The investment world is full of opportunities and risks. When it comes to capital growth, stocks are always in the spotlight. Despite their potential, buying shares in these companies is a source of concern even for experienced investors. Is it worth buying stocks in 2024, when the market is volatile and global events are changing the rules of the game? Let’s find out in the article.
Advantages of buying stocks
Investing in equity instruments has a number of undeniable advantages. The potential return, dividends and inflation protection are just a few reasons why they remain popular with investors. But what makes these stocks so attractive and worth buying in the current market conditions?
Dividend income
Receiving dividends is one of the main ways to generate passive income through stock investments. Companies that pay out dividends regularly attract investors looking for a regular income. For example, the largest Russian companies pay out a dividend of 6% to 10% annually. When it comes to payment stability, the energy and metals sectors are leaders.
Dividend yield is a measure calculated as the ratio of annual payments to the current share price. In 2023, Lukoil shares paid a dividend of 12%, which was one of the best results on the market. Long-term investors who opt for dividend stocks not only receive regular payments, but also get the chance to grow their capital through an increase in the value of their assets.
Rising stock prices
Securities can increase an investor’s capital by increasing their market value. For example, Tesla shares have risen by more than 700% in the past five years. Technology companies such as Apple and Microsoft have also experienced impressive growth and attracted the attention of thousands of investors around the world.
The growth of the share price is directly dependent on the company’s financial performance, innovations and market trends. A successful investor closely follows quarterly reports, strategic plans and macroeconomic changes. With this approach, you can acquire shares of promising companies in a timely manner and secure profits at the highest possible level.
Disadvantages and risks of investing in stocks: is it worth buying securities?
Despite the attractive prospects, the purchase carries certain risks. Volatility, the need for constant monitoring and possible losses. It is important to know what obstacles you may encounter along the way.
market volatility
The stock market is an area of constant fluctuations. Today they can rise 10% and tomorrow they can fall 15%. Volatility is caused by many factors: economic news, political events and changes in interest rates. For example, the S&P 500 index lost about 19% in 2022 due to the unstable economic situation.
The volatility of the market requires emotional stability and a clear strategy from investors. Experienced traders use stop-loss orders, hedging and portfolio diversification to minimize risks. However, even the most advanced methods do not provide absolute protection against loss.
The Need for Analysis and Knowledge
Successful stock investing requires in-depth market knowledge and analytical skills. Without a thorough examination of financial statements, market trends, and the competitive environment, the chances of success are minimal. Fundamental and technical analysis can help you determine how profitable it is to buy a particular security.
Fundamental analysis involves evaluating a company’s balance sheet, income and expenditure dynamics, and a company’s competitive advantages. For example, an investor analyzing Apple stock looks at iPhone sales, the development of new technologies, and the company’s market position. Technical analysis relies on price charts and indicators to predict the future movement of stocks.
Should you buy stocks and how to choose the right stocks for your investment?
Choosing the right instruments is half the battle on the road to success in the stock market. It is important to understand which companies can generate profits and which parameters should be taken into account in the analysis.
Key indicators
The fundamentals of a company can be used to assess its true value and growth prospects. The most important indicators are the price-earnings ratio (the price-earnings ratio of a company), return on equity (ROI), net income and debt. For example, a company with a low price-earnings ratio and stable profit growth is considered undervalued and is attractive for investment.
One of the most striking examples of successful fundamental analysis is the purchase of Amazon shares in the early 2000s. Despite high development costs, the Group achieved steady profit growth and business expansion, which ultimately led to a multiplication of the share value.
Technical analysis and charts
Technical analysis allows you to determine the optimal entry and exit points for a position. Investors use indicators such as moving averages, RSI (Relative Strength Index) and MACD (Moving Average Convergence-Divergence).
For example, if a chart shows a crossover between the 50-day and 200-day moving averages, this can indicate the beginning of an upward trend. Technical analysis is useful not only for traders, but also for long-term investors who want to buy stocks at a favorable price.
How to start investing in stocks
Many people wonder how to take their first steps in the stock market. The process of investing in stocks requires preparation and understanding the basic principles:
- Choosing a broker. Selection criteria include transaction costs, ease of use of the trading platform and access to analysis and training materials. In Russia, popular brokers such as Tinkoff Investments, BCS World of Investments and Alfa-Bank offer numerous opportunities for trading in stocks.
- Acquisition of the first securities. For beginners, it is advisable to start with stocks of large, stable companies or ETFs (exchange-traded funds), which offer diversification and limit risk. For example, if you buy an S&P 500 Index ETF, you can invest in the 500 largest American companies.
- Investing in stocks compared to other instruments. By comparing them with bonds, ETFs and real estate, you can gain insight into which instrument is best suited to achieving your financial goals.
- Long-term investments. Stocks have delivered high returns over the long term. For example, the average annual return of the S&P 500 index over the past 30 years has been around 10%. While returns on bonds rarely exceed 5%.
Conclusion
Investing in securities offers the opportunity to increase capital, but also carries the risk of capital loss. A balanced approach and careful analysis will help you understand whether stocks are worth buying in 2024. These instruments are suitable for anyone who is willing to take risks and achieve high returns.