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How To Find An Investment Advisor
Do you think you need an Investment Advisor? Hold on before you answer because this is sort of a trick question. Also, I am definitely biased because I am an Investment Advisor. Nonetheless, I think I can assist you in looking at this issue in a way that ...

Personal Finance Worries?
Are you nervous about your personal finances? The irrational exuberance of the 90s that led to double-digit gains for almost any investment portfolio is over. Now, you might consider yourself fortunate if your investments are losing less than the S&P 500. ...

Risk and Reward
If you are doing your own investing in the stock market, what would be the first question you would ask yourself before you make any trade or investment? If your answer is how fundamentally sound the stock is, or whether the stock just broke out of a ...


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Asset Classes Guide
 

The general term used to refer to the investments made is ‘assets’. Assets reflect one’s investment in cash, bonds, stocks or other sources that generate income. Out of the various assets available for investment, the most common one is Stock. Stock refers to the shares of the companies. It can be of various types - capitalization stocks, mid capitalization stocks, and small capitalization stocks – to name a few. Trading in stocks can be very profitable; however, the risk involved in the stock is equally high. Playing the odds in the stock market is one of the riskiest ways of earning money. Small factors can have adverse effect on the market, thereby leading to huge losses. Another trading instrument that one can invest in, is bonds. Bonds are similar to debentures i.e. they represent the loan given to an entity. Bonds are usually issued by public bodies like the Municipality, though corporate bodies can also issue bonds. They come in varieties and the investor can choose depending on his preference. Bonds are comparatively less risky than the stock and offer a steady source of income. One can also go for bond funds to further minimize the risk.

A mutual fund is a group of investors that pool in money for investment and then share the income. When an investor buys the shares of a mutual fund, he becomes the shareholder of that fund. According to their investment objectives mutual funds can be divided in to various categories. They are considered to be a safe investing


option as they are cost efficient and easy to invest in. The investor usually does not have to decide between various scripts to invest in.

Cash equivalents are safe option to invest in for the risk averse. These assets are characterized by liquidity, price stability and a regular income. The only drawback is that the return in case of cash equivalents may be low as compared to that earned through the stock market. Cash equivalent include treasury bills, banker’s acceptances and money markets.

IRAs are beneficial especially to families having a single bread earner. Its is a kind of saving plan in which money is deposited at regular intervals. An added attraction is that the money contributed is normally exempted from tax.

Many people invest in real estate to earn a regular income. Their strategy is to invest in the properties and rent them. These properties then provide a steady stream of income. However, before investing in land the investor should study the tax laws, depreciation and accounting implications, and the tenancy laws.

An investor should select the most appropriate asset to invest in, depending on his financial capacity and the returns he expects. Professional aid generally helps in deciding the right asset. An investment in the future helps one to prepare for the unforeseen and secure one’s financial freedom.



News



Game for a contra bet in stocks? Mutual funds don't leave much clue
MoneyGuru India
By STAFF REPORTER When shares of Bhel plummeted last week following the cancellation of a contract by the Rajasthan government, there was a buzz in the market that the stock may have become a favourite pick for contra or contrarian players.


Self-directed IRA adds investment options
AZ Central.com
Fraud and the possibility of loss also can happen with stocks, mutual funds and other mainstream investments. But there's often an intermediary, such as a broker or financial planner monitoring things, and many financial companies restrict investors to ...

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Cobb Libraries Offer Online Investment Research Database
Patch.com
Cobb County Library System The Morningstar Investment Research Center is an online investment database with information on more than 30000 stocks, mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. Designed specifically for libraries and other academic research ...

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Is Gold the Best Long-Term Investment? - Real Time Insight
NASDAQ
Real Estate (20%), Stocks/Mutual Funds (19%) and Savings Accounts/CDs (19%) were almost tied in terms of investment preference while Bonds were at the last place (8%). Gold had an excellent run last year reaching an all-time high of ~$1900 per ounce ...

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Zions Direct Announces FDIC-Insured CD Auction Results through May 22, 2012
Sacramento Bee
In addition, clients can invest in stocks, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds online or through a Zions Direct financial representative. Investment products and services offered through Zions Direct, member of FINRA/SIPC, a non-bank subsidiary of ...
Zions Direct Announces Corporate Bond Auction Results through May 18, 2012PR Newswire (press release)

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