Ask Matt: Can a computer tell me what stocks to buy?

Q: Can a computer tell me what stocks to buy?

A: Computers already tell you to turn left or right when you’re driving. They can even tell you when you’ve been in the sun too long. Some investors wonder if they can trust an algorithm to tell them what stocks to buy.

Investors looking for computerized direction on how to pick stocks have several options. Charles Schwab offers its Schwab Equity Ratings, which use computers to analyze the attractiveness of individual stocks. Schwab’s system rates stocks based on the earnings and revenue trends at the company as well as its valuation, stock-price momentum and risk. If you’re just looking to see a quick read on the attractiveness of a stock, you might check with your broker to see if reports from S&P Global Market Intelligence are available. S&P Global has a “Stars” rating where a single rating is given to stocks - and available to view online - based on the firm’s qualitative and qualitative research. If you’re looking to completely turn over your portfolio to machines, you might consider so-called roboadvisors. These systems assess your appetite for risk and then choose exchange-traded funds for you to buy. Schwab offers its Intelligent Portfolios and Betterment.com offers a computer-driven option, too.

USA TODAY markets reporter Matt Krantz answers a different reader question every weekday. To submit a question, e-mail Matt at mkrantz@usatoday.com or on Twitter @mattkrantz.