X-No-Archive: yes

Ok, I know you all probably can't be bothered but..........
In general, what is the best way to start up for someone who knows (..next 
to!) nothing about trading...?
Other than don't do it, there is so much stuff about,  my head is spinning 
with information,  so..
Software,  what sort/type/brand of software is useful?
Should I take up some of the *broker type* company offers and go on their 
'day trading'  or cfd trading or even 'spread betting' courses..?
Usually they ask to open accounts first -  the minimum deposit required is 
neither here nor there, so financially it seems to make sense  - is it a 
good idea?
If not, where does one access basic training and instruction ...
Are there any *self help* groups or 'casual' groups that meet, south of 
england..
That's some of it, I'm sure there's more but any help and advice would be 
most appreciated

Regards


phil

> Ok, I know you all probably can't be bothered but..........
lol - the English cynical humour.  Or is it reverse psychology.  Or a bit of 
both? :o)

> In general, what is the best way to start up for someone who knows (..next 
> to!) nothing about trading...?
> Other than don't do it, there is so much stuff about,  my head is spinning 
> with information,  so..

I dunno either, but also am interested in what others think.  When I ask 
such questions I never seem to get a definitive answer.  It's invariably as 
vague as "read the business news", and "do what works for you".  But then, 
if people were getting good returns would they bother to hang around chat 
rooms and newsgroups handing out advice? Hmm...

> Software,  what sort/type/brand of software is useful?
> Should I take up some of the *broker type* company offers and go on their 
> 'day trading'  or cfd trading or even 'spread betting' courses..?
> Usually they ask to open accounts first -  the minimum deposit required is 
> neither here nor there, so financially it seems to make sense  - is it a 
> good idea?
> If not, where does one access basic training and instruction ...
> Are there any *self help* groups or 'casual' groups that meet, south of 
> england..
> That's some of it, I'm sure there's more but any help and advice would be 
> most appreciated

I get the feeling that the only places you can really learn would be 
on-the-job, or in some place where you'd pay to learn - and there will be 
plenty of rip-off pay-to-learn schemes.  Sigh.  So maybe all the folks who 
have said to me 'do what works for you' are right?  Maybe it is something 
you need to just slog out yourself 'til you find something that works.  I 
know I've tried a few things out to no avail, but to be honest I've not 
spent that much time reading the 'news', and I have a feeling that's the 
strongest signal you'll ever get for predicting which way to buy/sell.  But 
it will take time - and right now I don't have that... maybe you do?

I've had a go with spread betting.  I used tradindex.com and it works, and 
it gave me an understanding of how the spread-betting system of trading 
works.  I heard that some people don't like that site though, as they think 
it is too slow to respond (I think it's fine to just check things out with 
though.)  I hear that finspreads is supposed to be good.  I don't know much 
about trading CFDs.  Day trading isn't hard to do in theory 
(buying/selling), just check out Natwest or Barclays (actually, 
hoodlessbrennan were supposed to be good, and if not then you might try 
tdwaterhouse?), but being profitable - naturally you need some 
skill/experience too.

Hope it goes well for you Phil.  And I hope you get some decent answers to 
your questions too - sorry I can't be more helpful myself.
JJ


>
> Regards
>
>
> phil
>
>

In message , erehwon 
 writes
>
>I dunno either, but also am interested in what others think.  When I ask
>such questions I never seem to get a definitive answer.  It's invariably as
>vague as "read the business news", and "do what works for you".

You probably won't get a definitive answer because there just isn't one 
that can be given, we all work in different ways and none of these 
systems (if that is what you want to call them) are going to be 
guaranteed to be successful all the time.  The best advice is not to 
think that what works today will work tomorrow so if it looks like it is 
all going wrong don't be pig headed just cut your losses, sit back and 
then have another try.

Remember that the markets are reacting to all the possible influences 
and information out there and the punters are trying to anticipate that 
so in some ways they are trying to constantly forecast what will happen 
next. Some describe it as Market sentiment.  Sometimes the investors are 
right and drive that particular stock or sector in the right direction 
and sometimes they are just plain wrong because something happens that 
they didn't anticipate.  That can result in panic and Markets often over 
react which can provide some good opportunities for those with the 
nerve.

You can try reading the news, but remember by then others will have 
already reacted and dealt.  You can try fundamental or technical 
analysis or a combination.  Some days you may do just as well with 
astrology or Tarot.  Look for trends, try to anticipate them but be wary 
of trying to time the markets too much as there are many others with far 
more experience and deeper pockets also trying to do that.  Always 
remember the big boys will be in there as well, they know that you don't 
always need to get in at the bottom and out at the top to make a profit 
and those who try to do that will sometimes/often miss the boat.
-- 
Paul Harris