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?
What Smart Investors Know
Smart investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
Asset Allocation
Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Rebalancing Your Portfolio
Over time, different investments' performances can shift a portfolio’s intent and risk profile. Rebalancing may be critical.
The Business Cycle
Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.
The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of
You face a risk for which the market does not compensate you, that can not be easily reduced through diversification.
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
Types of Stock Market Analysis
Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.
View all articles 
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
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.
View all calculators
Can Election Results Predict the Market?
How do the markets usually react to elections? Was the 2016 election any different?
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?
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.
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.