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Investing - All Content

  1. Minimize Your Losses With Alternative Strategy Funds

    Discover a strategy that can be used to participate in the market and still protect the downside.
  2. Winning The Jackpot: Dream Or Financial Nightmare?

    Don't assume all prizes are free. Many come with enough costs to render them worthless.
  3. Spotting A Forex Scam

    Forex scams are more common than you think. We tell you how to spot them.
  4. Looking Deeper Into Capital Allocation

    Discover how companies decide how to spend their cash in a variety of market conditions.
  5. How To Pick A Mutual Fund In A Troubled Market

    Here are some tips to help the amateur investor pick the right funds in the current state of the market.
  6. Find Equity Opportunities With Currency Moves

    Understanding the relationship between these markets can help you spot profitable stocks.
  7. Credit Default Swaps

    Discover what CDS are and how they can benefit companies and investors.
  8. Top Agricultural Producing Countries

    Discover which countries produce the most agricultural products, which export the most and what is being done to increase production.
  9. 5 Ways The Greek Crisis Could Affect Your Personal Finances

    Keeping an eye on what is happening in Europe could help prepare you for what the future may hold.
  10. How Investors Can Negate The Euro Crisis

    The eurozone crisis shows no sign of abating. Here are a few tips you can use to weather the financial storm.
  11. Most Effective Charitable Organizations

    We look at some of the world's top charities and see how much of their donation money actually goes towards fulfilling their missions.
  12. What is a derivative?

    A derivative is a contract between two or more parties whose value is based on an agreed-upon underlying financial asset, index or security. Common underlying instruments include: bonds, commodities, currencies, interest rates, market indexes and stocks.Futures contracts, forward contracts, options, swaps and warrants are common derivatives.
  13. The Many Ways Charities Make Money

    More than half of all charities generate revenue from "other" ventures. Here are some of the most common revenue generating methods for charities.
  14. Mutual Funds Vs. ETFs: European Equities

    Find out which one offers the easiest, most cost effective options.
  15. How Much Money Do You Need To Invest In Real Estate?

    Here's a rundown of how much investors need to get started in real estate investing.
  16. Risks To Consider Before Investing In Bonds

    Make sure you understand the risks associated with bonds before making an investment decision.
  17. 3 Reasons Why You Need To Understand Investing

    Everyone should learn a few investing basics, even if you plan to hire an investment professional.
  18. The 10 Commandments Of Investing

    Use these rules to guide you on the road to financial freedom.
  19. In Praise Of Portfolio Simplicity

    Find out how you can streamline your investments for greater returns.
  20. Introduction To Investment Diversification

    Reducing risk and increasing returns in your portfolio is all about finding the right balance.
  21. What To Expect From The Housing Market In The Remainder Of 2012

    Continued positive data could indicate that the housing sector has finally reached the bottom, and may be on the rise again.
  22. Closed-End Vs. Open-End Funds

    Open-end products may be a safer choice than closed-end, but closed-end funds might produce a better return.
  23. Money Management Using The Kelly Criterion

    Not sure how to determine your equity allocations? Read about a system that can help.
  24. A New Plan To Prevent Future Bailouts

    This new and innovative plan by the FDIC could help the government avoid the next bailout.
  25. A Primer On Currency Regimes

    Currency regimes are dynamic and complex, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of their respective nations' monetary and fiscal policies.
  26. Mutual Funds Vs. ETFs: Small Cap Stocks

    For individual investors, a passive strategy may be best when investing in the small-cap realm of equities.
  27. Invest Without Stress

    Have anxiety? Don't worry. We have your worry-free investing guide right here.
  28. 10 Twitter Feeds Investors Should Follow

    You may not have time to follow these Twitter feeds all day, but some of the larger, commercial feeds are worth watching.
  29. Investopedia's Forex Outlook For July 2012

    We look at the month ahead to see what major events will affect the forex market.
  30. How To Manage Your Company Stock

    If you have company stock, it can be hard to know what to do with it. Here's what you should know.
  31. 5 Ways To Double Your Investment

    From risky manoeuvres to slow-and-steady strategies, we look at five methods to double your money.
  32. Investing In Oil And Gas UITs

    Unit investment trusts provide direct exposure to the energy sector, fueling better returns.
  33. A Guide To Risk Warnings And Disclaimers

    Learn what the phrase "Past performance may not reflect future performance" really means.
  34. The Hidden Differences Between Index Funds

    These funds don't all match index returns. Find out how to avoid costly surprises.
  35. Open Your Eyes To Closed-End Funds

    Although less popular than their open-ended counterparts, these investment vehicles are worth a second look.
  36. 5 Expensive Pieces Of Memorabilia You Can Buy

    These movie and TV props are some of the coolest, and most expensive, you can buy.
  37. How To Invest In Corporate Bonds

