Stocks and shares - where to start?

dilby00

Hi all -

I'm looking to invest in some uk shares but don't even know where to start. I'd love to be able to do it and manage it all via an app, but every app I've tried doesn't show the companies Im looking for, even though i know they're on the stock exchange as I can see them in yahoo finance.

So some initial questions (which I'm aware may be stupid ones):

1) Are there different stock exchanges between countries, and perhaps that is why some companies aren't showing on some apps?

2) I have a limited company - does it make more sense to buy shares through it?

3) Is it silly to invest in stocks and shares without first making full use of my ISA (which i havent used at all)

4) Are there any apps out there people use for their stocks and shares purchasing? Robinhood looks great but only available in the US

Thanks!

eskbanker

Although I wouldn't say your questions are stupid as such, I would say that the lack of knowledge they betray signifies that you're probably not ready for investing in shares.

Among several key messages for novice investors is that you need to be in it for the long term (typically 5+ years and preferably 10+) to ride out the inherent volatility, so if what you have in mind is regular buying and/or selling via an app then that's unlikely to be a viable approach, even if you have seriously deep pockets (bearing in mind buy/sell spread, commissions, stamp duty, etc).

Diversification is also critical, i.e. putting large sums into a small number of shares is highly risky. Better to spread the risk by using funds, at least to start with.

Start at http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings/cheap-online-sharedealing and other more specialist sites like Monevator and Motley Fool....

dilby00

Thanks eskbanker - that sounds fair. I'll check those links out.

stoozie1

I am also new and was recommended to read the book Smarter Investing' by Tim Hale and a 6 week Open university course 'Managing your investments' (3hrs/week) both of which I have now completed.

They are both good, particularly the OU/ FutureLearn course. If you have time, I would recommend them both.

dilby00

Thanks stoozie. Have you now began investing?

[Deleted User]

Hi,

dilby00 wrote: »

1) Are there different stock exchanges between countries, and perhaps that is why some companies aren't showing on some apps?

yes each country has it's own exchange.

The main UK [STRIKE]exchange[/STRIKE] index is the FTSE 100, an index of the top 100 companies

Example UK companies, note the .L signifying London Stock Exchange.

Lloyds Bank: LLOY.L

Vodafone: VOD.L

Tesco: TSCO.L

Click here for more.

ChesterDog

The FTSE 100 is an index, of course, not an exchange.

jimjames

dilby00 wrote: »

So some initial questions (which I'm aware may be stupid ones):

1) Are there different stock exchanges between countries, and perhaps that is why some companies aren't showing on some apps?

2) I have a limited company - does it make more sense to buy shares through it?

3) Is it silly to invest in stocks and shares without first making full use of my ISA (which i havent used at all)

4) Are there any apps out there people use for their stocks and shares purchasing? Robinhood looks great but only available in the US

Thanks!

2) Are you able to buy shares through your company?

3) An ISA is just a wrapper so you can buy shares with it. It would be silly to not use that tax free wrapper if it's available.

4) I believe HL has an app. However I certainly wouldn't base a decision on platform on availability of an app. Other features including costs are far more important

AnotherJoe

eskbanker wrote: »

Although I wouldn't say your questions are stupid as such, I would say that the lack of knowledge they betray signifies that you're probably not ready for investing in shares.

^^^^this

.........