Stocks: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Understanding Earnings Per Sha
Earnings per share or EPS is one way to compare companies, but it does not tell you about market value.
Earnings per share or EPS is one way to compare companies, but it does not tell you about market value.
What is the P/E?
The Price to Earnings Ratio is one of the most important numbers analysts look at to understand how the market values a stock.
The Price to Earnings Ratio is one of the most important numbers analysts look at to understand how the market values a stock.
Bond Prices and Interest Rates
Bond prices move inversely to interest rates, when interest rates go up, bond prices go down and when interest rates go down, bond prices go up.
Bond prices move inversely to interest rates, when interest rates go up, bond prices go down and when interest rates go down, bond prices go up.
Understanding Dividend Yield
Dividend Yield tells you what percentage return a company pays out in the form of dividends.
Dividend Yield tells you what percentage return a company pays out in the form of dividends.
Trading Basics
How does a stock trade work? What happens after you call your broker? Follow a stock order through the process, both with a floor trader and electronically.
How does a stock trade work? What happens after you call your broker? Follow a stock order through the process, both with a floor trader and electronically.
Introduction to Stocks
What are stocks and what to they represent? Ownership is the key word for stockholders and the rights and privileges that go along with it.
What are stocks and what to they represent? Ownership is the key word for stockholders and the rights and privileges that go along with it.
Dividend Payout Ratio
The dividend payout ratio looks at what percentage of a company's earnings are paid out to shareholders in the form of dividends.
The dividend payout ratio looks at what percentage of a company's earnings are paid out to shareholders in the form of dividends.
Understanding Book Value
Book value of a company is the assets minus liabilities.
Book value of a company is the assets minus liabilities.
The Beta Ratio
A stock's beta ratio is a useful tool for measuring risk, but it does have some serious limitations.
A stock's beta ratio is a useful tool for measuring risk, but it does have some serious limitations.
Price to Book
The Price to Book ratio is a way to determine how the market values the book value of a company based on the current market price.
The Price to Book ratio is a way to determine how the market values the book value of a company based on the current market price.
Online Stock Trading Sites
Thirteen of the top online stock trading sites offer investors a wide variety of services including research and advice.
Thirteen of the top online stock trading sites offer investors a wide variety of services including research and advice.
Tools of Fundamental Analysis
Fundamental analysis relies on several tools to give investors an accurate picture of the financial health of a company and how the market values the stock.
Fundamental analysis relies on several tools to give investors an accurate picture of the financial health of a company and how the market values the stock.
Bid & Ask Prices
The stock exchanges use a system of bid and ask pricing to match buyers and sellers. The difference between the two prices is the bid/ask spread.
The stock exchanges use a system of bid and ask pricing to match buyers and sellers. The difference between the two prices is the bid/ask spread.
Investing and Taxes
Taxes on investment gains fall into two categories, long and short term capital gains. Knowing the difference can mean a bigger tax bill if you're not careful.
Taxes on investment gains fall into two categories, long and short term capital gains. Knowing the difference can mean a bigger tax bill if you're not careful.
Stock Sectors
Investors break the market down into sectors by company business. These sectors make is possible to compare how a stock is doing relative to its peers.
Investors break the market down into sectors by company business. These sectors make is possible to compare how a stock is doing relative to its peers.
Price to Sales Ratio
The Price to Sales ratio is a tool for evaluating companies with no earnings that looks at how the market values the company's sales.
The Price to Sales ratio is a tool for evaluating companies with no earnings that looks at how the market values the company's sales.
Understanding the PEG
PEG ratio provides investors a way to calculate how much future earnings growth is going to cost based on the stock's P/E and projected earnings growth rate.
PEG ratio provides investors a way to calculate how much future earnings growth is going to cost based on the stock's P/E and projected earnings growth rate.
Understanding Return on Equity
Return on equity tells investors how efficiently a company is using its assets to generate earnings.
Return on equity tells investors how efficiently a company is using its assets to generate earnings.
