BP is a global producer of oil and energy products.
London-based BP is one of the world's largest integrated energy producers. The company drills for petroleum, refines it and sells the finished products. BP trades on the U.S. stock markets as American Depository Receipts (ADRs) under the symbol BP.
Preparation
To buy shares of BP you need an account with a stock brokerage firm. Online discount brokers allow you to buy and sell stocks over the Internet at low commission levels. If you do not have a brokerage account, visit the 2010 Broker Survey page on the SmartMoney website.
Research
It is possible to lose money investing in stocks such as BP, and it is important to do research before investing in the company. Your online broker has research reports available to read. Use a stock price chart to determine whether the current price trend for BP is up or down. If the price is trending down, you may want to wait for a bottom and an upward turn before buying shares.
Purchase
Use the stock trading screen of your online brokerage account to buy shares of BP. To purchase the shares, enter the stock symbol BP and the number of shares you wish to purchase. When you place the order through the stock trade screen, you should have the shares in your account within a few seconds. Place your trade during market hours so you know the current price before you buy the shares.
Tags: brokerage account, current price