I am investing in stocks - beginner - what's the best investment company right now...for a conservative?

Question

I am looking to invest like a hundred dollars a month - maybe like low to medium risk companies. I am brand new to this and would like some pointers, thanks!!

Answer 1

Without having more information about your personal information, such as age, current income and other data such as risk tolerance, martial status, and demographics it would be very inappropriate for me or any other person to provide specific investment information in this type of media

There are many people just like you that are, or were looking to invest and those that did bought Mutual Funds and/or Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs).  One purpose of mutual funds is to help investors like you, who are either just entering the investment world or who have no investing experience.  Once you feel you at least have an understanding of investments you should look into ETFs which are similar to mutual funds but are traded on the exchanges.

Mutual Fund companies as well as ETFs have an entire array of products many will fit your needs. You can go to the MSN.Money website

http://moneycentral.msn.com/home.asp  it has an entire section on mutual funds and Exchange Traded Funds.  Read about the various products and in doing so you will be getting investment ideas and at the same time educating yourself about investing.

You could also contact the funds companies for more information.  I have found that Vanguard & Fidelity can meet your needs for mutual funds.  The service and information they provide is all free and you will find it helpfu

Answer 2

If you're looking for low to medium risk try

Fixed Income Funds:

Low Risk:

PIMCO Real Return

Medium Risk

Oppenheimer International Bond Fund

Stock Bond Mixed Funds:

Medium Risk

Vanguard Wellesely Index

or Vanguard Balanced Index.

I'm just shooting you some ideas for you to research in no way is this an offer or a solicitation.

Answer 3

Start with mutual funds, then progress to ETFs before buying stocks directly.  If you buy stocks $100 at a time every month, the brokerage fees will eat you up.

Answer 4

A broad index fund may be best.  But if you want a stock, get something that reinvests dividends like GE, JNJ, MMM.  Check company website to see if the have a plan so you dont get eaten up by fees.