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.

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The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

The Business Cycle

The Business Cycle

Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.

From Boats to Brokers

From Boats to Brokers

From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.

The Sequence of Returns

A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.

A Primer on Dividends

A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."

How the Federal Reserve Works

Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?

You Would Rather Be...

Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.

Inflation and the Real Rate of Return

Learn about the role of inflation when considering your portfolio’s rate of return with this helpful article.

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Should I Invest in Gold?

Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.

The Business Cycle

How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?

Bridging the Confidence Gap

In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.

Inflation and Your Portfolio

Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.

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