Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

The growth of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has been explosive. In 2006, there were less than 1,000; by 2023, there were nearly 10,000 investing in a wide range of stocks, bonds, and other securities and instruments.1 At first glance, ETFs have a lot in common with...
Investing with Your Heart

Investing with Your Heart

Some individuals believe that return on investment shouldn’t be the only criterion for how they invest their money. For them, the social impact of investing is just as important – perhaps more important. The history of socially responsible investing stretches as...
How the Federal Reserve Works

How the Federal Reserve Works

Have you ever taken a close look at paper money? Each U.S. bill has the words “Federal Reserve Note” imprinted across the top. But many individuals may not know why the bill is issued by the Federal Reserve and what role the Federal Reserve plays in the...
A Primer on Dividends

A Primer on Dividends

When looking for income-generating investments, some investors turn to dividend-yielding stocks. When a company makes a profit, that money can be put to two uses: It can be reinvested in the business. It can be paid out to the company’s shareholders in the form...