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.
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
Have A Question About This Topic?
The Business Cycle
Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
Inflation and the Real Rate of Return
Learn about the role of inflation when considering your portfolio’s rate of return with this helpful article.
All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal
Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
Separating the Signal From the Noise
A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years.
View all articles
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
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.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
View all calculators
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
The Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.