<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Finweb.com Recent Articles: Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/</link><description>General investing involves purchasing something at a set price with the purpose of trading it, selling it or cashing it in when prices rise or the investment matures. Investing in this form may not actually involve the trading of tangible goods between buyers and sellers.

When trading is the desired form of general investing, transactions are typically regulated through markets. Some of the more common forms of investing through trading include stocks, ETFs or exchange traded funds, futures and options. Bonds also fall into the general classification.</description></channel>
<item><title>Investment Club Accounting Software - Getting Rid Of Paperwork</title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-club-accounting-software-getting-rid-of-paperwork.html</link><description><![CDATA[Using investment club accounting software to monitor the pro rata shares of each member is a good way to reduce paperwork and bring efficiency to your investment club. The software packages available on the market help to eliminate much of the guesswork associated with investment club accounting and help to streamline your reporting process. This allows you to focus more time on picking profitable investments and less time on the paperwork that is required to be maintained.Elements of a Good Software PackageA good investment club accounting package should be designed with you in mind. It should be able to track...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bond Basics: Who are they for?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bond-basics-who-are-they-for.html</link><description><![CDATA[Learning about bond basics can help you understand one of the most popular types of investment that is available in the market today. Bonds can benefit investors in a number of different ways, but they are definitely not for everyone. Here are a few things to consider about who should invest in bonds. Fixed Interest When you purchase a bond, you are going to be able to receive a fixed interest rate over the life of the bond. This means that every month, you are going to receive an interest payment from the issuer of the bond. Principal Return In...]]></description><pubDate>April  6, 2011 10:22 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bonds and Maturity]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bonds-and-maturity.html</link><description><![CDATA[The maturity of bonds is simply the length of time before the bond is repaid. Bonds are considered safe investments because they have a high likelihood of being repaid upon maturity. The only risk is if the company goes bankrupt, which does not happen with federal bonds. The difference in maturity does affect the potential for profit on the bonds. Short Bonds Short bonds tend to have lower interest rates. This means you will be limited in how much you could potentially earn if the bond performs well in comparison to the market. However, short bonds are less risky because...]]></description><pubDate>April  6, 2011  8:09 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Calculating Bond Value with Corporate Bond Quotes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/calculating-bond-value-with-corporate-bond-quotes.html</link><description><![CDATA[Corporate bond quotes can be used to determine the estimated value of a bond instead of just its price. While price can be determined by simply looking at a bond's purchase cost, its actual value is a measure of its relative worth on the market. Value is a numerical representation of how much a bond will pay back in return for how much it costs to purchase. Bond quotes express value based on figures such as yield, maturity and risk. &amp;nbsp; Finding Bond Quotes There are a number of Internet indexes tracking bond quotes. Any of these indexes should have...]]></description><pubDate>April  6, 2011  8:08 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding a Trust Indenture]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-a-trust-indenture.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A trust indenture is an agreement that is included in the contract of a debt security. The trust indenture defines the rules of the particular contract and dictates responsibilities and how conflicts should be resolved. In some cases, the trust indenture identifies the source of the income that will be used to repay the lender and consequently is used as a claim against assets. This is particularly relevant in the case of the borrower filing bankruptcy because secured debt is paid first using the proceeds from the sale of the underlying assets. All parties to the debt security should...]]></description><pubDate>February 23, 2011  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to Tax-Exempt Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-tax-exempt-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Tax exempt bonds are usually issued by individuals and companies to the states and local government units. The bonds are usually issued to generate funds to pay for expenses for which the government does not have enough funding such as roads improvements, construction of schools and the like. Technically, a tax-exempt bond works like a debt instrument and needs to be paid by the debtor, which in this case is the government. These bonds are tax-exempt to allow the issuers to offer lower interest rates to the states and the local government units. Types of Tax-Exempt Bonds Generally, there...]]></description><pubDate>February  4, 2011  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Savings Bond Tax Exclusion for Education]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/savings-bond-tax-exclusion-for-education.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The savings bond tax exclusion for education allows individuals to avoid paying taxes on the interest that they earn on savings bonds as long as they use the money for college education expenses. Many people use this strategy as a way to pay for children's college educations. Here are the basics of the savings bond education tax exclusion. How It Works When you purchase a Series EE or I savings bond, you will earn a certain amount of interest each year. The government does not make you pay taxes on the interest as it is accrued. Instead, you pay...]]></description><pubDate>November  4, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Different Types of Short-Term Paper]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/different-types-of-short-term-paper.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Short term paper is the term that is used to describe investments that mature after a brief period of time, typically less than a year. There are different types of short term paper that individuals can use to earn a return without making an investment that will take years to pay off. The different kinds of these brief investments include Certificates of Deposit, money market accounts, money market funds, short term bonds, and Treasury bills. Certificates of Deposit Certificates of Deposit, also called CDs, are similar to savings accounts. Money is deposited into an account that earns a fixed...]]></description><pubDate>October 19, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Flower Bond?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-flower-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The flower bond was a type of bond that was designed to provide money for an individual's family when he died in order to pay for his estate taxes. This type of bond is no longer available, as the last group of these bonds matured in 1998. The investor could purchase this type of bond for a large discount compared to the face value. Then when he passed away, the bond issuer would pay the face value of the bond. The face value was set up to be equal to the amount of estate taxes for the individual.&amp;nbsp;...]]></description><pubDate>October 16, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of Exchange-Traded Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-exchange-traded-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Exchange-traded bonds are a type of debt instrument that you can purchase through an exchange much as you would a stock. Traditionally, bonds were difficult to obtain, and you had to have a special account with a bond broker. Thanks to the invention of exchange-traded bonds, the average investor can get involved much more easily. Exchange-Traded Bonds The New York Stock Exchange has a bond exchange that you can use to purchase individual bonds. You can purchase bonds in increments of $25. This allows more people to get involved. Previously, purchasing one bond cost much more than this. With...]]></description><pubDate>October  9, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overview of a Mortgage Bond]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/overview-of-a-mortgage-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A mortgage bond is a type of investment that is offered by mortgage lenders and is guaranteed by the payments on a mortgage loan. This type of security is considered a very safe investment for investors. Here are the basics of the mortgage bond. Mortgage Bond When a company that owns a mortgage needs to raise cash, it can issue a mortgage bond to an investor. The investor will pay the company a certain amount of cash in a lump sum. In return for this, the investor will receive the mortgage payments every month as a type of coupon...]]></description><pubDate>October  9, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Taking a Look at Default Probability]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/taking-a-look-at-default-probability.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Default probability is a measure of the likelihood that a borrower will be unable to repay a debt. Most people will come into contact with default probability when they take a personal loan, like a mortgage. The lender will consider multiple factors to determine if the borrower is likely to repay on time. If so, the interest rate will be low. If not, the interest rate may be high. This same principal can apply to investments on a large scale. Credit Linked Notes One instance of default probability affecting the securities market is with credit linked noted (CLNs). These...]]></description><pubDate>October  7, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of Ontario Savings Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-ontario-savings-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Ontario savings bonds are savings bonds that are issued by the province of Ontario, Canada.&amp;nbsp;There are three different types of Ontario savings bonds: fixed-rate savings bonds, step-up rate bonds and variable-rate bonds. The principal and interest are both backed by the provincial government. That means that, unless Ontario suffers a complete financial collapse, the investors will get their money back. Like federal Canadian bonds, Ontario bonds can be purchased at banks, trust companies and participating credit unions. Investors can also buy them from&amp;nbsp;Ontario-based&amp;nbsp;investment dealers. Unlike federal Canadian bonds, Ontario savings bonds are sold only to Ontario residents. Understanding Ontario...]]></description><pubDate>October  7, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Credit Linked Note?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-credit-linked-note.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A credit linked note is any security carrying the risk of default on a loan. This may sound confusing, but it can be easily described in a four-step process. The process starts when a lending institution issues a loan. It ends when an investor purchases a security that is actually a derivative of the loan. If all goes well, each party along the way will make money in the process. Step 1: A Loan Is Made The first step in the creation of a credit linked note (CLN) is the issuance of credit. This may be any type of...]]></description><pubDate>October  5, 2010  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Which Bonds Are Eligible for the SBA Bond Guarantee Program?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/which-bonds-are-eligible-for-the-sba-bond-guarantee-program.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The SBA Bond Guarantee Program is a program that is administered by the Small Business Administration in order to guarantee surety bonds for contractors. There are a few different types of bonds that are eligible for this program under SBA guidelines. Here are some of the different bonds that can be included. Bid Bonds One type of bond that is eligible for the SBA program is the bid bond. This is a type of bond that is necessary for contractors that are getting on a large project. They have to be able to supply a bond to ensure that...]]></description><pubDate>October  2, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What are Bowie Bonds?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-are-bowie-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Bowie bonds are a type of bond that were created based on the rights to the albums that David Bowie made before 1990. These bonds were utilized in order to provide David Bowie with a cash payment in return for the rights to his albums. The Origin of Bowie Bonds These bonds were originally issued in 1997 in a deal with the Prudential Insurance Company. The insurance company gave David Bowie an upfront payment of $55 million in return for the rights to the 25 albums that he owned prior to 1990. The bonds provided the insurance company with...]]></description><pubDate>October  2, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Benefits of the 501 c3 Tax-Exempt Bond Program]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-benefits-of-the-501-c3-tax-exempt-bond-program.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The 501 c3 tax-exempt bond program allows charitable organizations to issue bonds in order to raise money for a particular project. As a charity, this program can provide several benefits that other methods of financing cannot. Here are some of the benefits of the 501 c3 tax-exempt bond program. 1. Lower-Cost Financing One of the biggest benefits of this program is that it can provide low-cost financing for the charities that use it. When a charity issues this type of bond, it can do so at lower interest rates than what it would be able to borrow money for...]]></description><pubDate>September 29, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Popular Hybrid Securities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-popular-hybrid-securities.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Hybrid securities are securities that share the characteristics of equity financing and debt financing. While stocks are known as a type of equity financing and bonds are known as a type of debt financing, hybrid securities feature both. There are several hybrid securities that are available to investors. Here are some of the most popular types of hybrid securities on the market. 1. Convertible Preferred Shares One of the most popular types of hybrid securities is the convertible preferred share. This is a type of preferred stock that gives you the ability to convert it into common stock at...]]></description><pubDate>September 29, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is the Purpose of a Call Provision?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-call-provision.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A call provision is a feature that is found in certain types of bond that allows the issuer of the bond to retire it at some point in the future. This type of provision allows the issuer of the bond to repurchase the bond for the original amount of principal, and then cease making interest payments to the investor. Here are the basics of the call provision. Why Call Provisions Exist Call provisions are not present with every type of bond. There are only a select few bonds that feature call provisions. When a corporation or government issues a...]]></description><pubDate>September 28, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Reasons to Consider a Bond Unit Investment Trust]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-reasons-to-consider-a-bond-unit-investment-trust.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A bond unit investment trust is a type of investment vehicle in which bonds are chosen for a portfolio, and then shares of the portfolio are sold to investors. Unlike a bond mutual fund, the holdings of the trust never change. The unit investment trust creates the portfolio, sells shares of it to investors, and then leaves the portfolio alone. These bond unit investment trusts could focus on a number of different types of bonds including municipal, government, investment grade and junk bonds. Here are a few reasons to consider a bond unit investment trust. 1. Regular Income One...]]></description><pubDate>September 28, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons to Buy a Strip Bond]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-to-buy-a-strip-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A strip bond is a type of debt instrument that has been broken up into separate components in order to create a zero-coupon bond. These investments are created by investment firms that seek to provide the principal protection of a bond with the capital appreciation of a riskier investment like a stock. With this type of bond, the company can sell the interest payments and the principal to separate investors. This type of investment can provide a number of advantages to the investor. Here are a few reasons to buy a strip bond. 1. Low Reinvestment Risk One of...]]></description><pubDate>September 27, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What to Know About an Authority Bond]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-to-know-about-an-authority-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An authority bond is a type of bond that is issued in order to fund a project that is designed to create revenue. This type of bond can be issued by corporations or government entities. In most cases, an authority bond is issued in order to fund a specific project or a series of projects. This project is generally a public business that is deemed to earn a substantial amount of money.&amp;nbsp;Investing in this type of bond can be profitable for investors and it also is considered to be a safe investment. Investment Risk The investors in this type...]]></description><pubDate>September 25, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Defeasance?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-defeasance.html</link><description><![CDATA[ &quot;Defeasance&quot; is a term used by bond issuers that deals with the concept of setting aside enough money to pay off a bond. Companies can set aside cash equal to the amount of money that they owe bondholders. A company can hold this money in a separate account, and then the interest payments that are due bondholders will be paid out of this account.&amp;nbsp; When a company sets aside enough money to service its debts, the debt and the assets offset each other. Because of this, the company no longer has to list the bond debt on its balance...]]></description><pubDate>September 25, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[When to Choose a Step-Up Bond]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/when-to-choose-a-step-up-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A step-up bond is a type of bond in which the coupon rate that is paid to the investor increases after a certain amount of time. During the initial period of the bond, it will pay a fixed rate of interest to the investor. Then after that period passes, the interest rate of the bond will increase or step-up to another level.&amp;nbsp; Benefits This type of bond can be very beneficial to individuals who want to increase their passive income over the years. For example, if you are retired, you might want to put a significant portion of your...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  4:49 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Reasons to Invest in a Municipal Investment Trust]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-reasons-to-invest-in-a-municipal-investment-trust.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A municipal investment trust is a type of investment vehicle that invests in municipal bonds. The investment trust purchases the bonds at the creation of the vehicle and then does not change the makeup of the trust at any point. Investing in this type of unit investment trust can provide you with several advantages. 1. Tax Free Returns When you invest in a municipal investment trust, you will be able to realize tax-free income. Municipal bonds are set up by municipalities, such as school systems and local governments. These bonds have the distinct feature of issuing tax-free coupon payments...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  4:47 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Private Activity Bond (PAB)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-private-activity-bond-pab.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A private activity bond or PAB is a type of bond that is issued by a municipality, but is designed for use by a private company. This creates a scenario in which the municipality is securing the debt for the investor even though a private organization is in charge of much of the process. Requirements In order to qualify as a private activity bonds, the bond has to meet a few requirements. The first way that a bond can qualify as a private activity bond is if at least 10% of the proceeds from the bond issue are used...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  4:44 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Municipal Bond Funds and Bond Duration]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/municipal-bond-funds-and-bond-duration.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Municipal bond funds are funds that are made up of municipal bonds bundled together. Municipal bonds are bonds issued by city and local governments, as well as by city and local government agencies. The bonds are used to raise money without raising taxes or adding new ones. The investors buy bonds and receive interest payments until they mature, at which point they get their initial payments back. Municipal bond funds combine the interest payments and distributed them among investors. While municipal bond funds have lower yields than other bond funds, they are more secure and the yields are tax-free....]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  4:40 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Discount Bond?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-discount-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A discount bond is a type of bond that is currently trading for less than its face value. Bonds could trade for less than the face value for a number of reasons. In some cases, discount bonds can be very attractive to investors because they provide an opportunity to increase the yield on the investment. Discount Bond When a bond is issued, it will have a face value. In most cases, when an investor purchases a bond directly from a company, she will have to pay the face value of the bond in order to secure it. For example,...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Revenue Bond]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-revenue-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A revenue bond is a type of bond that can be issued by a municipality. With this type of bond, the coupon payments for investors will be generated by a specific project that was paid for with the bond funds. This technique is commonly used by municipalities in order to fund large projects. Municipal Bond A common example of this type of bond is when a municipality will issue bonds in order to fund a stadium project. The stadium will generate a large amount of revenue and it will be passed onto the municipality. The municipality will then use...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is an Assessment Bond?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-an-assessment-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An assessment bond is a type of municipal bond that can be issued by a local or state government. With this type of bond, the interest payments to the investors are made by collecting taxes from the individuals that will directly benefit from the improvements that were made.&amp;nbsp; Investing in an assessment bond can be attractive to investors because it provides them with tax-free income. The money that is received in interest payments is not taxable on a federal level. As long as you are investing in an assessment bond in your own county or state, you will most...]]></description><pubDate>September 18, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Asset-Backed Commercial Paper (ABCP)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/asset-backed-commercial-paper-abcp.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Asset-backed commercial paper is a type of investment that is short-term in nature. Asset-backed commercial paper is often issued by large, well-established companies or financial institutions. This is essentially a type of short-term note that typically lasts for approximately 90 days to 180 days.&amp;nbsp; Collateral This type of short-term note is backed by an asset that is owned by the issuing company. In many cases, the notes are backed with receivables. This means that when the receivables are paid by the companies that owe them, the money will then be passed on to the investors in order to repay...]]></description><pubDate>September 17, 2010  5:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Savings Bond Title Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/savings-bond-title-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A savings bond is a security instrument issued by the government of the United States. The bond can have a face value of anywhere from $50 to $10,000, is considered a low risk security because it is backed by the government. One reason why this debt instrument is popular is due to the tax benefits that it carries. Typically, this bond is exempt from local taxes and it can be deferred from federal taxes once it is redeemed. Before you put money in this bond, you should know that there are three ways in which you can list your...]]></description><pubDate>September 17, 2010  5:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is Refinancing Risk?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-refinancing-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ &quot;Refinancing risk&quot; is a term that is associated with two different types of scenarios in the financial industry. The first scenario involves the risk that individual mortgages in mortgage-backed securities will refinance. The other meaning deals with the risk that is associated with a business or individual not being able to refinance their loan under terms that would be considered suitable. Mortgage-Backed Securities Mortgage backed securities are a type of investment that many individuals can get involved with in order to speculate in the real estate market. When a primary mortgage lender initiates a mortgage with an individual, they...]]></description><pubDate>September 17, 2010  4:51 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is an Insurance Bond?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-an-insurance-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A company with an insurance bond is able to pay off the debt, should a company default. The bond insurer pays the principal and interest on behalf of the insurance company, which is why the company with an insurance bond is also referred to as a financial guaranty insurance company in some countries. &amp;nbsp;Bonds are rated differently and the ratings are based on the insurer&amp;rsquo;s credit. Investors of insurance bonds can often expect income throughout their lifetime, or their beneficiaries may benefit from any income or growth from the bonds as part of a trust and estate plan. Insurance...]]></description><pubDate>September 17, 2010  4:46 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Deposit Broker?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-deposit-broker.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A deposit broker is a type of financial broker that will take money from clients and put it with insured financial institutions. This type of broker seeks to provide an alternative to a traditional stockbroker that allows you only to put money into stocks. With a deposit broker, you can put your money into a variety of fixed income investments. For example, you might decide to purchase a certificate of deposit or a guaranteed investment certificate from the deposit broker instead of stock. Investors that utilize deposit brokers traditionally value safety over pure capital appreciation. The investments of deposit...]]></description><pubDate>September 15, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Discount Note?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-discount-note.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A discount note is a type of short-term debt obligation that investors can purchase. This type of note is purchased at a discount to the face value. The investor then realizes appreciation in the note and brings in a return on the investment. Discount Notes This type of investment is very similar to a zero coupon bond. With a discount note, you are essentially purchasing a debt obligation much like a bond. You also buy it at a deep discount from the actual face value of the note. Then, you keep the note for the entire duration of the...]]></description><pubDate>September 15, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Does a Bond Attorney Do?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-does-a-bond-attorney-do.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A bond attorney is an individual that plays a vital role in the bond issuing process. Bond attorneys are also used in some criminal cases in order to assist their clients with bond issues. The bond attorney has to go through a substantial amount of education in order to be able to perform their duties in this field.&amp;nbsp; Municipal Bonds One of the areas in which they bond attorney typically works is in the issuing of municipal bonds. A municipal bond is a type of bond that is issued by a municipality such as a school system, an airport,...]]></description><pubDate>September 11, 2010  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Funding Agreement?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-funding-agreement.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A funding agreement is a type of investment that is offered by insurance companies and is considered to be a safe investment. This type of investment is also sometimes referred to as a guaranteed investment contract. This contract has some elements of a CD and a bond, but it is a unique type of investment that can benefit investors. Here are the basics of the funding agreement and how it works. Funding Agreement With a funding agreement, you agree to give an insurance company a certain amount of money as principle for the investment. You also agree to let...]]></description><pubDate>September 11, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Bid Bond?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-bid-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A bid bond is a type of bond that is used in the bidding process of construction projects on a regular basis. When a large construction project is about to be started, the company that is contracting out the work will sometimes require contractors to submit a bid bond with their bid. The bid bond is a type of bond that must be purchased by the contractor in order to guarantee that they are able to undertake the project that they are bidding on. This is a way to provide a guarantee to the company that is accepting bids....]]></description><pubDate>September 11, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Bearer Bond?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-bearer-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A bearer bond is a type of bond that was issued by companies that did not require any type of registration by the owner. With this type of bond, if you had physical possession of the bond, you could cash it in. These bonds paid interest and you would also get back your original principal in the bond.&amp;nbsp; This type of bond is no longer issued in the United States. In 1982, the government outlawed them because of the risks that come with them for owners. Bearer bonds were considered to be very attractive for certain investors but they...]]></description><pubDate>September 11, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Qualified School Construction Bond?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-qualified-school-construction-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A construction bond is a debt instrument created by the U.S. government in order to finance construction projects. Qualified school construction bonds (QSCBs)&amp;nbsp;in particular&amp;nbsp;provide funds to allow school districts&amp;nbsp;to build new schools as well as to renovate and rehabilitate existing schools. The funds are generated using a combination of federal funding and funds generated by private lending institutions. In return, private lenders receive federal tax credits, allowing school districts to borrow while paying little to no interest. School Construction and Qualified School Construction Bonds When a public school district wants to build a new school or renovate an existing...]]></description><pubDate>September 10, 2010  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Do Savings Bonds Add to a Portfolio?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-do-savings-bonds-add-to-a-portfolio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in savings bonds may not be exciting, but it can be very practical. Many people neglect putting savings bonds in their portfolios because they are attracted to investments that have higher potential returns. If you are trying to build a portfolio, you should give some strong consideration to adding savings bonds to it. Here are a few things that savings bonds can add to your portfolio. Safety One of the biggest advantages of putting savings bonds in your portfolio is that you will get additional safety. Savings bonds are perhaps the safest type of investment that is currently...]]></description><pubDate>September 10, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding the SBA Surety Bond Guarantee Program]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-the-sba-surety-bond-guarantee-program.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The SBA Surety Bond Guarantee program was developed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help small contractors obtain surety bonds. Here are the basics of the SBA Surety Bond Guarantee program.&amp;nbsp; How the Program Works The basic idea behind this program is to provide help to contractors that are too small or inexperienced to afford the surety bonds that are necessary for big jobs. Many times, when a large government job or some other type of commercial job is accepting bids, you have to have a large surety bond in order even to submit a bid. Some contractors...]]></description><pubDate>September  9, 2010  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Different Types of Floating-Rate Notes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/different-types-of-floating-rate-notes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A floating-rate note is a type of security that comes with a variable rate and regular interest adjustments. Often, the interest rate is the prevailing rate on the money market index, plus a fixed profit margin or spread. In the US, the index used for FRNs is the federal funds rate. However, in Europe, the LIBOR (London interbank offered rate) or Euro interbank offered rate serves as the index for this type of security. In the US, FRNs are usually issued by government entities and backed by loans that are also insured by the government. Therefore, floating notes are...]]></description><pubDate>September  1, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Guide to Understanding Bond Credit Ratings]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/guide-to-understanding-bond-credit-ratings.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding bond credit ratings is an important part of investing in the bond market. In order to be successful in the bond market, individuals need to look at bond ratings and make educated investment decisions regarding them. Here are the basics of bond ratings and how to use them successfully. Bond Ratings Bond ratings are commonly used by bond investors in order to decide which companies to invest in. When an individual purchases a bond, he or she is essentially lending money to the company that issued the bond. When this happens, the individual is a creditor to the...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[2 Types of Canada Savings Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/2-types-of-canada-savings-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Canada savings bonds are investment instruments that the government of Canada sells to the public between October and December of every year. They function similarly to the U.S. Treasury Bonds and they serve a similar purpose--to raise money for the Canadian government without raising taxes. As with the U.S. Treasury Bonds, the investors get the security of knowing that they will be repaid regardless of what happens to the economy. Because the Canadian economy is doing better than the US economy, the Canadian savings bonds aren't as highly sought as their U.S counterparts, but they are still an important...]]></description><pubDate>August 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Red Clause Letter of Credit]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/red-clause-letter-of-credit.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A red clause letter of credit can sound intimidating. A red clause letter of credit is a provision that is usually typed or written in red ink. It allows the seller to utilize a fixed amount of money before authorized documents are furnished. The red clause letter stemmed from fur trading and wool trade with China and Australia, respectively. The red clause letter of credit is used generally to help expedite international exports and trade. How It Works In present day situations, the red clause letter of credit is utilized between two parties with an established and secure working...]]></description><pubDate>August 24, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Treasury Bonds: The Safest Investment Around]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/treasury-bonds-the-safest-investment-around.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Treasury bonds are debt securities issued by the federal government. To put it another way, when you buy&amp;nbsp;a treasury bond, you buy a portion of the federal debt. The federal government can then use your money to pay off it's expenses. After a certain period of time, the federal government repays you whatever you paid to buy it. Until then, you will receive interest payments, which will add to your income. Treasury bonds are more secure that other bonds, which makes them some of the safest investments available. Understanding Treasury Bonds When the federal government runs short on money,...]]></description><pubDate>August 24, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Different Types of Mutual Bond Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-different-types-of-mutual-bond-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Mutual bond funds are a type of mutual fund that invests in bonds as the underlying asset. This type of fund pools the money together of the investors and use it to purchase many different bonds. The interest payments from the bonds are then returned to the investors in the fund. There are several different types of bond funds that an investor has to choose from. Here are some of the different types of mutual bond funds that are available.&amp;nbsp; Government Bond Funds Government bonds funds are considered to be one of the safest types of investment that is...]]></description><pubDate>August 24, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Pros and Cons of Zero-Coupon Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-pros-and-cons-of-zero-coupon-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Zero-coupon bonds are a type of bond that does not pay any regular interest payments to the investor. Instead, you purchase the bond for a discount and then when it matures, you can get back the face value of the bond. This is a long-term type of investment that can provide nice yields. Here are some of the pros and cons of investing in zero-coupon bonds. Pros One of the big advantages of zero coupon bonds is that they have higher interest rates than other corporate bonds. In order to attract investors to this type of long-term proposition, companies...]]></description><pubDate>August 24, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding a Repurchase Agreement]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-a-repurchase-agreement.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A repurchase agreement or &quot;repo&quot; as it is often called is a transaction in which an individual can use a financial security as the collateral for a loan. With this type of transaction, a financial institution will buy the financial security from the individual and the individual will then purchase it back at a predetermined time and price. Here are the basics of the repurchase agreement and how it works. Secured Loan The repurchase agreement is a type of secured loan much like a mortgage or an auto loan. The unique thing about this type of loan is that...]]></description><pubDate>August 24, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Lesser-Known Risks of Bond Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-lesser-known-risks-of-bond-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In the area of bond investing, there are several risks that investors are subject to. Many investors are familiar with interest rate risk and default risk, but may overlook some of the lesser-known risks that are present in this market. There are other risks such as downgrade risk and rip-off risk that an investor should have some knowledge up before getting involved in the market. Here are some of the different risks that are associated with bond investing. Downgrade Risk Downgrade risk is a risk that many investors are completely unaware of but it can have a drastic effect...]]></description><pubDate>August 24, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Social Impact Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/social-impact-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Social impact bonds are a type of bond that is a type of investment that is taken on by private investors in order to attempt to improve a social cause. The idea behind the social impact bond is that by investing in specific public causes, and improving these situations, a government can save money in the long run. The bonds will be tied to a specific social project. If the social project is said to be a success, the investors in the bonds are paid a specific rate of return.&amp;nbsp;These bonds are becoming more popular and have been used...]]></description><pubDate>August 24, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The 4 Types of Bond Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-4-types-of-bond-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Bond funds are a type of mutual fund that invests in bonds as the underlying investment for the portfolio. Bonds are a debt instrument that can be issued by a business or a government. Bond issuers provide regular interest payments to the purchasers of the bonds. Bond funds pool the money of investors together in order to purchase many different bonds on behalf of the group. The money from the interest payments is then collected by the fund and distributed to the investors of the fund. Here are some of the different types of bond funds that are available.&amp;nbsp;...]]></description><pubDate>August 24, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of Inflation Linked Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-inflation-linked-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Inflation linked bonds are type of bond that are designed to help investors combat inflation in their portfolios. This type of investment can be very beneficial and provide you with several advantages over other types of investments. Inflation is one of the biggest problems that investors have to deal with on a regular basis. Inflation is going to reduce the amount of value that you receive from any investment that you take on. Inflation&amp;nbsp; Inflation takes a big chunk out of the returns that you can earn as an investor. For example, if you invest in a stock that...]]></description><pubDate>August 22, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at Discount Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-discount-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Purchasing a discount bond can provide you with a way to get a bond at a price lower than the face value. A discount bond is one that is selling for less than the face value of the bond.&amp;nbsp;There are a number of reasons that a bond can be traded at a price lower than the face value. Here are a few things to consider about discount bonds and whether you should consider investing in them. Every bond will have a face value attached to it. For example, if a bond has a face value of $1000, it can...]]></description><pubDate>August 22, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at Church Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-church-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Church bonds are a type of investment that allow investors to make a return and invest in a cause that they believe in at the same time. Church bonds are a type of debt instrument that is offered by churches.&amp;nbsp;Even though church bonds are similar to other types of bonds, there are a few key differences. Here are a few things to consider about church bonds and what they can do for you as an investor. Church Bonds Churches often need to raise money for some type of project to grow the church. In order to raise this money,...]]></description><pubDate>August 21, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Introduction to the Zeta Model]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/introduction-to-the-zeta-model.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The sole purpose of the zeta model is to anticipate the likelihood a publicly-traded company will declare bankruptcy in the next two years. The model was developed by Edward Altman, professor at New York University, in 1960. It uses five simple factors to measure the likelihood of bankruptcy on a numeric scale. If a company's &quot;Z-score&quot; is below 1.8, it is likely to go bankrupt within two years. If the z-score is above 3.0, it is very unlikely to declare bankruptcy. The Model The Zeta Model is expressed in the following mathematical terms and each of the variables in...]]></description><pubDate>August 21, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Bull Flattener?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-bull-flattener.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A bull flattener effect is occurs where long term rates decrease so that they converge with short term rates. Normally, the yield curve is humped, a bull flattener effect flattens the yield curve. What happens during a bull flattening cycle is long term bond yield decrease while short term bond yields increase. This produces a yield curve that is beneficial for the major bond investors. Imagine the yield curve to be a concave line on an x and y axis plane. To understand this concept imagine the yield curve as a connected line of points on the x and...]]></description><pubDate>August 21, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[I Bonds Purchase Limits]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/i-bonds-purchase-limits.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Every Treasury I bonds purchase is recorded with a Social Security Number. The Treasury provides tax benefits to individuals who purchase I bonds - they are federal and state tax free - so it must limit how many each individual tax payer can purchase. As of 2008, the limit was set at $5,000 per taxpayer. This limit lasted through 2010, but it may be subject to change in the future.&amp;nbsp; Separate Limits It is important to understand there are four categories of I bonds, and each is subject to its own separate limit. Series EE bonds and Series I...]]></description><pubDate>August 21, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Benefits and Costs of Index-Linked Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-benefits-and-costs-of-index-linked-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The index-linked bond is a type of investment that can provide you with several benefits as an investor. An index-linked bond is a type of bond that is tied to the performance of a financial index. The rate of return that is received by the investor is adjusted depending on the performance of the financial index. If the index performs well, the bond is also going to perform well. If the index declines in value, the bond is not going to pay as much in interest. Greater Potential One of the big advantages of this type of bond is...]]></description><pubDate>August 21, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Indexed CD: Provides Decent Returns, If You Get Them]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/indexed-cd-provides-decent-returns-if-you-get-them.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An indexed CD is a type of investment that combines the safety of a certificate of deposit with the potential returns of an index fund or stock. This type of CD is linked to a financial index and provides returns based on the performance of that index. Here are a few things to consider about the indexed CD. Indexed CD This is a financial instrument that is offered by many banks. You can purchase an indexed CD in much the same way that you would purchase a traditional CD from the bank. You will give them a specific amount...]]></description><pubDate>August 21, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Calculate Discount Margin]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-calculate-discount-margin.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The discount margin&amp;nbsp;is the additional return earned beyond earnings based on index when a floating rate bond matures. The discount margin, essentially, is how much additional money an investor can earn by purchasing a security that has a higher risk due to an adjustable interest rate. If the investor gets a &quot;good deal,&quot; the discount margin will be higher than if he or she purchased a less risky, standard bond. The amount of the discount margin depends on several factors. Factors Affecting Discount Margin Floating rate - Discount margins only exist when bonds are offered at a reduced price....]]></description><pubDate>August 21, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bonds and the Floating Interest Rate]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bonds-and-the-floating-interest-rate.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A floating interest rate is similar to a variable interest rate because it will go up and down over the life of the particular investment. For example, a floating interest rate mortgage will have an interest rate that varies with a particular index, such as the national prime rate. The concept is the same with a floating rate bond. The interest rate on the investment will go up and down with a particular market variable. Floating rate bonds have many advantages. Compensate for Inflation One of the largest risks with a bond investment, which is generally very low-risk, is...]]></description><pubDate>August 21, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Breakdown of Treasury STRIPS]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-breakdown-of-treasury-strips.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Treasury separate trading&amp;nbsp;of registered interest and principal securities (STRIPS) are bonds with absolutely no interest rate. This means the bonds pay nothing to the investors while they are active. Instead, the only measurable profit on the bonds occurs through accretion. The Treasury pays out the bond at par value once it matures. The investor has very little taxable income while the bond is active, a set guaranteed profit and very little risk. However, a Treasury STRIP offers a fairly low profit compared to other investments.&amp;nbsp; Accretion Value When a STRIPS bond is sold, a &quot;par value&quot; is quoted, and...]]></description><pubDate>August 20, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does a Structured Note Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-a-structured-note-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Structured notes are bonds with a derivative embedded in the interest rate calculation to potentially increase the chance of profits. These notes are typically purchased by more sophisticated investors than standard bonds because they are more complicated. The interest rate is not straightforward but relies on the performing of the underlying factor. This factor can be a measure of an index performance, such as the S&amp;amp;P 500 index, or even an underlying options contract. Structured Note Example One example of a fairly simple structured note is a bond with a floating interest rate set based on the S&amp;amp;P 500....]]></description><pubDate>August 20, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How does a Mortgage Revenue Bond Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-a-mortgage-revenue-bond-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Mortgage revenue bonds are issued by state and local governments to support Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs). Most states have an HFA that operates separately from federal housing programs. These organizations support the expansion of home ownership on the local level through programs similar to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development's Federal Housing Agency (FHA). Grants, loan guarantees and other financial assistance is granted to qualified home buyers and funded through the Mortgage Revenue Bond program. Purchasing Mortgage Revenue Bonds These bonds are not available in every state. Determine if your state offers the options. You can purchase...]]></description><pubDate>August 20, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Calculating the I Bond Rate]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/calculating-the-i-bond-rate.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The I-bond rate is actually made up of two separate interest rates. The Treasury I-bond's first interest rate is set on purchase; it never changes throughout the life of the bond. The second interest rate goes up and down with inflation. The sum of these two interest rates is the actual interest rate on the bond. This rate is set semiannually on Treasury bonds, meaning the rate will be different every six months. Advantages of I-Bonds One of the main challenges inherent in Treasury bonds is a relatively low interest rate. This low interest rate is possible only because...]]></description><pubDate>August 20, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Buy I Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-buy-i-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In order to buy I bonds, there are a few different methods that you can use. I bonds are going to allow you to be protected against inflation in the economy. Here are the basics of how to buy I bonds successfully. Online The most convenient way to purchase I bonds is online. You can buy them directly from the United States Treasury website. In order to do this, you are going to have to open an online account with the Treasury Department. You should be able to do this within a few minutes. They are going to ask...]]></description><pubDate>August 20, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Knowing Your Bond Risk]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/knowing-your-bond-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding bond risk is important if you plan on getting involved in investing in the bond market. Bonds can provide you with some benefits as an investor, but there are some risks associated with this type of investment. Here are some of the different types of bond risk. Interest Risk The first type of risk that you will need to be aware of is interest rate risk. Bonds are subject to risk associated with interest rates in the market. They actually have an inverse relationship to market interest rates. If interest rates in the market increase, the value of...]]></description><pubDate>August 20, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to Fixed-Income Securities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-fixed-income-securities.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Fixed income securities offer a guaranteed periodic payment from the time they are purchased until maturity. For example, an investor could purchase a 5 percent fixed-rate bond from the New York State Treasury in the amount of $2,000. Each year, the investor would receive a 5 percent return, or $100, until the bond matured at a set point in the future. Then, the original $2,000 would be paid back. This type of instrument is very low-risk and offers consistent returns, but that does not mean it is an intrinsically valuable investment. Risk of a Fixed-Income Security On the whole,...]]></description><pubDate>August 19, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Explanation of Treasury Gilts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-explanation-of-treasury-gilts.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Treasury gilts are government bonds that are issued by the United Kingdom. Similar to U.S. Treasury securities, gilts can be a short to long-term loan to the government. The future redemption of the bond, and semi-annual interest rate payments, are both guaranteed by the UK government. Call Date A five year redemption period, or &amp;ldquo;call date,&amp;rdquo; is considered a short-term bond. Over five to fifteen years would be a medium-term, and a long term would be any redemption period over fifteen years. Undated and double-dated call periods have also been issued. Another option available for UK bond investors are...]]></description><pubDate>August 19, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Replace an I Bond]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-replace-an-i-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you lose an I bond it does not mean that the money associated with it is gone forever. Believe it or not, you can replace a bond that has gone missing or was stolen. There is a process for this, and you need to know which steps to follow. Form PD F 1048 To get started, you need to request Form PD F 1048 from the Treasury or visit the Treasury Direct website to download it. If you know the exact issue date you should include this information on the form. If you don&amp;rsquo;t, include a date range....]]></description><pubDate>August 13, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Establishing a Savings Bond Beneficiary]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/establishing-a-savings-bond-beneficiary.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A savings bond beneficiary is often confused with the bond's &quot;owner,&quot; but the two terms have different meanings. There are actually three ways to register US savings bonds: single ownership, co-ownership and beneficiary listing. All bonds must have an owner or multiple owners. Bonds may also have a listed beneficiary, or individual who will receive the income on the bond if the owner dies before the bond is cashed in. Bond Owner The bond owner is the person who purchases the savings bond and holds it during his or her lifetime. This individual is primarily responsible for decisions on...]]></description><pubDate>August 13, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overview of a Private Activity Bond]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/overview-of-a-private-activity-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A private activity bond is a special type of bond that is issued by local and state governments. This type of bond can be purchased by individual investors and is generally issued to fund a specific project for the good of the community. Here are the basics of private activity bonds and how they work. Private Activity Bonds These bonds are issued by the local government but they are generally used to fund private projects. This is a type of municipal bond. One of the big advantages of investing in this type of bond is that the interest that...]]></description><pubDate>August 12, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Are Mortgage Backed Securities?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-are-mortgage-backed-securities.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Mortgage-backed securities are securities whose values are backed using mortgage loans. Those mortgage loans are bought from banks and lending institutions and linked together into pools to increase value and reduce risk. Those securities are sold to investors as bonds, which can be bought and sold any way investors want. So long as the mortgages in the pool are paid off on time, the bonds will have value. Mortgage-backed securities were popular during the housing bubble. They have lost some of that popularity since the housing market collapsed. While investors can still buy mortgage-backed securities, they are not as...]]></description><pubDate>August 11, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding UK Premium Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-uk-premium-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ UK premium bonds are type of investment that is provided in the United Kingdom and works differently than a traditional bond system. UK premium bonds are a type of bond that can be purchased by UK citizens. This bond system has been in place since 1956. This type of investment has been very popular over the years and can provide the investor with a number of distinct advantages. Here are a few things to consider about UK premium bonds and what they have to offer. UK Premium Bonds This type of bond system operates differently than a traditional bond...]]></description><pubDate>August 11, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Full Faith and Credit: A Golden Assurance]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/full-faith-and-credit-a-golden-assurance.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Full faith and credit guarantees offer the insurance of a stable financial organization over a less stable organization's debt. Essentially, if a company is backed by the full faith and credit of another company or agency, it is borrowing the good credit of that agency. When a document, debt or other financial instrument is guaranteed this way, the smaller organization has a higher credit rating and an easier chance obtaining future financing. Example One example of a full faith and credit situation is the federal government's backing of the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae). Because Ginnie Mae is...]]></description><pubDate>August  6, 2010  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Exploring Bond Mutual Fund Risk and Liquidity]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/exploring-bond-mutual-fund-risk-and-liquidity.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a bond mutual fund can provide you with a number of benefits as an investor. If you are planning on getting involved in this type of investment, you need to understand some of the risks involved and the level of liquidity that is associated with bond mutual funds. Here are a few things to consider about bond mutual fund risk and liquidity. Bond Mutual Funds A bond mutual fund is a type of fund that purchases bonds as the underlying security in the fund. Investors are going to pool their money together in order to provide the...]]></description><pubDate>August  4, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bond Mutual Funds vs ETFs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bond-mutual-funds-vs-etfs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Both bond mutual funds and bond ETFs can provide you with a solid form of investment. However, these investments have a few key differences. Here are a few things to consider about bond mutual funds and ETFs. Active Management One of the key differences between these two types of investments is the level of management. Mutual funds typically have a high level of active management. This means that the fund manager is going to actively pursue opportunities for investment. They are going to look over all of the different options that are available and continuously buy and sell bonds...]]></description><pubDate>August  4, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fees of Mutual Bond Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/fees-of-mutual-bond-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in mutual bond funds can be a good way to take advantage of professional management and make some nice returns. However, in return for this level of management, you are going to have to pay some fees. Here are some of the fees that you might have to pay when you invest in a mutual bond fund. Sales Charge In many cases, you will have to pay a sales charge. This is also referred to as a commission or load. Some funds charge a percentage on the front end of the transaction, while others charge you a percentage...]]></description><pubDate>August  4, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Consider Your Tax Status when Choosing a Bond Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/consider-your-tax-status-when-choosing-a-bond-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a bond fund can provide you with a secure source of income over the long-term. These type of funds have a good track record and represent a very low risk type of investment. However, when you are about to invest in this type of fund, there are several things that you will need to consider. One of the most important things to look at is your tax status. Here are a few things to consider about looking at your tax status when choosing a bond fund. Types of Bond Funds There are several bond funds in the...]]></description><pubDate>August  4, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Argument in Favor of Zero-Coupon Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-argument-in-favor-of-zero-coupon-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors stay away from zero-coupon bonds for one reason or another. However, these investments have several advantages that you can benefit from if you invest in them. Here are a few things to consider about why you should consider investing in zero coupon bonds.&amp;nbsp; Zero-Coupon Bonds Zero-coupon bonds are a type of bond that does not pay regular interest like traditional bonds do. With this type of bond, you are going to pay a certain amount of money for the bond when you purchase it. Then, after the bond matures, you are going to be able to cash...]]></description><pubDate>August  4, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons to Avoid Zero-Coupon Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-to-avoid-zero-coupon-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Zero coupon bonds provide investors with a way to buy bonds at a large discount and then cash them in for the full face value of the bond later on. Even though this type of bond does have a few advantages, there are several reasons that you should avoid this type of investment.&amp;nbsp; 1. Cannot Reinvest Interest Payments One of the big advantages of investing in traditional bonds is that they pay regular interest payments over the life of the bond term. Many investors will take the interest payments that are received from the bonds and reinvest them into...]]></description><pubDate>August  4, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Downsides of Municipal Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-downsides-of-municipal-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Municipal bonds are a type of bond that provides tax-free income for investors. Even though this can be very desirable, there are a few potential drawbacks of investing in a municipal bond. In many cases, you might be better off to invest in a traditional bond that causes you to pay taxes on the income that you receive. By the time you take up taxes, you still might be ahead on your return. Municipalities are public entities that are trying to raise money for a specific project. They pay low amounts of interest on their bonds because they do...]]></description><pubDate>August  3, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Different Types of Muni Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-different-types-of-muni-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are many different types of muni bonds that investors should be aware of. All of them offer unique benefits, as well as potential drawbacks. Although these bonds often times get lumped together, there are definite ways to differentiate them. General Obligation Bonds The principal and interest attached to general obligation bonds are secured by the issuer. With these, the municipality is promising to collect enough in taxes to make complete, timely payments to all investors. Revenue Bonds These bonds are secured by revenues generated by a project that is being financed. These are higher risk investments than general...]]></description><pubDate>August  3, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Things to Know About Municipal Bond Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-things-to-know-about-municipal-bond-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in municipal bond funds can provide you with a number of benefits as an investor. If you are considering investing in this type of fund, there are several things that you will need to be aware of. Here are a few things to know about municipal bond funds. 1 - Returns are Tax-Free One of the most important things for you to understand is that the returns from a municipal bond fund are tax-free. Anytime that you invest in municipal bonds, you are not going to have to pay federal taxes on the interest that you receive. Depending...]]></description><pubDate>August  3, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are Muni Bonds a Good Deal?  Depends on Your Bracket]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/are-muni-bonds-a-good-deal-depends-on-your-bracket.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Muni bonds are a type of bond that is issued by a municipality. When you invest in this type of bond, you are not going to have to pay taxes on the interest that you receive. While this might sound like a fantastic deal, it really depends on what your tax bracket is. Here are a few things to consider about whether investing in muni bonds is a good deal for you. How They Work Municipalities issue this type of bond to the general public. Some examples of municipalities that issue these types of bonds are school systems, city...]]></description><pubDate>August  3, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bond Credit Rating Agencies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bond-credit-rating-agencies.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Bond credit rating agencies can provide you with valuable information if you are interested in investing in a particular bond. Bond credit rating agencies look at companies in order to give investors an idea of what type of credit risk they are taking on by investing in a company. Here are a few things to consider about bond credit rating agencies. Bond Credit Rating Agencies Even though there are many bond credit rating agencies, there are really only three that are considered the standard in the industry. These three companies are the ones most investors turn to when they...]]></description><pubDate>August  2, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Primary vs Secondary Bond Markets]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/primary-vs-secondary-bond-markets.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Both the primary and secondary bond markets provide investors with a way to invest in bonds. However, these two markets are very different and provide investors with different opportunities. Here are a few things to consider when it comes to the primary and secondary bond markets. Primary Bond Market When bonds are originally issued to the public, this is known as the primary bond market. When a company decides that it needs to raise money for a large project, it will potentially decide to issue bonds. The companies that issue the bonds will typically work through an investment bank...]]></description><pubDate>August  2, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Savings Bonds: Risky, but Not in the Traditional Sense]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/savings-bonds-risky-but-not-in-the-traditional-sense.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Savings bonds are a type of investment that are not generally considered to be risky. However, this type of investment is subject to certain types of risk. Here are a few things to consider about the risk that is associated with savings bonds. Savings Bonds Savings bonds are a type of investment that is offered by the United States government. Investors can purchase these savings bonds directly from the United States Treasury website or from any bank. Once the investor purchases the bond, they can hold onto it for as long as 30 years and it will continue to...]]></description><pubDate>August  2, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[6 Important Things About Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/6-important-things-about-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Learning about bonds is an important step that you should take before investing in the market. Having a general understanding of bonds and how they work will make you a much more successful investor. Here are a few important things to know about bonds. 1 - Coupon Rate When you invest in bonds, you are going to hear the term &quot;coupon rate&quot; used frequently. The coupon rate is simply the interest rate that is paid by the bond. When you invest in a bond, you are going to give the company a certain amount of money and then they...]]></description><pubDate>August  2, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Buying Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/buying-treasury-inflation-protected-securities-tips.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) bonds are among the safest potential investments on the market today. They are a combination of a basic Treasury bond and an inflation protected security. Similar to I-bonds, TIPS bonds have two separate factors determining the interest you will earn in a given year. However, the way the factors are measured differs with a TIPS bond when compared to a traditional I-bond. Treasury I-Bonds I-bonds are standard Treasury bonds with two interest rates. The first is a fixed rate guaranteed at the time the bond is purchased. The second rate is set based on...]]></description><pubDate>August  2, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to Brady Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-brady-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Brady bonds are a type of bond that are issued from foreign governments to residents of the United States. This type of bond is named after former U.S. Treasury Secretary Nicholas Brady. Here are the basics of Brady bonds and how you can get involved with investing in them. Brady Bonds Brady bonds are bonds that are issued by developing countries in order to raise capital for projects. This type of bond is attractive because it is denominated in US dollars. This way, domestic investors do not have to do anything different than they would normally do to invest...]]></description><pubDate>August  2, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Lottery Bond?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-lottery-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A lottery bond is a type of bond that has been issued in several different countries. This type of bond has a payout structure that is different than the traditional bond structure. Here are the basics of the lottery bond and how it works. Lottery Bond This type of bond utilizes a lottery payout system. Investors are enticed to purchase the bond because there is the possibility that they could make a higher than average return. When you buy this type of bond, you are going to receive a serial number on it. The government that issues the bond...]]></description><pubDate>August  1, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Calculating a Bond's Effective Duration]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/calculating-a-bonds-effective-duration.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Effective duration is a calculation of the cash flow on a bond with an embedded option that may alter its profits. Some bonds are slightly more complicated than those with a standard &quot;modified duration&quot; that accounts for only one interest rate. This kind of bond, often called a structured note, has underlying options that can be executed during the bond's lifetime. If they are not executed, the bond's modified duration will equal its effective duration. If they are executed, effective duration must be calculated separately.&amp;nbsp; Embedded Option Example You purchase a bond from Company A. This debt note has...]]></description><pubDate>August  1, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Building a CD Ladder: It's Easy and Effective]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/building-a-cd-ladder-its-easy-and-effective.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The CD ladder is a type of investment that can provide you with solid interest rates and superior liquidity when compared to a traditional CD. Here are the basics of the CD ladder and how you can implement one for yourself. CD Ladder A CD ladder is essentially a group of CDs that you purchase in a staggered manner. The certificate of deposit is a type of investment that allows you to deposit a certain amount of money with a financial institution and receive a guaranteed amount of interest. With a traditional CD, you cannot take money out of...]]></description><pubDate>August  1, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bonds and Balloon Interest]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bonds-and-balloon-interest.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Balloon interest is an informal term used to describe the payment model on certain long-term bond options. These serial bonds have multiple coupon rates as they mature. Simply put, these are long-term bonds with several different rates throughout the length of time it takes them to matures. The investor is rewarded for holding onto the bond for the full-length of time through increasing rates as the bond grows older. Balloon Interest Bond Example Serial bonds are issued for projects that are expected to generate increased earnings the longer they are in effect. For example, in the first few years...]]></description><pubDate>August  1, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bond Unit Investment Trusts (UIT)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bond-unit-investment-trusts-uit.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Unit investment trusts are groups of pulled investors who select specific securities to hold for the lifetime of the trust. A bond unit investment trust (UIT) purchases only bonds including municipal bonds, state bonds and Federal bonds. The investors agree to the purchases when they purchase placement in the trust, and those securities are locked in from day one. UITs are similar to mutual funds, but the fact they are never altered presents unique benefits and challenges. Benefits of Bond UITs The key benefits of a bond UIT relate to its predictability. From the day you invest in this...]]></description><pubDate>August  1, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Advantages and Disadvantages of Trust Preferred Securities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-trust-preferred-securities.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Trust preferred securities are a type of security that can be issued by a company in order to raise money. This type of arrangement provides the company with several benefits. At the same time, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of as well. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of trust preferred securities. Trust Preferred Securities Trust preferred securities are an instrument that works like a hybrid of debt and equity. With this arrangement, a company will set up a trust and take ownership of 100% of the common stock. They will then distribute preferred...]]></description><pubDate>August  1, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Buy Treasury Inflation Protected Securities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-buy-treasury-inflation-protected-securities.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) can be purchased through any broker, brokerage account or mutual fund. Additionally, Treasury bonds, including TIPS, can be purchased directly through the Treasury Direct program. Each option to purchase will have its benefits over other arrangements. On the whole, though, any method you use to purchase TIPS should be fairly easy because they are straightforward options. General TIPS Purchasing Guidelines TIPS are offered in increments of $100 as marketable Treasury securities. Because the securities are marketable, they are held in a different category than non-marketable securities, such as savings bonds. The limit for series...]]></description><pubDate>August  1, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Is a Guaranteed Bond a Risk-Free Investment?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/is-a-guaranteed-bond-a-risk-free-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A guaranteed bond is a type of bond that has a guarantee of payment associated with it. With a guaranteed bond, another organization is in charge of guaranteeing the payments if the issuing company goes out of business. Here are a few things to consider about guaranteed bonds and whether they are a risk-free investment. Guaranteed Bonds When you invest in a guaranteed bond, you are essentially loaning money to a company. Therefore, you are investing in the company's ability to succeed. However, sometimes, companies will go out of business for one reason or another. When this happens with...]]></description><pubDate>August  1, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does a Bond Discount Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-a-bond-discount-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A bond discount is the term used when the market value of a bond is less than the principal at its maturity. Reduced bonds can be profitable for buyers and sellers. Buying with bond discount Investors can benefit from purchasing a bond below its market value. This is especially true if they resell the bond at full market value. For example, consider a bond is worth 1,000 that is purchased at 95%. If the buyer resells the bond at 98%, they gain a profit of 3% (in this case $30). If they purchase ten bonds that this discount and...]]></description><pubDate>August  1, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fixed-Income Investing Risks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/fixed-income-investing-risks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Fixed income investing can provide you with solid returns and a consistent paycheck. However, this type of investing also carries with it a fair amount of risk. Here are a few of the different types of risks that you will need to be aware of if you plan on getting involved in fixed income investing. Interest Rate Risk Interest rate risk is perhaps the biggest risks that you will have to worry about when you are getting involved with this market. Bonds are subject to interest rate risk and they share an inverse relationship with market interest rates. Since...]]></description><pubDate>August  1, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bonds and Interest Rate Risk]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bonds-and-interest-rate-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Interest rate risk can simply be described as the propensity of change in interest rates. Normally, rich investors will buy bonds to protect their capital from the ravages of inflation. This is one of the other major risks for investors--what's known as inflation risk. As inflation increases, the value and purchasing power of the dollar will decrease. In order to preserve capital over time, rich people invest in bonds. Imagine if the inflation, the rate of growth in the money supply, were equal to the coupon rate, the rate a bond pays investors. What this would mean is that,...]]></description><pubDate>August  1, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bond Mutual Funds vs Unit Investment Trusts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bond-mutual-funds-vs-unit-investment-trusts.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Both bond mutual funds and unit investment trusts can provide you with a way to invest in bonds and make a nice return on your investment. However, these two types of investments are very different and each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few things to consider about bond mutual funds and how they compare to unit investment trusts. Bond Mutual Fund With a bond mutual fund, investors are going to pool their money together and provide it to a fund manager. The fund manager is then going to use the money to purchase many different...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  7:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Calculating the Future Value of an Ordinary Annuity]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/calculating-the-future-value-of-an-ordinary-annuity.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The two main types of annuities that exist are ordinary annuities and annuities due. They are similar in nature, and differ only in the timing of payments in each period. Annuities themselves are investment vehicles/loans exhibiting a &amp;ldquo;series of equal payments in equal time periods.&amp;rdquo; With ordinary annuities, payments are made at the end of each time period, whereas with annuities due payments are made at the beginning of each period. This essentially means that when calculating future and present values for a given time period (i.e. five years), calculation of an annuity due will include one more payment...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  6:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Ins and Outs of an Ordinary Annuity]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-ins-and-outs-of-an-ordinary-annuity.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An ordinary annuity is a type of annuity that pays a regular series of payments. This annuity offers you payments at the end of each period. There are two different types of annuities that you could invest in. One is referred to as an ordinary annuity and another is called an annuity due. The annuity due pays you at the beginning of a particular period while the ordinary annuity pays you at the end of the annuity period. An ordinary annuity could be paid at the end of any time period. For example, you could be paid at the...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  5:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Benefits and Risks of UK Premium Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/benefits-and-risks-of-uk-premium-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ UK premium bonds are a type of prize bond that is extremely popular in the United Kingdom. This type of bond carries with it several advantages for investors. At the same time, there are some potential disadvantages as well. Here are a few of the benefits and risks of UK premium bonds. Big Payouts One of the big benefits of investing in UK premium bonds is that you have the ability to receive a huge payout. This type of bond works a lot like a lottery and regularly makes large payouts. In fact, someone in the United Kingdom receives...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of Prize Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-prize-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Prize bonds are a type of bond that was developed in Ireland in 1956. These bonds do not pay a regular amount of interest like traditional bonds do. A traditional bond will provide you with regular coupon payments. A prize bond enters you into a random drawing by the government. The government will choose a certain number of bonds in the group to receive a payment. This type of bond was designed to allow investors to invest in the government and help them repay government debt. Game of Chance This type of investment is basically a game of chance....]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overview of Liberty Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/overview-of-liberty-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Liberty bonds are issued directly by the federal government in order to raise money. These types of bonds were originally issued back in the early 1900s to help fund World War I. Here are the basics of Liberty bonds and what they have provided to investors.&amp;nbsp; Liberty Bonds Liberty bonds were created by Secretary of the Treasury William Gibbs McAdoo. He came up with the idea to issue these bonds so that Americans could get involved in funding the war effort and earn fair returns on their investments. Americans could invest money into Liberty bonds and, after a certain...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Explanation of Covered Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-explanation-of-covered-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Covered bonds are debt securities issued by financial institutions and backed by a cover pool or a group of dedicated loans. Investors will have preferential claims over assets included in the cover pool, in case the bond issuer defaults or becomes insolvent. This type of debt security is considered an important low-cost funding instrument that can be used to finance mortgage loans for their clients and, in some cases, to even fund public debt. Furthermore, this type of safe bond usually receives a higher credit rating primarily because of the strict regulations applied when issuing this type of security.DurationThe...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pros and Cons to a Build America Bond]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pros-and-cons-to-a-build-america-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Build America Bond is a type of government bond that is designed to generate funds for large construction projects. This type of bond has been very popular in offers several advantages to investors. At the same time, there are a few drawbacks that you should know about. Here are a few of the pros and cons of the Build America Bond. Pros One of the biggest advantages of this type of bond is that it is secure. Investors who are looking for a steady source of income that is not going to be negatively affected can invest in...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  8:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Build America Bond?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-build-america-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A Build America Bond, also known as a BAB, is a new type of taxable government bond created under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which was signed into law by President Barack Obama in February 2009. The main objective of this bond is to bring down the cost of issuing government, local, or state bonds. BABs are similar to municipal bonds because they are basically debt securities issued by a county, municipality or state to help fund its capital expenditures. However, unlike in a municipal bond, the income generated from a BAB is taxable. In essence, this type...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  8:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pros and Cons of Death Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pros-and-cons-of-death-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Death bonds are a type of bond that is based on a group of life insurance policies. Individuals will sell their life insurance policies to investment companies and the companies will then package the policies together to form bonds. This type of investment carries with it some advantages and disadvantages for investors. Here are some of the pros and cons of death bonds. Pros One of the big advantages of this type of investment is certainty. There is no question that every individual that has a life insurance policy in the bond is going to die at some point....]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  8:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overview of a Lottery Bond]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/overview-of-a-lottery-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A lottery bond is a type of bond that is issued by a federal government. With this type of bond, bondholders have the opportunity to get a higher rate of interest than other bondholders in the same class. Here are the basics of the lottery bond and how it works. Lottery Bonds Lottery bonds are referred to as such because investors are taking a chance that they will be able to win a higher return than what they are promised. This type of bond comes with a minimum guaranteed rate of interest. Every investor that purchases one of these...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  8:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Explanation of Brady Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/explanation-of-brady-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Brady Bonds&amp;nbsp;are issued by emerging nations, primarily Latin American, to entice income from international investors. They received their name from U.S. Treasury Secretary Nicholas Brady. The bonds were created in 1989 as a form of reimbursing investors who were holding bonds issued in the early 80s from countries that had gone bankrupt. The bonds were issued in a dollar amount equal to the original par value at least, and they often included unpaid interest. This program was designed to inspire courage in foreign markets that had failed to deliver on previous interests. Types of Brady Bonds There were two...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  8:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-arra-american-recovery-and-reinvestment-act-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has given citizens the opportunity to fund America's recovery through the purchase of bonds. The largest program is the so-called &quot;Build America Bonds&quot; (BAB). These bonds will help fund projects in various states and local municipalities to develop infrastructure. The bonds are issued on the local level, and the bond issuers receive a federal subsidy or a tax incentive. There are a number of different programs to choose from outside of the BAB program. Recovery Zone Bonds There are two types of recovery zone bonds: Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds (RZEDB) and...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  8:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at Revenue Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-revenue-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Revenue bonds are self supporting bonds issued by certain municipalities that are procuring funds for revenue generating projects. The projects could be oil drilling, new energy, or utilities. Any of those projects could be used for revenue bonds. Also, with revenue bonds, municipalities are able to raise funds without any debt limitations. The idea is for the revenue generated by the bonds to pay investors. These bonds are unlike general obligation bonds in that they do not pay investors from the taxes that are generated. This is because revenue bonds do not seek to levy taxes in order to...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  8:03 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at Serial Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-serial-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Serial bonds are bundles of several bonds, each with a separate maturity date. The bonds mature slowly over time until the final bond has matured. These bonds are typically designed to finance a project with relatively predictable profits or payments. Buying Serial Bonds When you look to purchase a serial bond, you will be quoted a yield rather than a price. The yield will reflect a group of bonds issued together and purchased all on the same date. Serial Bond Example A residential property developer needs long-term financing for a large project. The project will have small, consistent revenue...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  8:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Municipal Bond Prices and Rates]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/municipal-bond-prices-and-rates.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Municipal bonds are a unique investment choice. They generally offer equivalent coupon rates to equivalent risky bonds. Compared to other bonds, they offer a tax sheltering opportunity, making them a higher-paying bond, generally speaking. Municipal bond prices can be found in &quot;Munifacts&quot; under &quot;The Bond Buyer&quot; published every business day. &quot;The Bond Buyer&quot; has four compiled indices as well as daily news pertaining to the municipal bond market. The overall bond market doesn't offer the same tax-sheltered incentive that the municipal bond market offers. That's because they are considered regional government issued securities. Among municipal bonds, there are two...]]></description><pubDate>July 20, 2010 12:35 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Top 5 Savings Bond Myths]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/top-5-savings-bond-myths.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When it comes to working with a savings bond, there are several myths that are commonly spread. Here are some of the top savings bond myths to be aware of. 1. You Can't Redeem Them&amp;nbsp;until They Mature Many people believe that you cannot redeem a savings bond until it matures. In reality, you can redeem them any time after the first 5 years and not be penalized. If you redeem within 5 years, you will forfeit 3 months' interest. 2. You Earn Interest on Face Value Some people think that you earn interest on the face value of the...]]></description><pubDate>July  2, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Learning to Read Bond Market Tables]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/learning-to-read-bond-market-tables.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Reading bond market tables can be challenging, especially if you are used to stock market tables. For one thing, bond tables look different from the stock tables published in newspapers. The good news is that once you get used to the terms and basic information contained in a bond table, you will surely gain a better understanding of how you can invest and make money through bond exchanges. Below are some tips on how to read bond tables.Common Terms Used in Bond Market Tables Issuer&amp;ndash;This term refers to the company or government entity that issued the bond. The issuer...]]></description><pubDate>June 29, 2010  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Disadvantages of Investing in International Bond Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-disadvantages-of-investing-in-international-bond-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in international bond funds can help you diversify your portfolio. However, there are some potential drawbacks that you need to know about. Here are four disadvantages of investing in international bond funds. 1. Outperformed by Mutual Funds When you invest money into an indexed bond ETF, you are going to run the risk of being outperformed. Many actively managed mutual funds can outperform these types of funds. Therefore, you may not be choosing the best place to put your money. 2. Fees Many people that invest in these types of funds like to buy and sell shares frequently....]]></description><pubDate>June 28, 2010  4:36 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Advantages of Investing in International Bond Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-advantages-of-investing-in-international-bond-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ International bond funds can provide you with several different advantages when compared to other types of funds. Here are four advantages of investing in international bond funds. 1. Transparency--Which Bonds International bond funds can provide you with transparency that other types of funds do not. This means that you will be able to see exactly which bonds you are investing in when you put money into the fund. 2. Cost Efficiency Another advantage of going with an international bond fund is that it is going to be more cost efficient than a traditional bond fund. You will have fewer...]]></description><pubDate>June 28, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[6 Disadvantages of International Bond Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/6-disadvantages-of-international-bond-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in international bond funds can provide you with some benefits. However, at the same time, there are several disadvantages to this type of investment. Here are six disadvantages of investing in international bond funds. 1. Costs One of the biggest disadvantages of international bond funds is that the costs cut into the potential returns from investment. You are going to have to pay an expense ratio that is charged in order to cover administration expenses and the salaries of the fund managers. There are other fees that you will have to pay such as 12b-1 fees and sales...]]></description><pubDate>June 28, 2010  4:31 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[International Bond Investing Risks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/international-bond-investing-risks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in an international bond can be beneficial, but there are definitely several risks involved. Here are some risks associated with international bonds. Normal Risk When you invest in any bond, you have some normal risks. You have to worry about the company going bankrupt, and you have to deal with interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, the value of your bond goes down. If the company goes out of business, you may not get your investment back. Currency Risk Investing in an international bond is going to require you to convert your money to another currency. When...]]></description><pubDate>June 28, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Options for Investing in International Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-options-for-investing-in-international-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in international bonds is a way that you can create some diversification and steady income for yourself. When you choose to invest in this type of security, there are three different ways that you can do so. Individual Bonds One way that you can invest in international bonds is to individually purchase the bonds yourself. This approach is the most direct way for you to get involved in the market. With this process, you are going to deal with some issues that will not be a factor with other methods of investment. For example, you are going to...]]></description><pubDate>June 28, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[International Bonds: Dollar Denominated vs. Non-Dollar Denominated]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/international-bonds-dollar-denominated-vs-non-dollar-denominated.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are thinking about purchasing international bonds, there are several aspects that you will need to consider. One of those factors is whether the bond is denominated in dollars or not. Here are a few things to consider about dollar-denominated vs. non-dollar denominated bonds. Convenience If you are looking for a convenient way to invest in international bonds, you are going to want to look for dollar-denominated bonds. When you find dollar-denominated bonds, this means that you will not have to worry about converting your currency into anything else. When you do this, you are going to be...]]></description><pubDate>June 28, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Individual Zero Coupon Bonds vs Zero Coupon Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/individual-zero-coupon-bonds-vs-zero-coupon-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Zero coupon bonds can be purchased individually or through a zero coupon mutual fund. Here are a few things to consider about both methods of purchase. Individual Zero Coupon Bonds When you invest in zero coupon bonds individually, you are going to need to set up an account with a bond broker. Typically, you are going to have to invest at least $5000 to open an account with them. You will have to pay your broker a commission each time that you make a purchase. It can take some time to make a purchase because the bond broker has...]]></description><pubDate>June 28, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Disadvantages of Zero Coupon Bond Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-disadvantages-of-zero-coupon-bond-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Zero coupon bond mutual funds are funds that allow you to create regular sources of income for yourself. However, this type of mutual fund has some potential drawbacks also. Here are three disadvantages of zero coupon bond mutual funds. 1. Taxes One of the big disadvantages of this type of bond fund is that you are going to have to pay taxes on the interest that is accumulating in the fund. This means that you will have to come up with money from some other source because you are not actually going to be receiving the interest payments until...]]></description><pubDate>June 28, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Zero Coupon Bond Funds vs Conventional Bond Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/zero-coupon-bond-funds-vs-conventional-bond-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you want to get involved in the bond market without investing directly in the market, you could invest in zero coupon bond funds or in conventional bond funds. Even though these two types of funds are similar, they have a few key differences. Here are a few things to consider about zero coupon bond funds versus conventional bond funds. Interest Payments With a zero coupon bond, the investor is not going to receive any regular interest payments. Instead, they are simply going to get a bond that has increased in value when it is time to redeem it....]]></description><pubDate>June 28, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Savings Bonds: 4 Reasons to Prefer Electronic over Paper]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/savings-bonds-4-reasons-to-prefer-electronic-over-paper.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are considering purchasing savings bonds, you will have to decide whether you want to purchase electronic or paper bonds. Here are a few reasons to prefer electronic over paper savings bonds. 1. Destruction If you have electronic savings bonds, they are not going to be able to be destroyed, as paper bonds can. A paper bond could be destroyed in a house fire, flood or other type of disaster.&amp;nbsp; 2. Tracking You can easily track an electronic bond and make investment changes online. With a paper bond, of course, you have to keep track of a piece...]]></description><pubDate>June 22, 2010  4:49 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Savings Bonds - Possession vs Registration]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/savings-bonds---possession-vs-registration.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Savings bonds are considered to be a safe investment that provides you with a steady rate of return. When it comes to ownership of a savings bond, you have to consider the importance of possession and registration. Here are a few things to consider about possessing a savings bond, or having it registered in your name. Possession vs Registration Physical possession of a savings bond does not mean that you are the actual owner. In order to be the owner of a savings bond, you are going to have to have it registered in your name. The registration of...]]></description><pubDate>June 22, 2010  4:47 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Municipal Bonds: Single, Double or Triple Tax-Free]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/municipal-bonds-single-double-or-triple-tax-free.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Municipal bonds are a popular type of investment because they provide you with returns that are potentially going to be tax-free. You could choose a municipal bond that is single, double or even triple tax-free. Here are the basics of each type of bond. Single Tax-Free This is a type of municipal bond offered on the federal level. With this type of municipal bond, you are not going to have to worry about paying federal taxes on the interest that you earn.&amp;nbsp; Double Tax-Free If you purchase a municipal bond that is issued on the state level, this means...]]></description><pubDate>June 22, 2010  4:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Municipal Bonds: Revenue Bonds vs General Obligation Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/municipal-bonds-revenue-bonds-vs-general-obligation-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Municipal bonds are those bonds issued by municipalities like states or local counties. As iterated in the title, there are revenue as well as general obligation bonds. Both offer tax advantages for an investor depending on the state in which he or she lives. Revenue Bonds Revenue bonds are financed by the income-generating facilities that the bonds are for. A revenue bond could be issued for, for example, the drilling of an oil site. General Obligation Bonds General obligation bonds, or GOs, are municipal bonds that are financed by the municipal tax revenue. A general obligation bond could be...]]></description><pubDate>June 22, 2010  4:42 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Who Issues Municipal Bonds?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/who-issues-municipal-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Municipal bonds can be a great way to invest that will provide you with tax-free returns. Municipal bonds are issued by municipalities in order to raise funds for a particular project. The municipalities will pay tax-free interest to the investors and eventually will give them back their initial investment. The interest rates are usually low, but when you factor in the fact that you do not have to pay taxes, they can be worthy investments.&amp;nbsp; Who Issues Municipal Bonds? City governments&amp;nbsp; County governments&amp;nbsp; State governments&amp;nbsp; Public universities&amp;nbsp; Private universities&amp;nbsp; Airports&amp;nbsp; Not-for-profit hospitals&amp;nbsp; Public power plants&amp;nbsp; Water and sewer administrations...]]></description><pubDate>June 22, 2010  4:40 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Types of Agency Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-types-of-agency-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Agency bonds provide you with a safe way to invest in bonds because they are backed by government agencies. Here are a few different types of agency bonds that are available. 1. Floater One type of agency bond is known as a floater. This is a type of agency bond that has an adjustable interest rate that is paid. Typically, the interest rate is going to be tied to some type of financial index such as the LIBOR, and it will have a maximum rate that will be paid. 2. Step-up Another type of agency bond is known as...]]></description><pubDate>June 22, 2010  4:38 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Agency Bonds - What does &quot;Implied Guarantee&quot; Mean Exactly?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/agency-bonds---what-does-implied-guarantee-mean-exactly.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Agency bonds are a type of bond that is offered by government-sponsored agencies. Many of these bonds have what is referred to as an &quot;implied guarantee&quot; associated with them. Here are the basics of what an implied guarantee is and what it means to you as an investor. Implied Guarantee When an agency bond as an implied guarantee, it does not necessarily mean that there is any written guarantee regarding the performance of the bond. However, this means that you are getting an implied guarantee because the agency is backed by the federal government. Since most investors believe that...]]></description><pubDate>June 22, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Corporate Bonds vs Government Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/corporate-bonds-vs-government-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Corporate bonds and government bonds are very similar but they do have a few key differences. The performance of both of these bonds can seem very similar. During a good economy, corporate bonds are going to outperform government bonds. Whenever the economy is bad, government bonds are going to actually do better than a corporate bond. If you look at the long-term performance of each, corporate bonds are going to outperform government bonds overall. Risk Another area where these two types of bonds differ is in the risk that is associated with them. While they are both relatively safe...]]></description><pubDate>June 22, 2010  4:31 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Short- vs Medium- vs Long-Term Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/short--vs-medium--vs-long-term-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ How should we choose whether to go with short-, medium- or long-term bonds? It all depends on the portfolio's goals. For instance, if the portfolio is seeking moderate growth and price appreciation, most likely, the medium-term bonds will be chosen. If the portfolio wants to preserve its capital, most likely short-term bonds would be chosen. Key barometers for gauging bonds are inflation, prevailing interest rates and duration. When you are deciding what maturity of bonds to select, here are some key factors: Interest Rate Changes If there are going to be volatile interest rate changes, this means the central...]]></description><pubDate>June 22, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Series I Bonds vs TIPS]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/series-i-bonds-vs-tips.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Both Series I bonds and TIPS can provide you with some protection against inflation. While they are similar, there are numerous differences between these two types of investments. Here are the basics of Series I bonds and TIPS and how they differ. Series I Bonds Series I bonds are a type of savings bond that is sold by the United States government. This type of bond is going to pay a certain amount of interest that is determined by the amount of inflation over a certain period. With this type of bond, you will receive interest twice a year....]]></description><pubDate>June 22, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Series I and Series EE Bond Rules]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/series-i-and-series-ee-bond-rules.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When it comes to a Series EE bond or Series I bond, there are certain rules that you will have to be aware of. Here are some of the rules associated with Series I and Series EE bonds. Minimum Ownership With either type of bond, you have to hold ownership of the bond for at least one year. Ideally, you should hold these bonds for at least five years. If you sell them before five years is up, you are going to have to forfeit the last three months' worth of interest that was earned on the bond.&amp;nbsp; Maximum...]]></description><pubDate>June 22, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Savings Bonds vs Treasury Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/savings-bonds-vs-treasury-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Both savings bonds and treasury bonds can provide you with some unique investment opportunities as an investor. Here are the basics of savings bonds and treasury bonds and how they differ. Savings Bonds Savings bonds are typically considered smaller forms of investment. You purchase these bonds for half of the face value. They are then going to earn interest, and eventually, you will be able to redeem them for the face value. These bonds can earn interest from the government for as long as 30 years. Treasury Bonds Treasury bonds allow investors to invest much more money in them....]]></description><pubDate>June 22, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Buying Bonds through a Bond Broker]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/buying-bonds-through-a-bond-broker.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Working with a bond broker is one possible method for purchasing bonds. Here are a few things to consider about working with a bond broker. Initial Deposit Many people desire to work with a bond broker in order to purchase bonds. However, when they find out how much it costs to get involved with one, they often have second thoughts. In most cases, you are going to have to come up with $5000 just to open an account with a bond broker. This eliminates many people that had hopes of getting involved in the bond market. Working with a...]]></description><pubDate>June 20, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Second Lien Debt: How Does It Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/second-lien-debt-how-does-it-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A second lien debt provides a creditor with a method of collection on a piece of property--typically, real estate. The lien grants the lender or creditor the right to hold an individual&amp;rsquo;s personal property as collateral for payment of a debt. Rights of the Second Lien HolderA second lien holder, like a primary lien holder, may seize and sell the debtor&amp;rsquo;s property should he fail to pay off the lien in a timely manner. A second lien can be placed on a piece of property voluntarily, such as through a second mortgage, or involuntarily. Tax liens and judgment liens...]]></description><pubDate>June 16, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Foreign Currency Convertible Bond (FCCB)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-foreign-currency-convertible-bond-fccb.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The foreign currency convertible bond, FCCB, is a type of international investment that allows you to get the benefit of a bond and a stock. It is issued by foreign corporations. When you invest in this type of bond, you are going to have to do so with a foreign currency. This requires you to convert your dollars into the specific foreign currency, before you can make a purchase. Convertible Bond This type of security allows you to convert the bond into stock in the future. This means that you can receive regular interest payments when it is a...]]></description><pubDate>June 12, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Redeeming Your Municipal Bond]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/redeeming-your-municipal-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a municipal bond can be a good way to provide yourself with tax-free interest income. When the bond matures, you will need to redeem it in order to get back your original investment. Here are a few things to consider about redeeming your municipal bond. Redeeming Your Bond When you invest in a municipal bond, you are most likely going to put a large sum of money into it. In most cases, you will have to invest at least $5000. This means that you will at some point want to get that original investment back. With municipal...]]></description><pubDate>June 11, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Reinvestment Risk: Should you be worried?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/reinvestment-risk-should-you-be-worried.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you invest in bonds, you are going to have to become familiar with reinvestment risk and how it can affect you. Bonds provide you with interest. When you receive this interest payment, the best thing to do is reinvest that money back into the market. Usually, you can compound your interest and earn a nice return over the long-term. Reinvestment Risk Reinvestment risk refers to the risk that you take on when you reinvest the money that you receive from coupon payments. Interest rates on bonds are volatile and they move up and down depending on the market....]]></description><pubDate>June 10, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Benefits of a Bond Swap]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-benefits-of-a-bond-swap.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Using a bond swap can provide you with a number of advantages in the bond market. Here are a few benefits of using a bond swap. 1. Account for Interest Rate Changes One reason that you might want to consider using a bond swap if so that you can maximize or minimize the effect of interest rate changes on your bonds. If you think that interest rates are going to increase, you could swap your bonds to more short-term bonds. This would minimize the impact of interest rates on your bonds. 2. Tax Efficiency Another reason that you might...]]></description><pubDate>June  8, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Claiming College Expenses to Avoid Savings Bond Income Taxes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/claiming-college-expenses-to-avoid-savings-bond-income-taxes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The savings bond is one of the most popular investments in the market because of its relative safety. In addition to being safe, savings bonds are also a great way to save for college expenses. Here are a few things to consider about claiming college expenses so that you can avoid paying income taxes on savings bond interest. Exemption One of the biggest advantages of purchasing savings bonds is that you can use them to pay for college expenses without having to pay taxes on the money that you earn from them. With savings bonds, you do not have...]]></description><pubDate>June  8, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does an &quot;Inverse Floater&quot; Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-an-inverse-floater-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The inverse floater is a security with an inverse relationship to interest rates. Here are the basics of an inverse floater and how it works. Inverse Floater With bonds, you will have a certain coupon rate that represents the amount of interest that you are going to be paid from the bond issuer. With most bonds, you will have a set coupon rate that will remain the same for the life of the bond term. Other bonds have variable coupon rates that fluctuate with market interest rates. In this situation, you have an interest rate that is actually moving...]]></description><pubDate>June  2, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Structured Investment Vehicles (SIV)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/structured-investment-vehicles-siv.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Structured investment vehicles are a type of investment that took a lot of scrutiny during the market downturn of 2008. The structured investment vehicle is a type of investment that is offered by investment banks and other financial institutions. The idea behind this type of investment is that the financial institution is going to sell short-term commercial paper to start out with. They will sell this type of security so that they can generate a large amount of cash. With the money that is generated from the short-term commercial paper, the company will then invest in long-term instruments such...]]></description><pubDate>May 27, 2010  4:38 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at Retail Notes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-retail-notes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Retail notes are a type of investment that many people are unfamiliar with. Although they are not the most common form of investment, they can provide investors with a lot of unique advantages. Here are the basics of retail notes and how they work. Retail Notes The retail note is a type of fixed income security much like a corporate bond. Retail notes are issued by some of the largest corporations in the world. These are basically debt instruments that you can purchase directly from a particular company. This type of investment is going to pay you a fixed...]]></description><pubDate>May 26, 2010  4:49 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fighting Inflation with Inflation-Protected Securities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/fighting-inflation-with-inflation-protected-securities.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Inflation-protected securities can help you protect yourself against rising costs over the years. This type of investment is offered by the federal government and is available for purchase by anyone. Here are the basics of inflation-protected securities and how they work. I Bonds Inflation-protected securities are also referred to as I bonds. These are essentially a type of savings bond that you can purchase directly from the United States Treasury. This type of bond is designed to pay you a rate of interest that is equal to the amount of inflation in the economy. Many people choose to invest...]]></description><pubDate>May 26, 2010  4:47 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Inflation-Protected Securities (IPSs)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/inflation-protected-securities-ipss.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Inflation-protected securities (IPSs) are designed to be among the safest investments on the market. These securities have two sets of interest rates. The first is the market rate for the investment. The second interest rate moves at the rate of inflation. As a result, the effect of inflation will never reduce the earnings on your investment. This option is particularly intriguing on low-interest securities like Treasury bonds. Despite the arguments for IPSs, though, there are still some downsides. Risk of Inflation on Investment Inflation constantly threatens to undercut the gains of an investment. Even if you earn 5 percent...]]></description><pubDate>May 26, 2010  4:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Creating a Bond Ladder]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/creating-a-bond-ladder.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Creating a bond ladder is a technique that many investment professionals will recommend. This type of investment strategy can provide you with a number of benefits for your portfolio. Here are the basics of creating a bond ladder and what you can gain by doing so. What Is a Bond Ladder? Essentially, a bond ladder is like having a portfolio that is full of different bonds. You invest a certain amount of money into bonds and each one of them is going to have a different maturity date and coupon rate.