    Understand the basics of corporate bonds to increase your chances of positive returns.
  38. Technology Sector Funds

    Evaluate past performance before investing in these types of gadget funds, as technology investors have been on a wild ride for a few years.
  39. 5 Businesses That Started During A Recession

    These companies found success despite being started during economic downturns.
  40. 5 Most Expensive Paintings Ever Sold

    These are the most expensive paintings ever.
  41. Hedge Fund Due Diligence

    Analyzing a hedge fund will help you determine whether it's a good investment and a good fit.
  42. When To Sell A Mutual Fund

    Unhappy with your mutual fund's returns and thinking of investing elsewhere? Read this article first.
  43. How To Avoid Investing Too Conservatively

    With the right balance of risk, you can beat the effects of inflation and protect your portfolio.
  44. Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)

    REITs are one way you can invest in real estate while enjoying a level of liquidity synonymous with the stock market. Learn more here!
  45. Hedging

    Discover more about this method of reducing risk in your portfolio.
  46. 5 Ways To Invest $5,000

    If you've found yourself with some extra cash, it might be wise to read this before buying that big TV.
  47. ETF Options Vs. Index Options

    Choosing either ETF options or index options can make the difference between big profits or a big bust.
  48. Utility Funds: A Bright Choice In Bear And Bull Markets

    Gas, electric and water companies' non-cyclical nature can power strong gains in any portfolio.
  49. Go International With Foreign Index Funds

    As global trade continues to expand and the world's economies grow, spice up your portfolio with these exciting opportunities.
  50. Protecting Your Retirement Assets

    Your golden years are meant to be stress free. Keep them that way by protecting your assets.
  51. Why Late Trading Is Illegal

    Institutional investors got a sweet deal that soured retail investors' mutual fund returns.
  52. Why Expense Ratios Are Important To Investors

    Expense ratios aren't just numbers in a column. They make a palpable impact on your bottom line. Find out how.
  53. How To Pick A Good Mutual Fund

    Learn how to evaluate mutual funds and find the right one for you.
  54. States That Spend A Lot On Fourth Of July Celebrations

    Whether it's fireworks, parades or festivals, Fourth of July celebrations in these states are often big and expensive.
  55. The Value Line Investment Survey

    If you want to try your hand at picking stocks but don't know where to start, The Value Line Investment Survey can help.
  56. 10 Ways To Save Energy And Money

    The average family spends $1,600/year on utility bills - find out how to put some of that back in your wallet.
  57. 5 Of The Richest Companies In Developing Nations

    As countries grow, more opportunities exist for businesses. Here are some companies that have taken advantage of this growth.
  58. The Pros And Cons Of Target-Date Funds

    These accounts will take charge of your retirement savings, but should you let them?
  59. Index Mutual Funds Vs. Index ETFs

    When considering an index mutual fund versus the ETF variety, investors should consult an experienced professional.
  60. Beginner's Guide To ETFs And Currency Risk

    ETFs that invest overseas can offer a relatively low-cost vehicle, but there is a risk that should be understood.
  61. Are Derivatives Safe For Retail Investors?

    These vehicles have gotten a bad rap in the press. Find out whether they deserve it.
  62. Bid-Ask Spread

    Find out more about this frequently referenced, but often misunderstood, term used to describe the price at which a stock is bought or sold at.
  63. 3 Reasons Why Women Will Lead The Economic Recovery

    Here are some reasons why women are poised to be the demographic to turn around the economy.
  64. Shifting Focus To Sector Allocation

    Investing in sectors may trump international investments for providing diversification.
  65. Hedge Against Exchange Rate Risk With Currency ETFs

    Currency moves are unpredictable and can have an adverse effect on portfolio returns. Find out how to protect yourself.
  66. Morningstar: A Premier Mutual Fund Source

    Looking for current mutual fund information? We'll look at one of the places to start your search.
  67. An Introduction To Sovereign Wealth Funds

    Countries use sovereign wealth funds to stabilize their economies, but these investments can lack transparency.
  68. JP Morgan: The Other Side Of The Hedge

    A hedge is supposed to decrease overall risk, but when it's instead used to increase profits, the risk can be multiplied.
  69. Why Are We Still Talking About Greece?

    The Greek and Spanish crises continue to spiral beyond control. Find out what could lie ahead for the eurozone.
  70. Investing In China's Slowdown

    As with any economic slowdown, one's misfortune may well be someone else's opportunity. Find out how.
  71. The 3 Moral Types Managing Your Money

    Your financial fate is influenced very substantially by whether your broker or firm is immoral, amoral or moral.
  72. Why You Should Be Wary Of Target-Date Funds

    These funds are hard to understand and might not be a wise choice by themselves. We tell you why.
  73. Unusual Assets Owned By Hedge Funds

    Although many hedge funds hold stock in big companies, some hold some extremely unusual investments.
  74. 4 Traits Of A Great Index Fund

    If you're planning to fill your portfolio with index funds, here's what you should look for in a high-quality fund.
  75. Will A New Fund Manager Cost You?

