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.

Have A Question About This Topic?

Thank you! Oops!
16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

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 Business Cycle

The Business Cycle

How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?

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.

Separating the Signal From the Noise

A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years.

Best-Performing Asset Classes

Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.

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.

How Stocks Work

Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.

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.

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.

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.

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.

View all calculators

5 Smart Investing Strategies

There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives

View all presentations

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?

Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

The Fed and How It Got That Way

Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

View all videos