&amp;nbsp; Benefits By creating a bond ladder, you will...]]></description><pubDate>May 26, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to Bond Coupon and Interest Rates]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-bond-coupon-and-interest-rates.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding the bond coupon rate is essential if you plan on investing in the bond market. Here are the basics of the bond coupon and interest rates. Bond Coupon The coupon rate of a bond is essentially the interest rate that the bond issuer is going to pay. If you have a 10 percent coupon, this means that you are going to be able to collect 10 percent interest over the course of the year. The term bond coupon came from when bonds had actual coupons attached to them that you would tear off. You could redeem these coupons...]]></description><pubDate>May 26, 2010  4:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bonds 101: Face Value]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bonds-101-face-value.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are planning on getting involved in the bond market, you will need to understand what the face value of the bond is and how that impacts you as an investor. Here are the basics of bond face value. Face Value Every bond that is issued has a face value associated with it. This is the value that the investor is going to receive whenever they turn in the bond at the end of the bond term. Whenever a new corporate bond is issued, they will be sold at face value in most cases. Whenever you purchase a...]]></description><pubDate>May 26, 2010  4:39 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bond Basics: Know Your Bond Issuer]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bond-basics-know-your-bond-issuer.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Learning bond basics is essential if you are planning on getting involved in the bond market. Whenever you plan on purchasing a bond, you need to make sure that you know your bond issuer well. Bond Issuer Whenever you purchase a bond, it is critical that you understand who the bond issuer is and what their track record is. Whenever you purchase a bond, you are essentially loaning someone money. If you purchase a corporate bond, you are giving part of your money to a corporation and allowing them to use it as they want. You are going to...]]></description><pubDate>May 26, 2010  4:36 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Yankee Bond?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-yankee-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A Yankee bond is a type of bond is regularly issued by foreign banks. Here are the basics of the Yankee bond and how it works. Yankee Bond The Yankee bond is a type of bond that is available for purchase in United States dollars. These bonds are issued directly from foreign banks and companies into the United States market. In order to issue this type of bond, the issuing entity has to meet certain regulations that are presented by the SEC. In order to issue these, the bank or company has to first register with the SEC and...]]></description><pubDate>May 26, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding the Catastrophe Bond]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-the-catastrophe-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The catastrophe bond is a type of bond that many investors choose to put their money into. This investment is desirable because it provides investors with a nice alternative for diversification. Here are the basics of the catastrophe bond and how it works. Catastrophe Bond Catastrophe bonds are typically offered by insurance companies. These bonds are generally offered as a way to help raise money for the insurance company during a catastrophe such as a hurricane or flood. Many times, it is impossible to predict these catastrophes and how widespread the damage from them will be. With the use...]]></description><pubDate>May 26, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Interest Rate Collar Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-interest-rate-collar-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The interest rate collar strategy is normally used after the portfolio has experienced substantial gains. It involves options to protect the portfolio like a put option, however, this is a cheaper form of protection. The Collar The collar is the simultaneous buying of the out-of-the-money put financed by writing the out-of-the-money call. These collar strategies prevent extreme losses. Interest Rate In the case of the interest rate collar, any extreme raising of interest rates can make a bonds portfolio lose money fast. In the event, that the Federal Reserve decides to continue raising rates, the bonds will go into...]]></description><pubDate>May 26, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Government Security?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-government-security.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A government security is one of the most sought after and safest forms of investment that is currently available. Here are the basics of the government security and how it works. Government Security The government security is a type of debt instrument that is issued by a government. The government sells these to private investors in order to raise money for various expenses. Whenever an investor purchases this type of security, they will typically receive a steady interest rate over the life of the instrument. Examples When dealing with the United States government, there are a number of different...]]></description><pubDate>May 26, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at Tax Free Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-tax-free-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors choose to purchase tax free bonds because of the multiple benefits that they can provide. Here is a look at tax free bonds and how they work. Tax Free Bonds These types of bonds are also referred to as municipal bonds. These bonds are issued by municipalities such as city governments, county governments, state governments, schools, and some airports. These bonds are issued as a way for these municipalities to raise money. Private investors can purchase these bonds with the help of a bond dealer. In return for their investment, they are going to receive a regular...]]></description><pubDate>May 26, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is the Credit Market?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-the-credit-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The credit market is a financial market allows people to purchase and sell debt instruments such as bonds. Here are the basics of the credit market and how it works. The Credit Market The credit market is also sometimes referred to as the bond market, debt market or fixed income market. Regardless of which term you use, you are basically referring to the place where bonds are bought or sold. Bonds Many different corporations issue corporate bonds to individual investors. When you purchase a corporate bond, you are essentially loaning money to this company for a specific period of...]]></description><pubDate>May 26, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Commercial Paper]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/commercial-paper.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Commercial paper is a type of security that is issued by many large companies. Here are the basics of commercial paper and how it works. Commercial Paper Commercial paper is a type of debt instrument that is issued by a company in order to cover short-term costs. Most of the time, these are issued to cover such things as payroll or operating expenses. A company will issue this as a type of promissory note. With commercial paper, there is no collateral that is backing up the note. You simply get a promise from the company that they are going...]]></description><pubDate>May 26, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Call Price]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-call-price.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The call price is made up of intrinsic value and time value, which equates to the total price. Understanding this requires a little bit of an understanding of options and how they work. Intrinsic Value The intrinsic value is the price of the market minus the exercise price. The exercise price for a call option is the option holders' right to buy at a specified price. Therefore, when the market goes higher the option holder can reap a profit. If the market goes lower than the specified price the option is rendered worthless. Intrinsic value is the actual profit...]]></description><pubDate>May 26, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[T-Bills: The Basics]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/t-bills-the-basics.html</link><description><![CDATA[ T-bills are one of the most popular types of investments that the market has to offer today. T-bills are securities that are considered to be part of the money market. Here are the basics of T-bills and how they can be beneficial to investors. What are T-Bills? The term T-bill is short for Treasury Bill. This is a type of security that is offered by the United States Treasury. This is a short-term debt instrument that is basically a bond. The government issues these T-bills as a way to raise money for short-term purposes. Maturities T-bills are offered with...]]></description><pubDate>May 26, 2010  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding a Premium Bond]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-a-premium-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The term premium bond is commonly used in the bond market today. Here are the basics of a premium bond and why it is important to investors. Premium Bond When investing in bonds, it is important to understand that the value of the bond is inversely related to market interest rates. This means that as the interest rate increases, the value of your bond is going to decrease. When interest rates in the market go down, the value of your bond is going to increase. A premium bond is one that is worth more than the face value of...]]></description><pubDate>May 26, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pricing Problems of the Bond ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pricing-problems-of-the-bond-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A bond ETF is designed to track a given index of bonds. The ETF then, ideally, purchases these bonds and trades at the value of these underlying assets throughout the trading day. An ETF is like a mutual fund in the way it holds a portfolio of securities. However, it is different from a mutual fund because it trades like a security. An investor does not need to buy into the fund; instead, he or she can purchase the ETF at any point during the trading day and sell the ETF at any point. Benchmark vs. Index When an...]]></description><pubDate>March 20, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Popular Foreign Government Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-popular-foreign-government-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ At a time when the U.S. Treasury has already dropped rates to record lows and Treasury bonds have continually dropped in value, foreign government bonds appear increasingly attractive to U.S. investors. On the one hand, many foreign governments are not in as much debt as the United States. They additionally appear to have more stable currency than the U.S. Dollar, which has experienced a high degree of volatility. Since these foreign governments still have room to drop their rates which have not yet hit record lows, the potential for profits is high. But just how safe are these investments?...]]></description><pubDate>March 20, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Common Coupon Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/common-coupon-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Common coupon bonds represent certificates of indebtedness and can help both to preserve and generate income. Not only do they partially offset the risk that is attached to equity banking, but they can also help in achieving multifaceted investment objectives. A coupon bond pays interest rates annually or biannually to the holder. The holder receives the interest from the issuer, depending on the coupon received. There are a few types of coupon bonds in which you can consider investing. Zero Coupon Bond The zero coupon bond, also known as an accrual bond or STRIPS, was introduced in 1982. As...]]></description><pubDate>March 15, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Buy Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-buy-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Learning how to buy bonds can be valuable for an investor. As one of the safest forms of investment available, bonds make a great addition to a diversified portfolio. Here are the basics of how to purchase bonds.&amp;nbsp; Corporate Bonds One form of bond that you can buy is a corporate bond. With this form of bond, you are actually lending money to a particular company. When corporations need to raise money, they can issue corporate bonds to investors. Investors will pay a certain amount of money for the bond and receive the promise of regular interest payments in...]]></description><pubDate>March 12, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Exercising the Option on Callable Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/exercising-the-option-on-callable-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ As an investor, you do not get to choose whether to exercise the option on callable bonds. This decision lies in the hands of the issuing organization. With a callable bond, the issuer can decide to buy out the bond holder at the call date for a specified, predetermined premium. Both parties generally profit from this option. Issuer Profits The issuer is prepaying on a debt, which does come with some financial penalties. Just like prepaying a mortgage or auto loan, prepaying a bond means paying a surcharge to close the contract for good. However, the debt is removed...]]></description><pubDate>March 12, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comparing the Rates of Savings Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/comparing-the-rates-of-savings-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Comparing the rates of savings bonds is important prior to purchasing. Government-issued savings bonds are typically the safest form of investment because they are backed in good faith by the U.S. government. Be sure to research the different bonds offered, their rates and how these bonds are affected by different economies. Different Bonds The government offers a few different savings bonds. One type of bond is the Series EE Bond. These are popular because you can purchase them at half of their face value. When these bonds mature after 20 years, you will receive the face value of the...]]></description><pubDate>March 12, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The 20-Year Treasury Bond]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-20-year-treasury-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A Treasury bond is largely thought to be the safest form of investment on the market at any point in time. First, a bond is generally a safer investment than a stock. The bond's value is not tied to performance. The only risk is that a bond will not be paid back is if the company defaults on the note. Since a T-bond is backed by the US Treasury, which can print money, this risk is all but eliminated. Treasury bonds are issued in lengths of time over 10 years, and the 20-year T-bond is one of the most...]]></description><pubDate>March  9, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tax Treatment on a Bond Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/tax-treatment-on-a-bond-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In general, your investment in a bond mutual fund is subject to the same tax regulations as with a typical mutual fund, but there are certain exceptions. Major exceptions include tax deferred or tax exempt retirement accounts and Treasury bonds. Mutual funds have complicated tax treatment because of the various types of dividends they can pay out, and each type of dividend is treated in a unique manner come tax time.&amp;nbsp; Retirement Accounts Depending on how you structure your retirement account, your tax treatment will vary. For example, Roth accounts are taxed on the front end, while traditional accounts...]]></description><pubDate>March  9, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Best Economies for Gold Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-best-economies-for-gold-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Gold bonds are exactly what they sound like: bonds based on gold. While you spend dollars to purchase the bond and your interest is paid in dollars, the actual earnings will be based on the price of the underlying gold asset. These bonds can be issued by gold mines or refineries, or they may be offered by funds looking to hedge the gold they are holding. Gold bonds are considered high risk because the price of gold fluctuates, but they can be profitable in certain economic situations. Periods of High Inflation During a period of high inflation, a bond...]]></description><pubDate>March  8, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.K. Government Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/uk-government-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in U.K. government bonds is popular with many investors. Here are the basics of investing in U.K. government bonds, and what it means to you as an investor. U.K. Government Bonds The United Kingdom is one of the most well developed countries in the world. As an investor, it is always prudent to invest in countries that are well-established. While there is something to be said for investing in rapidly growing countries, diversifying your portfolio by purchasing bonds of established governments can help you reduce the overall risk. The United Kingdom has a vibrant financial center and is...]]></description><pubDate>March  5, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Swiss Government Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/swiss-government-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Swiss government bonds are somewhat difficult for individual investors to purchase; however, you can invest in a bond fund whose portfolio includes Swiss bonds. Purchasing shares in such a fund can provide you with a reliable source of interest payments. Switzerland has always been considered a safe haven for financial investments. Swiss banks hold some of the largest deposits in the world because of their relative safety compared to the rest of the market. The Swiss government holds a neutral stance on most political issues, and therefore, there is very little interest rate risk associated with the Swiss franc....]]></description><pubDate>March  4, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Corporate Bond Funds and Taxes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/corporate-bond-funds-and-taxes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Corporate bond funds can be a solid investment if used correctly. Investing in corporate bond funds can be a great way to produce an income stream for yourself over the long-term. However, before you invest, you need to understand the tax implications that are involved. Dividends With a corporate bond fund, you will receive a regular monthly payment from the dividends that were received from the bonds. A bond is a debt instrument that is issued by a corporation and pays the investor a certain amount of interest every month. With a bond fund, you will be the partial...]]></description><pubDate>March  4, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bond Market Trading Hours]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bond-market-trading-hours.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Bond market trading hours vary from country to country. The following exchanges are open for the hours indicated Monday through Friday, except holidays, which are scheduled and announced by each exchange: New York Stock Exchange (NYSE): 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Austria's Vienna stock exchange (WBAG): 8:00 AM to 5:30 PMSIX Swiss Exchange: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PMDenmark's Copenhagen Stock Exchange (CSE): 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sweden's Stockholm Stock Exchange: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PMFinland's Helsinki Stock Exchange (HEX): 10:00 AM to 6:30 PMIceland's stock exchange (ICEX): 10:00 AM to 3:30 PMKorean Stock Exchange (KSE): 9:00 AM to...]]></description><pubDate>March  3, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Inverse Bond Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-inverse-bond-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Bond funds&amp;nbsp;are a legitimate way to get involved in the bond market without actually buying or selling bonds. A variation of the bond fund is the inverse bond fund. Here are the basics of the inverse bond fund and how they work.&amp;nbsp; What Is a Bond Fund? In order to understand well what an inverse bond fund is, you first need to understand what a bond fund is. A bond is a debt instrument that is issued by a company, municipality or government. Investors can lend a certain amount of money to this entity in return for a regular...]]></description><pubDate>March  3, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Laddering Bond Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/laddering-bond-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Laddering bond investments is the practice of buying a series of fixed income instruments with intermittent maturity dates. For example, if you had a fixed income portfolio with $10 million, a laddered portfolio would put $1 million into 2-year bonds, another $1 million into 4-year bonds, and so on to 20-year bonds. Another example of a laddered portfolio might place $2 million dollars of investment capital at every four years of maturity. Essentially in a laddered portfolio, you place roughly the same risk capital at equal intervals across the maturity spectrum. This approach is differentiated from a barbell portfolio...]]></description><pubDate>March  3, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dividends of a Bond Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dividends-of-a-bond-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A bond mutual fund is one of the best passive forms of investment. The dividends that are received from a bond mutual fund are what make this type of investment so attractive. Here are the basics of dividends from a bond mutual fund and how they work. Dividends Bonds are debt instruments issued by corporations and government entities. When an investor purchases a bond, the bond issuer will pay that bondholder a certain amount of interest over the life of the bond in regular payments. A bond mutual fund owns hundreds or thousands of bonds and receives regular interest...]]></description><pubDate>March  3, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Floating Rate Bond]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-floating-rate-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The floating rate bond is a type of bond that pays a variable amount of interest depending on the interest rates in the market. This type of bond present investors with a way to get around some of the age-old problems with traditional bonds. Here are a few things to consider about the floating rate bond and how it could benefit you as an investor. Interest Rate Risk One of the main problems with traditional bonds is that they are subject to interest rate risk. When interest rates go up in the market, the value of bonds traditionally goes...]]></description><pubDate>March  3, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of Modified Duration for Bond Calculations]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-modified-duration-for-bond-calculations.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Bond duration is a measure of a bond's value using a comparison between price and interest rate of the bond. Basically, these two factors tend to move together to offset potential changes in a bond's value. If the interest rate a bond promises to deliver goes up, making it more desirable, the bond will become more expensive. If the interest rate drops, making it less desirable, the bond will become cheaper. Modified duration takes the basic comparison of bond duration and uses it to determine how much the price of a bond will change if its interest rate changes...]]></description><pubDate>March  3, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Intricacies of State Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-intricacies-of-state-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in state bonds is a unique form of investment that many investors are not aware of. These bonds offer investors with a number of benefits. Here are the basics of investing in state bonds and what it can provide for you as an investor. State bonds are issued by individual state governments as a way to raise money for certain state projects. These bonds are sold to investors as a debt instrument. Those that purchased these bonds are technically lending money to the state for a certain amount of time. In return for the money, the investor is...]]></description><pubDate>March  2, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Mechanics of Bond Insurance]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-mechanics-of-bond-insurance.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors prefer to buy bonds that offer bond insurance. Bond insurance has the ability to completely alter the investment potential of a bond. Here are the basics of bond insurance and how it works. What is Bond Insurance? Bonds are debt instruments that are offered by corporations, municipalities and governments. An investor has the ability to purchase a bond for a specified sum of money. Then the entity pays regular interest payments to the investor, over the life of the bond. At the end of the bond term, the investor can get their entire initial investment back. The...]]></description><pubDate>February 28, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at Muni Bond Yields]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-muni-bond-yields.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Muni bond yields tend to be lower than for other bonds of similar quality because of the tax advantage you receive. These bonds typically do not require you to pay federal income tax on the interest payments you receive. Therefore, in order to make an apples-to-apples comparison, you must figure in the tax savings to the yield offered by a municipal bond. The recalculated yield is referred to as the tax equivalent yield (TEY) because it sets the after-tax yields on the same footing. The equation for tax equivalent yield is TEY = yield / (1 &amp;ndash; tax rate)....]]></description><pubDate>February 27, 2010  4:01 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Effects of Inflation on Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-effects-of-inflation-on-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The least risky bonds will offer inflation protection. This is a way of assuring the value of a dollar does not depreciate to a level that makes the ultimate repayment of a bond much less than the initial expected repayment. Few bonds offer protection from inflation explicitly, but they all should attempt to hedge against this possibility through their pricing and yield structures. Some bonds do have explicit protection. Inflation and Short-Term Bonds Short-term bonds have a lower risk of being significantly affected by inflation. Over a short period of time, even if inflation is high, the value of...]]></description><pubDate>February 27, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Assessing the Value of Bond Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/assessing-the-value-of-bond-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Assessing the value of your mutual bonds can be difficult and confusing. Investing in bonds mutual funds can provide you with a nice return on your investment. However some mutual funds are better than others. Here are a few factors to look at to determine the value and risk of the bond mutual fund. Bond Ratings When determining whether or not you want to invest in a bond mutual fund, one of the most important things to look at is the bond ratings of the bonds that make up the fund. Many bond mutual funds will invest in a...]]></description><pubDate>February 26, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Zero Coupon Treasury Bonds (STRIPS)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/zero-coupon-treasury-bonds-strips.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Zero coupon bonds are essentially the same product as all Treasury bonds, but they are paid out in a different manner. Essentially, instead of receiving the interest payments on the bond during the life of the bond, which is typical, the investor will receive the payment in full when the bond matures. This creates a product different from traditional Treasury bonds and corporate bonds. Face Value and Price of a Bond Treasury bonds have a face value equal to the amount they will pay out at maturity. For example, a face value of $1,000 is typical for a zero...]]></description><pubDate>February 26, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Convertible Corporate Bonds Explained]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/convertible-corporate-bonds-explained.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Convertible corporate bonds are a unique financial instrument in that they behave like both a bond and an equity at varying points in time. At the most basic level, they afford you the right to convert your bond position into a predetermined number of shares of common stock. This conversion is subject to a specific set of covenants that govern when and at what price the common equity shares are received. They also define the procedures that must be followed to effectuate the conversion. While a useful investment vehicle, these instruments possess subtleties that are important to understand before...]]></description><pubDate>February 26, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Convert Your Paper Bonds to Electronic]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/convert-your-paper-bonds-to-electronic.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are many advantages to converting a paper bond in to the electronic format. For one, there is less danger of physical loss of the bonds or damage due to fire or floods. The bonds too cannot be stolen if they are in the electronic format. Another great advantage is that you can check their status such as current values and interest rates online. This certainly makes for convenience. In order to convert your paper bonds into electronic format you will need to do the following. Open a Treasury Direct Account To open a Treasury Direct Account you need...]]></description><pubDate>February 25, 2010  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Low Interest Rates and Long Term Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/low-interest-rates-and-long-term-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A bond's interest rate should reflect the general potential for risk and profit on the bond. For example, a low risk bond will have a lower potential for loss or profit, meaning it will have a lower interest rate. A high risk bond creates a great potential for loss or profit, so the interest rate will be higher. This relationship of interest rate to risk exists on corporate and municipal bonds alike. Generally, long term bonds are riskier than short term bonds, so the interest rate should be higher. A low risk, long term bond in inadvisable, unless it...]]></description><pubDate>February 25, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Your Bond ETF and Taxes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/your-bond-etf-and-taxes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Bond ETFs are ETFs that are made up of similarly themed bonds. There are several different types of Bond ETFs that correspond to the types of bonds they are made up of. Bond ETFs tend to be more stable than other bonds, especially during economic recessions. Thanks to the events of the last few years, they are more popular than ever. Like other ETFs, they are more tax-efficient, allowing you to save more money and earn more profit. That said, Bond ETFs' do have some potential downsides that are you should be aware of before you invest in Bond...]]></description><pubDate>February 22, 2010  4:47 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[30-Year Treasury Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/30-year-treasury-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Treasury bonds are widely considered to be the safest investments on the market. They carry absolutely no risk of default because the treasury can print money to repay the debts if necessary. Treasury bonds are issued in a variety of time frames, or maturities, with the 30-year option being the longest. In general, longer bonds carry a slightly higher risk due to numerous factors, and they carry slightly higher interest rates to compensate for the risk. Risks of 30-year Bonds The main risk associated with a 30-year bond is a lack of knowledge about the future markets and what...]]></description><pubDate>February 22, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Purpose of the Bond Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-purpose-of-the-bond-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The bond market serves both issuers and purchasers in unique ways. Issuers of bonds, like government bodies or corporations, get immediate financing without having to take a loan from a traditional lender. Purchasers of bonds, typically called investors, get to participate in the loan business without having the capital required to fund large loans. Bonds as Funding Sources Businesses, from small public companies to the federal government with its astronomical budget, all have a limit to their finances. They will need loans to expand and reach into new areas. Large lenders provide the vast majority of these loans, but...]]></description><pubDate>February 22, 2010  4:39 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of the Bond Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-the-bond-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The bond market is one of the most dynamic and powerful investment markets in the world. Billions of dollars go through the bond market every year and investors can not resist the possibilities that this market holds. If you are unfamiliar with the bond market and how it works, here are a few things to consider about it.&amp;nbsp; Bond Basics A bond is a debt instrument that can be purchased by an investor. Once a bond is purchased, the investor receives regular interest payments over the life of the bond. This form of investment is sought after by many...]]></description><pubDate>February 22, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Brazilian Government Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/brazilian-government-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Buying government bonds is a popular investment strategy for many investors who wish to diversify. One government in particular that tends to attract investors is Brazil. Here are a few things to consider about Brazilian government bonds and why they are so popular. High Yield Brazilian government bonds pay one of the highest yields of any government bond in the world. You can find bonds with a yield of over 11 percent from the Brazilian government. Diversification Another reason that many people like to invest in Brazilian government bonds is to diversify their portfolios. When all of your investments...]]></description><pubDate>February 22, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Determining the Rating of Corporate Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/determining-the-rating-of-corporate-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are several agencies whose primary purpose is determining the ratings of corporate bonds. While each uses slightly different factors and follows slightly different conventions, they have certain similarities that are critical. If you understand the basic process of how the rating agencies approach the process, you will be better equipped to make decisions about how to invest. The Agencies There are three primary rating agencies that are charged with the task of assigning ratings to corporate bonds: Standard &amp;amp; Poor&amp;rsquo;s, Moody&amp;rsquo;s, and Fitch. Each of these agencies evaluates corporate bonds and assigns an appropriate level based on their...]]></description><pubDate>February 22, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Invest in Corporate Junk Bonds?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-invest-in-corporate-junk-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in corporate junk bonds has become increasingly popular over the years. A corporate bond is a debt instrument that is offered by corporations to investors. This bond allows investors to bring in a regular interest payment from their investment. Here are a few things to consider about junk bonds and why you would want to invest in them.&amp;nbsp; Corporate Bond Ratings In order to understand what corporate junk bonds are, you first need to understand bond ratings. Popular financial experts, like Standard &amp;amp; Poor's and Moody's, offer ratings on every corporate bond that is available in the market....]]></description><pubDate>February 22, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Reasons to Stay Away from Bond Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-reasons-to-stay-away-from-bond-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in bond funds has become a popular thing to do in recent years. While investors liked the potential of bonds, many of them did not feel comfortable navigating the market alone. For them, bond funds were invented and saw some success. However, here are a few reasons that you might want to stay away from bond funds.&amp;nbsp; 1. No Control One of the biggest drawbacks to investing in a bond fund is that you have no control over what happens. You buy a share into the bond fund and essentially give your money to the fund to use....]]></description><pubDate>February 22, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Bond Fund?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-bond-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The bond fund is a fund that invests in bonds as the underlying asset. A bond is a debt instrument issued by a corporation or government entity. Investors can purchase these bonds when they are issued or on the secondary market. The company or government entity agrees to pay the investor a specified rate of interest over the life of the bond.&amp;nbsp; A bond fund is a pool of funds built up by many investors. A fund manager takes the funds and uses them to invest in bonds. The manager decides which bonds to buy and which ones to...]]></description><pubDate>February 22, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Value of Bonds in the World of Finance]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-value-of-bonds-in-the-world-of-finance.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Bonds provide a tool to finance growth projects for corporations and governments. At the same time, they allow individual investors to try their hand at lending, which is a very lucrative business. Typically, lending is reserved only to institutions with large reserves. A single individual cannot often provide the lump sum needed to fund a project. Through bonds, individuals have a chance at getting into the moderately low-risk lending market, which provides relatively predictable returns on investment. Corporations Rely on Bonds Corporations need large sums of cash not only to start operations but also to cover the ongoing cost...]]></description><pubDate>February 22, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trading Bonds in the Secondary Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/trading-bonds-in-the-secondary-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Trading bonds allows you to lend money to corporations and receive a return on your investment. Here are the basics of bonds and how they are traded in the secondary market.&amp;nbsp; The Secondary Market The primary market for bonds is the market in which they are initially purchased from the company that created them. Getting involved in this primary market can be very difficult; it is typically reserved for high-net-worth investors who have dealings with investment banks. However, once those bonds are initially purchased, they can be traded to other investors. This occurs in what is known as the...]]></description><pubDate>February 22, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bond Trading for Private Investors]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bond-trading-for-private-investors.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Bond trading is an area that many investors know little about. Bonds represent an alternative means of investment to the stock market. Here are the basics of how bonds are traded and what they could do for you as an investor. What Bonds Are First of all, in order to trade bonds, you will have to have a basic understanding of what they are. When a corporation needs to raise money, it can issue bonds to investors. These bonds are sold in return for a promise to pay investors a certain amount of interest over the life of the...]]></description><pubDate>February 21, 2010  4:55 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Corporate Bond Funds vs Corporate Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/corporate-bond-funds-vs-corporate-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Both corporate bond funds and corporate bonds present you with a way to invest in the success of a company. With both options, you are lending money to a company for their business purposes with the expectation of earning interest. However, these two investments work by different methods. Here are the basics of corporate bond funds and corporate bonds. Corporate Bonds Corporate bonds represent a very simple concept. When you buy a corporate bond, you are essentially lending your money to the company at a certain rate of interest. They pay you a determined interest payment regularly, and they...]]></description><pubDate>February 21, 2010  4:51 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Corporate Bond Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-corporate-bond-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Corporate bond funds have become an increasingly popular form of investment over the years. These funds invest solely in corporate bonds and can provide a nice return on your investment. Here are the basics of corporate bond funds and what they can do for you as an investor. Corporate Bonds In order to understand what corporate bond funds are, it helps to understand what corporate bonds are. When a corporation wants to raise money, it can issue bonds to investors. Investors come along and purchase the bonds for a certain amount of money. The company that issued them pays...]]></description><pubDate>February 21, 2010  4:47 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[High Yield Corporate Bond Funds Explained]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/high-yield-corporate-bond-funds-explained.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Corporate bond funds have been growing in popularity. This form of investment utilizes bond investment methods to provide shareholders with a return on their investment. High yield corporate bond funds are one category of bond funds that many investors choose to pursue. Here are the basics of high yield corporate bond funds. High Yield The main thing to understand about these bonds is why they are high yield. Bonds are rated according to the credit risk that they present. If they have a good credit score, they are given a rating of &quot;AAA&quot;. The scale goes all the way...]]></description><pubDate>February 21, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Corporate Bond Fund Investing for Beginners]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/corporate-bond-fund-investing-for-beginners.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The corporate bond fund is an investment that has grown in popularity in recent years. With this type of investment, you are buying shares in a fund that purchases corporate bonds. There are several strategies that you could use to invest in corporate bond funds successfully. Here are a few strategies and things that you need to know about corporate bond funds. What is a Corporate Bond Fund? Companies issue corporate bonds to raise money by borrowing it from investors. They issue bonds for a certain amount of money and then pay the investors interest regularly over the long...]]></description><pubDate>February 21, 2010  4:39 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Consider Investing in a Corporate Bond Fund?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-consider-investing-in-a-corporate-bond-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a corporate bond fund is something that many investors never consider. A corporate bond fund is a mutual fund that invests in corporate bonds. There are a variety of different corporate bond funds and strategies of investment employed by them. Here are some things to consider about investing in corporate bond funds.&amp;nbsp; Corporate Bond Funds In order to decide whether you should invest in a corporate bond fund, you need to first understand what it is. In fact, you need to understand what a corporate bond is first. When a corporation wants to raise some money, one...]]></description><pubDate>February 21, 2010  4:36 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rating Bonds as Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/rating-bonds-as-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are a number of bodies responsible for rating bonds as investments. These organizations are not controlled by the government. They include Standard &amp;amp; Poor's and Moody's. The groups use a grading system of A, B, C and many levels in between to determine if a bond is a good investment. You can use the system to understand which bonds to avoid. A, B, C System In this system, A rated bonds are safer than D rated bonds. The rating system is based on how likely it is the bond issuer will default on the payment. The likelihood is...]]></description><pubDate>February 21, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Bond Mutual Fund?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-bond-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A bond mutual fund is a form of investment that utilizes investments in corporate bonds to help their shareholders realize a return. There are many different forms of bond mutual funds out there that you offer investment potential. Here are the basics of bond mutual funds and how they work.&amp;nbsp; Investing in Bonds Many investors choose to invest in bonds because of their steady return and because they are relative safety when compared to other investments. However, actually purchasing the bonds is a little bit complicated. A bond mutual fund is a fund that buys and sells bonds as...]]></description><pubDate>February 21, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Secure are AAA Bonds?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-secure-are-aaa-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ AAA bonds are a form of corporate bond, and corporate bonds as a whole represent an alternative to the normal stock portfolios. Their regular interest payments and relatively low-level of risk make them a popular choice. However, many wonder how secure these AAA bonds really are. Here are the basics of what AAA bonds are and what level of risk they present you as an investor.&amp;nbsp; AAA Bonds Corporate bonds are issued by companies as a debt instrument. These bonds are offered to investors in exchange for a certain amount of money. When an investor buys a bond, they...]]></description><pubDate>February 21, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Long-Term Investing with AAA Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/long-term-investing-with-aaa-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[AAA bonds are the bonds of companies that have received the highest rating from Standard &amp;amp; Poor's and Moody's for their creditworthiness. These credit ratings agencies assign ratings from AAA down to D. The lower you go on the scale, the more risk you are taking as an investor in corporate bonds, and the higher the interest rate you will earn on your investment.The main risk with corporate bonds in general is that a company could go bankrupt. If this happens, you have a chance to get your money back as long as the company has enough assets to liquidate...]]></description><pubDate>February 21, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Factors that Determine the Bond Interest Rate]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/factors-that-determine-the-bond-interest-rate.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The bond interest rate that you are paid when you buy a bond is determined by a few different factors. As an investor it is important to understand how much you will be making and why. Here are a few factors that help determine the bond interest rate. Market Interest The interest rate of the market is one important factor that contributes to the bond interest rate. Companies try to entice investors by setting their bond rate a little higher than the market. However, you should be able to find most bonds that are issued at about the same...]]></description><pubDate>February 21, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Advantages of Gold Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-advantages-of-gold-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When investors think of investing in bonds, gold is typically not something that they are considering. However, with gold bonds, you can effectively combine two forms of investment. Here are some of the advantages that gold bonds provide investors.&amp;nbsp; Speculate on Gold Many people consider speculating on gold at some point in their investment careers. However, the logistics of actually going through with it turn them off. You have to purchase the gold and physically inventory it to actually get any benefit. Gold is heavy and bulky and is difficult to protect. However, with a gold bond, you can...]]></description><pubDate>February 21, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at EE Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-ee-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ EE bonds are one of the most common forms of investment available in the United States today. EE savings bonds are used by many investors as a way to maximize their savings. Here are the basics of EE bonds and how they work.&amp;nbsp; What Are EE Bonds? Series EE bonds are a form of savings bond that are issued by the United States Treasury. They earn a certain amount of interest depending on when you purchase them. Technically, by purchasing this type of bond, you are lending your money to the federal government. The government uses the money and...]]></description><pubDate>February 21, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using EE Bonds for Education]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-ee-bonds-for-education.html</link><description><![CDATA[ EE bonds have been one of the most popular investment methods for many years. With this type of bond, you can gain a steady return on your investment. In addition, you can use them for education expenses without paying taxes on them. Here are the basics of using EE bonds for education. Qualifications Redeeming--When you redeem your EE bonds, you have to use the proceeds for education expenses in the same year. You cannot hold the cash and then go to school a few years down the road and hope to get a tax break. Age--In order to qualify...]]></description><pubDate>February 21, 2010  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[EE Bonds and Maturity]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/ee-bonds-and-maturity.html</link><description><![CDATA[ EE bonds are one of the most well-known investments in the market today. These bonds are issued by the United States Treasury, and they can provide you with a consistent return on your investment. Here are the basics of what you need to know about EE bonds and their maturity. Redeeming Bonds EE savings bonds can be redeemed at any time after&amp;nbsp;a year from their issue date. If you redeem them earlier than that, you will have to pay a penalty and lose a good majority of your investment. Maturation EE bonds grow at a certain rate of return,...]]></description><pubDate>February 21, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[When to Invest in Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/when-to-invest-in-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There is no one time to invest in bonds. In fact, due to the low-risk nature of most bond opportunities, they are almost always a stable investment. To maximize stability, it is best to purchase bonds in a low-inflation market. To maximize profit, however, it may be better to purchase some bonds in a more volatile marketplace. It is necessary to understand how the market as a whole will affect the value of a bond before deciding when to purchase. Bonds and Inflation Inflation is the biggest possible profit killer on most bonds. Of course, there is a chance...]]></description><pubDate>February 20, 2010  4:54 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comparing Bond Yields]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/comparing-bond-yields.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Bond yields do not exist in a bubble. If they did, you would have to consider only the yield of a bond to determine if it were a good buy or not. Any bond with a higher yield, or interest payment, would be a better deal than one with a lower yield. However, bond yields are always subject to other factors when you are estimating whether the bond is a good investment or not. Those factors include price, maturity and risk. Comparing Bond Yields Based on Price The comparison between the average yield of a bond and the average...]]></description><pubDate>February 20, 2010  4:50 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Common Misconceptions About Bond Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/common-misconceptions-about-bond-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in bond mutual funds is a type of investment that has been gaining steam in recent years. The bond mutual fund involves bonds but is an alternative to directly investing in the bond market. Here are the basics of this type of investment and some information to clear up common misconceptions about it.&amp;nbsp; Bonds vs Bond Mutual Funds Many investors get bonds and bond mutual funds confused. A bond is a debt instrument that is offered by an entity to investors. For example, corporations and the Federal government offer bonds to private investors as a way to raise...]]></description><pubDate>February 20, 2010  4:46 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons to Invest in Bond Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-to-invest-in-bond-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are several potential reasons that you may want to consider investing in bond mutual funds. Here are a few benefits of investing in bond mutual funds and why you should take a look at them.&amp;nbsp; 1. Get Involved in Bonds Bonds are one of the most secure forms of investment available to the average person. A bond is a debt instrument that is offered by a corporation or government in return for interest payments. While they can have lower rates of interest than other investments, they are very steady and safe methods of investment. Buying shares in a...]]></description><pubDate>February 20, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Buying State Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/buying-state-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Buying state bonds can provide you with an alternative form of investment to stocks and mutual funds. State bonds carry with them several unique advantages. Here are the basics of how to buy state bonds and why you may want to consider them.&amp;nbsp; How to Buy Every state does things a little bit differently when it comes to buying state bonds. In order to find out the proper way to buy bonds for your chosen state, you should call the state treasurer. They will be able to tell you whether you can buy them directly from the state or...]]></description><pubDate>February 20, 2010  4:39 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tax Advantages of State Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/tax-advantages-of-state-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ State bonds provide investors with a nice alternative to other forms of investment and offer certain tax advantages. Here are some things to consider about the tax advantages of state bonds.&amp;nbsp; State Bonds State bonds are offered as a means to raise money for certain improvement projects. Private investors purchase state bonds for a certain face value. The state government then pays the investors an agreed-upon rate of interest over the life of the bond. Then at the end of the bond term, the investors can redeem their bond certificates for their original investments. Tax Considerations State bonds are...]]></description><pubDate>February 20, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Zero Coupon Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/zero-coupon-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Zero coupon bonds are a form of investment that many investors have turned to as part of a diversified portfolio. Zero coupon bonds present a unique spin on the bond investment. Here are the basics of how zero coupon bonds work and how you could utilize them as part of your portfolio. Zero Coupon Bonds With traditional bonds, you loan a corporation or the government a sum of money. They pay you a specified amount of interest over the period of the bond. They send you regular interest payments for your investment and then at the end of the...]]></description><pubDate>February 20, 2010  4:31 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tax Considerations for Zero Coupon Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/tax-considerations-for-zero-coupon-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you invest in zero coupon bonds, you do not receive any form of interest over the bonds' life spans. This form of investment creates some unique tax considerations. Here are a few things to consider about zero coupon bond taxes. Zero Coupon Bonds Before you can understand the taxes of zero coupon bonds, it helps to have a basic understanding of what this type of bond is. A traditional bond pays you a certain &quot;coupon rate&quot; or interest rate over the life of the bond. Then you get your initial investment back at the end of the investment...]]></description><pubDate>February 20, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in Foreign Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-foreign-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in bonds&amp;nbsp;can be a good way to diversify from an all-stock portfolio. Bonds present investors with a regular interest payment and then pay them back their initial investment at the end of the term. Many investors have even taken to investing in foreign bonds because of the opportunities that they present. Here are the basics of foreign bonds and how they work as investment tools. How Foreign Bonds Work When a foreign company or government needs to raise money, it can issue bonds. It issues these bonds to investors at a certain price. In return for their investment,...]]></description><pubDate>February 20, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in Junk Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-junk-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in bonds has become more and more popular in recent years. Those that have been scared away from the stock market for one reason or another often turn to bonds as a safer means of investment. One type of bond in particular that has attracted investors is the junk bond. Here are the basics of junk bonds and some things to consider before you invest in them.&amp;nbsp; What Is a Junk Bond? When you invest in a corporate bond, you are essentially lending money to the company that issues it. They then pay you a set rate of...]]></description><pubDate>February 20, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons to Buy Municipal Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-to-buy-municipal-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Municipal bonds are offered at all levels of the government in order to fund ongoing projects. These bonds supplement a tax base by adding additional cash allocated for specific infrastructure or development goals. As an investor, you can purchase these bonds in order to gain a modest profit and support the project. Municipal bonds are a prudent investment for most portfolios. #1 Predictable Returns Buying a municipal bond is like making a loan. At the beginning of the contract, you know exactly what you can expect to earn on the purchase for the remainder of the lifetime of the...]]></description><pubDate>February 20, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Canadian Government Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/canadian-government-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Buying foreign&amp;nbsp;government bonds is an alternative investment strategy that many have started to employ. One government in particular that has attracted the interest of investors is Canada's. If you have ever considered investing in Canadian government bonds, here are a few things that you might want to consider.&amp;nbsp; What Are Canadian Government Bonds? Before you decide if you would like to invest in Canadian government bonds, you need to have an understanding of what they are. Canadian government bonds are comparable to United States Treasury bonds. The government borrows the money of the investors and then pays them a...]]></description><pubDate>February 20, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Risky Are Government Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-risky-are-government-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in government bonds has become a very common investment strategy in recent years. Here are the basics of government bonds and how much risk you are taking on when you invest in one.&amp;nbsp; Risk of Default The main risk with bonds is that the entity that issues them will default. When you invest in a corporate bond, for example, you worry whether the company will be around long enough to give you your money back at the end of the term. Accordingly, when you invest in a government bond, your investment should be safe as long as that...]]></description><pubDate>February 20, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Corporate Bond: High Yield Equals High Risk]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/corporate-bond-high-yield-equals-high-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When investing in a corporate bond, you may be enticed by the high yield that it promises. While a high yield is nice to have, it typically comes with strings attached. High yield corporate bonds come with their fair share of risk as well. Here are a few things to consider about high yield bonds and how risky they are.&amp;nbsp; Bond Ratings Corporate bonds come with a rating according to a few of the financial experts in the market. For example, Standard &amp;amp; Poor's and Moody's come out with bond ratings on all of the corporate bonds in the...]]></description><pubDate>February 20, 2010  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[When to Convert a Corporate Bond]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/when-to-convert-a-corporate-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A corporate bond is a hybrid security equipment that can be converted to the common stock of a company at any given moment. Its attractiveness lies in the fact that it can be converted when the stock price of the issuing company goes up. In general, convertible bonds produce higher yields if the price of stock rises. A corporate bond on its own pays its owner a regular stream of monthly income. However, the coupon rate of corporate bonds is low due to the financial flexibility they entail owing to their convertibility. They therefore provide lower yields than other...]]></description><pubDate>February 20, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Company Stocks vs Corporate Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/company-stocks-vs-corporate-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ While most people are somewhat familiar with stocks, corporate bonds&amp;nbsp;are not as widely understood. Both options allow you to invest in a particular company and allow that company to use your money for business purposes. However, they differ in some key ways. Here are the basics of company stocks and corporate bonds.&amp;nbsp; Creditor vs. Owner When you are dealing with corporate bonds and company stocks, the main difference is what you become when you buy one. When you purchase a share of stock in a company, you become a part owner in the company. When you purchase a corporate...]]></description><pubDate>February 19, 2010  4:54 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Purchasing Corporate Bonds without a Broker]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/purchasing-corporate-bonds-without-a-broker.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Purchasing corporate bonds has become a popular method of investment. Corporate bonds present a good opportunity for those who wish to diversify from an all-stock portfolio. The only way that many people know of to invest in bonds is through a bond broker. Here are a few alternative methods to consider for buying corporate bonds.&amp;nbsp; Primary Source When corporations need to raise money, one way that they can do so is by issuing bonds. These bonds can be purchased by investors who are willing to lend the company money. The company then pays that investor a specified rate of...]]></description><pubDate>February 19, 2010  4:50 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Weighing the Costs and Benefits of Corporate Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/weighing-the-costs-and-benefits-of-corporate-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Corporate bonds are an investment tool that a lot of investors tend to lean on for their portfolios. They are offered by a number of different companies and present you with an alternative to the stock market. Here are the costs and benefits of investing in corporate bonds.&amp;nbsp; Benefits Relatively safe--When you invest in corporate bonds, you are taking part in a very safe type of investment in general. As a bond holder, you are actually a creditor to the corporation. Therefore, you will receive an interest payment in return for your loan. If the company goes bankrupt, you...]]></description><pubDate>February 19, 2010  4:46 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[When to Cash in Savings Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/when-to-cash-in-savings-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Deciding when to cash in savings bonds can be a bit tricky if you have never dealt with them before. You could potentially cash them in at a number of different times and receive varying benefits. Here are a few things to consider about when to cash in a savings bond. Requirements The one restriction that you do have on when you can cash in the savings bond is that you have to wait at least a year from the date that it is issued. You are free to cash it in any time after that. Doubling the Value...]]></description><pubDate>February 18, 2010  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What to Know Before Purchasing Bonds as Gifts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-to-know-before-purchasing-bonds-as-gifts.html</link><description><![CDATA[ By purchasing bonds as gifts, you can give people one of the safest forms of investment because bonds involve a debt obligation from a corporation or the federal government. Here are the basics of what you need to know before purchasing bonds as a gift for someone else. How Bonds Work If a corporation needs to raise money, it can do so by offering bonds to investors. As an investor, you can purchase one of these bonds, and then the corporation will pay you a specified rate of interest and, eventually, your initial investment back.&amp;nbsp; You can also purchase...]]></description><pubDate>February 13, 2010  4:06 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Purchasing Bonds for Kids]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/purchasing-bonds-for-kids.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Purchasing bonds can be tricky, especially when you're buying them for another person. A savings bond is one of the best gifts you can give a child because it is money in the bank for them later. Let's look at how to buy savings bonds for kids, who can cash it, some more reasons why buying bonds for kids is a good idea, and paper vs. electronic bonds. How to Buy a Savings Bond Most banks will sell bonds. Visit your local bank or another financial institution that sells them. Fill out the required paperwork to obtain and bond,...]]></description><pubDate>February 13, 2010  4:02 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Best Places to Buy Corporate Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-best-places-to-buy-corporate-bonds-1.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In order to buy corporate bonds, you have to know where to look. Buying corporate bonds is not quite as simple nor popular as buying a share of stock. However, there are some places that you can buy corporate bonds regardless of the size of your trading account and trading experience. Here are some of the best places to buy corporate bonds.&amp;nbsp; Initial Offering The first place that you could buy corporate bonds is at the initial public offering when the company makes them available. This is typically done through an investment bank such as J.P. Morgan or Goldman...]]></description><pubDate>February 12, 2010  4:43 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Claiming Series EE Bonds on Your Taxes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/claiming-series-ee-bonds-on-your-taxes-1.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Series EE bonds&amp;nbsp;have been one of the most popular forms of investment for many years because of their simple investment process. You buy them for half of the face value of the bond and then hold them. They will provide you with a 100 percent return on investment over time. If you own Series EE bonds, you may be wondering how to properly handle the tax issues associated with them. Here are the basics of claiming the interest that you earn from your Series EE savings bonds. Flexibility of Reporting With the Series EE savings bond, you actually have...]]></description><pubDate>February 12, 2010  4:39 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Effects of Maturity and Duration on Your Bond]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-effects-of-maturity-and-duration-on-your-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A bond's duration is a measure of its value over time. The more fluctuation there is in a bond's duration, the riskier the bond is. Bonds with durations that do not fluctuate represent stable returns over time. Duration is tied into maturity, or the length of a bond. Bonds with longer maturity periods may have more price fluctuations, but their duration should not be affected unless they are higher risk bonds. The major factors to consider when determining duration are price and yield. Price of a Bond The price of your bond is based on the relative risk of...]]></description><pubDate>February 12, 2010  4:13 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Benefits of Series EE Savings Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-benefits-of-series-ee-savings-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Series EE savings bonds can provide you some very specific benefits when compared to other investments and even other types of bonds. Risk-Free One of the most appealing features of Series EE savings bonds is the risk-free nature of them. When you invest in a Series EE savings bond, you are essentially investing in the United States government. You are buying from the US Treasury and receiving a guaranteed rate of return.&amp;nbsp; 100 Percent Return While it will take some time, you will essentially be able to double your investment by investing in a savings bond. When you buy...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  5:33 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Steps to Buying Bonds Online]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-steps-to-buying-bonds-online.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In order to buy bonds online, there are certain steps that you must take. Bonds represent a very solid, traditional form of investment. With the emergence of the Internet and online trading, bonds have become much easier to buy. You can purchase bonds from the comfort of your home at any time of day. Here are the basics of how to buy bonds online.&amp;nbsp; 1. Open an Account The first step towards buying bonds online is opening an account in order to purchase them. Depending on where you plan on buying bonds from, there are a few different places...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  5:29 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Buy Municipal Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-buy-municipal-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many people wonder how to buy municipal bonds, which are a bit different from other investments. Municipal bonds present the advantage of tax-exempt income and, therefore, can be very sought-after by investors. Here are the basics of how to buy municipal bonds.&amp;nbsp; Initial Offering Municipal bonds can be purchased directly from the entity that is issuing them: city governments, county governments, school districts, airports, and seaports. The downside to this approach is that these municipal bonds are issued only when such entities need to fund a project. Therefore, their offerings tend to be sporadic. Secondary Market If you do...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  5:26 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding the Corporate Bond Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-the-corporate-bond-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you invest in the corporate bond market, you are essentially lending money to a business. This is considered debt financing; you are not buying a share of the company, as you would be with a stock. You are simply lending money to a business at a specified interest rate over a given period of time. Here are a few things to keep in mind about the corporate bond market and how it works.&amp;nbsp; How Corporate Bonds Work Companies issue corporate bonds to increase their cash flow. As an investor, you decide that you want to buy a bond...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  5:18 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at Corporate Bond Yields]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-corporate-bond-yields.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The two biggest factors that affect corporate bond yields are rating and spread to treasuries. Between these two considerations, you can see how a given company&amp;rsquo;s debt compares to the debt of other companies, and how that quality of debt relates to treasuries. By locating a corporate bond within a rating class and determining the spread to bonds issued by the U.S. Government, you will be able to get a good sense of what a specific bond ought to yield. The Meaning of Bond Ratings The bonds of most traded companies receive a rating from one of the major...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  5:15 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How do &quot;Guaranteed&quot; Equity Bonds Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-do-guaranteed-equity-bonds-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Guaranteed equity bonds offer assurance against loss in the long run. The term &quot;equity bond&quot; is a bit confusing. A bond typically implies no equity is at stake, whereas a stock uses equity. An equity bond mixes the two concepts. It tracks a given stock index, and it pays out based on the growth in that index over time. Guaranteed equity bonds add an additional component. The issuers of these bonds promise to repay the debt or a portion of the debt regardless of the performance of the bond.&amp;nbsp; Advantages of Guaranteed Equity Bonds Guaranteed equity bonds are offered...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  5:11 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are Long Term Bonds a Good Investment?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/are-long-term-bonds-a-good-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing with a long term bond&amp;nbsp;has become one of the most popular forms of investment over the years. The benefits that a long term bond provides are unlike many other types of investments. While they are not the perfect investment by any means, they offer you a steady return on your investment. Long term bonds, as a rule, are a good investment. However, they should only make up a part of a diversified portfolio. Here are a few things to consider about why you should invest in the long term bond market.&amp;nbsp; Known Returns The great thing about long...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  5:09 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Long Term Bond]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-long-term-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A long term bond is any bond maturing in longer than 15 years. These bonds have many attractive features, such as higher interest rates. However, they carry a greater risk due to market fluctuations in such a long period. Price Changes of the Bond You may want to sell your bond before it matures. This is common practice for those who enjoy trading in the market. The organization you purchase your bond from, whether a corporation or government body, will continue to issue bonds during the time your bond is active. If the price of these bonds go down...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  5:07 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Secondary Markets of the Long-Term Bond]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-secondary-markets-of-the-long-term-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A long-term bond is a common investment tool in portfolios. Bonds are debt instruments that corporations and the government issue to raise money. Investing in a long-term bond directly from a company has its advantages. However, the secondary bond market is also an intriguing investment alternative. Here are the basics of how the secondary long-term bond market works.&amp;nbsp; Secondary Bond Market After someone initially purchases a bond from a corporation or the government, it can be resold on the secondary market. You can buy bonds on the secondary market from a bank or financial institution. You can also deal...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  5:04 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Best Places to Buy Corporate Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-best-places-to-buy-corporate-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In order to buy corporate bonds, you have to know where to look. Buying corporate bonds is not quite as simple nor popular as buying a share of stock. However, there are some places that you can buy corporate bonds regardless of the size of your trading account and trading experience. Here are some of the best places to buy corporate bonds.&amp;nbsp; Initial Offering The first place that you could buy corporate bonds is at the initial public offering when the company makes them available. This is typically done through an investment bank such as J.P. Morgan or Goldman...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  5:02 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[International Bonds vs Domestic Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/international-bonds-vs-domestic-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you compare international bonds and domestic bonds, you will find there are several differences that will be important to you as an investor. Both types of bonds could be an appropriate investment for you, depending on the situation. However, there are some risks associated with them as well. Here are the basics of international and domestic bonds. Domestic Bonds A domestic bond is a debt instrument that is used for investment in a corporation or the Federal Treasury. When a company decides that they need to raise capital, issuing bonds is one of the ways in which they...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  4:58 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Purchasing International Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/purchasing-international-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ International bonds present investors with a way to diversify their portfolios. With international bonds getting more and more attention lately, many investors are looking for a way to purchase them. Unfortunately, they are a little more difficult to buy than domestic ones. Here are the basics of how to invest in international bonds.&amp;nbsp; Large Investment Firms Most investment firms do not have access to international bonds at the present time. However, the larger the investment firm, the more likely they are to have some international bonds for sale. Keep in mind that the inventory on these types of bonds...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  4:55 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What are International Bonds?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-are-international-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors utilize international bonds&amp;nbsp;as part of their investment portfolio. International bonds are a debt instrument that are offered by foreign corporations. When a company needs to raise money for business purposes, they can offer bonds as a way to increase cash flow. As an investor, you can purchase these bonds. You give the company a certain amount of cash for the bond and then they pay you a specified rate of return over the life of the bond. Then at the end of the term of the bond, you cash in the bond certificate and get your entire...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  4:51 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What International Bonds Have to Offer]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-international-bonds-have-to-offer.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors have turned towards international bonds as an alternate form of investment. Here are a couple reasons that you may want to consider investing in international bonds. Diversification International bonds allow you to diversify your portfolio greatly. When you invest only in domestic bonds and stocks, your success is limited by that of the domestic market. However, if you buy some international bonds as well, you could still bring in a nice return even if the domestic market is lacking. A greatly diversified portfolio can weather a lot of problems in the financial markets. Hot Markets International bonds...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  4:47 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Claiming Series EE Bonds on Your Taxes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/claiming-series-ee-bonds-on-your-taxes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Series EE bonds&amp;nbsp;have been one of the most popular forms of investment for many years because of their simple investment process. You buy them for half of the face value of the bond and then hold them. They will provide you with a 100 percent return on investment over time. If you own Series EE bonds, you may be wondering how to properly handle the tax issues associated with them. Here are the basics of claiming the interest that you earn from your Series EE savings bonds. Flexibility of Reporting With the Series EE savings bond, you actually have...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  4:45 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Short Term Bond vs. Money Markets]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/short-term-bond-vs-money-markets.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors are faced with the decision of choosing a short term bond&amp;nbsp;or a money market account when they have money for investment purposes. Both options are good, your personal situation and financial goals will determine the type of investor you are. While they both have some benefits, they are not without their shortcomings. Here are a few things to consider about short term bonds and money market accounts. Short Term Bonds There are a few different types of bonds that you could qualify as short-term bonds. The three most common forms of a short-term bond come as a...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  4:41 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Short Term Bond Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-short-term-bond-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The short term bond&amp;nbsp;market is one of the most popular investment markets in the world. Bonds have been around for many years and you can use them for a number of different investment objectives. With short term bonds, you are dealing with an investment that does not span many years as you would with a long term bond. Typically a bond that goes for one to ten years is considered a short term bond. If you are looking for a good way to invest extra cash, the short term bond market might be where you want to look. Here...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  4:39 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Risks of Short Term Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-risks-of-short-term-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The risks of short-term bonds tend to be very different from those that affect longer-term bonds. Because your money is at risk for a far shorter period of time, default risk is largely reduced. While it is often difficult to calculate the probability that a company will default over the next 30 years, you can feel more confident that it will last for the next six months. The biggest risk you face by investing in short-term bonds is reinvestment risk. While a short-term bond does not tie up your capital for an extended period, it also does not lock...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  4:35 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fitting Short Term Bonds into Your Portfolio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/fitting-short-term-bonds-into-your-portfolio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Fitting short term bonds into your portfolio should be a priority for any investor. A well-balanced portfolio is going to have several different types of investments within it. Short term bonds are one of the better investments that you could have as part of your portfolio. Here are some things to consider about short term bonds. Short Term Bond Basics By purchasing a short term bond, you are essentially loaning your money to an entity for a certain period of time. They pay you a certain interest rate over a given period of time. Then at the end of...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  4:31 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Definition of Financial Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/definition-of-financial-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Financial bonds are instruments of debt. They are issued by a corporation or body, such as the government, in order to generate cash. The issuing organization then promises to pay back the principal sum, plus interest, at a given point in the future. Many bonds also have yields, meaning they pay an additional sum each month or each quarter in profits to the purchaser. Stocks vs. Bonds Stocks are instruments of equity. When a purchaser buys a stock, that purchaser is actually taking a small stake in the company. Thus, the value of a stock goes up and down...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  4:29 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Callable Bond]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-callable-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Callable bonds offer investors enhanced yield, but carry risks that are not present with non-callable bonds. When a bond is callable, it means that the issuer is entitled to retire the bond by returning the principal to the bondholder. While there is usually an initial, non-callable period, after this date has past, your bonds may be called at any time. When this occurs, you will receive a specified price for the bond and interest payments will stop. Risk The primary risk that this creates is called reinvestment risk. When rates rise, bonds are rarely called because the issuer is...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  4:27 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Dangers of Callable Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-dangers-of-callable-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A callable bond may offer increased yield over a non-callable bond, but you should understand the dangers. It is precisely because of these risks that callable bonds offer enhanced yields. This is typically known as a call premium that the issuer is willing to pay for the right to call the bond at its discretion. Downside to the Investor When a bond is callable, it means that under certain circumstances the issuer may return the principal on the bond and stop making interest payments. The specific terms vary from bond to bond, but they are always favorable to the...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  4:25 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Should You Avoid Callable Bonds?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/should-you-avoid-callable-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Callable bonds, sometimes also called &amp;ldquo;redeemable bonds&amp;rdquo; are a potentially risky investment, since the company can call back, or pay the bond, before the maturity date. If the company chooses to pay, investors may not get the full return on their investment. If the bonds are not called, however, investors earn the amount of money they thought they would, which means they are no different than any other bond type. Despite their risk, callable bonds are a popular type of bond to purchase, simply because they do not cost as much as a straight bond, and the yield on...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2010  4:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Pitfalls of Long Term Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-pitfalls-of-long-term-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in long term bonds&amp;nbsp;is one of the most common forms of investment over the last 100 years. Long term bonds can be purchased from the United States Treasury in the form of savings bonds and from corporations as well. As an investment, bonds provide you with a steady rate of return and a lower amount of risk. With this type of investment, you can basically tell exactly what to expect over the long term. While it can be a beneficial form of investment, there are some pitfalls associated with this type of investment. Here are a few potential...]]></description><pubDate>February 10, 2010  5:24 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Long Term Bonds and the Callable Option]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/long-term-bonds-and-the-callable-option.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When considering long-term bonds and the callable option, the most significant factor to understand is reinvestment risk. A long-term bond typically has a maturity up to 30 years. If you buy a standard bond and hold it until maturity, you will receive interest payments for the entire term. Some bonds, however, are callable. The call option gives the issuer the right to retire the debt by returning the principal to the bondholder at a predetermined price. If you own a long-term bond that it is called, you will receive a final principal payment, but interest payments will stop. Risk...]]></description><pubDate>February 10, 2010  5:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Government vs Corporate Bond Yield]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/government-vs-corporate-bond-yield.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are considering government versus corporate bond yields, you will notice that there is a fairly stable spread between the two, with government bonds paying the smallest yields. While the extent of this spread may differ along the yield curve, the differences tend to follow a set trend for bonds of the same quality. Ratings Government bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. These bonds are considered the safest bonds available. Corporate bonds are rated by the quality of the risk believed to be carried by a given company. In essence, the...]]></description><pubDate>February 10, 2010  5:17 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Inflation Indexed Bonds Mitigate Risk, But at What Cost?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/inflation-indexed-bonds-mitigate-risk-but-at-what-cost.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors have turned towards inflation bonds&amp;nbsp;as a way to protect their investment dollars during uncertain times. These Government Bonds have become a very popular investment tool to include in an investor's portfolio. With these bonds, they are assigned a certain rate of return by the government, depending on how much inflation has occurred over a certain period of time. While it sounds like a great way to mitigate risk over the long-term, you may be giving up more than you are getting. If you can get a better return on your investment by using another method, then these...]]></description><pubDate>February 10, 2010  5:13 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Inflation Protected Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/inflation-protected-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Inflation bonds&amp;nbsp;are a unique investment tool that is offered by the federal government. One of the biggest enemies of investors is inflation. You always have to stay ahead of inflation, otherwise your money will be worth less than it was when you purchased something. This is why no one wants to just keep their money in a savings account. Some kind of return is necessary to make sure that you don't go backwards. With this in mind, the government came up with the idea to offer series savings bonds. Here are a few things about government bonds and how...]]></description><pubDate>February 10, 2010  5:10 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[TIPS, Bonds and Inflation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/tips-bonds-and-inflation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Treasury Inflation Protected Securities, or TIPS bonds, are one of the few bonds protected against inflation. When you purchase a bond with a guaranteed payout after maturity, this payout may actually represent a loss if inflation was high during the bond's active life. The government offers TIPS as a way to hedge against that possibility and assure you make a profit regardless of inflation prior to maturity. Interest Rate on TIPS Bonds The interest rate on the bond is set when it is sold. The principal sum, though, rises or falls with the inflation rate. This means your initial...]]></description><pubDate>February 10, 2010  5:07 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tracking Down Your Lost Treasury Savings Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/tracking-down-your-lost-treasury-savings-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you own Treasury savings bonds, there is a chance that they will be lost or stolen at some point. If this happens with a regular bond or investment, you may be out of luck. However, you can actually recover a Treasury bond. Here are the basics of how to recover a lost savings bond.&amp;nbsp; The Process To have the United States Treasury reissue your savings bond, you will need to fill out the proper form: Form 1048. This form is freely available on their website. You fill out the form with the necessary information and then mail it...]]></description><pubDate>February 10, 2010  4:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Distribution of a Savings Bond After Death]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/distribution-of-a-savings-bond-after-death.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A savings bond is typically cashed only to the person whose name is on it, but in the event of a person's death before the savings bond is cashed, a few different rules may apply. Depending on the situation at hand, the process to cash the savings bond may vary.&amp;nbsp; If there is only one person's name on the savings bond, the savings bond becomes the property of the estate. If there are two people named on the bond and both are deceased, it becomes the property of the estate of the person who died last. If there are...]]></description><pubDate>February 10, 2010  4:18 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Buying Treasury I Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/buying-treasury-i-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Treasury I bonds&amp;nbsp;present investors with a means to combat inflation and earn interest at the same time. With this type of bond, you are paid an interest rate equivalent to inflation according to the Consumer Price Index. Here are the basics of how to buy Treasury I bonds. Online Account Thanks to the United States Treasury website, buying this type of bond has never been easier. You can purchase them directly online from the Treasury quickly and efficiently.&amp;nbsp; In order to buy them online, you have to set up an account with the U.S. Treasury website. They will require...]]></description><pubDate>February  6, 2010  4:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is Bond Duration?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-bond-duration-1.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Bond duration is a measure of the volatility of a bond's return over time. It measures the price reduction of a bond, over the change in interest rate of the bond. It is slightly correlated to how long it takes for the bond to mature, but it is not an exact relationship. To better understand the way a bond's duration affects its value, consider the factors that make a bond risky. Bond Default The most basic risk in purchasing a bond is the chance the bond issuer will default. If the issuer goes bankrupt, the investor will not get...]]></description><pubDate>February  4, 2010  4:13 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Government Savings Bond Maturity Information]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/government-savings-bond-maturity-information.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Information on government savings bond maturity is important to know when purchasing bonds. Government issued savings bonds are typically the safest form of investment because they are backed in good faith by the U.S. government. These bonds are a way for the government to pay for their borrowing needs. The maturity rate of these savings bonds differs depending on the type of bond purchased. These bonds consist of Series E and EE bonds or Series H and HH bonds and Series I bonds. &amp;nbsp; Series E and EE Bonds Series EE bonds are purchased at half of their face...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  5:03 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is Bond Duration?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-bond-duration.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Bond duration is a measure of the volatility of a bond's return over time. It measures the price reduction of a bond, over the change in interest rate of the bond. It is slightly correlated to how long it takes for the bond to mature, but it is not an exact relationship. To better understand the way a bond's duration affects its value, consider the factors that make a bond risky. Bond Default The most basic risk in purchasing a bond is the chance the bond issuer will default. If the issuer goes bankrupt, the investor will not get...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  5:01 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Calculating a Bond's Duration]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/calculating-a-bonds-duration.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Calculating a bond&amp;rsquo;s duration can be a complicated task if you are not mathematically oriented. A key term used in determining the value is its &quot;duration.&quot; Duration refers to the length of time until bond maturity in conjunction with the risk associated during that time frame. The higher the bond duration, the more sensitive it is to different changes. To figure out the duration, you need to have some knowledge of the type of bond you purchased and of varying interest rates, and you need a formula or bond calculator. Type of Bond There are two different types of...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  4:58 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Measuring Bond Volatility]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/measuring-bond-volatility.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Bond volatility is a term used to describe how much the value of a bond fluctuates over time. The less volatile the bond, the less risky the investment. More volatile bonds present more risk, but they also can present the higher reward possibility. Tracking volatility can give you insight into the potential risks and rewards of purchasing a bond. Bond Spread One way to measure a bond's volatility is to track its spread against another bond. Basically, you will need to compare the bond's performance over time to a relatively stable bond. The most stable bonds are US Government...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  4:54 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comparing Bond Volatility to Stock Volatility]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/comparing-bond-volatility-to-stock-volatility.html</link><description><![CDATA[ On the whole, bond volatility is lower than stock volatility. This is particularly true because there is a large market of government issued bonds that are essentially free of risks associated with default. However, there are some key risks involved with purchasing bonds that do not make them free from potential losses. Risks of Purchasing Stock Purchasing a stock is, by definition, making a bet. An investor is betting the stock will go up in value based on market research. It is also possible to engage in short selling, which basically involves making the opposite bet. In either a...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  4:50 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What are Investment Grade Corporate Bonds?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-are-investment-grade-corporate-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investment grade corporate bonds are low-risk bonds. Because they are bonds, they are not tied to equity. Instead, they are like debt notes issued by a corporation. Investment grade essentially means they are the lowest possible risk level aside from treasury bonds. Treasury bonds are always the lowest risk option. The federal government guarantees those bonds, and oftentimes even adjusts for inflation. However, treasury bonds typically have lower yields than corporate bonds, so investment grade corporate bonds may be a more attractive option. Investment Grade Rating System Investment grade is a general term used to describe how the bond...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  4:48 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Things to Know Before Buying Corporate Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-things-to-know-before-buying-corporate-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Buying corporate bonds allows you to earn profits while providing much-needed financing to whichever company they bought the bonds from. The corporate bonds are issued by industrial, financial and service companies to generate funds for capital investment and operating cash flow. In other words, corporate bonds are essentially small portions of a large loan. You earn profit through a combination of interest and principle payments. In order to be able to buy corporate bonds and earn profit in the process, there are a few things you must understand.&amp;nbsp; Corporate Bonds Basics Each corporate bond is usually worth a multiple...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  4:44 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Government I Bonds vs 529 Plans]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/government-i-bonds-vs-529-plans.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Two of the more popular options for college savings are government I bonds&amp;nbsp;and college 529 savings plans. When you want to provide a college education for your child, something must be done early on in order to save enough money to cover the bill. College is getting more and more expensive every year, and taking advantage of the options before you is important. Both government I bonds and 529 plans have their advantages. However, they both have a few drawbacks as well. Here are a few things that you will want to consider about both for your college savings...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  4:40 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[General Municipal Bond Information]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/general-municipal-bond-information.html</link><description><![CDATA[ General information about municipal bonds is important to have before choosing to invest in them. It is important to know that a municipal bond is a bond issued by a government agency, usually by the state. Issuers of these bonds consist of counties, school districts, cities or other governmental entities. Before investing in a bond, you will want to know what their purpose is, how they work and the risks involved. &amp;nbsp; What Is Their Purpose The purpose of a municipal bond is to be utilized by a city or government agency at the state level for projects that...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  4:37 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Role of War Bonds on Today's Bond System]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-role-of-war-bonds-on-todays-bond-system.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A war bond is similar to other government issued bonds, but it is used for the expressed purpose of funding a war. Because it is a government bond, a war bond offers a very low risk investment option. Upon maturity of the bond, there is nearly no chance of default. This means even a novice investor can generate a guaranteed return through a very stable bond. The cost of war bonds is also low, with denominations varying from small $25 bonds to much larger investments.&amp;nbsp; History of War Bonds War bonds have been used in many countries dating back...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  4:33 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Bond Spread]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-bond-spread.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Bond spread is a mathematical illustration of the difference between the interest rate of two bonds. Traders and investors use the bond spread of two separate bonds to determine which is riskier, safer or likely to pay higher returns. While the concept of a bond spread is very simple, deeper analysis of spreads over time can reveal trends in various bond markets. This can help investors understand the likely payout of purchasing and holding a bond to maturity or selling a bond in the future. Considering Risk An investor must consider the likelihood the bonds will maintain their value...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  4:31 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Determining the I Bond Rate]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/determining-the-i-bond-rate.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you currently own I savings bonds, the I bond rate&amp;nbsp;is going to be of particular interest to you. The main purpose of government I savings bonds is to protect bond holders against inflation. With other types of investments, you may or may not keep up with inflation depending on how much interest you make. With this investment, they actually change the rate of interest depending on how much inflation occurred during a given period of time. Here are the basics of how the I bond rate is determined. Determining the Rate The United States Treasury announces the rates...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  4:27 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Influences of Corporate Bond Spreads]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-influences-of-corporate-bond-spreads.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When pricing bonds, corporate issuers consider the potential yield a bond could have when compared to other bonds on the market. Typically, the issuer will compare the bond to both higher risk and lower risk options. For example, a corporation with an A rated bond could compare to both a treasury bond, very low risk, and a BB rated bond, very high risk. The comparison in the potential yields while accounting for the risk is called the bond spread. Bond spread, then, is determined both by risk and yields. Risk of a Corporate Bond The first factor to take...]]></description><pubDate>February  2, 2010  5:23 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Perpetual Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/definition-of-a-perpetual-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Perpetual bonds are fixed income instruments without defined maturity dates. Most fixed income instruments pay a fixed interest rate to the holder until a specified date, and principal is then returned. With a perpetual bond, the return of principal is not automatic. These instruments are often treated as equity because they will make payments forever. A perpetual bond is similar to a very low volatility stock that pays a dividend. The downside is that you cannot simply hold one of these bonds until maturity in hopes of receiving a lump sum payment; if the bond falls in value, you...]]></description><pubDate>February  2, 2010  5:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Invest in Series I Bonds?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-invest-in-series-i-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in series I bonds&amp;nbsp;has become popular in recent years. Savings bonds have been around for a long time and are still very popular today. However, the series I bond was started in the late 1990s as a slightly different type of bond. Using these bonds as an investment vehicle can provide you with several advantages over traditional investment tools. If you are considering whether or not to invest in series I bonds, here are a few things that you may want to consider. Protect against Inflation The main reason that the United States government invented series I bonds...]]></description><pubDate>February  2, 2010  5:16 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Recovering Your Lost Government Savings Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/recovering-your-lost-government-savings-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Government savings bonds represent one of the safest methods of investments in the world. You are basically investing in the federal government and you are receiving a guaranteed rate of return. As long as the country is still in existence, you should receive the rate of return that you have been promised. While they are not usually high-earning instruments, they can be a way to battle inflation over the long-term. Government savings bonds are even safer than other methods of investment in terms of being able to recover them if they are lost. If you lose your government savings...]]></description><pubDate>February  2, 2010  5:12 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Bond Interest Rates are Calculated]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-bond-interest-rates-are-calculated.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Bond interest rates are set on a near daily basis. The issuing organization evaluates its own financial situation to determine how much it can reasonably pay out on the bond while still sustaining growth and profits. Bonds are issued as a way for a business or organization to get a loan without seeking a lender. They use the money to grow, purchase, expand or even to pay down their own debt. They measure how much they need, how much profit they can expect, and then how much they may be able to pay. If these measurements change, the interest...]]></description><pubDate>February  2, 2010  5:10 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[EE Bonds vs I Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/ee-bonds-vs-i-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ EE bonds and I bonds are relatively similar with only a few differences. Both are government-backed savings bonds that provide predictable, guaranteed earnings when purchased. They are considered some of the safest investments on the market as a result, and they both offer tax benefits. Similarities between EE Bonds and I Bonds Both bonds mature in 1 to 30 years. A penalty equal to the last 3 months of interest is applied if you cash either bond in before five years. Interest is only collected when both forms of bonds are redeemed. Both offer freedom from local and state...]]></description><pubDate>February  2, 2010  5:06 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Cash a Savings Bond]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-cash-a-savings-bond.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Savings bonds are popular investment tools, and often given as gifts for children's birthdays or graduation. Because these are widely used investments, cashing them in is very simple. Most financial institutions will cash in your bonds for you. Bonds in Your Name If the savings bonds is in your name, it is quite simple to cash them in. You can take them into any bank and provide proper identification along with the bond. As long as they are less than one thousand dollars in value, they will cash them. If your bonds are greater in value, you can take...]]></description><pubDate>February  2, 2010  5:04 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using Savings Bonds to Fund Your Education]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-savings-bonds-to-fund-your-education.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Savings bonds are one of the tried and true investment vehicles in the market today. With savings bonds, you know what you are getting because there is a guaranteed payout from the government. With such guaranteed form of payment, many people turn towards savings bonds as a way to pay for college education. The government has actually made it easier for those who want to use them to fund college. Here are a few things to consider about funding your education with savings bonds.&amp;nbsp; Tax Exemption The main reason that many people use savings bonds to fund education is...]]></description><pubDate>February  2, 2010  5:02 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[When Will Countries Stop Investing In U.S. Bonds?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/when-will-countries-stop-investing-in-us-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When will countries stop investing bonds issued by the United States?&amp;nbsp;Probably never.&amp;nbsp;Debt issued by the federal government offers the most stable investment return among debt securities issued anywhere.&amp;nbsp;This is due mainly in part to the fact that the United States government has never defaulted on its debt obligations, even through tumultuous economic times.&amp;nbsp;Foreign governments, particularly China, like to invest in U.S. debt as a way to bolster their own economies and experience economic growth. What is U.S. Debt? To continue answering the question regarding U.S. bonds, it is important to first define what federal debt is. U.S. government debt...]]></description><pubDate>October 21, 2009  1:28 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Financial Strategy - Investing In Stocks And Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/financial-strategy-investing-in-stocks-and-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investing in stocks and bonds is a highly profitable long-term investment for the most part. However, before a person ventures into them, the stocks and bonds basics must be looked into and what makes for a good stock and bond investment must be wisely investigated.Stocks, also called as equities, and bonds are two different investment options. Stocks are a representation of an equity ownership in a company. The individual owning shares of stock is known as a shareholder. A stockbroker helps in opening up a stock trading account for stock investment purpose, but individual investors can also independently select stocks...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Invest in Bonds? 4 Truths to Consider]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-invest-in-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[In the world of high stakes investing, one should ask the question, &amp;quot;Why invest in bonds?&amp;quot; It might seem boring, or dull investing, but in reality they can provide some great benefits and security.DiversityWhile stocks are a very versatile investment vehicle, when combined with bonds they can give you a more stable investment portfolio. This is best seen in a bear market when some double digit losses can be offset by the returns on the bonds. IncomeA savings bond will pay interest on a regular basis. This makes a good income for some people, like those who have retired. SecurityBesides...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in Bonds? Discover Your Maximum Returns]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-bonds-discover-your-maximum-returns.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investing in bonds can generate a high return when done wisely. There is a wide variety of bonds that you can throw your money into. One way to discover your maximum returns is to equip yourself with a good supply of investment strategies.Diversifying Your Investment PortfolioWhen you are investing in bonds, do not limit your financial adventure to government or corporate bonds alone. It is wise that you invest in several kinds of bonds. Doing this creates a diversified portfolio where you can expose your money to different bond types and characteristics. A well-exposed investment portfolio protects you from the...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Financial Strategy - Investing In Stocks And Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/financial-strategy-investing-in-stocks-and-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investing in stocks and bonds can offer you greater returns than investing in regular passbook savings accounts. While you may never know everything about the complicated market, you can learn the stocks and bonds basics to understand what you are purchasing.The Difference between Stocks, Bonds and Bills When a stock or share is purchased, the purchaser becomes a partial owner of the company. Because there are many stock holders, only a few key people will be majority owners. A bond, on the other hand, is a promise from an entity to repay you later. You are essentially putting your money...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Best Bond Investment Strategy For Risky Investors]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-best-bond-investment-strategy-for-risky-investors1.html</link><description><![CDATA[Deb C.The best bond investment strategy is entirely personal and will depend largely on the amount of risk you want to take.Understanding Agency RatingsA company&amp;rsquo;s agency ratings are what will give you an idea of that company&amp;rsquo;s ability to pay the required interest and principal payments on the debt owed. The higher the rating, the less the overall yield of the bond.Bonds and the Economic CycleThe best time to invest in bonds is during recessions, when your money is more sought after and you can get a higher yield without as much risk.Bond OptionsThere are several popular options available for...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Savings Bonds: Investment Secrets For A Higher Return]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/savings-bonds-investment-secrets-for-a-higher-return.html</link><description><![CDATA[For some people a savings bond investment is a mystery. For others it is a gift that they receive from their grandparents each Christmas. Savings bond investments a great way to save your money in a higher yielding investment than just the traditional savings account.There are several different types of bonds available, but the ones that are most popular are the EE Bond, and the I Bond. With each you can earn a great return of 4% to over 7% over the course of the maturity of the bond in some instances.Keep Until MaturityWhen you receive a savings bond, it...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How To Invest In Bonds: Steps For Success]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-in-bonds-steps-for-success.html</link><description><![CDATA[If you are interested in learning how to invest in bonds, keep reading for three steps to successful investing. There are a few different ways to invest in bonds including: a full service or discount brokerage a bond broker an online investment brokerage certain financial institutions, such as your personal bank directly from the government on the official U.S. Treasury website Step #1: Sign Up with a Brokerage or Financial InstitutionWhile there are many choices on where you can invest in bonds, the first step to take is to sign up with one of your options. An online brokerage firm...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Grade Bond Fund Risk Factors]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-grade-bond-fund-risk-factors.html</link><description><![CDATA[An investment grade bond fund carries certain risk factors that any investor needs to be aware of. No investment is without risk. The important points are to understand the investment, know the risks and be financially prepared for the inevitable ups and downs.The Good News on Investment Grade BondsAn investment grade bond fund will have among its objectives to invest in investment grade bonds. This means the bonds have been rated by the primary rating agencies, Standard &amp;amp; Poor&amp;rsquo;s and Moody&amp;rsquo;s, as at least BBB- or Baa3, respectively.These bonds are rated high enough so that banks can invest in them....]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bond Fund Investing: Increasing Your Monthly Payments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bond-fund-investing-increasing-your-monthly-payments.html</link><description><![CDATA[Bond fund investing offers a way to participate in the benefits of bonds without having to choose and manage individual bond purchases yourself. There are, of course, risks as with any investment. However, a bond fund has the potential of providing you a monthly payment.How Bond Funds WorkBond fund investing is similar on the front end to investing in mutual funds. You are investing a set amount that is combined with amounts from hundred or thousands of other investors. On the back end, instead of owning shares in a fund that owns stocks, you own shares in a fund that...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Vet Your Bond Investor]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-vet-your-bond-investor.html</link><description><![CDATA[To vet your bond investor you need to arm yourself with knowledge not only about the bond you might purchase but also the salesman through whom you are buying your bond.Knowing the Cost of Your BondYour bond investor, or the salesman who is selling you a bond, can mark up the bond any amount. In other words, if a bond costs $200, one salesman will charge you $202, or a 1 percent markup. Another salesman might charge you $210, a 5 percent markup. But there are some salesmen who will try to get away with much higher percentages, 20 percent...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Grade Corporate Bond Capital Requirements]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-grade-corporate-bond-capital-requirements.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investment grade corporate bonds have a fixed par value, also called the face value, but can move above or below that with market conditions after the bond is sold. The capital input required to buy an investment corporate bond can vary with where and when you buy the bond.What Affects Your Capital Input?If you buy a bond at par value for an investment grade corporate bond, it usually is at $1,000 per bond. The par value of municipal bonds is much higher, usually $5,000.However, once a bond has been purchased, an individual has the right to sell that bond. The...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing In Municipal Bonds: Understand The Issuers Needs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-municipal-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[If you are looking for an interest only return on capital, investing municipal bonds might be the answer for you. A municipal bond is a special bond where you are actually lending your money to the issuer for a set number of interest payments for a specified period of time. At the end of the duration of the term, the issuer must then pay the complete amount of the original investment.Before you go investing municipal bonds, you will need to understand their needs and a few of the risks involved.Credit RisksBefore purchasing the bond you should realize whether or not...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[When Will Countries Stop Investing In U.S. Bonds?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/when-will-countries-stop-investing-in-u-s-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investing in bonds offered by the United States government has always been considered a safe haven for large international investment firms and even sovereign national governments. United States bonds and treasury bills are considered to be some of the safest investment instruments in the world--because the United States government has always made good on bonds and treasury bills issued by the United States treasury.However, as the rest of the world becomes less dependent on the United States for much of the purchasing of products manufactured in other countries, many international investors and governments are expanding their investment options and not...