Markets Demystified

Fixed income investments such as bonds and annuities make steady, recurring payments, while stocks seek growth through appreciation in share prices. An investor’s worth may play a large role in determining which strategy is most suitable. Music from “Break to the Beat” by Jonny Ray. Click to view.

At their latest meeting, the Federal Reserve all but confirmed they are done increasing interest rates, with inflation expected to keep falling without more hikes. Music from “Break to the Beat” by Jonny Ray. Click to view.

When it comes to getting started with retirement investing, now is probably the best time to do it. Music from “Break to the Beat” by Jonny Ray.

A recent survey showed that Americans think real estate is a better path to wealth than stocks. Are they right — or does the survey reveal common misconceptions? Music from “Break to the Beat” by Jonny Ray. Click to view.

Stocks have entered correction territory, having dropped 10% from their most recent highs, as investors continue to adjust their outlook amid the possibility of the Fed keeping rates higher for longer than expected. Music from “Break to the Beat” by Jonny Ray. Click to view.

The scientist in Marry Shelley’s enduring tale reverse engineers a creation that behaves in ways unexpected by its creator. Is crypto a similar creation? Music from “Break to the Beat” by Jonny Ray. Click to view.

Markets have yet to shift away from a good-news-is-bad-news mood, with strong jobs data defying expectations and weighing on stocks, as investors adjust to the possibility of prolonged inflation accompanied by rates staying higher for longer. Music from “Break to the Beat” by Jonny Ray. Click to view.

Home ownership has multiple benefits and contributes to net worth; but should it be considered an investment? Music from “Break to the Beat” by Jonny Ray. Click to view.

Though headline inflation measures have fallen steeply, core inflation has been much slower to show signs of cooling down, possibly prompting the Fed to keep interest rates higher for longer. Music from “Break to the Beat” by Jonny Ray. Click to view.

Traditionally, investment managers have a $100,000 account minimum, which may exclude around 70% of the population. Employer accounts like 401(k)s leave employees to make investment choices on their own. These factors may contribute to low retirement account participation rates as well as limited access to relevant information about investing. Music from “Break to the Beat” by Jonny Ray. Click to view.