Anyone play the market? Guru's needed inside

[BradC]

Hey all,

Have some funds here that I would like to start investing.

Problem is, I don't know squat about it.

Does anyone have any good website or book recommendations? Anything you've personally read that helped guide you in researching stocks?

I'm looking long-term with these investments, and want to know how to research a stock to get a feel for their growth potential and stability.

Also, I'd like to know the pros and cons of a stock that pays dividends.

Anyone care to help?

Thanks a ton guys.

[TGilb2007]

If I get the chance, ill talk to a couple of my friends that are into the market, see what they suggest. Maybe get one of them to post here.

[JET02WRX]

The 'old school' approach for long term investing is one my father has always followed...and he retired on a sizable chunk of change due to it. Look at all of the mutual funds available.... pick the ones that have the highest return over the longest period of time. Theres a disclaimer in the stock world that "past performance is not an indicator of future returns." However, in many instances...its all you have to go on. My father, and myself, just try to monitor our portfolios over the years...and try to maintain funds that keep us in that magic 10%+ gain category. Obviously some years see less and some see more. You can tell though if ALL your investements are down, its just a sign of the economy and market. But, if I see a fund in my portfolio is constantly out performed by other funds for a period of time...i will switch it into a better fund that is available in my 401k. 9 times out of 10, my company ends up dumping that fund anyway it it happens automatically.

[frosti108]

u can do some research on seekingalpha.com. its a great site