We'll point you in the right direction

Over the past 25 years, shares have provided better average returns than most other investments¹. Plus, you can usually access your money two (2) business days after selling your shares, making them a flexible investment.

All investments involve some risk, and shares are no different. There is the possibility that the companies you've invested in could go out of business, or the share price could fall. If you need to sell your shares at a time when the price is lower than your buying price, you'll make a loss.

There are ways you may be able to minimise your risk, such as building a diverse portfolio of shares from different companies, so you're not putting all your eggs in one basket.

The stock market is where you buy and sell shares in publicly listed companies. Share prices may rise and fall in response to various factors, including company performance, economic changes and demand.

In Australia, shares are traded electronically on a centralised exchange –either the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) or Cboe.

Both the ASX and Cboe markets are open Monday to Friday between 10am to 4pm (Sydney time).

Defined your investment goals? Ready to get started?

Now it’s time to research companies that you might like to invest in. Knowing where to start can be the first challenge, given how many options there are. But there are ways to narrow down the possibilities.

Think about companies you know and have a relationship with — whether it’s a company you work for, shop at, travel with or something else.

Does that company meet your investment criteria?

See how CommSec can help you trade with confidence