There are many ways to make money in GTA 5, including a fully functional stock market where you can invest your earnings for profit. To succeed, you need to understand how the market operates, which stocks to buy, and the right times to make your moves. Think of yourself as a clever opportunist whose actions impact specific stocks. If you’re ready for Wall Street action, this guide will help you identify the best stocks to buy in GTA 5.
How Does the GTA 5 Stock Market Work?
GTA 5 features two stock markets: the LCN Exchange (Liberty City National), which is entirely offline and influenced by in-game events, and BAWSAQ, an online market reliant on community activity. Your actions in missions can also create significant short-term effects on stock prices.
To access the stock markets, pull up your phone during gameplay, select the Internet icon, and navigate to the Money and Services tab, where you’ll find options for both LCN and BAWSAQ.
Keep in mind that market volatility occurs over several in-game hours. If you’re betting on a stock’s rise or fall, you’ll need to skip ahead by sleeping to avoid waiting for extended real-life hours. Depending on your chosen protagonist, you may need to sleep 3-4 times to skip an entire day.
Best GTA 5 Stocks to Buy
The best stocks to buy in GTA 5 are linked to missions where you assassinate key corporate figures. This typically causes the respective company’s stock to plummet while rival stocks see a rise. To profit, purchase the recommended stocks before the mission, then sell them once their value increases.
Before diving into this unique form of insider trading, ensure your funds are substantial ideally, you should progress past The Paleto Score. Here are the top stocks to invest in during GTA 5 story mode:
1. Betta Pharmaceuticals and Bilkinton Research (The Hotel Assassination)
In this assassination mission, Franklin targets Brett Lowrey, CEO of Bilkinton Research. You can either execute him from a distance or plant a bomb in his car.
Before the mission, invest all your money in Betta Pharmaceuticals (BET) on BAWSAQ. After taking out Lowrey, wait two in-game hours, then check your portfolio for a potential return of 50%.
Bilkinton Research (BIL) will significantly drop in stock value after the assassination. Purchase this stock on LCN at a lower price, wait 72 in-game hours, and then sell for a return of up to 100%.
2. Debonaire and Redwood Cigarettes (The Multi-Target Assassination)
In this mission, Lester tasks Franklin with eliminating four corrupt jurors involved in a case against Redwood Cigarettes. With a nine-minute deadline and multiple targets, this mission can be challenging.
Before starting, invest all your money in Debonaire (DEB) on the LCN. After completing the mission, wait two in-game days and check your portfolio for a 60% return.
Next, take advantage of Redwood Cigarettes’ decline. Wait for RWC to drop as low as possible, which may take up to two in-game days. Buy a significant amount of stock, then wait at least 72 in-game hours before selling for a potential 300% return.
3. Fruit Computers and Facade (The Vice Assassination)
In the Vice Assassination, you will manipulate stocks by targeting Jackson Skinner, the head of product development at Facade. The mission is straightforward; you can eliminate Skinner in any way you choose.
Buy Fruit Computers (FRT) on BAWSAQ before the mission. After completing the mission, wait 48 in-game hours and then sell for a 50% return.
You’ll also buy Facade (FAC), which will drop steeply after the mission. Purchase it after the decline, then wait 48 in-game hours for a solid 35% return.
4. Vapid (The Bus Assassination)
This is another simple assassination mission where you only need to buy one stock. Target: Isaac Penny, venture capitalist seeking controlling interest in Vapid Motors. Franklin must disguise himself as a bus driver to eliminate Penny.
Vapid (VAP) is the sole stock involved. Buy it off BAWSAQ two in-game hours after completing the mission. Wait for two in-game days, and once the potential return reaches 100%, sell your shares.
5. Gold Stock (The Construction Assassination)
The final assassination mission is action-packed. Franklin must infiltrate a construction site to take out Enzo Bonelli, a corrupt real estate developer, which greatly increases the value of Gold Coast Development.
Before the mission, purchase Gold Coast (GCD) in large quantities on LCN. After Bonelli is eliminated, wait two in-game hours and then check your portfolio for a potential 75% return.
Completing these missions and selling the stocks at the right moments can yield significant profits. These are some Best GTA 5 stocks. After trying it out, let us know your biggest haul in the comments below!
