Investment Objectives Can Help Identify Investment Candidates

Investment objectives help define investing products and opportunities while helping you stay on your plan. Different objectives are appropriate at different points in your life.Follow me on TwitterInvestment Objectives Can Help Identify Investment Candidates originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Thursday, June 13th, 2013 at 20:29:33.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Stock Market Losses Come in Different Forms

At some point, you will lose money in the stock market. How you deal with losses is as important as dealing with gains. Don't let your emotions push you into a bad decision.Follow me on TwitterStock Market Losses Come in Different Forms originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Tuesday, June 11th, 2013 at 20:51:57.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Invest with Goal in Mind and Avoid Short-Term Trading

It just makes sense to have a goal in mind for a long-term investing in stocks strategy. "Make a lot of money" is not a goal and that type of thinking can trick you into making bets on the market - also known as short-term trading. Keep your long-term goal in mind and focus on changing your portfolio slowly over time to reflect the time remaining to reach your goal and your tolerance for risk.

Five Reasons Women Should Invest in Stocks

Begin with some basic concepts that set the stage for learning about investing in stocks and you are on your way to becoming a successful woman investor.Follow me on TwitterFive Reasons Women Should Invest in Stocks originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Thursday, May 30th, 2013 at 22:04:15.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Considering Options Trading? Danger Ahead

Trading stock options may seem like a simple way to supplement your investment income. However, there is nothing simple about options and you should be prepared to lose money, like most individual customers do.Follow me on TwitterConsidering Options Trading? Danger Ahead originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Wednesday, May 29th, 2013 at 20:25:08.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Stocks: A Balancing and Re-Balancing Act

Long-term investors in the stock market should avoid trading in and out of the market, looking for ways to boost return. However, neither should they ignore the market and their portfolio, especially after a big market move. Re-balancing your portfolio keeps you on track and in your risk comfort zone.Follow me on TwitterStocks: A Balancing and Re-Balancing Act originally appeared on About.

Market Cap: Size Matters in Stocks

The winds of change blow the same for big companies and little companies, however different sized companies may react very differently. Those differences can mean success or failure for investors in the stock market.Follow me on TwitterMarket Cap: Size Matters in Stocks originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Tuesday, May 21st, 2013 at 20:43:19.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Finding Stocks that Are Investment Candidates

Finding good investment candidate stocks may seem like an overwhelming task at times. However, you can use a few good metrics to reduce the number to a manageable level. One of the best metrics is the price/sales ratio. This number tells you how the stock market values the sales a company generates. Although it is only valid when comparing companies in the same industry, it's a good start to the

Investing Goals Often in Conflict

Setting and keeping long-term investing goals is a challenge, especially when it may be almost impossible to define what will be needed for your retirement or funding your children's college education. It is a fact that these two big investing goals will compete for your resources. Although it is difficult, you still need to focus on each goal and determine the best way to allocate your investme

Stock Investors Use Margin to Boost Returns, But Watch Out

Using margin to multiply your investment with borrowed money is a common strategy with investors in the stock market. When it works the way you planned, it can put extra money in your pocket. However, if your investment takes a nose dive, watch out because margin will multiply your losses also. Learn more.Follow me on TwitterStock Investors Use Margin to Boost Returns, But Watch Out origin

Stock Investors Get Help from Insiders

It is helpful when analyzing a stock for investment to know what key executives of the company are doing. Are they buying or selling shares and why. This information is readily available and completely legal.Follow me on TwitterStock Investors Get Help from Insiders originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Tuesday, May 7th, 2013 at 21:01:59.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Investors Should Cheer Stock Buybacks

When a company (like Apple) is sitting on a pile of cash, it can increase shareholder value by buying back some of its outstanding stock. By reducing the number of outstanding shares, the remaining shares on the market will be worth more. However, there may be less generous reasons, so beware.Follow me on TwitterInvestors Should Cheer Stock Buybacks originally appeared on About.com Stocks

Use Beta as One Test of Stock's Risk

A stock's beta tells you how volatile it is compared to the overall market. This is helpful in the short term since it gives you a clue how the stock will move when the market moves. While not perfect, the beta is one piece of the puzzle you must consider when evaluating a stock for investment.Follow me TwitterUse Beta as One Test of Stock's Risk originally appeared on About.com Stocks on

Investors in Stock Market Worry About Interest Rates

Interest rates and stock prices have several connections. Investors should keep an eye on rates, since changes can have a positive of negative impact on stock prices and stock valuations.Follow me on Twitter.Investors in Stock Market Worry About Interest Rates originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Monday, April 22nd, 2013 at 17:02:29.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Bond Ratings Guide Investors on Risk

Yes, you should have bonds in your portfolio, but not all bonds are created equal. Some are rock-solid, but offer low returns, while others are much more risky, but pay higher returns. Which is best for you? You can use bond ratings to determine the level of risk you want.Follow me on TwitterBond Ratings Guide Investors on Risk originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Tuesday, April 16th