Bond Basics
Bonds are an important part of every investor's portfolio. They provide safety and stability against the fluctuations of stocks.
Bonds are an important part of every investor's portfolio. They provide safety and stability against the fluctuations of stocks.
Basic Options
Options provide another way to profit from movement in the stock market, but they are not for beginning investors.
Options provide another way to profit from movement in the stock market, but they are not for beginning investors.
Understanding Stock Orders
Stock orders, such as market orders, limit orders, stop loss orders, and trailing stops, are important for every investor to know.
Stock orders, such as market orders, limit orders, stop loss orders, and trailing stops, are important for every investor to know.
Stock Prices
Who sets stock prices? How are prices set each day? How do you know what a stock will open at each day? Understanding how stocks are priced in the market will make you a better investor.
Who sets stock prices? How are prices set each day? How do you know what a stock will open at each day? Understanding how stocks are priced in the market will make you a better investor.
Growth, Value Stocks
Growth and value are two ways to define stocks. Each has specific characteristics that can guide you in stock selection.
Growth and value are two ways to define stocks. Each has specific characteristics that can guide you in stock selection.
Understanding Share Terms
It is important for investors to understand the different terms used to describe shares of stock such as authorized, restricted, treasury, float and outstanding.
It is important for investors to understand the different terms used to describe shares of stock such as authorized, restricted, treasury, float and outstanding.
What is Investing?
What is investing and how does it differ from saving? Investing is the proactive use of your money to make more money.
What is investing and how does it differ from saving? Investing is the proactive use of your money to make more money.
Stop Loss Orders
Stop Loss Orders can protect you when your favorite stock gets hit by a disaster by cutting your losses with an automatic sell.
Stop Loss Orders can protect you when your favorite stock gets hit by a disaster by cutting your losses with an automatic sell.
Protecting Profits
Trailing Stops are a form of stop loss orders you can use to protect your profit in a stock.
Trailing Stops are a form of stop loss orders you can use to protect your profit in a stock.
When to Sell a Stock
Knowing when to sell stocks is sometimes as difficult a knowing when to buy. This is the first part of a two-part series.
Knowing when to sell stocks is sometimes as difficult a knowing when to buy. This is the first part of a two-part series.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share is calculated by dividing a company's net earnings by the outstanding shares.
Earnings Per Share is calculated by dividing a company's net earnings by the outstanding shares.
Compound Annual Growth
The Annual Compound Growth Rate of your investments is important because it takes into account the time value of money as well as price changes.
The Annual Compound Growth Rate of your investments is important because it takes into account the time value of money as well as price changes.
Understanding Bond Types
You can purchase bonds from a variety of sources including the U.S. Treasury, municipalities and corporations. Each has unique characteristics and features.
You can purchase bonds from a variety of sources including the U.S. Treasury, municipalities and corporations. Each has unique characteristics and features.
Making Money with Dividends
Dividends are a way companies distribute a portion of their profits to shareholders.
Dividends are a way companies distribute a portion of their profits to shareholders.
Market Schedule
The stock markets follow a set holiday schedule each year. Additional closings may be added to mark special occasions or under special circumstances.
The stock markets follow a set holiday schedule each year. Additional closings may be added to mark special occasions or under special circumstances.
Real Rate of Return
The real rate of return on an investment factors in inflation and taxes to give you a clearer picture of how much your purchasing power has increased.
The real rate of return on an investment factors in inflation and taxes to give you a clearer picture of how much your purchasing power has increased.
Cash Flow
Cash is vital to a company's health and its ability to generate cash can be used to see if the market under or over-values the stock. For many, these metrics are better than P/E for that purpose.
Cash is vital to a company's health and its ability to generate cash can be used to see if the market under or over-values the stock. For many, these metrics are better than P/E for that purpose.
Dividend Yield
Stocks with high dividend yields may be a smart buy, but they may also be a trap. Always check the other fundamentals before making an investment decision.
Stocks with high dividend yields may be a smart buy, but they may also be a trap. Always check the other fundamentals before making an investment decision.
