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 Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
Have A Question About This Topic?

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
What It Takes to Become an Accredited Investor
What does it take to be an accredited investor? Explore the details, & the types of investments offered to those who qualify.
All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal
Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.
Types of Stock Market Analysis
Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.
Inflation & Your Money
It's important to understand how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments.
The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds
Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.
A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.
View all articles
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
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.
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.
View all calculators
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
View all presentations
16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds
Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.