I have $1000 to start trading…as a beginner, how many different stocks is reasonable to focus on at one time?
A few years ago the "talking heads" of the financial media were discussing this subject and one person gave details about how he would have a minimum of 11 stocks to be diversified. I don't believe $1000 is enough to get enough shares of 11 "good" stocks to make it worthwhile. For beginners, I prefer a good well diversified mutual fund as a "core holding." Once you have a good amount in that, you can branch out to stocks. There are several good funds you can open with $1,000, one (not a recommendation, just one of my favorites, do you own research) is Vanguard's Star Fund.