Insights & Education
Keeping you at the forefront of modern investing
The latest commentary
Congress Faces Another Shutdown
Historically, government shutdowns have not caused a major reaction in the markets. But shutdowns can increase market volatility, and an extended shutdown could have an impact on the overall economy.
Fed Pauses, but Door Still Open
The September Federal Reserve meeting provided few surprises, but ongoing uncertainty about the Fed's next move may mean more volatility ahead.
Q4 Outlook: A Delicate Balance
The Federal Reserve weighs the data while investors wonder: Is the rate-hike cycle over?
Say Goodbye…to Great Moderation?
A return to the Great Moderation Era looks unlikely, which might lead to an increasingly volatile—and somewhat unfamiliar—inflationary, economic, and geopolitical landscape.
Market Perspective: Tension
Competing narratives have emerged to describe the state of the U.S. economy.
Market updates
Popular in trading
Options Exercise and Assignment
Learn about options exercise and options assignment before taking a position, not afterward. This guide can help you navigate the dynamics of options expiration.
Meet the Options Greeks
Meet some of the most important greeks—delta, gamma, theta, vega, and rho—and see how they can be used in your options trading.
Using Relative Strength Index
Learn how the Relative Strength Index, or RSI, works and how it can help investors analyze trends.
P/E Ratio Basics
Perhaps one of the most commonly used fundamental ratios is the price-to-earnings, or P/E, ratio. Discover how it can help you compare the valuation of two or more companies.
Stock Trading: Moving Averages
Learn how to use a simple moving average to confirm established trends, along with the pros and cons of applying it to different time frames.
Options Expiration Checklist
Managing options positions on expiration day requires an understanding of the process. Here's an overview of things you should know about options expiration.
Planning and retirement
Retirement Saving and Living
Retirement is an important and often stressful planning, saving, and investing goal. Learn from those who have been through it.
Roth vs. Traditional IRAs
Traditional and Roth IRAs have distinct requirements, including eligibility and contribution limits. Here's a guide to help you decide which may be better for you.
What Is a Roth IRA?
Roth IRAs are individual retirement accounts that you contribute to with after-tax dollars (income you've already paid taxes on). The benefit? Your savings can grow tax-free.
The Business of Consulting
If you're ready to leave an employer and strike out on your own as a consultant, it helps to plan ahead, set up a separate business structure, and make sure you're properly insured.
Does Market Timing Work?
We ran the numbers on market timing. Our findings? There's a high cost to waiting for the best entry point.
