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.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
Have A Question About This Topic?

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.

When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.
The Anatomy of an Index
The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worth understanding.
The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive
In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”
Risk Perspective
Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.
The Ivory Tower Changes Wall Street
Thanks to the work of three economists, we have a better understanding of what determines an asset’s price.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
The Sequence of Returns
A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.
View all articles
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.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
View all calculators
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
View all presentations
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.
It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times
All about how missing the best market days (or the worst!) might affect your portfolio.