The stock market has been intimidating for beginners this year. Major stock indexes are falling, and several factors are keeping volatility high. This makes it difficult for new investors to choose stocks to buy and hold. Luckily, there are key characteristics that can help investors identify the best stocks for the long haul.

If you're searching for a stock to buy and hold forever, there are a few key characteristics to look for. An economic moat is probably the most important consideration for investors with a long time horizon. This refers to a sustainable competitive advantage that prevents other competitors from threatening a company's ability to generate profits. WIthout a moat, a stock is unlikely to produce strong returns over the long term.

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Source Fool.com