Apart from shares, stocks and bonds in what else can a starting investor invest in?

CDs, IRAs, mutual funds are all possible investment choices.

Rental property, but what a headache that can be.

Mutual funds. I read somewhere that index funds are a good option for new investors.

Real estate. You will get the biggest returns if you run the property yourself (and do it well), but if that is not your thing, you can buy shares in Real Estate Investment Trusts. I have a bunch of these in my IRAs; the shares throw large dividends so are best held in a tax-free account.

ETF's, commodities, futures, options, but maybe not for a beginning investor.

mutual funds = a fund that holds stocks or bonds or cash or a combination of those.

exchange traded funds = funds that are traded on the stock exchange but hold a basket of investments similar to a mutual fund.

bank accounts

annuities offered by insurance companies

real estate (rental homes)

antiques or art objects (u must have great knowledge however)

collectibles

classic automobiles

gold or silver slabs or coins

futures (grains, commodities etc) watch out very tricky

world currency (speculation) watch out very tricky

For a starting investor? Good question, relestate is too expensive for a starting investor. Bonds not enough return for the investment. Your best bet is depending on work. Really your best bet is if your company or employer offers a 401K. They may even match your investment which really doubles your investement. Its easy plus you can give a small % of your paycheck every week. If you dont have that option I'd try stocks. Its the best way to make some money with just a little investment. Read up though and just dont buy blind. You can invest with as little as 500 dollars (which to you may be a lot but to them is nothing) I suggest Scottrade.com. They are only 7 bucks a trade and you only need 500 dollars to put in. Other sites charge much more and require much more to put in. Good Luck!

Stocks and Bonds are still an important part of a diversified portfolio. That said, you have many good suggestions already listed.
There's basically 5 categories, all you have to do it decide which ones meet the needs of your goals.
1. Equities - your basic mutual fund, exchange-traded fund, stock.
2. Income - Bonds, Bond mutual funds, CDs, U.S. Treasuries, Money Markets
3. Derivitave investments - options and futures
4. Hard Assets - precious metals and real estate
5. Collectibles - antiques, stamps, coins, baseball cards, etc.

Hope this helps!

Try contacting Primerica Financial Services. Their services are free, and they will give you a complimentary Financial Needs Analysis. They have a variety of investments starting at only $25 per month. They are in the phonebook and have a website. Good Luck

Low-cost broad based mutual funds are a good choice. I like index funds. I suggest dollar cost averaging at regular intervals.

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Hi, i know what your question means. i also think stock market is a nice place for investing.

I found some useful tips in stock trading. It includes stock basics, how to protect your profit, find a potential increase share, control and manage stock risk, when to sell/buy stock and so on.

http://www.bernanke.cn/stock-trade/

Best Wishes && Good Luck!