Investment | Jim Hood

Investing should be easy – just buy low and sell high – but most of us have trouble following that simple advice. There are principles and strategies that may enable you to put together an investment portfolio that reflects your risk tolerance, time horizon, and goals. Understanding these principles and strategies can help you avoid some of the pitfalls that snare some investors.

From Boats to Brokers

From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.

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The Business Cycle

How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?

Earnings for All Seasons

Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

When the market experiences volatility, it may be a good time to review these common terms.

Best-Performing Asset Classes

Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.

Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy

Emotional biases can adversely impact financial decision making. Here’s a few to be mindful of.

The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”

Getting a Head Start on College Savings

A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.

The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of

You face a risk for which the market does not compensate you, that can not be easily reduced through diversification.

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Bridging the Confidence Gap

In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.

Inflation and Your Portfolio

Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

The Cycle of Investing

Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

Should I Invest in Gold?

Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.

Global and International Funds

Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?

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Articles

The Utility of Sector Investing

Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.

Getting a Head Start on College Savings

A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.

A Primer on Dividends

A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."

Types of Stock Market Analysis

Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.

What’s Your Investment IQ?

You make decisions for your portfolio, but how much do you really know about the products you buy? Try this quiz

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Videos

The Fed and How It Got That Way

Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.

Bursting the Bubble

Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

Inflation and Your Portfolio

Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

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