Expert: Paul Henneman - 12/12/2003

Question
while i understand a lot of investment info, some of it just goes a wee bit over my head. what i was wondering is if you buy shares of a company that is beyond it's initial ipo stage, and it's theire first day on the market, is there a "holding" period for these kinds of shares, or can you just sell it whenever you want?
thanks

Answer
Stephanie,
  Thank you for your question! Yes, once a stock is released on the market and can be purchased by anyone wishing to do so, there will generally not be a holding period of any sort. You can buy and sell as you see fit! Fresh releases are however generally much riskier investments. Be carefull, as institutions can run up the price before you get a chance to buy in. Then when the average investor can finally buy the stock, the institutions sell, stock slides back in price, the average investor left holding the bag. But, strong returns are also possible. Just do your research and be careful!

Sincerely,
Paul Henneman
President
ValuEngine, Inc.
www.ValuEngine.com