- A Guide to Understanding ESG Ratings
Investors passionate about environmental, social, or governance concerns often use the ESG ratings to assess companies or equities worth investing in. The ESG rating tells investors the level of risk exposure a company has in these three areas. Therefore, issues such as energy efficiency and sustainability may have current and future financial implications that should… read more…
- Is This Fixed-Income Asset the Key to Beating Rate Hikes?
The prospect of multiple rate hikes has roiled the stock and bond markets, making the first quarter of 2022 one of the worst quarters for fixed income in decades. Retirement savers and retirees alike have had a difficult time looking for low-risk investments that still offer decent returns. Experts believe that inflation will remain high… read more…
- Understanding Thematic Investing in 2026
Investors use thematic investing to identify opportunities that could drive long-term growth. These types of investments are usually focused on a trend. Let’s break down how this strategy works, compare advantages and disadvantages for your investments and examine popular examples… read more…
- What Is the Average Stock Holding Period?
There are a number of factors that can influence your decision to buy stocks and when you decide to sell them. Your average stock holding period can depend on your overall strategy. If you favor a buy-and-hold approach, then you may purchase stocks with the intent to keep them in your portfolio for decades until… read more…
- Direct Investment vs. Portfolio Investment
Portfolio and direct investments are two approaches to investing that differ primarily how closely involved the investor is with the investment. The precise meaning of the terms can vary depending on the arena in which they are being discussed. Direct and portfolio investment have one meaning when it comes to foreign investing, for example, and… read more…
- Foreign Portfolio Investments
Foreign portfolio investment, or FPI, is any financial asset that you hold from outside of your country. For example, if an American investor buys shares on the London Stock Exchange, they hold a foreign portfolio investment. This can refer to… read more…
- Vanguard Partners With Amex to Offer You Points and a Financial Advisor
In a brand new cross-promotion initiative, investment firm Vanguard has announced a partnership with American Express to offer an investment product to qualified Amex card members. A 50-50 business split, the new product has American Express bringing the clients and Vanguard offering the financial and portfolio advice. However, investors may not benefit as much as… read more…
- Think Dividends Will Protect You From Inflation? Guess Again
There are various strategies one can take when choosing which stocks to use in building an investment portfolio. One popular strategy is to pick firms that pay shareholders dividends. The logic is simple: no matter what happens in the market a dividend portfolio will at least create some income, which can in turn be reinvested.… read more…
- Can I Rent Out My Second Home?
Most property owners are familiar with the rules of property ownership, but what about a second property? Can I rent out my second home? You may be in luck. Owners of a second home can rent it out from time to time, and the property can still qualify as a second home. This is largely… read more…
- 70/30 vs. 80/20 Asset Allocation: Which Is Better?
A 70/30 portfolio and an 80/20 portfolio refer to asset allocation strategies that balance stocks and bonds, with the numbers representing the percentage of each asset class. The former consists of 70% equities and 30% fixed income, while the latter increases the equity portion to 80%, reducing bonds to 20%. The choice between them depends… read more…
- How to Buy Metaverse Real Estate
The advent of cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) has led to the emergence of highly speculative assets, in what is called the metaverse, that come with significant risk – and the potential for massive profits. Now, the metaverse is gaining… read more…
- Buying Crypto for Kids: Parents Guide
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have become household names and continue to grow in popularity. However, to invest in securities in the U.S., you must be at least 18 years old. So if you want to give your children access to crypto,… read more…
- 60/40 vs. 70/30 Asset Allocation: Which Is Better for You?
When comparing 60/40 vs. 70/30 asset allocation strategies, investors often weigh the trade-offs between stability and growth potential. The classic 60/40 split—60% stocks and 40% bonds—has long served as a benchmark for balanced portfolios, offering moderate risk exposure. A 70/30 approach tilts more heavily toward equities, aiming for higher returns while accepting greater volatility. Deciding… read more…
- Charles Schwab Says Now Is the Time to Add This Asset to Your Retirement Portfolio
The first quarter of 2022 has been difficult for retirement savers and retirees alike, and according to investment firm Charles Schwab, it was one of the worst quarters for fixed-income in decades. However, the rising yields and changed Federal Reserve policy have created a prime buying opportunity, says the investment giant. After nearly three years… read more…
- How to Build a Diversified Real Estate Portfolio
Diversifying a portfolio by investing in real estate can help to manage risk and potentially improve long-term returns. It can also boost income and your portfolio’s capital appreciation. Real estate investments can be diversified by investing in different types of real estate and different geographic regions and also by balancing riskier real estate investments against… read more…
- What Does It Mean to Be Mass Affluent?
Households are often divided by consumption and wealth levels so marketers and businesses can better understand their spending habits. Certain segments exhibit specific behaviors that, when identified, allow businesses to serve their needs in a more personalized manner. According to Pew Research, middle class income has grown by 49% over the past 40 years. In… read more…
- Schwab Follows Fidelity in Offering Direct Indexing to Investors
Building wealth has grown more accessible than ever thanks to declining trading costs. Many brokerage firms already offer zero-commission online and exchange-traded fund (ETF) trading. Financial giant Charles Schwab just added another weapon to its stockpile, offering one more tool for the masses. Charles Schwab, which administers $380 billion in assets, recently announced the launch… read more…
- How to Invest $20 Million
When you have hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars to invest, there are many ways to grow your money and earn passive income. If you are looking for smart investments to build your wealth, here are five options… read more…
- Ways to Invest $100k for the Short-Term
Whether you’re saving for a down payment, renovation or wedding, you might be looking for a place to park your cash until you need it. Short-term investments may not offer the same returns as long-term ones, but they reduce risk, grow modestly and stay accessible. So, if you have a lump sum of money ready to invest,… read more…
- Strategic vs. Tactical Asset Allocation
When constructing an investment portfolio, deciding between strategic vs. tactical asset allocation is an important choice. Which approach is best for your investments? The answer depends on your individual financial goals and circumstances. Understanding the distinction between the two can enhance your overall investment strategy. Here’s a closer look at how strategic and tactical asset… read more…
- Gold vs. Silver Investments: Which Is Better?
Commodities trading means you’re buying and selling raw materials rather than finished products (like a house) or financial assets (like stocks and bonds). Commodities are assets like corn, coffee, lumber and ore. One common form of commodities trading is investing… read more…
- Are Annuities Safe to Invest In?
There are many financial products you can choose to invest in as a part of your retirement portfolio. One of the most complex is an annuity, which is a product that requires a premium payment up front in exchange for… read more…
- What the SEC’s New Climate Rule Means for Your Investments
ESG investing, which stands for environmental, social and corporate governance investing, has soared in popularity as individuals across the globe increase their demand for social accountability. Now, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed for the first time that businesses disclose with their shareholders exactly how they affect the climate–a rule long-championed by environmental… read more…
- How to Invest for Your Kids
Investing for your children might be a strange concept to grasp – children don’t usually have income, so why would they need you as a caretaker to add yet another financial responsibility to your plate? The answer is more forward-looking… read more…
- What Is a Restricted Stock Unit (RSU)?
A restricted stock unit (RSU) is a form of common stock that a company promises to deliver to an employee at a future date, depending on various vesting and performance conditions. Restricted stock units are not received until these restrictions… read more…