"how do regular traders usually find good stocks to invest into? "
A myriad of ways.
I use stockodoctor for fundamental analysis - it ain't free, but I have not seen good fa. software free.
I select on fundamentals but then enter/exit on ta (generally). There are plenty of ta software stuff free. I don't use free stuff there either - I use bullcharts. But I think incredible charts or similar will do fine.
This is what I would do if I were starting (and on a budget).
Before starting I would read like hell - as I say in the last para at bottom (particularly note psychology ----- then ------
Take a trial in Stockdoctor for $50 (30 days I think). Do this during the reporting period (about now would be perfect).
You get full advantage of fresh analysis.
I would then start to invest or trade, using the fundamental analysis as a check and as a scanning tool (ask to speak to Simon at sd, he might give you some of his scan formulas - he might only do this for full subscribers, but it is worth a try).
I would buy on what I thought was technically ok and wouldn't root around with day trading - I have not met an ultra wealthy day trader yet.
With luck, by the time your next reporting season is due you can become a full subscriber, if you haven't fallen in love with the product earlier.
At present many believe there is a downside risk in all markets ----- if (and it is if) they are right, then if you get stuck with some shareholdings - you want to be sure that they are good companies ------ TA will not do this for you - fundamental analysis will. Simple as that.
If you feel the risk of large downside is real - then maybe you shoud take a few hundred bucks and buy the beginnings of a text library on investing (with a fair swag on psychology) - it will almost for sure be the best money you will spend in a lifetime of investing - trader/investor or whatever. The lessons are the same whether the deal is for $500 of shares or $5,000,000 of shares, it is all the same.
Whatever you do, be patient - there will be bargains around in 6 months, 6 years and 60 years - there ain't no hurry. Get your head set first.
