News, strategies and analysis covering the US stock market.
Inflation reports can move US stocks more than almost any other data release. Learn how CPI and PCE work, why rising prices hurt some companies and help others, and how to protect your portfolio.
Read More →
Index funds let you own hundreds of US companies at rock-bottom cost — and they've beaten most professional managers over time. Here's how they work, how to choose one and how to build a simple index portfolio.
Read More →
The income statement shows how much a company sells, what it spends and what's left as profit. Learn to read every line, calculate the key margins and spot red flags before you invest.
Read More →
ETFs and mutual funds both pool money into diversified portfolios — but they differ in trading, costs, taxes and minimums. Here's a clear comparison to help you choose the right vehicle.
Read More →
On the first Friday of most months, the US jobs report can send stocks soaring or tumbling within minutes. Learn what's in the report, why "good news" can be bad for stocks and how investors should respond.
Read More →
The account you use can matter almost as much as the stocks you buy. Compare Roth IRAs, traditional IRAs and 401(k)s, learn the tax differences, and follow a simple priority order for investing.
Read More →
Earnings can be shaped by accounting choices, but cash is much harder to fake. Learn what free cash flow is, how to calculate it, how to use FCF yield for valuation and the red flags it reveals.
Read More →
Real estate investment trusts let you own office towers, apartments, warehouses and data centers through the stock market — and they're required to pay out most of their income. Here's how REITs work and how to invest wisely.
Read More →