Some stock investors never follow news about the stock market. That's because they have an adviser monitoring their investments for them. However, if you invest on your own, it's important to watch how your stocks are doing. It can help you make better decisions.
Where can I learn about stocks?
- The business sections of major newspapers
- The websites of stock exchanges, such as the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX).
Both these sources will give you stock tables. The table will group stocks under the exchange where they are traded and in order from A to Z.
Tip: Most Canadian investors buy stocks on the TSX. Other common exchanges include:
- NYSE and Nasdaq in the United States
- Overseas stock exchanges, such as London and Tokyo.
Where can I find information on a specific stock?
You can look up your stock on stock tables by their ticker symbols. A stock ticker symbol is a set of letters that stands for the stock. For example, the symbol for Alcan Inc. is AL.
Tip: Some companies offer different types of stocks, so they will have more than one stock ticker symbol. You need to know which one is for the stock you want to check.
Remember: It's smart to track your investments
You can easily find information in the financial pages of your newspaper, or on the Internet. When you keep better track of how your stocks are doing, you have a better understanding of the value of your investments.
Content in this section is provided in partnership with the Investor Education Fund, a non-profit organization promoting financial literacy to Canadians. To find out more go to GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca.
