Get Your Stock Market Questions Answered

Navigate the complexities of investing with confidence. Our comprehensive FAQ system helps you find exactly what you need to know about stock market fundamentals, trading strategies, and building your investment portfolio.

Find Your Path to Investment Knowledge

Start with your current situation to get the most relevant information for your investment journey.

Complete Beginner
Never bought a stock? Start here for basics like opening a brokerage account, understanding market terminology, and making your first investment decisions safely.
Have Some Experience
Already own some stocks but want to improve? Learn about portfolio diversification, risk management, and more advanced analysis techniques.
Technical Analysis Focus
Interested in charts and patterns? Discover how to read technical indicators, understand market trends, and time your trades more effectively.
Long-term Investing
Building wealth over time? Explore dividend investing, compound growth strategies, and how to create a retirement-focused portfolio.
Investment expert Melody Ashworth providing personalized guidance

Personal Guidance When You Need It

Sometimes a question doesn't fit neatly into categories. That's where our expert support comes in. Melody Ashworth, our lead investment educator with over 15 years of market experience, personally reviews complex questions from students.

Real Example: "I inherited 500 shares of a utility company from my grandmother. The stock pays dividends, but I'm 28 and wonder if I should sell and invest in growth stocks instead. What factors should I consider?"

Questions like this require personalized analysis considering your age, financial goals, tax situation, and risk tolerance. Our FAQ system guides you through the key considerations, but expert consultation ensures you make the right choice for your specific circumstances.

1
Getting Started Essentials
How much money do I need to start investing?
Many brokerages now offer zero minimum accounts. You can start with as little as $100, though $1,000 gives you more diversification options. The key is starting consistently rather than waiting for a large sum.
What's the difference between a market order and limit order?
Market orders execute immediately at current price. Limit orders only execute at your specified price or better. Use market orders for liquidity, limit orders for price control.
Should I invest in individual stocks or ETFs first?
ETFs typically make more sense for beginners because they provide instant diversification. Once you understand market fundamentals, you can gradually add individual stocks to your portfolio.
2
Risk Management
How much of my portfolio should be in stocks?
A common rule is "100 minus your age" as your stock percentage. So at 30, consider 70% stocks, 30% bonds. But adjust based on your risk tolerance and financial goals.
What's a stop-loss order and when should I use one?
Stop-losses automatically sell when a stock drops to your specified price. They're useful for limiting losses but can trigger during temporary volatility. Use them thoughtfully, not automatically.
How many stocks should I own?
Research suggests 20-30 stocks across different sectors provides good diversification. Too few increases risk, too many becomes hard to track. Quality over quantity matters most.
3
Analysis & Research
What financial ratios should I focus on?
Start with P/E ratio (valuation), debt-to-equity (financial health), and ROE (profitability). These three give you a solid foundation for evaluating any stock's fundamentals.
How do I read a company's earnings report?
Focus on revenue growth, profit margins, and forward guidance. Compare actual results to analyst expectations. Look for trends over multiple quarters, not just one-time results.
What's the best way to track my investments?
Use your brokerage's tools for basic tracking. Consider apps like Personal Capital or spreadsheets for detailed analysis. Review monthly, not daily, to avoid emotional reactions.
4
Tax Considerations
What's the difference between capital gains and dividends for taxes?
Capital gains are taxed when you sell (realized gains). Dividends are taxed in the year received. In Canada, capital gains are 50% taxable, while dividends have preferential tax treatment.
Should I hold investments for more than a year?
In Canada, there's no distinction between short and long-term capital gains like in the US. However, frequent trading can be considered business income, which is fully taxable.
How do I handle taxes on foreign stocks?
Foreign withholding taxes may apply to dividends. You can often claim foreign tax credits on your Canadian return. Keep detailed records of all foreign income and taxes paid.

Beyond Basic Questions

Our FAQ system goes deeper than simple definitions. We address real scenarios Canadian investors face, from RRSP vs TFSA decisions to understanding currency hedging in international ETFs.

  • Step-by-step decision frameworks for complex choices
  • Canadian-specific tax and regulatory guidance
  • Real portfolio examples with detailed analysis
  • Market scenario walkthroughs with expert commentary
  • Updated content reflecting 2025 market conditions
Advanced stock market analysis and portfolio planning tools
Comprehensive investment education resources and market analysis tools

Ready to Deepen Your Investment Knowledge?

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