Please help a newbie learn about stock criteria and stock screeners!

[mburnz]

I have only recently begun to learn and study about trading (roughly 3 months). In that time I have read NUMEROUS books and scoured tons and tons of websites for information. My mind feels like a sponge just thinking about how many books I've read and how much ink I've used at work to print out web tutorials that I read at home. I think I am now at the point where I am comfortable with such terminology and actions such as tech analysis from charts, trends, MACD lines, RSI, P/E, etc etc...the works.

Before I actually get into trading with my money I have set up a virtual account for trading and practicing. My question is: While I see TONS of sites and books about learning the aspects of trading, can someone school me on HOW to choose stocks, sectors, and software?? The best info I got came from a website that suggested using Yahoo! Stock screener and inputing various requirements such as volume, P/E, price, sector etc etc....

I feel, though, that this is not it or too simple. Where does one go to sort and choose stocks for setting up trades? While the stock screener was effective I feel that it is lacking. I want to learn how to gather stocks and then analyze them to make a move!

I have read about software programs such as stockcharts.com, Amibroker to name a few. What do they do and how can they help me, if this is what I need?

PLEASE educate me on your criteria and methods for gathering stocks and data for analyzation and how these programs can help me (if they are useful). I would GREATLY appreciate it as I feel this is holding me back from taking the next step forward. There is only so many times I can listen to the news for info about sectors and companies but I feel there is so much more out there. THANKS!

Mark

[777twist]

Hey Mark... I would go to TFNN.com and listen to Tom O'Brien's webcasts. They also have a feature called the Tiger's Den which I have yet to join, but I hear is a great resource for people to chat about stocks. These guys are very technical traders, but you can atleast hear some of the stocks they are buying and some of the sectors they focus on. Call it a jumping off point to other things.

As for software, I'm with TD Ameritrade and it's good, but I have seem some things from E-Trade that may make me switch at some point. Especially the connection to Excel, that's awesome on E-Trade.

Hope that helps.

[Stocktrading101]

I would use investors.com and become a CANSLIM investor. Most successful market strategy currently available today.

As far as brokers check out our list of top stock brokers, http://www.stocktradingtogo.com/2007...stock-brokers/. Personally I would go with #2.

Good luck!