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

Watch Volatility in Stock Market on Freaky Fridays

Four times each year, some key derivatives expire on the same Friday. When that happens traders scramble to close positions, take profits and cut losses. The increased activity can often cause unusual volatility in the underlying asset, which means long-term investors should avoid buying or selling stocks on those days if possible.Follow me on TwitterWatch Volatility in Stock Market on Fre

Putting Emotional Energy Behind Investment Objectives

Is it easier to visualize your retirement as a number on an investment account or a cottage on a beautiful lake or sitting on the beach or (fill in your own picture of retirement)? For many people, it helps to think about a financial objective such as retirement in personal terms, then convert that dream into dollars.Follow me on TwitterPutting Emotional Energy Behind Investment Objectives

Avoiding Profit-Eating Expenses when Investing in Stocks

It is too easy to look at a gross profit from investing and pat yourself on the back for a job well done. However, if you haven't been thoughtful about expenses, you may find you are taking home much less than planned.Follow me on TwitterAvoiding Profit-Eating Expenses when Investing in Stocks originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Thursday, February 14th, 2013 at 18:21:15.Permalink

Non-Stock Market Factors that Influence Buy-Sell Decisions

Investing in the stock market would be simple if it weren't so complicated. True, no doubt, but not very helpful (did Yogi Berra say that?). Sad to say, but some very non-market factors are often more important in buy or sell decisions than thoughtful analysis.Follow me on TwitterNon-Stock Market Factors that Influence Buy-Sell Decisions originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Sunday, F

Challenging Times for Long-Term Stock Investors

While the stock market may have some good runs, the sluggish economy and inevitable global crisis suggest long-term investors should think hard about their assumptions for growth and return. This is especially true for investors nearing retirement.Follow me on TwitterChallenging Times for Long-Term Stock Investors originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Tuesday, February 5th, 2013 at 20

Investing in Stock Market by Ignoring the Expectation Noise

While traders huddle around their terminals watching the latest earnings reports for any sign that might give them an edge, long-term investors mostly ignore the circus. Here's why.Follow me on TwitterInvesting in Stock Market by Ignoring the Expectation Noise originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Monday, January 28th, 2013 at 21:17:48.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Finding Long-Term Stocks Challenging Thanks to Market Chaos

Market and economic chaos make finding a winning stock that will build wealth for years to come a real challenge. However, if you are willing to do your homework and review it each year, you have a good chance of picking winners.Follow me on TwitterFinding Long-Term Stocks Challenging Thanks to Market Chaos originally appeared on About.com Stocks on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013 at 22:23:12.