I read that 18-year-olds will be able to start investing from today

Do you think that it is a good idea to start investing young? What advice can we give to those who are starting out in investing? What are the risks that we need to take into account?

Thanks in advance for your kind comments!

18 year olds? That sounds irresponsible. Some can't even manage their allowance, how can they trade shares at 18? This should never be allowed. Parents who don't want to see their kids' inheritance down the pan should never even consider the possibility of allowing their 18 year olds to trade shares let alone have a credit card.

Stocks and shares are risky even if you are 18, 28, 38, 48 or 58!

The issue is not so much at what age do you invest, but rather, what are you using shares for? Speculation or investing for dividends and growth?

The reality is that the thin line separating speculation and investment tends to be blurred for both amateur investors and experts alike.

I think if you are mature, guided by more experienced people, to invest in shares at 18 is okay only if it is money you can afford to lose. To invest your parents' monies or borrowed monies is definitely a no-no.

The more important factor is no matter what age you are in, are you prepared to lose everything when you invest? The mindset is important!

Be well and prosper.

Thanks for your responses!

I agree that its' risky to invest at any age. The most important factor would be making an informed decision and that only comes with good financial education and background knowledge which I'm not sure the younger ones would have. Perhaps it'll be best if there was an optional course that students can take to learn the "basics of investment" before they are allowed to trade stocks and shares?

At the end of the day, it's still a gamble like Panzer said. I think we should be aware of the risks involved first regardless of our age

To be honest with you, investing at 18 is probably a better thing to do with your money than what most 18 year old do with their money. I wish somebody had told me to think more about my financial future rather than wasting it on things that ultimately might not mean much (e.g. getting drunk during my student days).

I think you need the right attitude and maturity to invest properly for yourself. You may or may not be equipped with that at 18. Some 45 year olds aren't even equipped for that.

Hi
Now that a 18 yrs old can open a CDP account but u still need a brokerage account to start trading shares. Apparently now, there aren't a number of approved brokerage firms letting those under 18-20 to trade however OCBC securities does that with the Young Investor Package. It is a good place to start. It's never too young to start and learn about investing.