The advertising field has always been competitive. The giant brand name agencies have long dominated this market with exclusive connections to the major media outlets. However, technology has created new channels to reach the buying public. It’s a great time to learn about advertising agency stocks for your investment portfolio.

The top advertising agents can no longer rely on the economy of scale and backroom deals to dominate this sector. Obviously, the winning big ad agencies in this era of specialization have the most promising stocks. 

Quick Look at the Best Advertising Agency Stocks:

• Thryv Holdings Inc
• Magnite, Inc.
• Omnicom
• Lamar
• HubSpot

Overview: Advertising Agent Stocks

The golden age of advertising is gone. An advertising agency can’t continue to exist with just a tiny list of services. The general public is tired of looking at ads in the same format. 

Technology is rapidly changing the platforms and channels for reaching the consumer. In advertising, this is the age of the customer and customer data will continue to influence the advertising model. 

The quality of a stock is only as good as its underlying company. Most investors buy stock in a company in anticipation of an increase in its value over a period of time. So, the future of advertising agency stocks is dependent on the performance of their underlying companies today. We will look at the best advertising agent stocks at the present time. 

Best Online Brokers for Advertising Agent Stock

Online brokers provide a great investment hub for you to research your potential stock choices, do backtesting of your investment strategies and track your investments. Here are some of the best online brokers in the industry.

Claim Exclusive Offers

Best For

Active and Global Traders

Overall Rating

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get started securely through Interactive Brokers’s website

More Details

Best For

Active and Global Traders

N/A

1 Minute Review

Interactive Brokers is a comprehensive trading platform that gives you access to a massive range of securities at affordable prices. You can buy assets from all around the world from the comfort of your home or office with access to over 150 global markets. Options, futures, forex and fund trading are also available, and most traders won’t pay a commission on any purchase or sale.  

IBKR is geared primarily toward experienced traders and investors but now with the availability of free trades with IBKR Lite, casual traders can also acclimate to IBKR’s offerings.

Best For

• Access to international markets
• Active traders
• Detailed mobile app that makes trading simple
• Wide range of available account types and tradeable assets

Pros

• IB SmartRouting provides significant price improvement vs. industry
• Fractional trading allows investing regardless of share price
• Industry’s lowest margin rates
• Earn more by lending your fuly-paid shares

Cons

• Beginner investors might prefer a broker that offers a bit more hand-holding and educational resources

Best For

Leveraged Trading

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through Plus500’s website

More Details

Disclosure: 81% of retail accounts lose money

Best For

Leveraged Trading

N/A

1 Minute Review

81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Plus500 is an online CFD broker focusing on contracts for difference (CFDs). CFDs are similar to binary options in the U.S. where traders take all-or-nothing speculation on the prices of certain securities like indices, commodities or currencies. While not legal to trade in the U.S., CFDs are legal in many jurisdictions across the globe and Plus500 offers a wide array of tradable markets using these instruments. 

Plus500 doesn’t charge commission and only profits off the spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price of a specific security. But Plus500 is not a broker for beginners — the education materials are sparse and CFDs are risky derivatives capable of sapping out all of an investor’s capital. Only trade these instruments if you understand how they operate and the risks involved with buying them.

The Plus500 CFD platform is for CFDs. The Plus500 Futures platform offers futures for U.S. customers, and Plus500 Invest offers stock trading.

Best For

• Traders looking for a smooth mobile experience

Pros

• Great mobile app
• Low spreads and commissions
• Unlimited demo account
• Plus500 offers three platforms: Plus500 Futures, Plus500 Invest and Plus500 CFD.

Cons

• Only derivatives are available
• Futures are available to U.S. residents while CFDs are not available for U.S. residents.

Best For

Trading Ideas

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through public.com’s website

More Details

Best For

Trading Ideas

N/A

1 Minute Review

Public is the only investing platform that lets you trade stocks, ETFs, crypto, bonds, options and alternative assets—like fine art and collectibles—all in one place. Public also provides access to custom company metrics, live shows about the markets, and insights from a community of millions of investors, creators, and analysts.

Today, Public provides more ways to create a diversified portfolio than nearly any other online broker. Members can engage in sophisticated investing strategies and access a wealth of investing insights—from company-specific analysis to live audio shows and town hall-style Q&As. In addition, Public offers a premium membership tier with unique company KPIs, detailed performance metrics, and institutional-grade research. 

 

Best For

• Stock and ETF investors
• Crypto investors
• Investors looking to diversify with alternative assets or bonds and options

Pros

• Commission-free stock and ETF trading
• Fractional share investing
• Advanced data, tools, and insights with Public Premium

Cons

• You can’t transfer crypto to another wallet
• No mutual funds or precious metals
• At this time, only offers individual brokerage accounts and not IRAs

Best For

Commission-Free Mobile Trading

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through Robinhood’s website

More Details

Best For

Commission-Free Mobile Trading

N/A

1 Minute Review

Robinhood is a popular trading platform known for its commission-free trades and user-friendly mobile app. Ideal for novice investors, Robinhood makes it easy to buy and sell stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. The platform offers a straightforward, no-frills experience, making it accessible for users new to investing. With features like fractional shares and a sleek interface, Robinhood lowers the barriers to entry for investing, allowing users to start with just a few dollars. It lacks the advanced tools and research options that more experienced investors might seek. Overall, Robinhood is a great choice for beginners seeking a simple way to invest.

Best For

• Beginners looking for simplicity
• Mobile-first investors
• Commission-free trades

Pros

• User-friendly mobile app
• Instant double
• Cash management
• Access to cryptocurrencies

Cons

• Limited research tools
• No mutual funds available
• Basic customer support options

Best For

Active Short Sellers

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through TradeZero’s website

More Details

Best For

Active Short Sellers

N/A

1 Minute Review

TradeZero is an online broker and free stock trading platform that provides everything you need to successfully share and trade, including round-the-clock customer support. TradeZero provides four different trading state-of-the-art software programs with its services, a locator for sourcing shares for shorting, commission-free trades, and real-time streaming, to name a few of the features promoted on their website. The software is a unique and (potentially) affordable option for anyone interested in stock trading.

Best For

• Traders seeking high transparency and mobility in a stock trading program
• Those attracted to commission-free trades
• Those seeking a free version of a high-quality trading program

Pros

• 24/7 live customer support
• Uses ZeroWeb technology, a powerful level 2 online platform with direct market access
• Mobile app allows users to access stocks and trade in real-time while on the go

Cons

• Enforces Pattern Day Trading restrictions (accounts need to maintain a daily equity balance of at least $25k)
• Mobile app could offer more features

Features to Look for in Advertising Agent Stock

• Earnings-per-share ratio (EPS): The earnings-per-share ratio is an excellent way to determine the strength of a stock. It measures a company’s profit margin above the outstanding shares of stocks. Instead of relying on investor attitudes or projections, the EPS ratio uses concrete data. You can calculate this ratio by dividing the company’s annual net income by the number of outstanding shares.

• Debt-equity ratio (D/E): As a way of accessing a stock’s risk level, you need to determine the company’s potential to pay its bills. Calculating this ratio requires dividing the total liabilities by the total amount of shareholder equity. The debt-equity ratio of 0.35 translates to this. For every $1 of equity financing, $0.35 is from debt. A high D/E ratio generally means that a firm is aggressively financing its growth with debt. 

• Price-to-earnings ratio (P/E): The P/E ratio is a good way to determine whether a stock is overvalued or undervalued. It measures the relationship between the stock’s price and the company’s earnings. You can calculate it by dividing the stock price by the company’s EPS — lower is better.

Final Take on Advertising Agent Stocks

Like many sections of our society, the advertising business is evolving. One size doesn’t fit all anymore. The agencies behind these top advertising agent stocks get it. It’s the reason they are worth considering for your portfolio.

The post Best Advertising Agency Stocks by John Burson appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

The penny stock market is like the minor leagues in professional baseball. In this space, former high- and mid-priced stocks compete for the possibility of returning to a higher level. Also, it is where new stocks vie for a big break.  That’s why it’s so important to know the best 5G penny stocks to invest in.

The emergence of 5G — 5th generation — communication technology has energized investor interest in 5G penny stocks. Any company with a connection to super-fast 5G communication technology has a chance of sharing in the growth. Are you interested? Here is a list of these penny stocks with great growth potential.

Quick Look at the Best 5G Penny Stocks:

• UTStarcom Holdings Corp
• Globalstar, Inc.
• Wireless Telecom Group, Inc.
• Borqs Technologies Inc

Overview: 5G Penny Stocks

Investors once considered penny stocks to be any security trading under $1. The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 changed that. The Securities Exchange Commission used this law to establish the penny stock trading rules and set the penny stock price classification at $5 and under. You can trade these stocks over the counter (OTC) or through any of the major exchanges. 

Penny stocks’ low prices allow easy acquisition. This helps investors control their risk while gaining exposure to possible exponential gains. In many cases, you can buy 5,000 shares of a penny stock for $200 — $0.04 per share. A $0.20 per share increase would give you a 500% profit or $1,200. If the company goes bankrupt, you only lose $200. 

Installing 5G super-fast networks has the power to boost the fortunes of technology and telecom companies — big and small. Penny stocks provide investors a low-cost way to share in this growth. 

Trading in the penny stock market, however, can be highly risky. Relying on luck and tips is a strategy for failure. 5G penny stock trading requires you to be as informed as you can.

Best Online Brokers for 5G Stock

Finding relevant information on certain penny stocks can be challenging. By providing extensive research material and historical data, online brokers can help you improve your due diligence. Here’s a list of some of the best online brokers.

Claim Exclusive Offers

Best For

Active and Global Traders

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through Interactive Brokers’s website

More Details

Best For

Active and Global Traders

N/A

1 Minute Review

Interactive Brokers is a comprehensive trading platform that gives you access to a massive range of securities at affordable prices. You can buy assets from all around the world from the comfort of your home or office with access to over 150 global markets. Options, futures, forex and fund trading are also available, and most traders won’t pay a commission on any purchase or sale.  

IBKR is geared primarily toward experienced traders and investors but now with the availability of free trades with IBKR Lite, casual traders can also acclimate to IBKR’s offerings.

Best For

• Access to international markets
• Active traders
• Detailed mobile app that makes trading simple
• Wide range of available account types and tradeable assets

Pros

• IB SmartRouting provides significant price improvement vs. industry
• Fractional trading allows investing regardless of share price
• Industry’s lowest margin rates
• Earn more by lending your fuly-paid shares

Cons

• Beginner investors might prefer a broker that offers a bit more hand-holding and educational resources

Best For

Leveraged Trading

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through Plus500’s website

More Details

Disclosure: 81% of retail accounts lose money

Best For

Leveraged Trading

N/A

1 Minute Review

81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Plus500 is an online CFD broker focusing on contracts for difference (CFDs). CFDs are similar to binary options in the U.S. where traders take all-or-nothing speculation on the prices of certain securities like indices, commodities or currencies. While not legal to trade in the U.S., CFDs are legal in many jurisdictions across the globe and Plus500 offers a wide array of tradable markets using these instruments. 

