Stock Trading

The key to any relationship particularly when it comes to money is choosing someone you can trust. A stock broker is essentially your agent in charge of your money. The main role of a stock broker is to provide the investor with timely good advice on picking the right investment for you and your money.

A stock broker must be qualified to sell equities. In order to be certified the stock broker must be educated and pass state administered tests. Aside from the basic minimum qualifications a stock broker has a track record in his or her handling of stock portfolios.

A smart investor will ask the potential stock broker about his accounts for the past five years. Questions that require the stock broker candidate to discuss their investment strategy. What stock picks has he or she made that turned a profit. What stock picks did not show gains, but losses. If the stock broker works for a brokerage house and most do, ask about the clients of the firm.

The stock broker is like any professional you would hire to perform a service. You are interviewing a candidate who will not only advise you on stocks and other investments, but someone who will take your personal welfare above all other considerations. Have a discussion with several candidates on the phone. The next step is to come up with a short list and have a personal meeting with the candidate stock broker.

There are regulations and government entities that regulate stock brokers in every state. There is arbitration remedies for damages you may incur if the stock broker has acted negligently in the handling of your account. These are bottom line safeguards. You want to pick someone who will never place you in that position.

In your selection process for a stock broker keep in mind the following points:

- A referral from a friend for a stock broker is useful, but not the final word.

- Hiring a friend that is a stock broker can be problematic if a disagreement occurs.

- From the first contact with the stock broker does he or she act attentive and return calls.

- Does the candidate stock broker ask you about your comfort level in investing.

- Does the candidate stock broker provide you with insight into his or her investment strategy.

- Does the candidate stock broker's investment strategy coincide with your ideas about investing.

- Ask the stock broker candidate to explain limit orders and other means of protecting your investment.

Is the candidate stock broker forthright in telling you of in-house stock portfolios. Many brokerage houses have baskets of stocks they promote under the firms name. How has the firm's stock package done over the past four quarters.
When the candidate stock broker is speaking to you does he or she gloss over information or do you get the impression it is a sales pitch. Every stock broker is a sales person, but there are limits in this field.

Finally, never make a decision on the spot. After your meeting face-to-face go home or back to your office and consider your choices. Pay particular attention to your gut reaction after you have left the meeting. Is this someone you trust to carry out your wishes and provide you with sound investment choices.

The avid sports fan has a place in the Stock Market. If you have a passion for sports either as an amateur player or sports fan there are great stocks for you to invest. The sports retail and manufacturing industry is worth billions in revenue. Passions do not come cheap so maybe you can turn your enjoyment into making a few dollars.

Dick's Sporting Goods is a multi sport equipment, apparel and general store. The passion of the owner Dick borrowed $300 from his grandmother and opened a bait and tackle store in 1958. Today Dick's Sporting Goods is located in 34 states with 315 stores. In addition, he owns Golf Galaxy a multi-channel golf specialty retailer with 77 stores. The stock sells on the New York Stock Exchange with the stock ticker DKS. The stock currently sells for about $70 per share. It enjoys a market cap of over 3.5 billion dollars. The stock has some big name holders like Citigroup, Oppenheimer and Goldman Sachs.

Foot Locker Inc. is another sports shoes and apparel shop that has a significant market share of sports market. The stock sells on the NYSE for $16.71 a share. It trades under the stock ticker FL. It has some room to go back up to the $40 range where it belongs. Some weakening in the retail area and other concerns have weighed on this stock. It is a good stock and worth watching.

Cabela's is a Nebraska sports and apparel company that sells on-line. It has store outlets that are an adventure for any shopper. Cabela's is a success story and when the jitters in the market subside it will soar. It is priced currently in the high $20 range and worth every dime. It trades under symbol CAB.

Nike Inc. is a familiar brand name for most sports fans and enthusiasts. The stock is sold on the New York Stock Exchange. The stock symbol is NKE. The company sells apparel, shoes and accessories. The company has a 28.2 billion dollar market share. Nike employs over 32,000 employees. Nike is priced currently at $58 per share. The stock is expected to climb as high as $70 per share. Some of the major holders are Barclay's Global Fund, Fidelity Blue Chip Fund, Vanguard 500 Index Fund and some other blue ribbon funds.

The combined efforts of Molson Brewing Company of Canada and Coors Brewing Company in recent years created the Molson Coors Brewing Company. The market cap and distribution of the company is tremendous. It employs 11,000 people. It has plans to open a new subsidiary. It is going through a shift in upper management, but it is a sold investment to keep on your radar. The stock symbol is TAP and sells in mid to high $80. The company has a blue ribbon list of holders of the stock. Barclays Global Fund, Vanguard Group, and Goldman Sachs are a sample of their investors.

The sports fan has lots of opportunities to invest in their passion and enjoy the game as a participant in the sheer fun of making a few dollar in the process.