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Grade Bond: The Basics]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-grade-bond-the-basics.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investment grade bonds are bonds whose creditworthiness earns them high ratings by the investment ratings agencies, the two primary agencies being Standard &amp; Poor&amp;#8217;s and Moody&amp;#8217;s. To be investment grade, a bond must be rated of BBB- or higher by Standard &amp; Poor&amp;#8217;s or Baa3 or higher by Moody&amp;#8217;s. The highest ratings for investment grade bonds are AAA by Standard &amp; Poor&amp;#8217;s and Aaa by Moody&amp;#8217;s. Just What Is a Bond? In simple terms, a bond is a promise by a bond issuer to repay the amount of money for which the bond is sold. The proceeds of a bond...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Invest In I Bonds To Beat Inflation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/invest-in-i-bonds-to-beat-inflation.html</link><description><![CDATA[If you are looking for ways to beat inflation, invest in I bonds! An I Bond is a U.S. Treasury Bond protected against changes to inflation. A government issued security like the I Bond is a great choice for investors who aim to minimize their risk to guarantee a real rate of return for the duration of the investment.Who Can Buy I Bonds?If you have a valid social security number and you are at least 18 years of age, you are eligible to purchase an I Bond. I Bonds are easy to purchase online via the official U.S. Treasury website....]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.S. Treasury Securities  - Types of Treasury Securities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/us-treasury-securities-pt2.html</link><description><![CDATA[Part 2: Types of Treasury SecuritiesIn Part 1 of this series, the importance of U.S. Treasury securities was discussed, along with their advantages and disadvantages for investors. Today we&amp;rsquo;ll examine the four kinds of Treasuries that are available: Treasury bills - Treasury bills, or T-bills, are short-term U.S. Government discount notes. They&amp;rsquo;re sold at a discount from their face value, and when they mature the government pays the investor the note&amp;rsquo;s full face value. The difference between the discounted price at which the note is sold and the face value at which it is redeemed represents the investor&amp;rsquo;s return. The...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Corporate Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/corporate-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investors who desire a higher rate of return than that offered by Treasury securities, and are willing to expose themselves to more risk in order to obtain it, often consider investing in bonds issued by corporations. While corporate bonds pay a higher interest rate than do government offerings, they also are inherently riskier instruments because they stand not on the faith of the federal government but upon the financial strength and integrity of the company that issues them. Why do companies choose to issue bonds instead of raising the capital that they need from other sources? There could be a...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Junk Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/junk-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[It's fairly likely that most people have heard the term junk bond; it's also just as likely that the term is somewhat misunderstood. Junk bonds are not a special type of bond. They are, in fact, regular high-risk, low-rated corporate bonds. Junk bonds have Standard &amp; Poor's ratings of BB or less, which includes debt instruments of poor quality that may be close to default. Some junk bonds have no ratings whatsoever.In order to entice investors to buy, issuers of junk bonds must set their coupon rates (or, the bond's stated interest rate) higher than those of investment-grade bonds (S&amp;P-rated...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.S. Treasury Securities - Advantages and Disadvantages]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/us-treasury-securities.html</link><description><![CDATA[Part 1: Advantages and DisadvantagesUnited States Treasury securities, also known as Treasuries, are fixed-income security instruments issued by the U.S. Treasury. These securities make up the largest, most important, and most liquid fixed-income marketplace in the world. Treasuries appeal to a wide range of U.S. investors, including banks, insurance companies, pension plans, and individuals. Because so much of the world&amp;rsquo;s commerce is denominated in United States dollars, Treasuries also have broad appeal among non-U.S. citizens and entities as well. U.S. treasuries are extremely popular with investors throughout the world because they offer many advantages: Most investors regard U.S. Treasury securities...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trading in the Fixed Income Market - Buying Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/trading-in-the-fixed-income-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[Part 1: Buying BondsThe fixed income market (which is simply a different name for the bond market) is composed of securities that represent portions of loans made by investors to borrowers. The borrowers that issue the bonds may be governments, government agencies, states, municipalities, or corporations. The lenders who buy the bonds can be banks, insurance companies, pension plans, or individuals. The majority of these bonds are at a stated fixed interest rate (also known as the coupon) and for a fixed term. The borrower pays interest periodically, usually either annually or semiannually, to the bondholder until the loan comes...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trading in the Fixed Income Market - Understanding Bond Yields and Interest]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/trading-in-the-fixed-income-market-pt2.html</link><description><![CDATA[Part 2: Understanding Bond Yields and InterestIn Part 1 of Trading in the Fixed Income Market we discussed the market valuation of bonds. However, the first thing that investors usually want to know when considering buying a bond is actually the amount of return that can be expected. In other words, &amp;ldquo;What does the bond yield?&amp;rdquo; Unfortunately, this isn&amp;rsquo;t quite as simple a question to answer as it may first seem, because a bond has a minimum of two yields: its current yield and its yield to maturity (YTM). In order to illustrate these two yields, let&amp;rsquo;s examine an 8%...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are Bonds Still a Good Investment?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/are-bonds-still-a-good-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[Despite the fact that stocks have historically outperformed bonds over long periods, the savvy investor should still consider bonds as part of a well-rounded portfolio. Comparing the characteristics of the two will show why.Common stocks represent ownership in a corporation, whereas bonds are literally IOUs, thereby making bondholders creditors of the company. Stockholders, as owners of the corporation, have a claim to income and assets and are entitled to voting rights. However, with regard to income and assets, common stockholders stand last in line in their right to share. Shareholders are entitled to receive dividends only after the bondholders and...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bond Risks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bond-risks.html</link><description><![CDATA[Although many bonds are considered to be quite safe, investing in the bond market as a whole is not without its risks. All bond instruments carry risk, but the degree of risk varies with the type of debt and the issuer. There are several different types of risk, and you should be aware of how these affect your bond investments. By recognizing and understanding the different levels of risk for each type of bond, the total risk can be better managed in the construction of an effectively-diversified bond portfolio.Interest rate risk refers to the changes in market rates of interest,...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Types of Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/types-of-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[A bond is a security instrument which acknowledges that the issuer has borrowed money and must repay it to the bondholder at a specified rate of interest over a predetermined period of time. These securities are referred to as debt obligations, contrasted with stocks, which represent ownership in a corporation. Bonds fall into the three categories of their issuers: corporations; the U.S. government and its agencies; and states, municipalities, and other local governments. Each has features and advantages which should be evaluated when deciding upon which type of bond best suits your investment needs. The interest that a bond pays...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tax-Saving with Municipal Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/tax-saving-with-municipal-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[Municipal bonds are debt obligations of states, cities, and other public subdivisions. Most, but not all, of them pay interest that is exempt from federal income taxes. This interest is also often exempt from state and local taxes. A small proportion pays taxable interest or interest that is subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT). Municipal bonds can be purchased through nearly any brokerage company. Investment companies that hold portfolios of municipal funds can also enjoy the tax-exempt income that they provide.Municipal bonds are a favorite investment of individuals who are looking for ways to lower their tax bills. States,...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Zero-Coupon Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/zero-coupon-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[Zero-coupon bonds (or zeros, as they are called) differ from other debt obligations in that they don&amp;#8217;t pay out a stream of interest payments. Instead, they&amp;#8217;re issued at substantial discounts and accumulate and compound the interest. Zeros often have attractive yields and are normally held by investors until maturity. At maturity, the full face amount plus all accrued interest is paid.&amp;nbsp; Advantages of Zero-Coupon Bonds Therefore, zeros have two major advantages for the investor:&amp;nbsp; Because of their deep discounts, they can be bought at very low prices. There is no guesswork about&amp;nbsp;interest reinvestment because the yield to maturity is locked...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[Bonds are investment tools that offer a steady rate of return and are often virtually guaranteed to pay off. To achieve the full value of a bond, the buyer must let it reach its maturity, or pay back, date.When these investments are issued, the issuers receive the proceeds in a manner similar to a loan. Rather than pay back a lender, however, the issuer pays back those who purchased bonds. This tool can be issued by a variety of entities. The most common are government bonds....]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:19 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Choosing the Best REIT ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/choosing-the-best-reit-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investing in an REIT ETF will allow you to get involved in the real estate market with a minimal investment. If you are trying to choose between REIT ETFs, there are several factors that you will need to consider. Here are the basics of how to choose the best REIT ETF. Management When you are looking at an REIT ETF, one of the first things that you will want to look at is the management situation. Every ETF is going to have a management team in place to make the individual investment decisions for investors. You want to learn as...]]></description><pubDate>April  6, 2011 10:00 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Looking to Invest in the Housing Market?  Try a Housing ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/looking-to-invest-in-the-housing-market-try-a-housing-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[The housing ETF&amp;nbsp;has picked up a lot of momentum in the market lately. More and more investors are getting involved with this type of investment. There are hundreds of ETFs that you could potentially invest in, but housing is one of the more interesting sectors. Here are the basics of the housing ETF and how it works.&amp;nbsp; Housing ETF Basics The housing ETF is a little different than other similar types of ETFs. With this type of ETF, you are basically betting on whether you think housing prices will rise or fall in the near future. The pricing is based...]]></description><pubDate>April  6, 2011  7:42 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Do ETF Dividend Payments Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-do-etf-dividend-payments-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you want a good source of income, you should consider an ETF dividend payment account. There are two basic paths to investment, one is the more traditional stock funds. The other is using the exchange traded fund, or ETF. The most common reason why people do not invest in dividend stocks is that they worry about how the payments are going to be made. ETF Dividend Payments ETF dividend payments are the proceeds of the stock you hold in the ETF. If you had the stocks yourself, you would know exactly when and where the payments would be...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2011  4:01 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Income Trust]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/income-trust.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Income trusts use collateral to substantiate income. For example, a Unit Investment Trust (UIT) transfers the income from investment returns to the trust owners. All of the unit holders receive a portion of the income generated by the trust. The income is generated by various stocks or bonds. A major advantage to income trusts is their ability to avoid double taxation. One of the most popular forms of&amp;nbsp; income trusts are REITs. They have become popular over the past twenty years....]]></description><pubDate>January 28, 2011  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Energy ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/energy-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The energy ETF is an exchange-traded fund that focuses on companies in the energy sector. By investing in an energy ETF, you will be able to buy a portion of a large basket of stocks in energy-related companies. This type of ETF deals with companies that are trying to develop forms of energy other than oil. Oil companies are not included in this particular ETF, as they have their own ETF. Companies that fit into this mold could include nuclear power plants, wind farms, solar companies and a variety of other companies. One of the big benefits of investing...]]></description><pubDate>December 24, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Airline ETF: Flying High or Low on Fuel?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/airline-etf-flying-high-or-low-on-fuel.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An airline exchange traded fund (ETF) tracks the performance of major passenger airlines. Most ETFs focus on a particular type of security; for example, you may find a socially conscious ETF, a retail ETF or a small business ETF. By focusing on one industry, an ETF offers investors a chance to take part in the growth of that particular sector. This is possible through mutual funds as well, but the advantage of an ETF is the way it allows investors to purchase and sell shares easily on the open market. With these advantages, buying into an ETF is attractive,...]]></description><pubDate>October 22, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons for an ETF Liquidation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-for-an-etf-liquidation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An ETF liquidation is the process that occurs when an ETF closes down. If an ETF company decides that they no longer want to offer a particular ETF, they will liquidate the assets and give the money back to the investors of the fund. There are a few reasons that this could occur. As an investor, this process could affect you negatively if you were counting on a particular ETF to provide you with returns. Here are a few reasons for an ETF liquidation and how you can identify the process. 1. Narrowly Focused One of the best things...]]></description><pubDate>October  3, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Causes of ETF Tracking Errors]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-causes-of-etf-tracking-errors.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When it comes to ETF tracking errors, there are a number of sources that could contribute to discrepancies between the financial index and the ETF that tracks it. If you invest in an ETF index fund, you are usually interested in getting the same returns as the index. In reality, most ETFs lag a little behind the indexes that they try to track. Here are a few causes of ETF tracking errors. 1. Fees The fees of an ETF are perhaps the most prominent reason that the real performance lags behind the index. Every ETF has management and administrative...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  5:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[ETF Wraps: Account Types and Benefits]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/etf-wraps-account-types-and-benefits.html</link><description><![CDATA[ ETF wraps are a type of investment vehicle that can help an investor diversify and provide them with steady returns. There are two different types of ETF wraps to choose from: discretionary and non-discretionary. Here are some of the benefits of each type of ETF wrap. Discretionary A discretionary ETF wrap is a type of investment where the investor does not have to choose a particular type of asset allocation. The big benefit with this type of investment is that it is a &quot;hands off&quot; type of solution. You can simply allow the fund managers of the ETF wrap...]]></description><pubDate>September 18, 2010  5:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Invest in Energy Commodity ETFs?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-invest-in-energy-commodity-etfs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in energy ETFs has become more common in recent years due to the rise of energy prices. Many people want to find a way to benefit from these increases in energy costs and the energy commodity ETF is a great way to do so. Investing in an energy commodity ETF can provide you with a good hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations. When you invest in oil, for example, you will be investing in a physical commodity. The oil retains its value, regardless of what happens in the rest of the economy. When inflation occurs, the value of...]]></description><pubDate>September 18, 2010  5:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Pros and Cons of an Actively Managed ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-pros-and-cons-of-an-actively-managed-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The actively managed ETF is a type of investment that combines aspects of a traditional mutual fund and an exchange-traded fund. This is a fund that you can trade on the exchanges just like a stock, but it represents a basket of underlying assets just like a mutual fund. While most ETFs are passively managed, some of them utilize active management strategies. Here are some of the pros and cons of investing in an actively managed ETF. Additional Returns One of the biggest advantages of investing in an actively managed ETF is that you can sometimes realize additional gains....]]></description><pubDate>September  8, 2010  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is an Ultra ETF?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-an-ultra-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An ultra ETF is a type of exchange traded fund that aims to provide better returns than your average ETF. It utilizes leverage in order to amplify the movement in the market. By doing this, the hope is that investors in ETF will be able to realize double the gains that they would ordinarily be able to receive by investing in a similar ETF. ETF managers borrow money in order to increase the amount of shares of a security that they are able to purchase. This has the potential to increase the amount of profit for the fund by...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:01 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Factors That Influence ETF Liquidity]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/factors-that-influence-etf-liquidity.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The ETF is a popular investment because it is considered to be more liquid than a mutual fund. However, the liquidity of an ETF can be influenced by a number of different factors. ETF liquidity is affected by both primary and secondary factors. Primary factors include what the ETF is comprised of and the trading volume of the underlying investments in the ETF. Secondary factors can include the trading volume of the ETF itself and the condition of the market.&amp;nbsp; Underlying Investments One of the biggest things that influences ETF liquidity is the underlying investments in the ETF. If...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Life-Cycle ETFs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/life-cycle-etfs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Life-cycle ETFs are a type of investment that are designed to provide an easy way to plan for your retirement. With this type of investment, you can put your retirement savings on autopilot and not worry about them. You can choose a target date for your retirement. For example, you might choose an ETF that has a target date of 40 years. Then you begin to systematically invest in the ETF. At the beginning of the investment period, the ETF will hold a majority of stocks. This provides more opportunities for growth for the investor. As time goes by,...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Disadvantages of Trading ETFs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/disadvantages-of-trading-etfs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Trading ETFs has become a popular investment strategy and it can provide you with several benefits. At the same time, there are a few potential drawbacks with this type of investment. Here are some of the disadvantages of trading ETF's. Trading Fees Trading ETF's is done through a stock exchange just like trading stock. If you want to buy a share of an ETF, you will get onto your brokerage account and make a purchase. While this is extremely convenient and allows you to buy and sell quickly, you are going to have to pay trading fees for this...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in a Foreign Stock ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-a-foreign-stock-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a foreign ETF can provide you with a way to get involved in the international market. This type of investment has become very popular in recent years and presents a number of attractive features to the investor. This type of investment is very similar to a mutual fund. The big difference is that it is a type of investment that can be traded on the stock exchange. With mutual funds, you cannot buy or sell shares until the end of the trading day. Foreign stock ETFs can be bought or sold anytime that the market is open....]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[ETF Wraps Better than Mutual Fund Wraps]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/etf-wraps-better-than-mutual-fund-wraps.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Both ETF and mutual fund&amp;nbsp;wraps provide investors with unique benefits. However, the ETF wrap has several advantages over the mutual fund wrap that makes it desirable for investors. Here are some of the advantages of ETF wraps over mutual fund wraps.&amp;nbsp; ETF Wrap An ETF wrap is a portfolio of ETF holdings that is constructed with the help of a financial advisor. Usually, an investor will sit down with a financial advisor and decide what ETFs to include in their portfolio. This will create a balanced asset allocation and a diversified portfolio at the same time. Greater Trading Flexibility...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[ETF Strategy Styles: Geographic Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/etf-strategy-styles-geographic-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Among the many different strategies that can be used with ETFs is the strategy of trading by geographic location. As you may already know, there are a number of global economies. These economies don't all behave or perform the same. Although most economies move in tandem to one another, there may be a discrepancy allowing investors to reap benefits by investing overseas. With the ETFs that focus on the global location of funds, such as by country or geographic region, you are able to diversify international portfolios and trade them with exchange-traded funds. The portfolio strategy entails positioning your...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[ETF Strategy Styles: Calendar Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/etf-strategy-styles-calendar-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ One of the many ETF strategies you can use is the calendar strategy. The calendar strategy refers to what's commonly known as seasonal sector rotation. Sector rotation is simply the overweighting or underweighting of a particular sector in the major S&amp;amp;P 500 index. The calendar strategy takes a seasonal look at this sector rotation. In other words, each sector has its fundamental seasonalities that can be exploited by this ETF strategy. How to Execute this Strategy How does one exactly perform this seasonal calendar strategy? What you would do is find out the seasonal tendencies for each sector and...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Exchange-Traded Grantor Trusts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/exchange-traded-grantor-trusts.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Exchange-traded grantor trusts are a type of security that is very similar to an exchange-traded fund. However, with an exchange-traded grantor trust, you are going to have a direct ownership in an underlying basket of assets. This type of investment provides some advantages as well as some drawbacks to the investor. Here are the basics of exchange-traded grantor trusts. Exchange-Traded Grantor Trusts With an ETF, you own a share in a portfolio of underlying securities. However, with the exchange-traded grantor trust, you are actually going to be considered a shareholder of the underlying securities. This means that you are...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[ETF Strategy Styles: Economic-Cycle Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/etf-strategy-styles-economic-cycle-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ With the ease of trading in exchange-traded funds, you can apply a number of strategies, among which is the ETF strategy of timing the economic cycle. ETFs are investment funds that track major indexes, investment styles and broad market sectors. This leaves a simple execution for an economic cycle strategy. First make sure that you have the ETFs tracking the major sectors on your radar: consumer staples, consumer goods, machinery and financials. Keep in mind that the definition of those general sectors can be translated with different investment funds. You generally want to stick with the ETFs that have...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in Oil with the Oil Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-oil-with-the-oil-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in an oil fund can provide you with a way to speculate on the price of oil without worrying about the hassle of a futures contract. There are several will funds that you could consider and all of them can provide you with some benefits as an investor. The oil fund is a type of investment that holds a large number of underlying securities related to the oil industry. Oil Fund The fund is usually an ETF, or exchange traded fund, that focuses on the oil industry exclusively. The oil ETF could invest in stocks of oil companies,...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in a Crude Oil ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-a-crude-oil-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a crude oil ETF can provide you with a number of unique benefits. The crude oil ETF has become extremely popular over the last few years and there are several different opportunities for investors to get involved. Here are the basics of the crude oil ETF and what you can get from investing in one. An ETF is an exchange traded fund. This means that you will invest in a fund that owns many different underlying securities. You can purchase the fund in the stock exchange market. ETFs provide you with an opportunity to get involved with...]]></description><pubDate>August 26, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Can a Commodity ETF Add to Your Portfolio?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-can-a-commodity-etf-add-to-your-portfolio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Exchange traded funds have been gaining popularity in&amp;nbsp;recent years, with commodity ETFs and bond ETFs being the latest additions to the product portfolio. Investing in commodity ETFs is similar to investing in managed portfolios. Since the ETF is a tradable securitized product, the ETF fund creates a new venue for a different class of investors. Here are some of the benefits of commodity ETFs. Balanced Risk The main reason to invest in the commodity ETF is to gain exposure to a different market that is negatively correlated to the stock and bond markets. It is advisable that up to&amp;nbsp;20...]]></description><pubDate>July 28, 2010  5:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons an ETF Is Better than a Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-an-etf-is-better-than-a-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When looking at the ETF and mutual fund, you will see several of the same features that are available for investors. While these types of investments are very similar, they have a few key differences as well. Here are a few reasons that the ETF is better than investing in a mutual fund. 1. Liquidity One of the biggest reasons that ETFs are better than mutual funds is that they are highly liquid. When you want to buy shares of a mutual fund, you are going to put in your order with your broker and it will be processed...]]></description><pubDate>July 28, 2010  5:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Mistakes Mutual Fund Managers Make]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-mistakes-mutual-fund-managers-make.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Mutual fund managers have a lot of responsibility when it comes to taking care of a mutual fund. Since they are human, they have been known to make mistakes just like everyone else. Here are a few mistakes that mutual fund managers sometimes make. 1. Moving to Wrong Assets Many mutual funds utilize an approach that involves investing in several types of assets. For example, they might put a portion of the funds into stocks and another portion into bonds. Some mutual funds allow the fund manager to change the asset allocation of the fund based on what they...]]></description><pubDate>July 28, 2010  5:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[ETFs vs Mutual Funds: Comparing Expense Ratios]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/etfs-vs-mutual-funds-comparing-expense-ratios.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are comparing ETFs vs. Mutual Funds, the expense of owning each should be a factor you consider. A fund's expense ratio is the cost you pay for the fund's management. The single greatest factor here is the income of the actual fund manager. Expense ratio also includes fees paid for record keeping and other custodial duties, however. On the whole, the is no general rule regarding whether a mutual fund or an ETF is cheaper. Consider these insights to understand the expense of each option. ETFs Have a High Trade Commission When you purchase shares of an...]]></description><pubDate>July 11, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at ETF vs Mutual Fund Liquidity]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-etf-vs-mutual-fund-liquidity.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Comparing the ETF vs mutual fund has become a common practice among investors. Both of these types of investments are very similar. At the same time, they also have several differences. When you are looking at these investments, you need to take into consideration the liquidity that they can offer you. Here are a few things to consider when it comes to ETF vs mutual fund liquidity. Liquidity Liquidity is one of the most important factors that investors regularly think about. Liquidity deals with the concept of how quickly you can buy and sell a security. You might have...]]></description><pubDate>July 11, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding a High Yield ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/finding-a-high-yield-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A high yield exchange traded fund (ETF) can feel like a secure investment in uncertain economic time. A &quot;high yield&quot; fund is one that promises high dividend payments. Other funds may focus on alternatives such as capital appreciation. High yield funds will continually payout during the year. Exchange traded funds are portfolios that trade like securities. They represent multiple underlying assets, and they trade at the value of their assets on any given day. Therefore, a high-yield ETF is simply a fund, trading like a security, that focuses on dividends. Finding the right opportunity depends on several factors. Quality...]]></description><pubDate>June 11, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at the China ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-the-china-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The China ETF is a type of investment that seeks to provide investors and option to get involved with the Chinese market. This type of investment has picked up some steam in recent years and is very popular among many investors. Here are the basics of the China ETF and how it works.&amp;nbsp; The Chinese Market In the last few years, the Chinese market has emerged as one of the most powerful in the world. Because of their increased economic power, many investors are seeking ways to get involved in their market. Over a very short period of time,...]]></description><pubDate>May 17, 2010  4:51 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Invest in India with an India ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/invest-in-india-with-an-india-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in an India ETF has become a very popular choice for many investors. This type of investment allows you to capture some of the potential that lies in the Indian market. Here are the basics of the India ETF and why many investors are choosing to get involved.&amp;nbsp; India ETF The India ETF is an investment that integrates many different securities from the Indian market. The ETF will purchase a number of different stocks from Indian corporations. They then create shares that can be sold to the general public. You can purchase these shares through any standard brokerage...]]></description><pubDate>May 17, 2010  4:49 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Junk Bond ETF?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-junk-bond-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The junk bond ETF is an alternative way for investors to get involved in the bond market. Here are the basics of the junk bond ETF and how it works. Junk Bond ETF This is a type of ETF that holds junk bonds as its underlying securities. The term ETF stands for exchange traded fund. This means that you can freely buy and sell these funds on the stock market. This makes them much more easy to trade than a traditional mutual fund. Junk Bonds Junk bonds are a type of corporate debt that is issued by a companies...]]></description><pubDate>May 15, 2010  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Euro ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-euro-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Euro ETF is an exchange traded fund, meaning that it is like a mutual fund but tradable in the intraday. As a closed-ended trust, it offers the benefits of certainty and trackability of the Euro in the foreign exchange market as well as stakeholder's rights to a portion of Euros per share. Benefits One of the main benefits to trading the Euro ETF as opposed to trading the forex Euro in the spot market is essentially the limited risk. Like stocks, the ETF can be held like an investment no matter how low it goes as long as...]]></description><pubDate>May  4, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Advantages of the REIT ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/advantages-of-the-reit-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The REIT ETF is a type of security that deals with the real estate market. Many investors are starting to learn about some of the benefits that you can get by investing in this type of security. Here are some of the advantages of investing in an REIT ETF. What Is an REIT ETF? The term &quot;REIT&quot; stands for &quot;real estate investment trust.&quot; This is a type of organization that invests solely in the real estate market. There are REITs that invest in only commercial real estate, while other REITs invest in residential developments. The term &quot;ETF&quot; means &quot;exchange...]]></description><pubDate>May  2, 2010  4:31 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Deep Look at the IPO ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-deep-look-at-the-ipo-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The IPO ETF is a type of investment that many people are starting to become aware of. This type of investment can present you with some unique benefits as an investor. Here are the basics of the IPO ETF and what it can do for you. IPO This type of investment invests in IPOs. &quot;IPO&quot; is short for &quot;initial public offering.&quot; The initial public offering is the first offering of stock that a company makes available to investors. Many people like to invest in IPOs because of the massive growth potential that they hold. Many stocks have doubled or...]]></description><pubDate>May  2, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can Alternative Energy ETFs Prove Their Worth?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/can-alternative-energy-etfs-prove-their-worth.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The alternative energy ETF is an investment that many people are turning to in today's economy. This type of investment is one that has been generally regarded to have some potential in the future. Here are the basics of the alternative energy ETF and what you should expect from it in the coming years. Alternative Energy ETF's An alternative energy ETF is an exchange traded fund that invests in companies that produce alternative forms of energy. For example, this type of ETF might invest in companies that produce equipment for wind turbines. It might also invest in companies that...]]></description><pubDate>April 11, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Actively Managed ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-actively-managed-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The actively managed ETF is a unique type of investment vehicle. Here are the basics of the actively managed ETF and information about how it could benefit you. Actively Managed ETF An actively managed ETF utilizes investment strategies that try to outperform those of passive ETFs. While many ETFs will try to match a particular benchmark or index, an actively managed ETF will try to exceed those returns. An actively managed ETF can be used to mimic the returns of a particular mutual fund or a fund manager's stock picks. Benefit to Investors With this method of management, investors...]]></description><pubDate>April 11, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Passive vs Active ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/passive-vs-active-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are considering a passive versus&amp;nbsp;active&amp;nbsp;ETF, you will need to think about the investment manager's style rather than just the investments in the fund. A passive manager is one who allows the market to take turns without changing the assets in a portfolio immediately. An active manager is constantly manipulating the fund due to not only market turns but also anticipated market turns. Each fund is popular for unique reasons. Advantages of a Passive Fund There are two key advantages passive funds aim to achieve. The first is a reduction in costs related to transactions and maintenance. Each...]]></description><pubDate>April 11, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[ETF Investing: Passive or Active?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/etf-investing-passive-or-active.html</link><description><![CDATA[ ETF investing can provide you with a solid return in your portfolio. When getting involved in ETF's, you need to decide whether you are going to employ a passive or active trading style. Here are a few things to consider about whether you should invest passively or actively with ETF's. Passive Investing ETF's provide a great vehicle for those that wish to passively invest in the market. The ETF was originally invented so that people could easily track the movements of the market. An ETF is typically constructed so that it has all of the securities of a particular...]]></description><pubDate>April 10, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Corner a Market with the Sector ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/corner-a-market-with-the-sector-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The sector ETF is an investment that has been gaining steam. Here are the basics of the sector ETF and how it can help you with your portfolio. Sector ETF The sector ETF is an exchange traded fund that focuses on a particular sector of the stock market. The fund manager of the exchange traded fund will choose a particular sector of the market and invest in stocks from that sector. They will do their best to provide you with a diversified collection of stocks from that designated sector. Typically, the name of the ETF will tell you what...]]></description><pubDate>April 10, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Emerging Market ETF: Providing Valuable Foreign Exposure]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/emerging-market-etf-providing-valuable-foreign-exposure.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The emerging market ETF is an investment that many are starting to see the value in. The emerging market ETF provides you with an alternative to traditional forms of investment. Here are the basics of the emerging market ETF and what it can provide to you as an investor. Emerging Market ETF The emerging market ETF is an investment that is based on securities in foreign markets that are developing. With this type of investment, ETF managers try to identify profitable foreign markets. Markets that have up until this point been undeveloped provide you with a large opportunity for...]]></description><pubDate>April  9, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Leveraged Sector ETF: Dreaming Big]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-leveraged-sector-etf-dreaming-big.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a leveraged sector ETF&amp;nbsp;can provide you with several advantages. Here are the basics of the leveraged sector ETF and what it can do for you. Sector ETF's Sector ETF's are investment vehicles that allow you to take advantage of a particular section of the economy. For example, you could purchase a retail ETF and take advantage of the movement of the retail industry. This would provide you with a much better investment than if you were to invest in an individual stock from a particular sector. Adding Leverage Adding leverage to a sector ETF can help you...]]></description><pubDate>April  9, 2010  4:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Useful Strategies for Utilizing a Dividend ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/useful-strategies-for-utilizing-a-dividend-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A dividend exchange-traded fund (ETF) tracks a number of high-yield securities in one index. Traditional ETFs use a diversified index as a way of passively creating a portfolio that responds pretty directly to market movement on a whole. These ETFs can be purchased easily, creating an easily diversified portfolio for an individual investor. As the ETF model matured, investment houses realized they could use the option not just to track the market as a whole but also to specialize in certain segments of the market. The dividend ETF is one of these specialized funds. Dow Jones DJ Select The...]]></description><pubDate>March 24, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Reliable are Commodity ETFs?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-reliable-are-commodity-etfs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Commodity Exchange-Traded Funds (Commodity ETFs) combine the reliability of an ETF with the complexities of a volatile commodities market. Therefore, the results of the fund typically show a hybrid effect, at times stable and low risk, at times very subject to market fluctuations. On the whole, though, a commodity ETF is a safer bet than investing directly into the commodity market. For this reason, it is a good entrance into the complexities of commodity investment. What Is an ETF? An ETF is essentially an open-ended fund that tracks a particular index or benchmark. When you buy shares of an...]]></description><pubDate>March 24, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Should the Average Person Use Commodities ETFs?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-should-the-average-person-use-commodities-etfs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A commodities ETF is a unique investment tool. A commodity ETF allows you to speculate in the commodities market through a more diversified investment vehicle. Here are the basics of how the average person should use commodity ETF's. Commodity ETF's The term ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund, which means that you can trade your shares of the fund on the stock exchange. A commodity ETF is one that invests solely in commodities. It may be made up of thousands of shares in commodity companies and several futures contracts. However, you are buying into a highly diversified portfolio of...]]></description><pubDate>March 19, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Invest in a High-Risk Commodity ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-in-a-high-risk-commodity-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The commodity ETF is a relatively new form of investment that many traders have started to turn to. With the commodity ETF, you can access the commodities market indirectly. Here are the basics of how to invest in a high-risk commodity ETF. Commodity ETFs In order to understand how to invest in a commodity ETF, you first need understand what a commodity ETF is. ETF stands for &quot;exchange traded fund.&quot; This name indicates that you can buy and sell shares of a fund on the stock exchange anytime that the stock exchange is open. This presents traders with a...]]></description><pubDate>March 19, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Liquid Investment: The Water ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-liquid-investment-the-water-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In some ways, you can't go wrong with water ETFs, especially since water is essential to survival. With the ever changing environment water is becoming more and more scarce. It, like other natural resources, is decreasing as the human population and consumption increases. The overwhelming impact of continued industrialization is further depleting water sources. As a result, there will always be a value on the commodity. This high demand and consumption of water makes it a lucrative investment. Water ETF Defined A water ETF is basically a fund that invests into water industry companies. Those companies may be water...]]></description><pubDate>March 12, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Essential Steps to Becoming an ETF Investor]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-essential-steps-to-becoming-an-etf-investor.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Becoming an ETF investor&amp;nbsp;is a relatively new form of investment. Here are a few steps that you will need to take in order to become an ETF investor.&amp;nbsp; 1. Open Brokerage Account When you want to start trading ETFs, the first thing that you will have to do is open a brokerage account. Any broker that deals in the stock market should be fine. Since ETFs are traded on the exchange like a stock, you just need access to the market through anyone to get involved.&amp;nbsp; 2. Research Once you have your account open, you need to begin your...]]></description><pubDate>February 26, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Downside of a Fixed Income ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-downside-of-a-fixed-income-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you choose to invest in a fixed income ETF, the downside is the amount of return that you will receive. Fixed income ETFs are based on returns that track the underlying fixed income, or bond indices. These index returns are much lower than those that you would expect for equity based index ETF. &amp;nbsp; Who Uses Fixed Income ETFs? Fixed income ETFs are most commonly used by investors with a short investment periods. They provide a safety feature similar to bonds, although you are investing in the performance of the index in an ETF. This removes some of...]]></description><pubDate>February 22, 2010 12:39 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Financial ETF?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-financial-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A financial exchange-traded-fund (ETF) is an investment vehicle that tracks an index of financial stocks. Just as the Dow Jones Industrial Average or the S&amp;amp;P 500 tracks the broad market, so specific indexes track almost every sector of the stock market. In order to make these indexes investable, certain financial institutions have introduced ETFs. Financial Indexes Financial companies comprise one of the various sectors within the economy and the stock market. The sector can be broken down into more specialized industries, such as large banks, regional banks and brokerages. At the sector level, because many investors believe that stocks...]]></description><pubDate>February 10, 2010  4:25 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Dow ETF vs SPDR]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-dow-etf-vs-spdr.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Two of the oldest and best known exchange-traded-funds (ETFs) are the one that tracks the Dow Jones Industrial Average (Diamond Trust [DIA], &amp;ldquo;diamonds&amp;rdquo;) and the one that tracks the S&amp;amp;P 500 (S&amp;amp;P Deposit Receipts [SPY], &amp;ldquo;spiders&amp;rdquo;). These instruments track the mostly widely watched U.S. stock indexes. Each has strengths relative to the other that you should consider before investing. Diamonds (DIA) The Dow Jones Industrial Average is comprised of 30 large cap stocks that are thought to represent the broad market. Most retail investors watch this index, and it is the one you will be most likely to hear...]]></description><pubDate>February  5, 2010  4:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Help with REIT ETFs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/help-with-reit-etfs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An REIT ETF&amp;nbsp;is a unique investment tool that allows you to invest in real estate passively. REITs have been around for a while, and many investors have found success with them. ETFs are still a relatively new form of investment when compared to stocks or other types of funds. Therefore, many people are still learning the benefits of the ETF. When you combine the aspects of an REIT and the benefits of trading an ETF, you come up with a pretty interesting investment strategy. Here are a few things that can help you understand REIT ETFs and whether or...]]></description><pubDate>February  4, 2010  5:07 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at the Bank ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-the-bank-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A bank exchange traded fund, or bank ETF, tracks the stock of a given bank over a period of time. These investment opportunities may not be available to all investors. Many ETFs are accessible only to institutional investors, which include investment groups or individuals with over $100M in the market at a given time. As such, you will need to consult with an institutional investment group to purchase a bank ETF. Taking this step can be beneficial because bank ETFs pose very high potential returns and are highly liquid, meaning they can quickly be sold for cash. Understanding an...]]></description><pubDate>February  4, 2010  5:05 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[ETF and Leverage: Understand How it Works]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/etf-and-leverage-understand-how-it-works.html</link><description><![CDATA[ By using leverage with an ETF, investing can suddenly become a lot more interesting. While most people think of ETFs as a slow and steady type of investment, the advent of the leveraged ETF has started to make them a little riskier. ETFs that involve leverage are done in a different way than the traditional ETF. Here are a few things that you will want to understand about leveraged ETFs before you get involved.&amp;nbsp; Debt and Equity In order to successfully run a leveraged ETF, the fund managers have to borrow an equal amount of money to what they...]]></description><pubDate>February  4, 2010  5:03 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Dangers of a Leveraged ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-dangers-of-a-leveraged-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ While leveraged exchange-traded-funds (ETFs) offer an easy way to get more dramatic returns, they have real dangers that should be understood. A leveraged ETF is designed to produce returns that magnify the return of the underlying index by a factor of 2 or 3. Essentially, if the index goes up by 1%, a leveraged ETF will go up by 2 or 3%. In some instances, these instruments track the inverse of the underlying index-&amp;ndash;they rise when the index goes down. The most significant danger of these instruments is that over time the performance of the ETFs decays, much as...]]></description><pubDate>February  4, 2010  5:01 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Leveraged ETF?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-leveraged-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A leveraged ETF&amp;nbsp;is exchange traded fund that is designed to&amp;nbsp;give the investors better returns by providing them with additional leverage using additional borrowed money.&amp;nbsp;Leveraged ETFs are more sensitive to market changes than most other types of exchange traded funds. While this&amp;nbsp;makes them more profitable than other ETFs when the market is stable and improving, it also make it much more vulnerable to losses in volatile and depressed markets. This is why each investor must decide whether the benefits of leveraged ETFs outweigh the risks. Leveraged ETF Basics ETF is an acronym for Exchange-Traded Funds, investment vehicles traded in stock...]]></description><pubDate>February  4, 2010  4:57 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Expected Returns from a Currency ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/expected-returns-from-a-currency-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The expected returns from a currency ETF will vary from currency to currency, but are generally modest. While there is a degree of variability in relative currency prices, these moves tend to be relatively small and you will need to hold the position for an extended period to see them. If you had invested in the ETF which tracks the Japanese yen (FXY), for example, you would have seen a trading range of about ten percent for the past year. While this is a respectable return, most currency traders use futures in order to realize sizable gains. Futures have...]]></description><pubDate>February  4, 2010  4:53 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at the Currency ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-the-currency-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A currency ETF provides an investor the chance to invest in foreign currency without some of the complications that typically come with this type of leveraged investment. Foreign currency investment is extremely complicated because of many options and futures possibilities on the purchase or sale of currency. Most novice to intermediate investors cannot successfully execute foreign currency trade. A currency ETF, or exchange traded fund, takes care of most of the calculations for you. What Makes a Currency ETF? A typical ETF is an index of multiple investments, bundled into one investment. The ETF trades at the value of...]]></description><pubDate>February  4, 2010  4:50 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Conservative ETF Trading Tips]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-conservative-etf-trading-tips.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The world of ETF trading&amp;nbsp;is a very dynamic one, with much opportunity for gain. ETFs are one of the more diversified investment options around. They are very similar to mutual funds because they have a diversified portfolio of securities that make up the fund. However, one key difference is that you can trade ETFs whenever you want. As long as the stock exchange is open, you can trade an ETF. This leads many people into risky ETF trading strategies that end up hurting them in the long run. Here are a few tips for employing a conservative ETF trading...]]></description><pubDate>February  4, 2010  4:46 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[ETF Trading Basics]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/etf-trading-basics.html</link><description><![CDATA[ ETF trading&amp;nbsp;has become one of the most popular investment strategies in the world today. The ETF has not been around for as long as some of the other investment vehicles, but it is growing rapidly in popularity. You can now choose from over 800 ETFs that are actively traded in the market and there are billions of dollars that are tied up in ETF portfolios as well. If you are considering trading ETFs as part of your individual portfolio, you will need to know some basic information to understand the process better. Here are a few things that you...]]></description><pubDate>February  4, 2010  4:42 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Profit From a Declining Industry with an Inverse ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/profit-from-a-declining-industry-with-an-inverse-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The inverse ETF&amp;nbsp;is an investment tool that allows you to profit from a declining market. With the inverse ETF, you actually want the price of certain assets to decrease. If the asset prices decrease, you actually make money from the investment. While this may sound like it goes against the basic rules of investing, it can be a sound investment strategy under the right circumstances. Here are a few things to consider about inverse ETFs and how they work. How They Work An inverse ETFs is designed to be an investment tool for those that want to bet on...]]></description><pubDate>February  4, 2010  4:39 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Risks of an Inverse ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-risks-of-an-inverse-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in an inverse ETF (exchange-traded fund) is becoming a popular thing to do in uncertain financial markets. The ETF is a very diversified way to invest, but it still requires the assets that make up the ETF to do well in order to make money. With an inverse ETF, you do not have to worry about the market going up in order to make a profit. While it can be a beneficial way to invest, there are some risks associated with an inverse ETF.&amp;nbsp; Risks of Inverse ETFs The market raising is bad--When you invest in an inverse...]]></description><pubDate>February  4, 2010  4:35 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does an Inverse ETF Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-an-inverse-etf-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors have begun to realize the power of the inverse ETF (exchange-traded fund). An inverse ETF is an investment vehicle that essentially allows you to bet against the market. While savvy investors have been doing this for years, the mainstream investor is now becoming aware of this ability thanks to inverse ETFs. An inverse ETF actually profits if the index that it tracks goes down. This makes it the exact opposite of your normal ETF. While these investments can be beneficial, there are a few drawbacks to them as well. In order to understand if this type of...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  5:51 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Downsides of a Silver ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/downsides-of-a-silver-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ ETFs present you with a very diversified way to invest in commodities, industries and indexes; therefore, it is no surprise that silver ETFs have become popular in recent years. While silver ETFs can present you with some good opportunities, it is best to be aware of the downsides of investing in them.&amp;nbsp; Low Correlation Silver as a commodity has low correlation to many other things. About the only thing that it is directly correlated with is gold. Therefore, it can be hard to predict when to buy and sell your shares of the ETF. You may not have much...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  5:49 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in Silver with an ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-silver-with-an-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a silver ETF&amp;nbsp;is becoming more and more popular in today's market. For years, there were only a few ways to invest in silver efficiently. You could buy a futures contract on silver or you could actually buy and hold silver in your own possession. Besides owning a silver mine, these were about the only options that you had to get involved. Now with a silver ETF, you can get in the game of silver with minimal headaches and good opportunity for profit. Here are a few things that you may want to consider about silver ETFs and...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  5:46 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can an ETF Hedge Fund Work for You?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/can-an-etf-hedge-fund-work-for-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An ETF fund will hold multiple, diversified exchange traded funds. Calling this fund a hedge fund means many different things, such as covering how the fund trades, the returns it may expect and even how it is regulated. Most investors will not be starting their own ETF hedge funds. Instead, they will be placing their assets with a hedge fund for ETF trading. If you are considering this option, make sure you understand both how a hedge fund works and how an ETF works to truly evaluate your options. Hedge Fund Qualities Hedge funds are accessible to high net...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  5:42 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Factors to Look at in an ETF Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/factors-to-look-at-in-an-etf-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The term ETF fund is a bit of a misnomer since ETF means &quot;exchange-traded fund.&quot; These portfolios of stocks, bonds, commodities or even currencies are commonly referred to simply as ETFs. ETFs are indexes of a given amount of trading devices, and they trade each day at the value of the sum of all of their parts. There are many types of ETFs, from extremely focused to very diversified, and each will offer its own benefits. Diversification of the ETF All factors of an ETF start at one common place: whether it is diversified or focused. A diversified ETF...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  5:38 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Built-In Diversity of an Exchange Traded Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/built-in-diversity-of-an-exchange-traded-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An exchange traded fund&amp;nbsp;is one of the most popular ways to invest in the current investment world. An exchange traded fund is like a mutual fund that you can trade on the stock exchange. Its flexibility is what draws a lot of investors to it. You can do so many things with it and get involved with so many different kinds of investments. It is one of the most diversified investment vehicles in the world. Here are some things to consider about the built-in diversity of an exchange traded fund.&amp;nbsp; What You Are Buying When you buy a share...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  5:34 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lag in the ETF Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/lag-in-the-etf-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The lag in the ETF market often refers to two main phenomena. First, you may notice that there is a small lag between the performance of an ETF and its underlying index on a daily basis. Second, over time there is a small performance lag between an ETF and the index it tracks. The former lag tends to minimal and driven by regular market forces. The later is a function of fees that you need to understand before committing capital to such an investment. The Intraday ETF Lag Throughout the course of a given trading day, you may notice...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  5:31 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does the ETF Market Compare to Alternative Investments?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-the-etf-market-compare-to-alternative-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The ETF market is a very diverse financial market that involves many different industries and is a relatively new investment tool, compared to many other models. There are still many people learning the benefits of trading an ETF. Currently, you can choose from over 800 options if you want to invest in an ETF. This gives you many choices that cover a wide array of industries and companies. Compared to other forms of investments, ETFs can provide you with many benefits. Here are a few ways that the ETF market compares to other alternative investments. Compared to Stocks Stocks...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  5:27 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Reasons to Invest in a Dow ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-reasons-to-invest-in-a-dow-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are many reasons to invest in a Dow ETF, ranging from stability and liquidity to long-term stock exposure. The following reasons will help you to evaluate if an investment in an ETF that tracks the Dow Jones Industrial Average is an appropriate addition to your portfolio. The oldest and best known Dow ETF, called the Diamonds Trust (which trades under the ticker &quot;DIA&quot;) will be our focus. DIA Has an Established Investment History When you are considering including a security in your portfolio, the length and stability of the security is an important concern. DIA is one of...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  5:23 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The S&amp;P ETF vs The Dow ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-sp-etf-vs-the-dow-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are considering investing in either the Dow exchange-traded-fund (ETF) or the S&amp;amp;P ETF, there are some important factors to consider. While they have a few similarities, there are key differences which may impact your decision between the two. In either case, as the ETF market continues to experiences explosive growth, these are two of the oldest and most important ETFs available today. The Dow ETF The Dow ETF is officially called the Diamonds Trust, trades under the ticker &amp;ldquo;DIA,&amp;rdquo; and tracks the performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (the DJIA). Shares are informally referred to as...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  5:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Does Investing in an S&amp;P ETF Equal Diversification?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/does-investing-in-an-sp-etf-equal-diversification.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An S&amp;amp;P ETF is a bundled investment opportunity tracking the values of large-cap common stocks offered in the United States. Since the S&amp;amp;P is only focused on these types of stocks, it does not account for commodities, currencies and small-cap products. So, if you were to purchase an ETF using only S&amp;amp;P products, you would have some diversification, but your portfolio would not necessarily be diversified. ETF Diversification An exchange-traded fund is not necessarily diversified, but it is more diversified than one investment product alone. The fund is composed of many parts. The fund is valued at the sum...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  5:16 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[6 Reasons to Consider a S&amp;P ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/6-reasons-to-consider-a-sp-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are many reasons to consider an S&amp;amp;P 500 exchange traded fund (ETF) as a way to anchor your portfolio. Despite the recent negative view of buy-and-hold strategies, using one this type of investment as tool within your overall investment approach should be considered. By weighing the following factors within your individual circumstances, you can improve your overall investment profile. Broad Market Exposure is Important Buy-and-hold strategies have been maligned in recent months as a part of the wake left from the financial crisis. Critics have pointed out that if you had invested 10 years ago, if you measure...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  5:12 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Choosing a High-Performing Index ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/choosing-a-high-performing-index-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you want to choose a high performing index ETF, there are several important decisions to make. You need to decide if you are comfortable using leverage-&amp;ndash;an increasing number of ETF providers offer this option. You need to determine if there is an investment bias you wish to take or if a broader approach is more in keeping with your risk tolerance. Finally, you need to choose the most appropriate provider for your needs; many offer very similar products. General Considerations As with any investment decision, you should determine your time horizon, risk tolerance, and objectives prior to deploying...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  5:10 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Bond ETF: A Profitable Alternative to Index Bond Funds?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-bond-etf-a-profitable-alternative-to-index-bond-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In some cases a bond ETF may be a profitable alternative to index bond funds, but the forces that affect each are somewhat different. When you switch from a stock index fund to an indexed ETF, there are few differences. The mechanics of stock mutual funds and ETFs are very similar. With bonds, these differences are more significant and can make comparing them more difficult. You should spend the time to make this comparison, however, because if you do not, the results you achieve may be other than expected. The Mechanics of a Bond Index Fund When you invest...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  5:08 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trading a Short ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/trading-a-short-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many traders have started to use the short ETF&amp;nbsp;as a way to diversify their portfolios. Trading short ETFs is quite a different strategy compared to what you are used to with regular ETFs. With this type of investment, you will actually profit from a decline in the market or index that the ETF tracks. These types of investments are also referred to as inverse ETFs by some investors. This type of investment strategy has to be used carefully in order to profit from it. Here are a few things that you will want to consider before you get involved...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  5:06 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Makes a Steel ETF a Solid Investment?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-makes-a-steel-etf-a-solid-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The factors that make a steel ETF a solid investment are driven largely by the stability of steel companies. Driven primarily by the price of steel, which is directly linked to other commodity prices, a steel ETF reacts to inflation pressures and the general direction of commodity prices. Commodities are generally thought to be a good investment when inflation is a factor. As the general price level rises, so must the prices of those things from which things are made. General economic conditions are also a factor. The demand for steel is directly linked to the economy. When the...]]></description><pubDate>February  1, 2010  4:17 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The NASDAQ ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-nasdaq-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The NASDAQ exchange traded fund (ETF) is officially called the PowerShares QQQ Trust and trades under the ticker &amp;ldquo;QQQQ.&amp;rdquo;The ETF tracks the performance of the NASDAQ 100 index. Shares are informally referred to as both &amp;ldquo;q&amp;rsquo;s&amp;rdquo; and &amp;ldquo;quad-q&amp;rsquo;s.&amp;rdquo; QQQQ is generally considered more specialized than the Dow and S&amp;amp;P based ETFs. The Technology ETF Because of the tech-heavy nature of the NASDAQ 100 it is generally considered a good proxy for an investment in technology stocks. While you certainly have many more specialized options to focus on a specific sector or industry within the technology space, if you want...]]></description><pubDate>February  1, 2010  4:13 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Money Market ETF: A Secure Investment?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/money-market-etf-a-secure-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A money market ETF has money market accounts as its underlying investment.&amp;nbsp; Money market accounts are investment accounts. They are usually managed in a very conservative manner. They usually are invested in Treasury bills, certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and other low risk investments. Also, they usually allow holders to draw money from the account using a checkbook.&amp;nbsp; Maintaining cash, or other highly liquid&amp;nbsp; holdings is very desirable to investors during tough economic times. Money market ETFs are also very desirable to investors who want to move in and out of the market very quickly and on a daily...]]></description><pubDate>January 26, 2010  4:18 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 ETF Tips for First-Time Investors]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-etf-tips-for-first-time-investors.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Exchange traded funds, or ETFs, are a way for many investors to experience the returns found in popular indexes, without actually investing in the securities directly. An ETF is a type of investment that provides a level of instant diversification for an investor. An ETF can be based on an index of stocks or bonds, or other types of securities. The ETF does not buy the individual securities that make up the fund so it reduces some of the concentration risk that an investor may be exposed to. An ETF exposes the investor to the same types of risks...]]></description><pubDate>January 21, 2010  4:09 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Diversifying Your Stocks with an ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/diversifying-your-stocks-with-an-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ ETF&amp;nbsp;and&amp;nbsp;stocks&amp;nbsp;provide different investment returns for an individual investor. It is appropriate to consider investing in an ETF contact when an individual investor lacks the capital necessary to fully enjoy the benefits of investing in a broad based number of stocks. ETFs require a lower capital outlay than a comparable stock investment and as such is desirous of smaller investors who are looking to participate in the market. Exchange Traded Funds versus Stocks An ETF, or exchange traded fund, is a fund that is designed to track the returns and performance of an underlying index, such as a Lehman Brothers...]]></description><pubDate>January 21, 2010  4:06 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Exchange Traded Funds for India]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/exchange-traded-funds-for-india.html</link><description><![CDATA[ India Exchange Traded Funds, ETFs, may be aptly described as a combination of equity shares and mutual funds. They may be&amp;nbsp;compared to equity shares as they are traded on stock exchanges. They also resemble mutual funds as they consist of a set of specified stocks and commodities, including gold. Role of ETF There is no denying that ETFs are by far less popular than the traditional mutual funds to which a greater number of investors flock. This may presumably be due to the lack of awareness of the existence of ETF or the more likely reason - the improper...]]></description><pubDate>January 21, 2010  4:02 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Paying Taxes on Your ETF Dividends]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/paying-taxes-on-your-etf-dividends.html</link><description><![CDATA[ ETF dividends are part of what make ETFs such a unique investment tool. Mutual funds only reinvest the money back into the fund for their clients. However, ETFs actually pay out the individual dividends from the stocks that make up the ETF. This can provide a handy little residual income, but it can also be confusing when it comes time to pay taxes. Here are a few things to consider about paying your ETF dividend taxes.&amp;nbsp; Qualified vs Unqualified There are two types of dividends that can be distributed with ETFs: qualified and unqualified dividends. In order to fall...]]></description><pubDate>January 18, 2010  4:22 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Effect of a Failing Stock on Your ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-effect-of-a-failing-stock-on-your-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Looking at ETF stocks&amp;nbsp;is something that a lot of investors do on a regular basis. ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund, which is basically like a mutual fund that you can trade on the stock exchange. Therefore, a typical ETF is made up of many shares of different stocks that are also traded on the exchange. If you own shares in an ETF, you might be wondering what the effect of a failing stock is on your ETF shares. Here are a few things to keep in mind in that regard. Failing Stocks ETFs are designed to be very...]]></description><pubDate>January 18, 2010  4:18 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in Canada with Exchange Traded Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-canada-with-exchange-traded-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are interested in trading exchange traded funds, Canada&amp;nbsp;could be a place to consider. While not generally thought of as an economic power, Canada does have some efficient industries that could contribute to an ETF. ETFs actually first started out in Canada shortly before they came to the United States. Therefore, they have been trading ETFs longer than anywhere else in the world. Here are a few things to consider about ETF investing in Canada.&amp;nbsp; ETF Benefits Investing in an ETF in Canada can present you with several advantages as an investor. For one thing, ETFs are very...]]></description><pubDate>January 16, 2010  5:02 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Risks of the Transportation ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/risks-of-the-transportation-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ As an investor you have many options and the transportation ETF represents one type of investment that you can use to profit. The transportation industry in the United States is one of the most critical industries in the marketplace, without it, our country would fail. While there are some great possibilities for returns on investment, the transportation ETF is not without its fair share of risks as well. Here are a few risks that come with the transportation ETF. Affected By Other Industries When you are dealing in transportation ETFs, there is an association with other industries that you...]]></description><pubDate>January 16, 2010  4:58 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Choose a European ETF?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-choose-a-european-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A European ETF is appropriate to add diversity to an investment portfolio that may be top heavy with domestic securities. A European ETF seeks to mirror the return of its underlying European market index such as those tracking the London Stock Exchange, Tokyo Stock Exchange or even the Bombay or Mumbai Stock Exchange in India. European ETFs are a broad term that includes the Far East and emerging market exchanges as well such as Japan and India. An investor should always consider the broadest way to achieve investment diversification by including investment in foreign and foreign based securities. Exchange...]]></description><pubDate>January 16, 2010  4:54 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing with an ETF in a Bear Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-with-an-etf-in-a-bear-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a bear ETF, or one that is based on a downturn in the market, may be a good strategy if the prospects for the stock market are low. A bear market ETF provides a way for an investor to benefit from the low expectation of the market's performance and provide some investment return for the owner of the contract. Exchange Traded Funds Exchange traded funds mirror their index performance by matching the investments that make up the index. In the case of a bear market ETF, the performance is based on derivatives and other securities that are...]]></description><pubDate>January 16, 2010  4:51 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Is a TIPS ETF the Right Investment for You?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/is-a-tips-etf-the-right-investment-for-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An&amp;nbsp;ETF TIPS&amp;nbsp;investment, which is based on the Treasury Inflation Protection Securities (TIPS), is right for the investor that is looking to protect their principal investment amount and keep pace with the rate of inflation. A TIPS ETF seeks to mirror the performance of an index by tracking its performance. TIPS are an appropriate investment for many investors who are looking to protect their principal investment amount and have a short investment period. About Exchange Traded Funds The purpose of an exchange traded (ETFs) fund is to provide investors with a low cost way to mimic the returns of an...]]></description><pubDate>January 16, 2010  4:47 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Choosing When to Invest in (or Avoid) a Retail ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/choosing-when-to-invest-in-or-avoid-a-retail-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A&amp;nbsp;retail ETF&amp;nbsp;is based on an index of retailers that include retailers like KMart, WalMart, Macy's and Target. There are also other categories of retailers that round off the fund and make it a viable exchange traded funds, or a good buy for most investors. Knowing when to invest in retail ETF and when to consider avoiding retail ETF is a difficult thing to predict. Market timing is a small element of an overall portfolio strategy. It is also near impossible to know precisely when to consider moving into this sector as an investment opportunity and when to move out...]]></description><pubDate>January 16, 2010  4:43 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in Brazil with an ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-brazil-with-an-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A&amp;nbsp;Brazil ETF&amp;nbsp;is one that would be interested in tracking the performance of an index of Brazilian stocks. Brazil, like India, is an emerging market place that is of great interest for many investors. The use of an exchange traded fund provide investors with little capital an opportunity to participate in this emerging market opportunity without the same level of capital risk as larger investors. Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) An ETF, or exchange traded fund, is a type of investment security that has risen in popularity over the past 10 years. The fund is based on the performance of an...]]></description><pubDate>January 16, 2010  4:40 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding the Russell 2000 ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-the-russell-2000-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Russell 2000 ETF, or exchange traded fund, is based on the performance of the underlying Russell 2000 stock index. The Russell 2000 is one of the broadest based market indicators (aside from the Wilshire Composite 5000). The ETF provides a history of moving in the direction that the underlying stock behaves in the market. The Philosophy The philosophy behind an exchange traded fund, or ETF, is to provide an investor with a way to mirror the returns that are provided in a market index. These indexes can be based on a number of different types of assets including...]]></description><pubDate>January 16, 2010  4:36 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Get a Steady Return with the Technology ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-get-a-steady-return-with-the-technology-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A&amp;nbsp;technology ETF&amp;nbsp;is one that tracks the performance of indices that look at technology companies. Most technology companies and firms, such as Cisco Systems and Microsoft, are found on the NASDAQ. Naturally, the corresponding ETFs also traded on the NASDAQ trading system. Receiving a steady return with a technology ETF is possible and can be difficult. It can be as difficult as getting a steady return from any type of investment. In other words, if you believe that there exits an investment strategy that will provide you with a constant level of returns you are probably not a person who...]]></description><pubDate>January 16, 2010  4:32 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Popular Commodity ETFs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-popular-commodity-etfs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Commodity ETFs&amp;nbsp;provide a way to take advantage of the returns in this asset class without having to go out and purchase the commodity itself. The three most popular commodity exchange traded funds or ETFs are those in textiles, precious metals and jewelry and silver mining. The returns within these commodity sectors outpace those of other sectors, both within the commodities asset class and throughout other asset classes. About Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) An exchange traded fund or ETF is a fund whose performance is based on the returns of the index that underlies the ETF. In other words, an...]]></description><pubDate>January 16, 2010  4:29 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 ETF Investing Strategies to Avoid]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-etf-investing-strategies-to-avoid.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are at a few investment strategies that you should avoid with ETFs. An exchange traded fund (ETF) is designed to give an investor with a way to mimic or match the returns of the fund&amp;rsquo; underlying index without having to by the individual shares in the index. An ETF can be based on the index that tracks 30-year U.S. Treasury Bonds, Municipal Bonds, currency funds, and stocks such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average or the S&amp;amp;P 500. The ETF seeks to be of the market and not away from it. What this means is that an ETF...]]></description><pubDate>January 16, 2010  4:25 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bonds vs. TIPS ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bonds-vs-tips-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Government bonds are often not as secure as TIPS ETF bonds due to the possibility of high rates of inflation. Government bonds, such as Treasury Bills, are very popular when the market is unstable. They have very consistent, predictable returns on investment. Unfortunately, when the economy is unstable, inflation can skyrocket, making this modest interest rate not enough to cover the declining value of the dollar. TIPS ETF bonds were created to solve this problem. TIPS stands for Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities. This means these bonds come with a built in guaranty they will adjust for the rate of inflation...]]></description><pubDate>January 16, 2010  4:22 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Global ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-global-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Global ETFs&amp;nbsp;are based on stocks or bonds, and other securities, from all parts of the world that make up a global index. This also includes commodities such as oil, gas, precious metals and others. Global ETFs are often referred to as international ETFs but global also includes U.S. domestic securities. This inclusion broadens the type of securities that can be included and provides an investor with a more diversified investment. Exchange Traded Funds Exchange trade funds (ETFs) are funds that are based on the performance of an underlying index of securities. Such a fund is a passively managed investment...]]></description><pubDate>January 16, 2010  4:18 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Selling Your ETF Shares]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/selling-your-etf-shares.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Owning ETF shares&amp;nbsp;as an investor can provide you with a strong, flexible investment. ETFs are still a relatively new investment compared to most other securities. Therefore, there are many investors that are still unfamiliar with how they work. The performance of an ETF is going to be similar to a mutual funds because they are highly diversified. However, the way that they are bought and sold is different from a mutual fund. Here are the basics of how to sell your ETF shares. How ETF Shares Are Sold With an ETF your shares can be sold very easily through...]]></description><pubDate>January 16, 2010  4:14 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What to Expect from ETF Emerging Markets]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-to-expect-from-etf-emerging-markets.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Emerging markets ETF&amp;nbsp;follow the performance of countries such as Brazil, India and other new opportunity funds in economies and countries that are developing. An emerging markets ETF, or exchange traded fund, tracks closely the indices that closely follow companies in emerging market countries. The performance of these funds typically match the returns and performance of the index of which they are based. Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) Exchange traded funds (ETFs) are investment company shares that are similar to mutual funds, but not the same thing. Often times these types of packaged securities are confused with one another. The way...]]></description><pubDate>January 16, 2010  4:11 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding the SPDR ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-the-spdr-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The&amp;nbsp;SPDR ETF&amp;nbsp;is a mirror of the S&amp;amp;P 500 Depository Receipts, which in turn is a mirror of the S&amp;amp;P 500 index. A depository receipt is an investment that is based on the basket of securities that underlies the investment without being the actual investment. The SPDR ETF, which is referred to as the &amp;ldquo;spider&amp;rdquo; ETF, closely tracks the performance of the SPDR index and seeks to mach that return for the investor. SPDRs are comprised of various different indices including the S&amp;amp;P 500, Dow Jones Averages, Russell indices, Morgan Stanley international indices and others. To understand what a SPDR...]]></description><pubDate>January 16, 2010  4:07 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are Oil ETFs Worthwhile Investments?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/are-oil-etfs-worthwhile-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Oil ETFs are a worthwhile investment for investors who are looking to benefit from adding a commodities component to their portfolios without necessarily investing in oil or oil futures directly. Being in an oil ETF reduces some of the risk exposure to the investor, relative to being in oil. It should be understood however that all investing involves risk and investing in any exchange traded fund, or ETF, can result in possible loss, including the loss of principal investment amount. Exchange Traded Fund Objectives Exchange traded funds facilitate the receipt of returns that are designed to mirror those of...]]></description><pubDate>January 16, 2010  4:04 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing Abroad?  Consider an International ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-abroad-consider-an-international-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are considering investing abroad,&amp;nbsp;international ETFs&amp;nbsp;may provide you with a simple and diverse way to accomplish this task. An international ETF provides you with exposure to the returns found in&amp;nbsp;foreign markets without necessarily purchasing these individual securities. This provides you with a reduced risk exposure, while also opening up the opportunity to be in an international investment. International Exchange Traded Funds It should be noted that ETFs alone do not purchase the individual securities that underlie the fund. Nor does an investor have access to those securities. What an international ETF does is base its performance results on...]]></description><pubDate>January 15, 2010  5:04 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Reading Your ETF Prospectus]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/reading-your-etf-prospectus.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An ETF prospectus&amp;nbsp;is an important document. If you are considering buying shares of an ETF, the prospectus is what will tell you whether or not you should get involved. It has a lot of detailed financial information on it that should not be overlooked by potential investors. Here are a few things that you should look for when reading your ETF prospectus. Important Information The ETF prospectus will tell you exactly what makes up the fund. It will highlight all of the different stocks that it owns. It will tell you whether or not they have bonds or other...]]></description><pubDate>January 14, 2010  4:47 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Expected Dividends from ETFs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/expected-dividends-from-etfs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ It is difficult to determine the dividend on ETFs without first understanding what type of ETF is being purchased. An ETF is an Exchange Traded Fund, meaning it is actually more like a portfolio of a variety of investment option. The ETF trades at the value of the index of its holdings during a given trading day. Depending on what the ETF consists of, then, there is a different expected dividend. Bond ETFs One popular type of ETF is a government bond ETF, and this will not pay dividends in the same way a fund consisting of stocks will....]]></description><pubDate>January 14, 2010  4:44 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding the Top ETF Performers Online]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/finding-the-top-etf-performers-online.html</link><description><![CDATA[ You can find the top ETF performers online at almost any investment or financial website. The best way to track the most current performance information regarding ETFs and their performance is through the NASDAQ trading system and their online ETF portal. The NASDAQ, which is the over the counter trading system in the United States, offers the most comprehensive information concerning ETFs that trade through the NASDAQ and the best performers by class. Setting Up a Tracking for Top Performers By going to the NASDAQ website, you can set up a tracking mechanism on various types of ETFs and...]]></description><pubDate>January 14, 2010  4:40 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Fixed Income ETF?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-fixed-income-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Fixed income ETF&amp;nbsp;investment is a strategy for lower-risk investors on a fixed income. ETFs, or exchange traded funds, track an index of investments as they trade. The total value of the ETF, then, is the sum of the value of all of its parts. ETFs can minimize risk because they are made up of both low risk options, like some municipal bonds and high risk options.&amp;nbsp; Fixed income ETF portfolios make ETF options, which were once only available to institutional investors, more available to the average person investing in the market. The buy-in for the fixed income options is...]]></description><pubDate>January 14, 2010  4:36 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Growth Can You Expect from Your ETF?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-growth-can-you-expect-from-your-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are looking for steady growth, ETF&amp;nbsp;investing could be for you. ETFs are a very popular segment of the investment market, and they are growing rapidly. There are over 800 different ETFs, and all of them offer something unique. With ETFs, you can get involved in complex investments, even if you do not know that much about trading. The flexibility that they offer is unmatched in the industry. However, you may be wondering what you can expect from a good ETF.&amp;nbsp; ETF Returns The returns that you can get from an ETF vary wildly across the industry. If...]]></description><pubDate>January 14, 2010  4:33 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Invest in Biotechnology with the Biotech ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/invest-in-biotechnology-with-the-biotech-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Biotech ETFs can be risky, but can also be a very good investment. Biotech company fortunes can go up and down quite quickly depending on new discoveries, the success or failure of clinical trials, and any number of other things. Many biotechnology companies lack the funds to stay in business very long. Since biotechnology ETFs are indexed to a wide variety of companies, it may be more practical to invest in them rather than individual biotech companies. In some cases, it might be better to invest in big biotechnology companies such as Amgen and Gilead Sciences. Investing in biotechnology...]]></description><pubDate>January 14, 2010  4:29 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Maximize Your ETF Income]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/maximize-your-etf-income.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you want to boost your income, ETF investing could be a very valuable tool. ETFs are still a relatively new investment tool. They work much like mutual funds because of their diversity, but you can trade them on an exchange, just like a stock. This makes them very attractive to a number of different types of investors. If you want to maximize your ETF income, there are a few things that you will want to keep in mind.&amp;nbsp; Buy and Hold If you want to maximize your ETF income, using the buy and hold strategy could be good...]]></description><pubDate>January 14, 2010  4:26 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at International ETFs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-international-etfs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ International ETFs&amp;nbsp;are a way to provide an investor with additional diversity in their portfolio. An international exchange traded fund is based on an exchange of a foreign market such as the London or Hong Kong stock exchanges. Investing in these securities exposes an investor to the returns in the international market underlying the fund without the same level of corresponding risk. Investing in an index does not require you to purchase individual shares of the securities in the index. What an Exchange Traded Fund Is An exchange traded fund or ETF is a fund whose return is based on...]]></description><pubDate>January 14, 2010  4:22 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Long Run ETF Investment Strategies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/long-run-etf-investment-strategies.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Long term ETF strategies are based on those exchange traded funds that track the progress of either long term bonds such as 30 year corporate, or 30 year treasury bonds. They may also be based on the outlook of the overall market in terms of the S&amp;amp;P 500, Russell 2000 or other equity market indices. Long term returns for investments have specific strategies based on the nature of the underlying bond indices. To be clear a long run ETF is based on those fixed income securities that have long maturities. Using these types of investments meet the strategic needs...]]></description><pubDate>January 14, 2010  4:15 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Treasury Bond ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-treasury-bond-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A treasury&amp;nbsp;bond ETF&amp;nbsp;is a type of exchange traded fund that is based on the performance of an underlying Treasury bond index, such as the Lehman Brothers Bond Index. The Treasury bond has maturities typically of 10, 20 and 30 years and the ETF based on any of these durations seeks to mirror the returns paid on these various types of treasury bonds. Treasury ETFs, like all types of exchange traded funds, seeks to match those returns in the index precisely as their primary objective without outperforming the market. Exchange Traded Fund Exchange traded funds (ETF) provide a way for...]]></description><pubDate>January 14, 2010  4:11 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Purchasing International ETFs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/purchasing-international-etfs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ For those that want to venture outside the traditional domestic investments, international ETFs&amp;nbsp;present a unique opportunity. International ETFs allow you to invest in many different sectors, outside of the United States. Some of them represent a nice possibility for a return, while others are risky. Here are the basics of international ETFs and how they could potentially benefit you.&amp;nbsp; International ETFs An ETF is similar to a mutual fund except it is traded on an exchange. Therefore, you have more flexibility when you want to buy and sell them as compared to mutual funds. Let's say for example that...]]></description><pubDate>January 13, 2010  5:11 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Risks of Long Term Treasury Bond Exchange Traded Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-risks-of-long-term-treasury-bond-exchange-traded-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you choose to invest in a&amp;nbsp;bond exchange traded ETF, &amp;nbsp;you should know that bond ETFs are based on returns that track the underlying bond indices such as the one published by Lehman Brothers. The index returns for bonds are lower than stock index ETF like the S&amp;amp;P 500 or Russell 2000 indexes for stocks. The tradeoff between risk and return is what is always present when choosing to purchase a long term bond exchange traded fund ETF over other types of ETFs. Who Needs Fixed Income ETFs? Fixed income ETFs are more desired by investors with a limited...]]></description><pubDate>January 13, 2010  5:08 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[ETF Hedge Fund Strategies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/etf-hedge-fund-strategies.html</link><description><![CDATA[ As an investor, you may need to know several different ETF strategies&amp;nbsp;in order to be successful. ETFs are a very popular form of investment and using them as part of a hedge fund is also growing as a strategy. A hedge fund is a select investment group that is usually reserved for those with a lot of capital to invest. Usually it takes at least $1 million to get involved. If you are involved in a hedge fund ETF, there are several different investment strategies that they could use to make some nice returns.&amp;nbsp; Hedging Strategy Most hedge funds...]]></description><pubDate>January 13, 2010  5:06 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Short ETF Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/short-etf-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Short ETF or short term exchange traded funds are those funds that track the performance of short term debt securities. These are securities such as treasury notes with maturities of 1 to 3 years and treasury bills with maturities of up to 12 months. The funds are mostly based on the indices that track treasury notes since you will often find treasury bills inside money market funds. These funds provide a level of safety and stability for an investment portfolio since they are based mainly on government issued securities that are backed by the full faith and credit of...]]></description><pubDate>January 13, 2010  5:04 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Analyzing Gold ETF Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/analyzing-gold-etf-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Analyzing a gold ETF investment is no different than analyzing any other investment in an exchange traded fund. ETFs that are based on gold indices and prices can be a good way to provide diversity to your portfolio. These ETFs can add commodities to your overall portfolio and help you diversify. As with all investment strategies, you should consider consulting an investment professional before you invest. Whether you decide to do it yourself, or hire someone you should research credible sources that can provide you with objective investment information. What Are Exchange Traded Funds or ETFs? Exchange traded funds...]]></description><pubDate>January 13, 2010  5:01 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Managing Your ETF Investment]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/managing-your-etf-investment-1.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Managing your ETF investment&amp;nbsp;is important if you want to maximize your potential returns. ETFs can be considered a long-term investment depending on the strategy, but you will still want to manage them properly. If you just leave your ETF alone, you might find out that your investment is gone one day. Here are a few tips to managing your ETF investment.&amp;nbsp; Research The first thing that you need to do is educate yourself. Research your ETFs and make sure that they meet your investment goals. If you find that the ETFs you invested in are no longer in your...]]></description><pubDate>January  9, 2010  4:30 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look a the Transportation ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-a-the-transportation-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When economies are on the upswing, transportation ETFs are almost invariable a good investment. This is because the transportation sector is often an overall indicator of economic health. If more things are being moved between companies, more things are going to be produced. The transportation sector includes airlines, railways, package carriers, oil pipelines, and gas pipelines. Transportation accounts for 3% of the United States&amp;rsquo; GDP, or&amp;nbsp; $400 billion dollars. As customers buy more, they transport more things including themselves. A battered as the transportation sector has been in rough economic times, transportation is still considered one of the most...]]></description><pubDate>January  9, 2010  3:44 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 ETF Option Trading Strategies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/number-etf-options-trading-strategies.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many ETFs hold underlying options. Since the prices of ETFS fluctuate throughout the day, ETFs allow this kind of flexibility. You might want to get temporary exposure to a certain sector. Another reason to invest in exchange traded funds with underlying options is to hedge current ETF positions in your portfolio. Buying and selling ETF options allows you more sophisticated trading strategies than just buying ETFs. Trading ETF options incurs a small fee called a premium. ETF options are useful for customizing your risk exposure to the entire market as opposed to individual stocks. ETF options have often been...]]></description><pubDate>January  9, 2010  3:40 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[6 Best Performing ETFs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/6-best-performing-etfs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ ETF performance can swing wildly from year to year, but emerging markets and commodities, and ultra short ETFs consistently constitute some of the best performing ETFs. Russia Russia has benefited from rising oil prices. It is also seeing better direct investment and decent growth. If the government shows a greater commitment to economic reform, the S&amp;amp;P rating firm might upgrade its sovereign debt rating. Invest in Russia with Market Vectors Russia. Brazil Economic stability and steady growth growth has fueled retail sales in this country. Brazil also has a blossoming middle class, stable democratic nation, a small reliance on...]]></description><pubDate>January  9, 2010  3:37 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in an Asia ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-an-asia-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in an Asia ETF&amp;nbsp;is becoming a very popular move in investment circles. The Asian market represents a hot bed of opportunity for investors. There is massive growth taking place and many investors want to find a way to invest in it. They may not want to put their money specifically in a certain area. Therefore, the ETF represents a very general way to bet on the Asian market. Here are the basics of an Asia ETF and how they work. Asia ETF Basics An ETF is much like a mutual fund except that it can be actively traded...]]></description><pubDate>January  8, 2010  4:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Invest in ETFs to Avoid Loses]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-in-etfs-to-avoid-loses.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are looking to invest, ETF securities could be a great tool to use. Their flexibility make them one of the most attractive investment tools in the market today. You get the ease of a stock with the diversification of a mutual fund. There are a number of investment strategies that you could use with an ETF. Here are a few of the benefits of an ETF and why you should consider them to avoid losses in the market.&amp;nbsp; Flexibility The biggest benefit of ETFs is their flexibility. With an ETF, you can buy and sell it on...]]></description><pubDate>January  8, 2010  4:14 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Managing Your ETF Investment]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/managing-your-etf-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Managing your ETF investment&amp;nbsp;is important if you want to maximize your potential returns. ETFs can be considered a long-term investment depending on the strategy, but you will still want to manage them properly. If you just leave your ETF alone, you might find out that your investment is gone one day. Here are a few tips to managing your ETF investment.&amp;nbsp; Research The first thing that you need to do is educate yourself. Research your ETFs and make sure that they meet your investment goals. If you find that the ETFs you invested in are no longer in your...]]></description><pubDate>January  8, 2010  4:12 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Keep Up to Date with an ETF Newsletter]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/keep-up-to-date-with-an-etf-newsletter.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Reading an ETF newsletter&amp;nbsp;can be a great way to keep up to date with current events that may effect your investments. ETF newsletters are put out by a number of publications. Usually the ETF that you actually invest in will put out a newsletter about the performance of the individual ETF. Here are the basics of an ETF newsletter and how it can help you stay on top of your ETF investments.&amp;nbsp; Performance One thing that you will usually see in the newsletter is the performance information of the ETF that you are investing in. While you may keep...]]></description><pubDate>January  7, 2010  4:16 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Getting the Most from Your ETF Securities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/getting-the-most-from-your-etf-securities.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in ETF securities&amp;nbsp;is a strategy that many investors have taken to in recent years. ETFs present you with a unique trading tool that can be traded any time the market is open. It gives you the diversification of a mutual fund with the convenience of a stock. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your ETF investment strategies.&amp;nbsp; Do Your Homework Just because an ETF is diversified does not meant that it is necessarily going to be a solid investment for you. You need to do your homework and make sure that you invest...]]></description><pubDate>January  7, 2010  4:12 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tracking Your ETF Performance]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/tracking-your-etf-performance.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Tracking your ETF performance&amp;nbsp;is critical if you want to be a successful investor. ETFs can be a great investment tool for your money. They are diversified, easy to buy and sell and can present you with a nice return on your investment. However, if you do not stay on top of them, they can just as easily lose money for you. Here are a few tips for tracking your ETF performance. Trading Station If you are a day trader and spend the day in front of your computer, you can track the performance with your broker's trading station. You...]]></description><pubDate>January  7, 2010  4:09 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Creating a Steady Income Stream with ETF Portfolios]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/creating-a-steady-income-stream-with-etf-portfolios.html</link><description><![CDATA[ For an experienced investor, ETF portfolios&amp;nbsp;can be a great way to create a steady stream of income. Many investors are not familiar with how ETFs work or what advantages they can present. If you are looking for a steady stream of income, here are a few things that you should consider about ETFs. Dividends Unlike a mutual fund, you will actually receive the dividends from your ETF shares. An ETF is basically a huge collection of stocks, just like a mutual fund. Therefore, if you like the residual income that a dividend can offer, an ETF could be for...]]></description><pubDate>January  6, 2010  4:31 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The BRIC ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-bric-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you want to invest in developing countries, the BRIC ETF might be the way to go. BRIC stands for Brazil, Russia,&amp;nbsp; India, and China. These countries are consistently among the fastest growing in the world. The developed world depends on these countries for their imports. Meanwhile, these countries rely on the more developed world in order to buy their exports. ETFs provide an easy an cost-effective way to invest in these economies. Investing in ETFS eliminates the guesswork involved in stock picking. For example, it might be very difficult to find good information about small companies in India....]]></description><pubDate>January  6, 2010  3:35 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Choose Exchange Traded Funds over Mutual Funds?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-choose-exchange-traded-funds-over-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Exchange traded funds have been providing an alternative to mutual funds since the early 1990s. Between 2002 and 2007, investment in exchange traded funds increased by&amp;nbsp; 500%, even though mutual funds still hold the lion&amp;rsquo;s share of the market. Mutual funds and exchange traded funds might seem very similar, but they have some very important differences associated with them. Both instruments are collections of individual stocks or bonds, which provide investors with automatic diversification from the risks of holding individual assets. They also both offer a large degree of liquidity. Major Differences Mutual funds are either actively or passively...]]></description><pubDate>January  6, 2010  3:32 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Add Bond ETFs to Your Investment Portfolio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/add-bond-etfs-to-your-investment-portfolio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in bond ETFs can provide our portfolio with some needed stability.&amp;nbsp;Bear markets tend to destroy poorly constructed portfolios. You should examine your portfolio very closely and determine whether you are over-exposed to individual&amp;nbsp;stock, or single asset classes. Many people with these problematic portfolios do not realize it until it&amp;rsquo;s too late.&amp;nbsp; A good way to stabilize your investments is to have exposure to far more stable bonds. Investing in individual bonds can be expensive and bothersome. Transactions involving individual bonds often have higher fees associated with them. Also, investing in individual bonds is often very risky. A good...]]></description><pubDate>January  6, 2010  3:30 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Avoiding Taxable Dividends with ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/avoiding-taxable-dividends-with-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you want to invest in exchange traded funds, but do not want to increase your tax burden, avoid investing in any ETF that pays&amp;nbsp;dividends. Although many investors choose to invest in ETFs over mutual funds in order to bypass some tax issues, ETFs have tax issues of their own. You will receive a taxable dividend distribution when an ETF makes money from the dividend of an underlying stock. These distributions are considered taxable income&amp;nbsp;to shareholders, even if you bought the ETF too late to really profit from the dividends. The addition of a dividend might undesirably drive you...]]></description><pubDate>January  5, 2010  3:55 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Which ETF Strategy is Right for You?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/which-etf-strategy-is-right-for-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Finding an ETF strategy&amp;nbsp;that works for your individual portfolio needs is very important. The ETF presents you with many unique investment opportunities. It is a very flexible type of investment and it truly does have something for everyone. With over 800 actively traded ETFs in the marketplace it is easy for you to find something in almost every area. Here are a few different ETF investment strategies that you could employ in your portfolio.DiversificationThe great thing about ETFs is that it is very easy to diversify your portfolio. ETFs are much like mutual funds in that they are made...]]></description><pubDate>January  4, 2010  3:54 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Learn the Basics of Trading ETFs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/learn-the-basics-of-trading-etfs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Learning the basics of trading ETFs&amp;nbsp;can be one of the most beneficial strategies that you can use as an investor. An ETF can present you with many options that other forms of investment do not have. The flexibility that comes with an ETF make it extremely attractive. Learning all of the methods of trading ETFs can be very beneficial to you as an investor and help you grow your portfolio. Here are some of the basics of trading ETFs and how you can use them to get a steady return.What Are ETFs?In order to learn how to trade ETFs,...]]></description><pubDate>January  4, 2010  3:50 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Retail ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-retail-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The retail ETF&amp;nbsp;is one of the most popular ETFs on the market today. It is tied to the retail sector as a whole. As the retail sector goes, so goes the retail ETF. It is a very diversified investment that allows people to put their money into the retail sector without investing into a specific retail company. While many investors are vaguely familiar with the retail ETF, they may not fully understand it or how it works. Here are the basics of the retail ETF and how it can benefit you.How it Works The retail ETF is an investment...]]></description><pubDate>January  4, 2010  3:48 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding the Commodity ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-the-commodity-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a commodity ETF&amp;nbsp;is one of the most popular ways to invest in today's market. The ETF is a very unique investment tool that gives you a lot of options. There are currently over 800 ETFs in the marketplace today and many of those are made up of commodity investments. While many investors have heard about commodity ETFs, they may have no idea how they work. Here are the basics of the commodity ETF and why they may be a solid investment for you. What It IsAn ETF is a type of diversified investment that is much like...]]></description><pubDate>January  4, 2010  3:46 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Choosing Between an ETF and Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/choosing-between-an-etf-and-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are considering an ETF, mutual funds&amp;nbsp;are another option that may come up. Both ETFs and mutual funds are very similar investment types. However, they each have certain aspects that may make them better for you as an individual investor. In order to decide which investment is best for you, you will have to weigh the benefits of each type. Here are a few things to consider about ETFs and mutual funds.&amp;nbsp; Mutual Fund Advantages Regular investments- Many people invest in different manners. Some like to actively trade while others prefer to use a dollar-cost-averaging approach and just...]]></description><pubDate>January  2, 2010  3:57 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Benefits and Risks of a Russian ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/benefits-and-risks-of-a-russian-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Russian ETFs have been on the rise in recent years, thanks in no small part to the country's strong metal, mining and telecommunications sectors. Even in the wake of the global recession, they fared better than stocks and many other investment options. But they are not investments that anyone should enter into lightly and are typically more expensive than other ETFs. Investors should keep in mind that they do carry serious risks that can cause significant losses if anything goes wrong. This is why anyone who wishes to invest in Russian exchange-traded funds will need to carefully consider whether...]]></description><pubDate>January  2, 2010  3:54 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[ETF or Mutual Fund: Which Should You Choose?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/etf-or-mutual-fund-which-should-you-choose.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors are presented with the ETF and mutual fund&amp;nbsp;quandary. They see two very similar investment types and they have no idea where to put their money. Mutual funds have been around for a number of years and are well-known for the most part. However, ETFs are still relatively new in the market. Therefore, if you are trying to decide between them, you might have a tough time making a decision. Here are a few things that you should consider when trying to decide between ETFs and mutual funds.&amp;nbsp; ETF Investing in an ETF has a few advantages over...]]></description><pubDate>January  2, 2010  3:50 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Technology ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-technology-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Technology ETFs are becoming increasingly popular. ETFs are exchange-traded funds that specifically represent the technology sector of the investment market. This particular segment of the investment market is comprised of companies that deal with hardware, software, semiconductors, telecommunications and the internet. A technology ETF will follow clusters of stocks in any of these given types of companies. Software ETFs -- Examples of stock in this fund include Microsoft Corporation, SAP AG and Oracle Corporation. Three ETFs that utilize these and other software industry stocks include following: Software HOLDRS (SWH) -- The fund manager for this is Merrill Lynch, Pierce,...]]></description><pubDate>January  2, 2010  3:47 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Like Investing in Gold? Consider an Exchange Traded Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/like-investing-in-gold-consider-an-exchange-traded-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you want to invest in gold, try an exchange traded fund. An exchange traded fund is an investment vehicle that is traded on stock exchanges. Exchange traded funds hold assets that track the net asset value of the underlying asset.