Plus500 doesn’t charge commission and only profits off the spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price of a specific security. But Plus500 is not a broker for beginners — the education materials are sparse and CFDs are risky derivatives capable of sapping out all of an investor’s capital. Only trade these instruments if you understand how they operate and the risks involved with buying them.

The Plus500 CFD platform is for CFDs. The Plus500 Futures platform offers futures for U.S. customers, and Plus500 Invest offers stock trading.

Best For

• Traders looking for a smooth mobile experience

Pros

• Great mobile app
• Low spreads and commissions
• Unlimited demo account
• Plus500 offers three platforms: Plus500 Futures, Plus500 Invest and Plus500 CFD.

Cons

• Only derivatives are available
• Futures are available to U.S. residents while CFDs are not available for U.S. residents.

Best For

Trading Ideas

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through public.com’s website

More Details

Best For

Trading Ideas

N/A

1 Minute Review

Public is the only investing platform that lets you trade stocks, ETFs, crypto, bonds, options and alternative assets—like fine art and collectibles—all in one place. Public also provides access to custom company metrics, live shows about the markets, and insights from a community of millions of investors, creators, and analysts.

Today, Public provides more ways to create a diversified portfolio than nearly any other online broker. Members can engage in sophisticated investing strategies and access a wealth of investing insights—from company-specific analysis to live audio shows and town hall-style Q&As. In addition, Public offers a premium membership tier with unique company KPIs, detailed performance metrics, and institutional-grade research. 

 

Best For

• Stock and ETF investors
• Crypto investors
• Investors looking to diversify with alternative assets or bonds and options

Pros

• Commission-free stock and ETF trading
• Fractional share investing
• Advanced data, tools, and insights with Public Premium

Cons

• You can’t transfer crypto to another wallet
• No mutual funds or precious metals
• At this time, only offers individual brokerage accounts and not IRAs

Best For

Commission-Free Mobile Trading

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through Robinhood’s website

More Details

Best For

Commission-Free Mobile Trading

N/A

1 Minute Review

Robinhood is a popular trading platform known for its commission-free trades and user-friendly mobile app. Ideal for novice investors, Robinhood makes it easy to buy and sell stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. The platform offers a straightforward, no-frills experience, making it accessible for users new to investing. With features like fractional shares and a sleek interface, Robinhood lowers the barriers to entry for investing, allowing users to start with just a few dollars. It lacks the advanced tools and research options that more experienced investors might seek. Overall, Robinhood is a great choice for beginners seeking a simple way to invest.

Best For

• Beginners looking for simplicity
• Mobile-first investors
• Commission-free trades

Pros

• User-friendly mobile app
• Instant double
• Cash management
• Access to cryptocurrencies

Cons

• Limited research tools
• No mutual funds available
• Basic customer support options

Best For

Active Short Sellers

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through TradeZero’s website

More Details

Best For

Active Short Sellers

N/A

1 Minute Review

TradeZero is an online broker and free stock trading platform that provides everything you need to successfully share and trade, including round-the-clock customer support. TradeZero provides four different trading state-of-the-art software programs with its services, a locator for sourcing shares for shorting, commission-free trades, and real-time streaming, to name a few of the features promoted on their website. The software is a unique and (potentially) affordable option for anyone interested in stock trading.

Best For

• Traders seeking high transparency and mobility in a stock trading program
• Those attracted to commission-free trades
• Those seeking a free version of a high-quality trading program

Pros

• 24/7 live customer support
• Uses ZeroWeb technology, a powerful level 2 online platform with direct market access
• Mobile app allows users to access stocks and trade in real-time while on the go

Cons

• Enforces Pattern Day Trading restrictions (accounts need to maintain a daily equity balance of at least $25k)
• Mobile app could offer more features

Features to Look For in 5G Stock

• Earnings per share: Many 5G penny stocks have poor earning-per-share numbers. However, this metric is a good way to access the strength of the 5G company. It earmarks the amount of money available to pay shareholders after discounting all expenses, taxes and deductions. The calculation for the earnings per share is the net income minus the preferred stock dividend divided by the outstanding stockholder shares.

• Transparency: When investigating a penny stock, get accurate information. Exchange-traded penny stock companies must meet minimum listing standards. However, over-the-counter (OTC) traded companies have no minimum requirements. Some of the companies haven’t built a track record yet. Others may have products in the development stages. Either way, your risk factor tends to be lower with transparent 5G penny stocks. 

• Net revenue: Net income is a sound financial measure of success for a 5G stock. It is the amount of revenue remaining after you subtract all deductions, taxes and costs. Many times, it is the most solid metric you can find for many 5G stocks. Net income can give you a good indication of a penny stock’s past performance. But, it only hints at how a stock will do in the future. Use it with other factors. 

Qualities of a 5G Penny Stocks Investor

The penny stock market can be treacherous for the unprepared and reckless. It takes an investor with a high-risk tolerance to trade these securities. Developing a good risk management strategy will serve you well. With the proper preparation, you can use 5G penny stocks to gain exposure to the growth potential of the 5G era.

Frequently Asked Questions

The post Best 5G Penny Stocks Right Now by John Burson appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

More businesses are shifting the bulk of market budgets from television and print media to digital marketing platforms. Traditional pay TV lost 6 million customers over the past 2 years, and daily print newspaper circulation is dropping at a rate of more than 10% each year.

As digital media becomes the dominant force, you may not recognize the major players in marketing services. Take a look at the best-performing marketing services stocks that can make a major impact on your investment portfolio.

Quick Look at the Best Marketing Services Stocks:

• QuinStreet (NASDAQGS: QNST)
• JCDecaux SA (OTCMKTS: JCDXF)
• Omnicom Group  (NYSE: OMC)
• The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE: IPG)
• Publicis Groupe S.A. (OTCMKTS: PUBGY)

Overview: Marketing Services Stocks

Before the digital revolution, most businesses used advertising and public relations agencies to handle marketing duties. Now, most of the emerging media requires specialization in email, market research, social media, digital marketing, marketing strategy, mobile devices, sports apps and gaming. Plus, print and TV advertising are still a big part of the mix. The marketing services industry category covers all of these forms of marketing. 

When you search for these groups on investment sites, try a search for communications. Your search may be slightly difficult because the marketing services industry category is relatively new in the investing community.

Best Online Brokers for Stock

Investors have an increasing list of online brokers to choose from. This list features brokers among the best in the field. 

Claim Exclusive Offers

Best For

Active and Global Traders

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through Interactive Brokers’s website

More Details

Best For

Active and Global Traders

N/A

1 Minute Review

Interactive Brokers is a comprehensive trading platform that gives you access to a massive range of securities at affordable prices. You can buy assets from all around the world from the comfort of your home or office with access to over 150 global markets. Options, futures, forex and fund trading are also available, and most traders won’t pay a commission on any purchase or sale.  

IBKR is geared primarily toward experienced traders and investors but now with the availability of free trades with IBKR Lite, casual traders can also acclimate to IBKR’s offerings.

Best For

• Access to international markets
• Active traders
• Detailed mobile app that makes trading simple
• Wide range of available account types and tradeable assets

Pros

• IB SmartRouting provides significant price improvement vs. industry
• Fractional trading allows investing regardless of share price
• Industry’s lowest margin rates
• Earn more by lending your fuly-paid shares

Cons

• Beginner investors might prefer a broker that offers a bit more hand-holding and educational resources

Best For

Leveraged Trading

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through Plus500’s website

More Details

Disclosure: 81% of retail accounts lose money

Best For

Leveraged Trading

N/A

1 Minute Review

81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Plus500 is an online CFD broker focusing on contracts for difference (CFDs). CFDs are similar to binary options in the U.S. where traders take all-or-nothing speculation on the prices of certain securities like indices, commodities or currencies. While not legal to trade in the U.S., CFDs are legal in many jurisdictions across the globe and Plus500 offers a wide array of tradable markets using these instruments. 

Plus500 doesn’t charge commission and only profits off the spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price of a specific security. But Plus500 is not a broker for beginners — the education materials are sparse and CFDs are risky derivatives capable of sapping out all of an investor’s capital. Only trade these instruments if you understand how they operate and the risks involved with buying them.

The Plus500 CFD platform is for CFDs. The Plus500 Futures platform offers futures for U.S. customers, and Plus500 Invest offers stock trading.

Best For

• Traders looking for a smooth mobile experience

Pros

• Great mobile app
• Low spreads and commissions
• Unlimited demo account
• Plus500 offers three platforms: Plus500 Futures, Plus500 Invest and Plus500 CFD.

Cons

• Only derivatives are available
• Futures are available to U.S. residents while CFDs are not available for U.S. residents.

Best For

Trading Ideas

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through public.com’s website

More Details

Best For

Trading Ideas

N/A

1 Minute Review

Public is the only investing platform that lets you trade stocks, ETFs, crypto, bonds, options and alternative assets—like fine art and collectibles—all in one place. Public also provides access to custom company metrics, live shows about the markets, and insights from a community of millions of investors, creators, and analysts.

Today, Public provides more ways to create a diversified portfolio than nearly any other online broker. Members can engage in sophisticated investing strategies and access a wealth of investing insights—from company-specific analysis to live audio shows and town hall-style Q&As. In addition, Public offers a premium membership tier with unique company KPIs, detailed performance metrics, and institutional-grade research. 

 

Best For

• Stock and ETF investors
• Crypto investors
• Investors looking to diversify with alternative assets or bonds and options

Pros

• Commission-free stock and ETF trading
• Fractional share investing
• Advanced data, tools, and insights with Public Premium

Cons

• You can’t transfer crypto to another wallet
• No mutual funds or precious metals
• At this time, only offers individual brokerage accounts and not IRAs

Best For

Commission-Free Mobile Trading

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through Robinhood’s website

More Details

Best For

Commission-Free Mobile Trading

N/A

1 Minute Review

Robinhood is a popular trading platform known for its commission-free trades and user-friendly mobile app. Ideal for novice investors, Robinhood makes it easy to buy and sell stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. The platform offers a straightforward, no-frills experience, making it accessible for users new to investing. With features like fractional shares and a sleek interface, Robinhood lowers the barriers to entry for investing, allowing users to start with just a few dollars. It lacks the advanced tools and research options that more experienced investors might seek. Overall, Robinhood is a great choice for beginners seeking a simple way to invest.

Best For

• Beginners looking for simplicity
• Mobile-first investors
• Commission-free trades

Pros

• User-friendly mobile app
• Instant double
• Cash management
• Access to cryptocurrencies

Cons

• Limited research tools
• No mutual funds available
• Basic customer support options

Best For

Active Short Sellers

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through TradeZero’s website

More Details

Best For

Active Short Sellers

N/A

1 Minute Review

TradeZero is an online broker and free stock trading platform that provides everything you need to successfully share and trade, including round-the-clock customer support. TradeZero provides four different trading state-of-the-art software programs with its services, a locator for sourcing shares for shorting, commission-free trades, and real-time streaming, to name a few of the features promoted on their website. The software is a unique and (potentially) affordable option for anyone interested in stock trading.

