Investing is a useful way to build wealth for the future. But when you are first getting started, diving into investing can seem daunting. That’s when the best stock research websites can step in to help.
After all, what resources should you trust when picking the right stock for you when there are so many ‘hot stock tips’ out there? Luckily, there are reliable stock research sites to help you determine which stocks align with your investment goals.
Let’s explore why you should start investing and which website can help you in your search.
Why should you start investing?
We often hear that investing is important. But why should you start building your investment portfolio? Although saving for your future is important, investing takes things to the next level. Investing allows you to grow your money for the future. Through the power of compounding over a long period of time, you can build wealth while staving off the worst of inflation.
In the past, the stock market has provided returns between 6% and 7% even with inflation factored in. With that, it is clear to see the positive effects of investing on your long-term wealth.
7 Best stock research websites
Convinced that investing is a good choice for your future? Here are the best stock research websites to consider.
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance is a popular spot for basic stock research. If you are just getting starting with investing, Yahoo! Finance offers basic charts with financial data. Additionally, the site offers tracking options for stocks, ETFs, and more.
You’ll find a lot of data through Yahoo! Finance. With the easy-to-use platform, you can explore the stock market. However, you will miss out on some of the deeper details of the market.
The good news is you can start using Yahoo! Finance for free. But there is also a premium option that starts at $34.99. With the premium option, you’ll find access to more technical data and some portfolio analysis tools.
Google Finance
Google Finance is a free stock research website that will allow you to conduct basic stock research. Although the platform lacks some of the support available through paid options, it is an affordable way for any DIY investor to get started. There is no special analysis offered through Google Finance. But you can easily set up a watchlist for stocks that interest you.
Fidelity Research
Like most brokerage platforms, Fidelity offers Fidelity Research to interested investors on their platform. Through Fidelity, you can gain access to in-depth research information. As an investor, you’ll appreciate the detailed analysis of individual stocks and additional tools to help you determine which stocks align with your investment goals.
Morningstar
Morningstar is a well-respected stock research website. And with good reason! With Morningstar, you’ll find top of the line investment monitoring tool and stock research. The stock screening tools are created based on the analysis of 150 different analysts. With that, you can expect a solid analysis summary.
Although there is a free 14 day trial for Morningstar, you’ll have to sign up for the premium option to continue using the platform. It may seem expensive at $199 per year. But it is one of the top investment research websites available.
Motley Fool Stock Advisor
Motley Fool Stock Advisor is a tool that allows you to cut down on the amount of time you spend looking for good investment opportunities.
Instead of pouring through data to find a good option, you’ll receive regular stock picks from the experts at Motley Fool Stock Advisor. With each pick, there is an extensive collection of data and real-time monitoring to help you determine if it’s the right time to buy.
In order to use take advantage of this opportunity, you’ll have to pay $99 per year. But it just might be worth the cost if you want to rely on the stock picks offered by this service.
Zacks Investment Research
Zacks Investment Research is a well-established stock research site. Although it often offers unconventional advice, there is a track record of positive outcomes. If you are curious to see what this site has to offer, you can explore it for free.
But if you want more guidance and a portfolio tracking tool, you’ll have to pay for the premium option. Luckily, there’s a free 30-day trial to help you decide if this platform is a good fit for you.
The Wall Street Journal
Although you may think of the Wall Street Journal as a newspaper for the older generation, it provides economic news and timely information on business trends that could impact stocks you are interested in.
Personally, I enjoy checking in with the Wall Street Journal for information about stocks. I appreciate the even tone that is difficult to find among some of the more enthusiastic stock research websites.
Of course, you should conduct additional research on trends found in the Wall Street Journal. But it is a good starting point for the latest stock indicators.
How to research stocks as a beginner
Before you start researching stocks, it is critical to determine your investment goals. Diving into investing without a clear understanding of what you are trying to achieve can lead to major portfolio issues in the future.
Take some time to determine your risk tolerance. Once you have a handle on the risks you are willing to take with your money, consider what types of investments fit into that comfort level.
After deciding what you want your portfolio to achieve, dive into stock research with the basic metrics that matter. Here’s what to consider:
Revenue
What money is the company bringing in? Does the revenue reflect the value of the stock?
Net income
What expenses is the company facing? Are razor-thin margins creating a loss or a risky investment?
Earnings per share (EPS)
Earnings per share can be determined by diving the earnings by the number of shares. You can use this metric to compare companies more easily.
Price per earnings(P/E) ratio
The price per earnings can be determined by dividing the stock price by EPS. You can see what the market is willing to pay for earnings based on the shares.
Return on equity (ROE)
Return on equity reflects how much the company is able to generate in revenue based on the investments of stockholders.
Although none of these metrics allow for a complete analysis on their own, the combination will allow you to paint a useful picture of a companies financial health and the attractiveness of the investment opportunity.
As you get more comfortable with researching stocks, these metrics will seem more useful. Not sure where to get started? Take our completely free investment courses to start on the right foot.
Leverage the best stock research websites for your investing goals!
Investing is a critical element of a strong financial future. With the help of the best stock research websites, you can start building a portfolio that will take your wealth to the next level. Get started with your research and pick the one that works best for you!