Fundamental analysis is a widely used method of stock valuation that is based on the performance of a company and the economic situation in the country or countries in which the company is based and/or trades. All of the large investment houses such as JPMorgan and Schroeders use this approach as it is very good for the determining long term value of a share.

Technical analysis and fundamental analysis sometimes differ in the decisions made but the following example should help show just how big a difference:

What is the FTSE 100?

Technical analysis is a popular method of stock valuation that makes the assumption that the price of a security moves in trends and that these can be forecasted based on simple charting techniques.

The value of technical analysis has been widely debated with supporters arguing that since markets form price patterns it should be possible to exploit them for profit. The initial problem however is in the identifying of such patterns and many indicators have been created for this purpose.

A few smart people have realised the potential this has; now you can learn of this phenomenon too.

The biggest barrier facing most prospective investors is the need for a large start-up bank. It seems like everyone has the know-how required to become a top investor but hardly anyone has the necessary bank needed to make it worthwhile.

Finally someone is going to show YOU a new method that can produce stunning profits with an initial bank anyone can afford.

Spread Betting can be an equally complex and risky business. Whilst the potential rewards can be huge so can the losses and, given the huge range of markets and financial instruments you can bet on, it's vital to know you're with the spread betting firm that's right for you.

Whilst finding a tight spread is often at the forefront of traders' minds when looking at what a firm will be able to offer them, the range of things to take into consideration goes far beyond spreads. Here are a few of the top things to think about;