Best For

• Traders seeking high transparency and mobility in a stock trading program
• Those attracted to commission-free trades
• Those seeking a free version of a high-quality trading program

Pros

• 24/7 live customer support
• Uses ZeroWeb technology, a powerful level 2 online platform with direct market access
• Mobile app allows users to access stocks and trade in real-time while on the go

Cons

• Enforces Pattern Day Trading restrictions (accounts need to maintain a daily equity balance of at least $25k)
• Mobile app could offer more features

Features to Look for in Marketing Services Stock

• Earnings per share ratio (EPS) is a concrete metric for evaluating a stock’s worth. It indicates a company’s ability to generate high dividends for its investors and its ability to reinvest for growth. You can calculate earnings per share by dividing a company’s total net income by the average number of outstanding shares during the previous fiscal year. 
• Stability is desirable in any stock. Stock price history, earnings per share and benchmark charts can reveal a lot about a company’s stability. Occasional dips in value are understandable but stocks with erratic fluctuations are cause for concern.
• Earnings growth can be considered by studying a company’s net income over a period of years. You can find a company’s net income history in its income statement. Look for a positive growth trend. 

Marketing Services Stocks to Watch Out for this Year

The marketing services sector is in a constant growth pattern. Businesses are seeking potential customers through phones, smart devices, sports apps and games.  

As more marketing channels appear, more businesses will appear to facilitate the use of them. These are some of the best marketing services stocks you can invest in now. 

WPP PLC (NYSE: WPP) 

London-based WPP PLC provides its services through brand consulting, advertising, media management, data investment management, public relations and public affairs. This company offers services worldwide, and its diversification should help its staying power in the industry. 

WPP had a net income decrease of 24% between 2016 and 2018, but total operating expenses have decreased 84%. 

PC Impress PLC (NASDAQ: CMPR)

PC Impress specializes in mass customization services through Vistaprint, Print Brothers, National Pen, the Print Group and other related businesses. Its line includes business signage, digital marketing products, multi-page brochures and other printed products. 

Net income has increased by 105% since 2016 and beat analyst expectations in 2019.

Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC)

Omnicom and its subsidiaries offer marketing, advertising and corporate communication services. It features more capabilities than many other marketing services companies can match, including content marketing, crisis communications, branding and custom communications. Its diversification is a major asset.

Net income has increased by about 22% since 2017. 

Dentsu Group (OTCMKTS: DNTUY)

Dentsu, with its $3.7 billion in total assets, is Japan’s largest advertising agency. The postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics hit this firm hard. However, it likely has the power and resources to shrug off this blow. Historically, Dentsu’s stock price ranges between $47 to $54. 

The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE: IPG)

This New York City-based advertising and marketing firm operates through 2 divisions — Integrated Agency Networks and Constituency Management Group. Between the 2, Interpublic offers about 20 different services, including digital marketing, brand identity, meeting and event production, communications planning and media buying. 

With 54,300 employees, this company has shown all the signs of being a solid, stable organization. Its earnings per share ratio is 1.68 and the firm’s net income has gradually increased over the last 3 years.

Biggest Marketing Services Movers of the Day

Paying attention to the Movers of the Day list can help you determine which stocks are right for your portfolio in the marketing services sector. 

Invest in Marketing Services Stock

The marketing services sector is full of emerging companies. There’s a continual shift in where businesses put a majority of their marketing dollars. At present, the companies on this list are the most equipped to benefit from the growth of digital marketing services. 

The post Best Marketing Services Stocks by John Burson appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

Invest in the best real estate stocks today with Interactive Brokers.

Buying shares in real estate companies can give you the same benefits as investing in real property. You could be earning passive income from rental revenue and capital gains without hammering a nail. That’s where real estate stocks come in.

Real estate stocks give you exposure to companies that develop and manage commercial, residential and industrial properties. These companies share a piece of the action with you through publicly-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs). 

Like any other stock, you trade REITs in the open market. These real estate stocks provide a low-cost way of sharing in real estate revenue and gains. There are other stocks that provide exposure to the real estate market, even to mortgage rates, the home sellers’ market, the general housing market and movement in the homebuyer’s market. Nevertheless, the publicly-traded REITs category dominates real estate stocks.

The following list of top real estate stocks reflects this.  

Best Real Estate Stocks to Invest in

What are Real Estate Stocks?

Real estate stocks, also known as real estate investment trusts (REITs), are publicly traded companies that own and operate income-producing real estate properties. These properties can include office buildings, public storage, shopping malls, apartments, hotels, warehouses, and other types of real estate assets.

Investing in real estate stocks allows individuals to gain exposure to the real estate market without directly owning physical properties. By purchasing shares of real estate stocks, investors can potentially earn income through the dividend yield paid by the company and benefit from any appreciation in the value of the underlying real estate assets.

Real estate stocks are traded on stock exchanges, and their prices can fluctuate based on various factors such as the performance of the real estate market, interest rates, and overall economic conditions. Investors can choose to invest in specific types of real estate stocks or opt for diversified real estate investment trusts that invest in a variety of property types.

History of Real Estate Stocks

As a means of including the average investor into the lucrative real estate market, the U.S. Congress passed the Real Estate Investment Act in 1960. The bill’s sponsors wanted to duplicate the success of the mutual fund industry as a way of attracting capital to the real estate industry. So, they used the mutual fund equity structure to design a mutual fund for real estate. This became a means for people without much investment capital to benefit from real estate and its broader market. Real estate investing can be hit by a company’s balance sheet, retail centers or shopping centers, capital appreciation, luxury homes and the general property sector.

Although REITs had been around for over 30 years, these funds did not become popular until the credit crunch hit in 1992 or so. The hotel industry, in particular, turned to REITs as a source of financing when the banks turned them away. Residential and industrial divisions soon followed the commercial real estate industry. By the end of 2001, REITs had become the No.1 institutional source of real estate capital with equity of $146 billion — or 39% of capital sources. 

By law, REITs must distribute 90% of net income to the shareholders in the form of dividends. The dividend revenue comes from rental income and capital gains. Publicly traded REITs typically have higher dividend yields than other equity investments. Since you can easily trade REITs, you can tap in into this reliable real estate income source without losing your investment’s liquidity. 

Best Online Brokers for Real Estate Stock

Online brokers can simplify the process of trading real estate stocks. You’ll be able to thoroughly research your investment options, make smooth trade and keep track of your portfolio in one central space. 

Claim Exclusive Offers

Best For

Active and Global Traders

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through Interactive Brokers’s website

More Details

Best For

Active and Global Traders

N/A

1 Minute Review

Interactive Brokers is a comprehensive trading platform that gives you access to a massive range of securities at affordable prices. You can buy assets from all around the world from the comfort of your home or office with access to over 150 global markets. Options, futures, forex and fund trading are also available, and most traders won’t pay a commission on any purchase or sale.  

IBKR is geared primarily toward experienced traders and investors but now with the availability of free trades with IBKR Lite, casual traders can also acclimate to IBKR’s offerings.

Best For

• Access to international markets
• Active traders
• Detailed mobile app that makes trading simple
• Wide range of available account types and tradeable assets

Pros

• IB SmartRouting provides significant price improvement vs. industry
• Fractional trading allows investing regardless of share price
• Industry’s lowest margin rates
• Earn more by lending your fuly-paid shares

Cons

• Beginner investors might prefer a broker that offers a bit more hand-holding and educational resources

Best For

Leveraged Trading

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through Plus500’s website

More Details

Disclosure: 81% of retail accounts lose money

Best For

Leveraged Trading

N/A

1 Minute Review

81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Plus500 is an online CFD broker focusing on contracts for difference (CFDs). CFDs are similar to binary options in the U.S. where traders take all-or-nothing speculation on the prices of certain securities like indices, commodities or currencies. While not legal to trade in the U.S., CFDs are legal in many jurisdictions across the globe and Plus500 offers a wide array of tradable markets using these instruments. 

Plus500 doesn’t charge commission and only profits off the spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price of a specific security. But Plus500 is not a broker for beginners — the education materials are sparse and CFDs are risky derivatives capable of sapping out all of an investor’s capital. Only trade these instruments if you understand how they operate and the risks involved with buying them.

The Plus500 CFD platform is for CFDs. The Plus500 Futures platform offers futures for U.S. customers, and Plus500 Invest offers stock trading.

Best For

• Traders looking for a smooth mobile experience

Pros

• Great mobile app
• Low spreads and commissions
• Unlimited demo account
• Plus500 offers three platforms: Plus500 Futures, Plus500 Invest and Plus500 CFD.

Cons

• Only derivatives are available
• Futures are available to U.S. residents while CFDs are not available for U.S. residents.

Best For

Trading Ideas

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through public.com’s website

More Details

Best For

Trading Ideas

N/A

1 Minute Review

Public is the only investing platform that lets you trade stocks, ETFs, crypto, bonds, options and alternative assets—like fine art and collectibles—all in one place. Public also provides access to custom company metrics, live shows about the markets, and insights from a community of millions of investors, creators, and analysts.

Today, Public provides more ways to create a diversified portfolio than nearly any other online broker. Members can engage in sophisticated investing strategies and access a wealth of investing insights—from company-specific analysis to live audio shows and town hall-style Q&As. In addition, Public offers a premium membership tier with unique company KPIs, detailed performance metrics, and institutional-grade research. 

 

Best For

• Stock and ETF investors
• Crypto investors
• Investors looking to diversify with alternative assets or bonds and options

Pros

• Commission-free stock and ETF trading
• Fractional share investing
• Advanced data, tools, and insights with Public Premium

Cons

• You can’t transfer crypto to another wallet
• No mutual funds or precious metals
• At this time, only offers individual brokerage accounts and not IRAs

Best For

Commission-Free Mobile Trading

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through Robinhood’s website

More Details

Best For

Commission-Free Mobile Trading

N/A

1 Minute Review

Robinhood is a popular trading platform known for its commission-free trades and user-friendly mobile app. Ideal for novice investors, Robinhood makes it easy to buy and sell stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. The platform offers a straightforward, no-frills experience, making it accessible for users new to investing. With features like fractional shares and a sleek interface, Robinhood lowers the barriers to entry for investing, allowing users to start with just a few dollars. It lacks the advanced tools and research options that more experienced investors might seek. Overall, Robinhood is a great choice for beginners seeking a simple way to invest.

Best For

• Beginners looking for simplicity
• Mobile-first investors
• Commission-free trades

Pros

• User-friendly mobile app
• Instant double
• Cash management
• Access to cryptocurrencies

Cons

• Limited research tools
• No mutual funds available
• Basic customer support options

Best For

Active Short Sellers

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through TradeZero’s website

More Details

Best For

Active Short Sellers

N/A

1 Minute Review

TradeZero is an online broker and free stock trading platform that provides everything you need to successfully share and trade, including round-the-clock customer support. TradeZero provides four different trading state-of-the-art software programs with its services, a locator for sourcing shares for shorting, commission-free trades, and real-time streaming, to name a few of the features promoted on their website. The software is a unique and (potentially) affordable option for anyone interested in stock trading.