Stocks and Inflation
Inflation has reared its ugly head - what does this mean for your stock investments?
Inflation has reared its ugly head - what does this mean for your stock investments?
Understanding Risk
Risk and reward go hand-in-hand with investing in the stock market. Learn about this relationship and how you can make it work for you.
Risk and reward go hand-in-hand with investing in the stock market. Learn about this relationship and how you can make it work for you.
Understanding Stock Splits
Stock splits occur when a company splits its outstanding shares, usually 2 for 1. This reduces the share price and increases the number of outstanding shares.
Stock splits occur when a company splits its outstanding shares, usually 2 for 1. This reduces the share price and increases the number of outstanding shares.
Zero Coupon Bonds
Zero coupon bonds are sold at a deep discount and redeemed at full face value.
Zero coupon bonds are sold at a deep discount and redeemed at full face value.
Opening an Account
What types a accounts are available? How do you open an account?
What types a accounts are available? How do you open an account?
Why Per-Share Price is Not Imp
Market cap is more important than per-share price because market cap tells you the value of the company.
Market cap is more important than per-share price because market cap tells you the value of the company.
Stock Screening Basics
There are many research tools available to investors, but the one you should master first is the stock screener. Get your feet wet with this one from MSN.com.
There are many research tools available to investors, but the one you should master first is the stock screener. Get your feet wet with this one from MSN.com.
Value Investing
Value investing is about finding stocks overlooked by the market, but that are fundamentally sound with good growth prospects.
Value investing is about finding stocks overlooked by the market, but that are fundamentally sound with good growth prospects.
Stock Options
Trading stock options is not for beginners, but it can enhance your investing.
Trading stock options is not for beginners, but it can enhance your investing.
Sell a Stock
Sometimes it is as hard to know when to sell a stock as it is to know the right time to buy. This is the second of a two-part series on selling stocks.
Sometimes it is as hard to know when to sell a stock as it is to know the right time to buy. This is the second of a two-part series on selling stocks.
Investing Risks
Understanding the risks of stock investing and how to guard against them can help you meet your financial goals.
Understanding the risks of stock investing and how to guard against them can help you meet your financial goals.
What does Weak Dollar Mean?
The U.S. dollar is near all-time record lows against major foreign currencies - what does this mean for investors and consumers?
The U.S. dollar is near all-time record lows against major foreign currencies - what does this mean for investors and consumers?
Long Term Investing
Investing for the long term will let you ride out the unavoidable ups and downs of the market. Research shows you are better off staying in the market for the long term rather than jumping in and out.
Investing for the long term will let you ride out the unavoidable ups and downs of the market. Research shows you are better off staying in the market for the long term rather than jumping in and out.
Dangers of Short Selling
Selling short involves selling stock you don't own that you believe is about to drop in price. If you are right, there are good profits, however, your loses can be staggering if wrong.
Selling short involves selling stock you don't own that you believe is about to drop in price. If you are right, there are good profits, however, your loses can be staggering if wrong.
Operating Cash Flow
Operating cash flow measures how cash is generated in a company and whether the company is taking in more or less than it is spending.
Operating cash flow measures how cash is generated in a company and whether the company is taking in more or less than it is spending.
Should You Own Stocks?
Should you own individual stocks or mutual funds? Which investment is better for you? For many investors, the answer is both and this article gives some reasons why.
Should you own individual stocks or mutual funds? Which investment is better for you? For many investors, the answer is both and this article gives some reasons why.
What Moves the Market
Major economic and political factors shape the stock market, but most of all the stock market hates uncertainty.
Major economic and political factors shape the stock market, but most of all the stock market hates uncertainty.
Buying Gold
Gold is an historic haven in times of economic stress, but you should use caution before buying the precious metal.
Gold is an historic haven in times of economic stress, but you should use caution before buying the precious metal.
Risk Premium
Risk premium is what a stock should return over a "risk-free" investment. It is your reward for taking a risk with your money.