&amp;nbsp;Gold exchange traded funds aim to track to price of gold throughout the trading day. Gold ETFs are 100% backed by&amp;nbsp; physical gold. They now represent about a third of investment in gold. Gold has proven again and again as a good safe haven investment, and appreciates in value during time of economic uncertainty.&amp;nbsp; Gold can also be used...]]></description><pubDate>December 28, 2009  4:19 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Differentiating the ETF from Traditional Index Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/differentiating-the-etf-from-traditional-index-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are considering an ETF, index funds&amp;nbsp;will most likely also be an option for you. Two very similar options for financial funds are the ETF and the index fund. The index fund has been around since the 1970's while the ETF was first invented in the 1990's. While more people are familiar with the index fund, that does not necessarily make it the better option of the two. Here are a few things that you will want to consider about ETFs and index funds before choosing one.&amp;nbsp; Index Fund An index fund is an investment tool that is...]]></description><pubDate>December 28, 2009  4:16 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Do Your ETF Research to Prevent Future Headaches]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/do-your-etf-research-to-prevent-future-headaches.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Doing some ETF research&amp;nbsp;before you get involved in an investment can be very beneficial. Investing in an ETF can be a big decision that involves a lot of your hard-earned money. Therefore, you should not lightly invest in the &quot;flavor of the week&quot; when it comes to ETFs. Here are a few benefits of doing research on ETFs before you jump in.Complex InstrumentsAn ETF is not something that you can usually understand at a glance. ETF's by nature are very diversified as an investment tool. They invest in a number of different stocks and you need to understand exactly...]]></description><pubDate>December 24, 2009  4:00 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[ETF vs Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/etf-vs-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ ETFs and a mutual funds are similar investment tools because of the way that they run things. If you are thinking about investing in an ETF, mutual fund&amp;nbsp;advertisements might try to sway you their way. There are some key differences that make them unique investment vehicles. Mutual Funds Mutual funds are the more commercialized version of the two. With mutual funds, you have a sales force that is in charge of driving up interest in the fund. They advertise and talk to investment managers in an attempt to get people to invest their money in the fund.&amp;nbsp; Once they...]]></description><pubDate>December 24, 2009  3:56 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Are ETFs?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-are-etfs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ You might be wondering what ETFs are? ETFs are a very unique financial investment instrument that have grown in popularity in the market. Since they are still somewhat new, they are also unknown to many investors. Here are the basics of ETFs and how they work.What Are They?An ETF is very similar to an index fund or mutual fund with more flexibility. Those that issue the ETF are institutions that have huge amounts of assets to buy and sell securities. You can buy a share of the ETF and it represents a part of a diversified portfolio. Many ETFs...]]></description><pubDate>December 24, 2009  3:53 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing with a Healthcare ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-with-a-healthcare-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a healthcare ETF&amp;nbsp;is a relatively new proposition, they came along and allowed you to invest in a specific portion of the industry. With the healthcare ETF, you are choosing to invest in the overall performance of an industry subsector. While many people are vaguely familiar with ETF's in general, the healthcare ETF is relatively new for most investors. Here are the basics of the healthcare ETF and how it works as an investment. Why Healthcare? While it may seem unorthodox to rely on the healthcare industry as an investment, it is not as strange as you might...]]></description><pubDate>December 24, 2009  3:49 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Utilizing an ETF Screener]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/utilizing-an-etf-screener.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An ETF screener&amp;nbsp;is a valuable tool that is designed to help you select the proper ETF for your investment needs. The ETF has grown in popularity greatly in recent years. With this growth in popularity, the number of available ETFs have also exploded. There are now upwards of 700 different ETFs traded in the United States. This makes it more difficult than opening a list of ETFs and just picking one to put your money in. With so many ETFs to choose from, you would have to do a lot of manual research to make sure that you are...]]></description><pubDate>December 23, 2009  4:04 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Things to Know Before You Buy an ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-things-to-know-before-you-buy-an-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are thinking about whether or not you should buy ETF shares, there are a number of things that you need to consider. An ETF is a unique way to invest in the market and it presents you with a lot of advantages. ETFs have been around since 1993 and they have grown rapidly in popularity since that point. Now there are well over 700 ETFs to choose from with over $600 billion invested in them. If you are seriously considering putting your money into one, there are a few things that you need to know about ETFs...]]></description><pubDate>December 23, 2009  3:59 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding the Best ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/finding-the-best-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors are constantly looking for a way to identify the best investments, ETFs are no different. Sometimes it can seem challenging to find a good ETF to invest in. There are some good ETFs out there if you know how to identify them. Here are a few things that you need to look for in an ETF. Stability You want to choose an ETF that is managed by a stable company. ETFs are designed by large firms that have huge assets. Therefore, they are usually quite stable anyway. However, you want to make sure that the company running...]]></description><pubDate>December 23, 2009  3:56 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Tips for Trading Exchange Traded Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-tips-for-trading-exchange-traded-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are considering trading exchange traded funds&amp;nbsp;you are considering being part of a lucrative future investment. Exchange traded funds, or ETFs have grown rapidly in popularity and present you with an alternative to stocks and mutual funds. They share some of the characteristics of a mutual fund but they are traded more actively like stocks. These factors combined with potentially lower costs make the ETF a very attractive investment for some investors. Here are a few tips for trading exchange traded funds.&amp;nbsp; 1. Choose Something You Enjoy The great thing about ETFs is that they have so many...]]></description><pubDate>December 23, 2009  3:52 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Staying Up to Date with ETF News]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/staying-up-to-date-with-etf-news.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Keeping up with ETF news&amp;nbsp;is something that many investors try to do. The ETF is becoming a very popular investment vehicle for investors across the world. Its highly diversified nature and stock-like flexibility make it a unique instrument in the investment world. You can buy and sell ETFs on a moments notice, unlike similar mutual funds. You can even take out options on an ETF if you desire. The flexibility of the ETF makes it more appealing to short-term investors that like to trade. With this capability to trade the ETF accordingly, it becomes necessary to keep up with...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2009  4:39 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Distribution of ETF Dividends]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-distribution-of-etf-dividends.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Learning how ETF dividends&amp;nbsp;work might be a challenge as you get started investing. With so many different types of investments to choose from, it can be difficult to understand how every aspect of the investments work. However, if you are seriously considering going with an ETF as part of your portfolio, you will want to make sure you understand everything about them. Here are the basics of ETF dividends and how they work.How ETF Dividends WorkWhen you invest in an ETF, you are investing in something that shares common characteristics of stocks and mutual funds. The ETF is greatly...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2009  4:35 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[ETF Portfolios: A Reliable Investment?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/etf-portfolios-a-reliable-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ ETF portfolios&amp;nbsp;have been around for many years. They represent an alternative in investments that you cannot get anywhere else. ETF's are freely available for anyone to trade. While many people have heard of other types of investments, ETF's tend to go a bit under the radar. Here are the basics of how ETF's work and how they can benefit you.&amp;nbsp; How it Works ETF stands for exchange-traded fund. This means that you can trade the fund just like you could a stock on the stock market. The ETF holds different stocks and bonds within it, much like a mutual...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2009  4:32 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Differences Between an ETF and Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-differences-between-an-etf-and-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are thinking about investing in an ETF, mutual funds&amp;nbsp;are another option that you have that works in much the same way. Although both investments are similar, they both carry a unique characteristics. Neither one of them is a perfect investment, by any stretch of the imagination. However, as part of a broader portfolio, they can both be beneficial. To help you understand the investments, here are a few differences between ETFs and mutual funds. 1. Method of Purchase One of the biggest differences between mutual funds and ETFs is the way in which they are purchased. With...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2009  4:29 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Risks and Benefits of ETF Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-risks-and-benefits-of-etf-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Using ETF investments&amp;nbsp;has become a very popular way to invest in the last few years. The ETF has only been around since 1993 in the United States. Therefore, there are still a lot of people that do not know the first thing about them. The ETF presents investors with several advantages that they can not get anywhere else. With that being said, they also have their drawbacks as well. Here are a few risks and benefits that are commonly associated with ETF investments. Benefits Flexibility- The ETF is one of the most flexible types of investments available. In this...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2009  4:25 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Exchange Traded Fund (ETF)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-exchange-traded-fund-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The exchange traded fund&amp;nbsp;or ETF is a unique investment vehicle that has grown significantly in popularity in recent years. The ETF shares some common features with a mutual fund and an index fund. However, it has enough unique features to make up its own investment type. Since it is a relatively new type of investment compared to other investment vehicles, many people are still unfamiliar with it. Here are the basics of an ETF and how they work.Background of the ETF The preliminary ETF was first seen in the year 1989 on the American Stock Exchange. A company called...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2009  4:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in an Oil ETF]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-an-oil-etf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in an oil ETF is a relatively new possibility. For years now, people have been investing in the oil market. After the invention of the oil ETF, many more investors can get involved in the oil market and profit from it if they invest correctly. The potential for profit is great and it can be safer than other forms of investment. Here are the basics of an oil ETF and how they work. What They Are In the past, there were only a few ways to invest in oil. You could go out and search for oil on...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2009  4:18 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tempting Regions For An Offshore Investment Company]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/tempting-regions-for-an-offshore-investment-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[An offshore investment company has the challenge of identifying the best emerging markets. While many companies focus on the large and quickly growing Chinese economy, there are other economies that demand a great deal of attention. The Middle East and Southeast Asia are both tempting regions for offshore investment companies.Middle EastDue to the current hydrocarbon wealth that the Middle East possesses, it is easy to see that many offshore investment companies would consider it still the most tempting target.&amp;nbsp;Saudi Arabia shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon as far as oil production is concerned and countries like Iraq and...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Does A Global Investment Company Have Jobs In America?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/does-a-global-investment-company-have-jobs-in-america.html</link><description><![CDATA[A global investment company may have a variety of jobs in America, due to the power of the U.S. market around the world. The U.S. has long been a major power in the economy of the world and in international investments. Because of this, most of the major global investment companies do have investments, offices and jobs in the United States.U.S. Market InfluenceWhile other countries are growing and have a significant world presence, the United States still has the largest economy in the world. China and India are quickly closing in on the U.S., but their economies are still developing.Consumer...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Service Company Offerings Aimed At Small Businesses]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-service-company-offerings-aimed-at-small-businesses.html</link><description><![CDATA[If your business is returning a profit, and you have extra capital, you may want to consider using an investment service company. An investment company can help you put some of that money to work. Many successful small businesses use investment service companies to invest capital that is not needed for the short-term. The returns on the investments can help pay for almost any type of business expenses, such as: inventory purchases and employee benefits.Common Types of InvestmentsSmall businesses invest capital and profits in many types of securities. Your business may choose to invest in mutual funds or stocks that...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Easy Software Investment Guide For The Technically Unsavy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-easy-software-investment-guide-for-the-technically-unsavy.html</link><description><![CDATA[Many of today's software applications actually can serve as a software investment guide that can help you in many ways regarding investments. There are different types of investment software available, such as such as investment planning software and value investing software. Both of these types of software can be invaluable in helping you analyze your investments.The Benefits of Investment SoftwareToday, there are many companies that produce software applications that are very easy to use and understand. Furthermore, these applications can help you with almost every aspect of making an investment decision. However, you should always choose an application that offers...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Is Value Investing Software Used By Professional Investors?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/is-value-investing-software-used-by-professional-investors.html</link><description><![CDATA[Many professional investors use value investing software to help make better informed investment decisions. Quality value investment software offers many benefits to not only professional investors but part-time investors as well. In fact, using value investment software may help you avoid losing money in the market or on other investments.Benefits of Value Investment SoftwareWhile there are many types of value investment software on the market, some of the better ones all share several benefits. For example, you can use value investment software to obtain quality information and analysis about the company you may be thinking of investing in. Value investment...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Do Investors Analyze An Insurance Company?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-do-investors-analyze-an-insurance-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[There are many investors in an insurance company. Investors provide much needed capital for insurance companies to operate efficiently and maintain reserves needed to pay claims and make investments. There are numerous factors and variables to consider when analyzing a particular insurance company. However, there are ways for savvy investors to get in depth analysis about a particular insurance company rather easily and quickly.AM Best CompanyAM Best is one of the best known insurance companies rating services in the world. AM Best rates and evaluates insurance companies as well as insurance linked capital market transactions such as: catastrophe bonds, catastrophe...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Top Investment Banking Companies Outside America]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-top-investment-banking-companies-outside-america.html</link><description><![CDATA[In the complicated world of stocks and securities, you will often hear the names of top investment companies. Top investment banking companies will often dictate the direction of stock markets, as well as other commodities and securities markets.The major function of an investment bank is to issue securities such as bonds, equities, derivatives or other types of investment vehicles and then sell them in capital markets to collect funds for their client customers. The largest investment banks in the world handle huge amounts of money that flow in and out of the capital markets every day. Revenues for global investment...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Is The Mortgage Investment Company Industry Faring?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-is-the-mortgage-investment-company-industry-faring.html</link><description><![CDATA[To sum it up in a simple phrase, the mortgage investment company is still on the rocks.&amp;nbsp; The main reason for this is that while most companies were hit with one crisis, these companies were hit with two subsequent crisis period. From 2007 to 2009, there were two distinct financial crises.&amp;nbsp;The first crisis was the sub-prime mortgage collapse. The second crisis involved all financial markets. Most companies were impacted greatly by the second crisis, however mortgage investment companies were severely impacted by both. Recovering from back to back financial blows is a difficult and slow process.RecoveryRecovery may be painstakingly slow...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Free Investing Tips and Tricks for Tax Season]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/free-investing-tips-and-tricks-for-tax-season.html</link><description><![CDATA[Free investment tips are hard to come by, but all investment advice should be researched fully. The company profit, management and history should be closely examined as well your personal tax benefits.Tax Free InvestingTax free investing is critical to avoid unexpected penalties from the IRS during tax season. When you follow money investing tips it is important to do your homework. Investments such as Roth IRAs can save you a lot of money now by avoiding taxes if you need to make an immediate withdrawal. Roth IRAs have certain advantages over traditional IRAs that allow for investors to enjoy their...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does A Passive Foreign Investment Company Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-a-passive-foreign-investment-company-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[A passive foreign investment company, also known as a PFIC, is a specific type of foreign investment vehicle.&amp;nbsp; It is clearly delineated by the IRS to be different from direct foreign investment companies and must fulfill two elements in order to be categorized under this designation: the ownership must be headquartered outside the U. S. and the majority of the assets must be held in passive investments.Passive IncomeA foreign company is considered a PFIC if the majority of its assets are based in passive investments. Passive investments earn income through at least one of the following means: dividend payments, capital...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Long Term Alternatives To A 401k Investment Company]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/long-term-alternatives-to-a-401k-investment-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[The 401k investment company may seem like a necessity in order to operate a complicated benefits package; however, in the internet age where information is easily accessible, this is not necessarily the case. Anyone can do the research necessary to learn about some of the great long term options available to people outside of the 401k investment companies that dominate the industry.Investment FirmsThere are a variety of 401 K investment options available to large and small businesses. For example, many large investment firms also handle the complex operation of 401K plans. By using an investment firm to run the 401K...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Getting Reliable, Free Investment Research Online]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/getting-reliable-free-investment-research-online.html</link><description><![CDATA[Free investment research doesn&amp;rsquo;t have to become a huge headache. As long as you know what to look for the internet can offer a wealth of information on free investment research and advice. Here&amp;rsquo;s what you should keep in mind when you are looking for free research information.Utilize Investment ForumsThere are plenty of forums online dedicated to investment activity and advice. These forums can serve as a good jumping board for anyone looking for investment advice and research. You will find many different type of people frequenting these forums; everyone from small investors to investment research analysts. Don&amp;rsquo;t be afraid...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Steps To Validating A Foreign Investment Company]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/steps-to-validating-a-foreign-investment-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[A foreign investment company, usually also a passive foreign investment company (PFIC), is defined as a foreign company with greater than half of its assets existing in investments that accrue one or more of interest, dividends and capital gains.&amp;nbsp;Holding stock in such a company carries tax implications. Validating the company prior to investing in it is a necessary process of investment.The One Step Validation SolutionTo speed the validation process, go directly to the company itself.&amp;nbsp;According to the current tax code regulations, PFIC&amp;rsquo;s are required to provide a myriad of investments, company strengths, and organization information to investors.&amp;nbsp;There is a clear...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is The Definition Of An Investment Company?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-the-definition-of-an-investment-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[The IRS has an investment company definition that is straightforward.&amp;nbsp;According to the IRS, an investment company is any company with greater than 50% of its assets as investments. This definition, however, is quite general. There are subcategories of investment companies that are more specific.Passive Investment CompaniesCompanies that have most of their assets in passive investments are known as passive investment companies or PICs. These companies earn their income and make their profits largely from one or more of the following methods:&amp;nbsp;dividend payments, capital gains or interest.Direct Investment CompaniesThese companies are in contrast to direct investment companies, or DICs. These companies...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Boosting Your Credentials - The Investment Management Consultants Association]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/boosting-your-credentials-the-investment-management-consultants-association.html</link><description><![CDATA[The Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA) works to provide a way for industry professionals, with proper credentials, enhance their standing in the industry. The IMCA certifications, which include the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA), is one of the ways CIMA helps to bring credibility to investment management professionals and the industry.Certified Investment Management AnalystThe CIMA, which is administered by the IMCA, involves the various aspects of the investment management industry. Successful completion of this certification gives the practitioner knowledge of the principles of investment management and serves as a gateway toward Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification. The CIMA requires less...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Top Companies To Invest In During A Financial Crisis]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/top-companies-to-invest-in-during-a-financial-crisis.html</link><description><![CDATA[The top companies to invest in during a financial crisis are blue chip companies that have endured the test of time. Larger companies that have survived for many years have a business plan and philosophy that has guided the company through many difficult financial periods.Highly Regarded CompaniesSearching the Dow Jones and highly regarded index funds will direct you toward the largest and most diversified companies. These companies are also called &amp;ldquo;Blue Chip&amp;rdquo; companies. Companies in this category include giants such as Coca Cola and IBM.Global CompaniesAnother place to look is at companies that are diversified across the globe. If a...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How To Work With A Small Business Investment Company]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-work-with-a-small-business-investment-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[A small business investment company (SBIC) is a company that is able to offer loans as a means of funding for your small business idea.&amp;nbsp; Since many investors today are turning to the creation of a small business, these companies have started to become better known by people in the financial world.SBIC InteractionIn order to get what you want from an SBIC, it is necessary to fill out an application. You may find that it is slightly easier to obtain a loan from an SBIC, since they are eager to lend money. They are able to leverage the money they...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Best Investment Companies For Private Individuals]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-best-investment-companies-for-private-individuals.html</link><description><![CDATA[As a private individual looking for the best investment companies, you need to look past the numbers as they exist today.&amp;nbsp; The best company today can easily become one of the worst companies of tomorrow.&amp;nbsp; Do not place your sole focus on the numbers of a company; instead, what you need to look at is management.&amp;nbsp;A good investment management company will help you choose the best companies and make good decisions about where to put your investments.Low CostsOne way investment management companies are valuable to investors is by controlling the costs of investing. An investment management company that charges high...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How To Evaluate An Investment Banking Company]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-evaluate-an-investment-banking-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[Evaluating an investment banking company is an important step in any investment.&amp;nbsp;The business of investment banking is a volatile and confusing business, with many potential pitfalls. While utilizing an investment banking firm can be a great idea, it is important to be selective and choose the best investment banking companies.Transaction BaseThe best way to evaluate an investment banking company in the current market is to look at their transaction base.&amp;nbsp;Depending on the particular bank, you might see the buying up of both equity and debt as the main source of investment activity.&amp;nbsp;Observe the banks transactions and see if they are...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can Investment Accounting Software Guarantee Accuracy?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/can-investment-accounting-software-guarantee-accuracy.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investment accounting software can be purchased virtually anywhere. While these software programs won&amp;rsquo;t carry a guarantee of accuracy, many of them are very accurate. Some, like Quicken, are easy to use programs that even the most novice of computer users can easily navigate. Some, like QuickBooks, are more geared as business accounting programs. An important factor to think about, however, when you are dealing with tracking your investments is one of accuracy. You want to make sure that the information you are following on your home computer is up to date and completely accurate with your accounts out in the...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How To: Successfully Start A Private Investment Company]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-successfully-start-a-private-investment-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[A private investment company can be an excellent choice for the novice investor. One of the reasons is that there are fewer regulations on private investment companies than on some other types of companies.What is a Private Investment Company?A company that has fewer than 100 employees or is able to meet the standard of its members having most of their funds invested elsewhere is exempt from all major regulations from the federal government.&amp;nbsp; These companies are also known as hedge funds. Because of some problems in the past, there may be legislation in the future that changes some of the...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Investment Management Company for the Small Investor]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-investment-management-company-for-the-small-investor.html</link><description><![CDATA[People who are new to investing or do not have a lot of experience with it may benefit from using an investment management company. The investment management company will assign a consultant who will work with you to develop an investment portfolio and investment philosophy designed to suite your needs and build a considerable amount of growth. When choosing an investment management company and consultant, consider their experience, how they will be paid, and depth in investment choices.Interview, Interview, Interview.Since the investment management company you hire will have a large impact on your financial well being, you should spend a...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Should An International Investment Company Focus On Africa?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/should-an-international-investment-company-focus-on-africa.html</link><description><![CDATA[While Africa may seem to be a great place to invest for an international investment company, there are a large number of emerging markets that currently show much greater promise than most African markets. Places like China, Southeast Asia and the Middle East would all be on the list ahead of Africa for these places. However, there are some opportunities available in Africa for the shrewd investor that could have huge returns over the course of time.Negatives to Investing in AfricaThere are many reasons to use caution when considering African investments. The instability of the continent as a whole and...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Asset Management And Investment For Your Future]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/asset-management-and-investment-for-your-future.html</link><description><![CDATA[Anybody that wants to make real financial headway in life needs to have some understanding of asset management investment. Whether its stocks and bonds, or simply ensuring you have a decent pension plan for retirement, asset management investment is crucial to ensure you aren&amp;rsquo;t living paycheck to paycheck for the rest of your life.What Is Asset Management Investment?Asset management investment is essentially using what money you have, as well as what assets you have (such as your bought and paid for house, car, etc.) to stabilize your income and even build up a solid residual income. Residual income is any...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Are Closed Managed Investment Accounts Different From Open?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-are-closed-managed-investment-accounts-different-from-open.html</link><description><![CDATA[Managed investment accounts that are available to public customers include both open and closed-end funds. These types of investment company shares, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, provide different advantages to investors who are looking for the benefit of participating in the market across different asset classes and securities types without having to invest the same level of capital as institutional and high net-worth investors.Open-End FundsOpen-end investment accounts are also known as mutual funds. The characteristics of an open-end or mutual fund are that the shares of the fund are continuously offered. Shareholders that purchase a mutual...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Alternative Investment Manager - Expected Returns For Different Assets]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/alternative-investment-manager-expected-returns-for-different-assets.html</link><description><![CDATA[An alternative investment manager engages in non-traditional investment management activities. The emergence of hedge funds and private wealth management boutiques for high net-worth individuals has brought notoriety to the work of alternative investment managers.Hedge Fund AdvisorsHedge fund advisors operate on behalf of a limited number of investors. The types of investors that invest in hedge funds should be accredited with an established net worth, investment experience and a strong financial profile.Hedge funds can give higher returns because they are not subject to the restrictions set forth in securities law, such as the Investment Company Act of 1940. A hedge fund...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does an Investment Management Analyst Perform Valuation?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-an-investment-management-analyst-perform-valuation.html</link><description><![CDATA[A job of the investment management analyst is to perform portfolio valuation services to determine it's profits, losses and rate of return. An investment management analyst uses software that is based on pricing theories and assumptions. They establish prices for their portfolios according to the method requirement of the FASB 157 statement, or &amp;ldquo;mark-to-market&amp;rdquo; accounting standards.What is Mark-to-Market?Mark-to-market (MTM) is a requirement by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which requires all investment firms to base portfolio and securities valuations on their daily closing value. This includes any margin requirements on a leveraged account that is using borrowing as a...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Management News - Broadening Your Perspective]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-management-news-broadening-your-perspective.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investment management news provides a way for investment managers and other professionals to broaden their perspective about different aspects of their industry. This information is useful in providing investors with trends and product development and serve as models of success for managers to follow or incorporate into their own investment plans.Types of Investment Management NewsInvestment management news can be provided by a variety of sources available in trade publications. The information can be highly technical in nature. For example, they can provide information about investment and financial theory, such as the Black-Sholes model, or the expected return and Sharpe&amp;rsquo;s ratio....]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Do Entrepreneurs Start New Investment Management Firms?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-do-entrepreneurs-start-new-investment-management-firms.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investment management firms can be started by entrepreneurs as a way to manage assets for their clients. Starting such a venture requires industry knowledge and capital. Capital is required to meet certain expenses associated with an investment management practice. Before deciding to begin a management firm, an entrepreneur should research and consult with investment management professionals to determine the feasibility and viability of such a business venture.Business PlanTo begin, a business plan should be written and used as a blueprint to approach the planning process in a thoughtful and disciplined way. The business plan contains information regarding the business structure...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Manager Research - Delving Into The Derivatives Sector]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-manager-research-delving-into-the-derivatives-sector.html</link><description><![CDATA[An investment manager research will include a look at derivative securities as a way to bolster returns and increase yields for investors. Derivatives are a useful tool that help investors increase income. A good investment manager will research ways in which to appropriately incorporate derivatives in a way that adds value to the portfolio and does not increase the potential for volatility or loss due to the improper management of a derivative.What Is a Derivative?A derivative is any security that is derived from some underlying investment asset such as stocks and bonds. A common derivative that everyday investors employ in...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investors Risk Management Systems]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investors-risk-management-systems.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investors risk management is a growing field in today&amp;rsquo;s increasingly unstable investing market. The internet has created an atmosphere that has facilitated investments and has attracted more investors into the stock market. Some companies, like Ameritrade, have allowed people with a little spare cash to enter the investing market without even leaving their homes. The days of a broker handling multiple investors from an office on Wall Street are limited because people are investing on their own. They do not need to call their broker any more in order to instigate a trade since even novice investors can perform hat...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Are Investment Manager Selection Procedures Changing?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-are-investment-manager-selection-procedures-changing.html</link><description><![CDATA[The investment manager selection for managed portfolios has changed in the wake of the near financial meltdown that took place in 2008. The risks that were taken with derivative products, such as credit default swap and collateralized mortgage debt obligations, has been replaced by back-to-basics investing techniques based on buy-and-hold strategies.Wake Up Call for Disciplined InvestingThe change in procedures was created by the near financial collapse of 2008 and has served as a wake-up call to investment managers and other professionals. As stewards of the country&amp;rsquo;s financial and economic system, a greater level of discipline and responsibility is required to...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Small Business Investment Advice: Assessing/Scoring The Management]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/scoring-the-management.html</link><description><![CDATA[Small business investment advice can be hit or miss. It&amp;rsquo;s hard to know who to trust. Here are a few simple ways to find the best management firms for your investments, and how to know what&amp;rsquo;s good investment advice and what&amp;rsquo;s not.Know Who to TrustThere are so many investment companies that will offer you advice to gain your business. With so many places competing for your investment business, it&amp;rsquo;s hard to know who you can trust. The first place to start is by asking friends and colleagues who they use. Get an idea of how things have panned out for...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Institutional Investment Managers Today - Out With The Old?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/institutional-investment-managers-today-out-with-the-old.html</link><description><![CDATA[Institutional investment managers represent a significant part of Wall Streets history and heritage. Institutional investors such as pension funds, investment companies and other large investors with huge capital resources drove much of the growth and profitability within the market for the last several decades. Having the financially resources to invest and move capital into large investment positions, institutional investment managers were able to influence the movement of stocks and control, to some extent, how companies played in the capital markets.New Players in the MarketAs hybrid investment management companies, such as hedge funds, became more sophisticated and were able to pool...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[When Your 401k Investment Advice Is All Wrong]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/when-your-401k-investment-advice-is-all-wrong.html</link><description><![CDATA[Most people rely on a 401k for retirement, but what do you do if you&amp;rsquo;ve received bad 401k investment advice? The problem is that most plan providers can only offer you general advice, so finding advice is pretty much on your shoulders. Here are some ways to recover if you&amp;rsquo;ve received bad advice, and ways to invest in a profitable way in the future.How Much to InvestThe amount of money you invest in your 401k should be a reasonable amount. Many people lose money because they invest less than the amount their employer matches. If someone has told you to...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Best Investment Management System - Incentives Approach]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-best-investment-management-system-incentives-approach.html</link><description><![CDATA[The incentives approach is the best investment management system that encourages investment management professionals to base performance results on benefits for the client. It allows managers to achieve high returns and take on appropriate risk and maximize a portfolio&amp;rsquo;s profitability.Incentives ApproachThe incentives approach is based on a principle that behavior can be best predicted and controlled if based on rewards given for the achievement of goals. The more lucrative the incentive, the more inclined the investment manager will be to produce the desired result. This benefits the firm, their clients and the investment management professional. The incentives that are attached...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Green Technology Investment Management In Capital Equipments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/green-technology-investment-management-in-capital-equipments.html</link><description><![CDATA[As more and more people become aware of the dangers of global warming and other potential ecological problems, many potential investors are looking to green technology investment and management. From green technology that produces better quality drinking water to fuel-efficient hybrid car manufacturers, many equipment manufacturers are producing equipment and machinery that are environmentally friendly and leave a smaller carbon footprint. Investing in companies that are more committed to reducing environmental friendly equipment helps to preserve the planet for generations to come; however, there are indications that investing in this type of technology just makes good business sense.Benefits of Investing...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investor Relationship Management - Acquiring Additional Funding]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investor-relationship-management-acquiring-additional-funding.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investor relationship management is an important aspect of the investment management process because it can expand an investor portfolio. The management of relationships gives an investment manager access to additional capital resources from their clients in order to increase the yield for a client&amp;rsquo;s portfolio.Investor Relationship ManagementThe investor relationship management (IRM) concept includes the building of trust relationships and establishing a personal connection with the client in order to meet their needs on a one-to-one basis. This connection is at the foundation of IRM and means that the client&amp;rsquo;s implicit trust in the investment manager removes many of the barriers...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trust Your Retirement With An Investment Trust Company?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/trust-your-retirement-with-an-investment-trust-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[An investment trust company is a company that simply invests in the shares of other companies. Generally, investment trust companies pool the money of many individual investors and invest it into funds that hold shares of a wide range of different types of companies that are listed on the major stock exchanges. Most of the time, these types of investment funds are managed by professional fund managers; furthermore, the fund managers are entrusted with the authority to make a broad range of investments. Most investment trust companies have no employees and only have a board of directors that usually is...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can A Certified Investment Management Analyst Specialize Further?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/can-a-certified-investment-management-analyst-specialize-further.html</link><description><![CDATA[A Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) can further benefit from entering into the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program as a way to increase their knowledge and specialize further in the management of investment assets. The CIMA provides a way for individuals to obtain the core proficiency as an advanced investment consultant, which may be useful for many entry-level investment management positions.The CIMA ProgramThe CIMA program requires a candidate to have three years of relevant experience, undergo a background check and pay fees that enables them to sit for the CIMA exam. Once complete, an additional year of experience and work...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Protecting Your Insurance: Investment Management In Down Times]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/protecting-your-insurance-investment-management-in-down-times.html</link><description><![CDATA[Proper savings and investments management is critical to maximizing the returns on any sort of savings or retirement plan in any type of economy. However, times of major recessions or economic uncertainty, proper investment management strategies are not only prudent - they are essential. Therefore, here's a guide that will help you evaluate your current investment situation and develop a strategy to protect your investments at volatile or unsure times:Step 1 - Evaluate Your ExposureThe first thing you'll need to do is to gather all of your savings, stock information and any other investment related information you may have available....]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Which Investment Management Training Programs Truly Show Results?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/which-investment-management-training-programs-truly-show-results.html</link><description><![CDATA[There is only one investment management training program that is deemed valid for those individuals that are entering the practice of investment and portfolio management or fund analysis, the Chartered Financial Analyst, or CFA program. The program has three levels that are required in order to be deemed certified to manage an investment fund or portfolio in behalf of an investment management company.Other Investment Management ProgramsThere are many other programs that deal with investment management of an individual or advisory level, but they do not provide the same amount of depth that is covered by the CFA program. The Certified...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Professional Investment Management - How Skilled Are They?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/professional-investment-management-how-skilled-are-they.html</link><description><![CDATA[A professional investment management professional is a licensed and trained individual who through education and experience understands how to balance risk and maximize returns for their clients. An investment manager is trained to look at the market as a whole and evaluate various securities and investment in a way to determine where investment opportunities lie and to take advantage of certain market movements.Minimum QualificationAt a minimum, a qualified investment management professional has passed the various levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam. This exam is administered by the CFA Institute and has 3, 6-hour qualifying examinations that need to...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What's The Return On Investment Software?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/whats-the-return-on-investment-software.html</link><description><![CDATA[Return on investment software, or ROI software, can be especially helpful for some businesses. The companies who make the software often make extravagant claims regarding the savings you can expect to see in a few months. But is it really worth it?Does It Increase Business Tools?If the software you are looking at will help you create new business tools such as customer loyalty programs, it may be worth your investment. The return investment ROI can offer may be great if you are able to draw more customers to your business in any manner.Does It Create More Productivity?If you purchase a...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Specialized Investment Tracking Software - Tools Of The Pros]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/specialized-investment-tracking-software-tools-of-the-pros.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investment tracking software can provide a great way to track all of your investments, watch trends, and be alerted to any changes that can affect your bottom line. A good software program will allow you to track stocks, monitor your portfolio, watch market indicators, and create spreadsheets so you can track your performance. Here&amp;rsquo;s what you should look for in a software program.Tracking Program Related InvestmentsIf you have any program related investments, those investments to charitable activities, you will want to make sure your software can cover this. Since program related investments are associated with many types of investors, they...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Apartment Investment Management Company - Cultivating Healthy Tenant Relations]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-management-company-cultivating-healthy-tenant-relations.html</link><description><![CDATA[An apartment investment management company exists to provide returns for investors by investing in apartment buildings. The rents from the tenants produce an income stream that is consistent and helps the apartment investment management company achieve profitability. Usually formed as real estate investment trusts (REITs), these companies offer investment products that are defined as a securities under the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940.Relationship with TenantsOne of the important aspects of the apartment investment management company is the relationship with the building&amp;rsquo;s tenants. It is the tenants that provide the source of income for the REIT in the...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Have Investment Company Ratings Lost All Credibility?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/have-investment-company-ratings-lost-all-credibility.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investment company ratings grade the solvency and stability of those investment companies that interact with the public markets. The ratings come from a private organization such as Moody's or Standard &amp;amp; Poor's. These organizations suffered major public relations problems in the financial crisis of 2007-2008. Many people relied on the &amp;quot;A&amp;quot; ratings of certain investment houses only to find out the ratings did not match the balance sheets. There are two parts to the credibility of the ratings on the general market: the actual evaluations and the public image of those evaluations.EvaluationsMoody's, Standard &amp;amp; Poor's and A.M.'s Best have followed...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Average Investment Management Salary Including Bonuses]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-average-investment-management-salary-including-bonuses.html</link><description><![CDATA[The investment management salary is well reported and available to the public. The amount of compensation paid to investment management professionals is published by the CFA Institute on a periodic basis, with the last study conducted in 2005. The study indicated a 3 percent increase in salaries and 17 percent increase in bonuses (although average bonuses numbers are not provided, the range for bonus compensation is between $500,000 and $1,000,000). Hedge funds and other alternative investment managers saw a greater increase in income over other investment managers by more than 47 percent according to the study.Median Income ReportedThe median income...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Practicing For The Investment Management Certificate (IMC) Exam]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/practicing-for-the-investment-management-certificate-exam.html</link><description><![CDATA[The Investment Management Certificate (IMC) is an entry-level certification for individuals who are working in the investment management industry within the United Kingdom (UK). It is equivalent to the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation earned by investment management and fund analyst professionals in the United States. The IMC focuses on testing a candidate&amp;rsquo;s knowledge and core competency in the areas of regulation, finance, accounting, economics, investments, performance and portfolio management.IMC PreparationPreparing and practicing to take the IMC requires a 7-day comprehensive or 5-day accelerated study program. The program is administered by the CFA Society of the UK and can be...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Are Hedge Fund/Investment Management Operations Different?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-are-the-hedge-funs-investment-management-operations-different.html</link><description><![CDATA[Hedge fund investment management differs from the management of a regulated investment management company in several ways. The chief difference between the two is the way in which securities laws and regulations are applied. Hedge funds operating in the United States are not subject to the restrictions set forth in the Investment Company Act of 1940.Operations of a Hedge FundA hedge fund operates in order to provide higher returns and invests in riskier assets. They protect against potential losses and market downturns. The design of a hedge fund gives it greater flexibility to engage in the investment of derivatives, short...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Property Management: Renter Rights]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-property-management-renter-rights.html</link><description><![CDATA[Renting from an investment property manager may save you money in rent, but what are your rights as a renter? This is an important question that all renters using an investment property agency should know the answer to.How Investment Property Management WorksWhen you rent an investment property you become a source of income for the owner. The idea is that they find a house they can pick up for relatively cheap (usually below fair market value) and make the house suitable as a home for a renter. The investment management will have a plan, or goal, for the amount of...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comparing Two Similar Business Investment Opportunities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/comparing-two-similar-business-investment-opportunities.html</link><description><![CDATA[Business investment opportunities can come in the form of under-valued public businesses (listed on a stock market) or private businesses that need funding (not listed on a stock exchange). Whatever the case, there are several things you need to analyze in order to determine if you are going to be able to realize a profit on your investment. The article below will cover some of the basic things to analyze before purchasing a share of a business.Public BusinessesThe first, and most popular, business investment is in the form of publicly listed companies. The reason why this is such a popular...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Researching Investment Opportunities Across Geographic Boundaries]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/researching-investment-opportunities-across-geographic-boundaries.html</link><description><![CDATA[In today&amp;rsquo;s day of globalization, many individuals are searching for investment opportunities overseas in foreign markets. There are several advantages to this as well as several complexities that today&amp;rsquo;s global-minded investors must take into consideration before choosing this investment strategy. The article below will cover some of the ways you can profit from these foreign opportunities as well as some of the things you should watch for when scrutinizing these markets.Inter-RelatednessThe first thing investors should take into consideration when choosing to invest across geographical boundaries is the connectedness of the global economy. Investors need to stop thinking of foreign markets...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Researching A Registered Investment Company &amp; Its Legitimacy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/researching-a-registered-investmenr-company-and-its-legitimacy.html</link><description><![CDATA[A legitimate registered investment company must be registered under the investment company act of 1940. This is the general assumed laws and regulations that are upheld by the SEC for all investment companies. The SEC is the Securities and Exchange Commission which keeps all the regulations for investment companies. If people are managing other portfolios that they will usually need to be registered with the investment company act. This will insure to the SEC and to the public that they are a legitimate organization. Looking for Legitimate CompaniesA true investment company is a company that is dealing with securities. There...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Does An Investment Holding Company Lead To Monopoly?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/does-an-investment-holding-company-lead-to-monopoly.html</link><description><![CDATA[An investment holding company earns its money by receiving income from interest, dividends or rent. They don&amp;rsquo;t actually produce anything or offer any services. Since they hold interest in several different companies, they can take part in dictating policy of the companies. Sounds like this could lead to a monopoly, right? Not always.Voting StockIn order for a holding company to claim tax free dividends they must own at least 80% of the voting stock. When a company holds this much stock they can take control. This means they can merge with other companies, split the companies apart, or dissolve them...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Starting An Investment Fund Company? 4 Imperative Steps]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/starting-an-investment-fund-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[An alternative solution to seeking out an investment firm that works for you is starting your own investment fund company. This can be a daunting task with many perils and pitfalls along the way. Besides having extensive investment experience, there are many other aspects to starting your own investment fund company that are imperative for your success. Understand Investment Company ActFirst you need to have a working knowledge of the investment company act. This is the general accepted by laws that regulate investment companies. There are many different aspects that will either make a company an investment company and it...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Do Investment Management Consultants Add Value To Economies?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/do-investment-management-consultants-add-value-to-economies.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investment management consultants offer their clients expert advice on which financial investments to pursue in the given economy. Many of these consultants take large fees in return for their services, either as a percentage of the profits or as a percentage of all investments placed with them for management. Because consultants make money off of this process, there is a large question about their viability as impartial advisors. Many believe they add little to the economy other than noise. Ultimately, however, investment management consultants add value in the following ways: The primary need for advisors is to encourage investors to...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are there Risk-Free Investments for Retirees]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/are-there-risk-free-investments-for-retirees.html</link><description><![CDATA[Risk free investments are not easy to find. All investments carry a certain element of risk. However, there are some investments that are much less vulnerable to risk than others. When the economy goes bad, they are much more likely to remain sound and even gain some value.Most Noteworthy Risk-Free InvestmentsThere are two things that make an investment less risky. It must either have some innate value that doesn't depend on economic conditions or it must be backed by a government entity. Unless the economy undergoes some cataclysmic changes, the kind that would make the Great Depression seem like a...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Free Online Investing Made Easy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/free-online-investing-made-easy.html</link><description><![CDATA[There are plenty of sites online that allow you to start free investing accounts. The choices don&amp;rsquo;t have to be overwhelming if you know what to look for. Free investment accounts are great for both beginners and the seasoned investor. Utilize Practice AccountsIf you are new to investing online you may want to look in to some of the companies that allow you to set up a practice account. Websites devoted to investments like Forex online will allow you to do this. The benefit is that no real money is ever lost. You will be able to access the trades...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Unique Approaches to Investing in the Money Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/unique-approaches-to-investing-in-the-money-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investing in money market instruments may be a good strategy for your investment portfolio. A balanced portfolio should consist of a mix of stocks, bonds and cash in order to balance risk and produce returns that are more consistent.&amp;nbsp; The money market provides a way to increase the return on your cash portfolio, with a minimal amount of risk.Money Market InstrumentsThe money market includes those securities issued by the U.S. government, states and municipalities.&amp;nbsp; It also includes certificates of deposit or CDs.&amp;nbsp; A CD that is worth $100,000 or more is considered an investment product and is to subject to...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Strategies Of A Successful Investment Management Business]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/strategies-of-a-successful-investment-management-business.html</link><description><![CDATA[Some experienced and successful investors choose to earn a living sharing their investment expertise and experience by starting their own investment management business. Starting an investment management business is relatively simple and generally requires only that you apply for and be approved for a license to do business as an investment management service in your state. There may or may not be testing required, depending on where you live. However, just because you have the license - doesn't make you an investment management expert; therefore, here are some strategies to help him get your business started on the right track....]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is An Investor Relations Company?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-an-investor-relations-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[An investor relations company is a company that is responsible for managing the mood of investors within a particular business framework. Investor relations companies are often contracted to handle their investor relations problems. In basic terms, these companies are essentially a middle man. They act as a go-between for investors and the board of directors. Although the board of directors should serve the board of directors, from time to time, there will be conflicts.ResponsibilitiesThe investor relations company is responsible for keeping investors happy. They are usually tasked with the express goal of keeping the investor mood as positive as possible,...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Do Investment Management Services Produce Reasonable Returns?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/do-investment-management-services-produce-reasonable-returns.html</link><description><![CDATA[There are many investment management services that do a reasonably good job of creating good investment returns for their client investors. Investment management services are professional managers of various types of securities, such as: stock shares, bonds etc. and assets such as real estate. Investment management services handle securities and assets to meet the goals of an investor. Investors that use investment management services may be institutional investors such as insurance companies, pension funds or corporations as well as private investors. Private investors utilize the services of investment management services by direct investment contracts or more commonly through collective investment...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Unique Position of Middle Market Investment Banking]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-unique-position-of-middle-market-investment-banking.html</link><description><![CDATA[Middle market investment banking allows smaller investors to organize and participate in the stock market. The middle market represents a vast wealth of new investment capital that helps the market remain liquid and continue to grow. This influx of capital helps to move the market to higher levels and provide greater value to companies that are listed on the market.Large InvestorsLarge institutions, and higher income investors, have long set the standard for investment banking in the United States. They have the capital and investment savvy to profit from movements in the stock market and have exerted great influence. Changing InfluenceThis...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can Investment Planning Software Benefit Experienced Investors?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/can-investment-planning-software-benefit-experienced-investors.html</link><description><![CDATA[Many experienced investors use some type of investment planning software to track their investments and set investment goals and targets. Furthermore, many investors use these types of investment planning software applications to create investment budgets and even perform thorough analysis their investment portfolio, in order to get a better picture their current personal financial situation.Quality investment planning software applications can automate many of the tedious tasks involved in determining your net worth or the value of your stock portfolio. Some of the better applications even offer advanced filtering tools and reporting options. Some investment software applications even allow you update...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Learning The Basics With Investment Advisor Software]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/learning-the-basics-with-investment-advisor-software.html</link><description><![CDATA[In today&amp;rsquo;s global market it is hard for the common man to stay ahead of the curve without using some helpful sources such as investment advisor software. Also known as wealth management, Investment Advisor Software is aimed toward helping people and companies to better manage their investment portfolios. One of the key advantages of investment advisor software is the ability to get an extremely personalized advising. Though investment advisor software you are able have a personal experiences based upon their own set of needs. Principal GoalsThe main goal of investment advisor software is to allow the consumer to do things...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Evaluating Investment Banking and Market Risks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/evaluating-investment-banking-and-market-risks.html</link><description><![CDATA[Understanding and being able to evaluate the investment banking market and its risks is important for all investors. Investment banking helps companies find the capital needed to expand their business, bring new products to the market and grow the economy. The investment banking system is important to the country&amp;rsquo;s economic well-being and provides a tremendous value for all investors.One element of investment banking involves the proper management of risk. Risks are always present when investing and can never be eliminated. There are techniques that investment bankers use to manage the risks associated with investing and to help investors and the...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing Money: Advice Tailored To You]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-money-advice-tailored-to-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[Don P.Investing and money advice comes from many sources and in many forms. Mostly generic, the advice may make claims of future riches or profits from different types of investment programs and schemes. The advice provided in some sources may not take into account your specific financial needs, investment goals and objectives. Good investment and money advice should be custom tailored specifically for you.Sources of InformationUsing periodicals such as the business section of a local newspaper or the Wall Street Journal can provide some good general investment and money advice and ideals for you to explore. They are reliable and...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Performance Software - Learning From Past Mistakes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investmenr-performance-software-learning-from-past-mistakes.html</link><description><![CDATA[Using investment performance software can help you overcome past pitfalls and look towards future earnings. Financial Portfolio SoftwareInstead of sinking money in to a pricey financial planning professional, why not spend a little upfront on a software program that will create a financial portfolio for you? If you already have a professional financial plan, you can find software that will give you a free trial. This way you can compare the professionally prepared one to the one that your software creates for you. Chances are you can save money by switching to the software version.Track Bond PerformanceBy using a software...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Free Investment Advice You Won't Regret]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/free-investment-advice-you-wont-regret.html</link><description><![CDATA[Everyone who wants to make their money work for them can benefit from some free investment advice.One of the foremost issues that a lot of potential investors tend to gloss over is the importance of properly identifying all available opportunities and some common pitfalls that each option is plagued by. There is too much reliance on hearsay and on incomplete research that can result in a poor experience for most new investors, and prevent then from being able to make the right decisions for their future. Unless you have properly identified the right sector and the right time to make...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Most Popular Value Investing Book]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-most-popular-value-investing-book.html</link><description><![CDATA[A value investing book provides investors with information about the principles of value investing. A value investor is a person who buys stocks that are below their true value. Value stocks have high dividend payouts and a low price to earnings (P/E) ratio.Determining the most popular book on value investing is a matter of perspective. Since the term was first brought up in the 1930s, there have been many proponents of value investing and books written on the topic. Disciples of the principle include Warren Buffet, Sir John Templeton, Peter Lynch and Adam Smith. Each of these men has experienced...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Does Investment Analysis Software Tell You?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-does-investment-analysis-software-tell-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investment analysis software covers broad and specific range of financial analysis for businesses and personal portfolios. Investment analysis software can help the consumer analyze and forecast the outcomes of their financial planning. In many cases this software can provide up to date analysis with graphing and charting capabilities of all of your finances and investments. Market AnalysisIn many cases it is necessary for this software to have an understanding of what the current trends in the market are. Investment analysis software has the ability to analyze the market and give you the proper suggestions for what goals you would like...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Free Investment Guide - Shortcuts And Tips]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/free-investment-guide.html</link><description><![CDATA[For those new to the investing world, here is a free investment guide that offers you some shortcuts and tips to get the most out of your investment. Whenever you want to make an investment, there are numerous factors you need to consider to make a decision. In most cases these factors will be your own research, market trends, a friend&amp;rsquo;s advice or sometimes even pure market speculation. While there are no shortcuts as such to make good investments, here is some sound free investment advice that can get you on the road to success: Identify Your Options in Accordance...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Managers Process - Deciding to Sell]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-managers-process.html</link><description><![CDATA[Knowing which stock to sell and when to sell it are difficult decisions, even for experienced investment managers. It is critical that discipline and facts, not emotion, drive the decision making process. This can be especially tricky if a position is rapidly losing value, or quickly gaining value. Exhaustive research and continual monitoring of stocks are often hallmarks of strict sell disciplines. To ensure sound decisions, many managers also employ a specific set of guidelines when considering a sale.&amp;nbsp;Some key indications that it may be time to trim or sell an entire position include: The company reports unexpected negative earnings...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Management Solutions For Your Portfolio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-management-solutions-for-your-portfolio.html</link><description><![CDATA[Keeping a healthy portfolio is possible with good investment management solutions. A healthy portfolio means a more stable future for you and your family. You need to think long term. Here are some ways you can get great solutions for long term portfolio managements.Use Software ProgramsAn investment portfolio management software program can take a lot of the hassle and time out of managing your portfolio. Instead of having to perform manual calculations, keep notes scattered all over the place, and trying to track everything manually, a software program will do all of this time consuming research for you. This not...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Advisor Investment &amp; Asset Management]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/advisor-investment-and-asset-management.html</link><description><![CDATA[Advisor investment management is an option for many people who want to get professional advising for their investments. These firms offer a real management solution for anyone who wants to continue or start a successful financial strategy.Capital Asset AdvisorsA capital asset advisor firm will provide financial advise on mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, and consulting and opinion options. This is a good thing to have to eliminate some of the scary consequences that a bad merger or acquisition can have. The firms will able to go over all available information, provide forecasts, and help you make the decision. They can also help...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Exploring Property Investment Opportunities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/exploring-property-investment-opportunities.html</link><description><![CDATA[One of the quickest and surest ways to riches is by looking into property investment opportunity or real estate investment. When real estate is purchased to be used as rental property, you, as the owner can benefit from it in at least three different ways: the income it provides; the tax benefits it provides due to depreciation and deductions of business expense; and it can even allow you to retire in it.Real estate offers considerable advantages to the shrewd investor, but like other investment options, it carries some amount of risk as well. Buying a property that has low rental...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Best Investing Book for Beginners]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-best-investing-book-for-beginners.html</link><description><![CDATA[The Best investing books for beginners explain investment strategies and speak to the layman. There are a number of books that fit that description, and there is no universal consensus about which one is the best. This article includes some of the more commonly sited examples. They have some common features and recurring themes, emphasizing long-term planning over short-term gain and insisting that in-depth research is a valuable tool. Most try to be accessible. But those similarities should not overshadow the fact that each book has it's own voice and it's own unique details that make each one worthwhile in...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Online Investment Advice: Who To Trust?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/online-investment-advice-who-to-trust.html</link><description><![CDATA[When it comes to online investment advice, do you know who you can trust, and who you should avoid relying on for the right answers and inside advice? People have used search terms like &amp;quot;investment advice online&amp;quot; in search engines like Google, but a single search on &amp;quot;investment advice&amp;quot; turns up millions of different results. How will you determine where the right help can be found and how will you sort through it all?Step 1: Research Claims Made OnlineWhen searching for online investment advice, one of the best things that you can do is to be diligent about researching claims...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can an Online Investment Company Ever Be Legit?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/can-an-online-investment-company-ever-be-legit.html</link><description><![CDATA[Many investors, particularly individual investors and newcomers to the financial markets, appreciate the convenience and accessibility of electronic investing with online investment companies. Online investment companies are growing in popularity even among those who used to keep their business strictly with full service investment brokerages based on Wall Street.Many online investment companies are pitching much of their business towards the do it yourself investor.&amp;nbsp; However, before undertaking any financial transactions with an online investment company, it is extremely important to acquire a thorough knowledge of personal finance. It's equally important to possess good critical thinking skills and an abundance of...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Quick Look At Top Investment Management Organizations]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-quick-look-at-top-investment-management-organizations.html</link><description><![CDATA[Top investment management companies manage a staggering amount of assets and securities.-Some companies are more popular than others. Firms include UBSAG, Barclays Global Investors or BGI, Fidelity Investments, Goldman Sachs, State Street Global Advisors, JP Morgan Chase, the Vanguard Group, Capital Group, Deutsche Bank, and Northern.The two top asset management firms are UBSAG, which is based in Switzerland and according to their website has $2,059 billion of assets under management and BGI, which is based in the UK and has $1,400 billion of assets under management. BGI serves clients in America, Europe and Asia.State Street Global Advisors is a top...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Property Investment Advice That'll Save You Money]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/property-investment-advice-that-ll-save-you-money.html</link><description><![CDATA[Locating property investment advice that will save you money may seem difficult if not outright impossible. This is because a lot of the advice out there is not legitimate or not designed to lead you in the right direction.Property Investment AdviceThe first thing that you should know about obtaining property investment advice is that no matter what anyone tells you, there is no such thing as a sure thing in investing. Even something that looks terribly enticing and like a sure winner can still cost a lot of money and hurt you in the end.Something else that you need to...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Capital Investment Management: How Are Key Decisions Made?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/capital-investment-management-how-are-key-decisions-made.html</link><description><![CDATA[Capital investment management is the plan a business has to grow its capital and in turn increase its profit. Strategies for a business&amp;rsquo; capital investments should always center on the most efficient and risk-free way to increase a business&amp;rsquo; capital.Types of Capital Investment ManagementThe management of capital for businesses both large and small can be categorized into two groups, both of which are typically employed for a single business Short-term (Working) &amp;ndash; Working capital investment management strategies are centered on making a business profit but also assuring some short-term cash flow for business debt, purchases, and payroll. Long-term &amp;ndash; Long-term...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is Independent Investment Advice?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-independent-investment-advice.html</link><description><![CDATA[While many highly qualified individuals can give you some good independent investment advice, each investor has different expectations and risk tolerance that should be considered before dispensing specific investment counselling. A few basic aspects need to be clear in your mind to help you achieve the best results from your investments. These include investing amount, investment objective, risk appetite and investment horizon. All investments involve a balancing act between the return from your investments and the risk you are willing to undertake. You may want to diversify your portfolio with a mixture of medium to high-risk investments with low risk...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Priceless Investment Advice]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/priceless-investment-advice.html</link><description><![CDATA[Priceless investment advice is advice that can take you further than you ever thought you could go in terms of investing. But how do you go about finding the invaluable investment advice that will allow you to flourish in the world of investing, and how do you tell the good investing advice from the bad without having to weather the storm in the process?Searching OnlineOne of the places where people are turning regularly to find good investing advice is the Internet. The problem with finding solid investing advice online is that some people are simply out to make a buck...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Safe High Yield Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/safe-high-yield-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[There are a number of opportunities for safe, high yield investments available right now, even in rocky economic climates.Safe High Yield InvestmentsConsider high yield savings accounts (at least 4%). You will need to go looking for these - because your bank is just as happy to have your money in a no-interest checking account.One of the best and easiest places to find safe, high yield investments for your money is online savings accounts. An online savings account can pay up to 4.75% without the five figure initial deposit required by many regular savings accounts. Banks are able to offer this...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Alternative Investment Management: Is It Safe?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/alternative-investment-management-is-it-safe.html</link><description><![CDATA[These days, Alternative investment management is offered by a number financial companies. Some features of alternative investment management and its related aspects are listed below:What is an Alternative Investment?An alternative investment is investment in non-traditional instruments such as hedge funds, real estate, commodities, and even in arts and wines. In most cases alternative investment management companies will pool together the funds of a number of clients and then plan the investment opportunity in various investment vehicles. The main advantage of pooling funds together is that since the amount of actual money becomes considerably large, the dynamics of the investment opportunity...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Management: Trust And Asset Planning]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-management-trust-and-asset-planning.html</link><description><![CDATA[A trust is an investment management tool where an individual entrusts assets, such as property, to others. A trust helps people protect their property and the people that they love because it helps to avoid probate court or other problems that can arise with a will.What Exactly is a Trust?A trust is a legal document that is created by a &amp;ldquo;trustor.&amp;rdquo; A trustor owns a particular asset or assets and designate who will manage those assets while they are still alive (usually themselves), in the event that they are incapacitated, and after their death. The person or persons that inherit...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Safe Investments: Proper Risk Reward Ratios]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/safe-investments-proper-risk-reward-ratios.html</link><description><![CDATA[There is no such thing as safe investments that are 100% risk-free. Even guaranteed capital investments can lose value due to inflation. However, there are hallmarks of safe investments, and one of these is stability. More volatile investment options can producer a higher rate of return, but the risk of getting wiped out also increases.Safe Investments: Proper Risk Reward RatiosA risk reward ratio helps an investor balance the rate of return they can expect to recieve against the level of risk in the particular investment they are contemplating. Used by professional traders, this ratio is is a mathematical calculation achieved...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Investment Books You Must Read]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-investment-books-you-must-read.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investment books offer valuable advice to investors. They come in varying quality and offer different types of advice. Some have been around for decades, while others, are relatively new.&amp;nbsp; This article compiled a list of five noteworthy investment books that every investor should read. Since it's difficult to quantify which book is more valuable then others, the list has been arranged in alphabetical order (by author). &amp;quot;Use the News&amp;quot; by Maria Bartiromo is the most recently published entry on the list. This book shows you how to analyze news so that you can separate substantial information from hype and misleading...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Advanced Tools for Investment Risk Management and Analysis]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/advanced-tools-for-investment-risk-management-and-analysis.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investment risk management is the part of the business&amp;rsquo; investment strategy that can make or break a company&amp;rsquo;s financial well-being. Advanced risk analysis tools can insure that your company makes maximum profit and avoids financial disaster.Advances Risk Analysis ToolsFinancial analysts know the importance of estimating an investment&amp;rsquo;s risk:reward ratio. A couple of tools offer near-perfect risk analysis: Stop-Limit Orders &amp;ndash; The risk to reward ratio of a given transaction is easily calculated if all transactions are conducted with a stop-limit order, which means automatically selling the stock should it fall to a predetermined low price or should it reach a...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Management Marketing: Securing Potential New Clientele]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-management-marketing-securing-potential-new-clientele.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investment management marketing is an often overlooked component of investment management firms. Firms that want to attract new clientele must follow a few essential steps of marking.Step 1 &amp;ndash; Hire a Professional with a Marketing DegreeToo many investment management firms rely on their investment staff to also put together an investment management marketing strategy. Benefits of a marketing major versed in financial language include: The training and ability to determine the segment of the population most likely to respond favorably to your firm&amp;rsquo;s offerings and services; A &amp;ldquo;face&amp;rdquo; for the firm who can perform semi-annual portfolio reviews, give presentations, and...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing eBook - How to Learn for Free]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-ebook-how-to-learn-for-free.html</link><description><![CDATA[A quick investing eBook is designed to provide information about investing for free. As more and more individuals are getting involved in managing their investment portfolios and becoming more active in investing, the need for information is great. There are many resources that are available to you that will give you the necessary knowledge about investing.Free SeminarsMany financial institutions and their representatives provide free seminars and learning sessions on investing. From opening an investment account to understanding the way certain investment products work, these sessions are designed to assist you in achieving your investment goals.Securities Industry AssociationsOrganizations such as the...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How an International Investment Fund Diversifies Your Portfolio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-an-international-investment-fund-diversifies-your-portfolio.html</link><description><![CDATA[An international investment fund can be a risky financial option to invest in. However, it will also reap great financial returns when invested in the right market and by a reputable financial investment organization.Higher Growth of InvestmentInvesting your money in the global market accumulates higher profits. Putting your money in investments like shares or stocks multiplies the amount of the capital you invested. This kind of financial adventure is considered the highest form of risk in regards to investment.Types of Funds that Diversify Your PortfolioPutting your money in an international investment fund exposes your ability and competency in the world...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Research Management: Principles Of Human Allocation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-research-management-principles-of-human-allocation.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investment research management is the market analysis your business undertakes in order to manage investments and meet financial goals. How your business allocates human resources can affect the success of your investment research plan.Research Management MistakesMany businesses don&amp;rsquo;t even realize that they&amp;rsquo;re not managing their investment research efficiently. Common investment research management mistakes include: Isolation &amp;ndash; Analysts often do their investment market research on their own or in small groups. The fewer opinions that are heard, the more likely there are to be interpretations of market trends. Manual Processes &amp;ndash; Analysts often manually e-mail relevant information to investment managers, wasting...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why an International Investment is Right for You]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-an-international-investment-is-right-for-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[International investment is quite popular among American investors because of the many advantages it offers. If you plan to invest overseas, here are some of the benefits you can enjoy.Portfolio DiversificationInvesting money globally means investing in many foreign markets instead of focusing solely on one specific domestic market. This can be beneficial because business cycles can differ from country to country. When you invest your money in countries where the economy is doing well, your money is secure from economic uncertainties. Moving your financial ventures abroad protects your investment portfolio against risks that affect a particular market's economy.Higher Investment ReturnsRegions...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Financial Investment Advice: Where You Can Go Wrong]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/financial-investment-advice-where-you-can-go-wrong.html</link><description><![CDATA[Studies have shown that too many people are getting their financial investment advice from the wrong sources. So where can you go wrong? If you trust the wrong people to give you investment advice, then you may be going very, very wrong in your investments without knowing it. Here are some clues that your financial advisor may be steering you the wrong way.Where You Can Go WrongIf you currently own a mutual fund that has a B in its name, your financial advisor may be steering you in the wrong direction. B-share mutual funds are generally bad news and need...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[7 Top Investment Books]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/7-top-investment-books.html</link><description><![CDATA[The top 7 Investment Books can give invaluable advice.&amp;nbsp; The advice is provided by the giants in the field whose successful strategies have created affluence and wealth.&amp;nbsp; The top 7 investing books include: 1. The Intelligent InvestorThis is arguably the best, and most influential book ever written about value investing. Written by Ben Graham in 1949, this has earned rave revues by many notable investors over the years. Warren Buffett considers this &amp;ldquo;the best investing book ever written&amp;rdquo;. In this book, Graham presents investing styles for two types of investors &amp;ndash; one for ordinary, risk-averse people who have no time...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Retirement Investment Advice To Follow At 30]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/retirement-investment-advice-to-follow-at-30.html</link><description><![CDATA[There is some great retirement investment advice floating around out there. The best time to begin taking this advice is before you reach the age of 30, since it gives you a lot of time to implement it and get the most out of the nest egg that it creates.Plenty of TimeBefore the age of 30, you have plenty of time before your retirement, which means that utilizing the power of compound interest is going to become your best friend. If you invest every single year from here on out, it will mount up surprisingly fast in a decade or...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Free Investment Advice You Can Trust]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/free-investment-advice-you-can-trust.html</link><description><![CDATA[Is there such thing as free investment advice that you can trust, or is all free investment advice about trying to sell a product or to get you to pour money into a bad stock? As an investor, it is vital that you be aware of what kind of free investment advice is actually going to benefit you. Here are some pieces of advice that will do you well.Rethink Your StrategyAs an investor, it is vital that you be aware of the constant need for you to be rethinking the strategy for your investment portfolio. The climate is always changing...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Private Investment Banking: Is It Right For You?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/private-investment-banking-is-it-right-for-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[Private investment banking is a large and serious banking institution that is not right for many looking for banking services. Many fail to realize that most private investment banking institutions simply will not provide services for many private individuals and small businesses. While each company is different, there are ways to figure out whether or not private investment banking is right for you.What Is Private Investment Banking?Private investment banking is basically a banking institution that handles major financial aspects of business transactions. Private investment banking will help companies with their debt and their equity. This may involve simple handling, or...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[China: Investment Opportunities As A Foreign Investor]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/china-investment-opportunities-as-a-foreign-investor.html</link><description><![CDATA[As the economy continues to grow in high single digits in China, investment opportunities are flourishing faster than ever. Companies and individuals all across the world are looking to get on the bandwagon to try and ride the wave. It is true that China has seen immense growth in all the sectors, and the projections for the future look as rosy as ever. This is the main reason why we are able to find the presence of almost all the top companies of the world in China &amp;ndash; whether it be large manufacturing facilities, or a simple trading office. While...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Does Institutional Investment Management Create Risk Distortions?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/does-institutional-investment-management-create-risk-distortions.html</link><description><![CDATA[Institutional investment management is an organization&amp;rsquo;s financial plan to meet specific goals through securities and assets. Investment management is essential, but improper investment management on a large scale could create risk distortions in the market.What Creates Risk DistortionsRisk distortions occur when improper institutional investment management saturates the market. Two reasons risk distortions occur are: Issuing Debt &amp;ndash; The subprime mortgage market crash was an example of risk distortions caused by issuing debt. An institution&amp;rsquo;s worth is calculated with the assumption that credit lent out will be repaid or regained. Excess Liquidity &amp;ndash; The market includes excess liquidity&amp;mdash;financial assets that can...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Use an Investment Blog to Wisely Follow the Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-blog-to-wisely-follow-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[One of the best tools to monitor stock market trends is through an investment blog. These websites makes investing easier, especially if you are a rookie. Reading the blogs of investment geniuses equips you with knowledge of what is going on in the trading world.People Behind Investment BlogsPeople who create the investment blog are usually stock market professionals. They are composed of investors, financial advisors, analysts and venture capitalists. Blogs of newbie investors also exist in the blogging world. But, when it comes to following the market movement, watching the market pros is the wisest choice.Advice and Insights on What's...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Should I Trust an Investment Banking Blog?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/should-i-trust-invesment-banking-blog.html</link><description><![CDATA[An investment banking blog is a type of website that focuses on issues covering investment banks and its related activities. It caters to experts and novice investors, students taking up business and finance, and the public who are interested in money dealings. These blogs are usually maintained by analysts or individuals who are knowledgeable on banking and how to make profit from it.Basic Fundamentals on Investment BankingSome investment banking blogs furnish readers with a truckload of elemental information about the business. Do you know that investment banking has its own lingo like fire drill, face off, and below the bar?...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Nanotechnology Investment: Overhyped Or The Wave Of The Future?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/nanotechnology-investment-overhyped-or-wave-of-future.html</link><description><![CDATA[Nanotechnology investment is becoming popular among venture capitalists. Development of modern technologies where nanotechnology is applied continues to grow in various industries and disciplines. But despite of its popularity, many prospective investors are still skeptical about it.The Future Of NanotechnologyThe breakthrough of nanomaterials in the operation of industries such as information and communication technology, personal care, medicine, electronics, opens doors to nanotechnology investments and promising profits. Lux Research, an independent technology research and advisory firm, believes that nanotechnology will play a powerful role the way people live in the future. Experts speculate that nanotechnology will invade the realm of consumer...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding Legitimate High Yield Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/finding-legitimate-high-yield-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[Although high yield investing sounds like a lucrative way to trade, it involves greater risk. Due to the growing number of investment frauds associated with high yield investment programs (HYIP), many investors should shy away from these ventures.There are ways to find a legitimate high yield investments and avoid being victimized by HIYP scams.Avoid Too-Good-to-be-True Investment Return PromisesBe cautious of companies promising higher return rates than the normal. It is a scam when the return of investment (ROI) offered is so high that even you have a hard time believing it. When a scam artist offers a weekly return of...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Calculating a FOREX Pip Value]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/calculating-a-forex-pip-value.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A forex pip is the smallest unit of movement that a currency pair can make on the currency market. It's usually .0001 or .01 percent of the total value of the currency pair. Currencies are traded on the foreign currency exchanges in the form of currency pairs expressed in terms of the traded base currency (currency being purchased) divided by the quote currency (the currency used to buy the base currency).&amp;nbsp;For example, imagine that on November 14, the EUR/USD (the euro and US dollar exchange) closed at 1.3520, and on November 18, it closed at 1.3522.&amp;nbsp; The difference between...]]></description><pubDate>December 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comparing Spread Betting to Forex Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/comparing-spread-betting-to-forex-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Both Forex and spread betting are very similar and they will both allow you to gain exposure to the Forex market. When you trade with a Forex broker, you are trading one currency for another. With spread betting, you are essentially gambling on the market so it does not actually count as trading currencies. Here are a few things to consider about spread betting and Forex trading. Spread Betting vs. Forex Trading Both of these strategies will allow you to watch the Forex market and place trades. If you want to trade Forex, you will have to open an...]]></description><pubDate>October  1, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX Market vs Futures Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-market-vs-futures-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Both the Forex and futures markets can provide investors with a way to diversify their portfolio away from the stock market. Although both of these markets are similar, there are several differences between them. One of the biggest differences between these two markets is the size.&amp;nbsp; Size of the Market The Forex market is much larger than the futures market. Every day that the market is open, the Forex market exchanges about $2 trillion. In comparison, the futures market trades approximately $30 billion per day. This means that the Forex market is much larger. The Forex market provides traders...]]></description><pubDate>September 17, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Types of Foreign Currency Hedging Vehicles]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/types-of-foreign-currency-hedging-vehicles.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Using foreign currency hedging vehicles can be a good way to deal with the risk that comes with making transactions in a foreign currency. When a business engages in transactions with a foreign party, there is a certain amount of risk that comes with the foreign currency exchange. The use of a currency hedging vehicle can mitigate this risk. Here are a few of the different types of foreign currency hedging vehicles that you can use to deal with risk. Spot Contracts A spot contract is a type of contract in which you agree to buy or sell a...]]></description><pubDate>September 12, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Currency Hedging: Benefits and Disadvantages]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/currency-hedging-benefits-and-disadvantages.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Currency hedging is a strategy that allows an investor to minimize and control the risks involved in foreign investment, particularly one that relates to foreign currency trading. This strategy aims to compensate for any movement in the value of the currency being used in the investment portfolio. Like any other type of moneymaking approach, hedging has both advantages and disadvantages. As an investor, you need to ensure that the benefits of an investment strategy can offset the disadvantages. Here are the pros and cons of hedging currencies.Benefits of Currency HedgingThe main advantage of this investment approach is to help...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Spotting a Forex Scam]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/spotting-a-forex-scam.html</link><description><![CDATA[ FOREX scamsare&amp;nbsp;scams&amp;nbsp;where the scam artist tries to defraud investors who put their money in&amp;nbsp;foreign exchange market (FOREX) trading. The scammers convince investors that they can earn large profits through FOREX trading if they follow their advice. While it is certainly possible to earn profits from FOREX trading, it is a complex endeavor that requires experience and market savvy most victims of FOREX scams lack. FOREX scams can take on many forms, but because FOREX is loosely regulated, many of them are not technically illegal. This is why investors must remain vigilant for any signs of FOREX scams no matter...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Parallel Loan?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-parallel-loan.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Parallel loans were an early precursor to foreign exchange hedging. Two companies who required money in the domestic currency of each other would both take a loan then provide the money to each other. This helped reduce the risk exchange rates would cut into profits. It also presented beneficial tax arrangements. Example Company A operates in the Brazil and owns Bob's Coffee which needs to purchase chocolate from Switzerland. Company B operates in Switzerland and owns Jane's Chocolate which needs to purchase coffee from Brazil. Company A borrows money from a Brazilian bank and then lends the money to...]]></description><pubDate>August 19, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Read a Currency Quote]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-read-a-currency-quote.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Reading a currency quote is one of the most important things that you will have to learn how to do if you plan on getting involved in the Forex market. Every time that you want to buy or sell foreign currency pairs, you are going to have to understand how to read a quote. Here are the basics of how to read a currency quote in the Forex market. Finding Currency Quotes In order to read the quotes, you are going to have to know where to look. If you are trading, you can easily pull up your trading...]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The FOREX Spot Trade]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-forex-spot-trade.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The alternative to currency futures is the forex spot trade market. Spot trading is an instant transaction between currency pairs priced and exchanged &quot;on the spot.&quot; The forex spot market begins 5pm EST on Sunday until 4pm EST Friday with 24 hour a day trading worldwide. The spot market allows an investor to exchange blocks of currency, also called &quot;lot sizes&quot;, from 1,000 to 100,000. The leverage ratio and margin requirement vary with the traders account. With a mini forex account, investors can trade currency lots with a small cash margin. The margin allows trading without paying the full...]]></description><pubDate>June 23, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using a Limit Order]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-a-limit-order.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A limit order is a type of order that can be placed in the Forex market. This type of order is designed to put a limit on the amount that you are willing to pay for a transaction. If you simply place a market order, you are going to get your order filled at what the price is in the market at that time. If the price is moving up quickly, you could pay a lot more than you expected by the time your order is filled. If you do not want to leave your order filling to chance,...]]></description><pubDate>June 20, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Develop a Solid FOREX Education for Greater Success]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/develop-a-solid-forex-education-for-greater-success.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Developing a solid Forex education can drastically improve your chances of success in the industry. Here are a few things to consider about how to educate yourself successfully in the Forex market. The Forex Market The Forex market is a financial market that deals with trading foreign currencies. It is the single largest financial market with over $2 trillion of daily volume.&amp;nbsp; Books Many people that wish to get involved in the Forex market start out by reading books on the subject. There are a number of great books that have been written about the Forex market. You can...]]></description><pubDate>June 20, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Forex Bid and Ask Price]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-bid-and-ask-price.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The forex market has bid and ask prices that are constantly changing. The foreign exchange currency markets are like stocks in having bid and ask prices; however, instead of company shares, forex investors trade what are known as foreign currency units. These can be as small as a thousand units or as large as a billion units, depending on the amount of leverage that is made available to the investor and how much money is in the account.&amp;nbsp; For example, we can use the euro and dollar currency pair, the EUR/USD pair. The quote currency in this case would...]]></description><pubDate>June 20, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Forex (and Why Is It so Popular)?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-forex-and-why-is-it-so-popular.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are wondering, &quot;What is forex?&quot; the first thing to understand is that it is the short term used for &quot;foreign exchange.&quot; Basically, forex involves accurately calculating the rate fluctuations of various national currencies, specifically the major ones like the US dollar, euro, British pound, Swiss franc and Japanese yen. A person who is into forex trading earns money by buying and selling foreign currencies. Here are the biggest reasons forex is a popular trading platform. Quick Way to Make MoneyThe foreign exchange market is estimated to have a daily turnover exceeding $1 trillion. This means that currencies...]]></description><pubDate>June 20, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Basic FOREX Analysis: Fundamental Indicators]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/basic-forex-analysis-fundamental-indicators.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding basic Forex analysis can give you the ability to get started trading in the market. If you are going to use fundamental analysis, here are some of the indicators that you will want to pay attention to. Non-Farm Payroll This is an announcement that is made every month that plays a big role in the Forex market. This is a statistic that represents how much of a country's payroll comes from sources that are outside of the agricultural industry. Whenever this is announced, you should expect big movement in the Forex market. Gross Domestic Product The gross domestic...]]></description><pubDate>June 20, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Do FOREX Brokers Have to Offer?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-do-forex-brokers-have-to-offer.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Working with a Forex broker is going to be necessary if you want to gain access to the foreign exchange market. When you work with a broker, you want them to offer certain services. Here are a few things that you want to find in a Forex broker. Leverage With the Forex market, it is going to be difficult to profit if you do not have access to leverage. In most cases, Forex brokers will provide you with 100 to 1 leverage. This allows you to benefit from the small fluctuations in the exchange rate between two currencies.&amp;nbsp; Execution...]]></description><pubDate>June 20, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Choosing a FOREX Broker]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/choosing-a-forex-broker.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are trying to choose a Forex broker, there are a number of things that you are going to want to look at. Here are some things to look for when you are trying to decide on a Forex broker. Low Spreads One of the most important things that you will want to look out for is low spreads. Every broker is going to have different spreads and you want to find the broker that has the lowest spreads out there. Most Forex brokers are compensated with the spread on each trade. Therefore, if you can get a...]]></description><pubDate>June 20, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Top Currency Pairs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-top-currency-pairs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Commodity pairs is a term used in the Forex market to denote traded currency pairs that are tied to a certain commodity. Usually, oil and gold are the most commonly traded commodities. Some currency pairs perform better than others. Here are some of the most noteworthy commodity tied- currency pairs. US Dollar/Canadian DollarOf the top three commodity pairs, the USD/CAD currency pair is the only pair that benefits from rising oil prices. The main reason for this is because Canada remains to be the top exporter of oil to the United States. Investors have observed that every time the...]]></description><pubDate>June 20, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Currency Quotes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-currency-quotes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding currency quotes is a big part of getting involved in the forex market. If you do not understand how currencies are quoted, you are not going to be able to place any trades or make a profit. Here are the basics of how to understand currency quotes. Base and Quote Currencies The main thing that you need to understand about currency quotes is that there are always two currencies. Anytime that you make a trade in the forex market, you are going to buy one currency and sell another simultaneously. Therefore, they have to list two currencies together...]]></description><pubDate>June 20, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Buy and Sell FOREX Assets]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-buy-and-sell-forex-assets.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The ability to buy and sell Forex assets is critical to traders in the foreign exchange market. In order to get involved in this process, you are going to need to open a brokerage account. There are many different Forex brokers to work with. You will need to fill out some basic paperwork in order to open an account with the Forex broker of your choice. Buying and Selling Once you have an account opened with a Forex broker, you will be able to buy and sell Forex assets. Every broker is going to allow you to utilize leverage....]]></description><pubDate>June 20, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX Trading in Action: How Is the Game Played?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-trading-in-action-how-is-the-game-played.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Forex trading is one of the most fast-paced types of trading activities that you could get involved in. Here are a few examples of how the game is played in the Forex market. Winning Trade Let's assume that you are going to start trading in the Forex market. You get on your online trading platform that has been provided by your Forex broker. You will open a currency chart and start to analyze the market. You can see that the price of the currency pair is trending upwards, so you place a buy order for one lot. The price...]]></description><pubDate>June 20, 2010  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Makes the FOREX Market Unique?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-makes-the-forex-market-unique.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Trading in the Forex market is unlike trading in any other market in the world. Here are a few different ways that the Forex market is unique compared to other financial markets. Less Regulation One of the big differences between this market and other financial markets is the lack of regulation. There are not any specific requirements of Forex brokers and there is not a governing body that regulates all of the Forex brokers in the world. The National Futures Association regulates certain brokers that choose to become members, but you do not have to be a member of...]]></description><pubDate>June 20, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What are FOREX Options?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-are-forex-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Forex options are a type of security that you can trade as part of the foreign currency market. Here are the basics of Forex options and how they work. Forex Options Forex options are a type of investment that you can purchase that will give you the right to purchase a certain amount of a currency by a certain date. With an option, you have the right but not necessarily the obligation to purchase the currency. You are going to have to put down a certain amount of money in order to purchase this option. Then, you can decide...]]></description><pubDate>June 17, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX Fundamental Analysis Explained]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-fundamental-analysis-explained.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Using Forex fundamental analysis is one of the most common methods of analyzing the market. This method differs greatly from technical analysis in the Forex market. Here are the basics of Forex fundamental analysis and how it works. Fundamental vs Technical Fundamental analysis deals with the underlying reasons that the price of a currency pair will change. You will essentially examine the country that is represented by a specific currency. If the economy of that country looks good, you are going to say that the value of their currency is going to increase faster than other countries. With a...]]></description><pubDate>June 17, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Read FOREX Quotes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-read-forex-quotes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Forex quotes can cause confusion to inexperienced traders. These quotes are a little bit different than what you can find in other markets and you may need some guidance. Here are the basics of how to read Forex quotes. Base and Quote Currency In order to properly read a Forex quote, you are going to need to understand the difference between the base and the quote currency. For example, you will see a currency pair such as the EUR/USD. The base currency is always going to be the first one in the pair and the quote currency is going...]]></description><pubDate>June 17, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX: Bad Credit Not an Obstacle to Trading on Margin]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-bad-credit-not-an-obstacle-to-trading-on-margin.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding Forex margin is essential if you plan on getting involved in trading the market. Brokers will extend margin to you in your trading account unit you have bad credit. Here are a few things to consider about how and why they do this. Forex Margin Whenever you open a Forex account, the broke are is going to give you the ability to trade with margin. Whenever you open a standard account, you will typically get 100 to 1 margin. Whenever you open a mini account, you will be able to get margin that is 200 to 1. The...]]></description><pubDate>June 17, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Best FOREX Trading Hours]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/best-forex-trading-hours.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When looking at the available FOREX hours to trade, you will quickly realize that you can trade 24 hours a day. However, that does not necessarily mean that conditions are always the same. Here are a few things to consider about the best FOREX trading hours. London Session The best time to trade the FOREX market is from 8:00 GMT to 16:00 GMT. The reasoning behind this is that this is when the London FOREX market is open and trading strong. They open at 8:00 GMT and they keep trading for the next eight hours. Even though you can...]]></description><pubDate>June 17, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pros &amp; Cons of Using a FOREX Demo Account]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pros-cons-of-using-a-forex-demo-account.