Best For

• Traders seeking high transparency and mobility in a stock trading program
• Those attracted to commission-free trades
• Those seeking a free version of a high-quality trading program

Pros

• 24/7 live customer support
• Uses ZeroWeb technology, a powerful level 2 online platform with direct market access
• Mobile app allows users to access stocks and trade in real-time while on the go

Cons

• Enforces Pattern Day Trading restrictions (accounts need to maintain a daily equity balance of at least $25k)
• Mobile app could offer more features

Features to Look for in Real Estate Stock

These are the top things to look for when deciding on the best real estate stocks.

Earnings Growth

The key earnings indicator of real estate stocks is the funds from operations (FFOs). You calculate the FFO by subtracting the gains from the sales of property from the net income and adding depreciation and amortization. The FFO per share is your dividend yield. Ideally, a company should show a gradual increase in this metric. You can find a real estate company’s FFO history in the quarterly income report on the company’s website. The 4th quarter report also has year-end totals.

Management Team

A good management team is imperative to the consistent operation of a real estate company. Poor management can result in cost overruns and sluggish rental income. In the company’s income report, you can use the cash flow summary to get some insight into the management’s operating, investing and financing activities. While you are on the company’s website, take a look at the executive profiles. 

Diversification

Before you decide to buy a real estate company’s stock, take a look at its basket of properties. Are the properties in the same area?  Does the company provide only one or two services? Be careful. Real Estate companies with a narrow reach may lack diversification, leaving them subject to the same risk factors such as hurricanes, service specific restrictions or local strife. 

Significance of Investing in Real Estate Stocks

Real estate stocks in the form of REITs present an investment opportunity for you to earn better-than-average income without assuming much risk or losing liquidity from your investment capital. The 5 real estate stocks we have highlighted are an elite group in this sector. Covering everything from a cell tower to an office, farmland and much more.

It is important to note that investing in real estate stocks carries risks, including the potential for loss of investment capital, changes in real estate market conditions, and interest rate fluctuations. As with any investment, individuals should carefully consider their investment goals, risk tolerance, and conduct thorough research before investing in real estate stocks.

Frequently Asked Questions

The post Best Real Estate Stocks Right Now by John Burson appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

Automotive companies aren’t usually what investors think of when debating their next stock purchase, but the industry has changed rapidly over the last few years. Gig economy firms like Uber and Lyft have completely disrupted the taxi industry. Expansions into hybrid cars and autonomous vehicles dominate the news landscape, yet trucks and SUVs are the sales giants in America. Does the automotive industry deserve another look from a fresh perspective? A few companies are making that very argument. Check out Benzinga’s list of the best auto stocks.

Quick Look at the Best Auto Manufacturer Stocks:

• Advance Auto Parts (NYSE: AAP)
• Fiat Chrysler (NYSE: FCAU)
• General Motors (NYSE: GM)
• Winnebago Industries (NYSE: WGO)
• Toyota Motors (NYSE: TM)

Overview: Auto Stocks

The car industry began in 1886 when Karl Benz first patented his newest invention, the Benz Motorwagen. By 1899, Benz had the top car manufacturer in the world. Mass production didn’t come until late in the first decade of the 1900s when the Ford Motor Company developed a moving assembly line that drastically increased the production of cars and Americans began plucking them off the lot before the paint could dry.

Today, the largest car manufacturers are Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, General Motors and Ford. Toyota and Volkswagen both produced over 10 million cars in 2017, with world car production topping 97 million vehicles. Since 1997, car production has declined in only 4 years: 1998, 2001, 2008 and 2009. The automobile industry faced a crisis in 2009 when production declined by more than 12% and the federal government was forced to bail out manufacturers General Motors and Chrysler.

Auto stocks don’t only refer to car makers. Aftermarket and DIY auto parts stores like AutoZone and O’Reilly Auto Parts have been very profitable, as have some online car and truck dealership stocks like CarMax and TrueCar. Even companies like Google research autonomous vehicles that could challenge electric car makers like Tesla and Toyota.

When investors talk auto stock, it’s no longer just a conversation about the Big Three in Detroit. It’s a diverse sector and opportunities abound.

Online Brokers for Auto Stocks

Claim Exclusive Offers

Best For

Active and Global Traders

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through Interactive Brokers’s website

More Details

Best For

Active and Global Traders

N/A

1 Minute Review

Interactive Brokers is a comprehensive trading platform that gives you access to a massive range of securities at affordable prices. You can buy assets from all around the world from the comfort of your home or office with access to over 150 global markets. Options, futures, forex and fund trading are also available, and most traders won’t pay a commission on any purchase or sale.  

IBKR is geared primarily toward experienced traders and investors but now with the availability of free trades with IBKR Lite, casual traders can also acclimate to IBKR’s offerings.

Best For

• Access to international markets
• Active traders
• Detailed mobile app that makes trading simple
• Wide range of available account types and tradeable assets

Pros

• IB SmartRouting provides significant price improvement vs. industry
• Fractional trading allows investing regardless of share price
• Industry’s lowest margin rates
• Earn more by lending your fuly-paid shares

Cons

• Beginner investors might prefer a broker that offers a bit more hand-holding and educational resources

Best For

Leveraged Trading

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through Plus500’s website

More Details

Disclosure: 81% of retail accounts lose money

Best For

Leveraged Trading

N/A

1 Minute Review

81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Plus500 is an online CFD broker focusing on contracts for difference (CFDs). CFDs are similar to binary options in the U.S. where traders take all-or-nothing speculation on the prices of certain securities like indices, commodities or currencies. While not legal to trade in the U.S., CFDs are legal in many jurisdictions across the globe and Plus500 offers a wide array of tradable markets using these instruments. 

Plus500 doesn’t charge commission and only profits off the spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price of a specific security. But Plus500 is not a broker for beginners — the education materials are sparse and CFDs are risky derivatives capable of sapping out all of an investor’s capital. Only trade these instruments if you understand how they operate and the risks involved with buying them.

The Plus500 CFD platform is for CFDs. The Plus500 Futures platform offers futures for U.S. customers, and Plus500 Invest offers stock trading.

Best For

• Traders looking for a smooth mobile experience

Pros

• Great mobile app
• Low spreads and commissions
• Unlimited demo account
• Plus500 offers three platforms: Plus500 Futures, Plus500 Invest and Plus500 CFD.

Cons

• Only derivatives are available
• Futures are available to U.S. residents while CFDs are not available for U.S. residents.

Best For

Trading Ideas

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through public.com’s website

More Details

Best For

Trading Ideas

N/A

1 Minute Review

Public is the only investing platform that lets you trade stocks, ETFs, crypto, bonds, options and alternative assets—like fine art and collectibles—all in one place. Public also provides access to custom company metrics, live shows about the markets, and insights from a community of millions of investors, creators, and analysts.

Today, Public provides more ways to create a diversified portfolio than nearly any other online broker. Members can engage in sophisticated investing strategies and access a wealth of investing insights—from company-specific analysis to live audio shows and town hall-style Q&As. In addition, Public offers a premium membership tier with unique company KPIs, detailed performance metrics, and institutional-grade research. 

 

Best For

• Stock and ETF investors
• Crypto investors
• Investors looking to diversify with alternative assets or bonds and options

Pros

• Commission-free stock and ETF trading
• Fractional share investing
• Advanced data, tools, and insights with Public Premium

Cons

• You can’t transfer crypto to another wallet
• No mutual funds or precious metals
• At this time, only offers individual brokerage accounts and not IRAs

Best For

Commission-Free Mobile Trading

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through Robinhood’s website

More Details

Best For

Commission-Free Mobile Trading

N/A

1 Minute Review

Robinhood is a popular trading platform known for its commission-free trades and user-friendly mobile app. Ideal for novice investors, Robinhood makes it easy to buy and sell stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. The platform offers a straightforward, no-frills experience, making it accessible for users new to investing. With features like fractional shares and a sleek interface, Robinhood lowers the barriers to entry for investing, allowing users to start with just a few dollars. It lacks the advanced tools and research options that more experienced investors might seek. Overall, Robinhood is a great choice for beginners seeking a simple way to invest.

Best For

• Beginners looking for simplicity
• Mobile-first investors
• Commission-free trades

Pros

• User-friendly mobile app
• Instant double
• Cash management
• Access to cryptocurrencies

Cons

• Limited research tools
• No mutual funds available
• Basic customer support options

Best For

Active Short Sellers

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through TradeZero’s website

More Details

Best For

Active Short Sellers

N/A

1 Minute Review

TradeZero is an online broker and free stock trading platform that provides everything you need to successfully share and trade, including round-the-clock customer support. TradeZero provides four different trading state-of-the-art software programs with its services, a locator for sourcing shares for shorting, commission-free trades, and real-time streaming, to name a few of the features promoted on their website. The software is a unique and (potentially) affordable option for anyone interested in stock trading.

Best For

• Traders seeking high transparency and mobility in a stock trading program
• Those attracted to commission-free trades
• Those seeking a free version of a high-quality trading program

Pros

• 24/7 live customer support
• Uses ZeroWeb technology, a powerful level 2 online platform with direct market access
• Mobile app allows users to access stocks and trade in real-time while on the go

Cons

• Enforces Pattern Day Trading restrictions (accounts need to maintain a daily equity balance of at least $25k)
• Mobile app could offer more features

Features to Look for in an Auto Industry Stock

Auto industry companies have high costs, both from a capital and labor perspective. Cars are expensive to produce and workers have successfully bargained for more rights and pay over the years. The high cost of labor means thin margins, so car manufacturers with weak sales numbers won’t have profitable stocks. Here are a few important factors to identify before purchasing any auto stocks.

• Year-Over-Year Sales Growth. Companies across all industries use year-over-year growth statistics in order to paint a clearer picture of their business health. By focusing on longer timeframes, company owners can remove the volatility caused by factors like seasonal sales. Year-over-year sales growth is especially important for automotive companies since consumers purchase a majority of their vehicles during the holidays or summer sales season. Instead of comparing August sales to September sales, you compare August 2017 sales to August 2018 sales. Look for car companies that increase sales over the long term.

• Forward Price-to-Earnings Growth. Price-to-earnings growth is usually shortened to PEG ratio and it’s a supercharged version of the old school P/E ratio. Instead of just dividing stock price by earnings per share, the PEG ratio factors in expected earnings. Take the P/E ratio and divide by the expected 5-year earnings growth rate. A PEG ratio under 1 is considered undervalued, so consider buying stocks where the earnings growth rate is higher than the P/E ratio.

• Availability of New Models. New, flashy cars aren’t just the most profitable vehicles — they’re also the apple of the American motorist’s eye. Producing new models every year keep customers coming back for the latest and greatest advancements, plus manufacturers can charge much more for new cars than outdated ones. Be wary if a car company isn’t developing new models.

