That is one of my fears in investing in stocks. As we all know it, the market has been so unstable lately because of the worldwide recession still showing impact on businesses. Some of my family members who have long been investing in stocks couldn't sell most of their chosen stocks for a long period now because these stocks haven't been moving up for a long time now.
It all boils down in determining your GOAL, is it for long-term or short term? If your in a long-term, a BUY-HOLD Strategy is proven to work. Buy one time and wait for it to grow in time. Some also employs Dollar Cost Averaging, as per Investopedia, "The technique of buying a fixed dollar amount of a particular investment on a regular schedule, regardless of the share price. More shares are purchased when prices are low, and fewer shares are bought when prices are high.". But if you are in for Short and Medium Term, Trading is the best option. Just a precaution: It's not for everyone! One should have a solid foundation of Technical Analysis to start in trading