Risk premium is what a stock should return over a "risk-free" investment. It is your reward for taking a risk with your money.
Bonds and Taxes
Bonds generate income that is taxed, however if you choose wisely you can avoid most of the tax burden and earn a nice return.
Bonds generate income that is taxed, however if you choose wisely you can avoid most of the tax burden and earn a nice return.
Portfolio Rebalancing
Rebalancing your portfolio is an important maintenance function that will keep your investing program on track and true to your goals.
Rebalancing your portfolio is an important maintenance function that will keep your investing program on track and true to your goals.
Cyclical and Non-Cyclical Stoc
Cyclical and Non-Cyclical Stocks react differently in changing business cycles. Knowing the difference between Cyclical and Non-Cyclical Stocks can make you a smarter investor.
Cyclical and Non-Cyclical Stocks react differently in changing business cycles. Knowing the difference between Cyclical and Non-Cyclical Stocks can make you a smarter investor.
Stock Screener List
Stock screens are helpful in selecting investment candidates. Here is a list of stock screens.
Stock screens are helpful in selecting investment candidates. Here is a list of stock screens.
I Bonds
I Bonds offer protection from inflation and the safety of the U.S. Treasury in addition to tax exemption from state and local taxes.
I Bonds offer protection from inflation and the safety of the U.S. Treasury in addition to tax exemption from state and local taxes.
Buying on Price
If you go by price alone, you may end up paying too much for stocks and selling them for too little.
If you go by price alone, you may end up paying too much for stocks and selling them for too little.
Cash Flow of Stocks
Cash flow is an important tool for investors in evaluating stocks for investment.
Cash flow is an important tool for investors in evaluating stocks for investment.
Return on Investments
You can use a few simple calculations to determine how your investments are performing and what they are returning.
You can use a few simple calculations to determine how your investments are performing and what they are returning.
Introduction to Asset Allocati
Asset allocation is the process of spreading your investment across different asset classes and diversifying them within classes. Asset allocation is key to investment success and meeting your financial goals.
Asset allocation is the process of spreading your investment across different asset classes and diversifying them within classes. Asset allocation is key to investment success and meeting your financial goals.
Asset Classes
There are four classes of assets you can use to build your portfolio - use them all for a sound foundation.
There are four classes of assets you can use to build your portfolio - use them all for a sound foundation.
Market Makers
Market makers in the Nasdaq are responsible for creating and maintaining a market for securities listed on the exchange.
Market makers in the Nasdaq are responsible for creating and maintaining a market for securities listed on the exchange.
Two Classes of Stocks?
Companies sometimes issue two classes of stock - one for the public and another for the founders.
Companies sometimes issue two classes of stock - one for the public and another for the founders.
Understanding IPOs
IPOs or initial public offerings are how companies offer stock for sale to the public the first time. Often the subject of wild speculation and excitement, IPOs can be a very profitable buy or a disaster.
IPOs or initial public offerings are how companies offer stock for sale to the public the first time. Often the subject of wild speculation and excitement, IPOs can be a very profitable buy or a disaster.
Return on Assets
Return on Assets is an important number for investors to know when considering a stock. It provides a measure of efficiency.
Return on Assets is an important number for investors to know when considering a stock. It provides a measure of efficiency.
Interest Rates and Stock Valua
Changes in interest rates effect stock valuations in a fundamental way by changing the required return.
Changes in interest rates effect stock valuations in a fundamental way by changing the required return.
Institutional Ownership
The actions of the institutional owners of a stock can tell you something about the quality of the stock - sometimes you can believe it.
The actions of the institutional owners of a stock can tell you something about the quality of the stock - sometimes you can believe it.
Sales/Price Ratio
The sales/price ratio provides a metric for measuring the relative value of a stock's price when compared to industry peers. It is used along with price/earnings ratio.
The sales/price ratio provides a metric for measuring the relative value of a stock's price when compared to industry peers. It is used along with price/earnings ratio.
