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Shares: Different types of shares

Created:
24 April 2008
Written by:
Dominic Picarda

Not all shares are the same! Some companies issue different classes of shares, and close to 2,000 companies are listed on the Alternative Investment Market - Aim.

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Aim shares are different to 'main market' shares in several important regards. We highlight some of the key differences and advantages of Aim shares.

We also look at how to choose Aim shares, because they frequently have less in the way of trading history than main market shares. Find out what to look for here.

With less liquidity and wider spreads, Aim shares can be more difficult to trade. Find out how to get the market to work for you. (3)

If you want to buy shares in a car maker, or a steel company, or a paper mill, you'll find there aren't any quoted in London. But international markets offer a wealth of investment opportunities. Buying foreign shares isn't as difficult or expensive as you might imagine - we show you how to get started here.

So-called "ordinary shares", which constitute the vast majority of equities listed on the stock exchange, are not the only option open to you. Some other types of shares, like preference shares, Pibs and Culs have specific advantages for some types of investor, and you can find out more about them here.

And many property companies have now converted to Real Estate Investment Trusts. You can find out why these special type of share might be a better way to profit from property prices than conventional property funds here.

MORE ON SHARES:

How to reasearch and pick shares: Using stock screens, how to read financial statements and how economic events affect stock markets.

How to choose a stock broker and use direct market access: How to find the best deal for you, and how to plug direct into the stock exchange's trading system.

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