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Summary: General Electric (NYSE: GE) is an American company that operates in the renewable energy sector, particularly in wind energy. A convenient way to buy General Electric stock is through a reputable brokerage platform like eToro.
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About General Electric
General Electric is a multinational conglomerate with a rich history dating back to 1892. The company has its hands in various industries, including aviation, healthcare, power, and renewable energy. GE has been a stalwart of the American industrial landscape for over a century, making it a popular choice among investors looking for stability and long-term growth potential.
It’s worth noting that General Electric is a component of the S&P 500, one of the most widely followed stock market indices in the world. The S&P 500 represents the performance of 500 large companies listed on stock exchanges in the United States. Being part of this prestigious index adds another layer of credibility to General Electric, as it reflects the company’s prominence in the U.S. stock market.
General Electric IPO
General Electric went public in 1896, making it one of the oldest publicly traded companies in the United States. The IPO marked the beginning of GE’s presence on the stock market, allowing individuals to buy shares and become part owners of the company.
How to buy General Electric stock: Step-by-step
Now, let’s walk through the process of buying General Electric stock in a clear and straightforward manner.
Step 1: Choose the right broker
The first step in buying General Electric stock is to choose a reliable and user-friendly brokerage platform. For those unaware, a brokerage acts as an intermediary that facilitates the buying and selling of stocks on the stock market.
In this case, our go-to online broker for buying General Electric stock is eToro, a popular platform with more than 30 million registered accounts worldwide. But besides its vast user base, eToro is our chosen broker due to these features:
- Commission-free stock trading;
- Access to over 2,000 stocks from 17 different exchanges;
- The option to purchase fractional shares;
- Charting tools;
- A user-friendly platform that simplifies the trading experience.
Highly Rated Stock Trading & Investing Platform
-
Invest in 2,800+ stocks and other assets including 70+ cryptocurrencies and commodities.
-
0% commission on buying stocks - buy in bulk or just a fraction from as little as $10. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees.
-
Copy top-performing traders in real time, automatically.
-
eToro USA is registered with FINRA for securities trading.
Step 2: Fund your account
Once you’ve selected a broker, the next step is to fund your trading account. This involves depositing money into the account that you’ll use to purchase General Electric stock. Most brokers offer various funding options, such as bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and electronic wallets.
Step 3: Place your order
With your account funded, you can now place your order for General Electric stock. This involves specifying the number of shares you want to purchase and whether you want to place a market order (buy at the current market price) or a limit order (set a specific price at which you want to buy).
General Electric stock price today
Is General Electric stock a buy or a sell?
To assist you in evaluating whether General Electric is a buy or sell, we’ve incorporated the Technical Analysis widget from TradingView below. This widget provides a real-time summary of GE’s stock based on various technical indicators, offering a snapshot of the stock’s current trends and potential future direction.
Disclaimer: TradingView does not recommend trading financial instruments based exclusively on the advice of the Technical Rating indicator. These recommendations cannot predict future movements and are meant as assistance for spotting potentially favorable buy/sell conditions if this is consistent with their strategy.
Pros and cons of buying General Electric stock
Before diving into the stock market, it’s essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of buying shares in a particular company. So, let’s explore the pros and cons of investing in General Electric stock.
Pros
- Diversification: General Electric operates in multiple industries, providing investors with exposure to various sectors, which can help diversify their investment portfolios;
- Dividend income: GE has a history of paying dividends, offering investors a potential source of passive income;
- Innovation and growth: With a focus on technology and innovation, General Electric has the potential for long-term growth in emerging industries.
Cons
- Market challenges: General Electric has faced challenges in recent years, including financial struggles and changes in leadership, which may pose risks for investors;
- Industry risks: Being involved in diverse industries means GE is susceptible to economic downturns affecting multiple sectors simultaneously;
- Dividend volatility: While GE historically paid dividends, the company has reduced or suspended dividends in certain periods, leading to uncertainty for income-seeking investors.
If you’re interested in the best wind power stocks, feel free to check out these guides:
- How to Buy Vestas Wind System Stock;
- How to Buy Dominion Energy Stock;
- How to Buy Northland Power Stock;
Common investing mistakes to avoid when buying stocks
Avoiding common mistakes can significantly impact your success as an investor. Here are some pitfalls to be aware of:
- Impulsive decisions: Emotional decision-making can lead to impulsive actions. Take the time to research and make informed choices;
- Ignoring research: Failing to conduct thorough research on a company can result in uninformed investment decisions. Understand the company’s financial health, industry trends, and potential risks;
- Overlooking fees: Transaction fees and commissions can eat into your returns. Be aware of the costs associated with buying and selling stocks;
- Neglecting diversification: Putting all your money into a single stock, even one as established as General Electric, can be risky. Diversify your portfolio to spread risk across different assets.
Disclaimer: The content on this site should not be considered investment advice. Investing is speculative. When investing, your capital is at risk.
FAQs about how to buy General Electric stock
Can I buy General Electric stock directly from the company?
No, individual investors typically buy and sell stocks through brokerage platforms. You can choose from various online brokers, one of which is eToro, to facilitate the purchase of General Electric stock.
What is General Electric’s stock symbol?
General Electric’s stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the stock symbol GE.
Is General Electric stock splitting?
General Electric is set to split its power businesses from the aerospace segment. As such, investors will eventually need to assess the two businesses independently to discern the future trajectory of GE stock.
What is the minimum amount required to buy General Electric stock?
There is no fixed minimum amount to invest in General Electric stock. The amount you invest depends on the current share price and the number of shares you wish to purchase. Ensure that your broker’s account minimums are met.
How often does General Electric pay dividends?
General Electric historically paid quarterly dividends, but it’s essential to check the company’s current dividend policy, as it may change based on financial performance and strategic decisions.
Highly Rated Stock Trading & Investing Platform
-
Invest in 2,800+ stocks and other assets including 70+ cryptocurrencies and commodities.
-
0% commission on buying stocks - buy in bulk or just a fraction from as little as $10. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees.
-
Copy top-performing traders in real time, automatically.
-
eToro USA is registered with FINRA for securities trading.
