Yesir though I know you want some penny stocks, or spec with big upside.
if you are just starting would just buy an index (etf exchange traded fund) and build up a portfolio that way. many high risk stocks just go down in flames, and in this market might be difficult for them to move.
if you do want to pick a spec, try to get the sector correct. ie. a few years ago people wanted to invest in Uranium stocks, so if you can invest in good quality jrs. then they will go up on good results and general hype for stocks in this sector.
just look at what solar stocks did in 2007 (missed most of that).
one note: after a sector has a good run, many new companies come to market, ie uranium stocks last 18 months....have been mostly garbage.
sadly that is when most people get in, when the run is already over......
if I was starting out with 1000 would buy a low mer mutual fund, or an etf and slowly build up a portfolio,....later with larger cap stocks...
thanks
selkirk