Auto Stocks to Watch Out for This Year

The automotive industry is headed for another shakeup when autonomous vehicles begin taking the road in the next handful of years. The following companies are best poised to not only survive shocks but thrive. Making and servicing cars is a tough business, as Elon Musk at Tesla is beginning to realize. You need more than just brilliant ideas, you need a business plan to sell cars. With that and the above criteria in mind, here are 5 auto stocks to watch in 2019.

Advance Auto Parts (AAP)

The first stock on our list doesn’t even make cars! But auto parts stocks have been some of the hottest in the sector and Advance Auto Parts is the top choice for the DIY car enthusiast. Advance Auto Parts, known by its checkered-flag logo, is also a money-making machine. The company has surpassed earnings estimates in each of the last 4 quarters and has increased annual net assets in each of the last 4 years.

Its PEG ratio of 1.09 is a little high for this list, but still reasonable compared to peers like AutoZone and O’Reilly. If you want an auto parts retailer in your portfolio, Advance Auto Parts makes the most compelling case.

Fiat Chrysler (FCAU)

Chrysler emerged from its bailout and merged with Fiat to create a global car manufacturer to rival the world’s automotive largest companies. Fiat Chrysler made 4.6 million vehicles in 2017 and sells cars under the Dodge, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, RAM and Maserati brands.

The RAM Pickup was the third highest-selling vehicle in the United States in 2018 and the Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee continue to increase in popularity. FCAU has a tiny 0.21 PEG ratio, which points to a very undervalued stock. The American love affair with trucks and SUVs shows few signs of slowing, so Fiat Chrysler should continue to see its vehicles at the top of the sales charts.

General Motors (GM)

GM is one of the oldest car manufacturers in the United States. It’s also the largest American car maker, producing vehicles under the Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC umbrellas. GM had a number of vehicles on the top selling list for 2018, including the Chevy Silverado (second), Chevy Equinox (8th) and GMC Sierra (18th). The company is a leader in autonomous vehicle research and recently invested in ride-sharing starlet Lyft.

Despite solid profits, forward-thinking management and a 4.36% dividend yield, the company’s stock remains undervalued. GM’s 0.36 PEG ratio is one of the best on our list and their vehicles continue to sell, making them worthy of consideration in your portfolio.

Check out Benzinga’s guide to General Motors stock

Winnebago Industries (WGO)

Yes, those goofy motor homes are expensive, but Winnebago Industries has increased revenue for 4 consecutive years. In fact, it’s doubled since 2016. Winnebago has more than 25 different models of recreational vehicles, ranging in price from around $10,000 to over $300,000.

Its 0.66 PEG ratio means the stock appears undervalued, especially after 4 consecutive earnings beats. Don’t underestimate the popularity of campers.

Toyota Motors (TM)

Toyota sells more cars than any company in the world and the Corolla’s all-time sales record will likely never be broken. Last year, Toyota placed 5 cars on the top sales list, including the Toyota RAV4 (fourth), Camry (seventh), Corolla (10th), Tacoma (14th) and Highlander (15th).

Toyota’s revenue has increased for 3 consecutive years but only sports a 7.31 P/E ratio. Forward earnings growth statistics aren’t available from the Japanese car maker; however, they still deserve consideration in all kinds of portfolios.

Find a Place for Auto Stocks in Your Portfolio

The automotive industry is changing and only the best companies will remain profitable during the many upcoming transitions.

The 5 stocks we’ve listed here have strong current numbers and could have unique future opportunities to seize more market share. We wouldn’t recommend auto stocks as the foundation of a portfolio, but a few names sprinkled in will diversify you across the consumer cyclical sector.

Biggest Auto Stock Movers of the Day

The biggest moving Auto Manufacturer Industry stocks are below. Find the opening and closing prices, trade volume, and percent changes in price. Find more the of the best Consumer Cyclical Sector stocks of the day below:

Check out more stocks to watch:

• Best Advertising Agency Stocks 
• Best Auto & Truck Dealership Stocks
• Best Marketing Services Stocks
• Best Auto Parts Stocks
• Best Recreational Vehicles Stocks
• Best Rubber and Plastics Stocks
• Best Broadcasting – Radio Stocks
• Best Broadcasting – TV Stocks
• Best Media – Diversified Stocks

The post Best Auto Manufacturer Stocks by John Burson appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

Many experts predict the end of auto and truck dealerships over the next 10 to 15 years. Experts believe dealerships will fall victim to driverless vehicles, ridesharing, innovations in human mobility and changing consumer buying habits. That’s why you need to know about auto and truck dealership stocks right now.

Over the past 2 decades, most auto and truck dealerships have prospered despite the Great Recession (the average dealership doubled its profits during that time), internet disruptors and even millennials’ decreased desire to own vehicles compared to previous generations.  

This industry’s resiliency is worth banking on. Here are 5 auto and truck dealership stocks with potential.

Quick Look at the Best Auto and Truck Dealership Stocks:

• Vroom, Inc.
• AutoWeb, Inc.
• Group 1 Automotive Inc.
• AutoNation
• Asbury Automotive Group

Overview

Auto and truck dealership stocks are in a cyclical industry — success is dependent on consumer confidence. When consumers get nervous about the economy, dealerships feel the pinch and operate under low profit margins. This causes a common dilemma for dealership management during low demand periods. They can either bite into their profits by offering customer incentives or they can protect their profit margin while giving up sales to their competitors. 

It’s true that auto and truck dealerships have felt the impact of Tesla, Uber, Lyft and other auto and truck market disruptors. However, most of these new entrants struggle to be profitable. 

Consider these facts as you research this industry:

• Since 2013, total annual sales for new vehicles rose by more than $100 billion.
• Vehicle dealerships continually create new jobs.
• Auto dealerships have accounted for $1 trillion in sales in a single year.
• Dealership payrolls are approaching $100 billion per year.

Understanding an industry’s influencing forces helps you make better trading and investing decisions — including understanding consumer demand. Do careful research as you select the right car and truck dealer stocks for you. 

Best Online Brokers for Auto and Truck and Dealership Stock

Most investments come with some amount of risk. Online brokers can provide you with the resources to help you manage the risks associated with stocks. Here are some of the best online brokers. 

Claim Exclusive Offers

Best For

Active and Global Traders

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through Interactive Brokers’s website

More Details

Best For

Active and Global Traders

N/A

1 Minute Review

Interactive Brokers is a comprehensive trading platform that gives you access to a massive range of securities at affordable prices. You can buy assets from all around the world from the comfort of your home or office with access to over 150 global markets. Options, futures, forex and fund trading are also available, and most traders won’t pay a commission on any purchase or sale.  

IBKR is geared primarily toward experienced traders and investors but now with the availability of free trades with IBKR Lite, casual traders can also acclimate to IBKR’s offerings.

Best For

• Access to international markets
• Active traders
• Detailed mobile app that makes trading simple
• Wide range of available account types and tradeable assets

Pros

• IB SmartRouting provides significant price improvement vs. industry
• Fractional trading allows investing regardless of share price
• Industry’s lowest margin rates
• Earn more by lending your fuly-paid shares

Cons

• Beginner investors might prefer a broker that offers a bit more hand-holding and educational resources

Best For

Leveraged Trading

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through Plus500’s website

More Details

Disclosure: 81% of retail accounts lose money

Best For

Leveraged Trading

N/A

1 Minute Review

81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Plus500 is an online CFD broker focusing on contracts for difference (CFDs). CFDs are similar to binary options in the U.S. where traders take all-or-nothing speculation on the prices of certain securities like indices, commodities or currencies. While not legal to trade in the U.S., CFDs are legal in many jurisdictions across the globe and Plus500 offers a wide array of tradable markets using these instruments. 

Plus500 doesn’t charge commission and only profits off the spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price of a specific security. But Plus500 is not a broker for beginners — the education materials are sparse and CFDs are risky derivatives capable of sapping out all of an investor’s capital. Only trade these instruments if you understand how they operate and the risks involved with buying them.

The Plus500 CFD platform is for CFDs. The Plus500 Futures platform offers futures for U.S. customers, and Plus500 Invest offers stock trading.

Best For

• Traders looking for a smooth mobile experience

Pros

• Great mobile app
• Low spreads and commissions
• Unlimited demo account
• Plus500 offers three platforms: Plus500 Futures, Plus500 Invest and Plus500 CFD.

Cons

• Only derivatives are available
• Futures are available to U.S. residents while CFDs are not available for U.S. residents.

Best For

Trading Ideas

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through public.com’s website

More Details

Best For

Trading Ideas

N/A

1 Minute Review

Public is the only investing platform that lets you trade stocks, ETFs, crypto, bonds, options and alternative assets—like fine art and collectibles—all in one place. Public also provides access to custom company metrics, live shows about the markets, and insights from a community of millions of investors, creators, and analysts.

Today, Public provides more ways to create a diversified portfolio than nearly any other online broker. Members can engage in sophisticated investing strategies and access a wealth of investing insights—from company-specific analysis to live audio shows and town hall-style Q&As. In addition, Public offers a premium membership tier with unique company KPIs, detailed performance metrics, and institutional-grade research. 

 

Best For

• Stock and ETF investors
• Crypto investors
• Investors looking to diversify with alternative assets or bonds and options

Pros

• Commission-free stock and ETF trading
• Fractional share investing
• Advanced data, tools, and insights with Public Premium

Cons

• You can’t transfer crypto to another wallet
• No mutual funds or precious metals
• At this time, only offers individual brokerage accounts and not IRAs

Best For

Commission-Free Mobile Trading

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through Robinhood’s website

More Details

Best For

Commission-Free Mobile Trading

N/A

1 Minute Review

Robinhood is a popular trading platform known for its commission-free trades and user-friendly mobile app. Ideal for novice investors, Robinhood makes it easy to buy and sell stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. The platform offers a straightforward, no-frills experience, making it accessible for users new to investing. With features like fractional shares and a sleek interface, Robinhood lowers the barriers to entry for investing, allowing users to start with just a few dollars. It lacks the advanced tools and research options that more experienced investors might seek. Overall, Robinhood is a great choice for beginners seeking a simple way to invest.

Best For

• Beginners looking for simplicity
• Mobile-first investors
• Commission-free trades

Pros

• User-friendly mobile app
• Instant double
• Cash management
• Access to cryptocurrencies

Cons

• Limited research tools
• No mutual funds available
• Basic customer support options

Best For

Active Short Sellers

Overall Rating

Read Review

get started securely through TradeZero’s website

More Details

Best For

Active Short Sellers

N/A

1 Minute Review

TradeZero is an online broker and free stock trading platform that provides everything you need to successfully share and trade, including round-the-clock customer support. TradeZero provides four different trading state-of-the-art software programs with its services, a locator for sourcing shares for shorting, commission-free trades, and real-time streaming, to name a few of the features promoted on their website. The software is a unique and (potentially) affordable option for anyone interested in stock trading.

