Investment
Investing should be easy – just buy low and sell high – but most of us have trouble following that simple advice. There are principles and strategies that may enable you to put together an investment portfolio that reflects your risk tolerance, time horizon, and goals. Understanding these principles and strategies can help you avoid some of the pitfalls that snare some investors.
The Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?
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Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.
How Stocks Work
Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.
You Would Rather Be...
Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.
Global vs. International: What’s the Difference?
International funds invest in non-U.S. markets, while global funds may invest in U.S. stocks alongside non-U.S. stocks.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
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How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
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Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.
When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.