Most investors will encounter a rocky market at some point in the stock and bond market. But if you have a long-term strategy in place, you can stick with your plan when it gets rough and avoid making potentially costly moves out of panic. Historically, U.S. stocks have seen three downturns of 5% each year, Read more
Investing
Bullion Market: Why Is Gold So Important?
The price of gold increased by nearly 65% in 2025, far outpacing the 17% gain in the S&P 500 stock index over the same period. In January 2026, gold surpassed $5,000 an ounce for the first time. In 2025, the precious metal outperformed most other risk assets, including stocks and cryptocurrencies. The gold price over Read more
Still Time to Catch Up on Savings
If you are nearing retirement and have fallen short of your savings goal, it is not too late to play catch-up with your finances. The federal government allows people to make additional contributions in their later years. A 2020 survey by Vanguard found that 98% of employers offer catch-up contributions on their 401(k) plans but Read more
How Dividend Investing Works
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
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