Best For

• Traders seeking high transparency and mobility in a stock trading program
• Those attracted to commission-free trades
• Those seeking a free version of a high-quality trading program

Pros

• 24/7 live customer support
• Uses ZeroWeb technology, a powerful level 2 online platform with direct market access
• Mobile app allows users to access stocks and trade in real-time while on the go

Cons

• Enforces Pattern Day Trading restrictions (accounts need to maintain a daily equity balance of at least $25k)
• Mobile app could offer more features

Features to Look for in Auto and Truck Dealership Stock

You’ll want to understand each company in detail, but here are 3 things you can research to be sure you’re choosing the right stock for your needs: 

• Price-to-earnings ratio (P/E ratio): Since car and truck dealer stocks are cyclical, the P/E ratio is a useful evaluation metric. It indicates the investors’ present valuation of a stock by comparing the amount they are willing to pay with the stock’s actual earnings. You can calculate a stock’s P/E ratio by dividing the market price per share by the earnings per share. 
• Revenue/long-term revenue growth: Checking present and historical revenue can give you an idea of a stock’s future potential. Current revenues prominently appear on a company’s income statements and quarterly earnings reports. 
• Debt levels: A company’s debt levels can have a tremendous effect on its stock performance. Sometimes, a company must utilize a good portion of its assets to stay competitive. Check debt-to-equity ratios — divide the dealers’ total debt by total assets. 

Auto and Truck Dealership Stocks for the Long Haul

Auto and truck dealerships have endured tough times in this country. Throughout these changing times, this sector has shown a consistent pattern of growth. If you are looking for an investment with relatively safe exposure and consistent growth, auto and truck dealership stocks may fit that category.

Continue reading: BEST TRUCKING STOCKS

The post Best Auto and Truck Dealership Stocks Right Now by John Burson appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

Industrial stock trading is a middle-of-the-road type of investment. Growth traders tend to ignore them and position investors often use these stocks as core investments. However, industrial stocks can make a solid addition to almost any investor’s portfolio. 

Industrial stocks generally have more growth potential than defensive stocks and less risk than growth stocks. However, industrial stock investors are not immune to risks. You can reduce the risks by trading among the top industrial stocks. Here is a list of the best industrial stocks.

Quick Look at the Best Industrials Stocks:

• Lockheed Martin
• Union Pacific
• Honeywell
• Caterpillar
• FedEx

Overview: Industry Stocks

Technology and innovation are constantly changing the world around us and the way we do things. At the same time, we still build and travel by proven means — with heavy machinery and transport goods by air or ground. For this reason, industrial stocks have the reputation of being reasonably predictable and reliable. The companies in this sector are in industries such as manufacturing, transportation, construction and raw materials. 

Most industrial companies are cyclical — they rely on the economy for success. Cyclical stock prices follow the economic cycle, better known as the business cycle. Cyclical revenue volume goes up during high business cycles and levels off during low cycles. In contrast, non-cyclical revenue volume stays fairly constant. An example of a noncyclical company is the maker of Heinz Ketchup.  

Best Online Brokers for Industrials Stock

All investments have risks. Full-service online brokers can provide the material and tools you need to make more informed industrial stock trades. Take a look at these top online brokers. 

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Active and Global Traders

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Active and Global Traders

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Interactive Brokers is a comprehensive trading platform that gives you access to a massive range of securities at affordable prices. You can buy assets from all around the world from the comfort of your home or office with access to over 150 global markets. Options, futures, forex and fund trading are also available, and most traders won’t pay a commission on any purchase or sale.  

IBKR is geared primarily toward experienced traders and investors but now with the availability of free trades with IBKR Lite, casual traders can also acclimate to IBKR’s offerings.

Best For

• Access to international markets
• Active traders
• Detailed mobile app that makes trading simple
• Wide range of available account types and tradeable assets

Pros

• IB SmartRouting provides significant price improvement vs. industry
• Fractional trading allows investing regardless of share price
• Industry’s lowest margin rates
• Earn more by lending your fuly-paid shares

Cons

• Beginner investors might prefer a broker that offers a bit more hand-holding and educational resources

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Leveraged Trading

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Leveraged Trading

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81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Plus500 is an online CFD broker focusing on contracts for difference (CFDs). CFDs are similar to binary options in the U.S. where traders take all-or-nothing speculation on the prices of certain securities like indices, commodities or currencies. While not legal to trade in the U.S., CFDs are legal in many jurisdictions across the globe and Plus500 offers a wide array of tradable markets using these instruments. 

Plus500 doesn’t charge commission and only profits off the spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price of a specific security. But Plus500 is not a broker for beginners — the education materials are sparse and CFDs are risky derivatives capable of sapping out all of an investor’s capital. Only trade these instruments if you understand how they operate and the risks involved with buying them.

The Plus500 CFD platform is for CFDs. The Plus500 Futures platform offers futures for U.S. customers, and Plus500 Invest offers stock trading.

Best For

• Traders looking for a smooth mobile experience

Pros

• Great mobile app
• Low spreads and commissions
• Unlimited demo account
• Plus500 offers three platforms: Plus500 Futures, Plus500 Invest and Plus500 CFD.

Cons

• Only derivatives are available
• Futures are available to U.S. residents while CFDs are not available for U.S. residents.

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Trading Ideas

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Trading Ideas

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Public is the only investing platform that lets you trade stocks, ETFs, crypto, bonds, options and alternative assets—like fine art and collectibles—all in one place. Public also provides access to custom company metrics, live shows about the markets, and insights from a community of millions of investors, creators, and analysts.

Today, Public provides more ways to create a diversified portfolio than nearly any other online broker. Members can engage in sophisticated investing strategies and access a wealth of investing insights—from company-specific analysis to live audio shows and town hall-style Q&As. In addition, Public offers a premium membership tier with unique company KPIs, detailed performance metrics, and institutional-grade research. 

 

Best For

• Stock and ETF investors
• Crypto investors
• Investors looking to diversify with alternative assets or bonds and options

Pros

• Commission-free stock and ETF trading
• Fractional share investing
• Advanced data, tools, and insights with Public Premium

Cons

• You can’t transfer crypto to another wallet
• No mutual funds or precious metals
• At this time, only offers individual brokerage accounts and not IRAs

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Commission-Free Mobile Trading

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Commission-Free Mobile Trading

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Robinhood is a popular trading platform known for its commission-free trades and user-friendly mobile app. Ideal for novice investors, Robinhood makes it easy to buy and sell stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. The platform offers a straightforward, no-frills experience, making it accessible for users new to investing. With features like fractional shares and a sleek interface, Robinhood lowers the barriers to entry for investing, allowing users to start with just a few dollars. It lacks the advanced tools and research options that more experienced investors might seek. Overall, Robinhood is a great choice for beginners seeking a simple way to invest.

Best For

• Beginners looking for simplicity
• Mobile-first investors
• Commission-free trades

Pros

• User-friendly mobile app
• Instant double
• Cash management
• Access to cryptocurrencies

Cons

• Limited research tools
• No mutual funds available
• Basic customer support options

Best For

Active Short Sellers

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Active Short Sellers

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TradeZero is an online broker and free stock trading platform that provides everything you need to successfully share and trade, including round-the-clock customer support. TradeZero provides four different trading state-of-the-art software programs with its services, a locator for sourcing shares for shorting, commission-free trades, and real-time streaming, to name a few of the features promoted on their website. The software is a unique and (potentially) affordable option for anyone interested in stock trading.

Best For

• Traders seeking high transparency and mobility in a stock trading program
• Those attracted to commission-free trades
• Those seeking a free version of a high-quality trading program

Pros

• 24/7 live customer support
• Uses ZeroWeb technology, a powerful level 2 online platform with direct market access
• Mobile app allows users to access stocks and trade in real-time while on the go

Cons

• Enforces Pattern Day Trading restrictions (accounts need to maintain a daily equity balance of at least $25k)
• Mobile app could offer more features

Features to Look For in Industrial Stock

• Earnings per share: An industrial stock’s earning per share (EPS) reveals how well the business functions financially and operationally. This ratio defines the amount of money owed to stockholders after subtracting all expenses and taxes. You can calculate a company’s EPS by subtracting the preferred dividend from the net income. Then, you divide the remainder by the number of shares outstanding. A company’s website normally has a link to its annual EPS in the 4th quarter income report.

• Consistency: An industrial stock should be relatively stable. The company’s revenue volume should follow the S&P 500 very closely. Its net income history can give you an indication of the firm’s consistency. Plus, an increase in operating profits is a sign of sound management. 

• Diversity:  Industrial companies usually have 4 to 5 income streams from various submarkets within their field. For instance, Honeywell generates revenue from aerospace, building technology, performance materials and safety. 

Deciding on Your Industrial Stock Choices

It takes a great deal of adaptability and fortitude to be a leader in the industrial industry. Year after year, these 5 industrial companies have used their core competencies to continue to be leaders of the pack. If you’re looking for an industrial stock that consistently tracks the market, these industrial stocks are good examples. 

The post Best Industrials Stocks Right Now by John Burson appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

Investing in land can be a smart financial move, but whether it’s a good investment depends on your goals, location, and strategy. Unlike rental properties, land typically doesn’t generate immediate cash flow, but it offers benefits like appreciation, low maintenance costs, and long-term value growth. Some investors buy land for future development, flipping, or leasing for agricultural or commercial use.

However, land investments also come with risks, such as zoning restrictions, slow appreciation, and difficulty securing financing. In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of buying land and whether it fits your investment strategy.

Simply Put: Is Buying Land Risky?

To understand the risk of land investing, let’s take a look at farmland ownership. In 2009, the recession stopped commercial and residential developers from seeking agricultural land to convert into new housing and commercial developments. Consequently, the value of farmland dropped by 3.2%. 

The decreasing land values prevented a lot of farmers from borrowing equity to pay for the next growing season. This caused some farmers to default on their mortgage loans. The risks of falling land values and shifting market conditions can have a devastating domino effect on all land investors. 

Fast forward to today, land values have increased from $2010 per acre in 2007 to about $3,380 per acre in 2021. Many long-time farmers realize that the accumulated equity from their land can financially sustain them more than shrinking farming profits. So, many farmers — who survived the 2009 debacle — are retiring their plows and selling their land. 

Essentially, investing in land is risky. However, the financial rewards can be worth it for the right investor.

How to Buy Land for Investment

Before you start looking for land to buy, you must determine how you plan to make money from it. There are several ways to invest in raw land. Your choice depends on your goals, limitations, and involvement level. The following methods are the most popular.

Buy and Hold Land

If you spot an area that shows signs of growth, buying vacant land in that area could be very profitable in the future. This is the main benefit of the buy-and-hold strategy. It gives you the opportunity to buy land around its market value with the intent of waiting to take action when its market value goes up. You can either sell it, lease it, or develop it.

Land Flipping

Land flipping is a simple buy-low and sell-high technique. The goal is to buy undervalued land for a cheap price and sell it at a high price. Unlike the buy-and-hold strategy, the motivation is to sell only. Also, the time between actions is generally much shorter. 

