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How to Find Investing Ideas

Investing ideas are easy to find if you know where to look. You might read about opportunities online or in the newspaper. You might hear ideas from friends, family members or colleagues. Inspiration can even strike as you go about your daily routine.

The biggest challenge can often be deciding if an investment is right for you. Here we'll focus on three resources that can help you find ideas.

1. Stock, ETF and mutual fund screeners

What's the first thing you do when you land on your favourite retailer's website? Chances are, you start narrowing your search by using filters to help you find what you're looking for. You can often filter your search so you end up with options that are the right fit for you  while avoiding the ones you know don't meet your needs. Screeners are the equivalent for investors.

With thousands of stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual fund options at your fingertips, it can be hard to figure out which ones suit you best. Screeners can help by presenting you with a curated list of investment ideas to explore.

Tip: Once you have your lists of ideas, save them to your Watchlists for easy monitoring.

Find out more about screeners in How to Find Investments That Matter to You

2. Inspired Investor Trade

Inspired Investor Trade is RBC Direct Investing's digital magazine. You'll find personal stories, timely information and expert insights to help empower and inspire your investing decisions. Articles are featured throughout the site.

Want to share what you're reading? You can easily let your networks know what you find interesting by clicking the share buttons at the top of each article.

3. Analysts' research and top picks

On the Market Commentary page, you'll find RBC equity research and Morningstar favourite investments grouped into convenient pick lists. Morningstar Pick Lists include top Canadian dividend-paying companies, best picks for core equity investments in large-cap U.S. stocks and many more. If you don't have a specific industry or company in mind, these lists can help you generate ideas.

To find Morningstar Analysts' Top Picks, select Research on the site menu. From there, head to Research Tools and click on Market Commentary.

What's next?

Once you've narrowed your choices, it's important to do your own research. One of the best ways to start is a Detailed Quote page. Just enter a stock symbol, company name or keyword into the search box at the top right corner of each page on the RBC Direct Investing site and select what you'd like to research.

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