Investment Research

Certainly the most popular type of research is technical analysis but the fundamental analysis looks at many factors that can help you make a good choice when buying stocks. You begin by looking at the economy. Is it doing well or is it rough? Notice the economy where the company does its business, not just where the company is located. You can always look at government decisions like fiscal and monetary policy.
Once you have an idea as to how the economy is doing, next will be to look at the general industry of your target stock. If the company you are researching happens to make steel for automakers, look into how the auto industry is doing and not just other steel fabricators. Then take a look at the company and their experience in that industry. How is their financial history and do they have diversity. How does the public view this company?
This all takes time in the beginning, but after you have educated yourself in that industry it will take just a couple minutes to monitor it each day.