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Using a Forex demo account is a common technique that is used when people are learning about the market. There are both good and bad aspects of any type of investment, here are some of the pros and cons of using this type of account. Pros One of the big advantages of this type of account is that it is free. You will not have to pay a broker anything to access this account or make a deposit. Another benefit of using a demo account is that you can test out any trading strategy, without putting your at risk....]]></description><pubDate>June 17, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a FOREX Demo Account?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-forex-demo-account.html</link><description><![CDATA[ With a Forex demo account, you can gain access to the Forex market without actually putting up any of your own money. Here are the basics of the Forex demo account and how it works. This type of account is offered by every Forex broker in the market today. With this type of account, you will be able to download the actual trading platform that you will be using once you go live with an account. The broker will provide you with a certain amount of &quot;play money&quot; in your account to trade with. You will have all of...]]></description><pubDate>June 16, 2010  4:54 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Tips for Managing Risk on a FOREX Demo Account]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-tips-for-managing-risk-on-a-forex-demo-account.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When working with a Forex demo account, there are several things that you will need to keep in mind. Here are a few tips for managing risk on a Forex demo account. 1. Reduced Account Balance With a Forex demo account, you will be able to choose the account balance that you want to start with. Some people start out with large amounts that they would never be able to trade with in real life. Start out with a smaller account balance that is more realistic and includes amounts that you can manage. 2. Reduce Leverage Instead of working...]]></description><pubDate>June 16, 2010  4:52 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pitfalls of Retail FOREX Brokers]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pitfalls-of-retail-forex-brokers.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Dealing with retail Forex brokers can sometimes be challenging as a trader. There are many problems that you may encounter when working with this type of broker. Here are some of the pitfalls of retail Forex brokers. Market Maker As a retail Forex broker, they are what is known as a 'market maker.' This means that whenever you are trading with them, you are not actually seeing the real Forex market. Instead, they are filtering the data and providing you with what they want you to see. While it will be very close to accurate, there are going to...]]></description><pubDate>June 16, 2010  4:47 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Types of FOREX Brokers]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-types-of-forex-brokers.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are many types of forex brokers in the market. Knowing them is very important, especially if you are new to foreign currency trading.&amp;nbsp; This will help you weed out fraudulent or illegitimate brokers from the professionals. Also, different brokers have different styles of doing business in this type of market. It is important to choose the right kind of broker that will help you feel comfortable with your trading decisions. Foreign currency brokers are largely classified by their trading styles and market access. 1. Book Makers Book makers are forex brokers whose profits are dependent on the spread...]]></description><pubDate>June 16, 2010  4:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a FOREX Robot?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-forex-robot.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A Forex robot is a piece of software that can be used to trade the Forex market. Here are the basics of Forex robots and how they are used. Forex Robots Forex robots are created by expert traders in the Forex market. They are created as a way for an experienced trader to pass a trading system along to an inexperienced trader. In the Forex market, you will be able to trade the market through an online trading software. The developer of a Forex robot simply has to come up with a program that can plug into the trading...]]></description><pubDate>June 16, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Top FOREX Scams]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-top-forex-scams.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are a number of different Forex scams in the market today. Here are some of the top Forex scams that you want to avoid: 1. Signal Sellers There are many companies currently selling Forex signals to subscribers. They charge a monthly, or weekly fee, in order to send out trading signals to traders. They claim to be expert traders and say that they will be able to make you a significant amount of money. The only problem with this is that many of the signal sellers are not that good at trading. 2. Phony Investment Funds Another common...]]></description><pubDate>June 16, 2010  4:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX: Fixed Spreads vs Variable Spreads]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-fixed-spreads-vs-variable-spreads.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are planning on getting involved in the Forex market, it is important that you understand Forex spreads and how they work. You need to understand the difference between fixed and variable spreads. Here are a few things to consider about each type of spread. The Spread The spread in the Forex market is the difference between the bid price and the ask price. The seller of a particular trade is always trying to get the highest price that they possibly can. The buyer is always trying to get the lowest price. The difference between these two prices...]]></description><pubDate>June 16, 2010  4:38 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Calculate the FOREX Spread]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-calculate-the-forex-spread.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Forex spread is something that you will need to be familiar with if you plan on getting involved in the Forex market. Here are the basic steps involved in how to calculate the Forex spread. The Spread This term refers to be bid/ask spread when trading currencies. The amount of the spread is important because it comes out of the profit of every trade. This is how the Forex brokers are compensated. Ideally, you would like to find a broker that has the lowest spreads around. This way, you will be able to increase your profit from trading....]]></description><pubDate>June 16, 2010  4:36 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a FOREX Spread?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-forex-spread.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are planning on getting involved in the Forex market, be sure that you understand what a Forex spread and what it means to you as a trader. Here are the basics of the Forex spread. Forex Spread When you are trading the Forex market, every time you make a trade, you are going to have to deal with the spread. The spread is also referred to as the bid and ask spread. Anytime that you make a trade, you are essentially buying from another individual, or selling something to them. The buyer in the transaction is always...]]></description><pubDate>June 16, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Top 3 Forex Trading Tips]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/top-3-forex-trading-tips.html</link><description><![CDATA[ By knowing some of the&amp;nbsp;top forex trading&amp;nbsp;tips and strategies, you will be able to have a much better chance of success in the forex market. Here are some of the top forex trading tips to be aware of. 1. Choose a Good Broker One of the most important things for you to do is choose a broker that will provide you with an opportunity to be successful. You need to work with a broker that has low spreads and good order execution and that is regulated. 2. Education When you are planning on trading the forex market, you need...]]></description><pubDate>June 16, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Guide to FOREX Stops]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/guide-to-forex-stops.html</link><description><![CDATA[ FOREX stop is a stop-loss order for the&amp;nbsp;foreign currency exchange (FOREX) market.&amp;nbsp;The way a FOREX stop&amp;nbsp;works is simple. If&amp;nbsp;the value of the currencies the investor is invested in reaches a certain point, said investor's broker is instructed to sell the currency. That way, the investors may lose some money, but they will still get some value on their investments, bringing their losses to a minimum. There are five types of FOREX stops: chart stop, volatility stop, equity stop, margin stop and the disaster stop. Each is designed to respond to certain economic indicators. FOREX Stops and FOREX Trading Since...]]></description><pubDate>June 16, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX 101: The Spot Rate]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-101-the-spot-rate.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The FOREX spot rate is the exact exchange rate quoted in real time at the moment of a trade. It is different from the forward rate, which is a quote based on anticipated movement of the currency at a date in the future. Most traders use the spot rate when it comes to real time trading online. Two-Day Rule The FOREX spot rate calls for delivery within two days. However, traders of foreign currency often hold a position for longer than this. To skirt the requirement, they will typically reset, meaning their broker closes the position and opens it...]]></description><pubDate>June 15, 2010  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Top 4 Tips to FOREX Success]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/top-4-tips-to-forex-success.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In order to achieve Forex success, there are a number of things that you will need to do. Here are some of the best tips for achieving Forex success. 1. Choose a Strategy Whenever you get involved in the Forex market, you need to make sure that you choose a trading strategy and stick with it. Many people go from one strategy to the next without giving the first strategy a chance to work. They try a trading method one or two times and if it does not bring them profit, they simply abandon it. With the Forex market...]]></description><pubDate>June 14, 2010  4:42 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX: Pros and Cons of Managed Trading Accounts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-pros-and-cons-of-managed-trading-accounts.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When trading FOREX accounts, you will have the option to have someone manage your account for you. Managed trading accounts can provide you with several benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of the pros and cons of managed trading accounts. Pros One of the biggest advantages of utilizing a managed trading account is the professional assistance that is offered to you. When you are a new trader, it can be very difficult to be successful in the Forex market. Many times, it will take you several years before you feel comfortable trading in the market on your own. With...]]></description><pubDate>June 14, 2010  4:39 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX Managed Trading Accounts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-managed-trading-accounts.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are many different types of FOREX accounts that you could potentially open. One type of account that you might want to consider is the managed trading account. Here are the basics of the FOREX managed trading account. FOREX Managed Trading Account With this type of account, you are going to be working with a professional FOREX trader. You are going to open an account with a FOREX broker and then you are going to allow the professional trader to make trades for you. Most of the time, they will have access to a trading account of their own...]]></description><pubDate>June 14, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX Standard Trading Accounts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-standard-trading-accounts.html</link><description><![CDATA[ One of the options that you will have when looking at opening Forex accounts is the standard trading account. Here are the basics of the standard Forex trading account and how it works. Standard Forex Trading Accounts With a standard Forex trading account, you are going to be trading full lots of currency. You are going to be working with 100 to 1 leverage in your account. This means that with each lot that you trade, you are actually controlling 100,000 units of the base currency. With this type of account, every pip is going to be worth $10....]]></description><pubDate>June 14, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX: Pros and Cons of Standard Trading Accounts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-pros-and-cons-of-standard-trading-accounts.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The standard account is one of the types of Forex accounts that you could potentially open with a broker. Here are some of the pros and cons of standard trading accounts. Pros One of the biggest advantages of this type of account is that you will have more of a potential for gain. With a standard trading account, you are going to be using leverage of 100:1. You will be trading with standard lots, which means that you are going to be controlling 100,000 units of currency with each trade that you make. For every pip that you earn...]]></description><pubDate>June 14, 2010  4:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX: Pros and Cons of Mini Trading Accounts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-pros-and-cons-of-mini-trading-accounts.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are several different types of Forex accounts that you could potentially open with a broker. One type of account that you can open is the mini trading account. Here are some of the pros and cons associated with mini Forex accounts. Pros One of the big advantages of opening a mini trading account is that you will be able to start out with a small amount of money. In most cases, you are only going to have to invest a few hundred dollars to get started. When compared to other trading accounts such as a standard account, you...]]></description><pubDate>June 14, 2010  4:31 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX Mini Trading Accounts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-mini-trading-accounts.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Mini Forex accounts are a type of account that allows you to start out your trading with a minimum investment. Here are the basics of mini Forex trading accounts and how they work. Mini Forex Accounts With a standard Forex account, you are going to trade with standard lots which represent 100,000 units of currency. If you open a mini Forex account, you will be able to open a lot that is one tenth of that size. This means that instead of risking $10 for every pip, you are risking only $1 per pip.&amp;nbsp; Flexibility With this type of...]]></description><pubDate>June 14, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX: What is a Pip?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-what-is-a-pip.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Forex pip is something that you will need to be aware of if you are going to trade the market. Here are the basics of the Forex pip and what it means. Forex Pip In the world of Forex trading, you are going to be trading multiple currencies. Whenever you trade one currency against the next, you need a system to measure the fluctuations of the rate between the two currencies. Instead of using dollars, or some other measurement, the Forex community uses pips. The pip is the smallest measurement of change between the values of two different...]]></description><pubDate>June 14, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fibonacci Analysis and the Forex Markets]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/fibonacci-analysis-and-the-forex-markets.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Fibonacci analysis is a technique that is often used to analyze the Forex markets. This technique can be used in a variety of different ways when trading in the market. Here are the basics of Fibonacci analysis and how it can be used in analyzing the Forex market. What Is Fibonacci? Fibonacci analysis is a technique that stems from the series of mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci. He first came up with the ideas in this theory back in the 13th century. His Fibonacci sequence is very famous and is the basis for all of the theories surrounding this method. With...]]></description><pubDate>June 14, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Top 4 Attributes of a Succesful Forex Trader]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/top-4-attributes-of-a-succesful-forex-trader.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In order to be a successful Forex trader, there are a few attributes that you will need to have. Here are some of the top attributes of a successful Forex trader. 1. Proper Approach In order to be successful in the Forex market, you have to approach trading correctly. Many people look at Forex trading as if it was a way for them to generate endless amounts of money, with minimal effort. In reality, you should approach the Forex market as if it was any other job. You are going to have to put your time in and work...]]></description><pubDate>June 14, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Things to Look for in a FOREX Broker]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-things-to-look-for-in-a-forex-broker.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are searching for a Forex broker, there are a number of things that you will want to look at. Here are some things to look for in a Forex broker. 1. Low Spreads One of the most important things to look for in a Forex broker is low spreads. The spread is the difference between the bid price and the ask price. If a broker has good liquidity, they should be able to get you lower spreads and increase the returns on your trades. 2. Low Minimum Lot Size Many Forex brokers have a large minimum lot...]]></description><pubDate>June 14, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Find a FOREX Broker]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-find-a-forex-broker.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are interested in finding a good Forex broker, there are a number of things that you can do to find the match for you. Here are tho e basics of how to find a Forex broker. National Futures Association One of the best places to start your search is to check out the National Futures Association website. The National Futures Association is the governing body that regulates Forex brokers in the United States. They have a list of Forex brokers that are members of the National Futures Association. It is a good idea to limit your search...]]></description><pubDate>June 14, 2010  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Tips to Finding a FOREX Broker]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-tips-to-finding-a-forex-broker.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are looking for a Forex broker, there are a number of things that you will want to keep in mind. Here are some tips for finding a good Forex broker. 1. Regulation Whenever you are looking at a Forex broker, you will want to see whether they are regulated or not. Most Forex brokers in the United States are members of the National Futures Association or NFA. In order to become a member of this, they have to meet certain criteria. As an investor, you want to make sure that you are dealing with a broker that...]]></description><pubDate>June 14, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Factors that Affect Forex Prices]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/factors-that-affect-forex-prices.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you have spent any amount of time trading the Forex market, you know that Forex prices can change rapidly. There are a number of things that influence Forex prices, you need to be aware of all of them if you are going to be a successful trader. Here are some factors that affect Forex prices regularly. Global Interest Rates The biggest factor that affects Forex prices are global interest rates. Interest rates, in different countries, will impact many different currencies at the same time. In the world of Forex, the interest rates that are announced by the Federal...]]></description><pubDate>June 14, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What are FOREX Futures?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-are-forex-futures.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Forex futures are a type of security that you can get involved with if you want to trade in the foreign currency market. Here are the basics of Forex futures and how they work. Forex Futures In order to get involved in Forex futures, you are going to be buying a contract that gives you the right to purchase a certain amount of currency in the future. These contracts are traded on exchanges exactly like stocks or ETF's. These contracts are originated and they can change hands multiple times before the exercise date comes.&amp;nbsp; Purpose Forex futures can be...]]></description><pubDate>June 14, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX Market vs Bond Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-market-vs-bond-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Both the FOREX market and the bond market can provide you with some good opportunities as an investor. While they are both options for you to invest in, these markets are completely different. Here are a few things to consider about the FOREX market compared to the bond market.&amp;nbsp; Commissions One key difference between these two types of markets is in the way that commissions are handled. When you work with a bond broker, you are going to have to pay commissions for every bond that you purchase. Whenever you make a trade in the FOREX market, you will...]]></description><pubDate>June 14, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX Market vs Stock Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-market-vs-stock-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Looking at the FOREX and stock markets, you will notice some key differences between the two. Both of these markets have some definite benefits for investors and some potential drawbacks. Here are some of the differences between the FOREX market and the stock market. Commissions One key difference between these two markets is in the way that commissions are charged. With the stock market, you are going to be charged a certain amount of commission for each transaction that you have. Some brokers will charge you a flat fee while others will charge you a percentage of the total...]]></description><pubDate>June 14, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Place FOREX Trading Stop Orders]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-place-forex-trading-stop-orders.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In the world of Forex trading, one of the best tools that a trader has is the ability to place a stop loss order. This allows you to limit the amount of loss in your account from any one trade. Here are the basics of how to place a stop order when trading the Forex market. Placing Stop Orders With Forex trading, there are two ways that you can place a stop order. The first method that you can use is to input the stop loss value before you put your trade into the market. Whenever you place a...]]></description><pubDate>June 14, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Methods to Trailing FOREX Stops]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/methods-to-trailing-forex-stops.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Forex stops allow currency traders to have market exit strategy that will help them maximize their profits and cut potential losses. With these tools, a trader can allow profits to continuously run as long as market conditions would permit, while stopping significant losses in case market conditions become unfavorable. The practicality of using trailing stops makes them an essential tool in any trading platform that requires the technical analysis of price fluctuations, just like in the forex market. Here are the most common methods to forex trailing stops. Using Trend Following and Mean Regression With a trend following technique,...]]></description><pubDate>June 14, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 FOREX Tax Tips]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-forex-tax-tips.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When it comes to paying Forex tax, there are a number of things that you are going to need to remember. Here are a few Forex tax tips to keep in mind.&amp;nbsp; 1. Know Your Options With Forex, you can choose to report your earnings in two different ways. You can use Section 1256 or Section 988 when filing your taxes. By using section 1256, you can split your earnings up and pay 60 percent of them at the long term capital gains tax rate. The other 40 percent will be at the short-term capital gains tax rate.&amp;nbsp; 2....]]></description><pubDate>June 13, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tax Advantages of the FOREX Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/tax-advantages-of-the-forex-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ You will need to pay forex tax every time you make a trade in the forex market. Paying taxes in the forex market is going to give you an advantage over paying taxes on a stock trade. Here are a few things to consider about the tax advantages of the forex market. Choice When you trade stocks, you really do not have a choice as to how you are going to pay your taxes. You have to pay capital gains taxes if you make capital gains on your trades. However, with the forex market, you are actually going to...]]></description><pubDate>June 13, 2010  4:40 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Advantages of FOREX]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/advantages-of-forex.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The FOREX market represents one of the most profitable opportunities in the financial markets today. This market provides you with several advantages over other financial markets. Here are some of the advantages of investing in the FOREX market. Liquidity The FOREX market is the single largest market in the world. Every day, over $2 trillion of money passes through this market. Because of this, there is the highest liquidity in any market in the world. Anytime that you want to trade, you should have no trouble getting your orders filled. At any given moment, there are many traders involved...]]></description><pubDate>June 13, 2010  4:38 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Choose Currency Pairs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-choose-currency-pairs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Choosing currency pairs to work with can be one of the most difficult parts of the Forex trading process. You want to choose the pairs are going to be the most profitable for you in the long run. Here are the basics of how to choose currency pairs in the Forex market. Average Daily Range Every currency pair moves differently and has its own unique tendencies. Because of this, not every pair is going to work with the strategies that you use. One way that you can distinguish between pairs is by looking at the average daily range that...]]></description><pubDate>June 13, 2010  4:31 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Recommended Currency Pairs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/recommended-currency-pairs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ This article is a recommendation to current currency pairs that may be profitable in the market. Foreign currency pairs are traded in high or low volume, depending on economic conditions for the countries represented in the currencies. Euro/Yen Based on the volume and liquidity in the market the major highly traded currency pair has been the euro/yen cross pair. This is one of the most liquid and volatile markets. As a trader, you will be able to find short term trading opportunities. Keep in mind that while this is highly liquid, it is also very volatile, therefore more risky....]]></description><pubDate>June 13, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Currency Pair?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-currency-pair.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are planning on getting involved in the Forex market, you will need to know what a currency pair is and how it is used. Here are the basics of the currency pair and how it works. Currency Pair When you are trading the market, you will notice that currencies are grouped together in pairs. Every time that you place a trade in the Forex market, you are going to be dealing with a pair of currencies. You are simultaneously going to be purchasing one currency, and selling another. In order to profit from the Forex market, you...]]></description><pubDate>June 13, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Beginner's Guide to Stochastics]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-beginners-guide-to-stochastics.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The term &quot;stochastic&quot; first evolved in mathematical probability theory. While many activities and events are predictable based on probability, there are some events that appear to be random or unpredictable. These events are often called outliers. The field of stochastics can be applied to science, language, art and even music. It is a study of the fact that the same input can generate multiple different outputs. In finance, stochastics has a very specific application: the stochastic oscillator. History of Stochastic Oscillator In the 1950s, Dr. George Lane began using mathematical stochastic theory to predict stock behaviors and pricing. Essentially,...]]></description><pubDate>May 20, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Quote Currency]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-quote-currency.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The term &quot;quote currency&quot; is something that you are going to need to understand if you plan on trading in the forex market. Here are the basics of quote currency. Quote Currency When you trade in the forex market, you are going to be dealing with currency pairs. Currency pairs are made up of two different currencies. The first currency in the pair is known as the base currency. The second currency in the pair is referred to as the quote currency. You are always going to be buying one currency and selling another in these transactions.&amp;nbsp;You are going...]]></description><pubDate>May 19, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX 101: Transaction Risk]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-101-transaction-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Transaction risk is an aspect of the Forex market that many people have to deal with on a daily basis. Here are the basics of transaction risk and how it could potentially affect you. Transaction Risk Whenever you are dealing with a transaction that involves two currencies, you are going to have to be exposed to a certain amount of transaction risk. Transaction risk deals with the risk that you could potentially lose money on the exchange rate whenever you are in an investment. How It Works Let's say that you decide to invest a certain amount of money...]]></description><pubDate>May 18, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding the Moving Average Convergence Divergence]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-the-moving-average-convergence-divergence.html</link><description><![CDATA[Summary: Referred to as MACD (&quot;mak-dee&quot;) and used as a key indicator in technical analysis of stocks and commodities Tracks the path of short-term versus long-term moving averages and seeks to uncover triggers for profitable trading This article covers the&amp;nbsp;moving average convergence divergence&amp;nbsp;indicator, commonly referred to as the MACD indicator (pronounced &quot;mak dee&quot;). It is a very useful indicator and one of the most followed indicators for technical analysis in trading markets. What Is MACD comprised Of? MACD has a lot of different versions. The most common MACD indicator is simply two moving averages that track the market. One moving...]]></description><pubDate>May  4, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The International Currency Exchange Rate]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-international-currency-exchange-rate.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The international currency exchange rate is used by major banks and financial intermediaries around the world. Also known as the foreign exchange market, or international monetary market, it exchanges more in one day than any other market in the world. The currency exchange rate quotes can be a spot rate or the forward rate. The forward rate normally is higher priced than the spot rate, taking into account near future exchange rate factors including supply, demand, and interest comparative interest rates. Currency Pairs Because the currency exchange rate is quoted as a &quot;currency pair&quot; there are many different exchange...]]></description><pubDate>April 30, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Currency Pairs: The Majors]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/currency-pairs-the-majors.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The majors are a group of currency pairs that play a vital role in the Forex market. In order to trade in the Forex market, you will have to have a basic understanding of currency pairs. Here are the basics of the major currency pairs and what they mean to you as an investor. Currency Pairs A currency pair is a combination of two different foreign currencies. In Forex trading, you will be dealing with a base currency and a counter currency in each pair. For example, on the currency pair EUR/USD, the euro is the base currency and...]]></description><pubDate>April 27, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Currency Carry Trade: A Valuable Money-Swap Tactic]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-currency-carry-trade-a-valuable-money-swap-tactic.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A trade known as the currency carry trade seeks to profit from the difference in the interest rates between two countries. With interest rates near zero percent in the United States, foreign interest rates become relatively higher in general. Although there is uncertainty in foreign exchange markets, the currency carry trade is a less risky way to speculate in foreign exchange markets. An example of the carry trade is as follows: imagine you are looking to finance a carry trade using the U.S. dollar to take advantage of the higher interest rates in Australia. Generally, the interest rate in...]]></description><pubDate>April 13, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Clearing Price?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-clearing-price.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Clearing price is a term that is often used in the stock market. If you plan on trading the market, you need to understand what the clearing price is and how it affects you as an investor. Bid and Ask Whenever you start to trade a security, you will immediately notice that there is a discrepancy between buyers and sellers. Buyers always want to pay a lower price for the securities while sellers always want to get the highest price that is available. This is where bid and ask prices come into play. Clearing Price Even though there is...]]></description><pubDate>April 10, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX 101: Forward Premium]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-101-forward-premium.html</link><description><![CDATA[ From an economic standpoint, the forward premiums in foreign exchange markets and futures markets are based on overall changes in supply and level of exports. Essentially, the forward premium is a proxy for the supply curve, the spread between futures and spot rates known as carry yield. If forward prices are greater than spot rates, markets are in contango. This means the cost of storing supply is increasing with time. There is an expected decrease in supply with a decreasing shift in the supply curve. If forward prices are less than the spot rates, markets are backwarded. This means...]]></description><pubDate>April 10, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at Sovereign Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-sovereign-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A sovereign bond is just one of the many types of bonds that are available for you to invest in. These government-issued bonds offer a higher yield, but they offer also a higher level of risk. Definition of a Sovereign Bond A sovereign bond is issued by a country&amp;rsquo;s government, but unlike a government bond, which is issued in the country&amp;rsquo;s own currency, sovereign bonds are issued in a foreign currency. This is often done by nations whose currency is subject to high inflation rates or unstable exchange rates. In these cases, it is actually more economical to issue...]]></description><pubDate>April  9, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Risks of Overnight Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-risks-of-overnight-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many Forex traders regularly engage in overnight trading. While you are free to do this, there are some risks that you need to be aware of. Here are the risks of overnight trading. Lower Liquidity When you are trading during times that are not peak market times, you will face lower liquidity with your trades. This means that it might take longer to get your orders filled. In the Forex market, you might need to get out of a trade immediately. When liquidity is low, this might delay how quickly you can get out of a trade and cause...]]></description><pubDate>April  9, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Real Time FOREX Trading: The Most Dangerous Game]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/real-time-forex-trading-the-most-dangerous-game.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Real time Forex trading is considered one of the most dangerous forms of investment available. However, that has not stopped it from becoming extremely popular among investors. Here are a few reasons that real time Forex trading is considered dangerous. High Leverage One thing that makes real time Forex trading so dangerous is the high leverage that is used. When you trade in the stock market, you might choose to use leverage of 2 to 1. However, when trading Forex, you could potentially get an account that has leverage of as much as 500 to 1. Therefore, it does...]]></description><pubDate>April  9, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is Interest Rate Parity?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-interest-rate-parity.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Interest rate parity connects the interest rates, spot exchange rates and forward exchange rates in a single comparison. The theory is that the differential between the interest rates of two countries is the same as the difference between the forward exchange rate and the spot exchange rate. As a result, the theory maintains there is no difference between investing locally in a foreign market or exchanging currency to invest in the foreign market directly. Spot Exchange Rate The spot exchange rate is simply the foreign exchange rate at the current moment. Even though it typically takes one to two...]]></description><pubDate>April  9, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Misconceptions about Electronic Currency Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/misconceptions-about-electronic-currency-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Electronic currency trading has become more common in recent years as a way to get away from the stock market. However, there are some misconceptions about this type of trading. Here are the basics of electronic currency trading and a few of the most common misconceptions about it. Electronic Currency Trading Electronic currency trading allows anyone to gain access to the Forex market from his or her own computer. You can open an account with a Forex broker and start trading as long as you have Internet access. Easy Money Many people have heard about the millions of dollars...]]></description><pubDate>April  9, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to Currency Pairs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-currency-pairs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you plan on getting involved in the Forex market, you will need to understand what currency pairs are and how they work. Here are the basics of currency pairs and how to use them in Forex trading. Currency Pairs When trading Forex, you will immediately notice that currencies are grouped into pairs. Each pair is made up of a base currency and a counter currency. The first currency that is listed in the currency pair is always the base currency. The second currency listed is always the counter currency. Buying and Selling When you work with currency pairs,...]]></description><pubDate>April  9, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Making Trades in FOREX]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/making-trades-in-forex.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Making FOREX trades can be one of the most exciting experiences in your investment career. FOREX is the largest financial market and is available to you 24 hours a day. You can make a substantial amount of money in the market if you know what you are doing. In order to do that, you will first have to learn how to place a trade.&amp;nbsp; Online Orders The most common way to place a trade in the FOREX market is through an online trading platform. You will be able to access the market directly through your trading platform and place...]]></description><pubDate>March 12, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The 4 Most Traded FOREX Currencies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-4-most-popular-forex-currencies.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Trading FOREX currencies involves buying and selling monies of different countries. Although the number of currencies that can be traded is nearly the same as the number of countries in the world, a handful of currencies are traded far more than the rest. These popular currencies have higher liquidity and enjoy higher trading volumes in FOREX markets, so they attract more investors and traders. United States Dollar Officially referred to in the market as the USD, the US dollar is the most common base currency used in FOREX trading options. Four of the most common currency pairs use the...]]></description><pubDate>February 12, 2010  4:09 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stay in the Mix with FOREX Trading News]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stay-in-the-mix-with-forex-trading-news.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The FOREX trading news&amp;nbsp;is one of the most important tools that a FOREX trader can use. The economic news is a very important indicator in what the market is going to do. You can sometimes avoid devastating losses in your account by avoiding trading directly before and after a major economic news announcement. Here are a few things to consider about the FOREX trading news.&amp;nbsp; Impact of News With a number of economic news websites out there, you can look at the upcoming news releases that will impact currencies. You will also be able to see exactly what the...]]></description><pubDate>February  5, 2010  4:13 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Develop Your FOREX Education Using These 3 Tools]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/develop-your-forex-education-using-these-3-tools-1.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are many different FOREX tools&amp;nbsp;that you could potentially use to your advantage. The FOREX market is a very complex thing to grasp and when you get involved in it, you want to make sure that you know what you are doing. Otherwise, you could lose your entire account in a few minutes. This is definitely not a game for novices and you need to make sure that you learn everything that you can about it. Developing your FOREX education level is essential if you want to succeed. Here are a few tools that you can use to increase...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  4:13 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Developing Your Skills with a FOREX Micro Account]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/developing-your-skills-with-a-forex-micro-account-1.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A FOREX micro&amp;nbsp;account is a type of account that is offered by many different FOREX brokers in the world. With a micro account, you can gain valuable experience in the FOREX market. With a micro account, you are trading a very small lot size. You can actually trade .01 standard lots. When you do this, it means that you are trading $.10 per pip. Here are a few reasons that you may want to consider using a micro account to develop your skills. Importance of Micro Accounts Develop strategies--When you are trading in the FOREX market, you need to...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  4:10 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Benefits of Managed FOREX Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-benefits-of-managed-forex-trading-1.html</link><description><![CDATA[ With managed FOREX trading&amp;nbsp;you can take potentially make a great return on your investment. Managed FOREX trading is when you invest your money with an experienced trader, or group of traders, to trade in the FOREX market. They take your money, put it into a pool of funds and then use that money to invest in the FOREX market. This type of trading can present you with several benefits as a trader. Here are a few benefits of managed FOREX trading that you will want to consider.&amp;nbsp; Benefits Hands off- One of the great things about managed FOREX trading...]]></description><pubDate>February  3, 2010  4:06 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Develop Your FOREX Education Using These 3 Tools]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/develop-your-forex-education-using-these-3-tools.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are many different FOREX tools&amp;nbsp;that you could potentially use to your advantage. The FOREX market is a very complex thing to grasp and when you get involved in it, you want to make sure that you know what you are doing. Otherwise, you could lose your entire account in a few minutes. This is definitely not a game for novices and you need to make sure that you learn everything that you can about it. Developing your FOREX education level is essential if you want to succeed. Here are a few tools that you can use to increase...]]></description><pubDate>February  2, 2010  5:00 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Do Free FOREX Charts Really Help You?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/do-free-forex-charts-really-help-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A number of different sources provide free FOREX charts&amp;nbsp;for your use at any time. You can access these charts via the internet through any web browser. The charts have up to the second price data about all the major currency pairs in the FOREX market. You can keep up to date with all of the latest pricing information on each pair. If you are a currency trader, these charts can come in very handy. Here are a few things to consider about free FOREX charts and how they can help you.&amp;nbsp; Why Are They Free? Companies provide free FOREX...]]></description><pubDate>February  2, 2010  4:56 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dealing with the FOREX can be Devastating to the Unprepared]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dealing-with-the-forex-can-be-devastating-to-the-unprepared.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In the world of FOREX, dealing&amp;nbsp;with losses can be quick and devastating. Although the opportunity for reward is there, there is also a huge opportunity for losses as well. At any given moment, the market could swing and leave your account showing a zero balance. If you are not properly prepared for the market and how it operates, you could find yourself in deep trouble.&amp;nbsp; High Leverage The unique thing about the FOREX market is the high amount of leverage that every trader uses on a regular basis. Some common examples of leverage on a FOREX account are 100:1...]]></description><pubDate>February  2, 2010  4:52 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Developing Your Skills with a FOREX Micro Account]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/developing-your-skills-with-a-forex-micro-account.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A FOREX micro&amp;nbsp;account is a type of account that is offered by many different FOREX brokers in the world. With a micro account, you can gain valuable experience in the FOREX market. With a micro account, you are trading a very small lot size. You can actually trade .01 standard lots. When you do this, it means that you are trading $.10 per pip. Here are a few reasons that you may want to consider using a micro account to develop your skills. Importance of Micro Accounts Develop strategies--When you are trading in the FOREX market, you need to...]]></description><pubDate>February  2, 2010  4:50 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Best Resources for Learning FOREX Technical Analysis]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-best-resources-for-learning-forex-technical-analysis.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Using FOREX technical analysis&amp;nbsp;is a very popular way for FOREX traders to decide when they want to trade. Technical analysis is basically analyzing the price data from a currency pair and looking for patterns. This can be a very valuable tool and is the most common way to analyze the FOREX market. Although common, it can be very complicated to learn how to do it effectively. Here are a few resources that you can use to learn FOREX technical analysis.&amp;nbsp; FOREX Brokers Most FOREX brokers offer a wealth of information about technical analysis. They have classes and information that...]]></description><pubDate>February  2, 2010  4:47 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using FOREX Technical Analysis]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-forex-technical-analysis.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Using FOREX technical analysis is one of the most popular ways to trade the market. There are two main ways to trade the FOREX market. You can use fundamental analysis or technical analysis. With fundamental analysis, you analyze the underlying currency itself. With technical analysis, you just look at the price data of the currency pair to make your decisions. Here are a few things you need to know about technical analysis and how it is used in the FOREX market.&amp;nbsp; Technical Analysis People that use technical analysis to trade the FOREX market are always looking at charts. FOREX...]]></description><pubDate>February  2, 2010  4:43 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Important FOREX Indicators]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-important-forex-indicators.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In the world of FOREX trading there are a number of important FOREX indicators&amp;nbsp;that traders use to identify profitable trades. With both technical and fundamental analysis, there are indicators that you can look to in order to predict where price is heading. These indicators are based on historical data and experience. Mastering several FOREX indicators can help you have a successful career in the FOREX market. Here are a few of the more popular FOREX indicators that are available to traders.&amp;nbsp; 1. Moving Average The moving average is a way to look at what price has been doing on...]]></description><pubDate>February  2, 2010  4:39 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Get Instantaneous FOREX Alerts: You Have the Technology]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/get-instantaneous-forex-alerts-you-have-the-technology.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Using FOREX alerts&amp;nbsp;is a great way to keep up with the fast-paced FOREX market. When you want to successfully trade in the FOREX market, you have to be ready at a moment's notice. Since the market is open 24 hours a day, you never know when a trade opportunity is going to present itself. Therefore, using some means to alert you when a potential trade is forming can save you considerable amounts of time.&amp;nbsp; Signal Providers There are a number of signal providers out there that will do all of the chart analyzing for you. When a trade is...]]></description><pubDate>February  2, 2010  4:36 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Benefits of Managed FOREX Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-benefits-of-managed-forex-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ With managed FOREX trading&amp;nbsp;you can take potentially make a great return on your investment. Managed FOREX trading is when you invest your money with an experienced trader, or group of traders, to trade in the FOREX market. They take your money, put it into a pool of funds and then use that money to invest in the FOREX market. This type of trading can present you with several benefits as a trader. Here are a few benefits of managed FOREX trading that you will want to consider.&amp;nbsp; Benefits Hands off- One of the great things about managed FOREX trading...]]></description><pubDate>February  2, 2010  4:33 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 FOREX Tips that Can Lead to Disaster]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-forex-tips-that-can-lead-to-disaster-1.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Taking FOREX (foreign exchange market) tips&amp;nbsp;from just anyone is a recipe for disaster. The FOREX market is the most dynamic and fast-paced market in the world. It boasts a trading volume of over $2 trillion per day. Because a lot of money moves through the FOREX market on a given day, it represents a huge risk-vs.-reward scenario. If you take advice from someone who is not qualified to give it, you could find yourself with an empty account. Here are a few common FOREX tips that can lead to disaster.&amp;nbsp; 1. Higher Leverage is Better When you trade FOREX,...]]></description><pubDate>February  2, 2010  4:30 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX Scalping: Fast Profits and Fast Losses]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-scalping-fast-profits-and-fast-losses.html</link><description><![CDATA[ FOREX scalping&amp;nbsp;is one of the most popular trading strategies in the foreign currency exchange market. Many traders use this as their primary method of trading. With scalping, you are employing a very short-term method of trading. You get in and get out of the market quickly. This type of strategy has some advantages, but it also carries with it some dangers.&amp;nbsp; Benefits Limit risk--On each trade, you are risking only a small percentage of your account. Most short term trades have a small stop loss value, and therefore, you can protect your assets better. Make fast profit--With this strategy,...]]></description><pubDate>February  1, 2010  5:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is FOREX Scalping?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-forex-scalping.html</link><description><![CDATA[ FOREX scalping&amp;nbsp;is one of the most commonly used trading methods in the foreign exchange market, one of the most popular trading markets in the world. Here are a few things to consider about FOREX scalping.&amp;nbsp; Get In and Get Out The basic idea behind scalping in the FOREX market is that you make several small trades during the course of the day. You find a currency pair that you like to trade, predict which way it is going to move and then place a trade. Instead of waiting around for a big trade like you do with other trading...]]></description><pubDate>February  1, 2010  5:18 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Learning to Interpret FOREX Trading Signals]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/learning-to-interpret-forex-trading-signals.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Forex trading signals&amp;nbsp;are a unique investment tool that allows you to take advantage of the FOREX market with minimal experience. There are many FOREX signal providers out there that charge a fee to receive their signals. FOREX signals are provided by those that have an intimate knowledge with the FOREX market. They provide these signals as a subscription to those that want to leverage their expertise. With a good set of FOREX signals, you could make a lot of money. However, in order to effectively use them, you will have to be able to interpret the signals. Here are...]]></description><pubDate>February  1, 2010  5:14 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Is a FOREX Seminar Worth the Time?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/is-a-forex-seminar-worth-the-time.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many traders attend a FOREX seminar&amp;nbsp;at some point to try and learn how to trade the markets. Many companies and FOREX experts offer seminars in order to teach new traders how to use FOREX to their advantage. There are many different seminars, on several different products. If you have never attended a FOREX seminar, you may be wondering if it is worth the investment. FOREX seminars are usually not cheap and you want to make sure that it is worth your time. Here are a few things to consider about a FOREX seminar and whether or not it can...]]></description><pubDate>February  1, 2010  5:10 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 FOREX Tips that Can Lead to Disaster]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-forex-tips-that-can-lead-to-disaster.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Taking FOREX (foreign exchange market) tips&amp;nbsp;from just anyone is a recipe for disaster. The FOREX market is the most dynamic and fast-paced market in the world. It boasts a trading volume of over $2 trillion per day. Because a lot of money moves through the FOREX market on a given day, it represents a huge risk-vs.-reward scenario. If you take advice from someone who is not qualified to give it, you could find yourself with an empty account. Here are a few common FOREX tips that can lead to disaster.&amp;nbsp; 1. Higher Leverage is Better When you trade FOREX,...]]></description><pubDate>February  1, 2010  5:08 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing Opportuities with FOREX Arbitrage]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-opportuities-with-forex-arbitrage.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are investing opportunities with&amp;nbsp;FOREX arbitrage. This article will explain what FOREX arbitrage is and its purpose within the market. It will also explain what FOREX arbitrage means for potential investors. It should be noted that any investing or investment platform entails risk, including the risk that you will lose the entire amount invested. This is important to understand because you should never solely rely on information reported in an article as your sole advice about investing. Do your own research and ask questions before starting any investment program. This article is not a promise of future returns or...]]></description><pubDate>January 17, 2010  4:25 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Respect Your Money: Find the Best FOREX Brokers]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/respect-your-money-find-the-best-forex-brokers.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are about to start trading FOREX, finding the best FOREX brokers should be at the top of your priority list. While you might not think that it matters, having one of the best FOREX brokers will make a big difference in your trading results. Trading FOREX is a fast-paced endeavor. Therefore, you need a good broker that can keep up with the market. Here are a few ways that you can help yourself locate a solid FOREX broker.&amp;nbsp;RegulatedOne big reason that it matters which broker that you choose is the safety of your money. You have worked...]]></description><pubDate>December 28, 2009  4:12 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Small Profit FOREX Strategies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/small-profit-forex-strategies.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Trying to accumulate FOREX profit&amp;nbsp;can seem like a difficult task at times. In the foreign exchange market, you can make FOREX profit from the daily fluctuations in exchange rates between currencies. Therefore, FOREX profit is the amount of profit that you can make on a FOREX trade in the currency market. With the high volatility of the market however, you never really know what to expect. The vast majority of traders do not make profits consistently and most lose money. Many traders employ long-term methods that usually involve larger trades. While you can get some big wins with those...]]></description><pubDate>December 28, 2009  4:08 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Profit Margin of FOREX Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-profit-margin-of-forex-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Making a profit in forex trading is not too difficult, if you can follow the rule that states &amp;ldquo; Buy at lower prices and wait and sell at higher prices.&amp;rdquo; This is much more easily said than done. Making money in the Forex trade calls for certain planned approach. A trader buys apples from wholesalers at $1 apiece and sells it at $2 per fruit. The differential margin in price less whatever expenses &amp;ndash; is the trader&amp;rsquo;s profit. Investors in real estate play the same game by buying properties when the markets are down to sell at higher value...]]></description><pubDate>December 28, 2009  4:05 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are Free FOREX Signals Useful?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/are-free-forex-signals-useful.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you spend any amount of time in the FOREX market, you are bound to come across an offer for free FOREX signals&amp;nbsp;at some point. Using FOREX signals in general can be a profitable strategy for you to use. However, we have learned along the way in life that you get what you pay for. Therefore, you might be a little confused by an offer of free FOREX signals at some point. Here are a few things that you should consider with free FOREX signals. The Foreign Exchange Market The foreign exchange market or the FOREX market is the...]]></description><pubDate>December 23, 2009  3:49 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Used Margin vs. Usable Margin in FOREX Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/used-margin-vs-usable-margin-in-forex-trading-1.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The subject of FOREX margin&amp;nbsp;has been the source of a lot of confusion over the years. Many traders that regularly trade FOREX have no idea how margin works in their accounts. They know that they could possibly get a margin call, but they do not fully understand how they work. The terms &quot;used margin&quot; and &quot;usable margin&quot; are both important but many traders do not understand the difference. Here are the basics of used margin and usable margin in FOREX trading. Used Margin Depending on what type of FOREX account you have, you could have varying levels of margin...]]></description><pubDate>December 23, 2009  3:45 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX &quot;Pips&quot; Explained]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-pips-explained.html</link><description><![CDATA[ FOREX pips&amp;nbsp;are one of the most important aspects of the market. Every FOREX trader has gaining pips at the top of their priority list. While many people are vaguely familiar with the FOREX market in general, they may not fully understand what pips are. Here are the basics of pips in the FOREX market. What Pips Are FOREX trading is all about the relationship of foreign currencies. When you deal in the foreign exchange market, you are always buying one currency while simultaneously selling another. When one currency goes up, the other one goes down. Since the essence of...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2009  4:42 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Looking for the &quot;Best&quot; Forex Signals?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/looking-for-the-best-forex-signals.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are looking for the best Forex signals&amp;nbsp;on the market, you are definitely not alone. The world of Forex is a haven for scammers. Since it is a very loosely regulated industry, compared to other trading markets, there is a lot of room for people to use questionable methods. This makes finding a quality company to provide your signals even that much more important. One way to find a good company is to research unbiased reviews. If a review has an affiliate link in it, avoid it.&amp;nbsp; Forums There are many Forex-related forums out there that can help...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2009  4:14 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Don't Get Caught Off Guard By FOREX Signal Service Scams]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dont-get-caught-off-guard-by-forex-signal-service-scams.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Using a good FOREX signal service&amp;nbsp;can be a great way to invest. You can diversify your money and include FOREX with your stocks and bonds. You will need to be sure that you do not get tied up with a poor signal provider. Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking at a signal provider.&amp;nbsp; Guarantees One way that can help decide whether a service is legitimate or not is if they have a guarantee. While the guarantee is only as good as the company that offers it, a guarantee usually will make you feel better...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2009  4:11 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Review Your FOREX Broker Online Before You Settle]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/review-your-forex-broker-online-before-you-settle.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Looking through a FOREX broker review&amp;nbsp;can help you determine whether or not a broker is worth using. When you trade in the FOREX market, you are only as good as your broker will allow you to be. This means that it is crucial that you select a great broker to deal with. FOREX broker reviews will allow you to get a feel for the broker before you open an account. Here are a few things that you should look for in a FOREX broker review. Unbiased Source The main thing that you need to look for in a broker...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2009  4:08 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding Reliable FOREX Broker Reviews]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/finding-reliable-forex-broker-reviews.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are considering getting into the FOREX market, there is a good chance that you have read some FOREX broker reviews. A big part of your success in the market depends on the quality of the broker that you choose. Locating good broker information is very important. Many people use online sources to get their information. However, sometimes you cannot rely on the reviews because they are biased and self-serving. Here are a few ways to find reliable FOREX broker reviews. Look for Affiliate Links One tell-tale sign that you cannot trust a review is if it has...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2009  4:04 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX Market News to Take Advantage Of]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-market-news-to-take-advantage-of.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The&amp;nbsp;FOREX market news&amp;nbsp;is something that every good FOREX trader has to be aware of. News releases can have a huge impact on the markets and how they operate. They can cause huge swings in price relative to another currency. Since the news can cause such huge swings in the market, there are entire trading strategies that center on news releases. Here is what you need to know about FOREX market news and how it works. News All news in the world does not really have an impact on the FOREX market. However, any news that may be relevant to...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2009  4:01 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Calculating Profits and Losses in FOREX]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/calculating-profits-and-losses-in-forex.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Calculating your FOREX profits&amp;nbsp;and losses can be kind of tricky. Understanding how much you made with a stock trade or some other common security is easy. However, when you are dealing in the foreign exchange market, you are dealing with multiple currencies. On every transaction, you will be simultaneously buying one currency and selling another. This necessitates the need to convert some numbers in order to see how much actual profit you have made. Here are the basics of calculating FOREX profits and losses on a normal trade. Calculating Trades The main thing that you have to remember is...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2009  3:57 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Claiming Your FOREX Profits and Losses]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/claiming-your-forex-profits-and-losses.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When dealing with taxes, you have to claim both your FOREX profits&amp;nbsp;and losses. While some other countries do not tax FOREX profits, the United States does. Currently, FOREX traders have an arrangement that is actually more favorable than other forms of investments. Here are the basics of how to claim your profits and losses in FOREX. How to File Filing your profits and losses in FOREX requires a special form with the IRS. You will need IRS form 6781 in order to report your gains and losses. Under section 1256 of the IRS code, you can opt out of...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2009  3:53 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The FOREX Market Hours]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-forex-market-hours.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The FOREX market hours&amp;nbsp;of operation are 24 hours per day, five days per week. This investment market never closes, unlike the other major trading markets. Even though the stock exchange closes at the normal time, the FOREX market keeps going all night long. So how does the FOREX market trade all the time?&amp;nbsp; Global Market The reason that FOREX traders are able to trade 24 hours per day is that the market is a global market. There is no centralized exchange as if you were trading stocks at the New York Stock Exchange. There are always markets open all...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2009  3:50 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Your FOREX Expert Advisor]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/your-forex-expert-advisor.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Using a FOREX expert advisor&amp;nbsp;can open up a world of opportunities for you in your trading. With the use of leverage, you are able to gain considerable returns on your investment. Then when you add the automation that an expert advisor can offer you, you create a winning combination. Here are a few things that you need to know about expert advisors and how they work. What is an Expert Advisor? An expert advisor is a software program that plugs into your FOREX trading platform. This program is designed to automate the trading process for you. They can perform...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2009  3:46 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX Trade Signals: How Do They Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-trade-signals-how-do-they-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Using FOREX trade signals&amp;nbsp;has become a very popular method for trading on the foreign currency exchange. Many people dabble in FOREX, but they have no idea what they are doing. Using FOREX trading signals can simplify things for you and help you greatly in your trades. Here are the basics of a FOREX trading signal service and how they work. Leveraging Expertise The main idea behind a signal service is to leverage the expertise of someone else. You may not know much about the FOREX market or how to analyze it but, there are people out there that have...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2009  3:43 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Interpreting Live FOREX Charts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/interpreting-live-forex-charts.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Reading live FOREX charts&amp;nbsp;can be a challenging task if you have never done it before. The FOREX market is a very dynamic one and requires a lot of analysis in order to succeed. Here are a few basics that you need to interpret FOREX charts. Basic Chart Information Every trading platform is a little bit different. Each broker has their style and most of them also offer the popular Metatrader platforms. While they all have different features, many of what you will see is uniform with all brokers. For example, you will be able to pull up a chart...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2009  3:39 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Useful FOREX Hedging Strategies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/useful-forex-hedging-strategies.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are a variety of FOREX hedging&amp;nbsp;strategies, but be aware that you can no longer use hedging if your broker adheres to National Futures Association rules. If you sign up with a FOREX broker that is not in the NFA, you can still employ these strategies. What Is Hedging? Hedging is essentially placing a bet in both directions of the market. You are placing a buy and a sell order on the same currency. Therefore, you could potentially profit from movement in either direction. If done properly, hedging can be a way to maximize profits and minimize risk from...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2009  3:36 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Used Margin vs. Usable Margin in FOREX Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/used-margin-vs-usable-margin-in-forex-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The subject of FOREX margin&amp;nbsp;has been the source of a lot of confusion over the years. Many traders that regularly trade FOREX have no idea how margin works in their accounts. They know that they could possibly get a margin call, but they do not fully understand how they work. The terms &quot;used margin&quot; and &quot;usable margin&quot; are both important but many traders do not understand the difference. Here are the basics of used margin and usable margin in FOREX trading. Used Margin Depending on what type of FOREX account you have, you could have varying levels of margin...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2009  3:34 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Prepare for the Real Thing with a FOREX Trading Tutorial]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/prepare-for-the-real-thing-with-a-forex-trading-tutorial.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Using a FOREX trading tutorial&amp;nbsp;is a great way to help yourself get started trading in the market. The FOREX market is the most dynamic market on the planet with over $2 Trillion traded daily. With so much money trading hands every day, you can see why so many people are trying to get involved. While many traders are trying to get started, learning the ropes of FOREX can be difficult. Therefore, it is essential that you take some time to learn how to trade before you jump in. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you...]]></description><pubDate>December 21, 2009  4:38 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX Leverage: Win Big, Lose Big]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-leverage-win-big-lose-big.html</link><description><![CDATA[ For investors that use leverage, FOREX&amp;nbsp;is one of the best investment options available. The FOREX market is unlike any other market in the world. With a daily volume upwards of $2 trillion, the FOREX market is vastly bigger than other markets. Investors in the FOREX market are hoping to bank on the small fluctuations in currency exchange rates. If they can accurately predict the fluctuations, they will be able to profit from the exchange. Without leverage, the FOREX market would not have such amazing potential. With the use of leverage, tiny fluctuations can turn into big money. Here are...]]></description><pubDate>December 21, 2009  4:34 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX Trading Tips for Beginners]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-trading-tips-for-beginners.html</link><description><![CDATA[ As a beginner, you could probably use all of the FOREX trading tips that you can get. Trading the foreign exchange market can be extremely confusing for a new trader. When you do not know what you are doing, you stand to lose significant amounts of money very quickly. Therefore, it is essential that you get the basics down before you start trading. Here are a few tips for trading the FOREX markets as a beginner. Demo First The great thing about the FOREX market is that the brokers allow you to trade for free before you get involved...]]></description><pubDate>December 21, 2009  4:31 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Know the Risks Before You Open a FOREX Account]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/know-the-risks-before-you-open-a-forex-account.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you deal with FOREX, you will need to open an account. FOREX is one of the riskiest investments that the financial world has to offer. Many people have made a fortune in the FOREX market. However, many more people have lost thousands of dollars in this very same market. You could be winning big one moment and losing big the next. Here are some things to consider about the risk level of FOREX before you get involved.&amp;nbsp; Leverage One thing that makes the FOREX market extremely risky is the use of leverage. If you want to trade in...]]></description><pubDate>December 21, 2009  4:27 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding FOREX Margin Calls]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-forex-margin-calls.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Dealing with FOREX margin&amp;nbsp;can seem like a complicated subject for many. Many FOREX traders go about their trading every day and do not fully understand how margin works. The threat of a margin call is a trader's worst fear. While it can be avoided with the proper money management, accounts are margined out every day in FOREX. Here are the basics of a margin call and how they work.&amp;nbsp; Leverage To fully understand how margin works, you need to first understand how leverage works in FOREX. Leverage allows FOREX traders to control much more than they have in their...]]></description><pubDate>December 21, 2009  4:24 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 FOREX Secrets to Profit From]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-forex-secrets-to-profit-from.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Finding FOREX secrets&amp;nbsp;that can help you make profit might seem difficult at times. The FOREX market carries with it some unbelievable potential. You can make amazing profits if you know what you are doing. Here are a few things that can help you profit in the FOREX market. 1. FOREX Signal Services One secret that many are not aware of are FOREX signal services. These services can make your FOREX trading much easier. With a signal service, you actually subscribe to a signal provider to receive trade alerts. These services are provided by a number of different companies. The...]]></description><pubDate>December 21, 2009  4:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Warming Up with a FOREX Demo]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/warming-up-with-a-forex-demo.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A FOREX demo&amp;nbsp;account can be a very valuable asset to your trading. With a demo account, you can practice without risking money. Many other markets do not have demo accounts that are as realistic as they are in the FOREX world. If you are considering getting into FOREX at all, you should definitely start out by demo trading. How Demo Accounts Work Nearly every FOREX broker out there offers some sort of a demo account for their services. You can simply go to their website and sign up for a free demo account in a number of minutes. They...]]></description><pubDate>December 21, 2009  4:17 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The FOREX Currency Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-forex-currency-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The FOREX currency&amp;nbsp;market represents a huge opportunity for investors today. Although it is relatively unknown to the general public, it is well-known as a potentially great way to invest in investment circles. While you may have heard mention of the foreign exchange market, you may not be familiar with it or understand what it is. Here are the basics of the FOREX currency market and how it can benefit you. The FOREX Market The thing that strikes most people initially with the FOREX market is its size. The size of this market is unrivaled by any other market in...]]></description><pubDate>December 21, 2009  4:13 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What to Look for in Online FOREX Trading Companies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-to-look-for-in-online-forex-trading-companies.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Online FOREX trading companies present traders with a unique avenue in which to invest. With the FOREX market, you get a market that is unlike any other security market available. It is bigger than any other market including the stock market. It is available 24 hours per day 5 days per week, which makes it the longest running market. It is not located in a central location, which makes it unlike anything else. The entire market is held online with all of the various FOREX brokers that are available. Therefore, it becomes necessary to find a good broker if...]]></description><pubDate>December 21, 2009  4:10 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX Software Bringing You Down (Financially)?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-software-bringing-you-down-financially.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you enjoy using software, FOREX may not be the best place to do so. Using trading software in FOREX is a very popular method to trade. Thousands of traders use FOREX software programs to do their trading for them. These programs are also referred to as expert advisors or EA's. However, they are not without their pitfalls, here are a few common problems with FOREX software.&amp;nbsp; No Human Control The idea of FOREX software is great. Think about developing a program that could analyze the markets for you, decide how much you should safely trade, and then place...]]></description><pubDate>December 20, 2009  4:00 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding the Right FOREX Broker is Worth the Effort]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/finding-the-right-forex-broker-is-worth-the-effort.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are trading in the foreign exchange market, finding the right FOREX broker&amp;nbsp;could make, or break you. Your trading depends greatly on the quality of the broker that you trade with. A particular strategy might work great with one broker and terribly with another. Therefore, you need to do everything that you can to find a quality FOREX broker. Good Customer Service Trading in the FOREX market is a fast-paced style of trading. Since you are trading with an online platform, sometimes mistakes will happen. Your platform might have errors along the way. A good broker will try...]]></description><pubDate>December 20, 2009  3:57 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Online FOREX Trading Guide]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/online-forex-trading-guide.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The world of&amp;nbsp;online FOREX trading&amp;nbsp;can provide you with many amazing opportunities to trade. Many people are not familiar with the FOREX market overall, even though it is the biggest market in the world. Every day over $2 Trillion passes through the FOREX market. This makes it much bigger than any other market. With so much money changing hands, it is easy to see the vast opportunity that presents itself with FOREX. Here is a basic guide to trading FOREX online. Brokers In order to trade FOREX, you will need to do business with a FOREX broker. Choosing your broker...]]></description><pubDate>December 20, 2009  3:54 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Common Online FOREX Trading Mistakes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/common-online-forex-trading-mistakes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you decide to invest in online FOREX trading, there is a potential to earn money. Trading FOREX can be very exciting when you are winning. However, most FOREX traders actually end up losing money because they do not take the time to learn what they are doing. There are a few common mistakes that many traders end up making. Going Live Before Demo When you first start trading, the first thing that you need to do is open a &amp;ldquo;demo&amp;rdquo; account. Any broker will provide a demo for you to try out your strategy. This is the safest...]]></description><pubDate>December 20, 2009  3:50 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing Made Easy: FOREX Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-made-easy-forex-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ FOREX&amp;nbsp;trading is not a particularly easy investment tool; you should really know what you are doing before you begin. The FOREX market is the largest trading market in the world. There is no central location for trading FOREX because the entire market is traded online. Over two trillion dollars per day pass through the FOREX market. Here are a few things that you will need to know about the FOREX market if you are considering getting involved.&amp;nbsp; How it Works With the FOREX market concept is simple. When you make a transaction, you are basically trading one currency against...]]></description><pubDate>December 20, 2009  3:47 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[ODLS Securities Offers Stable Forex Investment Platform]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/odls-securities.html</link><description><![CDATA[Finding the best Forex broker can be a bit difficult because there are literally dozens of reputable firms from which to choose and all seem to offer some distinct advantage or service that makes them a little different than the rest. If you are new to the currencies market then you might be a bit surprised by the &amp;ldquo;commission-free trades&amp;rdquo; so commonly advertised by many of the top brokers. However, with Forex, the cost of the trade really comes down to the spread, or the difference between the &amp;ldquo;bid&amp;rdquo; and the &amp;ldquo;ask&amp;rdquo; price.The bid price is the amount that a...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Foreign Market Investment Hazard: Avoiding Frauds!]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/foreign-market-investment-hazard-avoiding-fraud.html</link><description><![CDATA[Making a foreign market investment can prove to be safe and profitable for many investors. Most investment professionals are part of a diversified investment strategy. There are many legitimate foreign companies doing business in the United States who offer tremendous value to U.S. investors.Unfortunately, there are scam artists and other individuals who prey on the vulnerabilities of some investors. They tend to offer investment deals that promise high returns or mention no money down. They are also traced to Ponzi schemes designed to pay out initially but leave you with no money after the source of new funds dry up.Responsibilities...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Operating in the FOREX Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/operating-in-the-forex-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[Although the purpose is the same, trading and operations of the FOREX market are slightly different from those of other equity markets. There are a few things which the new FOREX investor must become familiar with. For instance, concerning the specifics of buying and selling on FOREX, it’s important to note that currencies are always priced in pairs. All trades, therefore, will result in the simultaneous purchase of one currency and the sale of another. When operating in the FOREX market, you would execute a trade only at a time when you expect the currency which you are buying to...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Introduction to FOREX Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/introduction-to-forex-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[Part 1: The BasicsThe term FOREX, which is an acronym for Foreign Exchange, refers to an international exchange market where currencies are bought and sold. The contemporary market began in the 1970&amp;rsquo;s with the introduction of floating currencies and free exchange rates, where supply and demand strictly determine the price of one currency against another. The FOREX market is unique for a number of reasons. It is, for instance, virtually free of any external controls, making it almost impossible for anyone to manipulate it. It is also the largest liquid financial market, with trading reaching nearly 2 trillion US dollars...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Getting Started in the FOREX Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/getting-started-in-the-forex-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[The FOREX market is the largest trading market in the world, and growing numbers of individuals are being drawn to it. But before you begin trading in it, be sure that the broker you choose meets certain criteria, and that you take the time learn the market and find a trading strategy that works for you. The best way to learn to trade FOREX is to open up a demo account and trade with it.Just as in equity markets, the two basic types of strategy in the FOREX market are Technical Analysis and Fundamental Analysis. But among FOREX traders the...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Research an International Investment Company]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-research-an-international-investment-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[Information for investing in an international investment company is not readily available by typing in a keyword in a search engine. This is mainly due to the fact that the term international investment company does not refer to a specific type of entity but could generically mean international investing through foreign stock funds and American Depository Receipts (ADRs).Understanding this may be helpful in finding information concerning international investment companies. Many investment companies, based in the United States have funds that invest primarily in foreign and international companies. These funds can technically qualify as &amp;ldquo;international investment companies&amp;rdquo; and provide you with...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Choosing a FOREX Broker]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/choosing-a-forex-broker.html</link><description><![CDATA[Just as in any other trading market, there are numerous brokers in the FOREX market to choose from. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop for one: Choose a broker that has lower spreads. The spread is the difference between the price which currency can be bought and the price at which it can be sold at any given point in time. FOREX brokers don't charge commissions, so this difference is how they make their money; therefore, the lower the better for you. Make sure that the broker is backed by a reliable financial institution....]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[China: Is International Investment a Good Idea?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/china-is-international-investment-a-good-idea.html</link><description><![CDATA[China, as an international investment opportunity is becoming more and more popular to investors. The emergence of China as a growing capitalistic economy means that there are many opportunities to invest and profit from the growth potential. As the global economy continues to expand, countries such as China offer a place for new investment dollars.China as an Investment OpportunityChina has a vast store of natural resources and human capital. This translates in the creation of business opportunities for many companies who have invested early on in developing plants and creating products. China has become more attractive as an investment opportunity...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX Fundamentals]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-fundamentals.html</link><description><![CDATA[The use of Technical Analysis in the FOREX market is much the same as in other trading markets: price is believed to already reflect all news which would have had an effect on the currency’s value. But since countries don’t normally have balance sheets, how can Fundamental Analysis be conducted on a nation’s currency? Since this type of analysis involves looking at the intrinsic value of an investment, its application in the FOREX market will entail the study of the economic conditions that influence the valuation of the country’s money. Here are some of the major fundamental factors that play...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Introduction to FOREX Trading - Part 2]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/introduction-to-forex-trading-pt2.html</link><description><![CDATA[Part 2: Technical Analysis and Fundamental AnalysisIn Part 1 of Introduction to FOREX Trading we looked at the origins, structure and proliferation of today&amp;rsquo;s FOREX market. In this article we&amp;rsquo;ll discuss the two investment strategies used by FOREX traders: Technical Analysis and Fundamental Analysis. Most small- to medium-sized investors in the FOREX markets use the form of investment strategy known as Technical Analysis. This technique stems from the assumption that all information about the market and a particular currency's future fluctuations can be found in the price chain. In other words, all of the factors which have an effect on...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Foreign Exchange Rates Change]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-foreign-exchange-rates-change.html</link><description><![CDATA[While almost every economic event has at least some indirect influence on the relative value of different currencies, there are generally six major factors that cause the value of currencies to rise or fall relative to one another. Let's take a look at each one:Purchasing power parity. This theory - first presented in the sixteenth century - is possibly the most important factor that causes the relative values of two currencies to change with regard to each other over time. In an oversimplified form, &quot;PPP&quot; suggests that the same goods should cost the same amount of money in different countries,...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Effects of U.S. Dollar Fluctuations]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-effects-of-us-dollar-fluctuations.html</link><description><![CDATA[Movements in the foreign exchange value of the United States dollar have an effect on the U.S. economy, interest rates, domestic and international trade, investments, and the monetary policies of not only America but other nations around the world. The effects of a rising greenback relative to other currencies are varied and substantial. Let's examine some of the consequences that a stronger dollar would generate on the global economic stage (a falling dollar would, of course, produce opposite effects). For example: Foreign individuals holding U.S. dollars would receive more foreign currency per dollar when exchanging those dollars for their home...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Important Foreign Exchange Terms]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/important-foreign-exchange-terms.html</link><description><![CDATA[ABA - A 9-digit code used by the American Bankers Association to define a specific bank. Each institution has its own unique number code. Ask price - The price at which a seller offers or it is willing to sell a currency to a buyer; also known as the offer price. Annualized - The extrapolation of the behavior of a certain measured factor (such as rate, volatility, etc.) from a given period of time to the expanse of one full year. Base currency - The currency in relation to which other currencies are quoted; the first currency listed in a...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What do Successful Day Traders have in Common?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-do-successful-day-traders-have-in-common.html</link><description><![CDATA[When asked about the attributes of successful day traders, most experts come up with lists that include self-discipline; the abilities to maintain control of ego and to accept loss; a flexible, agile mind; patience; and a passion for the market. And although these traits will not necessarily guarantee your success as a trader, without them, you're virtually assured of never becoming successful in the trading markets. Let's take a brief look at each trait.Self-disciplineThe one trait that's most often mentioned by traders themselves as being the single most essential ingredient of successful trading is self-discipline. It is the one common...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Identify your Day-Trading Style]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/identify-your-day-trading-style.html</link><description><![CDATA[Let's start this conversation off by stating that you can make money with any style of trading. In the day trading game, the primary factor that will determine your success or failure is what's between your ears. That said, there are many different styles that can be used in day trading.It's important to define your trading style as early as possible in your day-trading career, because it will have a direct bearing on a number of important elements. For instance, your trading style will dictate the type of brokerage account you'll need, the type of trading software you'll use, the...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[International Investment Groups - Do They Ever Outperform?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/international-investment-groups-do-they-ever-outperform.html</link><description><![CDATA[The performance of international investment group can be as good as, or better, than the performance of investment groups based in the United States. The performance of these groups can be worse than the performance of domestic investment groups. The performance of any investment group depends more on the experience and ability of the group&amp;rsquo;s investment team than where the investment group is located.Measuring Investment PerformanceOne standard measure of investment performance is the Standard &amp;amp; Poor&amp;rsquo;s 500 Index, which measures the performance of 500 companies and their stock. There are other measurements that indicate the performance of certain investments over...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Emerging Market Investment: Navigating Foreign Lands]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/emerging-market-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[Emerging market investment is investment in markets in developing countries that are undergoing rapid economic development. Including Russia and China, and countries such as Indonesia and Peru or Czech Republic and Turkey. Because of a host of economic and political factors, emerging markets are much riskier and more volatile then many other investment markets. It is common to see the values rise and sink within a space of a few months. Understanding the pitfalls and potential dangers involved in emerging markets can lead to profits for investors.Understanding Emerging MarketsCountries are classified as &amp;quot;developed&amp;quot; or &amp;quot;developing.&amp;quot; Developed countries have benchmarks they...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOREX Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forex-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[The Foreign Exchange is the largest exchange market in the world. With the prospect of quick, hefty profits and the explosion of Internet technology and availability, FOREX trading has dramatically grown in popularity among investors of all types. But trading in this market isn&amp;rsquo;t easy. As with any other securities exchange, the successful trader must not only be knowledgeable and savvy with regard to the currencies being traded but also the venue in which he or she is operating. FOREX trading is a very specialized form of day trading. (Day traders invest by buying and selling securities, or opening and...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:19 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Tips for Gaining Rental Property Income]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-tips-for-gaining-rental-property-income.html</link><description><![CDATA[Rental property income is an income you earn from a rental property that you own. Usually, this income comes from monthly rents, but it can also come from rehabbing the house and selling it for profit. The latter approach has declined in popularity with the collapse of the real estate bubble. The real estate value has dropped, while&amp;nbsp;the number of properties on the market has remained high, so the&amp;nbsp;home buyers&amp;nbsp;have plenty to choose from.&amp;nbsp;If you try to sell your property, the chances are pretty good that you won't make any money. This is why this article will concentrate on how...]]></description><pubDate>April  6, 2011  9:53 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Asset Backed Commercial Paper?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-asset-backed-commercial-paper.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Asset backed commercial paper is a type of security that is secured by tangible assets and is usually issued for short-term financing needs. A typical asset that is used for this type of security are trade receivables. These securities are used as short-term investments and typically mature between 90 and 180 days. Example Company XYZ runs an operation and suddenly realizes that their business is losing liquidity. They would like to enhance their liquidity, but decide that they must find a short term solution. Asset backed commercial paper could be one method to support their short-term liquidity. The first...]]></description><pubDate>February 23, 2011  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overview of Working Capital Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/overview-of-working-capital-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Working capital funds, also called intra-governmental or intra-agency revolving funds, are a financial tool used by the government to increase business efficiency by restructuring the way in which money is used. Assets in a working capital fund are capitalized and subsequently offset with income generated from the fund&amp;rsquo;s operations. All assets in the fund can be used to finance future operations and there are no fiscal year restrictions that must be considered since working capital funds are no-year funds. This allows for better decision making by opening up possibilities which would otherwise not be possible under standard accounting rules....]]></description><pubDate>February 12, 2011  4:01 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is an Investment Trust?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-an-investment-trust.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An investment trust is a group investment, often found in the United Kingdom. The trust contains a number of investors, and is itself a public limited company, which is somewhat like a limited liability company, and is used for the same purpose by those running the trust. The investment trust can be managed by one person, or by a group of investors. How Does the Investment Trust Work? The investors pool their finances, and this money is then used to create a number of shares. The shares are then floated into the stock market, so that investors, or others,...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2011  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Triangular Arbitrage]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-triangular-arbitrage.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding triangular arbitrage requires some knowledge of how currencies are converted through the available exchange rates in the market. Arbitrage is when you find a price disparity among two different markets and then take the opportunity to make a profit on that disparity. There is no change in the definition when it comes to triangular arbitrage except for the fact that we are now looking at three markets, or currencies to be exact, which you might have guessed based on the fact that it is triangular arbitrage. Triangular arbitrage is when you find a disparity between three different currencies...]]></description><pubDate>February 10, 2011  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Risk Arbitrage Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-risk-arbitrage-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The risk arbitrage strategy is one that arbitrageurs take on when they look to make a profit on the spread between share prices, in the event of a merger. It is quite an ironic type of arbitrage, since theory usually suggests that arbitrage is supposed to include the words, &amp;lsquo;risk-free,&amp;rsquo; in its definition. Two Types of Mergers There are two main types of mergers: a cash merger and a stock merger. Simply enough, a cash merger is when a company that wants to acquire another company (the acquirer) proposes a price and then pays cash for all of that...]]></description><pubDate>February 10, 2011  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Statistical Arbitrage Trading Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-statistical-arbitrage-trading-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The statistical arbitrage trading strategy is an approach to equity trading that uses data mining systems and automated trading, and attempts to make a profit based on a concept similar to pairs trade strategy. Pairs Trade Strategy Stocks are known to shift up and down over time and so a pairs trade strategy tries to take advantage of these shifts by predicting the next ones based on what has already happened recently. Two stocks that are in the same market might be considered a pair, because you might assume that they will do similarly over a long period of...]]></description><pubDate>February  4, 2011  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Convertible Arbitrage]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-convertible-arbitrage.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding convertible arbitrage requires a knowledge of convertible securities and is a strategy often used by hedge funds. Convertible arbitrage is when one (a convertible arbitrageur) makes a profit by buying convertible securities and simultaneously short selling common stock from the same issuer. This profit is made possible due to a pricing error made in the conversion of a convertible security. These errors can sometimes be due to illiquidity or market psychology. Convertible Securities in Arbitrage Convertible securities are securities that can be converted into another security at a set time and price. Typically, these securities are bonds that...]]></description><pubDate>February  4, 2011  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding and Managing Consumer Credit Risk]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-and-managing-consumer-credit-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Consumer credit risk is the risk of loss that is accepted by a lender. The risk is that a borrower will not meet their payment schedule or will default on the credit account. All lenders, such as a mortgage, personal loan, auto loan, credit card and so on must consider consumer credit risk. Companies issuing credit to consumers typically use the credit scores calculated by Equifax, TransUnion and Experian to determine whether to lend to a particular consumer and what the terms of the transaction should be. Why Consumer Credit Risk Matters Creditors understand that not all consumers are...]]></description><pubDate>January 25, 2011  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Financial Portfolio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/financial-portfolio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A financial portfolio is a diversified series of investments made by a particular individual or entity. It is a detailed list of assets including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, bank accounts, gold and any other valuable asset that may be owned or liquidated. Many investors have a financial portfolio that includes several types of assets in order to offset the risk of losing a significant amount of their net worth, should a single asset decline in value. Such a portfolio is called &quot;diversified.&quot; Many management firms recommend a diversified financial portfolio for their clients. Investors will often hire...]]></description><pubDate>December 24, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Definition of Macro Hedge]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/definition-of-macro-hedge.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A macro hedge is an investment method that involves making investment moves that will offset the risk of an asset, or a group of assets, in a portfolio. Macro investors are investors that have vested interest in international markets. They can use a macro hedge to balance their portfolio in times of international economic downturn. For example, buying and selling a combination of short term and long term stock can reduce the risk a serious financial loss in the event of a market crash. The idea is to create assets in the portfolio that would offset loss that would...]]></description><pubDate>December 21, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Definition of a Fee-Based Investment]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/definition-of-a-fee-based-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A fee-based investment is an account in which a financial adviser is paid based on a fixed percentage of a client's assets. This is opposed to a commission-based investment in which a financial adviser earns money based on the amount of trades or assets that were sold to the client. A fee-based investment is handled by the client under the guide of a financial planner. The client tends to pay more for this type of investment, since the fee paid to the adviser is based on the net worth of the client rather than on a percentage of products...]]></description><pubDate>December 21, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Definition of a Back End Load]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/definition-of-a-back-end-load.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A back end load is a fee paid by investors who sell their mutual fund shares within a defined period. A financial intermediary collects this fee, and it is not a part of the regular operating expenses of the fund. A back end load typically applies to class-B mutual fund shares that are sold within 5 to 10 years, depending on the defined period. Over the course of the defined period, this charge will decrease annually until the holding period is over. The fee is set at a certain percentage of the value of the share and gradually decreases...]]></description><pubDate>December 21, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Aggressive Growth Funds Explained]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/aggressive-growth-funds-explained.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Aggressive growth funds are suitable for mutual fund investors who are willing to accept high risk stock and share price volatility for the highest capital gains. Aggressive growth funds tend to invest in new issues, stock options and companies that are underpriced relative to their future growth potential. Typically, the funds are ideal for those who have years to build wealth for retirement. The funds do well when the economy is in an upswing, and capital gains can be lost when the market does poorly. Therefore, anyone who must preserve capital or needs investment returns for current&amp;nbsp;retirement income should...]]></description><pubDate>December 21, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Consultant]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-consultant.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An investment consultant provides investment advice in exchange for payment. Consultants are required to register with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) because they advise clients with financial matters. They help with&amp;nbsp;strategies with financial investments and also help to establish long-term goals. Investment consultants monitor the portfolios of their clients to ensure that they are meeting their goals. They also gather client information and help with lending decisions....]]></description><pubDate>December 14, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Researching Your Financial Investment Advisor]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/researching-your-financial-investment-advisor.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Placing your money into the hands of a financial investment advisor is an act of trust. It can be a long-lasting relationship that may determine the future of your financial stability. Considering the importance of such an endeavor, it is vital to know whom you will be potentially working with. The Federal government requires all financial advisors, and the firms they work for, to provide important information to the public. They must also be registered, or licensed, where they practice. Their registration and license information can give you more insight into their background. Verify License To Practice When you...]]></description><pubDate>December 11, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Tips for Finding a Good Certified Financial Planner]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-tips-for-finding-a-good-certified-financial-planner.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Working with a certified financial planner can have a dramatic effect on your life and finances. A good financial planner can assist you in working through your financial difficulties and help you to preserve and maintain your wealth. A bad certified financial planner can ruin your finances and set your financial goals back for years, and you may not be able to fully recover. Here are 4 &amp;nbsp;tips to help you find the right certified financial planner. Tip #1 - Check the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) offers information and services to protect investors....]]></description><pubDate>December  1, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overview of a Wash Sale]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/overview-of-a-wash-sale.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A wash sale is what happens when an investor sells a security at a loss and buys a similar or&amp;nbsp;identical security either 30 days before or 30 days after the sale.&amp;nbsp;Normally, the investor&amp;nbsp;would be able to claim the loss as a tax&amp;nbsp;deduction. However,&amp;nbsp;this is not allowed with&amp;nbsp;a wash sale.&amp;nbsp;That said, there are ways the investor may be able to turn the situation to his or her advantage, provided he or she follows the proper tax laws. Understanding Gains and Losses When an investor earns profit by selling&amp;nbsp;a security, the profit is taxed as a capital gain. The investor can...]]></description><pubDate>December  1, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding an LLC Operating Agreement]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-an-llc-operating-agreement.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A limited liability company (LLC) operating agreement is the governing document for your business. It's used to list the owners and the shares they own, and sets out the rules for how the LLC will operate and terminate in the future. You can also draft it to further solidify your intent to limit the liability of each of the owners, so that there's no question about personal liability. Understanding an LLC operating agreement is important to any owner in a LLC, because it&amp;rsquo;s the blueprint for how your LLC will work. Understanding LLCs Whether you call it a limited...]]></description><pubDate>December  1, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Definition of a One Touch Option]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/definition-of-a-one-touch-option.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A one touch option is a specific contract that pays out only if a strike price is met prior to the option's expiration. When the option is executed, no shares trade hands, and the only loser is the individual who sold the option. The purchaser of the option receives a one-time pay out if the strike price is met, and he or she nets a profit of the payout minus the price of the option. If the strike price is not met while the option is alive, it will expire and the purchaser will lose the sum he or...]]></description><pubDate>November 30, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Golden Handcuffs Defined]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/golden-handcuffs-defined.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Golden handcuffs refers to loyalty incentives for employees. After an employee has worked at a company for a certain amount of time, the company may fear a competitor will attempt to lure the employee away with a high salary offer. Typically, outside offers come in higher than the existing company would be willing to pay. To counteract these external offers, companies can offer alternative incentives, such as employee stock plans, increases in vacation days or enhanced benefits for employees the longer they stay with the company. This can prevent an employee from quitting his or her job even if...]]></description><pubDate>November 30, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Forward Freight Agreement]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forward-freight-agreement.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A forward freight agreement is a derivative based on the cost of a shipment of freight in a given period. Companies that trade freight internationally know the market is subject to large fluctuations in price due to weather, political concerns and other sudden events. These companies may find themselves on the receiving end of a larger-than-expected bill once freight is delivered. By purchasing a forward freight agreement at a given strike price, if the realized price is too high, the company can execute the option on the lower price. This is a form of insurance that hedges against rises...]]></description><pubDate>November 30, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Energy Derivatives]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/energy-derivatives.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An energy derivative is a contract based on an underlying asset in the field of energy, including oil, natural gas, coal or alternative energies. A derivative is a contract, either between two parties or offered as an exchange-traded security, whose value is &quot;derived&quot; from the value of one or more underlying assets. Derivatives are considered more complicated than straightforward securities. They include forward contracts, futures, options and swaps. Derivatives can be purchased on nearly any asset, including commodities in the energy field. An energy derivative is just one type of complicated contract that may be used to bet on...]]></description><pubDate>November 30, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Economic Derivatives Explained]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/economic-derivatives-explained.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Economic derivatives are fairly new to the market as of 2002. They are contracts based on an underlying asset that is actually an economic indicator, not an asset at all. For example, an economic derivative's value may be based on the gross domestic product (GDP) over a period, the retail sales level or the jobless rate. By betting on these figures, investors who trade derivatives can turn a profit without ever exchanging a security. As long as the investor can find a party willing to make an opposite bet, he or she can enter into a contract derived from...]]></description><pubDate>November 30, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Definition of Leasebacks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/definition-of-leasebacks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Leasebacks are generally real estate or property agreements whereby an owner sells a property to a new owner but immediately leases it back from that owner. This is a common strategy for an owner who needs an immediate influx of capital but is not ready to give up use of a property just yet. Leasebacks are also popular with individuals facing foreclosure who have found an investor for their home. Someone in this situation sells the home to the investor and then rents the property, surrendering ownership but retaining use for a longer period....]]></description><pubDate>November 30, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Relationship between a Balance Sheet and Income Statement]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-relationship-between-a-balance-sheet-and-income-statement.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Balance sheets and income statements are two forms of financial information a company prepares annually, quarterly or even more frequently. They both measure performance over a given period of time. However, balance sheets measure the actual net worth of a company, based on assets. Income statements measure the profitability of a company, based on income. By combining the two, an investor can get a clear picture of a company's financial strength. Factors on a Balance Sheet A balance sheet describes the formula: Assets = Equity - Liabilities. Assets are the net worth of a company. Assets are those items...]]></description><pubDate>November 17, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Safety Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/safety-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Safety stock refers to the extra amount of inventories or materials that companies must maintain primarily to avoid a situation known as stockout. A stockout basically means running out of inventories and other supplies. Keeping extra stock reserves is a standard practice among companies involved in manufacturing, merchandising and logistics services.Importance of Safety StockHaving sufficient stock reserves is vital to ensure continued business operations, especially if demand for the company&amp;rsquo;s products has unexpectedly surged. However, apart from customer demand, there are other circumstances in which having extra inventories and supplies can protect against business disruptions. Logistical delays, broken down...]]></description><pubDate>November 16, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Explanation of Tracking Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/explanation-of-tracking-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A tracking stock differs from a traditional stock because it does not reflect the performance and financial condition of the entire company. A tracking stock is a special type of security that is created when a parent company chooses to issue an investment that represents a specific division of the company. The parent company and the shareholders continue to maintain control of the entire company. Tracking stock is an additional separate stock. Therefore, this stock &amp;ldquo;tracks&amp;rdquo; or reflects the performance of the particular business unit it represents and not the company as a whole. Benefits of Tracking Stock There...]]></description><pubDate>November 11, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SOES (Small Order Execution System)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/soes-small-order-execution-system.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The small order execution system, or SOES, was a system that was developed by NASDAQ in order to help individual traders. With this system, individual traders could place orders on stocks even if liquidity was low. This tool gave smaller investors the ability to buy and sell quickly and efficiently, but it is largely unused today. Here are the basics of the SOES. SOES This system was first implemented after the stock market crash of 1987. The NASDAQ felt that individual traders could not buy and sell securities because their orders were not big enough. Therefore, they invented the...]]></description><pubDate>October 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Housing Starts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/housing-starts.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Housing starts is an indicator often looked at in order to gauge the strength of the economy as a whole. The term &quot;housing starts&quot; refers to the number of houses that have started to be built within a certain period. Typically, economists utilize this statistic because it tells them what the general public thinks about the economy. If housing starts are high for the month, this means that people generally have a little bit more confidence about the economy. If people are pessimistic, there is not as much of a chance that they will engage in building new houses....]]></description><pubDate>October 19, 2010  4:48 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Farm]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-farm.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An investment farm is a type of agricultural operation that is invested in by an outside source. This type of farm is generally not actually run by the investor personally. Instead, the investor looks to put money into a farm and have someone else handle the day-to-day operations of the business. In many cases, investors like to put money into this type of investment because it can produce a cash crop that can be sold in the commodities market. For example, an investor may want to get involved in an investment farm that produces corn, soybeans or wheat.