Learning to invest

Learning to invest in shares is both challenging and rewarding. To assist you in getting started, read our First Steps section, as this outlines the basics of learning how to invest in the sharemarket. You can also ask a broker a question or review the top questions answered in the broker archive.

If you want to find out a stock code or more information on New Zealand companies that are listed on the NZX (NZ Stock Exchange) you can find a list here. The ShareChat bookstore also stocks specific books on investing and trading, including the popular Go Learn Shares CD-Rom.

Before you invest your hard-earned money, there are a few factors that you should consider, such as how long do you want to invest for, do you require a regular income, what sort of risk are you comfortable with.

Investments typically fall into three main categories:: Shares, Property, Term Deposits and then within these categories are multiple sub-categories.

Kiwi's are well-known for their love affair of property. You can find out more about property investing on our sister site, Landlords.co.nz. Landlords has a comprehensive list of mortgage rates, and useful house and rental statistics for investors.

If you decide to use term deposits, you can find some information on our sister site, DepositRates.co.nz that will assist you choosing the best interest rates. Definitely look for the Government guarantee tick on the handy deposit rates comparison table.

Let's get started! Use the following links to learn more about investing in the stock market.

First Steps

Our First Steps educational series takes would-be investors on a sharemarket journey, explaining in simple terms such things as the difference between private and public companies, why the sharemarket exists, and how people can begin to invest in shares.

Go Learn Shares

The GO Learn Shares courses are relevant to all beginners, intermediate and investors or investors who would like to understand the basics of topics such as short term technical trading and risk management.

A FREE preview of each Go Learn Shares chapter is here

Ask a Broker

Here's where you can ask a broker your burning question.
Be sure to check the broker archive first, just in case the answer is already there.

Learning to invest

Learning to Invest was a popular series of educational articles posted to the ShareChat Forum. The late Gerry Stolwyk, initiated the series on the Forum in the latter part of 2000. Gerry used to say "Investors work at the coal face - they have emotions which are appreciated by others who 'have been there before'. We have included some of the elements that have a place in investors' thought processes. The content varies from humour to carefully crafted discussions, from crusading to the interpretation of investment results. Well worth a look.

Sharemarket Seminars

Be sure to check out our popular sharemarket seminar listing section.  You'll find lots of educational courses, seminars and expos.  Some are even free to attend.   

Forex Trading Centre
CFD Trading Centre
Options Trading Centre