disheartenedwamerica

Well I can't really give specific advice for picking stocks as A) I'm technically not licensed yet and its illegal, B) it varies based on a huge array of variables including age, amount you have to invest, how long you want to invest, level of risk you can accept, how often you can check information, and whether you value liquidity over growth. On the other hand I can say that I am very good with securites and this year I have a 97% return in the market (dropped to 70% a while back and am slowly rebuilding). But it is safe to say that oil is still a huge commodity so XOM, would most likely be a good long-term investment. Please note it is volatile and that it will flucuate day-to-day, but long term it is a relatively safe bet that it will bring in a large return. In addition it is obvious that you want to stear clear financials as many of the large companies are posting record write-offs due to the subprime mortgage market and don't expect those to stop anytime soon. Housing is still a bust and will probably be in a slump for another few months to years. With the continual expansion of the internet I would suggest verizon and cisco as they have a good portion of the market in internet service and expansion. In addition the motor companies, the American ones anyway are still expecting losses in profits so I would doub they would be seeing increases worth the risk. I had significant returns with GE, and just recently liquidated them, but I would not suggest it for anyone as I don't plan on moving back into them anytime soon. I would say for a safe return mutual funds are still probably the best way to go at the moment, but again its all about individual factors. Final are coming up but I'll try to post more information as I get it. Hope this is useful.

Researcher

I was formerly an licensed investment advisor--and believe me, you guys and girls who is in their twenties need to invest money NOW in the market. Go start a Roth IRA and instead of spending huge amount$ of money on your herb---lessen the amount of herb you purch and use that extra $20 bucks to invest in a mutual fund series that is on a Roth Platform. I advise you to invest in these theree industries immediately: 1) Defense Armaments e.g., Raytheon stock; 2) Environmental technology, e.g., Fuel Cells Inc., and 3) Health Care e.g., Uzobi Rx (thay make anti diabetes drugs--and diabetes is the fastest growing illness in America--growing faster than HIV! So tehre you have it!

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Researcher

Hey, it's just a daym plant!

Rhymenocerous

Sorry to resserect this thread but it's not that old. Asking this question to anyone: How should I start? Go through my parents advisor, online? I'd like to start investing in the market. Something secure that will make money over the long term like the things you just listed. So where should I start? I don't have much to invest. Less than $500.