&amp;nbsp;...]]></description><pubDate>October 19, 2010  4:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Housing Bubble]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/housing-bubble.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The term &quot;housing bubble&quot; is used to describe a period in which the housing market is expanding. The housing market tends to be cyclical. This means that it will go through periods where the demand for houses is much less than the current supply. When this happens, many investors will try to purchase properties and make money off of the short-term appreciation in value.&amp;nbsp; In the short-term, the investors can make substantial profits. However, if they do not time the investment properly, it can hurt them financially. When the housing bubble bursts, the supply of houses catches up to...]]></description><pubDate>October 19, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Form ADV]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/form-adv.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Form ADV is a form that must be filled out by any investment adviser that is doing business in the United States. This form is utilized on both the state and national level. If an adviser handles more than $25 million in assets, the form must be filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). If the investment adviser handles less than that, she can simply file with her local state government.&amp;nbsp; If you are an investor, Form ADV is an extremely important form for you to look at. Before you give your money to anyone, you need...]]></description><pubDate>October 19, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Tactical Asset Allocation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-tactical-asset-allocation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Tactical asset allocation is a type of investment strategy in which an investor changes the allocation of their portfolio, depending on market conditions. This is generally considered to be a more active type of asset allocation. Here are the basics of tactical asset allocation. Tactical Asset Allocation With a regular asset allocation strategy, an investor will keep the percentages of assets they have in each class the same. For example, they might set an asset allocation of 60 percent stocks and 40 percent bonds. With tactical asset allocation, the investor will change this percentage, depending on market conditions. For...]]></description><pubDate>October 19, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The SEC Regulation D]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-sec-regulation-d.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The SEC added Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933. The purpose of this regulation is to allow small, private companies the advantage of offering equity without listing on the public market. When a company lists shares on the public market, it must undergo a large amount of regulatory and compliance initiatives, which is enough to exclude a number of smaller companies from taking the step. Through Regulation D, small companies can offer a limited amount of equity through private placement to interested investors. Public Listing Listing publicly is a big step in any company's trajectory. At this...]]></description><pubDate>October 19, 2010  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Definition of a Unified Managed Account]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/definition-of-a-unified-managed-account.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A unified managed account is a private investment account that is professional managed and combines a number of different assets. Normally, a diversified financial portfolio would need separate accounts for different investment types, such as stock bonds, mutual funds, etc. With a unified managed account, the value of all of the combined assets is reflected under a single account registration. These types of accounts are only handed by professionals, as regular rebalancing is needed. Rebalancing is the adjustment of asset allocation that is done to maintain the original investment target and portfolio management goals. &amp;nbsp;...]]></description><pubDate>October 17, 2010  4:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-an-employee-stock-ownership-plan-esop.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An employee stock ownership plan or ESOP is a type of benefit plan that businesses can set up for their employees in order to provide them with stock. This type of plan has several unique features when it comes to providing a benefit plan for your employees. This plan can borrow money and can assist employees gain additional ownership share in their company. Employee Stock Ownership Plan With an employee stock ownership plan, a company sets up a trust arrangement. The company then puts shares of its own stock into the trust. It could also put cash into the...]]></description><pubDate>October 14, 2010  4:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Benefits and Risks of Quantitative Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/benefits-and-risks-of-quantitative-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Quantitative investing is an investment technique that utilizes advanced computer models in order to identify trading opportunities in the financial markets. This type of investment regularly takes place with hedge funds that engage in advanced trading techniques. Here are a few of the benefits and risks of quantitative investing. Superior Returns One of the biggest benefits of quantitative investing is that it can provide superior returns. These investment strategies can be very profitable. Hedge funds are investment vehicles for those who have a great deal of money to invest. Most of the time, they provide better returns than what...]]></description><pubDate>October 14, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Advantages and Disadvantages of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-an-employee-stock-ownership-plan.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An employee stock ownership plan, often referred to as an ESOP, offers both pros and cons to the companies that have them, the business owners who sell to the ESOP and the employees that participate in them. The following information will explain what an employee stock ownership plan is and then examine the advantages and disadvantages from each of the perspectives named above. ESOP Defined Many companies create a trust that holds shares, often a significant percentage of company stock, for the benefit of employees that participate in the trust. Shares in the employee stock ownership plan are divided...]]></description><pubDate>October 14, 2010  4:40 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Definition of House Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/definition-of-house-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ House stock is the term that is used for the stock that a brokerage is focused on promoting and keep in inventory. The leadership of the firm may instruct the employed brokers to try to encourage clients to invest in that particular stock or they may trade them on the market. The brokers who deal specifically with house stock will always be prepared with a set bidding price to purchase the stock and have a price set to sell the stock on the market. By focusing on the market performance of that particular asset, the company is able to...]]></description><pubDate>October 14, 2010  4:36 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Definition of Contango]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/definition-of-contango.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Contango occurs when the futures market is priced higher than the spot market. When this scenario arises the futures price decrease to the spot price at time of delivery. This differential can be described as the carry risk, or the cost for holding the asset into the future delivery date. For example, if December 2010 corn futures are trading at $3.75 per bushel, and the spot price is $3.25 per bushel, and corn is expected to rise only slightly to $3.50 by December, this market would be considered in contango. The difference between December futures and spot price equals...]]></description><pubDate>October 14, 2010  4:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Participating Preferred Stock?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-participating-preferred-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Participating preferred stock is a type of stock that is issued by a company where shareholders can receive a regular dividend payment from the company. This type of stock is issued in addition to the common stock of a company. With participating preferred stock, the company will pay dividends to these shareholders before they pay any dividends to the common stockholders. Accumulating Shares The dividends from these shares are generally accumulating. This means that the company generally agrees to pay a fixed amount of dividend on a regular basis. If they do not pay the dividend, it continues to...]]></description><pubDate>October 14, 2010  4:31 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is an Iceberg Order?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-an-iceberg-order.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An iceberg order is a type of transaction that can take place in the financial markets which involves splitting up a large order into several smaller pieces. Instead of making one large order, the investor decides to make smaller orders of the same security simultaneously.&amp;nbsp; The benefit of using an iceberg order is that other investors will not see such a large order to take place at once. When extremely large orders come through, it often has the effect of changing the price of the securities. This type of order is commonly used with institutional investors that have large...]]></description><pubDate>October 14, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is an Automatic Investment Plan?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-an-automatic-investment-plan.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An automatic investment plan allows individuals to have a certain amount of money transferred from a bank account to an investment account on regular intervals. For example, an individual with an automatic investment plan might decide to invest $50 per month into a particular mutual fund. Using an automatic investment plan can be very beneficial to investors because it automates the process of investing and saving. They will not have to make a conscious decision to set aside money which can prevent people from wasting expendable income. With this particular tool, many individuals will treat their automatic investment payment...]]></description><pubDate>October 14, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Total Stock Fund?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-total-stock-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A total stock fund is a type of investment fund that attempts to hold every stock in a specific stock exchange, or in a certain market. This type of fund has hundreds, or thousands, of stocks in its portfolio. One of the objectives of this type of fund is to provide returns that are on par with the movement of the stock market as a whole. Some total stock funds will also buy all of the stocks in a particular country or region. When you invest in a total stock fund, you will not have to worry about volatility....]]></description><pubDate>October 14, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Qualified Dividend?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-qualified-dividend.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A qualified dividend is a type of payment that is made by a corporation to its shareholders. When this payment is received, the investor will have to pay capital gains tax, instead of regular income tax. In order to become a qualified dividend, a dividend payment has to meet several requirements. If it does not, it is known as an ordinary dividend and the investor will have to count it as regular income. Additionally, an investor is required to pay marginal tax rates, if it is an ordinary dividend. One of the requirements that have to be met is...]]></description><pubDate>October 14, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Buy-Side Analyst?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-buy-side-analyst.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A buy-side analyst is a type of investment analysts that works for a mutual fund, pension fund, or some other type of investment company. The buy-side analyst looks at many different types of investments in order to attempt to find profitable investments for the fund. They will work directly under the fund managers and will provide them with information that can help them make investment decisions. If you are an investor in a mutual fund, you will not have access to a buy-side analyst. They are simply a tool that the mutual fund company can use in order to...]]></description><pubDate>October 14, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Dividend Capture Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-dividend-capture-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A dividend capture strategy is an investment strategy that investors use in order to get dividends from stocks without actually holding the stock for a long period. This strategy can be beneficial and can generate nice returns if it is used correctly. Here are the basics of the dividend capture strategy. How It Works With this type of investment strategy, an investor will purchase a stock shortly before a dividend is issued. She will then hold the stock as long as she has to in order to get the dividend, and then she will sell it shortly afterward. By...]]></description><pubDate>October 14, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pros and Cons of Focused Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pros-and-cons-of-focused-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Focused funds are a type of mutual fund that holds a smaller number of stocks than a traditional mutual fund does. This type of fund may only hold 20 stocks, where a regular fund will hold hundreds. Here are a view of the pros and cons of focused funds. Pros With this type of fund, fund managers attempt to do a great deal of research and choose a limited number of stocks to work with. By working with a smaller number of stocks, the fund managers can stay on top of things and make changes as they are needed....]]></description><pubDate>October 14, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overview of Cash and Carry Trades]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/overview-of-cash-and-carry-trades.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Cash and carry trades are a type of transaction in which a trader simultaneously buys a security and sells it. The idea behind this type of transaction is to try to profit from differences in pricing and different markets. The cash and carry trade is a type of arbitrage technique. The trader tries to eliminate risk by making two different transactions on the same security. She is essentially limiting the market risk because she is not going to be in the trade but for a few seconds. She will typically purchase shares of the security and then take out...]]></description><pubDate>October 14, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Explanation of Call Loans]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/explanation-of-call-loans.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Call loans are a type of loan that is provided to a trading brokerage. The purpose of this type of loan is to provide funds for traders so that they can trade on margin.&amp;nbsp; Call loans typically carry with them a higher interest rate. Borrowing money to purchase securities is a high-risk endeavor, and lenders know that they have to charge a higher amount of interest in order to be compensated for this risk. These loans can be called by the lender at any time without notice. This means that if they decide they want their money back, the...]]></description><pubDate>October 14, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding the Dividend Cover Ratio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-the-dividend-cover-ratio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The dividend cover ratio is a valuation multiple that is commonly used when evaluating the financial health of a company. This is a ratio that looks at the relationship between the dividends that are paid by a company and the earnings that it generates. Here are the basics of a dividend cover ratio. Dividend Cover Ratio In order to calculate the dividend cover ratio, you take the earnings per share of the company and divide that by the annual dividend per share.&amp;nbsp; Significance As an investor, you can gain a lot of information from the dividend cover ratio. By...]]></description><pubDate>October 12, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pros and Cons of Sector Rotation Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pros-and-cons-of-sector-rotation-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Sector rotation investing is an investment strategy that involves moving investment money from one sector of the market to another. For example, an investor could move money from the transportation sector to the health care sector, and then to the financial sector. The hope is to move the money before the sectors decline in value and the other sectors increase in value. Here are a few of the pros and cons of using sector rotation investing. Pros The big advantage with sector rotation investing is that you can move from a sector that is underperforming and earn better returns....]]></description><pubDate>October 11, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Advantages and Disadvantages to Single Stock Futures]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/advantages-and-disadvantages-to-single-stock-futures.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Single stock futures are a type of investment in which investors can take out a futures contract on a single stock. These investments are traded in many financial markets across the world. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of trading single stock futures. Leverage One of the advantages of getting involved with single stock futures is that you can use leverage. If you are trading the stock market, you can typically only trade with a 1:1 leverage at the most. With single stock futures, you can get leverages that are much higher than that because you are...]]></description><pubDate>October 11, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Tips on Avoiding Overtrading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-tips-on-avoiding-overtrading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Overtrading is a problem that many individual traders suffer from on a daily basis. These individuals place more trades than they should and it generally leads to negative returns. If you are afraid that you are overtrading, here are a few tips to keep in mind so that you can stop doing it. 1. Do Not Trade Just for the Sake of Trading One of the biggest problems that people run into is that they feel like they always have to be doing something in order to be successful. No one likes to sit around and do nothing when...]]></description><pubDate>October 11, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is an Indication of Interest?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-an-indication-of-interest.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An indication of interest utilized by an investor to show interest in a security that is not yet on the market. When a new security is about to be put on the market it has to register with the SEC first. With an indication of interest an investor can, along with their broker, notify the investment bank that they want to purchase the security when it is available to the market. This technique is used because it is illegal to purchase a security before it is registered with the SEC and available to the public....]]></description><pubDate>October 11, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Pattern Day Trader?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-pattern-day-trader.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A pattern day trader is a stock trader that engages in same day trading of a security in more than six percent of the transactions that they make. A pattern day trader could also be someone that opens and closes a position on the same security within the course of a day four times over five consecutive trading days. If you plan on trading in this manner you have to abide by the rules of the SEC. This means that you will have to have a minimum of $25,000 in your account and you have to trade in a...]]></description><pubDate>October 11, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Calculating Net Interest Margin]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/calculating-net-interest-margin.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Net interest margin is a ratio that measures the return on a firm&amp;rsquo;s investments in relation to the interest expense the firm pays for borrowing the capital that was used to make those investments. As is the case with other financial ratios, the net interest margin can have varying degrees of relevance based on industry and differing accounting methods, but overall it is a reliable indication of how efficiently a firm invests its capital. Generating Positive Cash Flows The ability to generate positive cash flow from invested capital can provide clues into the quality of management, competitive environment, and...]]></description><pubDate>October 11, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overview of Portfolio Insurance]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/overview-of-portfolio-insurance.html</link><description><![CDATA[ &quot;Portfolio insurance&quot; is a term that actually has two meanings when talking about the investment markets. Portfolio insurance can be used to hedge against risks by short selling securities. It can also refer to a type of insurance product that is available for certain brokerage accounts. Hedging The first meaning of &quot;portfolio insurance&quot; deals with the hedging of risk by short selling. Many investors will short sell stock market index futures in order to create a hedge against losses. If the value of their investments decrease, these futures will actually increase in value and offset the losses. At the...]]></description><pubDate>October  9, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Arms Index (TRIN)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-arms-index-trin.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Arms Index (TRIN) is a type of market indicator used by technical analysts. This indicator is used to gauge the breadth of the overall market. It can be used for short time periods or long time periods effectively. It is referred to as the Arms index because it was created by Richard Arms.&amp;nbsp; The Arms Index (TRIN) In order to calculate this index, you have to follow a basic formula. You take the advancing issues in the market and divide that number by the declining issues in the market. The resulting figure will be the numerator of the...]]></description><pubDate>October  9, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Keltner Channels: Technical Analysis]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/keltner-channels-technical-analysis.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Keltner channels are an indicator that is commonly used with technical analysis. You could use this type of indicator for stocks, forex, commodities or anything else that you can find on a price chart. This type of indicator attempts to give you clues as to when you should buy or sell a particular security. Here are the basics of Keltner channels. Keltner Channels Many traders utilize Keltner channels in order to aid their trading. These channels are essentially moving average bands that go across your price chart. When adding Keltner channels to a price chart, you will see three...]]></description><pubDate>October  9, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Information Ratio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-information-ratio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The information ratio is a financial ratio that is used to gauge the performance of a fund manager. This ratio seeks to determine whether a fund manager is consistent at getting returns or if she sporadically brings in returns for the fund. Here are the basics of the information ratio. Information Ratio The information ratio of a mutual fund is calculated by taking the return of the portfolio and subtracting from that number the return of a benchmark or index. Then you take that result and divide it by the amount of the fund's tracking error.&amp;nbsp; What It Tells...]]></description><pubDate>October  9, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Nest Egg]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/nest-egg.html</link><description><![CDATA[ &quot;Nest egg&quot; is a term used to describe money that is saved by an individual for the purpose of fulfilling a specific goal. In most cases, people use the term &quot;nest egg&quot; to refer to the amount of money that they have saved for retirement. Just because it is most commonly used when talking about retirement, though, does not necessarily mean that it cannot refer to other things. A nest egg could also be used for other specific goals such as buying a second home, paying for tuition or even going on a dream vacation....]]></description><pubDate>October  7, 2010  4:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Explanation of Weather Derivatives]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/explanation-of-weather-derivatives.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Weather derivatives started as a way to provide insurance for small fluctuations in weather that interrupt daily business cycles. It is a simple fact that the weather, a daily, unpredictable event, has an expounded impact on the business cycle daily. It can alter the amount of spending in a restaurant, the number of tourists in a city, the amount of energy captured by solar panels or even the need for air conditioning. Until recently, companies could hedge the risk of weather-related losses only through insurance plans. These plans covered large, catastrophic events but not daily fluctuations. Weather derivatives cover...]]></description><pubDate>October  5, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Private Placement Investment?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-private-placement-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A private placement investment is a type of investment that is only offered to a select group of investors. The offer is not made available to the market as a whole. This type of investment could be in the form of common stock, preferred stock, warrants, or promissory notes. Private Placement The big difference between a private placement investment and a regular investment is that private placement investments do not have to be registered with the SEC. Because of this, they do not have to adhere to the strict rules of regular investments and do not have to provide...]]></description><pubDate>October  5, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of Volatility]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-volatility.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Volatility is a measure of how risky an investment actually is. Volatility measures an investment's return over a certain period, but there are many measures that can be used for volatility. The way an analyst measures volatility depends partly on the type of investment being discussed. Volatility on a bond, for example, is a measure of its yield fluctuation over a given period. Volatility of a stock, on the other hand, can measure price or dividends. All measures of volatility, though, attempt to approximate whether an investment is worth the risk to the investor.&amp;nbsp; Measuring Volatility Volatility can be...]]></description><pubDate>October  5, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Income Investing Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-income-investing-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The income investing strategy is an investment method that puts an emphasis on how much income will be provided by an investment rather than looking at the potential for capital appreciation. Individuals who use this method generally invest in a variety of bonds as well as dividend stocks. This method is used by individuals who want to create a regular source of income for themselves or by individuals who value safety. Here are the basics of the income investing strategy. Income Investing Strategy The basic idea behind this strategy is to create a portfolio of stocks and bonds that...]]></description><pubDate>October  4, 2010  4:46 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Forfaiting?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-forfaiting.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Forfaiting is a type of transaction that takes place between an exporter and an investor. With this arrangement, an investor comes in and offers cash to the exporter for all of the receivables that it has. The exporter will generally sell its receivables for a discount compared to what it is actually owed. The money that is due in receivables is due from the importers with which the exporter works.&amp;nbsp; Benefit for Exporter This transaction can be very desirable for some exporters. Many exporters are good at what they do, but they do not want to have to wait...]]></description><pubDate>October  4, 2010  4:44 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pros and Cons of FOREX Scalping]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pros-and-cons-of-forex-scalping.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Forex scalping is a type of trading that involves utilizing short-term trades in order to collect profits from the market. With this type of trade, a Forex trader will open a position in the market and close it within a very short amount of time. In many cases, this type of trade will only last for a few seconds, or minutes. The ultimate goal of Forex scalping is to bring in smaller, regular profits, from the market instead of taking long-term positions. Here are some of the pros and cons of Forex scalping. Pros One of the biggest advantages...]]></description><pubDate>October  4, 2010  4:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is the Dogs of the Dow Investment Strategy?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-the-dogs-of-the-dow-investment-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Dogs of the Dow investment strategy is one that was created by Michael Higgins and was first illustrated in his book called &quot;Beating the Dow.&quot; This investment strategy is one of the simplest stock picking strategies that you could use. At the same time, it has also proven to be very effective.&amp;nbsp; Success This particular strategy has managed to beat The Dow Jones Industrial Average every year since 1953. Over that amount of time, it has averaged over a 14% return on investment. This is a great track record that most stock picking strategies cannot boast. Even though...]]></description><pubDate>October  4, 2010  4:39 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Defensive Stock Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-defensive-stock-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Using a defensive stock strategy involves choosing stocks with the idea of preserving and protecting capital. Instead of trying to maximize capital appreciation, you are trying to minimize losses. The idea behind this strategy is to make small, regular gains instead of going for home runs. With this type of strategy, an investor will look for companies that are well-established in their industries. They will buy stocks of companies that regularly issue dividends. These companies will provide them with some consistent returns even if they do not appreciate much in value. One of the most important aspects of this...]]></description><pubDate>October  4, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[When to Buy Cyclical Stocks?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/when-to-buy-cyclical-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Cyclical stocks are stocks that fluctuate up and down based on economic factors. These stocks go through cycles of good and bad during their life as securities. Investors can potentially make substantial returns by investing in these types of stocks at the right time. At the same time, choosing the wrong time to invest could prove costly. Cyclical Stocks There are many different industries that could be considered cyclical. Cyclical stocks are security that tend to do poorly when the economy is suffering and do very well when times are good. They tend to reflect the overall condition of...]]></description><pubDate>October  4, 2010  4:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Cyclical Stock?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-cyclical-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A cyclical stock is a type of stock that tends to go up and down with the performance of the economy. When the economy is strong, these stocks tend to perform very well. When the economy is down, the stocks tend to perform poorly. This is in contrast to a non-cyclical stock that can perform steadily regardless of the condition of the economy overall.&amp;nbsp; Example of Cyclical Stock One example of a cyclical stock would be a travel company. When you invest in a company that gets the majority of their revenue from travel, it will tend to do...]]></description><pubDate>October  4, 2010  4:31 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of a Coverdell Education Savings Account]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-a-coverdell-education-savings-account.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Coverdell education savings account is a type of account that many individuals use to pay for college tuition for their children. This type of account carries with it tax advantages that allow individuals to accumulate more money towards education expenses. Every year, parents can contribute as much as $2000 to a child's account. Parents could start this type of account for each of their children. However, each child can have only one account, regardless of who starts it for him or her or funds it. The Coverdell education savings account is funded with after-tax money. Once the contribution...]]></description><pubDate>October  4, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Burn Rate?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-burn-rate.html</link><description><![CDATA[ &quot;Burn rate&quot; is a term that is used when talking about the amount of money that a new company uses to pay for overhead before a profit is realized. These companies are typically associated with venture capital and this is a statistic that is used to gauge the viability and the early success of a new business. In most cases, the burn rate is quoted as a monthly figure. For example, if a company has a burn rate of $100,000, this means that they are spending $100,000 per month on overhead without seeing any profit. If you are a...]]></description><pubDate>October  4, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Definition of a Brick and Mortar Business]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/definition-of-a-brick-and-mortar-business.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A brick and mortar business is the term used for companies that have a physical office, building or store. The physical location provides live, face-to-face, customer service. Any company that has a physical address that is used for customer interaction is considered to be a brick and mortar business. This type of business is also called &quot;street side business.&quot; This term is used to differentiate businesses that have a physical presence, as opposed to those that are solely based virtually on the internet. Online only stores that do not have live offices, stores, or buildings would not be described...]]></description><pubDate>October  4, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overview of Growth Capital]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/overview-of-growth-capital.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Growth capital is a second batch of funding a company may receive in order to expand operations, institute a major chance or otherwise alter its direction. Companies seeking growth capital are typically mature, profitable organizations with low amounts of existing debt. Unlike companies seeking venture capital, these organizations offer immediate returns to investors who front the growth capital required. Of course, the payout on a growth capital investment relies on the success of the company in the immediate future. When to Seek Growth Capital A company may seek growth capital in a number of scenarios where they need an...]]></description><pubDate>October  3, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overview of Shelf Registration]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/overview-of-shelf-registration.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Shelf registration pertains to SEC Rule 415 laid down by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC regulates the offerings of new stocks and administers the existing offerings through various rules and regulations. One of them is shelf registration, which requires a corporation to register with the SEC two years prior to the new offering. What Is Shelf Registration? Shelf registration was introduced by the US SEC in the year 1982 to let corporations make an arrangement of public offerings beforehand (two years) so that offerings can start whenever it is required during that period. This document...]]></description><pubDate>October  3, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overview of Proprietary Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/overview-of-proprietary-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Proprietary trading is carried out by certain traders in the stock market. It is done through what is called the prop desk or the proprietary trading desk. This is a kind of trade wherein the firm decides to purchase financial instruments with its own money rather than the money of its customers. In other words, these are trades executed by the firm for obtaining direct gains rather than gaining from the commission from their customers' deals. It is done by firms in order to garner more profit because of the competitive advantage it offers. Investment Banks Financial institutions are...]]></description><pubDate>October  3, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Benefits of Asset Allocation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-benefits-of-asset-allocation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Asset allocation is an investment strategy in which investors set aside a certain percentage of their investment dollars for multiple types of asset classes. Part of their money might go to stocks, while another percentage goes towards bonds. This type of investing provides a few definite benefits for investors. 1. Diversification One of the primary objectives of investors is to diversify their portfolios. Asset allocation allows investors to diversify according to a specific set of rules that are in place. With this strategy, you will not be putting all of your eggs into one basket. If one type of...]]></description><pubDate>October  3, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Risks of Statistical Arbitrage]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-risks-of-statistical-arbitrage.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Statistical arbitrage is a type of investment strategy that uses statistical analysis in order to try to take advantage of securities that are not priced correctly. This strategy utilizes computer models and advanced mathematics to try to make profits in the market. While the word arbitrage implies that there is no risk to this type of strategy, there are indeed risks that you need to be aware of. 1. Individual Stock Risk Statistical arbitrage generally includes correlated stocks or securities. A model is developed based on the tendencies of these correlated securities. When a deviation occurs between the two...]]></description><pubDate>October  3, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Intraday Trading Tips]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-intraday-trading-tips.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Utilizing the best intraday trading tips can make a big difference in your success as a trader overall. Here are some of the best intraday trading tips to keep in mind when you start to get involved in the markets. 1. Beware the Gap When you are trading with an intraday strategy, you need to be aware of the gap in prices. From the time the market closes until it opens again, there could be a large gap in the prices of securities. This could catch you off guard and end up costing you money if you are not...]]></description><pubDate>October  3, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Strategic Sustainable Investing?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-strategic-sustainable-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Strategic sustainable investing seeks to allocate money to companies that are at the forefront of the sustainability movement. Investors that utilize the strategy place a premium on putting money into companies that are environmentally friendly and are moving towards complete sustainability. This is a strategy that was developed by the Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden. Here are the basics of strategic sustainable investing. The Strategy With this strategy, investors will seek to earn a return on their investments. They accept the fact that they are taking a risk by investing money into these companies. At the same time,...]]></description><pubDate>October  3, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Umbrella Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-an-umbrella-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The umbrella fund is a type of investment fund comprised of several smaller funds. This is similar to a family of funds arrangement. One single mutual fund company is in charge of the umbrella fund and also runs all of the sub-funds that comprise it. Each smaller fund is treated as if it were its own mutual fund. Typically, each sub-fund will also have its own investment strategy. Some sub-funds will be based on investing in stocks, while others might be based on investing in bonds or commodities.&amp;nbsp; One of the big advantages of investing in an umbrella fund...]]></description><pubDate>October  2, 2010  4:44 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Core Satellite Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/core-satellite-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Core satellite investing is a type of investment strategy that utilizes a combination of passive investments and actively managed investments. This type of investing is designed to provide safety and superior performance to a completely passive portfolio. With this strategy, the investor will develop a core portfolio with passively managed assets and a satellite portfolio with actively managed assets. Here are the basics of the core satellite investing strategy. Two Portfolios This investment strategy will be managed as if the investor has to separate portfolios. They will utilize a core portfolio and a satellite portfolio. The core portfolio will...]]></description><pubDate>October  2, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Handling the Depreciation Expense]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/handling-the-depreciation-expense.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A depreciation expense is used by businesses to record the shrinking value of their assets, such as a plant, equipment and furniture. This item or entry can be found in the company&amp;rsquo;s income statement, which, in turn, formally reports the financial performance of the business over a specified accounting period. This type of expense is important because it helps in showing a more accurate picture of the company&amp;rsquo;s profitability. No actual cash is paid out when reporting depreciation. Rather, it simply distributes the acquisition price of an asset over a period representing its useful life. This type of expense...]]></description><pubDate>October  2, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Holding Shares in a Street Name: What Does it Mean?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/holding-shares-in-a-street-name-what-does-it-mean.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Holding shares in a street name is the way that most individual investors hold ownership of stocks in today's stock market. With this method, you do not physically have your name on the shares of stock that you own. Instead, the shares will be in the name of the company that you purchase.&amp;nbsp; Direct Ownership It is possible to purchase shares of stock directly from the company and have your name applied to the ownership of these shares. This is possible through a dividend reinvestment program, or some other type of direct purchase program. With this type of ownership,...]]></description><pubDate>October  2, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Dynamic Asset Allocation?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-dynamic-asset-allocation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Dynamic asset allocation is a type of investment strategy that is commonly used by investment professionals. This strategy is frequently utilized by hedge funds and mutual funds in order to amplify returns. The main objective of dynamic asset allocation is to increase asset allocation in securities that are performing well while decreasing the amount of money allocated to poorly performing securities. With this strategy, fund managers typically try to increase returns while offering 100 percent protection for the principal of the investment at the same time.&amp;nbsp; One common example of this type of investment utilizes a zero coupon bond....]]></description><pubDate>September 30, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Value at Risk?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-value-at-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Value at risk is a method that is used to determine the possible risk of loss for a particular type of investment. This is a strategy that attempts to determine what the worst-case scenario is for a particular investment or a portfolio. Institutional investors often use this method. This statistical measure essentially looks at the level of volatility of an investment. However, instead of just looking at volatility, it takes the analysis even further. Most investors do not necessarily care if an investment is volatile, as long as it is increasing in value. If it increases in value rapidly,...]]></description><pubDate>September 30, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Intraday Trading?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-intraday-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Intraday trading is a type of short-term investing that seeks to find smaller trends in the marketplace and take advantage of them. This type of trading is similar to day trading, but it differs in a few key areas. Here are the basics of intraday trading. Intraday Trading With day trading, an individual seeks to take advantage of small changes in the price of a security in the same day. With intraday trading, an individual does not close out her position in the same day. She might hold a stock for a few days or even a few weeks...]]></description><pubDate>September 26, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Excuses for Your Cash Flow Problems]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-excuses-for-your-cash-flow-problems.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Cash flow problems can end your business, deplete your personal assets or lead to foreclosure. It is important for you to get a handle on them and avoid making excuses. Here are 4 common reasons why you may have cash flow problems, and some advice on how you can fix them. 1 - Record Keeping is Hard One of the best ways to avoid cash flow problems is to keep accurate and up to date records of your finances. If you try to estimate your financial affairs, and base decisions on guess work and ballpark figures, you will run...]]></description><pubDate>September 25, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Stock Transfer Agent?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-stock-transfer-agent.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A stock transfer agent is a financial institution that is in charge of keeping track of the stock transfer information for a company. Every publicly traded company has to keep track of all of the investors that own stock in the company. They are required to keep a shareholder registry and keep track of the number of shares that each person has. The stock transfer agent is the one that issues certificates, and cancels them as well.&amp;nbsp; The stock transfer agent is also in charge of mailing important information to the investors in the company. If investors have any...]]></description><pubDate>September 23, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Information on Demutualization]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/information-on-demutualization.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Demutualization, also known as stocking, occurs when a mutual group or cooperative changes its legal status into a joint company or corporation. In a mutual company, the main goals of the organization in raising capital are to provide services to members and sometimes to redistribute a portion of the profits to customers. Meanwhile, in a corporate setting, the organization&amp;rsquo;s thrust is to earn good profits that will then be distributed to shareholders and other equity financiers. Many mutual organizations decide to demutualize to get access to a bigger capital inflow. This is especially true if members or customers are...]]></description><pubDate>September 23, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Price Taker?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-price-taker.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A price taker is an investor that can place a buy or sell order in the market and the order does not have any impact on the market itself. This individual simply takes the price of the security that is available in the market at the time of the order. Individual investors are typically considered to be price takers. Institutional Investors On the other end of the scale are institutional investors. Institutional investors have large amounts of capital to trade in the market. When they place a trade of the market, it can significantly affect the price of the...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  5:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Valuing Sweat Equity]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/valuing-sweat-equity.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Sweat equity is a concept that deals with the amount of value that is added to a company as the result of hard work by the owners of the company. This terminology is often used when referring to startup businesses. If you have a new startup business and you are trying to bring on investors, trying to value the amount of sweat equity that you have in the business can be difficult. Here are a few things to consider about valuing sweat equity. Sweat Equity Sweat equity is something that can drastically impact the success of a business. When...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  5:01 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is the January Effect?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-the-january-effect.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The January effect is a phenomenon that occurs in the stock market during the month of January. As a result of the January effect, the stock market gets a boost by all of the buying of stocks that is occurring by many of the investors. Taxes For tax purposes, many people sell their stocks during the month of December. Then, at the beginning of the new year, they take that money and use it to purchase new stocks. As a result of this, the stock market gets a boost and increases in value. Changes Although this used to be...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  4:58 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[6 Shortcomings of the Modern Portfolio Theory]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/6-shortcomings-of-the-modern-portfolio-theory.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Modern portfolio theory is a theory that is used to determine the correlation between risk and return when using certain types of investments. It is a very advanced mathematical model that offers some benefits to investors. While it is commonly used, it does have some potential drawbacks. Here are some of the shortcomings of the modern portfolio theory. 1. Does Not Model the Market The modern portfolio theory is simply a theory and does not actually model the market. The values in the modern portfolio theory are expected returns based on mathematical calculations. In reality, these calculations are rarely...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  4:56 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons Every Investor Should Care About Market Cap]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-every-investor-should-care-about-market-cap.html</link><description><![CDATA[ &quot;Market cap&quot; is a term that is short for market capitalization. This term is used to describe the market value of a company that is based on the share price of the stock and the number of outstanding shares in the market place. While this term is commonly used with investors, many people do not realize why it is important. Here are a few reasons that every investor should care about market cap. 1. Valuing the Company With market capitalization, you can tell approximately how big a company is. In order to calculate market capitalization, you take the number...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  4:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding 130 30 Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-130-30-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The investments known as 130 30 mutual funds utilize both long and short positions in order to increase the possible returns for investors. With this type of mutual fund, the manager invests 130 percent of the fund's assets into long positions and 30 percent into short positions. These funds have become very popular in recent years, and some of them have had good returns. Here are the basics of 130 30 funds.&amp;nbsp; 130 30 Funds In order to make this work, the mutual fund has to borrow money to buy the necessary securities. To begin, the mutual fund puts...]]></description><pubDate>September 21, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pros and Cons of Trust Preferred Securities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pros-and-cons-of-trust-preferred-securities.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Trust preferred securities are a type of investment that is commonly offered by bank holding companies. These investments contain some aspects of both debt and equity which makes them unique in the financial industry. A company will set up a trust and keep all of the common stock in the trust. Then, it will offer preferred stock to the investors in the company. Here are a few of the pros and cons of trust preferred securities. Pros One of the advantages of investing in trust preferred securities is that you will receive regular interest payments. In fact, you will...]]></description><pubDate>September 19, 2010  4:56 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Introduction to Trust Preferred Securities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/introduction-to-trust-preferred-securities.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A trust-preferred security attempts to retain the best features of common and preferred stock by behaving like both a debt and an equity. Common stock is an issuance of equity that gives an investor voting rights and repays an investor based on how well the equity grows. Preferred stock is also equity, but it behaves like a debt by offering high dividends but no voting rights. Trust-preferred securities offer fixed payments and a set maturity, making them like a debt as well, but Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) allow a company to still consider these securities part of its...]]></description><pubDate>September 19, 2010  4:53 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pledge Funds Explained]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pledge-funds-explained.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Pledge funds are a type of investment fund that individual investors can put money into in order to get involved with a specific investment objectives. A pledge fund takes place when individual investors get together and come up with the goal of investing in a particular type of investment. The members of the pledge fund then start making contributions to the fund for a specific period of time. Once the monetary goal is reached, the pledge fund will invest in the investment on behalf of all of the people in the fund. Advantages One of the advantages of a...]]></description><pubDate>September 19, 2010  4:51 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is Naked Short Selling?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-naked-short-selling.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Naked short selling is a practice that involves short selling a security without having the ability to cover the transaction. This practice has been done in many financial markets over the years and is a strategy that should be considered high risk/high reward. Here are a few things to consider about naked short selling and how it works. Short Selling In order to understand naked short selling, you first have to understand what short selling is and how it works. In the financial markets, if you want to bet on a particular security going down in value, you can...]]></description><pubDate>September 19, 2010  4:49 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is Stock Dilution?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-stock-dilution.html</link><description><![CDATA[ &quot;Stock dilution&quot; is a term that is used to describe a phenomenon that occurs when more stock of a particular company is issued into the market. This has the effect of diluting the benefits of the stock holders and it can affect them in a number of ways.&amp;nbsp; More Stock in the Market Stock dilution occurs when more stock finds its way into the market. This could happen for a number of reasons. One example of more stock coming into the market is when a company decides to issue more stock that they have been holding in the company...]]></description><pubDate>September 19, 2010  4:39 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Are Slush Funds?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-are-slush-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Slush funds are axillary accounts and reserve funds used by companies and politicians.&amp;nbsp;They are not designed to serve a specific purpose, which gives&amp;nbsp;their users the flexibility to conduct a wide range of financial transactions. This also allows the people who use them to avoid oversight. While the&amp;nbsp;slush funds can be used for products and services that are themselves perfectly legal, most funds are used for something&amp;nbsp;unscrupulous and illegal. Either way, slush funds are illegal. Slush Funds&amp;nbsp;and Accountability When a&amp;nbsp;private individual sets aside&amp;nbsp;some money for any reason, he or she generally does not have to account for it to anyone....]]></description><pubDate>September 19, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is Correlation Trading?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-correlation-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Correlation trading is a type of trading strategy that involves trading based on the relationships between two similar securities. Basically, an investor will watch the performance of one security, and then will place a trade with a security that is highly correlated to it. Correlation Types There are many different types of investments that can be highly correlated. For example, gold and silver are highly correlated and tend to mirror each other when they move. Currency pairs in the Forex market are another example of something that can be highly correlated. For example, pairs that have a common currency...]]></description><pubDate>September 19, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is Paper Trading?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-paper-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Paper trading is a type of trading that investors utilize in order to practice trading in the real financial markets. This type of trading can be used with stocks, bonds, Forex, commodities, or any other type of financial security. With this particular method, you will act as if you are buying a particular security without actually exchanging any money. You will keep track of the movement of the particular security and how much profit you would have made if you had entered the trade.&amp;nbsp; With this type of trading, you can test out trading strategies and methods. This is...]]></description><pubDate>September 19, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Special Dividend?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-special-dividend.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A special dividend is a type of payment that is made by a company to its shareholders. This type of dividend is different from a traditional dividend that is received by stockholders in the company. Here are a few things to consider about the special dividend and how it works. Special Dividend As the name of this type of dividend implies, this is a payment that does not occur often. With this type of dividend, the company decides to make a special payment to the shareholders of a company. In most cases, the dividend will be greater than what...]]></description><pubDate>September 19, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is Momentum Trading?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-momentum-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Momentum trading is a type of trading strategy that seeks to capitalize on securities that are moving in a particular direction. This strategy utilizes the motto of &quot;the trend is your friend.&quot; By investing in securities that are already performing well, the investor hopes to secure additional gains as they move.&amp;nbsp; Momentum Trading Momentum trading is a strategy that many investors use so that they can successful securities. With this strategy, you will buy securities that have been moving up and short sell securities that have been moving down quickly. The hope of the momentum trader is that the...]]></description><pubDate>September 19, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is Program Trading?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-program-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Program trading is a type of trading that is traditionally used by institutional investors in which a computer program places trades in the market for them.This strategy uses an advanced algorithm to guide the trading strategies of the computer. When program trading is used, typically, large amounts of stock are purchased without any human supervision. Expert traders are in charge of coming up with the trading strategies for the computer, and programming them accordingly. One of the primary advantages of this type of trading strategy is that investors can avoid having to watch the market at all times. When...]]></description><pubDate>September 19, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Golden Share?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-golden-share.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A golden share is a type of share that carries more power than all of the other shares of ownership in a company. This type of share can out vote all of the other shares in a company regardless of what the other shareholders say. This type of share has been commonly used with government organizations. For example, when a government organization wants to move into the private sector, the government will typically still retain one golden share. Then, when important issues come up in the future, the government will still be able to have the deciding vote.&amp;nbsp; The...]]></description><pubDate>September 19, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Master Feeder Fund?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-master-feeder-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A master feeder fund is an arrangement in which an investment company utilizes multiple funds to achieve its investment objectives. The master fund will work in conjunction with a feeder fund to achieve economies of scale in the investment markets. Here are a few things to consider about the master feeder fund. Master Feeder Fund This is an arrangement commonly used by hedge funds and some mutual funds. The feeder funds are set up so that they collect resources from investors. They then pass these resources onto a master fund. The master fund is in charge of making all...]]></description><pubDate>September 18, 2010  4:44 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Magic Formula Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-magic-formula-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Magic Formula investing is a technique that is commonly used by traders who want to select winning stocks. Joel Greenblatt, a hedge fund manager, developed the strategy in order to simplify the process of picking stocks for individuals. The basic idea behind this strategy is that you look for companies that are undervalued in the marketplace. Here are the basics of the Magic Formula investing strategy. Buying Stock With this particular method, individuals do not necessarily focus on a particular sector or industry in the market. Instead, they are simply focused on finding companies that fit the criteria of...]]></description><pubDate>September 18, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is an ICVC? (Investment Company with Variable Capital)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-an-icvc-investment-company-with-variable-capital.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An ICVC, or investment company with variable capital, is a type of collective investment instrument that is available in the United Kingdom. This type of investment is similar to an umbrella mutual fund and it is designed with the sole purpose of bringing in returns for the investors in the fund. This type of investment tool can invaluable and can provide the investor with flexibility. This type of company is set up as an open-ended corporation. Investors can pool their money together, under the direction of the ICVC company. Investment Company with Variable Capital The ICVC company will then...]]></description><pubDate>September 17, 2010  5:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Are Your Sources of Income?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-are-your-sources-of-income.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are many different sources of income, but only a few people grab multiple opportunities. If you are really interested in building your personal wealth, you need to have a deeper understanding of each type of income stream that may be available to you. Once you have understood and become aware of the underlying principles, risks and benefits of each income source, you will have a better chance of choosing the types that will best suit you.Earned IncomeAlso known as linear income, this is one of the most common and simplest sources of income because it is generated through...]]></description><pubDate>September 17, 2010  5:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is an Interest Rate Cap?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-an-interest-rate-cap.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An interest rate cap is a limit to the amount of interest that a lender can charge on an adjustable-rate loan. Adjustable-rate mortgages have an interest rate cap to provide a maximum payment amount, regardless of what happens with the underlying financial index. Interest rate caps can come in a few different varieties. Periodic Interest Cap The periodic interest rate cap limits the amount of interest that can be charged for a particular period in the loan. For example, the interest rate might only be able to increase by a certain amount every year.&amp;nbsp; Lifetime Interest Rate Cap In...]]></description><pubDate>September 17, 2010  5:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Variable Interest Entity?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-variable-interest-entity.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A variable interest entity is a method that can be used to own a particular business entity. With this type of entity, the amount of rights of the controlling owner of the business are limited compared to most other business structures. In order to qualify as a variable interest entity, the business has to meet certain criteria. Here are a few things to consider about this unique form of business ownership. Requirements There are 3 different requirements that can be met in order to qualify as a variable interest entity. The business has to meet at least one of...]]></description><pubDate>September 17, 2010  5:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Shedding Light on the Blind Trust]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/shedding-light-on-the-blind-trust.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A blind trust is a type of estate planning tool that can be used to provide funds for beneficiaries. With this type of trust, the beneficiaries have no idea what is actually being held in the trust. They receive the assets in the trust at the proper time, but they will not know what they are receiving in advance. How it Works The trustee and the grantor are the only ones that know what is being held in the trust. It is up to the trustee to handle the assets in the trust in the proper manner. When the...]]></description><pubDate>September 17, 2010  4:56 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is an Asset Management Account]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-an-asset-management-account.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An asset management account is a type of account that combines some of the features of a traditional checking account with an investment account. This type of account is becoming more common with banking institutions as consumers wish to streamline their financial lives and save time.&amp;nbsp; Asset Management Account With this type of account, an individual will deposit money into it as if it were a regular bank account. Then, the money from the bank account will be swept into a money market account. While the money is not being used, it is free to earn additional interest in...]]></description><pubDate>September 17, 2010  4:53 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fundamental Analysis: The 2 Analytical Models]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/fundamental-analysis-the-2-analytical-models.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Fundamental Analysis is a method of evaluating the actual value of a particular stock by evaluating the company it represents. Determining if the stock is undervalued, or overvalued, can make a huge difference in how it will preform in the future. Both of the methods discussed here are important to give the investor a true picture of the potential investment. They should always be used together. The Quantitative Method: The quantitative method deals with how a company is doing on paper. It is a deep study of a company's strengths and weakness. It is based on the actual numbers...]]></description><pubDate>September 17, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Introduction to Deal Flows]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/introduction-to-deal-flows.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Deal flows is a term that is used to describe the amount of deals that are made available to a venture capitalist. Venture capitalists provide capital to start-up businesses. Venture capitalists are individuals, partnerships or businesses that make money by investing in other companies. Typically, these individuals have a great deal of capital to invest. Venture capitalists search out companies that are looking for financing and offer them the capital that they need. In return for offering the capital, these venture capitalists will generally receive partial ownership in the company. In order for them to be successful, a steady...]]></description><pubDate>September 16, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Corporate Venture Capital Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/corporate-venture-capital-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Corporate venture capital investing is a type of investment where an established company invests money into a small, startup company. This type of investing has benefits for both the investing company, and the startup company. There are several strategies that a company could use when investing in another business. These strategies include changing the management team, expanding into a new market or simply investing for return. Here are a few things to consider about corporate venture capital investing. Corporate Venture Capital Investing Many people get this type of investment confused with other similar types of investments. Corporate venture capital...]]></description><pubDate>September 16, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of Blue Sky Laws]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-blue-sky-laws.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Blue Sky Laws are a type of law that is administered on a state level in order to prevent securities fraud. While the SEC is in charge of taking care of securities fraud issues on a national level, states also try to take care of the problem by themselves. Each state has different laws when it comes to dealing with these issues. Here are the basics of Blue Sky Laws and how they work. Blue Sky Laws The term Blue Sky Laws was first coined by Justice McKenna of the Supreme Court. In dealing with a case that had...]]></description><pubDate>September 16, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at Transmittal Letters]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-transmittal-letters.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Transmittal letters are basically documents that contain information about the shipment or transport of security certificates. Typically, they are sent whenever there is a change in the ownership of the securities. Below are some of the most important features of a transmittal copy and why it is an important attachment whenever securities are being transferred.Significance of Transmittal LettersA transmittal letter provides vital information regarding the securities being shipped. In some cases, the letter will even contain very sensitive data, such as a password to accompanying electronic storage devices. By providing details about the securities being transported, a transmittal copy...]]></description><pubDate>September 16, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pros and Cons of Penny Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pros-and-cons-of-penny-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Penny stocks are a category of stocks offered by companies who have very low stock share prices. Investing in these types of stocks is very popular in the stock market, and it can provide you with a number of advantages as an investor. At the same time, there are a few disadvantages that you should be aware of. Here are some of the pros and cons of penny stocks. Smaller Investment One of the biggest advantages of investing in penny stocks is that they require a smaller initial investment. Many of these stocks can be purchased for $.10 or...]]></description><pubDate>September 15, 2010  4:50 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Explanation of Microcap Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/explanation-of-microcap-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Microcap stocks are companies that are considered to be very small and are not generally traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Investing in this type of stock can provide individuals with a number of benefits. At the same time, there are some potential drawbacks to be aware of as well. Here are a few things to consider about microcap stocks. Microcap Stocks Microcap stocks are stocks that are issued by companies with small market capitalization and a small amount of assets. In fact, most microcap companies have market capitalization of somewhere between $50 million and $300 million. This...]]></description><pubDate>September 15, 2010  4:48 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Benefits and Risks of Consignment Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/benefits-and-risks-of-consignment-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A consignment stock is made up of goods that are legally owned by one party called the consignor but are to be sold, shipped or held in store by an agent or consignee. This type of inventory is prevalent among manufacturing concerns. Under a consignment arrangement, the consignor retains legal ownership of the merchandise, and the consignee is not required to pay for the goods until after they have been sold. The consignee can even decide to return any leftover stock without worrying about monetary repercussions. Here are the main benefits and risks of agreeing to a consignment deal.Benefits...]]></description><pubDate>September 15, 2010  4:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at Beneficial Ownership]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-beneficial-ownership.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Beneficial ownership allows you to enjoy the benefits of owning a security without officially holding it in your name of possession. The security, property or other asset is typically held with a broker or trustee who manages the title on your behalf. You are listed as the beneficial owner on the asset which means you obtain all of the benefits of the ownership, including voting rights.&amp;nbsp; Beneficial Ownership Example As a business owner, it is wise to act as the beneficial owner of a number of assets even when the business itself is the true owner. For example, let...]]></description><pubDate>September 15, 2010  4:42 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Agency Securities Explained]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/agency-securities-explained.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Agency securities are a type of investment that are issued by government-sponsored enterprises and other businesses that are backed by the federal government. These agencies can provide a number of different investment options for investors to take advantage of. There are a number of companies that are in business because they were chartered by Congress, or set up by some other federal program. These businesses are not necessarily part of the government but they are backed by the government. This means that these businesses are operating on their own merits, but if they were to ever falter, the federal...]]></description><pubDate>September 15, 2010  4:40 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding a Managed Futures Account]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-a-managed-futures-account.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A managed futures account is a type of investment that allows regular investors to get involved in the futures market with minimal risk. This type of account is managed by a professional futures trader. Here are the basics of a managed futures account. Managed Futures Account A managed futures account is a type of investment vehicle in which investors pool their money together to invest in the futures market. A professional commodity futures trader is in charge of all of the money and makes investment decisions as if the money were from a single investor. The profits from the...]]></description><pubDate>September 15, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of a Vulture Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-a-vulture-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A vulture fund is a type of hedge fund or private equity fund that invests in companies that are in danger of going under. This type of investment strategy is a high risk and high reward one. Here are the basics of the vulture fund and how it works. Vulture Fund The vulture fund is a type of hedge fund that actively seeks out companies that are struggling. With this type of fund, fund managers will try to purchase shares in the company at bargain basement prices. The point of this type of investment is to purchase shares when...]]></description><pubDate>September 15, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Vice Fund?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-vice-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A vice fund is a type of mutual fund that takes the opposite approach to socially responsible investing. With this type of fund, fund managers invest in a variety of stocks from companies that are considered to be vice stocks. Here are the basics of the vice fund.&amp;nbsp; Vice Fund This is a type of mutual fund that attempts to create a diversified portfolio of vice stocks. These stocks are from companies that are considered to have negative consequences to the rest of society. For example, a vice fund might invest in companies that produce beer and tobacco. Other...]]></description><pubDate>September 15, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at Open Interest]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-open-interest.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Open interest is a sum of all the outstanding options contracts at the end of the closing day. Any option that has not been closed or delivered counts toward open interest. Open interest can be calculated for an entire market, an entire index or an entire security. Analysts review open interest in these models to determine if new trading information has been released, if new money is flowing into the market or if the market is quickly liquidating. Some analysts believe open interest is more of a running tally than a financial indicator. Open Interest and New Information If...]]></description><pubDate>September 15, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Explanation of Credit Linked Notes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/explanation-of-credit-linked-notes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A credit linked note is a credit derivative that pays investors based on payment of a debt. There are four parties involved in order for a credit linked note (CLN) to come into being: the borrower, the lender, a trust and an investor. The borrower takes a loan from a lender. The lender engages in a default swap with a trust. The trust sells the default swap to an investor. This eliminates the need for an insurer on the loan, but all the parties will stand to lose if the borrower actually defaults.&amp;nbsp; Credit Default Swap Model The first...]]></description><pubDate>September 15, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Collateralized Loan Obligation?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-collateralized-loan-obligation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A collateralized loan obligation (CLO) is a type of special purpose vehicle that splits the risk of making a loan among a number of financial parties. The lender divides the loan into tranches, which are small slices of the overall loan. The tranches are then sold to investors and companies as a type of security. These companies have priorities on the debt based on the size or order of their respective tranches. If the loan goes into default, the businesses who have purchased the tranches lose money, while the lender loses nothing. Structure of a CLO A CLO is...]]></description><pubDate>September 15, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Delta Neutral Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/delta-neutral-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Delta neutral trading is a common technique among professional options traders. The delta of an option is the degree to which a derivative follows the stock or underlying. This delta is a number between -1, and 1, and represents a percentage. A delta with negative one equates to a negative correlation between the underlying and its derivative. A delta with positive one equals a positive correlation between the underlying and its derivative. The concept of delta neutrality really applies to trading a portfolio of options or better yet as a market maker. You can benefit from delta neutral trading...]]></description><pubDate>September 15, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Global Macro Trading Explained]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/global-macro-trading-explained.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A global macro trading strategy is an approach used by hedge funds, focusing on the macroeconomic perspective. There are many investment vehicles for global macro investing; typically, funds invest in stock indexes, bonds and derivatives, such as futures. Generally speaking, hedge funds are able to trade more aggressively than mutual funds and are marketed based on their performance and accessibility to a wide range of investment vehicles. Because of the popularity and growth of hedge funds and the global macro trading strategy, there has been a lot of attention on valuable research initiatives for good investments and new strategies....]]></description><pubDate>September 15, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overview of Volatility Arbitrage]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/overview-of-volatility-arbitrage.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Volatility arbitrage, also known as the dispersion trade, has been regarded as a highly complex trade because it requires a lot of statistics and numerous trades. The basic concept for volatility arbitrage is to capture a misrepresentation of the Volatility Index (VIX) for the major components' volatility. The overriding trade is buying a basket of index component options, while simultaneously shorting the index and vice versa. This trade is performed when the volatility index is lower than it should be according to the component's volatility. When the volatility index is higher than represented by the components, the opposite trade...]]></description><pubDate>September 15, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Types of Money Market Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-types-of-money-market-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Money market funds are a type of mutual fund that is considered very safe. These types of mutual funds invest in money market instruments in order to give investors a good place to park their money between investing in other securities. Although all the market mutual funds are similar, there are different types of funds that you could invest in. Here are some of the most popular types of money market funds currently available. 1. U.S. Treasury Securities One common example of a money market fund is a fund that invests only in U.S. Treasury securities. This means that...]]></description><pubDate>September 15, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Floor Broker?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-floor-broker.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A floor broker is an individual who works on the floor of a stock exchange in order to facilitate trades. This individual works for a financial brokerage and places trades on its behalf. The ultimate job of the floor broker is to take the trades that are placed by the brokerage's clients and get them filled as quickly as possible at the best prices that he can find. A floor broker works in a very high-paced environment in which many people are attempting to trade securities. The floor broker has to be able to work with other individuals on...]]></description><pubDate>September 15, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Types of Stock Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-types-of-stock-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in stock funds can provide a level of diversification that most individual investors can not get by investing directly in stocks. When it comes to stock funds, there are several different choices for you to consider investing in. Here are a few of the different types of stock funds that are available in the market. 1. Growth Funds One of the most common types of stock funds is the growth fund. This is a mutual fund that focuses on purchasing only growth stocks. This means that the companies that are purchased for this type of fund are identified...]]></description><pubDate>September 14, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[6 Tips on Avoiding Forex Scams]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/6-tips-on-avoiding-forex-scams.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Forex scams are prevalent in the market, if you are a new investor, you must be extra careful when putting your money into foreign currency trading. Here are six tips to help you spot and avoid foreign exchange scams.1. Understand the Ins and Outs of the Forex MarketBefore you put money on foreign currency trading, it is important that you know the fundamentals of the market. Read books and articles and attend seminars that will help you understand how the Forex market works and how you can make money. People who do not have any idea about Forex investing...]]></description><pubDate>September 14, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Fill or Kill Order?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-fill-or-kill-order.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A fill or kill order can be placed with a financial broker when buying a security. This is commonly used in the stock market, commodities market and forex market. With this type of order, the buyer specifies that the entire amount of the order must be filled or the broker is to disregard the order entirely. The buyer does not want any partial order fills for this particular order. In many cases, if you do not specify the type of order, and there is not enough of a particular security to fill the order completely, the broker will make...]]></description><pubDate>September 14, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of an Equity Linked Note]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-an-equity-linked-note.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An equity linked note is a type of investment that shares some of the characteristics of a debt instrument and of an equity instrument. This is essentially like a bond linked to some type of equity, such as a stock. With this type of instrument, you will basically be purchasing a bond. The bond will be tied to the performance of a particular stock or a basket of stocks. If the stocks increase in value, the investor will be able to receive her original investment as well as a certain percentage of the growth of the stock. If the...]]></description><pubDate>September 14, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Contract for Difference?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-contract-for-difference.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A contract for difference is a type of investment in which an individual can speculate on the movement in value of a security without actually owning it. This type of investment is often referred to as a CFD in most cases. This is a type of financial derivative contract. With a contract for difference, 2 parties enter into a contract with each taking an opposite position on a particular financial asset. These 2 parties are referred to as the buyer and seller in the transaction. With this type of transaction, the seller agrees to pay the buyer a certain...]]></description><pubDate>September 14, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Commodity Trading Advisor?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-commodity-trading-advisor.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A commodity trading advisor is an individual or a business that advises traders in choosing commodity investments and options. These individuals can also sometimes be in charge of trading managed futures accounts on behalf of other investors. This individual or business is highly skilled and knowledgeable about the commodity futures market and how it works. The commodity trading advisor receive a commission for placing trades for their clients. They also can sometimes receive a commission just for providing advice to the trader. In order to qualify as a commodity trading advisor, one has to be registered with the Commodity...]]></description><pubDate>September 14, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Treasury Stock Explained]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/treasury-stock-explained.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Treasury stock is a term that is used to describe the amount of stock that a company keeps of its own shares. They keep the stock shares in the company treasury. This stock can be used for a variety of purposes and can affect individual traders as well. Here is a look at treasury stock and why it is significant to investors. Treasury Stock Treasury stock can be acquired in 2 different ways by a company. They can keep some of the shares that are created when they initially offer stock to the public. They can also go out...]]></description><pubDate>September 13, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Restricted Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-restricted-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Restricted stock is a type of stock that is commonly issued to executives in companies instead of traditional stock. This type of stock does not carry with it the same rights as traditional common stock. Here are the basics of restricted stock and how it works. Restricted Stock Companies will issue you restricted stock to executives and the company that have insider information. This type of stock cannot be sold to another individual. Instead, it has to remain in the ownership of the individual that it was issued to until it is redeemed. By providing these executives with restricted...]]></description><pubDate>September 12, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Broker Dealer?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-broker-dealer.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The broker dealer is a financial institution that handles transactions for their clients. Most brokers in the financial world are considered to be broker dealers.&amp;nbsp; A broker is an individual that works on behalf of their investment clients. They take their orders and place them into the market. They give them investment advice and help them plan out their trades. A dealer on the other hand is an institutional investor that makes trades for their own benefit. Typically, the dealer is the one that supplies the securities that are purchased when an individual wants to trade in the stock...]]></description><pubDate>September 12, 2010  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Truth about Alternative Assets]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-truth-about-alternative-assets.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Alternative assets are assets that are not traditionally included in an investment portfolio but in which investors can put money. This type of asset does not represent a claim on assets of a company, as in the case of a stock or a bond. Instead, it is an actual physical item, and it gains or loses value based on the fluctuations of value to that item. Here are a few things to consider about alternative assets. Alternative Assets Alternative assets could include many different types of investment options. For example, real estate and commodities are prime examples of alternative...]]></description><pubDate>September 11, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Cup and Handle Formation?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-cup-and-handle-formation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A cup and handle formation is a type of pattern that can be seen on price charts from several different financial markets. Technical analysts will use this pattern as an indication that the market is about to move upward.&amp;nbsp; As the name of the formation implies, the cup and handle formation looks a lot like a cup with a handle. The beginning of the formation will be the left side of the cup. The pattern will then move down and form a u-shaped cup. At the top edge of the cup, the handle will then move down towards the...]]></description><pubDate>September 11, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Composite Index?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-composite-index.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A composite index is a combination of securities into a group so as to provide some type of financial indicator about the group as a whole. Composite indices are commonly used by financial organizations in order to gauge the performance of certain securities as a group. One of the most common examples of a composite index is the S&amp;amp;P 500. The S&amp;amp;P 500 is a composite index that includes 500 of the top companies in the stock market. They combine the values of all of the outstanding shares of these companies in order to come up with a total...]]></description><pubDate>September 11, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Are Emerging Markets?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-are-emerging-markets.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Emerging markets are areas that are very important to certain types of investors. These markets are in a transition period going from underdeveloped to more modernized. Here are a few things to consider about emerging markets and why they are important. Emerging Markets There are many areas in the world that are still underdeveloped. These areas do not have basic infrastructure and other things that are commonplace in more developed areas of the world. As the world population continues to increase, more of these areas are starting to become developed. They are building roads, hospitals, businesses and everything else...]]></description><pubDate>September 10, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Phantom Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-phantom-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Phantom stock is a type of incentive that is sometimes provided by a company to their employees. Phantom stock provides businesses with a method of rewarding certain employees if the company performs well. However, instead of providing them with actual ownership in the company as they would by giving them real stock, they give them phantom stock. Phantom stock is like virtual stock that can grow in value in proportion to the real stock price of the company. The difference is that it provides no ownership rights in the company to the phantom stockholder. It also does not come...]]></description><pubDate>September 10, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Value of Shareholder Friendly Management]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-value-of-shareholder-friendly-management.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When it comes to choosing companies to invest in, many investors prefer companies with shareholder-friendly management techniques. This type of management puts an emphasis on making things favorable for the shareholder and keeping them happy. Here are a few things to consider about the value of shareholder-friendly management. Investments Held within Their Company One feature that can be considered to be shareholder-friendly is when companies require their managers to have a stake in the company. In many cases, they will set forth a policy that requires upper-level executives and certain managers to own stock in the company. This stock...]]></description><pubDate>September 10, 2010  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Momentum investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-momentum-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Momentum investing is a type of investment strategy in which individuals attempt to purchase stocks that are already performing well and then sell them at an even higher profit. This is essentially like riding the wave of the trend and cashing in quickly. Momentum investors can potentially make substantial returns if the strategy is implemented correctly. Here are the basics of momentum investing and how it can work for investors.&amp;nbsp; Momentum Investing With this investment strategy, individuals try to locate stocks that have been performing well for somewhere between 3 and 12 months. At the same time, they will...]]></description><pubDate>September  9, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Risks of Initial Public Offering Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-risks-of-initial-public-offering-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Getting involved with an initial public offering can be promising. Sometimes the immediate returns are substantial. Yet although this type of stock is very popular, there are definitely some risks involved when investing. Here are some of the risks of getting involved with initial public offering stocks. Initial Public Offering Stocks An initial public offering is when a private company first issues stock to the public. This is also referred to as &quot;going public.&quot; In many cases, companies that have gone public have generated substantial returns within only a few days. Many times, on the first day of the...]]></description><pubDate>September  9, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of a Low Cost Broker]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-a-low-cost-broker.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A low-cost broker is a type of investment broker that charges a lower amount of commission than most traditional brokers. These low-cost brokers are becoming more popular in the industry today as more traders are starting to realize the impact of commissions on their success.&amp;nbsp; In most cases, when working with a low-cost broker, an individual will place the majority of her trades through an online trading platform. This type of broker is ideal for individuals who like to do things on their own without much help from brokers. Most of the time, discount brokers provide little personal service...]]></description><pubDate>September  8, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pros and Cons of Value at Risk]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pros-and-cons-of-value-at-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you think value at risk, you should think risk management, because value at risk (VaR) is essentially a mathematical formula used in risk management plans. Because of the great emphasis on risk management amongst professional investors and investing groups, there comes a need to quantify the risk in a portfolio. In essence, value-at-risk calculations derive the outstanding value that is at risk according to the degree of exposure the entire portfolio is carrying. For example, take a pension portfolio with assets of $15 billion. Imagine that the entire portfolio is in cash reserves except for 10 percent that...]]></description><pubDate>September  8, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Purchasing Managers Index]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-purchasing-managers-index.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The purchasing managers index is a tool that is used to gauge the strength of the economy overall. The data that is used to comprise this index is obtained by surveying 400 purchasing managers in the manufacturing industry. Here are the basics of the purchasing managers index and why it is important. Every month, the Institute for Supply Management issues a survey to 400 purchasing managers. These managers are selected from different businesses in the manufacturing sector. The survey attempts to determine what the purchasing managers think about business.&amp;nbsp; The survey will ask the purchasing managers several questions about...]]></description><pubDate>September  8, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of a Tender Offer]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-a-tender-offer.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A tender offer is a situation in which an individual or a company offers to purchase a large number of shares in a public corporation from the shareholders. This is done in an attempt to take over the company. A tender offer can be endorsed by the company itself, or it can come in the form of a hostile takeover. Here are a few things to consider about the tender offer and how it works. Tender Offer When an individual investor wants to take over majority ownership of a company, one of the methods that they can use is...]]></description><pubDate>September  3, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Explanation of a Prime Brokerage]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/explanation-of-a-prime-brokerage.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Prime brokerage is an extensive list of bundled services that many brokerage houses provide to hedge funds. It includes clearing facilities, custody and asset servicing, securities lending, financing to facilitate leverage of client assets, risk management services and capital introduction. Prime brokerage services are one of the fastest growing areas of investment banking, despite the credit crisis and collapse of Bear Sterns. Traditional Use of Prime Brokerage Services Traditionally, the primary uses of prime brokerage were for capital introduction and financing. Because prime brokerage houses deal with hundreds of hedge funds, and have detailed information and data in the...]]></description><pubDate>September  3, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Explanation of Dividend Stripping]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/explanation-of-dividend-stripping.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Dividend stripping is the process of purchasing a security just before it pays out dividends, and then selling it immediately once the dividend has been paid. This process results in a gain to the purchasers in the sum of the dividend. It also, however, likely results in a loss when the shares are sold back because they will be valued lower immediately after paying out a dividend. If the capital earned from the dividend is higher than the drop in price, the purchaser nets a profit. Capital Loss Write-Off For many years, this strategy was dually beneficial. Not only...]]></description><pubDate>September  3, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pros and Cons of Dividend Reinvestment Plans]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pros-and-cons-of-dividend-reinvestment-plans.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Dividend reinvestment plans are commonly offered by companies as a way for stockholders to reinvest the dividends that are due to them in more stock from the company. This type of plan can provide several advantages for investors. At the same time, there are a few potential disadvantages of this type of investment plan. Here are some of the pros and cons of dividend reinvestment plans. Cut Out Commissions One of the biggest advantages of this type of investment plan is that you will be able to cut out the middleman. You will not be forced to buy stock...]]></description><pubDate>September  3, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pros and Cons of Direct Access Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pros-and-cons-of-direct-access-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Direct access trading is a type of trading allows you to avoid working with a broker and gain direct access to the market. You will be able to improve your trading results. However, at the same time, in order to do this you will have to give up a few things as well. Here are some of the pros and cons of direct access trading. Pros The biggest advantage of direct access trading is that you will be able to skip your online stockbroker. Instead, you will have direct access to the stock market. As soon as your orders...]]></description><pubDate>September  3, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at Bonus Shares]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-bonus-shares.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A bonus share is a type of stock that is awarded directly from a company to an investor in the company. This essentially amounts to an individual being able to get a free share of stock in the company. When a company issues bonus shares, the individual does not have to pay anything for them. In addition, there are no stockbroker commissions or any other fees to worry about. Most of the time, the number of bonus shares that are received by an investor are based on the number of shares that are already own in the company. Stockholders...]]></description><pubDate>September  3, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at Block Trades]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-block-trades.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A block trade is a group trade of a single security. By definition, a block trade is made up of at least 10,000 shares of a stock,&amp;nbsp; or $200,000 of bonds by one party. This often occurs between two institutional investors. In a block trade, the seller can protect the total price of the stock from dropping when the market is flooded with a large sell order.&amp;nbsp; Purpose of a Block Trade An institutional investor may need to financially restructure and liquidate a portion of its assets. If they own more than 10,000 shares in one particular company, it...]]></description><pubDate>September  3, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Advantages of Royalty Trusts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-advantages-of-royalty-trusts.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Royalty trusts are corporations that specialize in mining or production of oil and natural gas. They can avoid being taxed as corporations if they distribute at least 90 percent of their profits to shareholders as dividends. While giving up such a huge portion of the profit may seem foolhardy, the profits they earn from selling dividends and the&amp;nbsp;money they save by not paying corporate taxes makes up for the loss. Furthermore, this increases their value on the stock market, allowing them to borrow more money than before. To investors, royalty trust dividends offer a number of benefits that make...]]></description><pubDate>September  3, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Invest in China]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-in-china.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in China is becoming more and more popular because China continues to grow at a fast pace. You do not have to live in China to invest in the future of the country. There are various investment opportunities in China that American investors can take full advantage of. There are specific investment funds and ETFs that provide for investments in this area. Funds Private investors should consider funds that invest solely in China. These are easy to find, and once you research, you should get a better idea of which one suits you best. Some of the best...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:01 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[EBITDA: Definition]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/ebitda-definition.html</link><description><![CDATA[ EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. It is used as a financial calculation to determine the financial performance of a company. The formula takes the revenue of a company, and deducts certain expenses. The expenses that are deducted are the taxes, interest, depreciation and amortization. While it is not an accurate way to chart profitability, it can provide an idea about performance. How It Works When determining where to invest money into a company, an investor will want to know the profitability performance. The EBITDA provides the investor an understanding of how the company...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:01 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overview of the Asset Classes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/overview-of-the-asset-classes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in several different asset classes can provide you with a number of benefits. In order to minimize risk and reach your portfolio goals, it is important to understand all of the different asset classes that are available. Here are a few things to consider about the major types of asset classes. Asset Classes An asset class is a group of investments that have the same characteristics and qualities. The major asset classes are equities, fixed-income securities and money market instruments. As an investor, it is important to have a certain amount of money allocated to all of these...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Beware of High-Yield Investment Programs (HYIPs)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/beware-of-high-yield-investment-programs-hyips.html</link><description><![CDATA[ High-yield investment programs, or HYIPs, are a type of investment that is commonly found online today. While the promises that these programs make can be enticing, you should be cautious about investing in them. Here are the basics of the high-yield investment program and what you should watch out for. High-Yield Investment Programs This type of investment program promises exceptional returns for investors. In many cases, they will express the returns as a certain amount of interest every day. The idea behind this is like the idea behind a managed investment account. You are going to deposit a certain...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are Black Box Trading Systems Legit?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/are-black-box-trading-systems-legit.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A black box trading system is an automated system that is used in order to trade the financial markets. Here are the basics of the black box trading system and information about whether it is legitimate. Black Box System A black box system is basically a computer program or piece of software that is designed to provide trading help to a trader. An individual is going to provide the black box with the information that it needs to function. The black box trading system is then going to analyze the information and provide different information to the trader.&amp;nbsp; What...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Types of Guaranteed Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-types-of-guaranteed-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Putting money into guaranteed investments can provide you with an extremely safe way to make a return on your investment. There are a few different types of investments that are considered to be guaranteed in the markets. Here are a few of the different types of guaranteed investments for you to choose from. 1. Guaranteed Bonds A guaranteed bond is a type of bond that is issued by one entity, and guaranteed by another entity. This type of guarantee takes away the risk associated with the default of the bond issuer. For example, if the company that issued a...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pros and Cons of Swing Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pros-and-cons-of-swing-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Swing trading is a type of investing that utilizes a medium time frame. With swing trading, you are not going to be trading on the short-term like a day trader or on the long-term like a trend follower. Instead, you are going to be trading somewhere in between. Usually, this type of trader stays in a position from one to five days. Here are some of the pros and cons of getting involved with swing trading. Pros One of the big advantages of swing trading is that it can save you time. Swing traders can trade on flexible schedules....]]></description><pubDate>August 29, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overview of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/overview-of-the-securities-investor-protection-corporation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) is a nonprofit company that works under a federal mandate. This organization was created in 1970, and it is not a government organization. The purpose of this company is to try to protect investors in the financial markets. Here are the basics of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation and what it provides to investors. Securities Investor Protection Corporation The basic idea behind the SIPC is that it will help investors if their broker goes out of business. It is going to try to provide financial protection for these individuals if the broker that...]]></description><pubDate>August 29, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Search Funds Explained]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/search-funds-explained.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Search funds are a type of investment that is used to raise money for private equity purchases. This type of fund has been in existence since 1984 and has grown in popularity. These funds are available to private investors. Generally, in order to get involved with these types of funds, you have to be very wealthy and have a large amount of money to invest. The fund manager is typically an entrepreneur that sets out to raise a large amount of money from investors. The money from the investors is pooled together so that the fund can use the...]]></description><pubDate>August 29, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of the Pairs Trading Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-the-pairs-trading-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Pairs trading is a type of investment strategy that involves investing in 2 different securities that are highly correlated to one other. By doing this, you can potentially make a profit regardless of what happens in the market as a whole. The hope is that you can go long on one security, short on the other, and make a profit when they go back to their average. Here are the basics of the pairs trading strategy and how it works. Correlated Securities In order to understand how this trading strategy can work, you need to understand something about correlated...]]></description><pubDate>August 29, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at MIRR (Modified Internal Rate of Return)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-mirr-modified-internal-rate-of-return.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Modified Internal Rate of Return (MIRR) is the same as the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) for a project except for one factor. With IRR, the analyst assumes the cash flows from any investment are reinvested at the original IRR. With Modified Internal Rate of Return, the analyst assumes the cash flows from any project are reinvested at the cost of capital. The MIRR is typically a more accurate measurement of the project or investment's true profit potential.&amp;nbsp; Internal Rate of Return This measurement analyzes the discount rate needed to bring the net present value of a project...]]></description><pubDate>August 29, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Advantages of Laddering]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-advantages-of-laddering.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Laddering is a technique that is commonly used with several different types of investments. With this strategy, an investor is going to purchase multiple investments with different dates until maturity. Here are some of the advantages of laddering. 1. Frees Up Capital One of the biggest advantages of using this technique is that it will help free up capital. Many investors will put all of their money into one bond or one CD. This ties up their investment capital for a specific amount of time. By purchasing smaller bonds or CDs with varying maturity dates, you will be able...]]></description><pubDate>August 29, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Contrarian Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-contrarian-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Contrarian investing is a type of investment that involves going against the popular opinion. As a contrarian, you look for opportunities to invest in securities that have been over or underpriced mistakenly. Some of the most successful investors in the world use this strategy and it definitely has some merit. Here are a few things to consider about contrarian investing. Contrarian Investing This type of investment involves not following the crowd. Many times, the general market will make a decision about a particular stock. The market sentiment will lead the price of a stock up or down. In many...]]></description><pubDate>August 29, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pros and Cons of Tax Lien Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pros-and-cons-of-tax-lien-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Tax lien investing is a type of investment with which many investors are unfamiliar. This type of investment involves purchasing tax liens from a county government through a bidding process. Here are some of the pros and cons associated with tax lien investing. Pros One of the big advantages of this type of investment is that you can get a nice rate of return. Most of the time, they have a minimum rate that you will be able to receive once you purchase a tax lien. Typically, you will go through a bidding process with other investors in the...]]></description><pubDate>August 29, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Explanation of Institutional Investors]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/explanation-of-institutional-investors.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Institutional investors are organizations or persons who trade securities with enough frequency and value to qualify for special benefits. These benefits include lower commissions when they trade through brokers and less regulation when they engage in complex trades. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sets a minimum trade limit each year that will qualify an individual or group as an &quot;institution&quot;; as of 2010, that limit was $100 million. Once a single investor reaches this limit, the investor can engage in more complex trades. Examples of Institutional Investors Institutional investors are typically actual institutions, such as insurance companies or...]]></description><pubDate>August 29, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Picking: An Investment Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-picking-an-investment-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Identifying quality stocks is one way to approach the markets. Think of it as a bottom-up strategy. When looking at stocks,&amp;nbsp; one should know how to identify them and measure their value. From a professional standpoint, there are two major approaches to analyzing companies: growth investing versus value investing. Growth Stocks Look for CAN SLIM qualities in these stocks. CAN SLIM represents high earnings growth potential for future prospects and sound management principles. This can basically boil down to the following: Financials Potential Management Value Stocks That leads us to the value stocks. Investing in value stocks is mostly...]]></description><pubDate>August 29, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Disadvantages of Growth Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-disadvantages-of-growth-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Growth investing can provide investors with a number of unique benefits and solid returns. However, there are several disadvantages that you will need to know about before getting involved with growth investing. Here are some of the disadvantages of growth investing. 1. High Volatility One of the biggest advantages of this type of investment is that it has extremely high volatility. Most companies that appear poised for growth could also lose a substantial amount of value quickly. When examining these companies, you will find that they have a high price-earnings ratio. As an investor, you have to have a...]]></description><pubDate>August 29, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Manager of Managers Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-manager-of-managers-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Manager of Managers fund is a type of mutual fund that employs multiple fund managers at the same time. With most mutual funds, they use an individual fund manager to make all of the investment decisions for the fund. With this type of mutual fund, each manager is in charge of a particular aspect of the mutual fund. Each manager has the ability to buy and sell assets for the fund. The idea behind this type of investment strategy is that it is better to have individuals who are experts in each area of the financial markets making...]]></description><pubDate>August 29, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Fund of Funds Investment Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-fund-of-funds-investment-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The fund of funds investment strategy is a popular strategy that is designed to minimize risks and increase potential gains. The idea behind a basic mutual fund is that a fund manager is going to use the money of investors to purchase shares of stocks, bonds or some other type of investment asset. With a fund of funds strategy, the fund manager is going to use the money of the group to purchase shares of other mutual funds. By doing this, the mutual fund creates a diversified portfolio of mutual fund shares from many different categories. Lower Risk One...]]></description><pubDate>August 27, 2010  4:01 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overview of Foreclosure Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/overview-of-foreclosure-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Foreclosure investing involves investors trying to earn profit by buying a foreclosed property, rehabbing it as needed and selling it for a higher price.&amp;nbsp;In the wake of the collapse of the real estate market, the number of foreclosures exploded. While those numbers have decreased somewhat, there are still plenty of opportunities to invest in foreclosures. Foreclosure investors hope that&amp;nbsp;the money&amp;nbsp;they spent&amp;nbsp;to buy the property&amp;nbsp;and make repairs would be more than made up for with the profits earned from the sale. However, this is far from guaranteed, so investors should not attempt to invest in foreclosures unless they are willing...]]