E Ratio for it's sector, good fundamentals, positive earnings, and a company that has a product to market that will do well. Stocks also rise a lot on speculation, so make sure the company is solid and at low-cost before you buy... very hard to explain how to pick stocks... also look at the stock charts for any downward trends such as lower highs etc... hard to explain... and the indexes are just an average of each stock price in the individual index where each stock is weighted based on its market cap (# of shares x share price)...

feel free to ask any questions

[94_AcCoRd_EX]

Actually, when my finals are over this term, I plan on buying a little stock. Maybe $300ish at first and then I'll add to my portfolio as I figure things out. I might have a few questions for you before I get started.

I'm looking to trade online. The larger firms seem to have minimum starting balance requirements, but there are a couple of local full featured internet (and they also have offices) companies. Are there downsides to using one of them?

[mt.biker]

reminds me of business class.. cheers mate

[ebpda9]

thanks for the thread. it made some light in my head:yes:

[Wren57]

Originally posted by 94_AcCoRd_EX

I'm looking to trade online. The larger firms seem to have minimum starting balance requirements, but there are a couple of local full featured internet (and they also have offices) companies. Are there downsides to using one of them?

Good to see you are investing, you wont regret it (if you pick the good companies, anyways;) )... anyways, there are downsides to local internet brokerages. First of all, make sure they are established enough and keep good books, you don't want your stock holdings to get jumbled up in a poorly managed firm... also check their commisions and execution times, and see how hard they try to get you a low price on market orders... if everything checks out, I say go with the local guys, keeping cash in your isolated economy is good on a small scale

[94_AcCoRd_EX]

Originally posted by highlander
Good to see you are investing, you wont regret it (if you pick the good companies, anyways;) )... anyways, there are downsides to local internet brokerages. First of all, make sure they are established enough and keep good books, you don't want your stock holdings to get jumbled up in a poorly managed firm... also check their commisions and execution times, and see how hard they try to get you a low price on market orders... if everything checks out, I say go with the local guys, keeping cash in your isolated economy is good on a small scale

If the local guys don't work out, do you know of any larger online brokerages that don't require more than $1000 to start?

[Wren57]

Im pretty sure Datek still only requires $500 to start... thats the online brokerage I use... don't do much trading there, do most of it through my broker at Paine Webber, but from my experience with Datek they work well.

[94_AcCoRd_EX]

Originally posted by highlander
Im pretty sure Datek still only requires $500 to start... thats the online brokerage I use... don't do much trading there, do most of it through my broker at Paine Webber, but from my experience with Datek they work well.

Cool, I'll check that out. Thanks for the help.

Edit: Looks like the merged with Ameritrade. Is that a good thing?

[Wren57]

Sure. So we got any other questions? Remember, no stupid questions... just stupid people;)

[94_AcCoRd_EX]

Ouch.... datek/ameritrade = $1000 min.
Etrade = $1000 min
Schwab = $10000 min

The local brokerage doesn't have a minimum, I just might have to go with them. My friend uses them so I'll have to get some more info.

Thanks for answering all of my questions :)

[ebpda9]

hmm i'll invest your money. just send them to me on a check with the universal name: CASH ;)

[Accord Man]

LoL 300$..


sorry :paranoid:


For those of you who expect to make money, you must really know your shit, be able to predict trends, and follow the financial world very closely.. Otherwise, you are most probably setting yourslef up for a major loss. A wise alternative would be to have your funds managed by knowledgeable broking house/company.

[94_AcCoRd_EX]

Originally posted by Accord Man
LoL 300$..


sorry :paranoid:

Thanks for making me look like an ass JP ;( j/k

I have more than that to invest, but I wanted to start with something small so I could learn a little. Maybe I'll sink more than that to start, I just am cautious at this point. I realize that I won't make any substantial money with this to begin with.

I have a lot of stock in my name already that I don't have access to or control over yet. I just wanted to mess around with some stuff before I get control of everything.

[Wren57]

Playing around is a great idea before investing large amounts of money... that way you learn what to look out for before you invest a large sum... www.virtualstockexchange.com has many open competitions where you are given a set amount of imaginary money, and after a set time a winner is found. If there is any interest from this board, I would be more than happy to start the competition:yes:

[Accord Man]

Originally posted by 94_AcCoRd_EX
Thanks for making me look like an ass JP ;( j/k

I have more than that to invest, but I wanted to start with something small so I could learn a little. Maybe I'll sink more than that to start, I just am cautious at this point. I realize that I won't make any substantial money with this to begin with.

I have a lot of stock in my name already that I don't have access to or control over yet. I just wanted to mess around with some stuff before I get control of everything.

LOL, Trev I was just playing..

But I must admit.. the idea of "investing" 300$ feels kinda strange..

The last time I had less than a 500$ lying around, I bought a gorgeous BBQ oven. Its a real beauty!

Nevertheless, your strategy is wise.

If you have any questions, I know a little about this stuff so I may be able to help.. ;)

[Zybach]

Soon to be >Dr Max Immuh<

Hmm looks like somebody's reached the end of the tunnel. Congrats I'll be there in 5 years.:yes:

[Accord Man]

Originally posted by Zybach
Soon to be >Dr Max Immuh<

Hmm looks like somebody's reached the end of the tunnel. Congrats I'll be there in 5 years.:yes:

LOL what are you talking about??

I'm planning on purchasing a Nissan Maxima..
;)

[96civicFL]

I got some money in IRA's, but most of my money is in Import- Export. I get a 25% return in 120days (not bad if I would say)