Value Stock Investing
Value investors look for stocks that are under-priced and use fundamental analysis tools to uncover candidates.
Value investors look for stocks that are under-priced and use fundamental analysis tools to uncover candidates.
Choosing a Broker
What type of stockbroker is right for you? Online, discount, full service or money manager - each has advantages and disadvantages. Remember, you pay for what you get.
What type of stockbroker is right for you? Online, discount, full service or money manager - each has advantages and disadvantages. Remember, you pay for what you get.
A Bond Ladder
A bond ladder solves the problem of interest rate risk for bond investors.
A bond ladder solves the problem of interest rate risk for bond investors.
Stock Market Trends
The stock market is driven by obvious forces of supply and demand. You can watch those forces drive the market and see which where the market is headed.
The stock market is driven by obvious forces of supply and demand. You can watch those forces drive the market and see which where the market is headed.
It's the Earnings
Earnings are the single most important factor in stock evaluation for many investors. Although there are other factors to consider, earnings must be near or at the top of every investor's list of important checkpoints.
Earnings are the single most important factor in stock evaluation for many investors. Although there are other factors to consider, earnings must be near or at the top of every investor's list of important checkpoints.
Relative Strength
Relative strength measures a stock's performance against the rest of the market and is helpful in evaluating investments.
Relative strength measures a stock's performance against the rest of the market and is helpful in evaluating investments.
Stock Market Regulation
The stock market and securities industry is highly regulated. Several layers of regulatory oversight are designed to protect the individual investor.
The stock market and securities industry is highly regulated. Several layers of regulatory oversight are designed to protect the individual investor.
Why Retail Sales are Important
Retail sales are an important part of our economy and are watched by the market as an important economic indicator.
Retail sales are an important part of our economy and are watched by the market as an important economic indicator.
IRAs and Investing
IRAs are great ways to save for retirement and take advantage of tax-deferred or tax-free grow of your investments.
IRAs are great ways to save for retirement and take advantage of tax-deferred or tax-free grow of your investments.
Market Capitalization
Market Capitalization or market cap is a way of measuring the size of a company and is calculated by multiplying the current stock price by the number of outstanding shares.
Market Capitalization or market cap is a way of measuring the size of a company and is calculated by multiplying the current stock price by the number of outstanding shares.
What is a Stock?
What is a stock? How does it fit into our economy? What is a bond?
What is a stock? How does it fit into our economy? What is a bond?
Trader or Investor?
Are you buying a stock or investing in a company. There's a difference and it's important that you don't confuse the two.
Are you buying a stock or investing in a company. There's a difference and it's important that you don't confuse the two.
Stock Market Crash
The stock market crash of 1929 erased 90% of the market's value. Can another crash like that happen again?
The stock market crash of 1929 erased 90% of the market's value. Can another crash like that happen again?
Importance of P/E
A good company can be a risky investment if you pay too much for it. The P/E is a good tool for a rough idea about a stock's value.
A good company can be a risky investment if you pay too much for it. The P/E is a good tool for a rough idea about a stock's value.
Financial Advisers I
Financial advisers can map a blue print that will get you from where you are to your financial goals.
Financial advisers can map a blue print that will get you from where you are to your financial goals.
Supply and Demand
The interaction between supply and demand is how stock prices are set in the market.
The interaction between supply and demand is how stock prices are set in the market.
Size Matters in Investing
A company's size is an important investment consideration. The smaller the company, the more volatile and risky the investment.
A company's size is an important investment consideration. The smaller the company, the more volatile and risky the investment.
P/E is Important
A stock's P/E is a key valuation measurement investors use to determine how much to pay for a stock.
A stock's P/E is a key valuation measurement investors use to determine how much to pay for a stock.
Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow is one of the most important numbers you need to know about a stock. It will help you determine a fair price for the company's stock.
Free cash flow is one of the most important numbers you need to know about a stock. It will help you determine a fair price for the company's stock.
Rising Interest Rates
Where do investors turn in a market of rising interest rates?
