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.
Can Election Results Predict the Market?
How do the markets usually react to elections? Was the 2016 election any different?
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
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.
Four Really Good Reasons to Invest
There are four very good reasons to start investing. Do you know what they are?
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
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.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy
Emotional biases can adversely impact financial decision making. Here’s a few to be mindful of.
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
The Business Cycle
Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.
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.
View all articles
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
View all calculators
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
View all presentations
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
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?
What Smart Investors Know
Smart investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds
Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.
The Rule of 72
Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.