imported_Moe_Mentum

Well I figured instead of gambling I am just going to invest in some stocks. I'm young and if I lose no biggie, got plenty of years ahead of me haha. Can anyone suggest a good online brokerage company? I've checked out some of the major players but it seems more American Oriented. I want to be able to withdraw and purchase via my Canadian Bank Account.

Also this would be a great place to enter your stock tips!

imported_Bruce Fee

what, and risk getting charged?

imported_Moe_Mentum

Haha man I never asked for insider trading tips.. I just asked for any stock tips in general. That part is not illegal

imported_Bruce Fee

then what's the point? unfounded advice never really helps make the big bucks.

imported_ERTW

promise not to tell too many people.. this is strictly between me and you.. but i heard that enron is supposed to make a huge comeback starting in Q3 of 2006.... wink wink nudge nudge......

imported_viper_2_4

if your going to "gamble" like that you might as well hit up the casino, odds are the same, and you'll have more fun at the casino.

If you want to invest, start doing research, invest in companies you understand, and think long term, and you'll OK

imported_Bruce Fee

I don't agree with viper.

I think stocks are safer than a casino and you can be more responsible for it.

I think the best thing to do is invest in companies as soon as they go public if you have confidence in them.

That's the only time they really boom.

That and when a birdie gives you informatoin.

You investing $10K on an inside tip isn't jack. If you have lots of money, then it's a difference stories. A regular shmoe won't make a blip on the market.

imported_viper_2_4

Stocks or any other investment can be safer than the casino, but trying to ride the highs and lows won't get you anywhere, specially if your just a "shmoe".

Trying to invest in companies right as they go public can work, but any time you have a highly speculative stock, there is greater risk (also change for greater returns). If you want real investing you find companies that are well run (thats why I said you have to understand the industry, so if you understand the automotive industry start there, don't start in the oil sector for example) and you buy and hold, and ofcourse diversify, the indexes historically have always come out ahead. If your interested in this stuff there is tons of reading on the interent, and in print.

If you just want to ride the highs and lows or daytrade, then it doesn't really matter because your gambling with your money.

imported_ERTW

this advice is all useless as this whole situation changes based on how much money it is and how important it is to you.

are we talking 1k, 10k or 100k? if you lose it, would you notice it, or are you going to be putting a handgun in your mouth?

in the 10k range, i think you would be best off putting a downpayment on an unbuilt condo, and either rent it out to cover mortgage, etc, or sell it soon after closing when the price has gone up a bit. but there is a very very good chance that it will appreaciate in value in a short amount of time.

You will not make any money on the stock market unless you have big big money. otherwise we would have millionaires everywhere.

imported_viper_2_4

no, I think the key element is time/patience, ofcourse there is a money limit....but I think a 10-20% return, if you do your homework, is reasonable...

imported_Bruce Fee

okay.

imported_Mischev

i know Tim Hortons is going public soon, id watch for those

imported_ERTW

you think... which means you don't know.. because if you knew, you would be doing it already..

which means your statements are unfounded.

imported_viper_2_4

If I had the financial means, I would, unfortunatly I am in my 3rd year of post secondary school and still have 1 left, and my resources are pretty much commited to that..

go read up on Warren Buffet, his key strategies that he used to make his fortune was he only invested in companies he understood, and he held on to the stocks as long as he agreed with how the company was being run....

here is the 5 year trend for his holdings companyhttp://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=BRK-A&t=5y

I believe my statement is founded..

imported_ERTW

i find it fascinating that with all these millionaires sharing their secrets, not every one is a millionaire yet...

i remember when i was in university and naive...

imported_viper_2_4

I didn't say you would become a millionaire doing that, I said that you could expect a reasonable level of return.

Nova_Dust

I have some spare money in stock market via TD Waterhouse. Something for fun and small money with small return.

I had my eye on one when it was 1.50; 7 months later, it is 9.20

Only if I knew, eh?

Younes Si

what do you mean by that?

imported_ERTW

I think he means that he knows Tim Horton's is going public soon, and he would watch out for that stock

imported_Mischev

tim hortons will have shares available soon, i think 25% of their company is going on the stock market, and they are opening store in the U.S soon, so id watch timmies