Where do investors turn in a market of rising interest rates?
Sell for a Profit
Knowing when and how to sell a winning stock is as important as knowing when to sell a losing stock.
Knowing when and how to sell a winning stock is as important as knowing when to sell a losing stock.
Preferred Stock
Preferred stock has some unique features, however don't let the name fool you, these shares leave much to be desired.
Preferred stock has some unique features, however don't let the name fool you, these shares leave much to be desired.
Stock Market Losses
There are several different types of losses you can suffer when investing in stocks - some less obvious than others.
There are several different types of losses you can suffer when investing in stocks - some less obvious than others.
Watch Risk with Beta
Betas tell you a lot about a stock's volatility, however checking multiple web sites you may find different answers to that question.
Betas tell you a lot about a stock's volatility, however checking multiple web sites you may find different answers to that question.
Consumer Price Index
The Consumer Price Index is the leading indicator of inflation and one of the most important indicators for investors. A rising CPI may signal rising inflation and trigger interest rate increases.
The Consumer Price Index is the leading indicator of inflation and one of the most important indicators for investors. A rising CPI may signal rising inflation and trigger interest rate increases.
Economic Risk
Economic Risk is the danger that the economy could turn against your investment.
Economic Risk is the danger that the economy could turn against your investment.
Price Earnings Ratio
Price Earnings Ratio is a way to show how a company’s earnings relate to the stock price. The P/E is calculated by dividing the current price of the stock by the annual earnings per share.
Price Earnings Ratio is a way to show how a company’s earnings relate to the stock price. The P/E is calculated by dividing the current price of the stock by the annual earnings per share.
Value Investors
Value investors look for companies trading below their intrinsic value.
Value investors look for companies trading below their intrinsic value.
Using P/E
A stock's P/E is one of the most important tools investors use. Use it wisely.
A stock's P/E is one of the most important tools investors use. Use it wisely.
Buying Stocks
One way to measure how well a company is doing involves comparing its financial ratios to peers and industry sector.
One way to measure how well a company is doing involves comparing its financial ratios to peers and industry sector.
Bull, Bear Markets
The difference between the intelligent investor and the person who invests on a whim is what happens when the markets shake their stock.
The difference between the intelligent investor and the person who invests on a whim is what happens when the markets shake their stock.
Bankrupt
Whether stock or bond holders receive any money from bankruptcy proceeds depends on several factors.
Whether stock or bond holders receive any money from bankruptcy proceeds depends on several factors.
Software Tools for Investing
The Internet and computers have made a huge difference in how investors research stocks. There a variety of software products available to help you manage, research, and analyze stocks.
The Internet and computers have made a huge difference in how investors research stocks. There a variety of software products available to help you manage, research, and analyze stocks.
Investing strategies
Four main investment objectives define how you choose financial products for your portfolio.
Four main investment objectives define how you choose financial products for your portfolio.
Class B Stock
Class B stock has special priveledges and is usually retained by the company founders.
Class B stock has special priveledges and is usually retained by the company founders.
Dogs of the Dow
Dogs of the Dow is a mechanical investing technique that takes the research and effort out of investing. The whole process takes about one hour per year, yet the results often beat the S&P500.
Dogs of the Dow is a mechanical investing technique that takes the research and effort out of investing. The whole process takes about one hour per year, yet the results often beat the S&P500.
Foreign Stocks
Foreign stocks represent an investing opportunity outside the U.S. economy, but you can buy them on our markets through ADRs.
Foreign stocks represent an investing opportunity outside the U.S. economy, but you can buy them on our markets through ADRs.
Convertible Bonds
Convertible bonds appear to offer the best of both stocks and bonds, but complex factors make them hard to judge.
Convertible bonds appear to offer the best of both stocks and bonds, but complex factors make them hard to judge.
Futures Indexes
Market index futures give you a clue about what traders think the market is going to do the next session.
Market index futures give you a clue about what traders think the market is going to do the next session.
