Although no investment type is entirely without risk, by doing your research and trading wisely, you can still see big returns on your money.
But which investment type is right for you? Here’s a quick guide to help you decide how to get the most out of your money.
Investing in shares in generally seen as a long-term investment. It is extremely popular as the growth of shares normally out-performs inflation, giving you a greater return for your investment than a bank could.
Share investment
Investing in shares in generally seen as a long-term investment. It is extremely popular as the growth of shares normally out-performs inflation, giving you a greater return for your investment than a bank could.
When you buy shares in a company, you become a partial owner of that company. Depending on how many shares you have, you can vote in shareholder meetings and have a certain amount of say in the running of the company.
If the value of that company goes up over time, so do the value of your shares. Therefore giving you a profit on your initial investment when it comes time to sell.
Historically, investing in shares has produced some of the strongest after-tax investment returns over long periods of time. So if you’re looking for somewhere to put your money, this could be a great option.
Two approaches can be taken when dealing with shares. You can either buy into a company and then hold on to your shares for many years. Or you can actively trade between companies, buying and selling shares as values fluctuate.
Before you buy any shares, research potential investments as thoroughly as you can. Invest in the right company, and your money could be working for you for years to come but invest in the wrong company and it could be wiped out in an instant.
The foreign exchange market, also known as the Forex, FX and currency market is the name given to the market trading in foreign currencies.
Foreign exchange
The foreign exchange market, also known as the Forex, FX and currency market is the name given to the market trading in foreign currencies.
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| Forex Money for International Curency (Photo credit: epSos.de) |
Thanks to home computer programs and increased awareness of the Forex market, its popularity has grown massively over the last few years. In fact as of April 2010, average daily turnover in global foreign exchange markets was estimated at $3.98 trillion.
To make money out of the Forex market, you have to buy and sell currency at the most opportune times. Exchange rates fluctuate constantly due to various factors; military action, natural disasters, and political activity all have an impact on market confidence and therefore the perceived value of currency.
Large companies can use this to their advantage by executing payments or purchases when currencies are at the right levels. Even the smallest change in rates can have a big impact on large transactions.
Trading in shares can be lucrative but risky
Large companies can use this to their advantage by executing payments or purchases when currencies are at the right levels. Even the smallest change in rates can have a big impact on large transactions.
Individuals can make money on a smaller scale by buying up one currency and then selling it when the exchange rates change. The margins are rarely massive, but it can give you a bit of extra cash in your pocket.
Commodity trading refers to the trading of raw and primary products and the speculation on their values increasing or decreasing.
Raw and primary products include corn, milk, soybeans, sugar, precious metals and crude oil. Each product can only be traded in certain months of the year, so becoming familiar with the process is crucial before you start trading.
Money can be made by speculating on crop performances. For example, if there is a bad crop of sugar the price of sugar will go up. So buying sugar before the price increase and then selling when it’s at its peak will give you a profit.
Geopolitical factors can also influence the commodities market. For example, political instability in the Middle East can drive up the cost of crude oil. Or military action in a coffee producing country could affect that year’s crop, also driving up the prices.
As with shares, commodity trading can be long term – buying a product at a low cost and waiting for the value to rise – or short term, where the products are sold high and then bought back lower.
Commodity trading
Commodity trading refers to the trading of raw and primary products and the speculation on their values increasing or decreasing.
Raw and primary products include corn, milk, soybeans, sugar, precious metals and crude oil. Each product can only be traded in certain months of the year, so becoming familiar with the process is crucial before you start trading.
Money can be made by speculating on crop performances. For example, if there is a bad crop of sugar the price of sugar will go up. So buying sugar before the price increase and then selling when it’s at its peak will give you a profit.
Geopolitical factors can also influence the commodities market. For example, political instability in the Middle East can drive up the cost of crude oil. Or military action in a coffee producing country could affect that year’s crop, also driving up the prices.
As with shares, commodity trading can be long term – buying a product at a low cost and waiting for the value to rise – or short term, where the products are sold high and then bought back lower.
Dealing in commodities is like trying to predict the future
Whether you invest money in shares, foreign currency or commodities, they all revolve around speculation, risk and luck. Outside factors can dramatically affect each market, changing the value of your investment over night.
So whichever market you decide to invest in, do your research, and study the market and most of all never invest more than you can afford to lose.
Tom Reynolds, financial analyst at currency brokers firm, Currency Index. He analyzes the changes in yields and financial markets on daily basis, creating predictions on how different financial risk will change in the future that helps the company to hedge its assets and secure their clients’ investments.
So whichever market you decide to invest in, do your research, and study the market and most of all never invest more than you can afford to lose.
Tom Reynolds, financial analyst at currency brokers firm, Currency Index. He analyzes the changes in yields and financial markets on daily basis, creating predictions on how different financial risk will change in the future that helps the company to hedge its assets and secure their clients’ investments.
