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.

Have A Question About This Topic?

Thank you! Oops!
Bull and Bear Go To Market

Bull and Bear Go To Market

Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

A Look at Diversification

Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.

The Business Cycle

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

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.

Best-Performing Asset Classes

Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.

Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?

Even the most seasoned investors have biases affecting their financial choices.

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.

View all articles

Monthly Budget

Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.

How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.

Student Loan Refinance Calculator

Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.

Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.

Comparing Investments

Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.

View all calculators

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

View all videos