Maximizing Your Cash in GTA 5: Stock Market Strategies After Story Completion
If you’ve already completed all of Lester’s assassination missions in GTA 5 and find yourself in need of a cash boost, there are still ways to make money on the stock market without his help. In this guide, we will walk you through strategic stock picks and investment opportunities that will help you maximize your funds after completing the game’s story mode.
Preparation
Before diving into the stock market, it’s best to improve your bank balance as much as possible. Use Trevor to complete all of Maude’s bounty missions, which will net you an additional $40,000. Complete Nigel and Mrs. Thornhill’s missions, which will add another $10,000 to your kitty. Stop buying unnecessary upgrades, such as clothes, cars, tattoos, and other non-essential gear. The only things you should be purchasing at this point are weapon upgrades and ammunition.
Investment Opportunities
Vangelico Stock
Our first non-Lester investment opportunity requires a bit of forward planning. After Trevor and Franklin complete “Eye in the Sky,” where you steal a car using a police helicopter, load up each character with ammo so you can go without cash for a bit. Then purchase Vangelico (VAG) or Vangelico at or around $42.0. A few missions later, after the “Minor Turbulence” mission where Trevor boards a plane and then leaves, fire a four-wheel drive. Vangelico stock will spike to north of $68, netting you a profit of between $40 and $50.
Group Security Stock
The next investment opportunity is less lucrative, but still worth the effort. Once you’ve completed “Surveying the Score” where you scope out the Union depository, tool up again and then purchase Gru stock or the Group Security stock for around $131. Continue the storyline until you complete “Fresh Meat,” where Franklin rescues Michael from Cheng. Wait 12 to 36 in-game hours by quickly heading back to Franklin’s house, then entering and exiting the save menu. Each time you do this, it advances time six hours. Sell for above $150, which should net you between $15 and $20.
Augury Insurance Stock
The final opportunity comes after completing the finale and works regardless of which ending you get. Once you’ve completed all of the endings and received the Union depository funds from Lester, invest in Augury Insurance (AUG), whose stock is tanked due to the heist. You should be able to pick this up at roughly $28. Wait 2 to 3 in-game days, then divest around $45. This should net you around $100 in gains.
Conclusion
By following these strategic stock picks and opportunities, each of your characters could have anything up to $80 million in the bank depending on where in your playthrough you started. It’s not quite the $2 billion you could make with Lester’s help, but there’s still enough to purchase just about any vehicle and property you’d like. Now, all that’s left to do is go on an enormous spending spree. If you have any additional tips or strategies, feel free to leave a comment below. And be sure to check out our other GTA 5 guides and videos for even more gaming goodness.