The challenge is finding undervalued land. This can be tricky. Sometimes a seller may list some land at a cheap price because of a serious problem. The soil may be unsuitable for supporting structures — or the land could be in a fire zone. It could have high levels of radon or other contaminants. 

Also, you can buy land at market value and profit from emphasizing its entitlements before the sale. Land entitlements include zoning rights, development rights, and subdivision rights. 

Developing Land

You can put a car wash or an apartment complex on your land. By owning the land, you’ll never worry about an owner not willing to renew your lease. Making your land an income producer can increase its value.

However, developing land can be expensive — it can drag on for years. While scouting for land, you must consider zoning laws and the location of your plot. Count on your project being illiquid for several years.

Buying Land to Lease

Buying land to lease can be a good way to create passive income from monthly rental payments. Some land investors use a strategy many multi-plex investors use. They lease a portion of the land to offset the expenses, taxes, and interest costs. A problem could occur if the tenant develops the leased land in a way that’s not consistent with your plans. 

The upside of investing in land can be great. You can increase your chances of being on the winning side of land ownership by considering these influencing factors:

• Existing federal state and local laws concerning your land interest
• Current and future demand for land in that area — identifying a growth path
• Water, electricity, septic, and other utilities related to the potential use of the land
• Laws regarding public access to the land
• Owner rights to cross someone else’s property to enter or leave the property, or ingress and egress rights 

Now, you are ready to shop for land. Foreclosure auctions, public tax sales, and estate sales are good places to start. Most of the time, organizers of these sales just want to unload these properties for as much as they can get. You can find some very good deals this way. 

Online industry websites are a good source to find land for sale. Many of the listings on these sites have professional-quality video presentations.

Check out these online land marketplaces:

• Land.com: This website is the largest online marketplace for buying and selling land. It claims to have 9 million monthly visits to its network of sites — Lands of America, Land and Farm, and LandWatch.
• Lotnetwork.com: This site lists over 460,630 lots and land nationwide. Also, Lotnetwork connects you to online land auctions.
• Landflip.com: Landflip lists land for sale, lease, and for sale by owner — no brokers. To help you narrow your search, it allows you to create a buyer profile.

Can You Invest in Land Online?

A growing number of online real estate investment platforms give passive land investors an opportunity to invest in farmland. You can also invest through land exchange-traded funds (ETFs), land mutual funds, and stock in companies that hold land. Investing in land through these securities can save you the legwork and lower your risk level. But you still must do your homework.

Compare Online Platforms for Investing in Land

Take a look at our top pick for the best online crowdfunding platforms for investing in land.

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Diverse Range of Alternative Investments

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Diverse Range of Alternative Investments

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Yieldstreet is an alternative investment platform that provides access to asset classes typically reserved for institutional investors. Founded in 2015, it offers opportunities in real estate, art, marine finance, legal finance, and more. By focusing on income-generating investments with varying risk levels, Yieldstreet aims to help individual investors diversify their portfolios and potentially achieve higher returns. This review explores Yieldstreet’s offerings, fees, returns, and overall suitability for different types of investors.

Best For

• Accredited investors looking to diversify
• Alternative investments to stocks and bonds
• Investors looking for passive income

Pros

• Easy-to-use platform
• Carefully selected offerings
• Excellent mobile app
• Full spectrum of alternative offerings
• Options for non-accredited investors

Cons

• Majority of investments only open to accredited investors

Best For

Beginner Real Estate Investors

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Disclosure: This is a testimonial in partnership with Fundrise. We earn a commission from partner links on Benzinga.com. All opinions are our own.

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Beginner Real Estate Investors

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Fundrise is an online real estate investment platform that allows individuals to invest in a diversified portfolio of commercial real estate properties. The platform pools investor funds and uses them to acquire, manage, and sell various types of real estate assets, such as apartment buildings, office spaces, and retail centers.

One of the key advantages of Fundrise is its accessibility to individual investors who may not have the capital or expertise to invest directly in real estate. By pooling funds together with other investors, Fundrise allows individuals to access a diversified portfolio of real estate assets without having to purchase properties on their own.

Fundrise also offers transparency to its investors. The platform provides regular updates on the performance of the portfolio, allowing investors to track their investments in real time. Additionally, Fundrise offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for individuals to invest and manage their portfolios online.

Best For

• New real estate investors looking to get their feet wet
• Non-accredited investors
• Real estate investors who want a “set-it and forget it”-oriented option
• Investors looking for low-to-moderate cost buy-ins

Pros

• Multiple offerings available to non-accredited investors
• Simple menu of investment options
• Can use for IRA contributions
• Incredibly affordable buy-ins
• Low, easy-to-understand investor fee schedule

Cons

• Extended hold periods
• Limited secondary market

Best For

$100 Minimum Investment

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$100 Minimum Investment

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Arrived is a real estate investment platform that allows individuals to invest in rental properties with low capital. Founded in 2019 and backed by notable investors, Arrived enables fractional ownership of single-family rental homes, making real estate investing more accessible. With a fully managed approach, investors earn passive income without the responsibilities of property management. This review explores Arrived’s investment process, returns, fees, and overall suitability for different types of investors.

Best For

• Small- to medium-sized investors
• Investors interested in rental income
• Investors looking to diversify

Pros

• Buy-ins as low as $100
• Open to non-accredited investors
• Offers ownership shares in real property (and all the tax benefits)
• Multiple ways to earn dividends (rental income and property appreciation)
• Great way to diversify portfolio
• Open to self-directed individual retirement accounts (IRAs)
• Detailed analytics and data to help investors make informed decisions and maximize their returns

Cons

• Long hold periods
• No secondary market to liquidate shares

Advantages of Land Investments

Buying land has some distinct advantages over other investments:

• Easy Purchase: Land deals are usually private sales. You normally don’t need to go through a credit check or fill out a lot of paperwork. The average price for undeveloped land is $3,380 per acre and $4,442 per acre for farmland.
• Buyers’ Market: Most investors are shopping for fully developed, ready-to-use property. The light competition gives you a better opportunity to find some good deals.
• Low Maintenance: Raw land doesn’t have a property to manage or renters to deal with. You just pay your property taxes and may have to check for squatters every now and then.

Disadvantages of Land Investments

Every form of investment has its pitfalls. Investing in land is no different. These are 3 aspects of the market you should be aware of:

• Low Liquidity: Unless you’re planning to lease or flip your land, your money could be tied up for some time. The sales volume is typically low. It may take much longer than you think to sell it.
• Meager Tax Breaks: Raw land investments come with very little to depreciate. If you buy the property with a cash deal, you won’t have a mortgage interest deduction.
• Permits and Building Approvals: Your local zoning laws dictate what you can do with your property. Sometimes the approval process for your project can be long and arduous. 

Why You Should Think About Buying Land

Buying land is risky. It can be illiquid for long periods. There is a chance a down market could rock your plans. However, there’s a strong upside.

Depending on your land investment strategy, your land investment could bring you substantial returns through increased property value or annual rental income. Take a look at the new online platforms that open land investment to a greater audience. You can get started in real estate investing and land ownership without assuming all the risk on your own.

Learn more about real estate investing strategies and real estate crowdfunding today with Benzinga.

Frequently Asked Questions

The post Is Buying Land a Good Investment? by John Burson appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

When you think about it, online brokers are software companies first. They compete to develop the best trading technology to attract and keep new users. This makes a comparison between MultiCharts and TradeStation very relevant. These companies pursue the same type of trader for their customer bases. Learning how they fare against each other will help you decide the best online trading option for you. 

Who is MultiCharts for?

MultiCharts is a technical analysis and strategy platform. It primarily appeals to active day traders seeking to create and improve profitable trading strategies. It accommodates advanced traders who already have ideas for functional strategies. If you don’t have the advanced technical knowledge, you are better off with more user-friendly programs like Charles Schwab’s thinkorswim. Plus, finance professionals use MultiCharts to provide accurate stock and asset information to its clients.

Over 10,000 traders in 175 countries get vital stock exchange information from the MultiCharts platform. It allows users to combine historical data from outside sources with real-time data. MultiCharts modified TradeStation’s EasyLanguage to help its users perform a wide variety of tasks with algorithmics. EasyLanguage is a programming language that helps traders develop powerful trading strategies, indicators and customized trading apps.

MultiCharts’ main features are:

• Charting: MultiCharts charting applications compete soundly with TradeStation’s charts. The high-definition charts have clear indicators and tick marks. You can work on multiple charts simultaneously without getting confused.
• Stock scanner: MultiCharts allows you to set your automatic market updates at intervals as low as 1 minute. The scans are highly customizable.
• Backtesting your strategy: Backtesting is the process of traders using historical data to test a strategy’s predictive accuracy on an actual event. MultiCharts backtesting feature leads the industry in customization, visibility and functionality.
• Market replay: At the end of every day, you can replay market activities by minutes, hours or days. Plus, market replay integrates with multiple charts at once.

MultiCharts Ultra HD trading platform gives you access to simulated trading, optimized reports, chart analysis, walk-forward testing, global hotkeys and a forex board. Also, the platform features drawing tools marketing data playback and exit strategies. 

Web Application Programming Interface (API) is a portal that allows you to get vital trading information through 3rd-party trading applications. MultiCharts Data API permits you to integrate any 3rd-party historical or real-time data feeds to MultiCharts. This enables you to use data from anywhere.

Keep in mind that MultiCharts is not a broker. You can load your MultiCharts data on the platform of the online broker of your choice. Your broker’s platform, however, must be compatible with MultiCharts. Two of the most notable compatible brokers are Interactive Brokers and OANDA. Take a look at the complete list of compatible brokers.

Who is TradeStation for?

TradeStation combines superior technology and online brokerage services to attract active traders who want a stellar trading environment. Most reviewers rate TradeStation’s supercharged desktop platform ahead of the MultiCharts platform.

These are key features of TradeStation’s platform, TS Direct:

• RadarScreen continuously tracks and racks up 1,000 symbols in real-time with more than 180 technical and fundamental indicators.
• Easy Language allows you to customize strategy and indicators by converting complicated algorithmic expressions into English-like language. 
• Strategy Backtesting enables you to backtest, automate and optimize your trade strategy with a mega-collection of historical data.
• OptionStation Pro is a signature app that does a thorough and powerful option analysis. It shows you the probability of your strategy’s break-even point. 

When it created its award-winning mobile app, TradeStation had day traders in mind. TS GO features the Matrix tool for ladder trading and full-service charts with nighttime visibility. TS GO has 43 real-time streaming quotes and 43 optional indicators. It uses greeks for pro-level risk management and contracts analysis — greeks define various levels of risk. Also, TS GO offers Future Plus and custom strategy building.

TradeStation Web API gives you 3rd-party access to its historical and real-time data, fast-order advantages and position information. This portal grants you the versatility to run other trading applications independently from TradeStation Display Screen. TS Web API has an advantage over MultiCharts Data API — you can execute trades while you work from the TS platforms.

