When it comes to investment returns, some investors may only look at the impact of rising stock prices on their portfolios. However, consideration of dividends should also play an important role. Dividends have produced about 40% of the S&P 500’s total returns over the past 90 years. Including dividend income in a portfolio can give Read more
Investing
Risk Avoidance: Why Diversification Makes Sense in Uncertain Times
In a world defined by economic uncertainty, geopolitical tension, and shifting consumer behaviors, relying on a single type of investment can become increasingly risky. To manage risk (not only in times of uncertainty), diversification is a fundamental strategy for investors to build a portfolio focused on long-term growth. Rather than concentrating money in a single Read more
What is the January Effect?
While most of us are winding down after the whirlwind of the holiday season, some investors are gearing up for the annual “January effect.” This is the theory that, seasonally, stocks tend to rise in January more than in any other month. It is a theory that has some basis in historical fact. On average, Read more
Getting a Good Start: A Guide to Investing
Think you don’t have enough money to start investing? Think again. Anyone can learn to begin investing, even if you start your journey with just $100. But when you do start investing, the most important part of the process is to have some basic knowledge. Investing is when you buy something in hopes that it Read more
Annuities Explained: Types, Fees, Taxes & What Investors Should Know
An annuity is a contractual relationship between an investor and an insurance company that is designed to meet retirement or other long-range cash flow goals. As insurance products, annuities are defined by a contract between the investor and the issuing insurance company. In this contract, the insurance company usually agrees to make either a lump-sum Read more