I would like to start investing in the stock market. I am talking about active trading (but not day trading!). Something like holding stocks for multiple days or weeks (I think it's called position trading). Since there are so many stocks out there, I don't know where to start. I plan to stay away from penny stocks for sure. I am looking for a moderate return, nothing crazy. I don't plan to blindly follow tips however. I remember a tip that was given to me by a "so called financial" advisor back in 1999, where he suggested that I invest more of my 401K in Internet stocks. At that time, I resisted to do so!. I would appreciate any advice of where to look. What's Your experience? Thanks Mutual Funds is what I have already in my 401k. I don't plan to touch that. I am also not planning to do day trading, becuase of the high risk and lack of time (I have a day job). It looks like I will be doing what they call position trading (buy and sell in the time frame of weeks-months). Which online broker do you recommend? etrade, Scottrade,...?

Learn how to use Value Line. That's the best way for individuals to learn how and why to buy certain stocks.

Morningstar.com

We are of like mind, but because I only have $10,000 to invest, I'm forced to Day Trade index futures. I'm not a Day Trader, but have been a position trader off and on for 15 years, mostly with options and futures. Tough game for the little guy with weak hands. Check outthis link at TerraNova Online. The Investor platform is an escellent trading tool for a beginner, and is limited to one screen. I use RealTick and five screens, but it costs $250/mo. Ask about a free trial. http://terranovaonline.com/ A lot of online brokerages claim to give you direct access, but if they take more than a second to execute your trade, it aint direct. Find the articles online that have evaluated and compared online brokerages. I found a good one online in Barron's, but you'll find others in the trading magazines. This is worth putting a little time and effort into, because it's a pain to switch, so once you choose, you're kinda stuck with it. Townsend Electronics, the Parent company of TerraNova, is the one that digitized and electronified the Nasdaq. They are technological industry leaders and have a powerful and well built trading system. What you should try is a free trial of their Investor platform, which I think is free anyway. Their rates are good also, but of course, it depends on how often you trade. It will take you months to learn all the bells and whistles of what this program can do. The other top-of-the line program is TradeStation, but it costs big bucks to join and operate. Some people consider it the Cadillac of trading and technical analysis. TerraNova is the home of the Day Trader, so they think nothing of you making several hundred trades a day. You don't have to do that, but it's okay here if you do. Read vociferously: "Which Is Better, Buy-and-Hold or Market Timing?" "Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Market Timer The Beginner's Bible in Technical Analysis is: Edwards & McGee"Tech. Anal. Of Stock Trends" Droke, ClifTechnical Analysis Simplified Kahn, Michael N.Tech. Anal. Plain & Simple Kamich, Bruce M.How Technical Analysis Works Lefevre, EdwinReminiscences of a Stock Operator Lofton, ToddGetting Started in Futures Lowenstein, RogerBuffet (Warren)-The Making of a Capitalist O'Neil, William J.How to Make Money in Stocks Oz, TonyHow to Make Money From Wall Street Rotella, Robert P.Elements of Successful Trading, The Schwager, JackStock Market Wizards Schwager, Jack D.New Market Wizards Sperandeo, VictorTrader Vic-Methods of a Wall Street Master Wasendorf, RussellAll About Futures Slutsky, Scot and Darrell JobmanComplete Guide to Electronic Futures Trading You can get every one of these books from your local library. If they don't have it, ask about Interloan Library System.

I believe you are talking about swing trading (holding a position for a few days). Please visit http://www.mrswing.com it will help you in swing trading stocks.