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Mastering the Market: Which Stocks to Buy After Lester’s Assassination Missions in GTA 5

So, you want to become a virtual billionaire by playing the stock market in GTA 5? Excellent choice! Lester’s Assassination Missions are your golden ticket. Here’s the straightforward answer: Invest in the stocks that benefit from the downfall of the companies targeted in Lester’s missions. Specifically, before each mission, invest all available funds across all three characters (Franklin, Michael, and Trevor) into the competitor’s stock that Lester hints at during the mission briefing. After completing the mission, wait for the stock to peak (usually around 50-100% profit) and then sell! Understanding which stocks to buy before and after each mission is key.

Lester’s Assassination Missions: Your Path to Riches

Lester’s missions are designed to manipulate the in-game stock markets. They require strategic investments before and after each assassination. Knowing which companies to back is crucial to maximizing your profits. Let’s break down each mission and the corresponding stock plays.

The Hotel Assassination

This is the first assassination mission Lester gives Franklin, and it serves as an introduction to the mechanics.

Before the Mission: Invest everything in Betta Pharmaceuticals (BET) on the BAWSAQ exchange. The mission targets Bilkinton Research, a competitor to Betta Pharmaceuticals.
After the Mission: Monitor your Betta Pharmaceuticals stock and sell when the profit reaches around 50%.

The Multi Target Assassination

This mission involves taking out several jury members who are against Redwood Cigarettes.

Before the Mission: Buy Debonaire (DEB) stock on the LCN exchange. Debonaire is a competitor to Redwood Cigarettes.
After the Mission: Sell Debonaire for an approximately 80% profit, then immediately reinvest everything into Redwood Cigarettes (RWC) on the LCN exchange. Wait for Redwood to rebound; potential profits can reach upwards of 300% after about 72 in-game hours.

The Vice Assassination

This mission targets the CEO of Fruit Computers, opening the door for Facade to thrive.

Before the Mission: Purchase Fruit (FRT) stock on the BAWSAQ exchange.
After the Mission: Once Fruit stocks fall, wait for them to stabilize and rise by up to 50% (can be closer to 25% on consoles). Sell all Fruit shares and then invest everything in Facade (FAC) on the BAWSAQ exchange.

The Bus Assassination

This mission involves disrupting the operations of Vapid Motors.

Before the Mission: No investment needed before this mission.
After the Mission: Invest all your money into Vapid (VAP) on the BAWSAQ exchange. Wait for the return percentage to reach around 100% before selling.

The Construction Assassination

This mission targets a construction magnate trying to hinder Gold Coast’s development.

Before the Mission: Invest heavily in Gold Coast (GCD) stock on the LCN exchange. Save the game multiple times as Franklin after completing the assignment to ensure a high return.
After the Mission: Sell all Gold Coast holdings when profits reach approximately 50%.

Maximizing Your Stock Market Profits

To truly capitalize on these assassination missions, consider these additional tips:

Invest with All Characters: Distribute your funds across Franklin, Michael, and Trevor for maximum earning potential.
Save Frequently: Save the game before and after each major investment decision. This allows you to reload if the market doesn’t react as expected.
Monitor the Market: Use your in-game phone to track stock prices. Be patient and sell when the profit is right.
Avoid Greed: Don’t get greedy! While waiting for the peak is necessary, don’t hold onto stocks indefinitely, hoping for even higher returns. A good profit is better than a loss.
Use Online Resources: Many online guides and forums can help you track the expected stock fluctuations.
Timing is Everything: Invest before initiating the mission to capitalize on the anticipated market shift.

By following these guidelines, you can transform Lester’s Assassination Missions into a substantial source of wealth in GTA 5. Remember to pay attention to the mission briefings and use your common sense to exploit the market’s reaction to these events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should I invest in stocks before every mission?

No, only invest in the companies influenced by Lester’s Assassination Missions. Other missions don’t significantly impact the stock market.

2. What happens if I forget to invest before the mission?

You’ll miss out on the initial profit surge. While you can still invest after, the gains will be less substantial. Reload a previous save if possible.

3. How long should I wait after investing in Redwood Cigarettes (RWC)?

Patience is key! Wait approximately 72 in-game hours (around 3 real-world hours) for Redwood to reach its peak, potentially yielding a 300% profit.

4. What is the best way to monitor stock prices in GTA 5?

Use your in-game phone and navigate to the BAWSAQ or LCN websites to track stock fluctuations in real-time.

5. Can the stock market crash in GTA 5?

Yes, unexpected events or poor investment decisions can lead to stock market declines. Save your game regularly to mitigate potential losses.

6. Is it possible to lose money on Lester’s missions?

Yes, if you invest in the wrong company or sell at the wrong time, you can lose money. Follow the recommended strategies carefully.

7. Are the BAWSAQ and LCN stock exchanges the same?

No, they are different. The BAWSAQ is influenced by online player activity, while the LCN is more predictable and tied to in-game events like Lester’s missions.

8. What does Lester mean by “trading pure alpha”?

“Trading pure alpha” refers to making a profit that exceeds your initial investment. It essentially means outperforming the market. Alpha is the measure of an investment’s performance relative to a market index, and a positive alpha indicates outperformance. Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for more insights into how game mechanics intersect with real-world concepts.

9. Does the Diamond Casino Heist affect the stock market?

While lucrative, the Diamond Casino Heist does not directly impact the stock market in a predictable way like Lester’s missions.

10. What is the fastest way to make money in GTA 5 outside of Lester’s missions?

Heists, particularly the Cayo Perico Heist in GTA Online, are highly profitable. Also, consider running businesses like vehicle warehouses, coke lockups, or nightclubs.

11. Should I buy LifeInvader (LFI) stock at any point?

LifeInvader (LFI) can be tricky. It’s best to avoid it until after a specific story mission where its value plummets. Even then, only invest if you’re prepared to day trade or hold for a longer period.

12. What is the significance of saving the game frequently?

Saving allows you to reload a previous save if the market doesn’t behave as expected after an investment. This minimizes potential losses.

13. Can I manipulate the stock market outside of Lester’s missions?

While the stock market can be unpredictable, Lester’s missions offer the most reliable and exploitable opportunities for significant profit.

14. What happens if I ignore Lester’s assassination missions?

You’ll miss out on a major opportunity to accumulate wealth and progress faster through the game.

15. Is GTA 5 stock market investing realistic?

While inspired by real-world markets, the GTA 5 stock market is simplified and more predictable, especially concerning Lester’s missions. It’s a fun game mechanic but not a perfect simulation of real-world finance.

By carefully planning your investments around Lester’s Assassination Missions, you’ll be swimming in cash in no time! Happy investing, and remember to play responsibly – even in the virtual world of GTA 5.

Which stocks to buy Lester?