Stock Buybacks
Stock buybacks can be a good deal for stockholders or a smokescreen to hide weak financial ratios.
Stock buybacks can be a good deal for stockholders or a smokescreen to hide weak financial ratios.
Growth or Value Stocks
Growth and value investing are the two main styles that most investors use - you should know about each.
Growth and value investing are the two main styles that most investors use - you should know about each.
Stock Price Trends
Investors are buying future growth when they invest in stocks.
Investors are buying future growth when they invest in stocks.
Utility Stocks
Utility stocks are good candidates for investors who want current income and a place to ride out a shaky economy.
Utility stocks are good candidates for investors who want current income and a place to ride out a shaky economy.
Insider Trading
What corporate insiders do with their shares can help you become a better investor if you know what to look for.
What corporate insiders do with their shares can help you become a better investor if you know what to look for.
Margin Trading
Margin trading is a way to magnify your buying power by borrowing money from your broker for up to 50% of a stock purchase.
Margin trading is a way to magnify your buying power by borrowing money from your broker for up to 50% of a stock purchase.
Averaging Down
Averaging down is a way to lower the average cost of a stock holding. It can also be a way to throw good money after bad.
Averaging down is a way to lower the average cost of a stock holding. It can also be a way to throw good money after bad.
Investing Philosophies - Part
Developing an investing philosophy will help you focus your investing in areas that work toward building a coherent portfolio.
Developing an investing philosophy will help you focus your investing in areas that work toward building a coherent portfolio.
Invest in Stocks
Despite the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, there are at least five good reasons to invest in stocks.
Despite the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, there are at least five good reasons to invest in stocks.
Inflation Fears
Recession and inflation both pose dangers for the stock investor, however many fear inflation the most.
Recession and inflation both pose dangers for the stock investor, however many fear inflation the most.
Swine Flu
H1N1 (swine) flu has the potential to disrupt the economy.
H1N1 (swine) flu has the potential to disrupt the economy.
Corporate Bankruptcy
What happens to your stock or bonds when a company goes bankrupt?
What happens to your stock or bonds when a company goes bankrupt?
Fee-Based Broker
Traditional stockbrokers are divided into two types: commissioned-based and fee-based. Fee-based brokers offer a wide variety of services in addition to handling your trades.
Traditional stockbrokers are divided into two types: commissioned-based and fee-based. Fee-based brokers offer a wide variety of services in addition to handling your trades.
Stock Quotes
Stock quotes, whether in the newspaper or online, offer a wealth of information if you understand the numbers.
Stock quotes, whether in the newspaper or online, offer a wealth of information if you understand the numbers.
Market Specialists at NYSE
The New York Stock Exchange sets prices of stocks by auction with the best price to buy and best price to sell always available.
The New York Stock Exchange sets prices of stocks by auction with the best price to buy and best price to sell always available.
Consumer Confidence Index
The Consumer Confidence Index is one of the two most important measures of future consumer spending expectations.
The Consumer Confidence Index is one of the two most important measures of future consumer spending expectations.
Traits of Great Stock
Great stocks and great companies have several traits that distinguish them from the rest of the pack.
Great stocks and great companies have several traits that distinguish them from the rest of the pack.
Stocks and Debt
Too much debt can make a company vulnerable to rising interest rates. Here are two tools to help you evaluate stocks for too much debt.
Too much debt can make a company vulnerable to rising interest rates. Here are two tools to help you evaluate stocks for too much debt.
Investing in Stem Cell Researc
Companies involved in stem cell research took a split decision in the Nov. 3 election. Sen. John Kerry had promised to lift restrictions on research. On the plus side, California passed a $3 billion initiative to fund stem cell research projects.
Companies involved in stem cell research took a split decision in the Nov. 3 election. Sen. John Kerry had promised to lift restrictions on research. On the plus side, California passed a $3 billion initiative to fund stem cell research projects.
Stocks Profits
Expenses, including broker fees and taxes, will eat up big chunks of your profits from investing in stocks.
