As a keen amateur I am well aware that a lot of the 'techie' speak used in these threads goes over my head. Can anyone recommend a good course for beginners, So i can tell the difference between a stock's price earnings ration and errr the other stuff.

I bought a book on the subject but it was well nigh impenetrable in its obscurity....

Tks to all who bothered to contribute - much obliged :-)

2nd attempt

If you are tight fisted like me try and borrow the following books or failing that try Smiths, they can be bought on line.

1) How to read the Financial Pages by Michael Brett
2) Investors Guide to Investment by Bernard Gray (one of the Investors Chronicles many books
3) Any of the Jim Slater books on Zulu Principle

All the above are readable and present a good understanding of the Market and dealings.

However I still try to remember that when I buy a company I try to remember that buying share in a company is a gamble based on promises and hopes.

To be worth buying for a period time, a company is worth only what it pays or promises to pay in dividends over a period of time (which may be in the future with a developing company with high R and D) and for shares to be bought the returns on capital involved must be more than one can obtain in interest in the general market.

The problem with tips in small companies is that the companies are often in their infancy. No real earnings and but full of hope. Quite often for the shares to give good returns they have to be held for a long term. (Unless you are smart enough to get in and out of the share on the tip arriving in the press.)

Also with these shares if tipped in the market will drop back in price over a few months giving you an opportunity to buy at a better price, Some of these shares, which still good shares will move up and down on whim, and if you have done your research it is reasonable to have larger than usual stop loss. (Unless you are short term dealing)

Also before you buy think of how long you are prepared to hold the share for and the worse price drop you will tolerate

Spread your money over larger and smaller companies. With dealing costs as low as they are now it may be wiser to have 2-3 shares than one. At least it keeps you looking at the different markets.

If you put money in the market now think of taking it out to-wards the end of this August or beginning of September for 2-3 months. (Have a rest and look around.)


Has anybody got any ideas on light bedtime readings on Chartism. I used to love fairy stories at bedtime!!

Did I write all this!!!!!

Fred1new,

Great post but why do you think he should take it out Aug/Sept ?
rgds aj

I think a chimp called Bushy is standing for election. With what is reported about the American economy it may be a stormy passage for a few months. If Iraq or Afghanistan erupts it may become hectic!!!

(I think it would be more appropriate to certify the Bush Baby, and put him in a cell with his playmates!)