As a newcomer to the stock market, i am wondering what sort of profits people have made since say Jan this year and what would be their best tip/advice in investing strategy?

Over 100% with Colt telecommunications

My best tip is buy high, sell low!!! ;-)

Seriously though, do your own research and only invest money you are sure you won't need in a hurry if the stock you choose takes a downturn in price. Only "gamble" with money you can afford to lose.

Do lots of research into prospective companies and keep a watch list on companies you are interested in. Use share mags and investors chronicle with care as they are not always correct. Use bulletin boards more so as there are some complete loons on these posting drivel and rubbish, ramping and false info. Like wise there are some very informed, researched and genuine posters too, so it will take you time to filter and decide who is who.

Do not attempt day trading as it is a very risky business for a new investor. Buy and hold for medium to long term.

Invest in companies that pay dividends. If you can buy in at a low price for a good dividend every year or 6 months, then you are continually getting a return on your investment as well as watching the share price (hopefully) rise too.

Sign up for an online portfolio as on www.iii.co.uk and list the comapanies on here too as you get free real time prices for all the companies you have or are interested in.

Have a strategy and keep an eye on prices. Set stop losses if you are afraid of holding longer term on price drops and set profit taking levels when you purchase the shares. Review these as new info comes out or news is released as there is no point selling at your upper limit if the trend is continuing up too, but be prepared to sell quickly if you want to lock in profits.

Get yourself at least one online dealer account. I use Barclays and Com Direct. Comdirect.co.uk is particularly good at 12.50 a trade and very efficient.

Spread your investments around solid, reliable stocks, different sectors, some medium and high risk and penny shares too if you have researched them properly. Do not act or buy on one or two bulletin board posts as many of my friends seem to have done in the past. You'll get stung eventually if you are lucky at all first!!!

Otherwise good luck and enjoy investing your hard earned cash.

Profits: None.
Advice: Not qualified to give any.