How much money is needed to start investing in stocks?

[Technics1200]

What's the average amount of money one would use to buy stocks. Also how do you know how much your stocks are worth. I always hear about the dow jones, and the other stocks that are play a major role in the NYSE. Sometimes there are numbers that say 8930.00 and then next to it is like 38.00. What is that? Can someone elaborate, please?

 

[Sluggo]

Go to www.etrade.com and do a little studying.

 

[PsychoAndy]

average is relative to what your income is. A richy investment banker would "average" more $ per investment than a guy working 9-5 at the GM plant.

worth= how many shares you own * closing price ( 100 shares of Dell * 17.48 = $1,748.00)

 

[j0lly]

The first number is the total point value of the specified market and the second one is probably the loss/gain. Obviously you need to do more reasearch before you even think about investing. If you are in college I suggest BA 101. If not there are plenty of websites like fool.com and buyandhold.com that you get some good reading from. There is no stipulation on the absolute minimum you are required to invest. Most online traders require you to have atleat $500. In order to reap sound returns you need to invest atlest $10,000. Stock options (a highly volatile alternative) are another form of trade that people indulge in. Once you have done your research and are prepared to invest, seek out a trader. datek.com is widely popular.

 

[Mday]

it depends on what you want to buy.

if you want the high risk\gain, you better be willing to lose some.

shares cost $$, some cost $, some cost $$$

 

[Unclemo]

Take 500 or if you can afford $1,000 and throw it into an index fund tracking the OEX or SPX. You can't do wrong with that.