Market Timing Appeals to Greed, Not Smart Investing

Many investors fall into the "greed trap" when they try to time the market. Maybe they got a hot tip from someone at work or just have "feeling" that a stock is going to move. Either way, they are gambling and that is not a smart road to investment success.Follow me on TwitterMarket Timing Appeals to Greed, Not Smart Investing originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Thursday, April 11th

All About Earnings Season

Following every quarter, companies must report their financials to investors and the public. Much is made of earnings season and the real star is the actual earnings number. Did it rise from last quarter? If no, why not and who is to blame?Follow me on TwitterAll About Earnings Season originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Tuesday, April 9th, 2013 at 20:00:24.Permalink | Comment | E

Asset Allocation Important to Investing Success

Deciding which stocks to buy or sell may not be the most important investing decision you make. Asset allocation is about putting together a portfolio that meets your investing goals and takes advantage of changing market and economic conditions.Follow me on TwitterAsset Allocation Important to Investing Success originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Sunday, April 7th, 2013 at 15:58:38

Protect Against Losses in Stock Market

It is not a perfect insurance against losses, but a stop-loss order can help prevent or reduce losses when the stock market deals a blow to your stocks. Stop-loss orders are worth considering for every long-term investor.Follow me on TwitterProtect Against Losses in Stock Market originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013 at 20:46:03.Permalink | Comment | Email

Stock Tips Dangerous, Even When Well-Meaning

Be very careful of taking stock tips from your friends or neighbors (unless you live next door to Warren Buffett). While well-meaning, these tips often result in disaster. Also avoid "secret systems," complicated trading strategies and other doomed shortcuts to investing success.Follow me on TwitterStock Tips Dangerous, Even When Well-Meaning originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Thur

Investing in the Stock Market Not Dangerous, Not Guarantee of Riches

Long-term investors understand that investing in the stock market is a process that is neither dangerous, nor a get-rich-quick scheme. Don't fall into the trap of believing the stock market is always headed the direction it closes each evening. A long-term strategy can increase the benefits and may reduce the risks of investing.Follow me on TwitterInvesting in the Stock Market Not Dangerou

Understanding How Prices Are Set on Stock Market

The give and take between investors who want to sell and investors who want to buy sets the price of an individual share of stock. Since this happens almost instantly in most cases, the price per share can fluctuate by the second. Where buyer and seller agree is the price per share.Follow me on TwitterUnderstanding How Prices Are Set on Stock Market originally appeared on About.com Stocks

Long-Term Investing Best Chance for Success

To give yourself the best chance for hitting your financial goals, begin as soon as possible with a regular investment program in a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds. The more years you can invest, the better your odds for success.Follow me on TwitterLong-Term Investing Best Chance for Success originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Wednesday, March 20th, 2013 at 14:00:44.Per

Invest with a Strategy

Many successful investors work on an investment strategy that fits their present circumstances and feels comfortable with their tolerance for risk. There are three main strategies for you to consider, however many investors use a blend for the best fit.Follow me on TwitterInvest with a Strategy originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Tuesday, March 19th, 2013 at 14:45:52.Permalink |

Is the Stock Market on a Bubble?

The market has had a strong run recently, but does it qualify as a bubble? The long-term investors should not worry too much about bubbles and busts - they are a part of the market natural cycles. The long-term investor should stick to a solid investment strategy and not be swayed by the emotion on of the moment.Follow me on TwitterIs the Stock Market on a Bubble? originally appeared on Ab

Does Booming Stock Market Foretell Economic Growth?

Is a booming stock market the harbinger of future economic growth? There is a correlation, however don't be misled by short-term moves in the stock market. The stock market looks to the future, but the future is unknown and changing.Follow me on TwitterDoes Booming Stock Market Foretell Economic Growth? originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Tuesday, March 12th, 2013 at 20:25:20.Per

Stock Market Records Mean Nothing

The media (and, unfortunately, some unwitting investors) become earnestly excited when an important market index hits a new high. This is when investors driven by greed and not common sense decide to jump into the market. Professional traders call this "dumb money" and feast on it when the market changes direction. Share prices of stocks are not that important when seen through the eyes of a lon

Investing for Retirement? Count on Higher Costs; Lower Returns

Here is an inescapable truth: Your retirement will cost more than you'd planned and your investments will earn less, so plan accordingly.Follow me on TwitterInvesting for Retirement? Count on Higher Costs; Lower Returns originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Wednesday, February 27th, 2013 at 19:48:36.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Stock Market Investors Planning for Retirement Can't Ignore Inflation

Inflation has been low for several years. The Fed intends to keep interest rates at historic lows, which has traditionally been fuel for inflation. If you are investing for retirement, don't ignore the possibility of higher inflation.Follow me on TwitterStock Market Investors Planning for Retirement Can't Ignore Inflation originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Tuesday, February 26th, 2

Investors in Stock Market: Will You Outlive Your Money?

Advances in health care and greater attention to exercise and diet means you could outlive your money.Follow me on TwitterInvestors in Stock Market: Will You Outlive Your Money? originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Monday, February 25th, 2013 at 19:18:30.Permalink | Comment | Email this