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?
Have A Question About This Topic?

What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

The Utility of Sector Investing
Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
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.
Alternative Investments - Going Mainstream
Alternative investments are going mainstream for accredited investors. It’s critical to sort through the complexity.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Types of Stock Market Analysis
Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.
Risk Perspective
Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.
View all articles
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.
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.
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.
View all calculators
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?
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
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.
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.