- Types of Alternative Investments for the Wealthy to Consider
For some people, “wealthy” can mean simply meeting their household needs. For others, maybe it’s holding enough money and assets to be considered a sophisticated investor. Whatever your definition of wealth, once you have your future secured through steady, long-term assets, you can choose to explore alternative investments for your investment portfolio. Alternative investments encompass anything… read more…
- What Are Safe Haven Assets?
Investing in safe haven assets can help investors protect their wealth during times of economic uncertainty and market volatility. These assets, which include defensive stocks, government bonds, currencies, gold and cash, are sought after for their ability to provide stability and security when other investments experience significant downturns or increased risk. By allocating a portion… read more…
- How Automated Investing Works
Automated investing is the practice of using algorithms to automatically manage your portfolio. It’s a relatively new tool with investing, and is typically used to build long-term, passive portfolios. There are several benefits to automated investing, particularly given that these systems can often build well-indexed portfolios with lower fees than a legacy mutual fund or… read more…
- What Are Copper ETFs?
Investing in commodities can be complex, particularly when it comes to metals like copper that play a pivotal role in various industries. Copper ETFs can allow you to gain exposure to the prices of the precious metal without the challenges of handling it directly. These ETFs can be an attractive option to diversify your portfolio,… read more…
- Investing in I Bonds vs. EE Bonds
I bonds and EE bonds, both offered by the U.S. Treasury, present distinct features tailored to meet diverse investor needs. I bonds, known for their inflation-adjusted interest rates, provide a robust option for investors looking to maintain the purchasing power of their capital amidst fluctuating economic conditions. On the other hand, EE bonds offer a… read more…
- What Are the Average ETF Fees?
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have gained popularity among investors due to their ease of use, diversification benefits and lower costs when compared with traditional mutual funds. However, understanding the different fees associated with ETFs is important for investors to make informed decisions and maximize their long-term returns. ETF fees can vary significantly depending on the specific… read more…
- What Is a Good Expense Ratio in a Mutual Fund?
An expense ratio will give you the percentage of a fund’s assets that are used to cover operating expenses. Investors use this to determine how much it will cost them to own an investment. You can compare expense ratios across different funds to make informed decisions that align with your goals and maximize potential returns.… read more…
- Pros and Cons of Investing in Europe
Investing in Europe offers a range of opportunities for investors seeking to diversify their portfolios and capitalize on the continent’s economic potential. From equity investments in growing industries to fixed-income securities and real estate, the European investment landscape presents a compelling mix of stability, growth and income-generating potential. However, investors must also navigate unique considerations,… read more…
- Three Types of AI Investments to Consider
Since ChatGPT exploded in popularity in 2022, artificial intelligence (AI) has gained an image as a once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity comparable to the early days of the internet and smartphones. But exactly how to exploit that opportunity is not necessarily obvious. You can’t invest directly in OpenAI, the privately held company behind ChatGPT. But one way… read more…
- What Are Treasury Notes?
Treasury Notes, commonly referred to as T-Notes, are medium-term securities issued by the U.S. government that play an important role in managing national debt and stabilizing the economy. These instruments offer a range of maturities, typically from 2 to 10 years, making them an attractive option for a variety of investors. Particularly during periods of… read more…
- What Are Single Stock ETFs?
A single stock ETF is an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) designed to magnify the gains or losses of a single, underlying stock. This creates a risk profile that is inverse to a standard fund-based asset. Where ordinarily an ETF mitigates risk and reward through diversification, a single stock ETF significantly increases potential risks and rewards through… read more…
- 6 Tips to Achieve Long-Term Investment Success
The key to achieving long-term investment success will require you to develop a strategic investment plan that focuses on your specific financial goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. Here is a roundup of six common investing tips that can help you turn that goal into a reality. For hands-on help, a financial advisor can help… read more…
- Differences of Investing vs. Speculating
Traditional investing takes a strategic approach to building wealth by focusing on long-term growth, risk management and diversification. Speculative investments, on the other hand, are often considered more alternative types of investing, such as collecting artwork. Let’s take a look at how you could incorporate both into a diversified portfolio. For personalized help with your own… read more…
- How to Buy Fractional Shares
Fractional shares allow investors to purchase a piece of a stock or exchange-traded fund (ETF), even if they can’t afford a whole share. Fractional share trading is a lot like buying and selling whole shares of stock, requiring you to open a brokerage account, research potential stocks and then placing your order. If you’d rather… read more…
- What Are Fractional Shares?
