Peter's Story

Back in the late 60’s early 70’s there was no internet and one relied on newspaper tips (which today I wouldn’t entertain). I read or borrowed my father's copies of investing magazines, too. Those sources coupled with manually carrying out technical analysis was the starting point of my new hobby - becoming an investor / trader on the stock market.

Yes - by offering me more information when making that decision to buy or not to buy. The package is very similar to Sharescope and I run the two systems side by side. The best features I like about Stockopedia are the rankings, being able to compare companies on a like-for-like basis and compare chart performances against one another. Sharescope can’t do that!

Over the years (40+) I would like to think I have become a much more experienced investor and my results have improved over the years. Technology and Stockopedia in particular has helped contribute to that performance - both have contributed to a greater understanding of what works.

I could write a book on this and have considered it - but something else always gets in the way! In the context and scope of this subject I will keep it brief and use bullet points. They are not in any particular level of importance, all the advice offered is all of equal importance.

• Ask yourself if you have spare capital that you can afford to lose.
• Are you going to be an investor or trader?
• Learn how to read and understand financial statements and in particular The Chairman’s report.
• Get to know and understand charts (technical analysis). The best way to do this is by paper trading and studying charts.
• What is driving you to get started out in the world of investing? Later on in life my reason was to create my own pension fund as I knew I could do better than the “so called” financial advisers who charge exorbitant fees.
• Patience is a great asset when dealing in equities, don’t chase prices.
• The three biggest issues that govern the path of a share price are fear, greed and the herd instinct. Don’t be a sheep!
• Don’t use a broker who offers advice, (unless it is free). As you progress with your new found interest in life you will gain in confidence and knowledge.
• Be prepared to learn by your misjudgements. You will lose money.
• There are some excellent books on investing, read them. Stockopedia offers a wide selection.
• Don’t act on bulletin board tips.
• If you see a tip in the press, magazine or other form of tip sheet, do your own research before acting. I always look at the chart of the share tip before thinking of buying it, as well as it's StockRank on Stockopedia.