></description><pubDate>August 27, 2010  4:01 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of Principal Protected Notes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-principal-protected-notes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Principal protected notes are a type of investment that guarantees the original amount of principal for the investor. This type of investment provides regular investors with a way to get involved with hedge fund investment techniques. These are custom made investments that regular investors can take advantage of. This type of security is sold as a debt instrument that is guaranteed by a financial institution. Here are the basics of principal protected notes and how they work. Principal Protected Notes This type of security is created by a financial engineer by combining multiple investments into a single package. This...]]></description><pubDate>August 27, 2010  4:01 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Disadvantages of Dollar Cost Averaging]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-disadvantages-of-dollar-cost-averaging.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Dollar cost averaging is a technique commonly used in the investment world. This technique involves making purchases of a security at regular intervals instead of purchasing the securities in one large lump sum purchase. Even though many people believe that the strategy is very useful, there are definitely some disadvantages associated with it. Transaction Costs Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of dollar cost averaging is that it ignores transaction fees. In order for an individual to implement dollar cost averaging, they will have to make regular purchases of the security. For example, an individual who implements this strategy might decide...]]></description><pubDate>August 27, 2010  4:01 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[6 Reasons to Divest]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/6-reasons-to-divest.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Deciding to divest assets can be difficult for many business conglomerates. However, there are many reasons big business needs to undergo divestment, also known as divestiture: to protect against insolvency, bankruptcy or loss of profits. More often than not, this move has a strong impact not only on the operations of the subsidiary being divested but also on the financial stability of the entire conglomerate or core businesses. Below are six reasons big companies decide to release assets by means of divestment.1. Divest to Obtain FundsIn times of financial difficulties, companies opt to sell off non-core assets in order...]]></description><pubDate>August 27, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at the Unit Trust]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-the-unit-trust.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A unit trust is a registered investment portfolio offering ownership opportunities to individual investors. This is similar to a mutual fund. In the United Kingdom, a unit trust is the equivalent of a mutual fund; however, in the United States, the Securities Exchange Commission notes key differences between these two structures. A unit trust is actually incorporated under a trust deed, and each investor is officially a beneficiary of the trust. This key difference is the force behind other features such as how profits are distributed and how shares are purchased. Trust Deed A trust deed is an official...]]></description><pubDate>August 27, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Liquidity Risk]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-liquidity-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are involved with bonds and you are still wanting to learn the basics, liquidity risk is something you're going to want to learn about. It's not something you need to know for investing but is handy when you want to understand the details. Stick to the causes of liquidity risk that will help you gain a deeper understanding of how and why professionals discuss it. Liquidity risk is essentially the risk entailed with a lack of liquidity in the markets. This normally happens where there are markets that are scantly traded. Be aware that this risk is...]]></description><pubDate>August 27, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The CAN SLIM Investing Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-can-slim-investing-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The CAN SLIM investing approach is one of the modern growth stock investing strategies introduced by Bill O'Neil. It's an acronym for seven data points and qualities to seek out in a stock. The CAN SLIM approach has no hard and fast rules but uses more rules of thumb. Also, this type of growth stock investing is more risky than value investing but can be the most rewarding. Note, that the qualities to look for in a company's stock are the data points and the qualities in the company itself. The qualities in the company itself are more important...]]></description><pubDate>August 27, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Definition of Assets Under Management]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/definition-of-assets-under-management.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Assets Under Management, or AUM, provides a good indication of the performance of financial institutions like fund managers, insurance groups, and other investment companies. Some companies use AUM simply to estimate the market value of the funds or assets that are under their management discretion. Others, include institutional money, bank deposits and mutual funds when coming up with the AUM figure.Boosts Reputation of Financial InstitutionsLarge institutional clients usually look at AUM instead of revenues to determine the performance of financial service companies. AUM is also used to rate the ability of big financial institutions to attract new customers, and...]]></description><pubDate>August 27, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overview of the American Association of Individual Investors]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/overview-of-the-american-association-of-individual-investors.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The American Association of Individual Investors is a group that is designed to help investors make sound investment decisions. This is a nonprofit organization and attempt to provide unbiased information to their members. There are over 150,000 people that are a member of this organization. Education One of the primary goals of the American Association of Individual Investors is to educate its members. The organization wants to help their members as much as possible and education is one of the best ways to do so. They will teach their members about diversification, portfolios, retirement accounts, and overall financial planning....]]></description><pubDate>August 27, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is an Angel Investor?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-an-angel-investor.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An angel investor is a person who provides their own personal funds to entrepreneurs in the early stage of a start-up business. Angel investors usually have a business background and most are accredited investors as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as having a net worth of at least one million dollars or have made at least $200,000 during each of the prior 2 years. Angel investors have more than just a financial interest in a business, as they will often act as mentor or consultant to ensure the start-up will succeed. Financing A New Venture Start-up...]]></description><pubDate>August 27, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pros and Cons of Active Management]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pros-and-cons-of-active-management.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Using active management techniques is a strategy that many investors try to pursue. This type of investment management has its benefits but also has a few drawbacks as well. Here are some of the pros and cons associated with active portfolio management. Pros Being an active investor has its benefits. For one thing, you are going to become much more aware of your portfolio and how you can improve it. Many investors that invest passively have no idea what is in their portfolios and they have no idea how to improve. By becoming an active investor, you are going...]]></description><pubDate>August 27, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Accredited Investor Requirements]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/accredited-investor-requirements.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Some investments require you to be an accredited investor in order to get involved with them. In order to be an accredited investor, you have to meet certain requirements. Here are the basics of being an accredited investor and what the requirements are for becoming one. Accredited Investors Accredited investors are individuals that typically have a large amount of net worth. Most of the time, hedge funds require you to be an accredited investor if you want to invest in them. Hedge funds usually only want to work with the wealthy and have a large amount of money to...]]></description><pubDate>August 27, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pros and Cons to a 529 Plan]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pros-and-cons-to-a-529-plan.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A 529 plan is a type of account that is designed to help parents save for college tuition for their children. This type of account comes with several advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few of the pros and cons of the college 529 plan. Pros One of the biggest advantages of the 529 plan is that it provides tax benefits. With this type of account, you are going to fund it with after-tax contributions. You will then be allowed to invest the money into different securities. When the investments bring in a return, you are going to be...]]></description><pubDate>August 27, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at the Post Modern Portfolio Theory]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-the-post-modern-portfolio-theory.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The modern portfolio theory (MPT) was first developed in the 1920s to estimate the value of a portfolio based on its diversification. The MPT is an actual mathematical algorithm showing that a diversified portfolio is less risky than any individual investment. Further, it aims to appropriately balance this risk so the portfolio has the greatest potential reward for each incremental increase in risk. While the MPT was long believed to be a breakthrough theory, and its creator even won a Nobel Prize, it has been replaced with the &quot;post modern portfolio theory&quot; (PMPT) for a number of reasons. Limitations...]]></description><pubDate>August 27, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Arbitrage Pricing Theory 101]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/arbitrage-pricing-theory-101.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The arbitrage pricing theory (APT) attempts to measure the price an asset should have on the market through a number of macro-economic factors. Developed by Stephen Ross in 1976, the model is used to identify what many call &quot;mis-priced assets.&quot; These assets should be valued higher than they are, and they therefore present an opportunity for capital appreciation. The stocks are often called value stocks, and they are thought to outperform the market as a whole in any given period of time. Arbitrage Pricing Theory In the financial sense, arbitrage literally means to take advantage of one or more...]]></description><pubDate>August 27, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Reasons Emerging Markets Are Best Left to the Pros]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-reasons-emerging-markets-are-best-left-to-the-pros.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The term &quot;emerging markets&quot; refers to the economies of developing countries that have demonstrated significant economic growth. They have the potential to become developed countries. Any investor who invests in emerging markets has a potential to profit handsomely. However, this is not something that should be attempted by just anyone. Navigating emerging markets requires professional experience and skills that you may not possess. If you are a new investor and don't have an experienced professional working with you, you are probably better off investing in safer markets. Understanding Emerging Markets Developing countries are countries&amp;nbsp;that share certain economic features with...]]></description><pubDate>August 26, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of Structured Products]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-structured-products.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Structured products are a type of security that combines more than one investment in order to provide a customized investment return. Many structured products combine bonds and options into a single investment instrument. Many people like this type of investment because of its relative safety and exposure to the financial markets. Here are a few things to consider about structured products and how they work. Structured Products A structured product is a type of investment vehicle in which a traditional form of investment is combined with a more nontraditional element. For example, with traditional corporate bonds, you invest a...]]></description><pubDate>August 24, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of Auction Rate Securities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-auction-rate-securities.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Auction rate securities are a type of investment in which the interest rate for investors is determined by a Dutch auction. These securities are purchased through an auction format and the variable interest rates are reset through this process as well. This type of security could come in the form of a corporate bond, municipal bond or even preferred stock. Here are the basics of auction rate securities and how they work. Purchasing Auction Rate Securities In order to purchase auction rate securities, you have to go through your financial broker. When auction rate securities are available, you can...]]></description><pubDate>August 24, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Think You're a Better Investor? So Does Everybody Else]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/think-youre-a-better-investor-so-does-everybody-else.html</link><description><![CDATA[ You might think that you are a better investor than most people. Everyone is looking for a competitive advantage in the market place. Many people think they can take advantage of all of the other investors in the market, and make some great profits. The only problem with this belief is that all of the other investors also think the same thing. Mistaken Assumptions One of the most common assumptions in the financial markets today is that people think that they are very talented investors. They think that they can take on the rest of the world and they...]]></description><pubDate>August 24, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Importance of Operating Cash Flow]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-importance-of-operating-cash-flow.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Operating cash flow is a financial metric that is often used to gauge the investment potential of a company. The operating cash flow of a company tells investors how much money is left over after a company pays its bills. Here are some of the basics of operating cash flow and why it is so important. Operating Cash Flow Operating cash flow is a measure that is used to gauge how much money is flowing into and out of a particular company. The number is different from net income although it is very similar. If a company has a...]]></description><pubDate>August 24, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of Reverse Convertibles]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-reverse-convertibles.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Reverse convertibles are a unique type of structure product that combines both stocks and debt instruments. Investors receive coupon payments from the issuer and then at the end of the term could receive their initial principal back or a certain number of shares of stock. Here are the basics of reverse convertibles and how they work. Reverse Convertibles With this type of investment, a debt instrument is tied to the performance of a single stock in most cases. In some cases, it can also be tied to a particular financial index. Investors are hoping that the price of the...]]></description><pubDate>August 24, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Benefits and Risks of Structured Products]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/benefits-and-risks-of-structured-products.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There is no single definition for structured products. On the whole, the term structured product is understood to mean a security or group of securities whose cash flow and profits depend upon underlying assets. The key feature of a structured product is a unique payoff model in which the profit depends on the performance of an underlying asset rather than the cash flow from the investment. The issuer and investor agree to a certain payment if a key event occurs. This is where the name &quot;structured&quot; derives from for this unique investment opportunity. Structured Product Example Perhaps the simplest...]]></description><pubDate>August 23, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Selling after a Market Crash Can Be a Bad Idea]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/selling-after-a-market-crash-can-be-a-bad-idea.html</link><description><![CDATA[ After a market crash, many investors will quickly try to liquidate all of their stocks. Even though this might seem like the logical thing to do, it can be a big mistake. One of the big problems with this strategy is that you will be locking in your losses. Lock in Losses When a stock rapidly declines in value, you do not have to take the loss until you sell it. You can hold the stock and may never have to realize a loss. As long as the company does not go into default, your stock should be worth...]]></description><pubDate>August 23, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pros and Cons of the Sarbanes Oxley Act]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pros-and-cons-of-the-sarbanes-oxley-act.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Sarbanes Oxley Act is a piece of legislation that was enacted in 2002. The legislation was created in response to some of the corporate scandals, like Enron. This act has sparked some debate on whether it is a legitimate and helping the average consumer. Pros of the Act One of the big advantages of this act is that companies are being held more accountable. There are specific rules about how the company must handle their accounting practices. The Sarbanes Oxley Act dictates what a company can, and cannot do. This means that the accounting of the company will...]]></description><pubDate>August 23, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overview of the Sarbanes Oxley Act]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/overview-of-the-sarbanes-oxley-act.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 was passed in response to the notorious Enron Scandal. The goal of the Act is to provide greater corporate governance for financial accounting and executive-level insider knowledge in order to protect the public, a company's employees and its investors. Ultimately, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act provides for greater oversight of corporations through the creation of 11 &quot;titles&quot; applicable to all publicly-traded organizations. Title I:&amp;nbsp;Public Company Accounting Oversight Board The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board is established to ensure that Sarbanes-Oxley guidelines are followed. The board reports on corporate governance and prosecutes those who violate Sarbanes-Oxley provisions....]]></description><pubDate>August 23, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Explanation of Debt Overhang]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/explanation-of-debt-overhang.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Debt overhang is a term to describe either a company or a whole economy that is in too much debt to be profitable in the future. Mathematically speaking, the current existing debt is greater than the net present value of any future asset and its profits. As a result, investors in the new projects would not generate healthy returns even if the projects were successful. This renders investors unwilling to purchase new stock, and existing investors may not receive dividends and payment on the stock they currently hold.&amp;nbsp; Debt Overhang Example John operates a small lemonade stand which cost...]]></description><pubDate>August 23, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overview of the Sharesave Scheme]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/overview-of-the-sharesave-scheme.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A Sharesave scheme is a type of investment vehicle that is available for residents of the United Kingdom. This type of investment strategy provides investors with some significant benefits when compared to other methods of investment. Here are the basics of the Sharesave scheme and how it works.&amp;nbsp; Sharesave Scheme The Sharesave scheme is an investment plan that individuals can access through their employer. With this type of plan, the employee will be able to set aside a certain amount of money every month towards the purchase of company stock. The employee can choose to set aside money for...]]></description><pubDate>August 23, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Explanation of Moneyness]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-explanation-of-moneyness.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Moneyness is a basic term describing whether or not you would make money if you exercised your option at the current time. There are three different outcomes for a moneyness measure: in, out or at the money. In the money indicates you would make a profit at this moment, out of the money means you would lose a portion of your initial investment if you exercised the option right now, and at the money means you would break even. The measure is set based on the intrinsic current value of the asset in relation to the current option. At...]]></description><pubDate>August 22, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Explanation of a Forward Rate Agreement]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/explanation-of-a-forward-rate-agreement.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A forward rate agreement is an option contract that involves betting on interest rates or exchange rates. It is a fairly sophisticated model mostly employed by institutional investors such as banks, lenders, hedge funds or private equity groups. In this type of agreement, the contract provides one interest rate to be paid or received at a future date. The difference between this rate and the realized rate is paid to the party who is &quot;in the money&quot; at the end of the option. There are, then, two rates: the notional rate on the agreement and the floating, or market,...]]></description><pubDate>August 21, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Take an Analyst Rating with a Grain of Salt]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/take-an-analyst-rating-with-a-grain-of-salt.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Looking at an analyst rating is a popular way to decide whether an investor should buy a particular stock. Even though analyst ratings can provide some value, you will want to temper your expectations of these ratings. These ratings are created by stock analysts that spend a great deal of time looking at the market and certain companies. Analysts There are two different types of analysts that come up with ratings. There are &quot;buy side&quot; and &quot;sell side&quot; analysts. Sell side analysts are employed by companies that sell securities. Buy side analysts are employed by investment companies that want...]]></description><pubDate>August 20, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Diversifying Your Income for Financial Success]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/diversifying-your-income-for-financial-success.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Diversifying your income is important part of the wealth building process. If you want to become financially independent, it is important for you to develop multiple sources of income. Here are a few things to consider about diversifying your income and achieving financial success. Multiple Sources of Income Most people who have successfully built wealth have done so with multiple sources of income. It is difficult to become wealthy with only one source of income coming in. By diversifying your income, you are going to be able to get through tough times. For example, if you have several sources...]]></description><pubDate>August 20, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Solid Gold Investing Tips: Don't Forget the Basics]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/solid-gold-investing-tips-dont-forget-the-basics.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Learning sound investing tips can make a big difference in the success of your investments overall. When you plan on getting involved in the financial markets, you need to have a basic understanding of how they work and how to be successful. By learning some of the basic principles of investing, you can significantly reduce your learning curve and learn from the mistakes of others. Here are some of the best investing tips that you can work with. Stock Is Ownership Many people make a serious mistake when they are trading stock. With the emergence of online trading, it...]]></description><pubDate>August 20, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investments Risk: Companies with One Supplier or Customer]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investments-risk-companies-with-one-supplier-or-customer.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There is a big investment risk when it comes to getting involved with a company with one supplier or customer. As an investor, this should throw up a red flag and open your eyes to the fact that you are taking a very big risk. Companies in this position are exposed to great risk because the supplier or customer could go under, change their pricing structure, or find another partner to do business with. Most prefer to invest in companies that offer the stability of a varied supplier and/or customer list. Supplier Could Go Under A company that relies...]]></description><pubDate>August 19, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Definition of Program Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/definition-of-program-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) defines program trading as the purchase or sale of a basket of 15 or more stocks having a market value of $1 million or higher. Today, a program trade is typically carried out by a computer system linked directly to a market's computer system. The trade occurs automatically when the basket of stocks hits a given price. This approach is most commonly used by hedge funds or private equity groups with access to highly sophisticated computers. Because of the speed of these computers and the impact of such a large trade, program trading...]]></description><pubDate>August 13, 2010  5:53 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Debt for Equity Swaps]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/debt-for-equity-swaps.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A company may engage in debt for equity swaps with shareholders for a variety of reasons. The debt for equity swap allows a company to call back a portion of its stock by paying stockholders. Often, the company will even offer increased financial incentive by paying the stockholders more than the stock is worth on the market. The company has its own reasons for completing a debt for equity swap, such as lender requirements, financial performance and managerial desires. Debt for Equity Explanation Most companies issue equity in exchange for debt multiple times throughout their businesses' life cycles. They...]]></description><pubDate>August 10, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Laws and Regulations for Socially Responsible Investment Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/laws-and-regulations-for-socially-responsible-investment-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Socially responsible investment funds do not need to qualify for the title through any specific application or regulatory process. In fact, each fund can set its own definition of social responsibility, including, but not limited to, social, environmental and ethical responsibility. The funds then largely self-regulate, and they are subject to the same laws as any other investment fund. However, thanks to adjustment in regulation, all financial funds may be required to disclose the considerations they made in social, environmental and ethical responsibilities to shareholders. This allows shareholders to determine if they are indeed investing in a &quot;responsible&quot; fund....]]></description><pubDate>August  6, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dig Deep when Searching for Investment Risk]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dig-deep-when-searching-for-investment-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding all of the different types of investment risk is essential if you are going to be a successful investor. When you are researching a company, you need to do your best to identify all of the different areas in which risk could present itself. Here are a few things to consider about investment risk. Too Much Debt When you are looking at an individual company, there is a good chance that you are going to look at that company's financial statements. Many investors use valuation multiples in order to come up with ratios that help them compare companies....]]></description><pubDate>August  4, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Limited Liability Limited Partnership (LLLP)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-limited-liability-limited-partnership-lllp.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The limited liability limited partnership is a partnership that provides liability protection to its partners. In a general partnership, the partners remain liable. If someone sues the partnership, they can go after the partners' personal assets, including their homes. Some states recognize this entity, but some do not. If it's not available in one state, you may be able to form a foreign limited liability limited partnership in another state. Personal Liability The main reason for forming a limited liability limited partnership is to protect the partners from personal liability. Let's say a group of lawyers launch a personal...]]></description><pubDate>August  2, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding Value in the Producer Price Index (PPI)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/finding-value-in-the-producer-price-index-ppi.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes the Producer Price Index (PPI) monthly. This index is essentially the &quot;wholesale index;&quot; in fact, it was once called the whole sale index. However, the index has now expanded to include three primary measures of costs: wholesale, manufacturing and commodities costs. As a result, the new name PPI is more appropriate. The measure is released once a month to reflect the previous month's adjustments. Each month, economic analysts, news stations and other watch closely as the figures are released. Three Factors of the PPI There are three smaller indexes within the PPI as...]]></description><pubDate>August  2, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-consumer-confidence-index-cci.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The consumer confidence index is a barometer for the economy based on a survey of citizens. Five thousand consumers are polled each month to come to a statistic generally oscillating between 50 and 150. Most of the index is based on consumer spending and the amount of buying power as well as disposable income one has. As the theory goes, feelings of future wealth and income also bolster the economy. As people feel more able to purchase with the thought of future income, more people will purchase larger ticket items. Imagine someone who has landed a career job with...]]></description><pubDate>August  2, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Investment Advice: Don't Let Fear Control You]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-investment-advice-dont-let-fear-control-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Financial news and articles giving stock investment advice can be fleeting and contradictory. That's why it's best to invest with solid principles and have an investment thesis that involves a solid approach to the art and science of investing. Because the nature of investing is cyclical, you should be wary of fast-talking news anchors and financial writers who pretend to be ultimate gurus. They usually argue on unsubstantial issues or global issues that are unsubstantiated in their evidence to effect the stock or the stock's industry. For sound investment planning, one should nearly completely disregard speculative news and spur-of-the-moment...]]></description><pubDate>August  2, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bankruptcy Definition: What Exactly Does It Mean?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bankruptcy-definition-what-exactly-does-it-mean.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When an individual or company files for bankruptcy, he or it is making a legal declaration of an inability to repay his or its debt to creditors. Once bankruptcy is declared, a debtor is absolved of most financial obligations; however, the bankruptcy will have an adverse impact on the individual's or company's credit history and ability to obtain credit in the future. Types of Bankruptcy A debtor can file for different types of bankruptcy depending on the circumstances of the debt. The following are the most commonly filed bankruptcies. Chapter 7: Liquidation Chapter 7 ranks number 1 for bankruptcy...]]></description><pubDate>August  2, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Family Limited Partnership in Action]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-family-limited-partnership-in-action.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A family limited partnership is a type of arrangement that is commonly used in estate planning. This type of tool is a partnership that can be used among family members in order to transfer assets. Here are the basics of the family limited partnership and how it can work. Family Limited Partnership With a family limited partnership, members of a family can own shares in the group partnership. Family members and put assets into the partnership and everyone can own a portion of those assets depending on how many shares they have. This tool is often used in order...]]></description><pubDate>August  2, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does a Family Limited Partnership Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-a-family-limited-partnership-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A family limited partnership is a type of entity that a family can enter into in order to take advantage of certain tax benefits. This type of arrangement is commonly used in order to convey a business interest to other family members. Here are the basics of the family limited partnership and how it works. Family Limited Partnership With a family limited partnership, there will be general and limited partners. The general partner is the individual that is going to have the management responsibilities associated with the business. This individual has unlimited liability when it comes to the company....]]></description><pubDate>August  1, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Price Isn't Everything, But It Matters]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-price-isnt-everything-but-it-matters.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The investment price of an asset must always be considered in relation to other factors. A good investment is not always a purchase with a well-known, growing company. At times, a good investment can be the purchase of an undervalued security or an under traded stock. Looking for &quot;value&quot; instead of price can lead to larger capital appreciation with your investments.&amp;nbsp; Value Stocks Value stocks trade at prices lower than the sum of their parts would indicate. Essentially, an analyst will review the underlying factors that can be used to set a theoretical price for a stock. There are...]]></description><pubDate>August  1, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why You Should Care about the Consumer Price Index]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-you-should-care-about-the-consumer-price-index.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Consumer Price Index is commonly referred to in investing circles. If you are an investor, understanding what the Consumer Price Index is and how it works is very important. Here are the basics of the Consumer Price Index and why you should care about it.&amp;nbsp; Consumer Price Index The Consumer Price Index is an index calculated by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. This index was originally created as a way to measure the change in prices between identical products over a certain period. For example, they would look at the price of a box...]]></description><pubDate>August  1, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Don't Mix Up Cash Flow and Profit]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dont-mix-up-cash-flow-and-profit.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Cash flow is a gross measure of all funds delivered to a company, while profit is a net amount earned in a given term. On any financial statement, a company will list its cash flow as part of necessary accounting statements required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). While cash flow can measure the health of a business, profit is a more accurate measure of how much an investor could project to earn by being involved with that company. Financial Statements Companies are required to issue financial statements if they wish to...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  6:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at Pro Forma Financial Statements]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-pro-forma-financial-statements.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Pro forma financial statements are reports that are entirely unofficial. The term &quot;pro forma&quot; literally means &quot;for the sake of form.&quot; As the term implies, these statements do not truly follow any form. Instead, they are used when a company would like to hypothesize about a potential financial model. The company can use essentially any form it wishes to express this hypothesis. As a result, an investor should be very wary about considering pro forma financial statements. Lack of GAAP Oversight Perhaps the biggest problem with pro forma statements is that they are not required to conform with Generally...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  6:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Working Capital Turnover Explained]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/working-capital-turnover-explained.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Working capital turnover is a&amp;nbsp;ratio between a company's working capital and its net sales over a given period. Usually, this period is&amp;nbsp;a year. This ratio&amp;nbsp;is used to determine how effectively the company uses its work force to generate sales. The higher the ratio, the more effective the company is. If the company is effective, it will earn more profit, and the investors will get bigger returns on their investments. If you have invested any of your money in a company, monitoring its working capital turnover will help you anticipate its profits and losses and change your investment strategy accordingly....]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  6:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Ways to Manage Investment Risk]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-ways-to-manage-investment-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investment risks are a part of putting money into the financial markets. While you have to live with some amount of risk, you can manage it in a number of different ways. Here are a few ways to manage your investment risk. 1 - Diversification One of the best ways to manage investment risk is to diversify your portfolio. Many investors try to put all of their money into one particular investment. For example, they will find a company that they like and then put a good percentage of their investment capital into stock in that company. The only...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  6:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Discussion of Capital Turnover]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-discussion-of-capital-turnover.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Working capital turnover is a measure to determine how effectively a company is using its assets to generate sales. The formula to determine working capital turnover is simple: Sales divided by Current Capital. For the purposes of this particular formula, current capital is found by subtracting current liabilities from current assets. Therefore, only a company's &quot;positive&quot; assets are used to determine its current working capital. Capital Turnover Example To understand working capital as a principle, imagine a very basic lemonade stand as a model. To set up the stand, two young children borrowed $10 for lemons. They also put...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  6:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Keep Investment Costs Low to Increase Earnings]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/keep-investment-costs-low-to-increase-earnings.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investment costs are an aspect of investing that many investors overlook. Even though they are often an afterthought, they can play a vital role in how successful you are as an investor. Here are a few things to consider about the importance of keeping your investment costs low so that you can increase your earnings. Investment Costs Every investment that you take on is going to have some type of investment costs associated with it. When you buy stock, you are going to have to pay commission to a broker. When you buy shares of a mutual fund, you...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  6:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[P/E Ratio Analysis: Digging Deep to Find the Real Answers]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pe-ratio-analysis-digging-deep-to-find-the-real-answers.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The p/e ratio is the price to earnings ratio. As you might imagine, price to earnings ratio is equivalent to the calculation of taking the asset price and dividing that by the earnings per share value. This would invariably equal to what is commonly referred to as the p/e ratio. The fundamental factors which the p/e ratio are tied to include the following: Inflation Rate Simply put, the higher the inflation rate, the lower the p/e ratios will be. This is commonly known as p/e contraction. The opposite can also be true for times of stable economic growth. In...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  6:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Negative Cash Flow: Good or Bad?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/negative-cash-flow-good-or-bad.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Negative cash flow occurs when a company's cash outflow over a certain period of time is higher than its cash inflow. Cash outflow is a fancy way to say &quot;expenditures;&quot; it can apply to any operating costs, expansion expenses, investments and other costs to the company. Cash inflow is a fancy was to say &quot;profits;&quot; cash inflow is gross, meaning no expense has been subtracted from the profits. Negative cash flow at the end of a month or quarter can be a bad sign, but it is not necessarily a sign of financial weakness. Initial Negative Cash Flow When...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  5:59 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Reasons to Own Blue Chip Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-reasons-to-own-blue-chip-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Blue chip stocks are a type of stock that is issued by some of the biggest and best companies in the industry today. If you are an investor, you might want to consider putting blue chip stocks into your portfolio. Here are a few reasons to own blue chip stocks. 1. Stable Companies One of the biggest reasons that you are going to want to invest in blue chip stocks is that these companies are very stable. The companies that are considered blue chip are the biggest and brightest companies in their fields. This means that when you invest...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  5:56 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Are Blue Chip Stocks?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-are-blue-chip-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Blue chip stocks are stocks of well-established companies that have stable earnings and are without extensive liabilities. Blue chip stocks are traditionally regarded as more likely to earn profits than most other stocks, regardless of the market conditions at the time.&amp;nbsp;While they may not always&amp;nbsp;earn as much profit as some of the&amp;nbsp;other stocks, they are consistent performers, which makes them an important part of any investment strategy. Which Stocks Are&amp;nbsp;Blue Chip Stocks While most investors can agree on what a blue chip stocks is, there is some disagreement on which currently existing stocks are truly blue chips stocks. Most...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  5:53 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Be Mindful of Tax When Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/be-mindful-of-tax-when-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ As an investor, you should always think about tax when investing. When you invest, you are going to have to pay some type of taxes on the gains that you make. This means that you need to always be aware of the tax implications of every move that you make. Here are a few things to consider about the tax implications of investing. Dividends and Interest Two types of income that you can receive when investing are dividends and interest. Dividends are received when you are a shareholder in a company. Interest is received when you are an owner...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  5:50 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Analyzing a Cash Flow Statement]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/analyzing-a-cash-flow-statement.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investors need to know the ins and outs of analyzing a cash flow statement to ensure that they make informed decisions that will benefit them in the long run. Although it can be difficult for a beginner to understand a cash flow statement, once you know what to look for, things begin to come together soon enough. Simply put, cash flow is the fuel of any business. This is the best way to evaluate the overall financial health of any company, regardless of industry or age. The main goal of any company is to be cash flow positive. This...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  5:47 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Your Stock after Corporate Bankruptcy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/your-stock-after-corporate-bankruptcy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Corporate bankruptcy is an event that can drastically affect the portfolios of many investors. Many people are unsure what exactly would happen if a company that they hold stock in filed for bankruptcy. Here are a few things to consider about what happens to your stock after corporate bankruptcy. Type of Stock First of all, you need to determine what type of stock you have. Companies regularly issue different classes of stock, and each class of stock is going to have different rights during bankruptcy. You could potentially have preferred stock or common stock. Preferred stock is going to...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  5:44 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Nevada LLC Benefits]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/nevada-llc-benefits.html</link><description><![CDATA[ &amp;nbsp; There are many benefits of forming a Nevada LLC. Many entrepreneurs and business owners consider using this type of LLC instead of many other state LLC options. Once you learn more about the advantages, you may find that forming a Nevada LLC would be in the best financial interest of your business. Privacy For many business owners, privacy is a very big deal. With a Nevada LLC, this is not something that you have to worry about. When compared to other states, Nevada is much better at protecting the identity and maintaining the privacy of LLC owners. In...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  5:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does a Holding Company Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-a-holding-company-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A holding company is a corporation whose sole purpose is to own shares in other companies. The holding company does not engage in production or sales itself. Instead, it is a director or board of directors that controls enough stock in another company to permit it to control the company's policies. The main reason to form a holding company is for protection of assets and increased control of other companies. Holding Company Example An early insurance company sees tremendous success and would like to expand. The board of directors of that company would prefer to set up independent offices...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  5:38 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chapter 7 vs Chapter 11 Bankruptcy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/chapter-7-vs-chapter-11-bankruptcy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Both chapter 7 and chapter 11 bankruptcy are designed to provide some type of protection for businesses that have debt problems. However, these two types of bankruptcies are very different and have different benefits to the companies that use them. Here are the basics of chapter 7 and chapter 11 bankruptcy and how they compare to one other.&amp;nbsp; Chapter 7 Chapter 7 bankruptcy is referred to as the &quot;liquidation bankruptcy.&quot; This means that when a company engages in this type of bankruptcy, they are going to be able to completely liquidate all of their debts. This gives them a...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  5:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Basic Money Management Skills Can Take You a Long Way]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/basic-money-management-skills-can-take-you-a-long-way.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Basic money management skills are vital for an individual trying to meet debt obligations and achieve personal goals. Basic skills can include analyzing expenses, preparing a budget and cutting costs. Analyzing Expenses In order to manage your money, you need to get an idea of where it is being spent. Look over your checking account and credit card statement to get an idea of where your money goes. Write down a list of regular monthly bills and their amounts. You can get an average monthly amount by going back several months. Put each expense into a category (e.g., water,...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  5:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Asset Allocation Advice for the Young]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/asset-allocation-advice-for-the-young.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Asset allocation is an important aspect of investing. The asset allocation of your portfolio should depend greatly on your age and how much time you have left to invest. Here are a few things to consider about asset allocation if you are young. Asset Allocation Asset allocation deals with how much money you have devoted towards a particular type of asset in your portfolio. For example, you might decide to invest 60 percent of your money into stocks and 40 percent of your money into bonds. You would then try to stick to those percentages for a certain amount...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  7:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Exploring Your Dividend Reinvestment Plan Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/exploring-your-dividend-reinvestment-plan-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When it comes to a dividend reinvestment plan, there are a few different options that you will have. Many investors love dividend reinvestment plans because of the benefits that they provide. One of the options that you will have is to not reinvest your dividends. With this option, you are going to be paid your dividends in cash. When you use this option, you usually rely on your dividends for passive income. Many investors utilize this plan by purchasing multiple dividend stocks. In this way, they can receive several different dividend payments and create a substantial income or augment...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  6:58 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRIP)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dividend-reinvestment-plans-drip.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Dividend reinvestment plans are one way that you can purchase stock directly from a company. These plans are very effective and they are popular among many investors. Here are the basics of the dividend reinvestment plan and how it works. Dividend Reinvestment Plan Once you own stock in a particular company, you will usually be able to sign-up for a dividend reinvestment plan. Typically, you only have to own one share of stock to get involved. With this type of plan, you are going to be able to automatically reinvest the dividends that are issued by the company back...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  6:55 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Stock Share Prices Are Meaningless]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-stock-share-prices-are-meaningless.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors pay attention to stock share prices as if they are the only thing that is important in the market. In reality, stock share prices do not mean nearly as much as most people would have you believe. Here are a few things to consider about why stock share prices are meaningless and what is really important. Stock Share Prices Once you are an investor in the company, you are most likely going to pay attention to the price of the stock. You want the price of the stock to increase because it means that you are making...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  6:52 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Enterprise Value: The True Value of a Company]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/enterprise-value-the-true-value-of-a-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Enterprise value is a valuation technique that is used in order to determine the approximate value of a company. Investors use this method to determine whether they should invest in a company or not. Here are the basics of enterprise value and how it works. Enterprise Value The enterprise value attempts to tell you how much money it would take to purchase a publicly traded company. Many people get this confused with the market capitalization of a company. Market capitalization is another commonly used metric to determine the value of the company. However, enterprise value takes the market capitalization...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  6:50 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of Market Capitalization]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-market-capitalization.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Market capitalization is a measure that is used to illustrate the potential value of a company. Market capitalization is commonly used by individual investors and analysts alike. Here are the basics of market capitalization and why it is an important concept.&amp;nbsp; Market Capitalization Market capitalization is a concept that is used to describe the current market value of the outstanding shares of a company. If you add up the value of all of the different shares of stock that are on the market, this is going to tell you the market capitalization of a company. This essentially is telling...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  6:47 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Explaining the Fluctuation on Stock Price Charts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/explaining-the-fluctuation-on-stock-price-charts.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you look at stock price charts, you will undoubtedly notice that the prices of most stocks go up and down quite a bit. Many people that are just getting started in the market do not understand why these prices fluctuate so much. Here are a few things to consider about why stock prices fluctuate. Market Driven In order to understand why these prices fluctuate so much, you need to understand how the market drives them. Even though it is important to look at the fundamentals of a company, the opinions of traders in the market is what actually...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  6:44 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Are Collateralized Debt Obligations (CDOs)?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-are-collateralized-debt-obligations-cdos.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) have been receiving a lot of attention over the past couple of years. Before the great financial collapse of 2008 the market for collateralized debt obligations was the largest market. This market was even bigger than the U.S. Treasury. However, because most CDOs are considered derivatives their value literally evaporated overnight.&amp;nbsp; What is a CDO ? A CDO is a bond that is backed by some form of collateral, like mortgages or loans. The CDO creates a structure like a corporation with the sole purpose of creating an investment vehicle with different class investors. In...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Does It Mean to be FDIC Insured?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-does-it-mean-to-be-fdic-insured.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Most banks in the United States have to be FDIC insured in order to do business. Many people have heard of the term &quot;FDIC insured,&quot; but they do not necessarily know what it means. Here are a few things to consider about FDIC protection and what it means to be FDIC insured. FDIC FDIC stands for Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. This is a government-sponsored enterprise that insurers all of the deposits of FDIC insured institutions. The basic idea behind the FDIC is that they are going to step in and reimburse account holders for the amount of money that...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Passive Income: A Bridge to Financial Independence]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/passive-income-a-bridge-to-financial-independence.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Creating passive income is one of the most important parts of becoming financially independent. If you want to become financially independent, you are going to have to spend some time developing passive sources of income. Here are the basics of passive income and some of the benefits that you can receive from it. Passive Income Passive income is essentially money that you earn that you did not have to perform any work for. In many cases, you have invested a certain amount of money and it brings you a regular return. Examples of passive income could include making money...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  6:13 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/beginners-guide-to-building-wealth.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Building wealth is something that everyone wants to accomplish, but few actually end up doing. The steps of building wealth are not complicated, but they do take some dedication. Here are the basics of how to build wealth successfully. Eliminate Debt When you want to build wealth, the first thing that you need to do is eliminate your debt. You cannot truly be wealthy unless you have eliminated your debt. Many people in today's society have multiple credit cards with balances on them. They have two or three store accounts, two car loans and a mortgage. If all of...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  6:10 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Avoid These 3 New Investor Mistakes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/avoid-these-3-new-investor-mistakes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are a new investor, there is a good chance that you are going to make some mistakes when you start trading. This is understandable, and you may learn from some of those. However, it is useful, of course, to have information that can help you avoid some of the most common mistakes in order to enjoy greater success overall. Here are some of the most common new investor mistakes to watch out for. 1. Selling after a Dip Many times, a new investor will liquidate his shares after a dip in the market. The price of the...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  6:07 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing for Beginners: Breaking Bad Habits]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-for-beginners-breaking-bad-habits.html</link><description><![CDATA[ One of the most important lessons that you will need to learn in investing 101 is how to break bad habits. By breaking bad habits, you are going to be able to become a much more successful investor overall. Here are a few things to consider about breaking bad habits and what types of habits you might want to get away from. Power of Habits Habits can be extremely powerful for everyone. Habits guide the majority of what we do in our daily lives. Most of the time, you do not even think about every single decision that you...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  6:04 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The International Market in Socially Responsible Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-international-market-in-socially-responsible-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Socially responsible investments can be a good way for investors to make a difference in the world. Investors can diversify their portfolios by putting money into foreign markets. Here are a few things to consider about international socially responsible investments. Socially Responsible Investments You could choose to invest in socially responsible stocks, bonds or mutual funds in this area. All of these types of investments have some merit and can be advantageous depending on your situation. These investments might focus on industries such as alternative energy, recycling or sustainability in the world's forests. Challenges Investing in socially responsible investments...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  5:58 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing: A Guide to Tracking and Measuring Your Performance]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-a-guide-to-tracking-and-measuring-your-performance.html</link><description><![CDATA[ As an investing guide, performance is a good gauge. Performance and knowing how to track performance guides the investor in knowing how well the investments are performing. After all, good investments should be met with good performance. However, that is not always the case. Take, for example, a common occurrence in the investment universe with a company that analysts have been recommending. Despite very strong fundamentals, the company still may perform poorly due to reasons other than fundamentals. This poor performance may not be explained by the fundamentals. It is very important to know how to track and measure...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  5:55 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing 101: Win or Lose, Tomorrow Is Another Day]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-101-win-or-lose-tomorrow-is-another-day.html</link><description><![CDATA[ One of the most important lessons that you can learn in investing 101 is that tomorrow is another day. Here are a few things to consider about this concept and why you should keep it in mind. Keep Going One of the biggest problems that new investors have is that they live and die on every trade. They&amp;nbsp;put a&amp;nbsp;trade in, and then they wait to see how it turns out. If the trade turns out positively, they are on top of the world. If the trade turns out negatively, they are depressed. If you want to become a successful...]]></description><pubDate>July 28, 2010  5:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Online Investing for Beginners: Step into the Arena]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/online-investing-for-beginners-step-into-the-arena.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Technology has made it easier for amateur investors to have direct access to buying and selling stocks with online investing. Now that you have all the information at your fingertips it&amp;rsquo;s time to get organized. Here are the steps to take to prepare for the world of online investing. 1. Get a PlanBefore you begin to trade online, decide how much money you can afford to invest. This will impact which type of investment vehicles you will use. Determine how much risk you are willing to take and set a goal for how much return on your investment you...]]></description><pubDate>July 28, 2010  5:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lump-Sum Investing vs Dollar Cost Averaging]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/lump-sum-investing-vs-dollar-cost-averaging.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Both lump sum investing and dollar cost averaging are popular ways of investing into the market. Both of these methods can provide you with some benefits and a few drawbacks. Here are the basics of lump sum investing and dollar cost averaging and how they compare to one another. Lump-Sum Investing Lump-sum investing involves taking all of the money that you are going to invest and putting it into the market at once. For example, let's say that you had $10,000 to invest. With lump sum investing, you are going to take the entire $10,000 and put it into...]]></description><pubDate>July 28, 2010  5:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Habits of the Successful Investor]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-habits-of-the-successful-investor.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you want to become a successful investor, you really need to know the right habits that will help you attain your investment goals. Believe it or not, ensuring big returns on investments requires more than just your knowledge in finance, economics, and the kind of market you are involved in. So, here are some of the most important habits proven to help you reach the top and gain more profits regardless of the type of investment you make. 1. Track All Your InvestmentsTop investors always know the score when it comes to their investments, while ordinary investors tend...]]></description><pubDate>July 28, 2010  5:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Choices: Knowing Is Half the Battle]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-choices-knowing-is-half-the-battle.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When looking at all of the different investment choices that you have, you will most likely feel a little bit overwhelmed. There are so many different types of investments that it would be impossible to be knowledgeable about all of them. Here are a few things to consider about understanding the investment choices that you have. Avoid What You Do Not Understand One of the most important things for you to remember is to stay away from investments that you do not understand. Many times, people invest in something just because it is popular or because it seems like...]]></description><pubDate>July 28, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Look at Investment Opportunities with an Eye to Inflation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/look-at-investment-opportunities-with-an-eye-to-inflation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are looking at the many different investment options that you have, there are several factors that you will want to consider. One of the most important things to look at is inflation. Here are a few things to consider about how inflation can impact your investments. Impact of Inflation Anytime that you are selecting an investment, you need to pay special attention to the impact of inflation. Inflation can severely limit the potential of an investment. As an investor, you want to be able to stay ahead of inflation with your returns. For example, if you invested...]]></description><pubDate>July 28, 2010  4:40 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Add an Inflation Hedge to Your Portfolio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/add-an-inflation-hedge-to-your-portfolio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Adding an inflation hedge to your portfolio can be a good way to protect yourself against inflation in the market. There are many different types of inflation hedges that you could choose to invest in. Here are the basics of the inflation hedge and why it is important to include in your portfolio. Inflation Hedge As an investor, you always have to have an eye on inflation. Inflation will rob you of some of your returns. You need to be able to beat inflation regularly in order to be successful. Because of the negative effect of inflation on a...]]></description><pubDate>July 28, 2010  4:38 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Financial Benchmark Basics]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/financial-benchmark-basics.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The financial benchmark is commonly used in the investment world in order to gauge the performance of certain investments. If you are going to be an investor, you need to have a solid grasp of what financial benchmarks are and how they work. When you are investing in a particular investment, such as a stock or a mutual fund, it can be difficult to tell if the investment is doing well. The investment might provide you with a small return, but you need to know if you could be doing better with other types of investments. In order to...]]></description><pubDate>July 28, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Young Investors: Don't Wait! Start Investing Now]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/young-investors-dont-wait-start-investing-now.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing isn&amp;rsquo;t just for the experienced hedge fund manager, young investors looking to grow their money have plenty of advantage to take action now. The sooner you start to invest, the more time your money will have to grow. Let&amp;rsquo;s go over the benefits of investing young, and how your money will start working for you. Retirement &amp;ndash; Start Saving For Your Future Today You may consider waiting until you&amp;rsquo;re a little more financially stable before you take the plunge into the 401(K) offered at your job. We all want to take home most of our pay check, yet...]]></description><pubDate>July 28, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Separating Income and Wealth: You are What You Save]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/separating-income-and-wealth-you-are-what-you-save.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Even though income and wealth are closely related, they are two separate concepts. Many people often believe that if you have a high income that you are also going to be wealthy. This is not necessarily the case. Here are a few things to consider about the difference between income and wealth. Income vs. Wealth Income is the amount of money that you bring in. Wealth is the amount of money that you hang on to. Wealth is a product of saving and is not a direct result of having a high income. Many individuals have high incomes and...]]></description><pubDate>July 28, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Speculation: Welcome to No-Man's Land]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-speculation-welcome-to-no-mans-land.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investment speculation is something that many investors regularly engage in. Many people get investing and speculation confused even though they are 2 completely different things. Here are a few things to consider about investing and speculating. Difference between Investing and Speculation Even though investing and speculating are very similar, there are a few key differences that you will need to understand as an investor. Investing is a strategic approach that utilizes putting money into certain securities. Investing covers a wide range of disciplines that work together in order to give an investor the best shot of being successful. Speculating...]]></description><pubDate>July 28, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Passive Income Tax Advantages]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-passive-income-tax-advantages.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding passive income tax advantages is an important part of learning how to create wealth. If you want to avoid as much taxation as possible, passive income is a good way to do so. Here are a few of the tax advantages that come with passive income. Avoid Social Security and Medicare When you make money either in a job or on a self-employed basis, you have to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes. When you are self-employed, you have to pay 15.3% of your income on these taxes. When you are employed, your employer pays half of this...]]></description><pubDate>July 28, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Bank Failure is (Likely) Business as Usual for You]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-bank-failure-is-likely-business-as-usual-for-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The thought of a bank failure is terrifying for many people. They think that when a bank goes under, it is devastating for the economy and for their accounts. However, in most cases, you may not even be affected by a bank going out of business. Here are a few things to consider about why a bank failure is likely business as usual for you. FDIC Insured If you have ever paid attention to the sign of your bank, there is a good chance that you saw something that said &quot;FDIC Insured.&quot; The term FDIC stands for Federal Deposit...]]></description><pubDate>July 28, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Shift from Savings to Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-shift-from-savings-to-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Shifting money from savings to investments is a big decision. At the same time, it is important that you diversify your money to ensure the best chance of future growth &amp;ndash; without taking too much of a risk. How Much Money Do You Have? Before you can shift from savings to investment vehicles, you need to consider how much money you are working with. The amount of money that you have will determine which types of investments you get involved with. How Old Are You? Your age has a lot to do with the amount that you invest, as...]]></description><pubDate>July 20, 2010  5:41 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Beginner's Guide to Compounding Interest]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/beginners-guide-to-compounding-interest.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Compounding interest simply means interest can be earned on interest. With simple interest, you will know from the beginning of a financial agreement just how much can be earned or owed from the contract. With compounding interest, the ultimate reward or cost will depend on how much interest has accumulated and compounded during the life of the agreement. It is important to understand the affect of compounding interest on loans and investments. Compounding Interest Explained As an investor, you will want to earn as much as possible. For example, you invest $100 in a CD at a rate of...]]></description><pubDate>July 13, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing 101: When You Can't Decide, Split the Difference]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-101-when-you-cant-decide-split-the-difference.html</link><description><![CDATA[ One of the principles that you will learn in investing 101 is that you should split the difference when you cannot make a decision. There are many different areas in investing in which this can be applied. Here are a few things to consider about splitting the difference when you are unsure of the direction to take. Selling Half of Stock Many times, investors feel like they should liquidate their shares of a particular company. They might have read some type of recommendation or have done their own market research in order to come to this conclusion. Them before...]]></description><pubDate>July 11, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Do You Make Money Investing?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-do-you-make-money-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are first starting out, it is important to understand there are many methods to make money investing. A successful investor knows the goals of their portfolio. For example, would you like to make a little money to supplement your income, or are you looking to save for the future? These types of investment goals will determine which profit model you should pursue. Dividend and Yield For an investor looking to supplement their income, it is wise to consider dividend, or high yield options. In a dividend-heavy portfolio, the investor will select stocks that pay out most of...]]></description><pubDate>July 11, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Find the Silver Lining in Investment Losses]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/find-the-silver-lining-in-investment-losses.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investment losses are something that every investor will have to learn how to deal with at some point. While no one enjoys taking a loss, there are a few things you can learn from a loss. Here are a few things to think about when it comes to trying to find a silver lining in investment losses. Experience One of the best things that you will get out of a loss is experience. Every investor takes losses in their trading portfolio. Not every trade is going to be a winner. Most successful traders simply have more winners than losers....]]></description><pubDate>July 11, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Long-Term vs Short-Term Capital Gains]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/long-term-vs-short-term-capital-gains.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Before discussing the difference between long-term and short-term capital gains, it is important to know the definition for the two. Short-term capital gains are those capital gains that happen within less than a year. Long-term capital gains are those that are longer than a year. Gains and Assets Capital gains, defined as the monetary gain of invested assets. Capital assets, such as, invested equipment or monetary assets; such as, stocks and bonds. Each year capital gains are to be accounted for on the individual or corporate tax returns. It is important to note that capital losses can be used...]]></description><pubDate>July 11, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Asset Location in Action]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/asset-location-in-action.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Asset location is a an investment strategy that is used to minimize the impact of taxes on one's portfolio. If you properly use asset location, you could potentially lower your tax liability when it comes to your investments. Here are the basics of asset location and how it works. Asset Location As the name implies, this strategy is going to determine where your investments are located. You can put them in a traditional investment account with a brokerage firm or you could put them in a tax-advantaged retirement account such as a 401(k) or an IRA. If you put...]]></description><pubDate>July 11, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Asset Allocation vs Asset Location: Don't Confuse Them]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/asset-allocation-vs-asset-location-dont-confuse-them.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Asset location and asset allocation are two terms that seem to be very similar without taking a detailed look at both. While they are similar, you do not want to confuse the two because they represent two completely different concepts. Here are the basics of asset location and asset allocation and how they differ. Asset Allocation Asset allocation is a strategy that is used in order to lower the overall risk of a portfolio. Within an investment portfolio, an investor should have several different classes of investments. For example, they might decide to put part of their money into...]]></description><pubDate>July 11, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Asset Location Reduces Your Taxable Investment Income]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-asset-location-reduces-your-taxable-investment-income.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Asset location is an investment strategy that takes a total portfolio view of the tax implications of your investments. As an investor, you need to be well aware of the tax implications of your investment decisions and asset location attempts to put a priority on this aspect. Here are a few things to consider about asset location and how it can reduce taxable investment income. Asset Location The idea behind asset location is that you are going to put different investments in different investment accounts. As a long-term investor, you are going to need to open a traditional investment...]]></description><pubDate>July 11, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ideal Asset Allocation: Portfolio Rebalancing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/ideal-asset-allocation-portfolio-rebalancing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Portfolio rebalancing is something that every investor should do regularly. In order to minimize the risk of your portfolio and increase potential returns, you need to regularly rebalance your portfolio. Here are the basics of portfolio rebalancing and why it is important. Unbalanced Portfolio When most investors get started with a portfolio, they try to create the ideal asset allocation for their situation. For example, they might invest in 60 percent stocks and 40 percent fixed income securities. They might have the idea of sticking with that allocation for the long-term. The only problem is that over a certain...]]></description><pubDate>July 11, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using Tax Lots to Minimize Your Tax Burden]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-tax-lots-to-minimize-your-tax-burden.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Tax lots are tables that organize your investments&amp;nbsp;into groups based on costs per share.&amp;nbsp;This&amp;nbsp;allows you to keep track of how your shares are taxed and customize your investment strategy accordingly. In other words, you will be able to customize your investment strategy that reduces your tax burden as much as possible. There are several tried-and-true strategies that will allow you to minimize your tax burden, you just have to keep the careful eye on your tax lots every step of the way. Understanding Tax Lots Tax-funds are tables that contain financial information on all your investments. Your shares are...]]></description><pubDate>July 11, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Socially Responsible Investment through International Index Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/socially-responsible-investment-through-international-index-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Socially responsible investment funds can provide good ways to use your money to further a cause. You can invest in many international index funds that have this kind of objective. Here are a few things to consider about socially responsible investment in international index funds. Growth Potential One of the biggest advantages of investing in this type of security is that you have massive growth potential. When you put money into a foreign economy, there is a chance that the economy could grow substantially. Often, you can get involved in a market that is just getting started with its...]]></description><pubDate>June 27, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Socially Responsible Investment Funds' Strategies: Best in Class]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/socially-responsible-investment-funds-strategies-best-in-class.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When investing in socially responsible investment funds, you could choose from funds with many different investment strategies. One strategy is to choose the best in class of a particular category. Here are the basics of the strategy and what you should expect from it. Best in Class With many socially responsible investment funds, the fund manager is going to choose companies that are specifically designed to help the environment or some type of cause. This means that you are going to be investing in energy companies that are trying to come up with alternative forms of energy or a...]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:54 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Socially Responsible Investment Funds: Fees and Expenses]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/socially-responsible-investment-funds-fees-and-expenses.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Socially responsible investment funds can provide you with a way to diversify your portfolio and make a difference in society. If you are going to invest in this type of security, you want to make sure that you consider the fees and expenses. Here are a few things to consider about fees and expenses for this type of investment. Expense Ratio One of the expenses that you are going to find with a socially responsible investment fund is the expense ratio. The expense ratio deals with the annual costs that are incurred when running the fund. The fund is...]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:52 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing Strategies of Socially Responsible Investment Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-strategies-of-socially-responsible-investment-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Socially responsible investment funds can provide you with a number of different investment strategies for your portfolio. Here are some of the most popular investing strategies of socially responsible investment funds. Growth Many funds utilize a growth strategy for their portfolio. With this method, they attempt to identify stocks that are poised to go through rapid amounts of growth in the future. Value Another approach that these funds will use is a value investing strategy. With this method, they try to identify companies that are undervalued in the market place and then by their stock. At that point, they...]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:50 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Diversification between Socially Responsible Investment Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/diversification-between-socially-responsible-investment-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Socially responsible investment funds provide investors with a way to diversify their portfolios. Here are a few things to consider about diversification between socially responsible investment funds. Socially Responsible Investment Funds A socially responsible investment fund is like a mutual fund that invests in companies that fit a certain social criteria. These companies adhere to strict rules when it comes to helping the environment or society as a whole. This type of investment allows investors to easily invest in a particular cause that they identify with. Diversification These investments are very diversified, and they provide the average investor with...]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:47 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Socially Responsible Investment Funds vs Specific Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/socially-responsible-investment-funds-vs-specific-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Socially responsible investment funds can provide investors with a number of benefits. Here are a few things to consider about how this type of investment compares to other choices that you have. Socially Responsible Investment Funds vs Stocks Socially responsible investment funds are typically made up of underlying securities such as stocks or bonds. A socially responsible investment fund is going to be much more diversified than a single stock. If you invest in a stock, you are putting yourself in a position of risk because that individual company could go out of business. However, with a socially responsible...]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Tips to Evaluating Socially Responsible Investment Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-tips-to-evaluating-socially-responsible-investment-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Socially responsible investment funds can be a good way for you to get involved with a cause and make money at the same time. Here are a few tips on evaluating socially responsible investment funds. 1. Check the Cause Whenever you are looking at a socially responsible investment fund, try to determine what type of cause they are trying to help. Some socially responsible investment funds want to invest in alternative energy companies while others want to invest in companies that are trying to reduce pollution. Make sure that the cause of the investment fund matches up with your...]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Socially Responsible Investment Funds Categories]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/socially-responsible-investment-funds-categories.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are investing in socially responsible investment funds, there are a number of different categories of funds that you could invest in. Here are some of these socially responsible investment fund categories. Growth Fund This type of fund typically uses growth stocks in order to make up the portfolio. With this type of fund, you are striving only for growth in your portfolio. This type of fund is strictly for those that want to invest over the long term. If you try to get in and out quickly, there is a good chance that you will lose your...]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Navigating the Socially Responsible Investment Funds Industry]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/navigating-the-socially-responsible-investment-funds-industry.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Socially responsible investment funds can provide you with a way to bring in a return on your investment and make a societal impact. There are many different socially responsible investment funds out there for you to choose from. In order to choose which one is going to be best for you, you need to make sure that you extensively research. Research In order to research these funds, you should utilize financial resources such as MorningStar and the Wall Street Journal to find the information that you need. Look for the return on investment over a long period of time...]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:38 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Do Socially Responsible Investment Funds Operate?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-do-socially-responsible-investment-funds-operate.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Socially responsible investment funds are a good way for investors to make a difference in the world. The idea behind a socially responsible investment fund is that it chooses its investments based on whether a company is socially responsible or not. By funding socially responsible companies, the investment fund hopes to better the condition of the world overall. Types of Socially Responsible Investing One of the most common areas that socially responsible investment funds focus on is the environment. Many of these funds will invest a majority of the money that they have into companies that put an emphasis...]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:36 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Common Socially Responsible Investing Mistakes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-common-socially-responsible-investing-mistakes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are going to get involved in socially responsible investing, there are a number of mistakes that you will need to avoid. Here are a few of the most common socially responsible investing mistakes to watch out for. 1. Falling for the Name Many people that invest in a socially responsible mutual fund do so because of the name of the fund. When you are researching investments, you need to do a lot more research than simply reading the name of the fund. You should look at historical performance, the expense ratio and many other things associated with...]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Reasons to Invest in Socially Responsible Index Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-reasons-to-invest-in-socially-responsible-index-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In order to be socially responsible, you must invest in the right index funds. Before making any decision, you are going to have to look at several factors. Here are a few reasons to invest in socially responsible index funds. 1. Help a Cause One of the big advantages of investing in a socially responsible index fund is that you will be able to help a special cause. Social responsible index funds make it a priority to put their money into companies that are making a positive difference in the world. The companies that are invested in have to...]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:31 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Should You Invest in Socially Responsible Mutual Funds?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/should-you-invest-in-socially-responsible-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Choosing to be socially responsible and invest your money in worthy causes is becoming increasingly simple. With all of the socially responsible mutual funds out there, anyone can get involved in this relatively new arena. Here are a few things to consider about whether you should invest in socially responsible mutual funds. Socially Responsible Mutual Funds If you are an individual that has ideals and wants to be socially responsible, this type of mutual fund could be for you. Instead of giving your money to a company that is not making a difference in the world, you can help...]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Reasons to Invest in Socially Responsible Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-reasons-to-invest-in-socially-responsible-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you want to be socially responsible, invest in companies that have the same ideals as you. Here are a few reasons to invest in socially responsible mutual funds. 1. Better the World There are many companies out there that are legitimately trying to make a difference in the world today. At the same time, there are companies that are only concerned about making profit and will negotiate their ethics in order to do so. When you invest in socially responsible mutual funds, you know that your money is going towards a cause that is going to help the...]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Socially Responsible Investments for Retirement Accounts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/socially-responsible-investments-for-retirement-accounts.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Socially responsible investments allow you to put money into a cause that you believe in. If you are planning for retirement, it might make sense for you to put some of your money into socially responsible investments. Here are the basics of using socially responsible investments for retirement accounts. Socially Responsible Investments A socially responsible investment is one in which you put money into a company that is acting socially responsible. This means that the company is trying to benefit society and some type of way. The company might be investing a large portion of their resources into discovering...]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Socially Responsible Investments: What Is Asset Allocation?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/socially-responsible-investments-what-is-asset-allocation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are getting involved in socially responsible investments, one topic that you will need to become familiar with is asset allocation. Here are the basics of asset allocation and why it is important. Asset Allocation Asset allocation concerns how your portfolio is allocated to different investments. For example, you might have some of your money invested in a socially responsible stock and another part of your portfolio devoted to socially responsible mutual funds. Then another portion of your money might be invested in socially responsible bonds. Application Every investor should have an ideal asset allocation that she strives...]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Common Trading Approaches in Socially Responsible Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/common-trading-approaches-in-socially-responsible-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Socially responsible investments can provide you with a great way to use your money to help society. At the same time, these investments can be very profitable. Here are a few different trading approaches that are commonly used in socially responsible investments. Value Many investors utilize a value approach to investing. They will try to locate stocks that are undervalued in the marketplace. They will then invest in these companies in hopes that the market value will catch up to the actual value and the investor will make a profit. Growth Another common strategy involves trying to find socially...]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Criticisms of Socially Responsible Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-criticisms-of-socially-responsible-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Socially responsible investments have a number of benefits for investors. As with any type of investment, there are also people that do not like these types of investments. Here are a few of the criticisms of socially responsible investments. 1. Lack of Performance The object of the game in investing is to make money. When it comes to this type of investment, some people are choosing to invest in a company simply because they are socially responsible. They are putting too much weight into the fact that they are socially responsible and they are ignoring lack of performance. 2....]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Research Socially Responsible Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-research-socially-responsible-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Socially responsible investments give you the opportunity to put money into a cause that you believe in and earn a nice return on your investment at the same time. If you are going to get involved in this type of investment, you need to conduct your own research. Here are the basics of how to research socially responsible investments. Financial Publications When you are trying to research socially responsible investments, you are going to want to check out some financial publications. For example, you should most likely look at &quot;MorningStar&quot; and &quot;The Wall Street Journal&quot; to find out information...]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Socially Responsible Investments: Stocks vs Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/socially-responsible-investments-stocks-vs-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are trying to choose between socially responsible investments, there are a number of factors that you are going to need to look at. Two of the most common types of socially responsible investments are stocks and bonds. Here are a few things to consider about each type of investment. Potential When you compare the potential of stocks and bonds, these types of investments are very different. With stocks, you are going to have much more potential for return than you will with bonds. Bonds pay you a regular amount of interest, and the values of the bonds...]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Your Shareholder Rights in Socially Responsible Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/your-shareholder-rights-in-socially-responsible-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you choose to get involved in socially responsible investments, there are a number of different options for you. If you choose to purchase stock, you are going to have certain shareholder rights. Here are the basics of your shareholder rights with socially responsible investments. Voting Rights When you are a shareholder, you are going to have voting rights. This means that you will be able to vote on important matters involving the company. For example, if the company is electing a new board of directors, you will be able to have a say in who gets elected. You...]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Guide to Socially Responsible Investment Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-guide-to-socially-responsible-investment-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Socially responsible investment bonds are a type of investment designed to help fund companies that make a difference in the world. Here are the basics of socially responsible investment bonds and how they can help you as an investor. Socially Responsible Investment&amp;nbsp; When you invest in a company that is considered socially responsible, you are attempting to make a difference in the world. A company that is considered socially responsible could utilize a number of different business strategies. Regardless of what strategy they use, they are trying to improve society. Examples Some examples of a socially responsible investment would...]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Reasons to Prefer Socially Responsible Investment Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-reasons-to-prefer-socially-responsible-investment-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Putting money into socially responsible investment stocks can provide you with some benefits. Here are a few reasons to prefer socially responsible investment stocks. 1. Help a Cause When you invest in a socially responsible company, you are going to be sure that your money is going towards a worthy cause. Companies that fit this profile are working to better society in some way. You might be able to directly help the environment. You might be able to avoid funding companies that utilize negative practices with their employees. You might even be able to fund a company that is...]]></description><pubDate>June 25, 2010  4:54 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Socially Responsible Investment Stocks vs. the S&amp;P]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/socially-responsible-investment-stocks-vs-the-sp.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Socially responsible investment stocks provide investors with a great way to get involved in the market and make a difference in society. You could also choose to invest in the S&amp;amp;P 500 instead of an individual stock. Here are a few things to consider about investing in socially responsible investment stocks vs. the S &amp;amp; P 500.&amp;nbsp; Potential When you compare the potential of an individual socially responsible stock to the S&amp;amp;P 500, the individual stock is going to have much more. You are going to be able to benefit from large increases in price. With the S&amp;amp;P 500,...]]></description><pubDate>June 25, 2010  4:52 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Principles of Successful Socially Responsible Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-principles-of-successful-socially-responsible-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Socially responsible investing is a term that describes an investment strategy where the investments are used towards some social good while bringing profit to investors. This can include investments that deal with everything from advancement of human rights to environmentally friendly sources of energy. Another important facet of social investing is that the investment strategies themselves must be ethical and beneficial to everyone involved. The concept of socially responsible investing can encompass a wide variety of strategies, but if they must all share certain common principles that help to ensure that the above-mentioned goals are successfully achieved. 1) Define...]]></description><pubDate>June 25, 2010  4:50 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Socially Responsible Investing: Balancing Risk and Reward]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/socially-responsible-investing-balancing-risk-and-reward.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Socially responsible investing in the practice of choosing securities based on the company's social impact. Socially responsible investors want to support businesses whose values mimic their own; for example, they may invest in green technology companies, non profit organizations, or those organizations that have a good record of contributions back to the community. When you invest with these goals in mind, you are often willing to compromise some degree of fiscal reward for the reward of engaging with ethical companies. Risks of Socially Responsible Investing Socially responsible companies may post lower profit margins than similar companies with less concern...]]></description><pubDate>June 25, 2010  4:47 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Introduction to Socially Responsible Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/introduction-to-socially-responsible-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Socially responsible investing&amp;nbsp;is an investment method that is used to increase both your wealth and invest in companies that are socially responsible. The practice of socially responsible investing has been around for some time now. This type of investment requires that you make all of your trading decisions taking into consideration idealistic views. If you do not personally believe in the cause that you are investing on an ethical level, you will not choose to invest with them. Some investors do not care what company they invest in as long as they are making money. For the socially responsible...]]></description><pubDate>June 25, 2010  4:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Your Annual Return]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/your-annual-return.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Your annual return is something that is important to be able to calculate if you are going to get involved in investments. Many investors use annual returns to compare investments and to determine performance. Here are the basics of your annual return and how to calculate it. Annual Return Your annual return is the amount of money that you earn from a particular investment over the course of a year. This is sometimes referred to as APR or annualized return. By converting a return into an annual return, it will make for a simple comparison among different investment choices....]]></description><pubDate>June 25, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fixed Income: Geometric Mean vs Arithmetic Mean]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/fixed-income-geometric-mean-vs-arithmetic-mean.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Your fixed income investments may create reasonably predictable returns, and the degree to which these returns are stable can be measured more accurately through finding a mean. The word &quot;mean&quot; most closely relates to the word &quot;average,&quot; but it is an actual mathematical expression rather than just a vocabulary term. In fact, there is more than one way to calculate &quot;mean.&quot; Arithmetic Mean The arithmetic mean of a set of numbers is determined by the formula most people will recall to find a mean: the sum of all the numbers divided by the total number of factors in the...]]></description><pubDate>June 24, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing 101: Profit-Taking]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-101-profit-taking.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The area of profit-taking is one of the most important aspects of investing. Regardless of how good you are at choosing investments, it will not do you any good if you never take profit. Here are a few things to consider about profit-taking. The most fundamental rule of investing is that you want to buy low and sell high. You want to get out at the highest possible price before the stock starts to decline. Maximizing Profit-Taking&amp;nbsp; When you are investing, you need to be aware of what the market is doing as a whole. If your stock is...]]></description><pubDate>June 23, 2010  4:47 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Determine Your Investment Selling Rules]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-determine-your-investment-selling-rules.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Coming up with investment selling rules can help you determine the best time to liquidate your investments. Here are a few things to consider about setting some investment selling rules for yourself. Price Drop One of the most common reasons that people will decide to sell is if the price of a stock drops. You need to have a specific percentage that you are working with when it comes to selling after a price decrease. For example, if the stock drops 10 percent in value, you will sell. Industry Downturn If the entire industry is in a downturn, you...]]></description><pubDate>June 23, 2010  4:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Discount Interest]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-discount-interest.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Discount interest is a type of interest that is paid with some types of loans. Here are the basics of discount interest and how it works. Discount Interest With this type of interest, the amount of interest is going to be calculated and subtracted from the amount of money that is borrowed. By doing this, the lender is reducing the amount of money that they have to loan out and protecting themselves at the same time Example This type of interest is easiest to understand when you can see an example of it. For example, let's say that an...]]></description><pubDate>June 23, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Interest: What Is Holding Period Return?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/interest-what-is-holding-period-return.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Holding period return is the rate of return on an asset per number of months or years the investor sets for the holding period. This rate of return will typically be short in nature for traders who are involved with shorter term investments, such as day traders using year-to-date holding period returns. A year-to-date return is a common holding period for all investors. It measures the rate of return from the beginning of the calendar year to the day of trading. Investors who look at the long term, such as mutual fund companies or insurance carriers for annuities, will...]]></description><pubDate>June 23, 2010  4:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Categories that Offer Compounding Interest]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-categories-that-offer-compounding-interest.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Compounding interest is one of the most powerful forces that investors have on their side. With compounding interest and plenty of time, you could potentially make a vast amount of money over your lifetime. Here are the basics of compounding interest and where you can find it. Compounding Interest The idea behind compound interest is simple but it is very powerful. This means that every time you earn interest, this money is added to the principal and interest. Then, the new amount is used to calculate future interest, and that is added to the new amount. The idea behind...]]></description><pubDate>June 22, 2010  4:56 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Tips to Monitoring Your Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-tips-to-monitoring-your-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are many different investment tips that you could listen to what it comes to monitoring your portfolio. Here are some of the best tips on monitoring your investments. 1. Regular Intervals You do not want to spend every minute of your day looking at your investments. Most of your investments should be able to do fine without you. You need to set a regular interval that you are going to plan on checking out your investments. Other than that, you should leave them alone and let them earn you money. 2. Asset Allocation Whenever you monitor your investments,...]]></description><pubDate>June 22, 2010  4:54 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Identify Potential New Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-identify-potential-new-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are looking for new investments, you are definitely going to have a lot of securities to choose from. Here are a few ways to identify potential new investments. Look for New Investments Start by reading investment publications such as magazines and blogs to get some new ideas. Many of these places will put up some great information about new investments that you should be aware of. Research Just because someone gives you a recommendation does not mean that you should simply go out and invest in the security immediately. Instead, you should conduct your own thorough research...]]></description><pubDate>June 22, 2010  4:51 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons to Join an Investment Club]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-to-join-an-investment-club.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many individuals choose to join an investment club for a variety of different reasons. An investment club is an organization that is formed between individuals that have an interest in the financial markets. With this type of group, you are going to put your money together with other like-minded individuals in order to pursue investment strategies and earn a return on your money. 1. Numbers One of the primary advantages of joining an investment club is that you will have strength in numbers. Whenever you get involved in an investment club, you are going to have to come up...]]></description><pubDate>June 18, 2010  4:49 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to Proxy Voting]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-proxy-voting.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Proxy voting is a system that allows individuals to vote on corporate matters whenever they are not able to attend a shareholder meeting. Here are the basics of the proxy voting system and how it works. Voting Rights As a common stockholder in a corporation, you are going to have voting rights with your shares. For each share of stock that you own, you are going to get one vote. This vote can be used in a number of different ways. The company will allow shareholders to vote on things such as electing the Board of Directors or deciding...]]></description><pubDate>June 18, 2010  4:47 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing with a Discount Broker Isn't Always Wise]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-with-a-discount-broker-isnt-always-wise.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Working with a discount broker can seem very attractive as it will allow you to save money on commissions. Although it is attractive, working with a discount broker might not be your best option. Here are a few of the potential downsides of investing with a discount broker. Do-It-Yourself Investing One of the biggest problems with working with discount brokers is that you will basically be engaging in do-it-yourself investing. This means that you are going to be making all of the individual investment decisions for your own portfolio. You are going to have to spend a considerable amount...]]></description><pubDate>June 18, 2010  4:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Advantages and Risks of the Discount Broker]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/advantages-and-risks-of-the-discount-broker.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Using a discount broker has become a very popular method of investing in the financial markets today. When you use a discount broker, you are going to get some benefits but there will be some potential problems also. Here are some of the advantages and risks of the discount broker. Advantages The biggest advantage that you are going to get with this type of broker is that the commissions are going to be cheaper. Whenever you regularly purchase stocks or other securities, you do not want to have to pay any more than you have to. When you work...]]></description><pubDate>June 18, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Advisor Fee or Commission: Which Is Best for You?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/advisor-fee-or-commission-which-is-best-for-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[ As an investor, you will have the choice of choosing between a broker that charges an advisor fee or one that charges a commission. Both of these pay structures could benefit you depending on your situation. Here are a few things to consider about whether the advisor fee or commission is better for you. Frequent Purchases Many investors frequently buy and sell securities with their broker. If this is the case, you might want to avoid a broker that charges a commission. If you have a broker that charges a commission, you are going to pay them a certain...]]></description><pubDate>June 18, 2010  4:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Handle a Margin Call]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-handle-a-margin-call.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Receiving a margin call as a trader is something that no one looks forward to. This is definitely a bad position to be put in, but it does not have to be completely devastating. Here are the basics of how to handle a margin call when you receive one.&amp;nbsp; Margin Call If you are trading with a margin account, there is a chance that you could receive a margin call at some point. Margin accounts are common in trading the stock market as well as in the Forex market. When you are trading with margin, you are essentially borrowing...]]></description><pubDate>June 17, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Margin Call?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-margin-call.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A&amp;nbsp;margin call is a phone call that you will receive from a broker if your account falls below a certain balance when trading with margin. Here are the basics of the margin call. Trading with Margin In order to receive a margin call, you are going to have to be trading with margin. In the stock market, you can often trade with margin that is provided by your broker. This means that you are essentially borrowing money from the broker in order to increase your position in the market. This is designed to increase your returns overall. To trade...]]></description><pubDate>June 17, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Leverage?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-leverage.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding what leverage is and how it works is an essential part of investing basics. Here are a few things to consider about leverage in investments. Leverage Using leverage allows you to increase the amount of your position when purchasing securities. In order to do this, you are going to essentially borrow a certain amount of money so that you can invest it. The hope in using the strategy is that you will be able to amplify your returns by increasing the amount of money that you can invest. Risk Although this technique can improve your returns, it can...]]></description><pubDate>June 17, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Moving Averages]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/moving-averages.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Moving averages are a useful tool to any investor who wishes to gain a competitive edge in trading. The ease of use in moving averages is what makes them the greatest of technical indicators for any old investor. A moving average measures a set of days as a line, tracking the underlying market that it covers. It can be computed a myriad of ways, but for simplicity's sake we will use the most common example. Commonly, moving averages are used as 50 day averages as well as 200 day moving averages. To calculate the 50 day moving average, you...]]></description><pubDate>June 17, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of the Optimal Portfolio Theory]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-the-optimal-portfolio-theory.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Optimal portfolio theory finds the optimal set of hypothetical portfolios that reside within the space of the x and y axes, the portfolio frontier space. It is a mathematical concept very similar to utility theory. In its conception, the theory used three asset classes that served to make up a hypothetical portfolio. Those three asset classes were cash, stocks and bonds. Keep in mind that more than three could be used; however, for simplicity, three are chosen.&amp;nbsp; The theory contains three major variables: allocation percentages, rate of return and volatility. To better understand this, it is best to imagine...]]></description><pubDate>June 17, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is Risk Aversion?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-risk-aversion.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The term risk aversion is often applied to certain types of investors. Here are the basics of risk aversion and what it means to investors. Risk Aversion The term risk aversion basically means that you do not like risk. Some investors prefer to play it safe whenever they are investing their money into anything. Because of this, they will evaluate investments based on how much risk they are taking on. While some people see only the possible returns of an investment, other people see how much money they could potentially lose instead. Choosing Investments Some level of risk aversion...]]></description><pubDate>June 16, 2010  4:49 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Techinical vs Fundamental Analysis]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/techinical-vs-fundamental-analysis.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Both technical and fundamental analysis are commonly used in the investment world. Both of these methods have supporters and there is some disagreement as to which method is the best to use. Here are the basics of technical and fundamental analysis. Fundamental Analysis With fundamental analysis, investors are trying to determine the intrinsic value of a security. In the stock market, those that employ fundamental analysis utilize financial statements regularly. They will look at things such as earnings, debt, price-to-sales ratio and price-earnings ratio in order to determine the value of the company. Technical Analysis With technical analysis, investors...]]></description><pubDate>June 14, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Uses of Fundamental Analysis]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-uses-of-fundamental-analysis.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Fundamental analysis is a method that is used by many different types of investors in various situations. Here are some of the uses of fundamental analysis. 1. Buy and Hold One of the most common investment strategies utilizes a buy and hold approach. With fundamental analysis, you can determine whether you are selecting the right securities for this investment strategy. You want to make sure that the company you are investing in is solid and will be around for the long-term. Fundamental analysis can give you an indication of this information. 2. Valuing Good Companies This type of analysis...]]></description><pubDate>June 13, 2010  4:36 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fundamental Analysis]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/fundamental-analysis.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Fundamental analysis is a common method of analysis that attempts to determine the value of a security. Here are the basics of fundamental analysis and how it is used. Fundamental Analysis Fundamental analysis is a process that involves looking at many different factors in order to try to determine a value for a particular investment. Those that use fundamental analysis hold the view that the price of a security can be impacted by many different determinations. This type of analysis works in contrast to technical analysis. How It Is Used Many people use fundamental analysis when investing in the...]]></description><pubDate>June 13, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Increased Costs of International Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/increased-costs-of-international-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ International investing can provide you with a lot of opportunity for superior return on investment. However, when investing internationally, you may also have to deal with increased costs. Here are a few things to consider about the increased costs of international investing. Transaction Costs When you get involved with international investment, you are going to have transaction costs to account for. You may not be able to work with your traditional broker, and you might have to open an account with an international brokerage. Many times, these international brokerages are going to charge high commissions and other fees. In...]]