Index funds can be a valuable asset to invest in for everyone, but particularly for young investors and beginners. This is because trends show us that it is a relatively safe investment with its ability to spread your investment around to different shares which are contained in a given index fund.

This takes a lot of the risk and necessary research out that is typical of investing in individual stocks. There still are some things about index funds you should know before making any significant investment, however not all funds are the same, with each having its strengths and weaknesses.

First off, you need to pick your general index. Most notable US-based stocks are found in either the S&P 500, the Nasdaq, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

There are also indexes for smaller stocks like Russell 2000, as well as indexes for international-based stocks. Each one of these indexes covers different sectors, so before buying shares in an index fund I would recommend learning the indexes and general trends and predictions about where the sectors within them are likely headed.

You should also find out if there are any costs and restrictions associated with the funds. Once you figure out which index you want to look into, you should begin to do this research on specific funds to invest in.

While doing this research, you should seek to find how funds generally follow the path of the index and whether that return is something that you would want to invest in. You should also find out if there are any costs and restrictions associated with the funds.

An easy fund to get you started is the Vanguard Index Funds, which track the entirety of the index (there is a Vanguard for the S&P, Nasdaq, etc.) Although this may seem like it requires a lot of research to do correctly, it is important to realize that index funds are low risk and that you most likely have a chance at long-term success with them based on history.

You also will have a lot less research and guessing involved while looking for the right investment than you would if you looked into individual stocks, which are far more unpredictable. I recommend getting started today!