Have you ever wanted to own a part of a company? If this is the case, then you may be interested in investing in the stock market. Before you jump into the stock market feet first and invest your life’s savings, you need to learn some important information prior to investing in stocks. That is what this article is all about, so read on to learn a few tips.
Watch the stock market closely prior to jumping in. Prior to laying any money down, it’s always smart to research the company behind any stock and to be aware of current market conditions. A sensible rule to follow is to withhold any major investment until you have spent three years closely watching market activity. By regularly observing the market, you will have an idea of what you’re getting yourself into and what is normal in terms of market fluctuations.
Be sure that you have a number of different investments. It’s better to spread things out than it is to put all of your hopes into one stock. If you put all of your money into one stock, and then that stock crashes, you will be financially ruined.
Living Expenses
Have cash on hand for emergencies. Keep this money in an interest bearing account, that can be easily accessed. Six months of living expenses is good rule of thumb. In the event that you lose your job or are involved in an accident, your regular living expenses will be covered.
If you are targeting a portfolio for maximum, long range yields, include the strongest stocks from a variety of industries. The market will grow on average, but not all sectors will do well. By exposing yourself to diversification, you can benefit from all growing sectors and plant buying seeds in retracting industries that are undervalued. You will also find that the balance re-balances itself over time, meaning you will see profits in one sector one quarter, and in another sector the following quarter.
Avoid thinking of stocks as generic elements; instead, think of them as a key piece of the issuing company, your own personal stake. Take time to analyze financial statements and evaluate the weaknesses and strengths of the business to asses your stock’s value. This will give you the opportunity to decide whether or not you should own particular stocks.
Set your sights on stocks that produce more than the historical 10% average, which an index fund can just as easily supply. To estimate what return you’ll receive, research the expected earnings growth rate then add it to the dividend yield. For example, from a stock with a 12% growth and 2% yields, your returns will be 14%.
If you would like to pick your own stocks but also want a broker that provides full service, consider working with one that will offer you both options. This way you can delegate half of your stocks to a professional manager and take care of the rest on your own. This can give you the best of both worlds in the realm of investing.
Now that you have read this article, would you like to begin investing? If you are, then now is the time to move forward and begin. So long as you don’t forget the advice you’ve just read, you’ll soon be trading stocks without having to clean out your bank account.