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.
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
Have A Question About This Topic?

Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.

Are You Ready for Your Portfolio to Make a Difference?
Learn about the rise of Impact Investing and how it may benefit you.

Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
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.
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.
Earnings for All Seasons
Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?
Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions
Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?
Risk Perspective
Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
View all articles
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
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
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.