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 Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Have A Question About This Topic?
It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times
All about how missing the best market days (or the worst!) might affect your portfolio.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
Key Money Moments: 4 Times You Should Talk to a Pro
Life happens fast, and your finances can take a backseat if you’re not careful. Is it time to check in with a financial professional? This infographic will help you examine your own financial situation and decide if it’s time to step up your financial game.
The Anatomy of an Index
The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worth understanding.
A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.
How the Federal Reserve Works
Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.
The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds
Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.
Inflation & Your Money
It's important to understand how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments.
View all articles
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
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 My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
View all calculators
When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds
Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.