Hi mate, lately I've learnt a stack of lessons and often the best lessons are the most expensive $$.
Some things I look for:
Don't fall in love with a stock- it may appear to be the most exciting stock in the world but you're here to make money, not to have coffee with the directors. (See XPE for how things can go south)
Read- this is critical. Not just on HC, but on sectors, finance, the terminology- it's all about understanding exactly what you're doing and why you're doing it.
Find a trading method that works for you. I tend to like speculative stocks that have potential but mostly because of the low risk v reward factor. I like companies with sudden momentum and changing positive sentiment , cashed up and ready for a new direction/project. Some others prefer to buy into blue chip stocks or you may want dividends in the future- that's entirely dependant on your trading appetite.
Listen to others for advice and knowledge, BUT in the end decide for yourself. This means, don't go and invest $10k in a stock because 'X' told you it was going up. Research and ultimately decide for yourself if it's worth investing in.
Best of luck to you