Expenses, including broker fees and taxes, will eat up big chunks of your profits from investing in stocks.
Foreign Revenue
When looking for foreign stocks, you may not have to go very far. Many giant domestic companies derive a significant percentage of their sales from overseas markets.
When looking for foreign stocks, you may not have to go very far. Many giant domestic companies derive a significant percentage of their sales from overseas markets.
Stock Prices in Short Term
The stock market is dangerous for investors with short-term goals - it is better to pay capital gains taxes than risk price reversal.
The stock market is dangerous for investors with short-term goals - it is better to pay capital gains taxes than risk price reversal.
Stocks in Retirement
Conventional wisdom was to lower your percentage of stocks and increase bonds as you approached retirement. With people living longer and the possibility of inflation, that may not be the best strategy.
Conventional wisdom was to lower your percentage of stocks and increase bonds as you approached retirement. With people living longer and the possibility of inflation, that may not be the best strategy.
Picking Stocks
The first step in picking a stock is to determine where you need to diversify your portfolio.
The first step in picking a stock is to determine where you need to diversify your portfolio.
Understanding the CPI
The Consumer Price Index is the most important economic indicator a stock investor should follow.
The Consumer Price Index is the most important economic indicator a stock investor should follow.
Stock Diversification
There two forms of diversification you should know to make your portfolio less volatile.
There two forms of diversification you should know to make your portfolio less volatile.
How to Avoid Defaulting Bonds
Bonds should be the conservative part of your portfolio - so how do you avoid buying a bond likely to default?
Bonds should be the conservative part of your portfolio - so how do you avoid buying a bond likely to default?
Dangers of Inflation
Inflation is a major threat to the stock market and investors, especially those heavily invested in fixed income securities.
Inflation is a major threat to the stock market and investors, especially those heavily invested in fixed income securities.
Market Futures
Stock market index futures give you a clue about what traders think the market is going to do the next session.
Stock market index futures give you a clue about what traders think the market is going to do the next session.
Small Cap Stocks
Small cap stocks offer the potential for rapid growth, but come with a high degree of risk.
Small cap stocks offer the potential for rapid growth, but come with a high degree of risk.
Bond Strategy
Investors often move out of a risky stock market into the bond market, but this strategy has risks also.
Investors often move out of a risky stock market into the bond market, but this strategy has risks also.
Naked Short Selling
Naked short selling is a risky trading strategy that profits when a stock's share price falls. Leverage creates the opportunities for big gains and the risk of big losses.
Naked short selling is a risky trading strategy that profits when a stock's share price falls. Leverage creates the opportunities for big gains and the risk of big losses.
Seek Earnings Growth
Companies that show a consistent growth in earnings make attractive investment candidates for stock investors.
Companies that show a consistent growth in earnings make attractive investment candidates for stock investors.
Help from Your Broker
How much help do you want or need with your investment decisions? Pick a broker who can fill in the gaps in your knowledge and experience.
How much help do you want or need with your investment decisions? Pick a broker who can fill in the gaps in your knowledge and experience.
Economic News
Here are the upcoming economic announcements for the week.
Here are the upcoming economic announcements for the week.
Selling Stock
Knowing when to sell can be tricky, but you don't earn a profit until you do.
Knowing when to sell can be tricky, but you don't earn a profit until you do.
Employee Stock Purchase Plans
Employee Stock Purchase Plans can be a great benefit, but be careful that you don't fall into the Enron trap.
Employee Stock Purchase Plans can be a great benefit, but be careful that you don't fall into the Enron trap.
Invest on Fundamentals
Old sayings contain a particle of truth, but you are better off investing on fundamentals than some cliche that's only right part of the time.
Old sayings contain a particle of truth, but you are better off investing on fundamentals than some cliche that's only right part of the time.
Business Cycles
Business cycles are the natural expansion and contraction of the economy as witnessed by the flow from recession to recovery.
Business cycles are the natural expansion and contraction of the economy as witnessed by the flow from recession to recovery.