Buying Shares

[Who Me]

I have looked through and read a few previous posts so sorry to regular posters who are seeing the same question again !. I am looking to invest 15k across 3 companies, I dont want to buy a fund or have someone make suggestions for the shares. I know the 3 I wish to buy and have looked at using x-o.co.uk Can anyone advise if they are OK ?. Also how does it work for me to hold the share certificate and what regulates them from clearing off with your money.

If the share has previously paid a dividend would it come direct to me or to the broker.

Yes new to shares, yes I can afford to lose the money, just looking for some helpful PH advice please

[Who Me]

Wouldnt want to name companies directly however its the oil and gas exploration industry. On its ar$e at the moment for sure, however a look at previous share price reached and the fact oil wont be cheap forever, I can only see these going one way over the next 3-4 years. Oil is like house prices it will always go up and down every 5-6 years and its certainly down at the moment.

[Who Me]

shopper150 said:

Who Me said:

Wouldnt want to name companies directly however its the oil and gas exploration industry. On its ar$e at the moment for sure, however a look at previous share price reached and the fact oil wont be cheap forever, I can only see these going one way over the next 3-4 years. Oil is like house prices it will always go up and down every 5-6 years and its certainly down at the moment.

Very simplistic view IMO, there is a lot more to it. I certainly don't think it's like house prices.

Would you help me by explaining the lot more to it bit ?. Im not looking at BP or Shell type of thing The companies Im looking at dont invest in the exploration themselves more a service company who is required if you want to look for oil. Ive been in the industry for 15 years and have seen 2 slumps and also the booms. Boom and bust is a pattern in both House prices and Oil prices, check both over the last 15 years.