Picking Stocks? Your Brokerage Can Help
Kiplinger's Personal Finance|March 2020
Online brokers have beefed up investor tools and research.
RYAN ERMEY
Picking Stocks? Your Brokerage Can Help

IF YOU’RE A REGULAR READER OF Kiplinger’s, chances are you know some basics when it comes to evaluating stocks. You know that you want to buy low, sell high and hold for the long term, for example, and that a low price-earnings ratio means that a stock is relatively inexpensive. But when it comes right down to it, out of the thousands of stocks trading on U.S. markets, do you really know how to choose ones to invest in?

Probably not. But to be fair, you’re not alone. Take it from Warren Buffett, the Oracle of Omaha, himself: “Most people don’t know how to pick stocks. Most of the time I don’t know how to pick stocks,” Buffett said in a 2019 interview. He believes that most investors—pretty much anyone who doesn’t research stocks for a living— should be invested in diversified, low-cost mutual funds.

We’re fans of a well-diversified core portfolio of funds, too. But part of the fun and challenge of investing is picking great stocks, and if you’re ready to branch out, your brokerage is an excellent place to start your search. “About 84% of investment research done by our clients on any given day is directly related to individual stock research,” says Cory Triolo, head of digital client experience for Merrill Edge. “We want to make that experience as seamless and intuitive as possible.” Merrill isn’t alone in this regard. Lowering fees and commissions isn’t the only incentive brokers are using to lure customer dollars. They’re beefing up investor tools and research offerings, too.

Where to start?

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 2020 من Kiplinger's Personal Finance.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 2020 من Kiplinger's Personal Finance.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من KIPLINGER'S PERSONAL FINANCE مشاهدة الكل
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF DISABLED VETERANS
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF DISABLED VETERANS

He suffered grave injuries in the line of duty. Now he helps other veterans who have disabilities.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
DO YOU NEED UMBRELLA INSURANCE?
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

DO YOU NEED UMBRELLA INSURANCE?

A policy can protect you from financially devastating events.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Navigating Finances as a Blended Family
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Navigating Finances as a Blended Family

Money matters can get complicated when two families unite. Planning is key.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
BREAKING UP WITH YOUR BROKER
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

BREAKING UP WITH YOUR BROKER

Be aware of these challenges when you move your money to a new home.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
CHOOSE A MEDICARE PLAN THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

CHOOSE A MEDICARE PLAN THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU

Consider your health care needs over the long term as you weigh costs and coverage.

time-read
9 mins  |
November 2024
Keep Faith in These Stocks
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Keep Faith in These Stocks

IN 1997, I coined the phrase “faith-based investing.” It has nothing to do with religion or with picking stocks at random.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
OUR ESG PICKS ARE THRIVING
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

OUR ESG PICKS ARE THRIVING

Despite an ongoing backlash, our favorite stocks and funds focused on environmental, social and corporate governance issues had a good year overall.

time-read
9 mins  |
November 2024
MONEY MANNERS FOR THE MODERN AGE
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

MONEY MANNERS FOR THE MODERN AGE

The customs for splitting a restaurant check, purchasing a wedding gift, tipping and more have evolved. These guidelines can help.

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2024
ELECTION 2024: POLITICS AND YOUR PORTFOLIO
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

ELECTION 2024: POLITICS AND YOUR PORTFOLIO

Who wins the White House matters—but only at the margins when it comes to your investments.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
YOUR GUIDE TO OPEN ENROLLMENT
Kiplinger's Personal Finance

YOUR GUIDE TO OPEN ENROLLMENT

With health care costs on the rise, it’s critical to select a plan that fits your needs at the right price.

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2024