Fractional shares allow investors to purchase a portion of a stock or exchange-traded fund (ETF) for a fraction of the cost. This accessibility not only enables individuals with modest budgets to gain exposure to high-priced securities but also facilitates portfolio diversification, a cornerstone of sound investment strategy. By allocating capital across a broader spectrum of… read more…
- Apple Earnings Call Transcript: Q2 2024 (AAPL)
Listen to or read the Apple earnings call for Q2 2024 results from May 2, 2024. Summary: During the call, CEO Tim Cook and CFO Luca Maestri discussed Apple’s strong Q2 fiscal year 2024 earnings, highlighting revenue records in multiple countries and regions. They also discussed the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, as well… read more…
- How to Avoid Investment Fees
From management fees to load fees, the costs associated with investing can quietly chip away at your returns, often going unnoticed until they’ve compounded into a significant impact. The difference between a portfolio’s performance with and without these fees can be staggering over time, making it essential for investors to understand and manage these expenses… read more…
- 5 Ways Monopolistic Competition Can Impact Your Investments
Monopolistic competition is a market structure that is characterized by many firms selling differentiated products. These can be similar but not identical, allowing each firm to have some degree of market power. By understanding how product differentiation, pricing strategies and marketing efficiency work, investors can gain insight into the risks and rewards associated with different… read more…
- Tesla Earnings: AI, Cheaper Cars in the Spotlight Despite Missing Wall Street Expectations
Tesla released its Q1 earnings results on April 24, missing Wall Street expectations by 4.29% for revenue and 9.10% for earnings per share (EPS). The company posted earnings of 45 cents per share, falling short of the estimated 50 cents. Revenue came in at $21.3 billion, compared to the expected $22.2 billion. Tesla’s operating income… read more…
- What Is the Opportunity Cost of an Investment?
Opportunity cost quantifies the potential benefits that are lost when one alternative is chosen over another. Whether you’re an individual deciding whether to invest in bonds over stocks or a business leader strategizing for growth, the principles of opportunity cost can help you make more informed investment choices. A financial advisor can also help you… read more…
- Pros and Cons of Investing in Treasury Bonds
Treasury bonds are often considered the bedrock of conservative investment portfolios. These are U.S. government bonds that offer a unique combination of safety and steady income. But while they are lauded for their security and reliability, potential drawbacks such as interest rate risk, low returns and inflation risk must be carefully considered. If you’re interested… read more…
- What Is a Wirehouse?
A wirehouse is a large, full-service brokerage firm that operates on a national or international scale. These institutions, also known as wirehouse brokerage firms or wirehouse banks, typically offer a range of financial services, including investment banking, asset management, wealth management and brokerage services. Understanding the role that these institutions play in the financial services… read more…
- What Is a Regulated Investment Company (RIC)?
A regulated investment company (RIC) can offer you a unique investment opportunity by pooling resources together from numerous individuals to invest in a diversified portfolio of assets. These entities are designed to mitigate risk and potentially enhance returns through professional management. They are governed by specific tax laws and regulations. The advantages of RICs, which… read more…
- Exchange Traded Product (ETP) vs. Exchange Traded Fund (ETF)
Exchange-traded products (ETPs) are a broad category of investments that are listed on stock exchanges and trade like stocks. ETPs comprise various products, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs), exchange-traded notes (ETNs) and exchange-traded commodities (ETCs). In other words, ETFs are a type of ETP – not an alternative to them. A financial advisor can help you… read more…
- What Is an Exchange-Traded Product (ETP)?
Exchange-traded products (ETPs) are investment vehicles traded on major stock exchanges, offering investors exposure to a diverse range of assets without directly owning them. While exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are the most common variety of ETP, they aren’t the only kind. Exchange-traded commodities (ETCs) invest in precious metals and other resources, while exchange-traded notes (ETNs) are… read more…