Lux Investing

Can you start investing online with only $4,000, and nothing else. What are my options? I am a medical student

I have $4,000 and will not have money for a few years. Can I invest money online like at e-trade and expect to make money? Or do I need a constant flow of money to keep investing.

Public Comments

1. I recommend simply parking it in a money-market fund account until you complete school.
2. You can make a lot of money on stocks or forex but YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING or else you will likely lose everything rather than make 100% per year.
3. It is not clear what your goal is. If you have $4,000 that you won't need for a many years, then go ahead and invest it (I recommend a stock index mutual fund). If you need to spend the money over the next few years or want to spend the interest from the money, then you should invest in shorter term investments that pay interest -- certificates of deposit or money market funds, or even an interest-paying checking account.
4. You need far less than 4k to start. You can invest yourself, or in a fund. If you're a med student you really won't have the time and your studies are more important. Look for an aggressive fund like CGMFX with high returns and strong management.
5. If you're not going to have money in a while, don't risk the little (yes, 4000 dollars is little) money you have. If you are really really dying to invest, find a good broker that knows the market. Have him/her invest for you. You're too busy with your studies to invest right now. If you get a really savvy investor to do the leg work for you, you might have a nice wad of cash years from now. just remember with any type of investment, there is a level of risk.
6. 1) Yes. 2) I suggest ETFs.
7. i agree with Yarcofin, you have to know what are you doing. choose you area(finance, medical, etc.) and start learning about the companies in where you want to invest. then choose broker with whom you'd like to play with and open an account. i found very simple broker comparing portal. it a bit raw but it will do. www.stockbrokersnet.com good luck
8. forex investment would be a good option and you can meke good returns at the moment
9. I am an MD as well. Diversity is the key. Put some in to this. 9,000% in 10 months doing nothing. In this crisis year, 1000% automatically! http://automaticforextrading.blogspot.com
10. HAHA! Yes you can, 2 years ago I started with 1000. I now have over 20,000 (through the miracle of compounding) Just make sure you know what your doing, You can lose very easy. I have a toal annulized return of 60% so far for 2008. Meaning for every 100 I invest I will get 160. My only advice is if you invest in something at 5 dollars, and than it goes up to 10 dollars. And you are uncertain of its future GET OUT OF IT! Sounds easy right? Trust me when you get high and cocky its hard to take yourself out of it. Buy low sell high and cut your losses. That is the line you should live by.