- Are We Heading for a Recession? Here’s How to Protect Your Portfolio
Gross domestic product in the U.S. fell 0.9% in the second quarter of 2022, marking the second consecutive quarter of negative growth, the commonly accepted definition of a recession. The National Bureau of Economic Research is the body that officially… read more…
- What Is Attribution Analysis?
Investing in actively managed funds might appeal to you if you’re hoping to beat the market. But before you invest, there’s just one thing to consider: the fund manager. The fund manager’s expertise and the overall allocation of the fund can play a key part in the type of returns you realize. Attribution analysis is… read more…
- What Is an Add-On CD?
An add-on certificate of deposit, or “add-on CD,” is a specialized type of certificate of deposit. It has the same term and withdrawal limits as a standard CD. It differs in that you can add to this account over time,… read more…
- Private Equity vs. Investment Banking
Private equity and investment banking both help businesses find, develop and grow capital, but each does it in a different way. A private equity firm buys assets itself, looking to grow those assets and profit off of each down the line when they are sold. An investment bank primarily sells assets for another party. While… read more…
- How to Use Inflation-Linked Bonds
Whether the stock market is soaring or the world is on edge due to international conflict, inflation can eat your investments. Fortunately, most nation’s governments sell inflation-linked bonds that grow by mirroring the inflation rate. If inflation causes your investments to suffer or significantly hurts your purchasing power in the market, inflation-linked bonds can strengthen… read more…
- Are U.S. Savings Bonds a Good Investment?
U.S. savings bonds are ultra-safe offer tax advantages, especially when used for eligible education costs. However, other investments such as stocks and mutual funds typically produce higher rates of return, and the government also limits the amount of savings bonds… read more…
- How Does Inflation Affect Cryptocurrencies?
It’s difficult, if not impossible, to confidently say how inflation will affect cryptocurrency. This is because cryptocurrency as an asset has only existed for a little over 10 years. During most of that time, major economies experienced little significant inflation. As a result, the inflationary pressure of 2021/2022 is the first time that investors have… read more…
- 5 Predictive Technical Indicators to Consider
Technical analysis is one of the two main ways that investors consider their position. Technical indicators are the specific data points that make up technical analysis. These are mathematical models that analyze some aspects of an asset’s history, such as… read more…
- What Are Technical Indicators?
Technical indicators are the data points that show how an asset’s price has changed over time. They can reflect everything from straightforward information, such as a simple average or highs and lows, to complex market-wide analysis of how investors have traded the asset. Technical indicators are particularly useful for analyzing patterns. Investors can use information… read more…
- How Much Interest Does $10,000 Earn in a Year?
If you have $10,000 to invest in interest-producing assets, understanding how much you can earn per year is key. The amount you can earn in interest varies based on the asset you choose. Let’s break down how much interest $10,000… read more…
- CDs vs. Stocks Comparison
You might occasionally hear the word “savings” in reference to investments, but there are important differences between the two. For instance, certificates of deposit (CDs) are a type of savings account, while stocks are an investment. CDs provide a sense of stability to your portfolio while stocks might provide a better return. Choosing the right… read more…
- Robo Advisors vs. Index Funds
While most people understand that investing for retirement is a good idea, the way to get started can be unclear. Two investment tools investors may start out with include robo-advisors and index funds. Investors can utilize either of these without… read more…
- Investors Saved Almost $7 Billion in Falling Fund Fees: Are You Overpaying?
Asset manager competition and fee-based models keep slashing investor fees, according to independent research firm Morningstar. The group’s annual fund fee report, which evaluates trends in the cost of U.S. open-end mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, found that the asset-weighted average expense ratio… read more…
- When and How to Buy the Dip
Buying the dip reflects Warren Buffet’s famed investing advice to sell when others are buying and buy when they sell. In this case, when everyone else is selling their stocks, prices will dip. You can take that as an opportunity to buy those assets while they’re undervalued. As far as general investment advice goes, this… read more…
- TD Ameritrade vs. E*TRADE vs. Fidelity
TD Ameritrade, E*TRADE and Fidelity are three of the top online investment brokerages targeting self-directed investors. They are full-service brokers offering a wide range of investment products. Their pricing and fees are competitive and they offer extensive market research and… read more…
- Forex vs. Crypto: Key Differences
Foreign currency and cryptocurrency may sound like similar, even overlapping, asset classes to many investors. They could be forgiven for thinking that non-U.S. currencies and Bitcoin share the same rules and should occupy the same part of your financial planning. Nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, cryptocurrency and foreign currency share little more than… read more…
- Defensive Stocks: What They Are and Why They Matter
In uncertain economic times, many investors shift their portfolios to a defensive posture. These moves help to preserve capital and buy stocks that perform better in a recessionary environment. Understanding what defensive stocks are and what industries they fall into can help you make smarter investment decisions. You can also work with a financial advisor… read more…
- Is the Stock Market Going to Crash This Year?
The first six months of 2022 were the worst the stock market has had in more than 40 years, officially entering a bear market on June 13. Despite some recent bouncebacks, investors remain worried. So much so that some have… read more…
- How to Invest Your Portfolio in a Bear Market
Professional investors describe the market as a balance of two forces: fear and greed. When times are good, investors get tempted by greed. They buy investments to cash in on future profits and big gains. In bad times, fear takes over. Investors sell their assets and bail out of positions because they don’t want to… read more…
- How Much of Your Savings Should You Invest?
Your savings are a pillar of your financial foundation. And as you build out your financial plan, you’ll likely wonder: How much of your savings should you invest? The answer will depend on your financial needs, goals and risk tolerance. Let’s… read more…
- How to Invest in Real Estate During a Recession
When the economy slows and headlines warn of recession, many investors pull back, but real estate markets don’t simply shut down. In fact, downturns can create opportunities for buyers who are prepared and financially disciplined. Lower property prices, reduced competition and motivated sellers may open doors that weren’t available in stronger markets. The key is… read more…
- How to Know When the Stock Market Bottoms Out
From global politics to the prospects of tech startups, many influences drive the stock market. So when investors grapple with market volatility, one question often emerges: Will the market rebound now or is it headed further downward? While there are… read more…
- These Hidden Fee Differences Could Cost You Thousands After a 401(k) Rollover
Many employees roll over their 401(k) plans into individual retirement accounts (IRAs) when they leave their jobs to avoid immediate taxes and continue growing their retirement savings. But a new study from The Pew Charitable Trusts shows that investor costs are generally higher in IRAs than in workplace plans and require more attention. Here are some of… read more…
- Here’s How the National Debt Could Affect Your Investments
Over the last 30 years, the U.S. has steadily increased its national debt from $4 trillion to $28.43 trillion through December 2021, according to government data. And it crossed the $30 trillion mark for the first time in early 2022. New economic modeling from The Concord Coalition shows that as the government borrows more money… read more…
- What to Invest in When Interest Rates Rise
Rising interest rates can wreak havoc on an investor’s portfolio. But there are moves that investors can make to protect their investments against loss and generate profits. Here’s what to invest in when interest rates rise. A financial advisor could help you put an investment plan together for when interest rates go up. What to Invest… read more…