Hi , I would like to start dealing in stocks and shares online, and would like some more information, and what to look out for and the pitfalls. Can anyone point me in the right direction please?

Andrew Melville.

You should visit the London Stock Exchange web site

http://www.londonstockexchange.com/

There is advice there as well as lists of brokers. Different brokers offer different services but it sounds like you are looking for an execution only online service. You should not deal with a broker who is not listed there.

Pitfalls to avoid include "penny" shares, unsolicited phone calls offering exciting oportunities and acting without properly thinking something through.

A little while ago I predicted here that the footse index would test its recent lows again without falling below them. If this is right, there will be good buying oportunities over the next weeks but you should not invest in anything that you don't understand and you should not use money that you can't afford to lose.

There are plenty of publications in newsagents offering up-to-date advice. I like Investors Chronicle.

Hi maxstream,

Thanks for your prompt reply and information, I'll have a look at the London Stock Exchange site tonight, I've also had a look at the broker list detailed in the Moneysupermarket site, I presume that these are respected brokers if they are recommended on this site?

I am new to this, but would like to find out more before I commit my-self.

Thanks again

Andrew

I've not looked at the moneysupermarket list but I would expect anyone on it to be members of the London Stock Exchange - there's no harm in checking though. As long as you buy shares from a LSE member, there are lots of guarantees that the shares will be purchased for you at the market price rather than the money being blown on a night out.

You are right to be cautious. Before your first purchase, it's not a bad idea to pretend to buy some shares and then, without spending any money, watch the prices to see if you made the right choice or not.

Hi maxstream,

Thanks for your prompt reply and information, I'll have a look at the London Stock Exchange site tonight, I've also had a look at the broker list detailed in the Moneysupermarket site, I presume that these are respected brokers if they are recommended on this site?

I am new to this, but would like to find out more before I commit my-self.

Thanks again

Andrew

I've recently started trading shares as usually deal with forex. I signed up with Barclays as thought they would have good dealing platform, servers etc, however was poor service and no longer use them It took me over 40 mins to get through on the phone, only to be gven the wrong info.

TD Waterhouse i have been using and upon the conversations have been thoroughly impressed with their service. I've never heard of them before but google'd and after research signed up.

They are the brokers i am using, great service!

Shanks

Hi Shanks, Thanks for your reply, and it's interesting to hear about the poor service with Barclays as I had considered going with them, not now though!. I'll look into TD Waterhouse too.

Thanks for your comments, every little thing helps

Andrew