    Learn how a change in leadership could mean more taxes for you.
  76. Amortization

    Amortization and depreciation are two ways to prorate the cost of an asset's life. Learn more about the former and how it it's calculated.
  77. Depreciation

    Amortization and depreciation are two ways to prorate the cost of an asset's life. Learn more about the latter and how it it's calculated.
  78. ETFs For Your 401(k)?

    Investor ownership of ETFs has grown a lot over the last decade. Discover how they can fit into your retirement plan.
  79. What Are SPDR ETFs?

    Spiders are exchange-traded funds based on an index and can be a great vehicle both for making money and hedging against other risks.
  80. The Risks Of Real Estate Sector Funds

    Discover the risks and rewards of investing in real estate funds, as well as some of the best and worst performers.
  81. Team Players Vs. All-Stars For Mutual Fund Management

    Mutual funds vary in terms of their management structures and one size generally does not fit all investors.
  82. The Gold Showdown: ETFs Vs. Futures

    ETFs and gold futures are two ways to diversify into the metals asset class, but there are advantages and disadvantages to both instruments.
  83. The Gasoline Business Is All About Location

    Gasoline prices can vary tremendously based on where you are in the world. Here are some of the reasons why it varies so much.
  84. Investing In Emerging Markets

    Discover if passive or active investments are the way to be involved in emerging markets.
  85. What The U.S. Needs To Do To Avoid Austerity Measures

    Here's a look at some of the methods the federal government is using to help economic recovery in the U.S.
  86. Banking On Blue Chip Stocks

    Discover what makes blue chip stocks such attractive investments.
  87. The Pitfalls Of Diversification

    Diversifying may reduce risk, but what does that mean to your overall ROI? Find out here.
  88. Ways To Invest In Developing Countries

    Here is a review of potential investments in the BRIC nations and other developing countries around the world.
  89. Why Money Market Funds Break The Buck

    These funds are noted for their safety in a rough market. Read on to find out why.
  90. Hybrids: Financial Friends Or Foes?

    Forget the planet for a minute - what really matters is whether these vehicles fit your budget.
  91. How To Analyze ETFs With Bloomberg

    Tips on how to screen, evaluate, compare, and trade ETFs using Bloomberg.
  92. Trading With Alpha

    Find out more about this abnormal rate of return and how it affects both you and money managers.
  93. Mutual Funds That Reduce Your Taxes

    It may be best to opt for ETFs over mutual funds, which allow wiser investors to reduce their tax obligations.
  94. Should You Buy Stock Or An ETF?

    Not all investors are the same. By the same token, not all investment types are suited for each individual investor.
  95. Separately Managed Accounts: A Mutual Fund Alternative

    It takes a hefty minimum investment to get in in on an SMA, but these offer some distinct advantages.
  96. Modernize Your Portfolio With ETF Futures

    Gain access to premier, highly liquid ETFs with lower capital requirements.
  97. Liquidation Blues: When Mutual Funds Close

    Underperforming funds often close their doors, leaving investors down and out.
  98. An Introduction To Shareholder Activism

    The secret to being an activist shareholder is to ask the right questions.
  99. How To Fire-Proof A Portfolio

    Losing a job shouldn't mean losing all of your financial flexibility.
  100. A Strategy For Optimal Stock And Bond Allocation

    We tell you how this strategy avoids downturns, improves performance and invests in the best asset classes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
  1. What is a triple tax-free municipal bond?

    At its core, a triple tax-free municipal bond is just like any corporate bond: it is a debt instrument, a loan given to a government authority or municipality in order to help it meet certain financial objectives or complete projects in the community.
  2. How do you flip a home?

    Flipping (also called wholesale real estate investing) is a type of real estate investment strategy in which an investor purchases a property with the intention of selling it quickly and for a profit. Profits are typically derived from price appreciation resulting from favorable real estate markets and/or renovations and capital improvements.
  3. What is the difference between positive and normative economics?

    Positive economics is objective and fact based, while normative economics is subjective and value based. Positive economic statements do not have to be correct, but they must be able to be tested and proved or disproved. Normative economic statements are opinion based, so they cannot be proved or disproved.
  4. Is it a good idea to buy mutual funds from banks?

    Mutual funds offer consumers a great way to access a professionally-managed group of assets at a relatively low cost, with reasonable annual expenses. Mutual funds can be purchased in any investment account, such as an IRA, which can be opened with many different financial institutions, including banks.
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