Idiot's guide to trading

[crofty1984]

Hi, I've found myself with a bit of spare cash -probably £2000 over the next couple of years, so I thought I'd like to try online trading. I'm aware of roughly how the market works, buy shares, they may go up or down, never put in more than you can afford to lose, etc. I've signed up to share crazy to do any trades as I've heard good things.

There seems to be a million different permutations, spread betting etc that I don't understand.

I was hoping to do something basic like buy x many shares at 2.50 (or whatever) if they go up, sell them and make a profit (I accept they could also go down) I'm not after instant cash, I can leave the money in for a couple of years, I thought while the market's stty, buy something relatively "safe" and when the market recovers I'd do alright.

So if anyone can explain to me in plain english, or point me to any books/websites I'd appreciate it.

Dan

[pgilc1]

from memory, Motley Fool do a good guide - www.fool.co.uk

[drjazz]

the Naked Trader by Robbie Burns is a good place to start. Bit smug but he gives you the basics, and conveys the necessary warnings when taking one's first steps into self-invested equities

[shadowninja]

drjazz said:

the Naked Trader by Robbie Burns is a good place to start. Bit smug but he gives you the basics, and conveys the necessary warnings when taking one's first steps into self-invested equities

It is quite a good book and not technical.

Piss about with a play account on http://www.etxcapital.co.uk/
There's another one that someone recommended as this subject comes up once a week. Can't remember the name. Bullbearings.co.uk?