Investing for beginners in the UK (part 2): Boost your trading skills

Learn some key definitions, the tools available and how to analyse stocks to enhance your investment knowledge. Missed part 1? Hit "4 steps to help you get started" at the top of the page.

Meet Finder’s investment experts

Our team can help you navigate the world of investing. We start with the basics – like why people invest – explain the jargon and offer practical tips.

Zoe Stabler DipFA
Senior investment writer

Danny Butler
Senior investment publisher

Louise Bastock
Deputy editor

Alice Guy
Investment and tax writer

Roland Head
Investment writer

Liz Edwards
Editor-in-chief

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Definitions

There’s a wealth of terminology in share trading that you’ve got to get your head around when learning about investing. Here are some of the key ones you might come across when investing, so you’ll be up to speed and looking like a pro in no time.

Investment types

Shares aren’t the only things you can invest in — you can buy gold, soybeans, oil and bonds. There are also several types of shares, including pink sheets, penny stocks, blue chip stocks and fractional shares. Here are some of the different things you can invest in.

Analysis

Stock analysis lets you effectively monitor share performance — this helps you work out if stocks are under- or overvalued and understand annual reports. These guides help you strategise and monitor shares.

Investment tax and tax-free accounts

Nobody likes paying tax. Luckily, there are plenty of account types with tax-free allowances. These account types are called “tax wrappers”. Here’s more information about investment tax and some of the accounts that you can use.

Tools

Investment tools can be really helpful when learning how to invest — you’ll want to know the different types of order, how stock charts can be used and how to practise more complex investment types and strategies.

Useful investment guides

Want to know more about stock exchanges, which companies you can invest in and whether you need investment advice? We answer all of these questions in our general investment guides below.

All investing should be regarded as longer term. The value of your investments can go up and down, and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. If you’re not sure which investments are right for you, please seek out a financial adviser. Capital at risk.

*Cryptocurrencies aren't regulated in the UK and there's no protection from the Financial Ombudsman or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Your capital is at risk. Capital gains tax on profits may apply.

Cryptocurrencies are speculative and investing in them involves significant risks - they're highly volatile, vulnerable to hacking and sensitive to secondary activity. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you invested. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. This content shouldn't be interpreted as a recommendation to invest. Before you invest, you should get advice and decide whether the potential return outweighs the risks. Finder, or the author, may have holdings in the cryptocurrencies discussed.

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