Sunday 5 June 2011

Investing - What Do You Need to Know

By Dylan Sprouse


Investing refers to the process through which financing and various forms of capital are invested in an enterprise in order to produce a profit. In other words, investment involves the purchase of a financial product or an item of value in order to make a profit. Investment is using money with the aim of making more money.

Savings differ from investment as they involve setting aside a portion of one's income. In contrast, investing is a long-term strategy that aims at accumulating more money. Investment is associated with a number of advantages. Investing tends to beat out inflation, allowing financial goals to be reached.

There is a variety of investment types. These alternatives are sometimes called investment vehicles. The risks and benefits depend on the chosen type. To invest effectively, investors have to evaluate their objectives and resources. Regardless of the chosen investment vehicle, its aim is profit accumulation.

Stocks are among the most preferred investment tools. Basically, these represent investments in a publicly traded corporation. Corporate entities issue stakes of ownership or shares that are traded to the general public. The purchase and sale of stocks is carried out on the global stock exchanges.

Successful stock traders need to have a working knowledge of market tendencies and other factors which have impact on the stock market prices. The prices of stock can increase or decrease based on developments within the company, its income, and other factors.

Bonds are investment tools and a form of loans made to governments and corporate entities by investors. In return, governments and corporations pay fixed interest rate to the investors over an agreed period or term. At the end of the term, the lender recovers the principal amount.

The bond investment carries medium risk to the investor. Bond investments carry greater level of security because returns are guaranteed in most cases. However, bonds do not yield returns which are as high as those of individual stocks. The value of bonds is evaluated by third parties. Investors make decisions to purchase bonds depending on the trustworthiness and reputation of the corporate entities or governments that issue bonds.

The mutual funds are another investment tool that combines special types of bonds and stocks. Mutual funds are further categorized into different subtypes, allowing investors to specialize in a sector of their choice.

Investing is preferred alternative by those who lack time or expertise to perform daily research and assess the stocks on the market. It gives access to professionals who trade stocks for investors. Mutual funds carry different levels of risk from low and medium to high, depending on the sector where investors decide to commit resources.

Investment in real estate involves the commitment of funds to purchase a property and earn income from rental or lease. Real estate investment focuses on immovable property such as permanent assets and land. The investment value is determined upon the purchase of a property and the following bestowment of rights, e.g. control and possession.

The financial institutions that assist corporations and authorities in fund raising are called investment banks. They function as agents in the issuance of securities. Investment banks also assist companies that are involved in derivatives, mergers and acquisitions, etc. Ancillary activities are trading of derivatives, market making, equity security, and fixed income instruments. Unlike commercial banks, clients of investment banks are not required to make deposits.




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