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.

Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

Types of Stock Market Analysis
Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
Getting a Head Start on College Savings
A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.
The Business Cycle
Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.
Investing with Your Heart
For some, the social impact of investing is just as important as the return, perhaps more important.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Asset Allocation
Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.
The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive
In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”
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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.
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.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
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Jane Bond: Decoding Diversification
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, discovering how bonds diversify a portfolio.
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
The Good Ship IPO
The seas of the market are constantly shifting. Whether the good ship IPO can set sail may depend heavily on the tides.