INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITY STOCKS Roads to riches Infrastructure and utility stocks make up one of the fastest-growing sectors of the sharemarket, reports John Collett. INDEXES Group mentality Why pick stocks when you can buy the whole exchange? THE PROFESSIONALS Shop talk Some of the big guys are losing their shine, reports Barbara Drury.
				SMALL CAPS Small but feisty Small caps - companies outside the top 100 - can offer good value to brave investors, reports Barbara Drury. LISTED INVESTMENTS Hot Lics A listed investment company may make a good option for those looking to diversify, reports John Collett. POPULAR STOCKS Staying power The market's most widely held shares are delivering a premium, reports Michelle Innis.

Things to consider with IPO's (Initial public offering)

The first time a company lists, it is undergoing an IPO or Initial Public Offering. They are also called floats in Australia. 1.Is it a speculative investment? 2. Does the investment represent good value? 3. What to keep in mind when reading the prospectus 4. Do you understand the industry? 5. Do you understand the business? 6. Does buying these shares fit in with your investment strategy?   7. Why is the company listing? 8. Experience of management 9. Underwriting 10. The vendors 11. Forecasts 12.Make sure you understand how floats of companies are carried out Australian Securities and Investment Commission

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Education

The more you know about investing, the better your returns are likely to be. Many organisations, from adult education centres to warrants issuers, offer courses and seminars for those wanting to learn more about investing in shares from stockmarket basics to sophisticated derivative strategies. ASX - for more information visit www.asx.com.au or phone 1300 300 279. Shareholder's association - for more information visit www.asa.asn.au or phone 1300 368 448. Securities institute - for more information visit www.securities.edu.au or phone 02 9251 6122

Guide to Shares Learn about the types of shares available, how to find a broker and how to trade online with our comprehensive shares information guide. Guide to building wealth Make the move from saver to investor by learning how to work towards your long-term investment goals. Guide to Managed Funds Learn about managed funds and how they differ to shares as an investment vehicle.