TradeStation has a great reputation for platform stability. This broker claims an uptime average of 99.999%.  If you are a casual user, TradeStation’s web-based platform may suit you. But remember, there is a high learning curve between you and developing your own trading strategies. It takes investing a lot of time. Although the company is making overtures to casual users, it still remains an advanced, active trader domain. 

Unlike MultiCharts, TradeStation offers a wide range of tradable instruments. It is a leader in options trading, futures trading, mobile trading, day trading and cryptocurrency. Also, it has penny stocks and multi-leg options. A multi-leg option enables you to simultaneously trade a batch of buy or sell options. In earlier times, this type of deal required multiple electronic orders. 

TradeStation doesn’t deal in international markets. So, forex traders must look elsewhere. Nevertheless, TradeStation outshines MultiCharts in several key platform and service categories.

MultiCharts Fees and Commissions

MultiCharts makes its money through subscription plans. After a 30-day free trial, you have the option of subscribing for 3 months up to a lifetime. The free trial has no restrictions or obligations. During the trial, you use virtual money. This gives you a risk-free opportunity to create and test your trade ideas. You pay nothing for making trades through its software. However, you will eventually pay the broker of your choice for your trades. So, you’ll end up paying software subscription fees to MultiCharts and broker fees. 

The MultiCharts subscription plan is detailed below. 

TradeStation’s Fees and Commissions

TradeStation has a $2,000 minimum deposit for use of the TS Select platform, $0 minimum deposit for its mobile app, TS GO. Stock and options trades cost $0. But, there is a $0.005 per share commission for up to 500 stock shares. That equates to $2.50 for 500 shares. ETFs trades are completely free. Benzinga gives you a graphic look at the TS Select pricing structure. 

TradeStation provides its software and historical data for free. It doesn’t charge for the live streaming data. Plus, commissions and fees are lower on TS GO. Innovative and highly competitive pricing is one of the reasons it stays on top of the automatic trading industry.

If you trade less than 5,000 shares per month, TradeStation will charge you a $99 per month inactivity fee.  You can avoid this fee by keeping $100,000 in your account. Otherwise, casual traders can struggle with this trading platform. As you can see, TradeStation wins out in the cost category. 

MultiCharts Research Offerings

MultiCharts provides research for its traders in the form of studies. Studies are a collection of trading concepts and strategies serving as a resource for technical analysis tools. Traders use studies to assess market behavior and trade decision making. 

The MultiCharts platform has 270 prebuilt, customizable studies. It features some of the most renowned indicators and trading concepts. You can import more studies from several sources. Plus, PowerLanguage enables you to customize studies or create new ones. 

TradeStation Research Offerings

TradeStation is a discount broker. By its nature, it doesn’t offer much in the form of research. No analyst reports are accessible. You can get some market news, analysis and advice on TradeStation’s blog, Market Insights. It features posts from the Monex Crypto Market Weekly, in-house stock market analysis and market trends.

You won’t find much 3rd-party research on this trading platform. For an added fee, you can buy a subscription to research through the Trading App Store. Otherwise, you’ll probably use your own research sources. 

MultiCharts vs. TradeStation: Which Is Better?

Do you have a favorite forex broker you want to keep? MultiCharts may be the likely choice for you. Otherwise, TradeStation is the best choice. It is superior to MultiCharts in trading platforms, performance, tools and costs. TradeStation gives you the ability to create your own trade strategy and trade on the same platform. This helps it outpace MultiCharts in attracting more advanced traders and casual users wanting to explore algorithmic trading. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The post MultiCharts vs. TradeStation 2024 by John Burson appeared first on Benzinga. Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this.

Are you trying to decide between IG and CMC Markets? In terms of their review rankings among forex brokers, IG is the clear favorite. But they match very closely in some categories. This head-to-head comparison between IG and CMC Markets should help you determine which of these London-based brokers is better for you. 

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Who is IG for?

IG (LON: IGG) is a great broker for traders of all levels who are looking for maximum trustability, superior research tools, competitive pricing, top-notch education and innovative trading platforms. Its headquarters is in London, England. But, it has a U.S. division for U.S. traders.

Forex trading is a volatile activity. Traders cherish a broker they can trust. Longevity in this industry is a bankable asset. Being a bank can be a dealmaker. IG is a leader in these trust factors because: 

• It’s been in the forex trading sector for more than four decades.
• It is a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulated broker, one of the most demanding regulators in the world.
• It is a bank.
• It has over 195,000 active traders worldwide.
• It has offices in 17 countries on five continents.

IG has won awards for its market trading platforms. Its designers concentrate on proprietary trading platforms and strive to make the mobile and tablet app very user-friendly. The platforms feature a wide variety of charts and graphs to interpret its large displays of data. 

There is a major drawback to IG’s platform system: It doesn’t feature automated trading on its main platform. If you prefer robotic trading, you have to qualify as a professional trader and sign up for IG’s L2 Platform and ProRealTime charts. This setup comes with high monthly trading fees. It requires coding skills and industry knowledge. Professional traders may shy away from the L2 platform in favor of cheaper alternatives on other forex broker sites. If you only want to use ProRealTime charts, you can do so for free with a minimum of four trades per calendar period. 

IG’s mobile app has plenty of features that appeal to both novice and seasoned traders. It showcases an economic calendar, Twitter feeds, alerts, market buzz, watchlists and status readings. Plus, MetaTrader is available on IG’s MT4 app. 

IG has a wide selection of 93 currency pairs and 9,451 stocks and options. It is the world leader in the number of contracts of difference (CFD) it offers. In total, this broker offers over 17,000 tradable assets.

Pros

• Easy-to-navigate platform is easy for beginners to master
• Mobile and tablet platforms offer full functionality of the desktop version
• Margin rates are easy to understand and affordable
• Access to over 80 currency pairs
• CFD trading
• Copy trading
• Demo account available
• Supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) & MetaTrader 5 (MT5)

Cons

• U.S. traders can currently only trade forex
• Customer service options are lacking
• No two-factor authentication on mobile
• Inactivity fee

Who is CMC Markets for?

CMC Markets (LON:CMCX) is a London-based forex broker. It doesn’t cater to U.S. residents. Otherwise, it provides a comfortable and affordable environment for the beginner and advanced trader. CMC Markets is a low-cost leader. It caters to multi-asset traders who benefit from a wide selection of forex pairs and CFDs. Also, it attracts traders who like investing in stocks. Plus, testing proves that CMC has exceptional customer service with 5/24 phone support and short wait times on chat platforms.

In terms of trustworthiness, this broker ranks are very high. It has earned this level of trust for the following reasons: 

• It’s been in the forex business for over 30 years.
• It operates under the strict regulation of the FCA.
• It is a bank.
• It has 80,000 active clients.

CMC Markets Next Generation platform supports traders of all levels with speed, stability, fresh features and tools. It won ForexBroker’s 2020 award as the Best Web-Based Platform. Its charts have 79 technical indicators and 74 attachable chart patterns. Also, the platform includes an adjustable pattern-recognition tool that helps traders form strategies based on price action. If you want to use automated trading, you must choose the MT4 platform. 

This broker is a world leader in offering currency pairs. It presents 348 currency pairs and 12,000 stocks, futures and options. Both totals beat out IG for the same tradable shares. CMC Markets has hubs in 11 countries worldwide. 

Pros

• Wide range of tradable assets
• Copy trading software
• Supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) & Metatrader 5 (MT5)
• Excellent education and research resources
• Trading app available

Cons

• High inactivity fee
• Does not accept U.S. clients
• Only CFD trading
• No social trading
• Spread betting only for UK residents

IG’s Fees and Commissions

At this point in the comparison, nothing seems to noticeably separate these brokers. Your decision would mainly be personal preferences. A comparison of the brokers’ fees and commissions for currency pair spreads may help you pinpoint your choice. Currency spreads work a lot like options. The broker’s compensation comes from the spread. To learn more about forex terms, read how to trade on forex. 

The following table is IG’s rate list for currency spreads. Forex brokers use a point per percentage (PIP) as the unit of measure for currency spreads. For U.S.-based pairs, a PIP equates to 1/100th of 1 cent.  With the PIP standard, the industry tries to protect traders from big losses. 

With a low $250 minimum, traders have easy access to IG’s trading platform. It manages to offer such low rates by using the economy of scale. IG uses its massive asset size and $726 million annual revenue to buy mega orders of shares. In turn, it transfers the savings to its traders. 

CMC Markets Fees and Commissions

CMC Markets uses the same economy of scale that IG uses. Its size and annual revenue of $64. 5 million are far below IG’s assets. But it manages to match up well with its rival forex broker. This table shows how close the two brokers are in pricing.

CMC Markets doesn’t have a minimum deposit amount. Otherwise, there’s very little differentiation in their pricing structure.  

IG’s Research Offerings

Keep in mind that CFDs and currency spreads are complicated and volatile tradable instruments. A reported 68% of IG’s investors lose money. That’s well below the industry average of 82%. Research is important to increase your odds of making money by forex trading. IG does a great job of providing you with the research tools you’ll need. 

Here are some of the available research aids:

• Real-time charts: You can analyze price action with fast HTML5 charts.
• Customized screener:  This allows you to isolate observations of forex, CFDs, global stocks and cryptocurrencies.
• Autochartist and PIA First: This system uses automated pattern-recognition and technical analysis to help you view trading signals. 
• Stream news: Reuters news feeds allow you to respond to market developments in-platform.
• DailyFX blog: It’s a blog style website that provides news and educational material.

CMC Markets Research Offerings

CMC’s standard stockbroking platform grants you access to news feeds that keep you informed with up-to-the-minute financial news. The complete platform suite gives you reliable research material and tools to properly manage your portfolio.

These are five CMC Markets’ research features:

• Dow Jones: CMC customizes the Dow Jones newswires to provide you with all pertinent, trade-specific news. 
• Morningstar: You get a thorough fundamental analysis on a stock level. This includes major stockholder reports, analyst forecasts, value model and historical financial reports. 
• theScreener: A top performer in equity analysis, it has a risk analysis of over 5,000 stocks. Also, it gives insight into the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)-listed stocks. 
• ASX announcements: The Next Generation platform instantly reveals company announcements through ASX.
• Trading Central: Trading Central integrates technical signals, candlestick patterns and trade tips to assist you in fine-tuning your technical analysis for each stock.                                      

IG vs. CMC Markets Bottomline

IG and CMC Markets are sound, trustworthy and high-quality forex brokers. The pendulum of favor swings side to side. Both are equally trusted. IG’s main platform is a better choice than Next-Generation. Its market research package and trading tool are hard to beat. But, CMC Markets gets the nod for mobile apps. IG offers more CFDs; CMC Markets offers more currency pairs. Overall, IG has the most tradable instruments. There’s an almost dead heat in the commission and fees category. 

The results come down to a photo finish: IG emerges as a slight winner. But, there are intangibles involved in this process. The margin of difference between these two forex brokers is so narrow that your choice depends on personal preference. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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