Learning about shares: Make the most of the facts at your fingertips

Barbara asks: How can I keep tabs on what companies are up to - their activities, new ventures and plans?

Dan Dividend responds:

You've correctly identified the one thing all investors need - information.

Buying shares in a company without knowing what the company is up to is like throwing all your chips on one number on the roulette table. Fine if you like gambling, not too smart if you want to be a successful investor in the long term.

Fortunately, companies release information through several avenues and it's pretty easy to get your hands on. All you need is the usual equipment: newspaper, television, internet connection and a keen nose to sniff the breeze the business world stirs up.

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