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How to Buy Stocks: A Beginner's Guide

This guide provides a foundational overview for individuals seeking to enter the stock market. It addresses essential steps, from setting up a brokerage account to selecting initial investments. Examples of widely-held stocks and ETFs, such as Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index ETF (VTI) are used for illustration.

빠른 답변 This page serves as an introductory guide to buying stocks, designed for beginners. It outlines the necessary steps, including opening a brokerage account and making initial investment selections. The guide uses examples like Apple (AAPL) and Microsoft (MSFT) to illustrate common stock choices and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index ETF (VTI) as an example of a broad market ETF.
Examples3Screens60Average score87.00Updated2026-04-10Prices as ofOct 26, 2026 session

수치는 Financial Modeling Prep(FMP)에서 가져옵니다. FMP에 특정 종목의 수치가 없으면 주가나 펀더멘털 지표는 Yahoo Finance 대체 데이터에서, 주가는 Alpaca 대체 데이터에서 가져올 수 있습니다. SEC EDGAR는 공시 링크와 회사 식별 정보(정식 회사명, 주소)에만 사용하며 수치에는 사용하지 않습니다.

MoonshotScore V2는 미국 상장 적격 기업을 같은 업종의 기업과 비교해 다섯 가지 축으로 0~100점을 매깁니다: 사업의 질(가중치 26), 재무 안전성(가중치 20), 밸류에이션(가중치 18), 성장 지속성(가중치 16), 모멘텀(가중치 12). 뉴스 심리나 애널리스트 데이터는 사용하지 않으며, 미래 수익률의 확률이 아닙니다.

20,000+ US companies analyzed

Getting Started in the Stock Market

Entering the stock market can seem complex initially, but understanding the basic steps can simplify the process. This guide breaks down key aspects such as opening a brokerage account, researching potential investments, and placing your first trade. It is tailored for beginners seeking a clear path to start investing.

Worked Example: These Figures Today

The companies used as examples above, with the current figures behind them. Illustrations of the metric — not a ranking, not a shortlist, and not a recommendation.

Example companies for this topic, listed in the order the guide introduces them — prices, day change and market cap as of the Oct 26, 2026 trading session (FMP quote); P/E and MoonshotScore from our latest stored data. Source: Financial Modeling Prep, Yahoo Finance.
Ticker Company Price Change Market Cap MoonshotScore
AAPL Apple Inc. $343.91 -1.10% $5.0T 89
MSFT Microsoft Corporation $532.60 +1.54% $4.0T 85
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund $375.59 +0.69% $2.3T —

Example Stocks and ETFs

To illustrate potential investment options, we reference the following: * **Apple (AAPL):** A widely-held technology stock. * **Microsoft (MSFT):** Another leading technology company often found in portfolios. * **Vanguard Total Stock Market Index ETF (VTI):** An exchange-traded fund (ETF) that provides broad exposure to the U.S. stock market.
“MoonshotScore V2는 NASDAQ, NYSE, AMEX에 상장된 적격 보통주와 ADR을 업종 내 상대 평가를 위한 다섯 가지 축으로 평가해 0~100점을 부여합니다. ETF, OTC 종목, 미국 외 거래소 상장 종목은 대상이 아닙니다. V2 점수가 없어도 기존 V1으로 대체하지 않습니다. 투자 조사 지표이며 매매 권고가 아닙니다.”
— Stock Expert AI published methodology (how MoonshotScore works)

Questions worth resolving before acting on the screen

What is a brokerage account?

A brokerage account is an investment account used to buy and sell stocks, bonds, and other investments. It acts as an intermediary between you and the stock market.

How much money do I need to start investing?

The amount depends on the brokerage and the stocks you want to buy. Some brokerages allow you to buy fractional shares, enabling you to invest with smaller amounts.

What are the risks of investing in stocks?

Stock prices can fluctuate, and you could lose money. It's important to diversify your investments and invest for the long term to mitigate risk. Consider consulting a financial advisor.

What does diversification mean?

Diversification is the practice of spreading your investments across different asset classes, industries, and geographic regions to reduce risk.

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Stock Expert AI provides data and analysis tools for educational purposes. This is not financial advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. 수치는 Financial Modeling Prep(FMP)에서 가져옵니다. FMP에 특정 종목의 수치가 없으면 주가나 펀더멘털 지표는 Yahoo Finance 대체 데이터에서, 주가는 Alpaca 대체 데이터에서 가져올 수 있습니다. SEC EDGAR는 공시 링크와 회사 식별 정보(정식 회사명, 주소)에만 사용하며 수치에는 사용하지 않습니다.