Technology continues to evolve and change all aspects of our lives—from advances in healthcare that help people live longer, to the imminent arrival of the self-driving car that we often hear about. When it comes to personal finance and investing, robo-advisors, which use algorithms and software to provide automated portfolio management services, and the role that they are filling in the market place is just getting started.
Even in the face of the continuing bull market that we have enjoyed since 2008, high-net-worth investors are seeking alternative investments to protect and hedge their portfolios and other investments, according to a recent survey from Millennium Trust Company, an institutional custodian headquartered in Oak Brook, IL.
We’ve been riding the wave of what is, by most definitions, the longest running bull market for stocks in U.S. history. But on October 10, the Dow Jones Industrial Average—one of the most closely-monitored stock indices—plunged 832 points on the day.
October has been designated “Financial Planning Month.” And for very good reason. For many people, it marks yet another quarter that has passed without much thought about the status of your financial future.
What Are Dividends? When considering the profit they make on stocks, many investors assess the gains they have obtained based on the appreciation of the stock on the open market or the gains they obtained after selling the stock for more than the original purchase price. However, it’s also wise to include the income acquired
What Is an Exchange-Traded Fund? Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are just one of the many types of investment funds available, but they have some qualities that are unique and set them apart from other vehicles. ETFs are securities that attempt to track all types of indexes, industries, or commodities. For example, an ETF might be made
Growth Stocks vs. Value Stocks Investors are often confused about the differences between growth stocks and value stocks. The main way in which they differ is not in how they are bought and sold, nor is it how much ownership they represent in a company. Rather, the difference lies mainly in the way in which
How Are Mutual Funds Taxed? Many people have heard the Benjamin Franklin quote, “In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.” Mutual fund taxes can be onerous. However, if you understand the complexities of mutual fund taxes and are prepared when tax season comes around, you may be able to lessen the blow.
What Is Stock? Most people know something about the stock market, but many investors who see stock as a way to get rich quick might not understand exactly what stock is and how it works. Before jumping feet-first into investing in stocks, it is important to understand some of the basics and the risks involved
Zero-Coupon Bonds Zero-coupon bonds (“zeros”) represent a type of bond that does not pay interest during the life of the bond. Instead, investors buy these bonds at a steep discount from the “face value” (the amount a bond will be worth when it matures). When the bond matures, investors will receive single payments equal to
