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.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
Value vs. Growth Investing
Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.
The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds
Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.
Rebalancing Your Portfolio
Over time, different investments' performances can shift a portfolio’s intent and risk profile. Rebalancing may be critical.
Investing with Your Heart
For some, the social impact of investing is just as important as the return, perhaps more important.
All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal
Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.
View all articles 
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
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.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
View all calculators
Keys to Investing for Retirement
There are some key concepts to understand when investing for retirement
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
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
The Rule of 72
Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
Events on Wall Street
Can successful investors predict changes in the markets? Some can but others miss the market’s signals.