Investing in Stocks and Shares

DanLeto

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Reaper

The question comes up regularly but there is no easy answer.

I suggest you start simply by investing in funds instead of shares via site like Hargreaves Landsdown. You still need to pick a sector (eg UK recovery, emerging markets, technology etc) but the fund manager will pick the stocks for you within that sector.

They have a "Wealth 150" with their top picks, though treat it with caution and compare their choices to others such as Morningstar, Best Invest etc. as some of their choices are controversial.

Later you can branch out into other investment options.

Credit-Crunched

DanLeto wrote: »

I need some help about how to go about investing in stocks and shares, how much money is needed to start? Which companies should I be looking at to help me with the trading and should I have any specific software? Any info is much appreciated.

With the greatest respect and not sound rude, if you are asking these questions then please stay away from something that can lose you a whole lot of money.

Try a fantasy site for 6 months or so and see how you do, try using the same money you would use in real life to make you gains / losses realistic

try http://www.bullbearings.co.uk/

Other than that if you HAVE to start investing, pick an area, oil, commodities, hi tech etc and read read read around the area. Then look at companies RNS's, profits, future potential, any market hazards and then only then look at investing.


Its a dangerous game, I have lost and gained a lot.

Ifts

You could always have a practice first without committing real money, try it for a while and see if its something that you think you could be good at.

Here is the link for the Share Centre*: Practice trading shares with FREE practice account, you will have to register but its free.

Once you have registered you will have access to advice to help you get started and research tools so you can learn more about the market.

*I'm sure there are other companies that offer practice accounts too.

DanLeto

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daveb80

Hi,

I have been reading a book called 'The Naked Trader'. He goes into all details from literally beginning out to more advanced. It's a pretty good book and I'd recommend it for beginners. I'm sure there are plenty of sites where you can get this info for free (try www.trade2win.com) but if you want a book to read up on whilst on a train etc, the naked trader is a good read!