Investing online for dummies - Matt Krantz

The tools and resources you need to successfully manage your own portfolio This hands–on, practical guide shows investors of all skill levels how to find an online broker, pick a winning strategy, and construct a successful portfolio. Discover Web sites, online calculators, databases, and online communities that will help you make key decisions. You'll also find out what the pros look for in picking investments and how the Internet can help you do the same. Online investing 101 — get an overview of everything you need to know about online investing, from deciding what kind of investor you want to be to familiarizing yourself with personal finance software Boot up — find out how to get your PC ready for every aspect of online investing, like compiling must–watch sites, tracking the market, getting price quotes, and more Weigh your options — discover which type of account is best for you — taxable brokerage accounts, retirement accounts, or an education savings account Start trading — learn how to enter and execute trades, buy and sell stocks, and use options to your advantage Make sense of it all — get the lowdown on how to read financial statements, how best to put a company under the microscope, and how to evaluate a stock's prospects Open the book and find: Advice on tracking the market Where to connect with other investors online Online tools to calculate your performance The lowdown on mutual funds How to spot trends in financial statements How to avoid overpaying for stocks Which Wall Street analysts are worth listening to Where to find and buy bonds online Ten ways to protect your investments and identity Learn to: Understand the basics of investing and measure risks Analyze stocks and financial statements Choose an online broker and execute trades online Use online tools to calculate your performance