1. Money. It's what drives people to achieve more, reach
higher and fight for what they deserve. It fuels our society
and yet, causes immeasurable heartache if you don't
have any. What does it take to get money? Investing is one
avenue you can take to gain profits, but only if you know
what it takes to do it right, so read on.
2. Create your own index fund. Choose an index you would
like to track, like the NASDAQ or Dow Jones. Buy the
individual stocks that are on that index on your own, and
you can get the dividends and results of an index mutual
fund without paying someone else to manage it. Just be
sure to keep your stock list up to date to match the index
you track.
3. One good rule of thumb when investing in common stocks
is to avoid airline stocks. There are people who make
money in this sector, but most of them make money by
shorting airline stocks. The airline industry is highly
competitive, strictly regulated and extremely sensitive to
energy prices. Unless you really know what you are
doing, you can lose a bundle.
4. Do not unrealistically hold on to losing positions. Your
refusal to sell stocks, even if you are experiencing
numerous losses, because you are hoping that they turn
around, is going to cost you a lot in the long run. Cut your
losses, sell your stock and move on to better investments.
5. Invest at a time when the market is down. The saying
"sell high, and buy low" is right on target. You can find
bargains when you buy stocks during this time, since
everyone has already sold off what they wanted. Buying at
a time when the market is low sets the stage for long-term
growth you can profit from.
6. You should compare stock prices to a number of factors in
order to truly assess the value of any stock. If you are
trying to determine whether or not a stock price is over or
under-valued, consider the price to earnings ratio, cash
flow and related factors. Also analyze the sector or
industry the business is in, as some sectors grow slower
than others.
7. Keep tax rates in mind when purchasing stocks. When you
purchase a share and you keep it for more than a period of
one year, you are going to be taxed at the rate of a long
term capital gain. However, if you sell the stock before the
one year is finished, you are going to be taxed at the
normal tax rate.
8. Diversification is key when you are investing in stocks.
Online brokers have essentially made it much more easier
for even the small investor to do this. Mutual funds are
one way to diversify, as well, but nonetheless, every
investor should have a basket of several stocks from
different sectors. You do not want to put all of your eggs in
one basket.
9. Buying low and selling high is a common tip with
beginners in the stock market, but there is so much
information that is available! Consider using investment
services or speaking to experts for help with investments.
Remember the tips in this article and do more research, in
order to get the most success with your stocks!