></description><pubDate>June 12, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Considerations of an International Investment Company]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-considerations-of-an-international-investment-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When working with an international investment company, it is nice to know exactly how the company makes their investment decisions. While each company is going to be different, there will have some common concerns and approaches. Here are some main considerations of an international investment company. 1. Areas of Growth Companies that are seeking to invest in international areas almost always want to identify growth sectors. Certain parts of the globe are going through massive amounts of growth at any given time. If an international investment company can get involved in the early stages, they could potentially make substantial...]]></description><pubDate>June  5, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Avoid International Stock Scams]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/avoid-international-stock-scams.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in international stock can broaden your investment opportunities. However, the risks involved in putting your money in such stocks can be higher than with domestic stocks, especially because international investment scams proliferate in the market. Here are some tips on how you can protect yourself against international investment scams. Invest Only in What You KnowPeople who just grab business opportunities without fully understanding what they are getting themselves into are the most likely victims of international investment scams. To avoid being played by con artists and fraudsters, ensure that you have ample experience and knowledge about stock market...]]></description><pubDate>June  3, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Financial Frontier Awaits, So Start Investing Now]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-financial-frontier-awaits-so-start-investing-now.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many financial experts say that you should start investing as soon as you possibly can. Most people put it off for many years and lose a lot of time in the process. Here are a few things to consider about investing and why you need to get started sooner rather than later. Return on Investment By investing, you will be able to potentially bring in a return on your investment. In return for investing your money into a particular security, they are going to pay you something for your investment. Over time, your investment will continue to grow. The...]]></description><pubDate>May 28, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Guide to Fixed Term Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-guide-to-fixed-term-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Fixed term investments are commonly used as a safe method of investment. Here are the basics of fixed term investments and how they work. Fixed Term Investment With a fixed term investment, you are going to invest your money into a security for a predetermined amount of time. Typically, investors will receive a fixed amount of interest with this type of investment as well. At the end of the investment, the investor will traditionally receive the entire amount of investment principal back. Advantages A big advantage with this type of investment is that you have some security. Most of...]]></description><pubDate>May 26, 2010  4:52 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) for Beginners]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-capital-asset-pricing-model-capm-for-beginners.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The capital asset pricing model (CAPM) is one of the fundamental cornerstones to beginning finance education for investments. Pronounced (&quot;CAP&quot;-&quot;M&quot;), it is an academic pricing model that is also used by high ranking professional investment companies. Like every other academic financial concept the capital asset pricing model has an emphasis on future expectations of the investment. Therefore, there is quite a bit of reflective predicting which does not fare well at all during times of cyclical shifts and times of market turbulence. The formula The asset pricing model has a very basic formula that is extremely intuitive for beginners...]]></description><pubDate>May 25, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to Asset Allocation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-asset-allocation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Asset allocation is a term used in investment management. Professional investors use asset allocation to better allocate their portfolios. It is essentially diversifying the investment in a pseudo scientific way. The investment world has different asset classes and investment styles that professionals realize are different performance wise depending on cyclical and global factors. Professionals also understand to diversify different investment managers for the investments. Asset allocation can be broken down to tactical allocation as well as strategic allocation. The tactical allocation allows the portfolio to take advantage of short term opportunities in the market in order to outpace the...]]></description><pubDate>May 25, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dollar Cost Averaging May Be Dull, But It Really Pays Off]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dollar-cost-averaging-may-be-dull-but-it-really-pays-off.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Dollar cost averaging is an investment technique that has been used for many years. Although it has been around for many years, it is still one of the most successful methods of investment that is available. Here are the basics of dollar cost averaging and what some of its advantages are. Dollar Cost Averaging With dollar cost averaging, you are going to decide to invest a fixed amount of money on a regular interval schedule. For example, you might decide to invest $100 every month into a particular security. When you do this, you are going to purchase more...]]></description><pubDate>May 25, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Diversification for New Investors]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/diversification-for-new-investors.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are a new investor, the subject of diversification might be confusing for you. If you are planning on being successful in the investment world, you will need to understand how diversification works and how it can benefit you. Importance of Diversification Diversification is an investment strategy where you invest in many different securities that are uncorrelated. By using diversification, you will be able to overcome poor performance by individual securities. For example, if you invest all of your money into one stock, your success depends on the success of that particular company. By comparison, if you were...]]></description><pubDate>May 25, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Risk and Return: Bosom Buddies of the Financial World]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/risk-and-return-bosom-buddies-of-the-financial-world.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Risk and return are two terms that you will have to become familiar with if you plan on having success in the investment world. These two terms always go together with any type of investment. Here are a few things to consider about risk and return and how they relate to one another. Tradeoff When dealing with risk and return, you are essentially dealing with a trade off. With every type of investment, you are going to have to consider the risk when looking at return. As the potential returns of an investment increase, the risk is bound to...]]></description><pubDate>May 25, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Buying Stock Is Easier than Ever]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/buying-stock-is-easier-than-ever.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The process of buying stock is easier than it has ever been before. With today's market, you now have many different methods to engage in the purchase of company stock. Here are a few things to consider about the available methods of purchasing stock. Brokerages One of the most common ways for you to buy stock is through the use of a stockbroker. Although in the past, you had to work with an individual stockbroker to purchase stock, this is not the case anymore. Many brokerages specialize in allowing people to trade online. With an online broker, you will...]]></description><pubDate>May 25, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Motivating Forces behind Stock Prices]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-motivating-forces-behind-stock-prices.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are getting started in the stock market, trying to understand stock prices can be confusing. One moment they will be moving upwards and the next moment they will be plummeting like a rock. In order to be successful in the stock market, you need to understand the basics behind fluctuating stock prices. Here are some of the motivating forces behind stock prices. Fundamentals One of the biggest factors in the price of a stock is the fundamentals of the company that is behind the security. Since stock represents a portion of ownership in a company, it only...]]></description><pubDate>May 25, 2010  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Common, Preferred, and Other Types of Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/common-preferred-and-other-types-of-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When dealing with common or preferred stock, there are several different features that you will want to be aware of. There are several different types of stock that you could potentially invest in and all of them have unique benefits. Here are the basics of common, preferred, and other types of stock. Common Stock Common stock is a type of stock that is frequently purchased by investors. As the name implies, this is the most common type of stock that is available in the market. There are a few features that are commonly found with common stock. First of...]]></description><pubDate>May 25, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Beginner's Guide to Mergers and Acquisitions]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/beginners-guide-to-mergers-and-acquisitions.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding the basics of mergers and acquisitions can help you make important investment decisions for your portfolio. Many companies go through mergers and acquisitions on a regular basis and you need understand how the process works. Here are the basics of mergers and acquisitions and how they work. Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and acquisitions is the process of growth or expansion within a particular company. With a merger, a company is going to join forces with another company in order to increase business possibilities. With an acquisition, a company will purchase another company in order to integrate it into...]]></description><pubDate>May 25, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing 101: A Corporate Action]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-101-a-corporate-action.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A corporate action is something that a company will do from time to time that is going to have an impact on the company's stock. There are several different types of corporate actions that you will need to be aware of. Here are the basics of corporate actions and how they work. Corporate Action When a company decides to utilize a corporate action, they are going to need to run it through the Board of Directors of the company. In order to start the corporate action, the Board of Directors has to vote on it and pass it through....]]></description><pubDate>May 25, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Opportunity Cost: What Does It Mean?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/opportunity-cost-what-does-it-mean.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Opportunity cost is a term that is regularly used in the investment world. As an investor, you will need to evaluate the opportunity cost of many different scenarios when making a decision. Here are the basics of opportunity cost and what it means to you as an investor. Opportunity Cost The term opportunity cost deals with the choices that you make on a regular basis. When you choose one thing, you are choosing not to pursue another opportunity. The opportunity that you did not pursue is known as the opportunity cost. Many times, the opportunity cost can be represented...]]></description><pubDate>May 24, 2010  4:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing Basics: Capital Appreciation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-basics-capital-appreciation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you plan on getting involved with investing, you will need to understand the basics of capital appreciation. Capital appreciation is one of the two main forms of investment returns. Here are the basics of capital appreciation and what it means to you as an investor. Capital Appreciation When you invest in a security, capital appreciation represents the amount of money that the value of the security increases by. When you purchase a security, it has a certain market value at time of purchase. After a certain period of time, the value of that security might rise because of...]]></description><pubDate>May 24, 2010  4:39 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Wilshire 5000 Index]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-wilshire-5000-index.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Wilshire 5000 index is one of the most commonly used indices in the financial markets. Here are the basics of the Wilshire 5000 index and why it is important to investors. Wilshire 5000 Index The Wilshire 5000 index is a stock index that is designed to capture the movements of the entire stock market. Even though it is called the Wilshire 5000 index, the index has over 6500 stocks within it. This makes it one of the biggest financial indices in the world today. Impact Many investors use this index because it gives them a good indication of...]]></description><pubDate>May 24, 2010  4:36 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Standard &amp; Poor's 500]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-standard-poors-500.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The S&amp;amp;P 500 is one of the most commonly used financial index is in the world today. If you plan on getting involved in the stock market, you will need to have a basic understanding of what the Standard &amp;amp; Poor's 500 is and how it works. Here are the basics of the S&amp;amp;P 500. S&amp;amp;P 500 The S&amp;amp;P 500 was developed by a financial company known as Standard &amp;amp; Poor's. This is essentially a group of 500 of the largest companies in the United States economy. The index is comprised of stock from all 500 of these companies....]]></description><pubDate>May 24, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Dow Jones Industrial Average]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-dow-jones-industrial-average.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a financial index that you will need to be aware of if you are planning on investing in the stock market. Here are the basics of the Dow Jones industrial average and how it works. Dow Jones Industrial Average The Dow Jones Industrial Average was created by a man named Charles Dow. He created the average as a way to gauge the performance of 30 of the top industrial companies in the industry. In today's market, the name industrial does not necessarily have any significance as most of the companies in the index...]]></description><pubDate>May 24, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Portfolio Preparation for Beginners]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/portfolio-preparation-for-beginners.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When trying to work on portfolio preparation, there are a number of different things that you will need to consider. Coming up with an effective portfolio can go a long way towards helping you reach your investment objectives. Here are the basics of how to prepare a portfolio if you are just getting started. Goals Before you can properly construct a portfolio, you need to set some goals for your investing. Ask yourself what you would like to accomplish by investing. You might want to double your money every five years. You might want to save enough to purchase...]]></description><pubDate>May 24, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Options for Beginning Investors]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-options-for-beginning-investors.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are a beginner, you will notice that there are many different investment options for you to choose from. Choosing the right vehicle to put your money into will go a long ways towards your success in investing. Here are some of the investment options that you have to choose from. Stocks One of the most common types of investment in the world is stock. When you purchase stock, you are essentially becoming a partial owner in a company. Companies sell stock in order to raise capital for business expenses. When you purchase stock, you are going to...]]></description><pubDate>May 21, 2010  4:51 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing Strategies: Choosing Your Style]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-strategies-choosing-your-style.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In the world of investment, there are many different investing strategies that you could potentially choose from. Each investment strategy carries with it some advantages and disadvantages. Here are the basics of how to choose the investment style that is best for you. The Best Style Many investors are constantly looking for the best investment strategy that is available. With so many strategies to choose from, many investors go from one type of investment to the next looking for the strategy that is superior. In reality, there is not one investment strategy that is completely superior to the others....]]></description><pubDate>May 21, 2010  4:49 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment for Beginners: Objectives, Risk Tolerance, and More]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-for-beginners-objectives-risk-tolerance-and-more.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When it comes to investment for beginners, there are many things that you will potentially need to learn. Some of the subjects the you will need to learn about include investment objectives, risk tolerance, and asset allocation. Here are the basics of these introductory investment concepts and why they are important to you. Investment Objectives When you begin investing, you need to come up with an investment objective to work towards. The investment objective is the purpose behind your investing and what you hope to accomplish. There are many different potential reasons that you could have for investing. For...]]></description><pubDate>May 21, 2010  4:47 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[8 Tips for Avoiding Investment Scams]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/8-tips-for-avoiding-investment-scams.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are various types of investment scams. Some are made via email or phone calls. Some are touted as offering tax relief or good investment opportunities in stocks. Below are some tips to avoid becoming a victim of fraudulent schemes. 1. Know the Right InvestmentsMany people fall for investment scams because they have no idea where they are putting their money. Thus, before you invest in something, you must understand what such investment is all about. It is always a good idea to consult an expert or read more about the kind of investment being offered before you decide...]]></description><pubDate>May 21, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Open a Brokerage Account]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-open-a-brokerage-account.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In order to start trading stocks and other securities, you will need to open a brokerage account first. Here are the basics of how to open a brokerage account. Contact a Broker Once you have decided which brokerage you want to go with, you will need to contact them and discuss opening an account with them. You can contact the broker in person if they have a local office in your area. You should also be able to access their website. Complete Application If you are applying in person, someone at the brokerage should be able to give you...]]></description><pubDate>May 21, 2010  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Calculate a P/E Ratio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-calculate-a-pe-ratio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The P/E ratio is one way that investors frequently use to value stocks. You can calculate this ratio if you have access to the basic financial statement of a particular company. Here are the basics of how to calculate a P/E ratio. P/E Ratio The term &quot;P/E ratio&quot; stands for &quot;price-earnings ratio.&quot; This is a method that is used to portray the relationship between the price of a stock and the earnings that that particular company has generated over a specific period. This ratio shows you exactly how much investors will pay for one dollar of earnings that the...]]></description><pubDate>May 20, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Top 5 Investment Scams]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/top-5-investment-scams.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In today's world, there are many different investment scams that could potentially try to take your money. If you want to avoid these scams and keep your hard-earned money, you need to be aware of what some of them are. Here are some of the top investment scams that are currently going around. 1. Ponzi Schemes One of the most popular types of investment scams is called the Ponzi scheme. This type of scam has been going around for many years and it does not show any signs of slowing down in the future. With this type of scam,...]]></description><pubDate>May 17, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Types of ADR Programs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-types-of-adr-programs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The ADR is a great way to invest in a foreign company and keep your money in the domestic market at the same time. The term ADR stands for American depository receipt and it comes in several different forms. Here are the different types of ADR programs and how they work. 1. Unsponsored Shares One of the most common types of ADR programs involves unsponsored shares. In fact, more than 50 percent of all of the ADR programs out there are now unsponsored share programs. With this type of arrangement, the foreign company does not have any particular arrangement...]]></description><pubDate>May 15, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is an ADR (American Depositary Receipt)?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-an-adr-american-depositary-receipt.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The ADR is a commonly used investment tool in order to invest in foreign corporations. Here are the basics of the ADR and how it can be beneficial to you as an investor. ADR The term ADR stands for American depository receipt. This is a type of investment that you can purchase on the stock market. With this type of investment, an investment bank purchases a certain number of shares from a foreign corporation. They will then create their own shares that they will sell on the stock market that represent the shares that they purchased from the foreign...]]></description><pubDate>May 15, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is Offshore Investing?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-offshore-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Offshore investing is a type of investment that has been around for many years. This type of investment can provide you with several benefits, but there are also a few drawbacks that you will want to know about as well. Offshore Investing This type of investment involves putting your money into a company that is situated in a foreign country. Many investors do this in order to diversify their investments and take advantage of favorable tax laws. Many countries that harbor offshore investing do not charge investment companies much tax if any at all. Because of this, the investment...]]></description><pubDate>May 15, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Tips to Avoiding Financial Scams]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-tips-to-avoiding-financial-scams.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are an investor, there are going to be a fair amount of financial scams that find their way to you. In order to preserve your money, you need to avoid these scams at all costs. Here are a few tips on avoiding financial scams. 1. BrokerCheck BrokerCheck is a tool that is offered by FINRA that allows you to check the background of your financial broker. In this way, you will be able to find out exactly what they have done the past and if there are any question marks that you should be aware of. This...]]></description><pubDate>May 13, 2010  4:40 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Start an Investment Club]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-start-an-investment-club.html</link><description><![CDATA[ To start an investment club, you will need to do a number of different things. An investment club can be a very rewarding organization for you to be a part of. Here are the basics of how to start an investment club that will be successful. Locate Members In order to start an investment club, you are going to need to find some members for the club. You need to find people with whom you have good relationships and who have some interest in investments. If you have previously talked to any of your friends about investments, you might...]]></description><pubDate>May 12, 2010  4:40 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Safe Is Offshore Investing?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-safe-is-offshore-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Offshore investing is a type of strategy that many people use in order to capitalize on favorable tax policies. Although it can provide you with some benefits, many people are concerned with the safety of this type of investment. Here are a few things to consider about the safety of offshore investing. No Guarantees When you invest offshore, you will not get the same type of assurances that you get domestically. For example, there is no FDIC protecting your bank accounts. There is no SEC governing over securities. While there are other agencies that govern financial transactions, they may...]]></description><pubDate>May  6, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pros and Cons of Offshore Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pros-and-cons-of-offshore-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Offshore investing has been a popular means of investment for many years. This type of investment can provide you with a number of advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons associated with offshore investing. Pros One of the biggest advantages that comes with offshore investing is tax reduction. The companies that you will be investing with will be located in countries that have much more favorable tax situations then you are used to in the United States. These companies might not have to pay anything to the local government because they are not necessarily doing...]]></description><pubDate>May  6, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Analyzing Analyst Recommendations]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/analyzing-analyst-recommendations.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In the space of investments there are highly followed equities (stocks) with analyst recommendations. These highly followed stocks are monitored closely by analysts. Stock analysts are salaried employees and intermediaries between investment banks, publicly traded corporations, and the investing public. This fact leaves much room for conflicts of interest as explained below. Although analysts give great insight and clarity to major industry events, investors should always be cautious . Analyst functions A stock analyst for highly followed stocks will periodically include a prediction for future sales revenues and net income along with a host of other important key company...]]></description><pubDate>May  1, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Flipping?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-flipping.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Flipping is an investment strategy that many real estate investors choose to pursue. With this strategy, you will potentially be able to make quick profits and minimize risk. Here are the basics of flipping and how it works. Flipping The act of flipping involves purchasing a property and then selling it soon after. The purpose of this is to try to realize a quick profit between the two transactions. Generally, flipping is considered a short-term type of investment. If you purchase a property and then hold onto it for an extended period of time, this would not necessarily qualify...]]></description><pubDate>April 30, 2010  4:48 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Difference between ADRs and ADSs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-difference-between-adrs-and-adss.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When it comes to international investment, both ADRs and ADSs can be utilized by domestic investors. Although these 2 terms are closely related, there are some distinct differences between them. Here are a few things to consider about the difference between ADRs and ADSs. ADR The term ADR stands for American Depository Receipt. This is when a domestic bank purchases a large number of shares in a foreign corporation. The bank will then keep these shares and create other shares that are available for purchase by domestic investors. Each one of these shares represents a certain number of shares...]]></description><pubDate>April 30, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Financial Advisors and Conflicts of Interest]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/financial-advisors-and-conflicts-of-interest.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Dealing with financial advisors is typically a necessary part of getting involved in the financial markets. If you are going to invest, you will most likely have to work with a financial advisor at some point. Financial advisors sometimes experience conflicts of interest that they have to deal with. Here are a few things to consider about financial advisors and conflicts of interest. Conflict of Interest A conflict of interest takes place when a financial advisor is not thinking about only what is best for their clients. When this occurs, some outside influence is affecting their judgment. In many...]]></description><pubDate>April 29, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Things to Know about Automatic Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-things-to-know-about-automatic-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Automatic trading allows you to trade the marketplace with the help of a software program. Many traders rely on automatic trading as a regular part of their trading strategies. Here are a few things to know about automatic trading. 1. Software Program Automatic trading is done through the use of a software program. Most of the time, the software will plug in directly to your online trading platform. The software program will be based on an advanced algorithm of trading history. This algorithm attempts to identify patterns in the market and help you locate profitable trades. The theory behind...]]></description><pubDate>April 29, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Advantages and Disadvantages of Investing in ADRs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-investing-in-adrs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ ADRs are a popular type of security traded on the stock exchange. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of investing in ADRs. Advantages One of the major advantages that you get by investing in an ADR is diversification. You are investing in a foreign company, which means you are spreading out your investments beyond domestic markets. Therefore, you will be able to withstand economic downswings in the United States much better. Another advantage of investing in an ADR is convenience. Many individual investors have problems selecting foreign companies to invest in and then figuring out how to...]]></description><pubDate>April 29, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Popular Methods of International Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/popular-methods-of-international-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ International investing can provide you with a lot of opportunities as an investor. If you are considering getting involved with international investing, there are many different options for you to choose from. Here are some of the most popular methods of international investing. Mutual Funds One of the most popular ways to get involved in international investing is through the use of a mutual fund. This type of investment can be accessed through any standard brokerage account. You will be able to purchase shares in a very diversified portfolio of foreign investments. One type of mutual fund to consider...]]></description><pubDate>April 28, 2010  5:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Risks of International Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-risks-of-international-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ International investing can provide you with some benefits as an investor. However, this method of investment does carry with it some risks that you need to be aware of. Here are some of the risks associated with international investing. 1. Exchange Rates One of the biggest risks that you will have to deal with when investing internationally is the exchange rate. When you invest in an international company, you will have to first convert your native currency to the currency of the other country. Then, whenever your investment is completed, you will have to convert back into your original...]]></description><pubDate>April 28, 2010  5:39 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Franchise Investment Opportunities: Targeting Areas Of Growth]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/franchise-investment-opportunities-targeting-areas-of-growth.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are looking at franchise investment opportunities, there are a lot of different things that you will need to consider. Purchasing a franchise is going to be a big investment, and you want to make sure that you make the most of it. Therefore, finding a franchise that is poised for growth is essential. Here are a few things to consider about targeting areas of growth. Looking for Trends When you are trying to look for a franchise that will experience growth, you need to look at the trends in the marketplace. Whenever you invest in a franchise,...]]></description><pubDate>April 28, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Risks of Automatic Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-risks-of-automatic-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors like to use automatic trading methods to trade the financial markets. While automatic trading is popular, it is also very risky to the investor. Here are a few of the risks associated with automatic trading. Technology Error When you use automatic trading, you will be relying on a software program to make your trades for you. Anytime that you rely on technology like this, there is a chance that it could make a mistake. When you use automatic trading, you will have to put a lot of faith in the software program that you are using. Lack...]]></description><pubDate>April 27, 2010  4:51 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Invest in a Foreign Company]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-in-a-foreign-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[ At some point, you may decide that you want to invest in a foreign company. If this is the case, there are a number of ways that you can do so. Here are the basics of how to invest in a foreign company. Stock The most direct way to invest in a foreign company is to purchase their stock. In order to do this, you will need to open a brokerage account that will allow you to purchase stock in another country. You will then have to exchange your currency for the foreign currency to make the purchase. Mutual...]]></description><pubDate>April 27, 2010  4:49 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-american-depositary-receipts-adrs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ American depository receipts are a type of investment with which many people are not familiar. This type of security can provide you with several advantages when investing. Here are the basics of the American depository receipt and how it can benefit you as an investor. American Depository Receipts An American depository receipt is a type of security issued by an investment bank. An investment bank will go overseas and purchase a certain number of shares in a foreign corporation. The bank will then offer shares that represent a certain number of shares in the foreign corporation. In this manner,...]]></description><pubDate>April 27, 2010  4:47 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Advantages to International Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-advantages-to-international-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ International investing can provide you with a number of unique benefits. Here are some of the advantages you can gain through international investing. 1. Diversification One of the major benefits of international investing is that you can diversify your portfolio. Many investors choose to invest only in their domestic financial markets. While this can work at times, during a negative economic period, all of the domestic financial markets could be devastated. If all of your money is tied up in one country, you are putting yourself at great risk. By choosing to invest in other areas of the globe,...]]></description><pubDate>April 27, 2010  4:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing 101: The Brokerage Account]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-101-the-brokerage-account.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Opening a brokerage account is the first step to take before you can get involved in the financial markets. There are many different options that you could potentially look at when considering opening a brokerage account. Here are the basics of the brokerage account. The Brokerage Account A brokerage account is a financial account that you can open with any financial broker. This type of account will be necessary before you can purchase stocks, mutual funds, money market instruments and other investments. Types of Brokers There are many different brokers out there for you to choose from. All of...]]></description><pubDate>April 22, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Beginner's Guide to International Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-beginners-guide-to-international-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ International investing can provide many unique benefits. Although many investors choose to leave their money in the domestic market, this could cause you to miss out on some great opportunities. Here are a few things to consider about international investing and how it could benefit you. How It Is Done There are many different ways that you could invest internationally. One of the most direct ways to get involved in international investing is to purchase the stock of a foreign corporation. This will require you to open an account with a stock brokerage that deals with that particular country....]]></description><pubDate>April 22, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Avoiding Pitfalls When You Start an Investment Club]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/avoiding-pitfalls-when-you-start-an-investment-club.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Before you start investment club meetings in your area, you should consider several different things. Many investment clubs fail very early on in the process. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid when starting an investment club. Investment Strategy The most important aspect of investment club basics is to agree on an investing strategy from the beginning. Many investment clubs figure out that everyone is not on the same page, and it tears them apart. You need to make sure that you clearly spell out the objectives of the club before getting started. Then make sure that everyone that...]]></description><pubDate>April 16, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to be Smart at Tax Lien Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-be-smart-at-tax-lien-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Getting involved in tax lien investing&amp;nbsp;could be one of the best decisions that you make as an investor. Investing in tax liens is something that many people never even consider. They have no idea how the market works and they do not know where to start. While it can be confusing if you do not know what you are doing, there are a few things that you can do to make sure that you invest wisely. Know the Basics The first thing that you have to do to be a smart tax lien investor is learn the basics. If...]]></description><pubDate>March 24, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does Government Budgeting Affect U.S. Investors?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-government-budgeting-affect-us-investors.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When government budgeting accounts for new expenses, it may use bonds as a way to fund those projects. Bonds are one of the two ways the government can get money, the other way is by raising taxes. In both cases, voters will decide to approve the additional expense through their representatives in Congress. If a new bond-supported project is announced, investors get a change to lend money to the government. War Bonds War bonds have historically been used to fund major military campaigns. The biggest use of war bonds came during the Great Wars, when the United States issued...]]></description><pubDate>March  6, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Guidelines For Starting An Equity Investments Group]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/guidelines-for-starting-an-equity-investments-group.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Starting an equity investment group or an equity funding group is an exciting way to plan for your financial future, whether its setting yourself for your dream vacation, purchasing a new home, or saving up for your retirement. Essentially, an equity investment group is a group of people that come together, pool their financial resources, and put money into various securities and assets for long-term residual profit. Here are some tips to getting your group started. Leadership Leadership is crucial for any group, but especially equity investment groups. Your leadership should have a strong understanding of whatever area you...]]></description><pubDate>November 19, 2009  3:33 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Choosing The Right Investment Fund Manager]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/choosing-the-right-investment-fund-manager.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An investment fund manager plays an important role in the success of your investments. They will help you plan your overall investment strategy as well as manage your portfolio for you. Choosing the investment fund manager is a major decision. Because they have access to your account, and can make your decisions for you, you should take time and consideration when you choose a manager. Here are some steps to help you with making this decision. Check for Long Term Results There are several different fund managers that can easily show a lot of short term success stories. Helping...]]></description><pubDate>November  5, 2009  3:31 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How To Choose An Investment Management Program]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-choose-an-investment-management-program.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Choosing an investment management program for most individual investors is easy to do. The way to do it is to find a mutual fund or other managed fund program that meets an investor&amp;rsquo;s financial goals and objectives. Most individual investors do not have the assets necessary to invest with large Wall Street type investment management firms. These include private equity and hedge funds. Most individual investors however can benefit from professional investment management on a smaller scale through managed programs and their 401(k)s. Using Managed Funds An investment manager in a mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF) state their...]]></description><pubDate>October 22, 2009  4:06 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are Investment Managers As Greedy As They Are Smart?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/are-investment-managers-as-greedy-as-they-are-smart.html</link><description><![CDATA[ One would presume that to become an investment manager, a certain level of experience, certification and expertise has to take place in order for them to understand the complexities of investment management.&amp;nbsp;The assertion that an investment manager is greedy may stem from the near collapse of the financial system in the fall of 2008 and the ripple effect that is has had on investments. It may be that an investment manager is as greedy as they are smart but it is also as likely that an investment manager is not. An Investment Manager&amp;rsquo;s Responsibility Investment managers are responsible for...]]></description><pubDate>October 22, 2009  4:05 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Management Industry Losses In 2008?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-management-industry-losses-in-2008.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The investment management losses in 2008 were large due to a huge drop in the stock market and a global financial crisis in the 3rd and 4th quarter of 2008. Investment managers found their portfolio balances fall by 1/3 to 1/2 in value as stock market values fell and alternative investments were not sufficient to make up loss values. What to Understand about the Industry If you are reading this article, it should be understood that there is no simple way to provide the basis for this analysis concerning the investment management industry. It may be argued that taking...]]></description><pubDate>October 22, 2009  4:04 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Tips To Get More Income From Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-tips-to-get-more-income-from-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Getting more income from investments is what everyone pursues, but few actually accomplish the goal. If you need to maximize your investment income, try these tips: 1. Look for Preferred Stocks Many uneducated investors do not realize the benefits of owning preferred stock in their portfolios. The great thing about preferred stock is that it guarantees a regular dividend payment to shareholders. It is not based on a measure of how effective the stock is trading in the marketplace. It is a guaranteed, regular payment to the owner of the stock.&amp;nbsp; 2. High Yield Funds If you want more...]]></description><pubDate>October 21, 2009  1:25 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Higher Net Investment Income: Pay Less in Taxes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/higher-net-investment-income-pay-less-in-taxes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Having a high net investment income is what every investor shoots for. The ability to bring in enough money to live on from your investments is a dream for many investors. However, the dream also has huge tax advantages as well. Regular income is taxed at a much higher rate than investment income. If you make enough money, your tax rate could be as much in the mid 30% range. However, depending on the investment, the tax rate could only be 20%. Investments essentially are a lot less likely to incur high taxes than your regular earned income. Tax...]]></description><pubDate>October 21, 2009  1:22 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Investment Income Steps To Maximize Returns]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-investment-income-steps-to-maximize-returns.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Generating a significant investment income is something that everyone would like to accomplish. While it may seem like a pipe dream, it can be done. Many people live off of their investments or supplement their lifestyles greatly. Here are a few tips to maximizing your returns. 1. Think about Costs The cost of investing is something that many new investors fail to think about. They think that all they have to do is pick winning stocks or bonds. If that were the case, many more people would be wealthier than they are. One big factor is the amount of...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Passive Investment Income: Investing For The Long Haul]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/passive-investment-income-investing-for-the-long-haul.html</link><description><![CDATA[Having passive investment income allows you more flexibility in life. If you can get a steady residual income coming in, you have many more options in front of you. Creating passive income is all about investing for the long haul. It is not something that you can normally create overnight.&amp;nbsp;AnnuitiesStart to accumulate several different annuities in your portfolio. From stocks with dividends to bonds, annuities are a great way to create passive income in your portfolio. When looking for annuities for your portfolio, do not concentrate as much on the overall return. Focus on the stability that it will bring...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing For Income: Get Closer To Retirement]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-for-income-get-closer-to-retirement.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investing for income&amp;nbsp;is a practice that everyone planning for retirement should consider. When you are trying to live off of your investments, you want some stability in your monthly income. You do not want to be living comfortably one month and scraping to get by the next.&amp;nbsp; Choose annuities: Selecting investments based on the annuity payment is a good way to provide some stability in your portfolio. When you have a regular payment coming in from your stock or bond, you will be able to budget accordingly. Invest 10%: Make it a habit to invest at least 10% of your...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Property Income: Building A Residual Income]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-property-income-building-a-residual-income.html</link><description><![CDATA[One of the quickest and surest ways to build income from property is through the purchase of investment property.Investment property is any real estate not meant to be used as your personal residence that generates income on a monthly or yearly basis. This can include a second home or an apartment building you lease out to tenants, an office building that you lease, or a retail store front, among others.Income derived from these investments is called investment property income otherwise known as residual income or passive income.&amp;nbsp;If the income from your investment property is higher than its expenses you will...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Which Investor Group Services Cause Negative Externalities?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/which-investor-group-services-cause-negative-externalities.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investor group services are designed to provide benefits for investors and have a positive effect on economic activity. However, there are some activities that investor groups engage that may have a negative effect on the economy and lead to financial calamity or failure of the system.Negative ExternalityAn externality is defined as cost or benefit that is associated with an economic activity. Buying stocks ahead of the public based on insider knowledge has the affect of providing a benefit to the insider at a cost to the public investor who does not have access to such information. An externalities can be...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Increase Your Retirement Income Through Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/increase-your-retirement-income-through-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[Retirement income investing is one of the most important financial topics to anyone currently in the workforce. Although it might seem like an eternity away, your retirement will come much faster than you anticipate. Being prepared for what comes your way is all about taking the proper steps. Here are a few tips to get started: Start a Pre-Tax Investment Account: This is the best way to take full advantage of any investments is to invest in them before taxes. Instead of the government taking a percentage out of the money and then giving it to you to invest, you...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding Financial Investment Group Research Data -- Private Investors]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/finding-financial-investment-group-research-data-private-investors.html</link><description><![CDATA[A financial investment group can be a big help if you are a private investor looking to join the market. The Investment Financial Services Association is a not-for-profit organization that is set up to help potential investors find a solid financial investment group. While mostly an Australian group, their advice is sounds for all areas of investment around the world. Their research data helps private investors to make informed decisions, especially in today tough global marketplace.Of course, most groups that provide research data to private investors often have a financial services forum in which people can discuss ideas and trends...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Contrasting The Different Tiers Of Investment Banking Groups]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/contrasting-the-different-tiers-of-investment-banking-groups.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investment banking groups have different tiers that help run the business of the investment bank. Although commercial banks and other large financial institutions have absorbed most of the traditional investment banking groups, investment banking nonetheless still exists as an important way to create capital for companies in order to expand the economy.Front Office TierThe front tier of an investment banking group is the investment bank. This is the heart of the group where deals are written to bring companies to market, locate financing in the equity, debt markets and sell companies securities. The front tier is represented by the Gordon...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Solar Equipment -- Prospects For An Investment Capital Group]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/solar-equipment-prospects-for-an-investment-capital-group.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investment capital groups manage the investments of individuals and institutions through mutual funds, separately managed accounts and other pooled investment funds. These &amp;ldquo;other pooled investment funds&amp;rdquo; come from a variety of different places, to include business venture groups. Business venture groups provide start-up capital to early-stage, high growth potential companies in the interest of generating a return on their investment. One of the most recent &amp;ldquo;hot topics&amp;rdquo; for investors deal with solar energy and solar equipment.Why Invest in Solar Energy?Solar energy interest has risen in the recent years and is emerging as a strategic investment opportunity. Being able to get...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Do Angel Investor Groups Find Potential Ventures?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-do-angel-investor-groups-find-potential-ventures.html</link><description><![CDATA[Angel investor groups operate to provide capital to entrepreneurs and business start-ups. An angel investor group comes in usually as a financier of last resort. Entrepreneurs with business plans, looking for capital, turn to the angel investor to finance their business. The angel investor is not a vocal investor, they are typically silent investors that only provide capital.Ways Angel Investor Groups WorkAngel networks work in a variety of ways to locate potential ventures in which to provide start-up capital. They tend to work in private sectors and do not engage in advertisement to the public.&amp;nbsp; The most common media published...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Getting Involved In A Local Stock Investment Club]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/getting-involved-in-a-local-stock-investment-club.html</link><description><![CDATA[Joining a stock investment club is a great idea for amateur investors that want to learn more about trading in the stock market. A stock investment club allows you to benefit from the knowledge of more experienced investors in the club as well as learn valuable tips regarding trading in stocks and other general investment information. Also, it offers you the opportunity to meet with investors face-to-face and quickly learn what has made other investors successful in the past.Joining a Local Stock Investment ClubIf you live in a major city, there will be many investment clubs in your area. To...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing Your Retirement Money Smartly]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-your-retirement-money-smartly.html</link><description><![CDATA[Like most Americans, you&amp;rsquo;ve probably thought about investing retirement money to make the most out of what you have. Investing poorly with a retirement fund can lead to dire consequences though. The last thing you want is to lose your money before you even get a chance to retire, especially in today&amp;rsquo;s economic climate. Here are a few things to keep in mind to avoid a potential nightmare later.Risk FactorsUnless you are very young and just beginning your retirement investments, you should be investing in pretty conservative accounts. If you invest aggressively and are only a few years away from...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Property Investment - Handling Market Volatility]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/property-investment-handling-market-volatility.html</link><description><![CDATA[Property investment market involves investors putting their money in real estate, in hopes that it's value will increase and they will be able to gain profit. They can invest in residential homes, commercial buildings, office buildings and other privately owned structures. In a bad economy, however, property investment market can prove to be volatile. There are several things investors can do to make sure that their investments will survive tumultuous times, and perhaps even bring profit.Research Property InvestmentsEvery investment inherently holds risk. Investors bought property in places where real estate was relatively inexpensive - working class neighborhoods, poor neighborhoods, sparsely...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Financial Investment Analyst's Tips and Tricks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-financial-investment-analysts-tips-and-tricks.html</link><description><![CDATA[A financial investment analyst can help take the guess work out of investing.&amp;nbsp; Their research is invaluable because they can help us determine whether a company may be a good or bad investment idea.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; What does a Financial Investment Analyst Do?Financial investment analysts are responsible for researching and analyzing all different business aspects of the companies and stock markets.&amp;nbsp; They help the fund managers manage their investments because they provide an overall view of the stock market. The analysts can be stock broking analysts or institutional analysts.&amp;nbsp; Both expertise and experience in capital markets make them highly suitable to handle...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How To Invest Money The Frugal Way]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-money-the-frugal-way.html</link><description><![CDATA[Knowing how to invest money is a crucial part of a strong financial foundation. Knowing how to correctly and frugally invest money is even more important. When people think of investments, they think of the stock market. They think about the volatile ups and downs of the market, and the possibility of losing investments. They think about those who pour tens of thousands of dollars into the stock market, only to lose on their investments.Many fail to think about investing money the frugal way. Not every investment needs to be aggressive. Not every investment has to have the opportunity to...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Smart Ways To Invest Money Outside Of Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/smart-ways-to-invest-money-outside-of-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[Smart ways to invest money will pay off in the long run, regardless of economic, social and political conditions.The harsh truth of the matter is that there is no such thing as a perfectly safe investment. All investments involve some type of risk, and there is always a chance that something will adversely affect the value of even the most solid investments. Furthermore, investment options are interlinked. Problems with one type of investment can adversely affect the value of another. However, some investments are definitely more stable than others, which makes them preferable to alternatives. Investors should also remember that...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What do Financial Investment Companies Do?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-do-financial-investment-companies-do.html</link><description><![CDATA[A financial investment companies principal purpose is to invest in securities. The funds for the investments are from people who financial company investors.&amp;nbsp; Their singular purpose is to maximize a shareholder's wealth.&amp;nbsp; Company profits or losses are shared by investors according to their portfolios. The performance of the securities in which the investment companies invest has a direct correlation with its own performance.How are Financial Investment Made?People with cash, and who want to hedge against inflation or are looking for capital appreciation and another source of income, may invest in financial investment companies. Usually, such investments are made indirectly through...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[National Association of Investment Clubs: Low-Income Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/national-association-of-investment-clubs-low-income-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[The National Association of Investment Clubs, which is officially known as the National Association of Investment Corporations (NAIC), provides information for individuals who want to form investment clubs. Investment clubs provide a way for all types of individuals to learn about investing and investments and the way the equity and debt markets work. Forming investment clubs gives many individuals, particularly those with low incomes, a chance to build wealth and understand the lessons of investing and saving.NAIC&amp;rsquo;s PurposeNAIC is a member-driven organization whose mission it is to educate investors on the benefits and advantages of investing through investment clubs. An...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using An Investment Forum To Make Your Decisions]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-an-investment-forum-to-make-your-decisions.html</link><description><![CDATA[Making sound investment decisions can be tough, but participating in an investment forum can be a way to find the answers you need. Generally, people are investing without much in the way of guidance. Forums are the discussion place that can hold answers to general or more indepth questions.Investing TodayBecause of the world economy, and the way it can fluctuate, many people are looking for new ways to invest their money so it will be there when they get ready to retire. Investment vehicles such as stocks, commodities, real estate, Forex, or bonds are places where people are spreading their...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Safe Investment Options When You Can't Afford Losses]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/safe-investment-options-when-you-cant-afford-losses.html</link><description><![CDATA[There are safe investment options available to investors that provide opportunities for some growth. These types of investments are important for those individuals who have a short time horizon (less than 5 years) and are looking to preserve capital as an investment objective. Investors who are nearing a life event such as retirement or funding a child&amp;rsquo;s college education are more likely to run to safer investments that provide some growth but are not as risky.Risk ProfileWhen an investment account is established for an investor, a risk profile is determined. The risk profile allows an investment professional to determine which...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Management Investment Group - Strategies For Organized Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/management-investment-group-strategies-for-organized-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[If you have funds or assets that you wish to invest, then you may want to consider using this services of a management investment group or investment management service. Investment management services are usually well qualified and very experienced at managing securities such as, stocks and bonds and other assets such as, real estate for client investors. There are many of these types of firms located throughout the country, and many of them do a reasonably good job of providing decent rates of return on client investor investments and holdings.Strategies for InvestingWhen thinking of using an investment management service, be...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Financial Investment Methods Are Practiced By Firms?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-financial-investment-methods-are-practiced-by-firms.html</link><description><![CDATA[There are several strategies that are used by financial investment firms that help their clients maximize their returns and minimize risks. These strategies are based on firm financial management principles and have been employed for years.&amp;nbsp; These methods, when used, provide you with safety and peace of mind. The standard methods include a buy and hold investment strategy, seeking total return for your portfolio and using diversification and asset allocation. Each of these methods provide a way to balance risk and increase the potential for higher investment returns.Buy and Hold StrategyA buy and hold strategy takes a long-term look at...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Where To Invest Your Money For High Returns?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/where-to-invest-your-money-for-high-returns.html</link><description><![CDATA[We all want to know where to invest your money for the greatest possible return. As long as you are educated and make wise decisions, making money on investments doesn&amp;rsquo;t have to take a degree in rocket science. Here are a few ways you can get a higher return on your money.Invest in LandIf you see an area that is growing in population and industry, then land is a pretty good high return investment. The trick for this is to track the growth rates of an area and get the land before the prices start to go up. By the...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The 3 Best Investment Options For High Returns]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-3-best-investment-options-for-high-returns.html</link><description><![CDATA[In present times, more than ever, people are wondering what the best investment options. While high returns can never be guaranteed in the financial markets, there are several strategies you can undertake in order to better your chances at earnings these high returns. Before beginning, however, we must also note that investors need to keep in mind the risk-return ratio. As a general rule, the options that present the possibility of extremely high returns also represent the possibility of low returns. This article will cover some of the very risky strategies as well as some of the more neutral strategies...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tracking A Property Investment Group -- Market Forecasting]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/tracking-a-property-investment-group-market-forecasting.html</link><description><![CDATA[A property investment group is a lucrative business that over the years has proven to increase substantially. Go anywhere around your town or home and it is immediately apparent that the world of real estate is and property investing is all around us. ForecastingForecasting just as it sounds is a way of predicting an uncertain outcome. It is trying to gain an understanding of how a certain situation will play out over a course of time. Making predictions with investment forecasting will help you have a full understanding of where you hope to be and where you&amp;rsquo;re going to be....]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Club Accounting For Tax Benefits]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-club-accounting-for-tax-benefits.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investment club accounting is used to determine the amount of capital gains, losses or passive or active income that should be credited to a members account.&amp;nbsp; Investment club accounting involves recording purchase price of investments that are made in the investment club account to establish it original value or cost basis. As earnings are credited to the account or losses deducted, the accounting system can distribute them, known as capital gains and losses, on a pro rata share to all members.Passive InvestingIn the case of investment clubs that invest in passive investments such as limited partnerships, the tax benefits are...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Market Investing Strategies to Consider]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-market-investing-strategies-to-consider.html</link><description><![CDATA[Market investing involves risks, it is a good idea to consider a few strategies to minimize losses. Regardless of experience level, a few overall strategies can be used by any investor. Although these strategies cannot assure that you will profit, or avoid losses, but they are used by professional investment managers and others as a way to minimize risk and increase the potential for gain.&amp;nbsp; Strategy 1: DiversificationDiversification involves the balancing of different types of investments in order to minimize risk due to changes in the market.&amp;nbsp; Diversification goes beyond just choosing between different companies or types of stock but...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Managing Relations In Your Online Investment Club]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/managing-relations-in-your-online-investment-club.html</link><description><![CDATA[Hosting an online investment club provides a way to invite members from all over the country to become a part of your investing experience. The use of social networking sites, email, chat programs and instant messaging allows us to stay in constant contact with one another. This ability to have access to information and communicate it in real time via a laptop, PC or PDA means that an online investment club is far from inconceivable.Advantages of Online Investment ClubsBecause an online investment club lacks the same face-to-face interpersonal connection that a local investment club that meets a church or library...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Need A Safe Investment? Money Market Account Advantages]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/need-a-safe-investment-money-market-account-advantages.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investments in money market accounts can be a painless way to invest money. They have several advantages. Here are just a few to keep in mind when you are looking to invest in a MMA.Money Market Deposits vs. Money Market FundsIf you are looking for a return on your money, the money market fund account is probably the best bet. You can generally use these accounts like a checking account. The returns on the funds account are generally higher than the deposit accounts. A deposit account can limit the number of transactions. Generally, the limit is no more than six...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Tools: Understanding The Categories]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-tools.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investment tools are used by investors to make decisions. The use of investment tools helps with the investing process and brings clarity to investment choices. The basic categories for investing and investment tools include investment screening tools, research tools and portfolio management tools. Whether you are a savvy investor or just beginning to invest your money in the market, understanding the different categories of investing tools will help you do better with your investments. These tools will help you properly analyze and pick additions to your portfolio and quickly remove those positions that are underperforming.Investment Screening ToolsAn investment screening tool...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Drafting A Good Constitution - Maintaining Group Investor Relations]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/drafting-a-good-constitution-maintaining-group-investor-relations.html</link><description><![CDATA[Group investor relations are critical in difficult economies. Many people lack the necessary capital for major investments and investment groups reduce risk by getting multiple investors involved and raise capital from many sources, instead of having one or two investors raise it themselves. With group investor relations, the risk is minimized for investors because individuals do not have to put up large amounts of money in order to support a business. Group investment relations, such as NASDAQ, are becoming more popular and have been highly promoted in top investor relations magazines on the market.Importance of a ConstitutionA good constitution is...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Investing Forum: Spotlighting Rising Companies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-investing-forum-spotlighting-rising-companies.html</link><description><![CDATA[Stock investing forums can be a valuable tool for anyone looking to start investing money. With these forums you can connect to other investors, find out what&amp;rsquo;s working for them, and get solid financial advice. Investing can be tricky and risky. Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to stock investing forums.HobbyistsFor many people stock investing is a mere hobby. Its fun to watch your money grow and see how accurate you are at reading the trends and seeing which stocks will pay off. If you are one of these people who thinks investing is...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Selecting The Right Stock Investment Tool For Beginners]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/selecting-the-right-stock-investment-tool-for-beginners.html</link><description><![CDATA[When starting out as an investor, it is important for beginners to select a stock investment tool that will help them choose the appropriate investments for their portfolio. There are various tools that help with the selection, analysis and management of the investments in a beginning investor&amp;rsquo;s portfolio.Basis for Selecting a Stock Investment ToolSelecting the right stock investment tool depends on the investor&amp;rsquo;s familiarity with investments and knowledge of the different types of analytical tools available. The right tool, whether it is a stock selection, research or portfolio management tool can be found to assist the beginning investor.Seeking Advice from...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Venture Capital Money For Investment]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/venture-capital-money-for-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[Venture capital can be a great source of money for investments if you know where to look and what to do. Venture capital can be tricky and there are a few things you need to know.What Is Venture Capital?Venture Capital finance is a method used to raise money aside from borrowing from a bank. If you have a new business, or an existing one that needs to raise money then venture capital may be something to look in to. Basically instead of securing financing through a traditional bank, a venture capital firm will loan you the money expecting to receive...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Money To Invest: Where To Find It]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/money-to-invest-where-to-find-it.html</link><description><![CDATA[Having money to invest is something that many people think about. They think about their financial situation, but are unsure as to where they can find money to invest. They may not feel comfortable with using any of what they have. Others simply do not know where to begin. As long as you know what you want to invest, you can find the money to do so. It may take a little self sacrifice, but it will be worth it in the long run.Savings AccountsMany people constantly save money. They will put money into their savings account whenever they realize...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Startups -  Finding Capital From A Business Investment Group]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/startups-finding-capital-from-a-business-investment-group.html</link><description><![CDATA[A business investment group can be a great place to find start up funds for a new business. These groups are generally comprised of several larger investment companies who are looking for new and fresh ideas, or joint ventures. Here is how you can find capital for a business startup.Business PlansThe first step you will need before you can start looking for business investment finance will be to create a really good business plan. This is what the investors will be looking at to determine if your business is worth investing in. Many people will hire a professional business plan...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investors Group - Mortgage Forecasts After The Market Correction]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investors-group-mortgage-forecasts-after-the-market-correction.html</link><description><![CDATA[Generally speaking, an investors group mortgage is simply a mortgage debt is held by a private group of investors and not a bank or finance company. While most residential mortgages are held by conventional banks, there are a growing number of private investors that loan money to would-be home buyers &amp;ndash; in order to receive interest on the mortgage loans. While there are individual mortgage investors that loan money to people to purchase homes with, most investors choose to become part of an investment group that manages the investment funds of the investors for them.Investment Group Mortgage RatesInvestor&amp;rsquo;s group mortgages...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing Money In A Period Of Economic Decline]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-money-in-a-period-of-economic-decline.html</link><description><![CDATA[When the economy is doing well, people are constantly investing money in various ways. They are looking into the stock market, and are willing to play and gamble with their money to make more money. A sound economy means that most people are feeling financially secure. Those who may not think about investing otherwise are starting to put their feet into the water. Those who are used to investing are being more risky and are being more aggressive with their portfolio.Unfortunately, the economy will see a decline. Every so often, the economy begins to fall. Many people are worried about...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How To Invest My Money: 4 Beginner Tips]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-my-money-4-beginner-tips.html</link><description><![CDATA[Wondering &amp;ldquo;How to Invest My Money&amp;rdquo;? For beginners the idea of investing their money seems overwhelming. There are so many options out there, that you almost need a translator and personal finance manager to begin your investment venture. As tedious as it is, your future is not guaranteed, unless you do what is necessary to guarantee that your retirement security. You should consider the options for investment and make a decision that best fits your financial situation and long term goals.&amp;nbsp;Simple Is Sometimes BestYou can keep it simple with a high paid interest savings account. This is a good place...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Regional Education Through Your Property Investment Club]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/regional-education-through-your-property-investment-club.html</link><description><![CDATA[A property investment club is a type of club that invests almost exclusively in real estate. The purpose of the club is to buy and sell developed and undeveloped land or collect rents associated with residential and commercial property.Establishment of a Property Investment ClubThe property investment club is usually established on a local or regional basis due to the clubs knowledge and expertise. As a club, each member provides a pro rata share of capital necessary to obtain financing or purchase out right a desired piece of property.Regional Education OpportunitiesThe property investment club can provide opportunities for education about regional...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Club Accounting Software - Getting Rid Of Paperwork]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-club-accounting-software-getting-rid-of-paperwork.html</link><description><![CDATA[Using investment club accounting software to monitor the pro rata shares of each member is a good way to reduce paperwork and bring efficiency to your investment club. The software packages available on the market help to eliminate much of the guesswork associated with investment club accounting and help to streamline your reporting process. This allows you to focus more time on picking profitable investments and less time on the paperwork that is required to be maintained.Elements of a Good Software PackageA good investment club accounting package should be designed with you in mind. It should be able to track...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Money Investing Survival Tips]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/money-investing-survival-tips.html</link><description><![CDATA[Trying to make money through money investing can be a simple and fruitful venture. You need to know exactly how to wisely invest your money, however, to ensure that it can be beneficial to your financial situation. There are multiple things to consider when thinking about investing. Multiple tips and tricks will be able to help you invest wisely. While these tips and tricks may be helpful, it is important to understand the basic tips for survival. Thinking about the basic survival tips of money investing can help you to start off on a strong foot.Know Where Your Money Is...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Big Investing With Little Money: 4 Hints]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/big-investing-with-little-money-4-hints.html</link><description><![CDATA[You don&amp;rsquo;t have to be on &amp;ldquo;Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous&amp;rdquo; to invest money, in fact there are many programs that allow for investing with little money. Here are just a few ways you can start investing with just a little money.Savings BondsInvesting in U.S. Savings Bonds may sound old school, but it&amp;rsquo;s still a great way to start investing. Basically with a savings bond you are loaning the government money for 5 to 35 years. In return for the loan, the government will pay you back the money loaned plus interest. You can buy a savings bond for...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Best Bets: Money Investment Strategies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/best-bets-money-investment-strategies.html</link><description><![CDATA[The best money investment strategies can be difficult to figure out. You will read and hear varying opinions on what is best. Here are a few things to consider when it comes to investing your money.Start EarlyYou should be thinking of retirement the moment you land your first job. If you invest 10% of your income as early as 18, you can almost guarantee yourself a hefty nest egg when you get to retirement age. Start contributing to a 401k plan as soon as you are able to. If 401k isn&amp;rsquo;t available through your employer then look in to setting...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Accelerate Your Returns Through Compounding Investing Dividend Payments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/accelerate-your-returns-through-compounding-investing-dividend-payments.html</link><description><![CDATA[The process of investing a dividend in order to compound dividend payments is a way to increase the returns in your portfolio. Dividends are additional payments made by a company on its stock. These payments provide additional value to a company&amp;rsquo;s investors and a way to earn income through investing. Dividends are not guaranteed but when declared by a company, paid to the shareholder to use as they wish.When dividends are used to purchase additional shares of a company&amp;rsquo;s stock, it has the impact of increasing the portfolios return. The additional shares receive dividends when declared, which in turn are...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Be Aware of Ineffective Investment Analysis Tools]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/be-aware-of-ineffective-investment-analysis-tools.html</link><description><![CDATA[Most people wanting to invest their money into the stock market decide to do so on the basis of a handful of investment analysis tools available to them. However, you must do your homework before investing. It is crucial to do a complete and thorough analysis of any investment opportunity before investing. Be aware of poor investment tools and do your own research. Reliance on Past Performance MetricsA lot of investors choose to study the past performance of stocks to gauge how the stock will perform in the future. While past performance certainly gives investors insight to stock trends, key...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Valuating An Investment Group Before You Join]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/valuating-an-investment-group-before-you-join.html</link><description><![CDATA[It is extremely important to evaluate an investment group before you join. Since there is a multitude of options available for the novice investor it is important to have some type of working knowledge of the different ways to invest your money. Many things that might be needed to investigate are whether or not there are any hidden fees or programs that you must pay for. It is also important to know what type of investments the group is in to and how your money will be invested. It is also important to know the types of services and products...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A List Of Financial Investment Corporation Activities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-list-of-financial-investment-corporation-activities.html</link><description><![CDATA[Jess D.So, you have saved some money and are interested in getting into the stock market or making other types of investments; you've heard that a financial investment corporation, or investment brokerage firm, might be the solution for you. But you're not really sure what they'd do. If this is the case, then here are some things you should know about investment brokers and the services that they provide:Number One - Guidance and ConsultationInvestment brokerage firms offer clients advice and suggestions on a wide range of investment subjects. For example, investment brokers are usually well versed in the ins and...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Technology Group - Researching Prospective Technologies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-technology-group-researching-prospective-technologies.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investment Technology Group Inc. also known as ITG, is a brokerage firm based out of New York City that is also international that became profitable by being one of the original initiators of providing trading services electronically. They provide national and international support and ability to localize technology to the consumer. Investment Technology Group is an advanced technology investment company that understands the power of technology in today&amp;rsquo;s global market. They have developed technology that improves performance and while at the same time minimizing the costs to the consumer. By researching prospective technologies the company is able to stay ahead...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Are Effective Online Investing Tools?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-are-effective-online-investing-tools.html</link><description><![CDATA[There are various online investing tools that are available to assist you in effectively managing your investments. These tools help both experienced investors and novices navigate the word of investment by analyzing, screening and managing the selections for your portfolio.The online investment tools are as effective as the individual using them is. They offer different levels of either complexity or ease of use and can be tailored to select specific types of investments that meet your investing criteria.Investment ScreenersAn investment screener is a tool that helps an investor select different investments based on broad criteria. The screener looks at different...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing Your Money Online Easy, Fast, and Securely]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-your-money-online-easy-fast-and-securely.html</link><description><![CDATA[The internet has made investing your money online easy and convenient. As long as you know what you are doing and are smart about it, investing online can be a great option for many people.Reputable CompaniesWhen you start looking to invest money online it&amp;rsquo;s best that you start with companies who have a proven track record of security. Going with a no name investment firm can be dangerous, and put you at risk with your money. There are plenty of investment companies out there who have made a great name for themselves by providing excellent service, low priced trades, and...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Smart Money Investing: Building A Nest For Retirement]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/smart-money-investing-building-a-nest-for-retirement.html</link><description><![CDATA[Smart money investing includes the creation of a plan for investing in your retirement. Retirement is one of the most important financial goals that all investors share. The earlier that an investor can begin the process of planning and saving for their retirement needs the better it will be when the time comes to beginning withdrawing income.For most people, retirement planning is based on a faith that programs such as Social Security will provide an adequate source in which to live. This may not be true for many people, particularly those who experience some type of catastrophic health situation. The...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Where To Invest Money For The Highest Return]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/where-to-invest-money-for-highest-return.html</link><description><![CDATA[Most new investors are eager to learn where to invest money in order to earn the highest rates of return. There are several time-tested investment avenues to high returns, but those looking to make a quick buck should be warned against the possible risks.StocksStocks have historically shown the highest rates of return of any investment vehicle. Individual companies sell stocks to buyers, who become shareholders and own a portion of the company. The advantage of putting your money into specific stocks is that your return can be extremely high over several years or decades, if you can predict which companies...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using an Investing Game to Increase Real Returns]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-an-investing-game-to-increase-real-returns.html</link><description><![CDATA[Many investors are now relying on online investing games to perfect their skills and prepare for actual stock market trading. These no-risk simulation games offer a way for potential investors to use fake money to buy and sell stocks at actual market prices. Players must effectively analyze the market and assess various types of investments to perform well in an investing game, and later, enjoy similar success in the real stock market.Step 1 &amp;ndash; Learn About TradingAn investing game helps people learn the ins and outs of the stock market, including terminology, common trading practices, how to asses investments, and...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Use the National Investment Club to Gain Resources]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/use-the-national-investment-club-to-gain-resources.html</link><description><![CDATA[The National Investment Club or National Association of Investors Corp. (NAIC) is a great resource for anyone interested in starting an investment club or simply making wise investments on their own.There are many resources available for the beginner and the experienced investor.&amp;nbsp; There is also a plethora of advice from experienced investors and experienced investment clubs. This nonprofit, volunteer based organization is committed to helping people succeed.Online ToolsThe National Investment Club offers many different types of online tools to assist investors. An investor never has to leave the comfort of their home.One tool, for example, includes the summary of security...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How To Invest Money In A Bear Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-money-in-a-bear-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ During difficult economic times many people want to know how to invest money. A bear market is usually defined as a drop of 20 percent of more in the average stock price from the previous average high. While these times can feel depressing, they can actually be opportunities for great investments and impressive long-term profits. It is true that there have been two or three major recessions and one Great Depression in the previous century, but the stock markets are naturally in constant movement, heading up or down for days, weeks, or months at a time. It is common...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Economic Cycles affect Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-economic-cycles-affect-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[Economic cycles have been with us since the beginning of recorded history. In ancient agrarian times, they were identified by periods of bumper crops followed by episodes of drought or pestilence. Today, we track these cycles by the relative strength or weakness of our current medium of exchange, money. In times of economic boon – which typically last an average of about four or five years – people often become lulled into a false sense of security, believing that the good times will go on forever. Jobs are abundant. Workers ask for and receive higher wages, making more cash available...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Choosing the Best Financial Investment for Your Needs?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/choosing-the-best-financial-investment-for-your-needs.html</link><description><![CDATA[The best financial investment goals are the ones that are achieved through a proper interconnection between an opportunity and the right mechanisms to oversee its implementation. A good financial investment ought to put into consideration the amount of capital required, the repayment duration and the rate of return on the investment.When looking for the best financial investment option it is sometimes difficult to do the work without engaging the input of financial investment advisors. These advisors ought to be the best that there can be in the market to ensure that their services are geared towards safeguarding your interests as...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Organizing a Private Investment Club that gets Returns]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/organizing-a-private-investment-club-that-gets-returns.html</link><description><![CDATA[Setting up a private investment club can be an easy way to learn about the stock market and other types of investments. In general, private investment clubs are small groups of people who join together to explore investment strategies and make small investments together.Club OrganizationUsually investment clubs are small groups of 10 to 15 people who are joined together in a partnership to learn about and make investments together. Each member pays a regular dues amount &amp;ndash; usually small monthly dues of approximately 20 dollars.Members are expected to contribute to the activities of the club, either by researching or following...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Put your Money to Work Wisely]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/put-your-money-to-work-wisely.html</link><description><![CDATA[The wise and the rich both know that there are valuable uses for money besides just spending it. When applied prudently and shrewdly, money can become a very diligent employee. How can you make your money work for you? It's done, quite simply, by investing it. But, in order to ensure that your hard-earned cash is operating at a high level of efficiency, you need to be aware of not only the best investment practices to use, but also some of the most common mistakes made by average investors that can take a sizeable bite out of your returns. Here...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Which Financial Investment is Right For You?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/which-financial-investment-is-right-for-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[Thinking of financial investment may have your heart skip a beat, particularly in a grim financial arena marked with recession and cut-backs. However, whatever way the world economy behaves, everyone wants to secure the future and enjoy the present as well. That&amp;rsquo;s where the role of financial investments becomes all the more imperative, and you need to zero in on the &amp;ldquo;right&amp;rdquo; financial investment plans, so that you can play it safe and at the same time reap rich rewards for your investment.Smart InvestingNo cushy thing it is! Yes, smart financial investment calls for prudent thinking, incisive research, and know-how...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Avoiding Investment Scams]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/avoiding-investment-scams.html</link><description><![CDATA[While it would be nice to think that you can trust anyone you talk to in the world, the days when people can be trusted by their word are long gone. These days you need to enter into any financial deal carefully to make sure you are not taken advantage of. Many of the scam artists out there sound like they are legit, know the terminology and may even seem to know a bit about your financial situation. For most people, getting that kind of information given to them will make them trust the person at the other end of...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing My Money For Quick Returns: A Guide]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-my-money-for-quick-returns-a-guide.html</link><description><![CDATA[If you have been saying to yourself that you need to learn how to go about investing my money for fast returns, there is a process you need to follow to make it happen. It is important, however, that you remember fast returns can also deliver high risks, as well.Step 1 - Determining Investment AmountWhen fast returns are desired from investments, it is important to set a budget that can withstand the risk. Since this is technically a gamble, it is best to invest only that which can be lost. If and when investments pay off, profits can be rolled...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing, at a Time like This?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-at-a-time-like-this.html</link><description><![CDATA[In the wake of an economy in the midst of incredible upheaval, many people are wondering if they should still consider investing their money in a vastly weakened stock market. If you talk to stockbrokers, they're likely to tell you not to sell your existing stocks, and to buy since stocks are currently quite low. Conversely, other 'experts' may advise you to take of all your money out of the markets and not invest at all. Who's right? Frankly speaking, they both are. While you may have had quite a bit of money invested in the stock market and lost...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Personal Finance: Investing Psychology For Emotional Control]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/personal-finance-investing-psychology-for-emotional-control.html</link><description><![CDATA[Personal finance investing offers you the most control over your own finances, but it also requires&amp;nbsp; a steady hand. It&amp;rsquo;s easy to get overly emotional and overwhelmed when it comes to personal investments. Follow these steps and regain your confidence!Before You InvestIf you draft a diversified investment plan, you&amp;rsquo;ll be ready to handle a fluctuating market. Don&amp;rsquo;t invest until you&amp;rsquo;ve got a plan!Step 1 &amp;ndash; Don&amp;rsquo;t Give in to PanicOne of the worst things you can do is pull all of your money out of the market at the first sign of trouble. The consequences of this include: further driving...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Money And Investing Advice For Beginners]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/money-and-investment-advice-for-beginners.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Learning the ins and outs of money and investing can be daunting, but you just need to take a few basic steps to get started. Make Financial GoalsHow and where you invest your cash is entirely dependent on your financial goals. You must determine whether you plan to invest for just a few years or a few decades, and whether you want to save up just enough money for retirement, or if you also need to save up for your children&amp;rsquo;s tuition, and if you plan to provide them with an inheritance after your death. There are different funds...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Online Trading and Investing: Using Internet Tools]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/online-trading-and-investing-using-internet-tools.html</link><description><![CDATA[Online trading investing has become more than just a hobby for many people today. With increased use of the Internet as not only an entertainment medium, but as an actual tool for business and income, the proliferation of websites that offer every day individuals the opportunity to control their own investment portfolios has also dramatically increased in recent years.Online Trading BasicsToday, it is easy to open an online trading account. There are many companies like Scott Trade, E-Trade and others which allow individuals to open an account for a small minimum dollar amount. The process is simple and usually only...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Ways To Invest Money Wisely]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-ways-to-invest-money-wisely.html</link><description><![CDATA[In both difficult and prosperous economic times, it can be confusing to determine the best ways to invest money wisely. The key steps are to make a financial plan, diversify your investments, determine how much money to allocate to each asset class, and to continually rebalance your portfolio.1.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;Make a Financial PlanYou must determine your financial goals before you can decide which investments are best for you. How and where you invest will be determined by things like your age, the type of retirement you desire and your tolerance for risk. For example, if you are within 5 years of...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Community Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/community-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[Community investing allows socially-conscious investors to put their money to work locally in the service of their values. It provides a means of creating solutions for many current social, economic, or natural problems by putting much-needed funding into the hands of those who are at the grass-roots level and thus able to make the most direct impact. From dilemmas such as inner-city poverty to third-world destitution, from saving a national park to saving the rain forests, community investing paves the way for conscientious individuals and companies to invest in dedicated and hardworking people who are actually bringing about the necessary...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Personal Investment Strategy: What's Your Risk/Reward Ratio?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/reward-ratio.html</link><description><![CDATA[Your personal investment strategy is the investment plan you design to reach a goal. One of the most crucial factors in your investment strategy&amp;rsquo;s success is your risk/reward ratio.Calculating Your Risk/Reward RatioPersonal investors should calculate the risk/reward ratio for every trade or transaction. Do so by: setting stop and limit orders &amp;ndash; Automatically sell stock should it rise or fall to certain thresholds. This will allow you to see the best and worst outcomes possible in a trade at the outset, and it also allows you to avoid a devastating loss. determining potential profit and loss &amp;ndash; Divide the maximum...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Best Way To Invest Money: A Market Breakdown]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/best-way-to-invest-money-a-market-breakdown.html</link><description><![CDATA[Determining the best way to invest money in the stock market requires using a multi-step process to decide what to buy, how to do so and when to sell. The market can be subject to major ups and downs, so it can be important to buckle in for a ride. When the right process is followed, gains can be enjoyed and losses kept at a minimum in many cases.Step 1 - Determine Investment AmountSince even the best buys in the market can experience big losses on occasion, it is important to consider the amount of the initial investment. The stock...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Tracking: 4 Steps for Picking Winning Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-tracking-4-steps-for-picking-winning-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investment tracking can be an effective way of watching and choosing well-performing stocks. Almost all major financial and news media websites provide free stock screeners that allow you to sort out certain types of investments based on your choice of filters. (Yahoo and MorningStar are among the most popular screeners.) While there is no one proven way for finding winning stocks, by tracking and screening potential investments online with a few important criteria, you will have a good chance of picking some very profitable stocks.1.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Look for Good P/E and PEG RatiosStart your search for prime stocks by searching for...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Financial &amp; Investment Management: Why You Need It]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/financial-investment-management-why-you-need-it.html</link><description><![CDATA[A financial and investment adviser can help you with your financial investment management by guiding you to create and start a solid financial plan. This plan will earn more money for you and your family. It will enable you to better prepare for retirement and other changes in life. It also prepares you for unfortunate circumstances.What is Financial Planning?Financial planning is a procedure that makes your financial objectives clear. Basically, it is clarifying what you want your finances to do for you. This procedure helps you determine if your current financial situation is capable of propelling you towards your financial...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How To Make Money Investing Prudently]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-make-money-investing-prudently.html</link><description><![CDATA[Learning how to make money investing can be a complicated undertaking, but when all the jargon is stripped away it all comes down to personal preferences and the need to exercise prudence. Investing does come with risks. The idea is to minimize those risks and maximize the gains. To set a plan for personal investments, it is smart to follow a few basic steps.Step 1 - Establish the Investment AmountBefore diving into a market buy, it is important to set a budget for investments. While it is smart to invest, it is imperative to remember that money put in can...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Forum: A Platform To Educate And Inform]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-forum-a-platform-to-educate-and-inform.html</link><description><![CDATA[It is a great time to start to invest in real estate, but if you aren&amp;rsquo;t sure where to start, check out an investment forum. An investment forum can be a great place to get information and to educate yourself about buying and selling real estate all over the world.What a Forum has to OfferIf you want to invest, but you really aren&amp;rsquo;t sure where to start, you can communicate with other investors in the property investment forum. Other investors, who may have in the business for a long time, can really give you some great pointers, based on their...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Best Place To Invest Money; 3 Ways]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-best-place-to-invest-money-3-ways.html</link><description><![CDATA[The best place to invest money at any given time will depend on your financial goals. This includes both how long you want to invest and how much risk you are willing to take on. Typically, the longer you plan to leave your money in the markets, the more risk you can shoulder. Before parking your money anywhere, you need to decide if your plans include short term, middle range, or long-term investments.Where to Invest for the Short-TermShort-term money plans are usually those made for a period of 0 to 3 years. When you only have this much time to...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Financial Investment Services: Avoid Hidden Fees]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/financial-investment-services-avoid-hidden-fees.html</link><description><![CDATA[To avoid hidden fees check with your financial investment services and limit theses fees in your investment accounts. Talk to your plan provider and read the 401 (k) prospectus. Also, review the U.S. Department of Labor&amp;rsquo;s article 'A Look at 401(k) Plans.' An employee has to scrutinize his investment plan to discover these fees. The plan may be worded in a manner that hides some fees.Financial Investment Services QuestionsAsk the plan provider what class of shares the plan holds and are other classes offered. Check for hidden fees in each class. Inquire if shareholder-servicing fees are taken out of investment...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Day Trading and Investing: Popular Methodologies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/day-trading-and-investing-popular-methodologies.html</link><description><![CDATA[Day trading investing has become a popular way for investors to take control of their own investment portfolios and to become more involved in the day-to-day changes in the stock market and make a profit from those shifts. By using popular methodologies, traders can enter into the investment trading market and make their own profits.MethodsMany of these methods are used by day traders and, in fact, traders may employ several different methods as they research and investigate stocks. Trends &amp;ndash; Following trends is one of the foundational methods when it comes to day trading. Traders may following the trends of...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Personal Investment Management Basics to Diverse Your Portfolio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/personal-investment-management-basics-to-diverse-your-portfolio.html</link><description><![CDATA[Personal investment management is the cornerstone of a profitable investment portfolio. Effective management allows you to diversify your personal investments more successfully.Reasons to DiversifyAn undiversified investment portfolio is more likely to fail than a diversified portfolio, which offers: less risk &amp;ndash; It just takes one bad day for an investment to become nearly worthless; if you have your finances spread across multiple venues, a sudden drop in one investment won&amp;rsquo;t be as devastating. more profit &amp;ndash; With your finances in multiple investments, you&amp;rsquo;ll be able to observe trends of the market more closely. You&amp;rsquo;ll also be able to take the...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding Real Estate Through a Property Investment Forum]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/finding-real-estate-through-a-property-investment-forum.html</link><description><![CDATA[If you&amp;rsquo;ve been thinking about property investment forums, you might be wondering how to get started. This article will show you how to start in property investment using a property investment forum, without the confusion and worry.A ResourceYou can find wonderful locations to invest in using a property investment forum as a resource. By learning what questions to ask, you can be pointed in the right direction in these forums.If you want to invest, but you really aren&amp;rsquo;t sure where to start, you can communicate with other investors in the property investment forum. Other investors, who may have in the...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing Money Online: What To Avoid]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-money-online-what-to-avoid.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investing money online involves the use of banking and brokerage web sites in the hope of turning a profit. As day traders flock to the Internet to enjoy the freedom and flexibility online investing presents, there are pitfalls newcomers should be aware of. Avoiding potentially bad online investments requires the use of a multi-step process to vet not only the brokerage site, but also the investment.Step 1: Understand the InvestmentAs more banking and investment companies offer their services online, the options available can be staggering. Since any investment has the potential for risk, it is imperative that investors study up...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[6 Personal Investment Plan Mistakes To Avoid]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/6-personal-investment-plan-mistakes-to-avoid.html</link><description><![CDATA[A personal investment plan can be the path to financial freedom for the well-informed investor. However, with greater freedom comes greater risk, so the individual investor should tread carefully.Why Personal Investment?No commission fees and cheaper transaction fees! Personal investment&amp;mdash;either through direct company investment or online broker investment&amp;mdash;takes the power out of a broker&amp;rsquo;s hand and puts more profit directly into the personal investor&amp;rsquo;s pocket.6 Personal Investment Plan MistakesThese six pitfalls can cause the personal investor to suffer greatly: not becoming informed and staying informed about trends in the financial market pulling all of your money out of the market at...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing/Trading: Calculate Your Own Buy/Sell Points]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-trading-calculate-your-own-buy-sell-points.html</link><description><![CDATA[International and investment trading have become a central part of how the global economy operates. As a result, it is important to understand the details of international regulations and policies for operation.World Trade OrganizationThe primary regulatory body is the World Trade Organization (WTO). The WTO monitors global economic trends and makes recommendations to member governments about trade agreements, including international investment to encourage economic expansion.The WTO was established in 1995 under the General Agreements on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) which was established after World War II, and has been successful in establishing a stable and steady global marketplace that has...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Personal Investment Advisor: Is Your Interest First Served?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/personal-investment-advisor-is-your-interest-first-served.html</link><description><![CDATA[Your personal investment advisor is largely responsible for your financial success&amp;mdash;or failure. Before you risk your hard-earned money, make sure that your investment advisor puts your interests first.The Difference in TitlesYour personal investment advisor&amp;rsquo;s job title can give you a clue right from the start. Personal investment advisors fall into two categories: Fiduciary &amp;ndash; These advisors are legally obligated put your interests first. They include attorneys, CPAs (Certified Public Accountants), and RIAs (Registered Investment Advisors). They may also include CFPs (Certified Financial Planners) and financial planners. Suitable standards &amp;ndash; Stock brokers, registered representatives, and insurance agents will work to help...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Diverse Investing: Sector Strategies for a High Return]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/diverse-investing-sector-strategies-for-a-high-return.html</link><description><![CDATA[An investing sector is when equity investments are focused in a specific industry. An example of this is when a new technology or product emerges on the market, and everyone begins investing in it. There are some guidelines on how to decide which sectors are best for you.Diversify Your InvestmentsWhen the stock market took a major hit a short time back, investors learned a valuable but painful lesson. Never put everything you have into one area. You need to diversify and put your money in several investing sectors so if one area takes a major hit, you don&amp;rsquo;t end up...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Specific Abilities do Stock Investing Games Develop?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-specific-abilities-do-stock-investing-games-develop.html</link><description><![CDATA[A stock investing game helps you learn about investing by playing a no-risk simulation of an actual stock exchange. In these games, players buy stocks, bonds, and mutual funds with imaginary money. In doing so, players develop a variety of skills without the risk of investing in the real stock market.Learn the Ins and Outs of Buying and SellingA stock investing game helps investors learn how to make smart decisions and assess investments. The game helps you to know when to sell a stock and when to buy. You will learn how to predict trends in the market and assess...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Property Investment Forum: Finding Great Locations]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/property-investment-forum-finding-great-locations.html</link><description><![CDATA[A property investment forum could be a resource that you can use to find great locations. If you know what questions to ask, you may be able to find a profitable location to purchase as income real estate.When considering location, it is important to think about how close desirable places are to property that is for sale. On a property investment forum, you may be able to find out how close certain properties are to parks, bodies of water, educational institutions, shopping areas and jobs.If you are searching for a place to invest overseas, a property investment forum can make...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Personal Investing Guidelines for a Sound Investment Plan]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/personal-investing-guidelines-for-a-sound-investment-plan.html</link><description><![CDATA[Personal investing is a way for the savvy investor to achieve maximum profit by investing directly in the market without the aid of a broker or financial advisor. While not for everyone, those willing to take a few risks and make the time to do the research will find that personal investment opens up a plethora of financial opportunities.&amp;nbsp; Reasons to Begin Personal InvestmentThere are number of reasons to become a personal investor, including: maximum profit &amp;ndash; The &amp;ldquo;financial experts&amp;rdquo; offer their services for large commissions and service fees&amp;mdash;as much as $15-30 per transaction for even the services of a...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Investing Forum: Helping to Spotlight Rising Companies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-investing-forum-helping-to-spotlight-rising-companies.html</link><description><![CDATA[Using a stock investing forum can help you determine which of the publicly traded companies out there are the most promising.General tips can be found on a stock investing forum. Criteria for companies that are worth investing in early can be outlined. Analysts review companies based on assets, profits and products and any trend in past performance. These general criteria can help you decide for yourself whether or not an up and coming company shows promise.Opinions on industries are also available on stock investment forums. Automotive, food and beverage, energy, health care and construction are just a few of the...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Choose the Right Financial Investment Advisor]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-choose-the-right-financial-investment-advisor.html</link><description><![CDATA[Choosing the right financial investment advisor can be the most important decision one can ever endeavor to make. The task of securing profitable financial investments is a daunting one that requires a well informed hand to offer guidance and direction on which way to best proceed.Step 1 - Research and ConsultationsThe first step in achieving this feat is to carry out extensive research and consultations in the market to find out the reputable advisor who will be able to take care of your portfolio like you want it to. Seeking the advice of others who have succeeded in obtaining help...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Just Learn the Basics]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/just-learn-the-basics.html</link><description><![CDATA[Have you lost money in the recent investment market downturn? If you have, certainly you're not alone. It's an unfortunate fact that literally billions upon billions of investors' dollars have evaporated into thin air. Many people have watched their retirement accounts drop in value by 30 percent or more in just the last month, prompting comparisons with the Crash of 1929 and causing considerable financial anxiety. But, take heart; all is not lost. Markets are cyclical in nature; in other words, they're going to go up and down. And, although this current bear is definitely bigger, stronger and meaner than...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Find Yourself An Investment Club]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/find-yourself-an-investment-club.html</link><description><![CDATA[Finding an Investment Club can be easy. There are a number of international groups that are interested in making money by pooling their funds to achieve their maximum potential. Investment Clubs are beneficial because individuals can share market information to expand their expertise and can thus provide an investor with better ideas and high returns.Step One &amp;ndash; Do Your HomeworkYou will need to approach an investment club and ask for membership.&amp;nbsp; Investment clubs are prohibited from recruiting new members because of investment schemes.&amp;nbsp; As a consumer, you can research clubs and educate yourself about them by requesting their published information.&amp;nbsp;...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Explaining the P/E Ratio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/explaining-the-pe-ratio.html</link><description><![CDATA[One of the most common measures that investors use to evaluate a stock is its price-to-earnings (or P/E) ratio. The P/E ratio is calculated by dividing a stock's price by its per-share earnings for any given year. And while it's not a foolproof way of gauging a stock's value, it is a good place to start. Let's take a look at a simple example: Suppose ABC Corporation is expected to earn $2.00 per share in the coming year and its stock is currently trading at $50 per share. The P/E ratio of ABC's stock shares, therefore, is calculated to be...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Socially Responsible Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/socially-responsible-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[What is socially responsible investing, or SRI? Simply put, it's the practice of investing assets for the purpose of realizing not only financial but also social returns. This type of investing attempts to harmonize an individual's personal values with his or her financial goals for the betterment of the local community, society, or perhaps even the entire planet. Investment varieties and opportunities are as wide and diverse as participating investors' societal concerns, spanning the entire gamut from the fair treatment of employees to non-polluting methods of manufacture, from employing ethical business practices to selling environmentally-friendly products, and beyond. Although a...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Should you use Life Insurance as an Investment?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/should-you-use-life-insurance-as-an-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[Life insurance is often used as an investment for retirement planning. Basic life insurance can be divided into two general categories, term insurance and whole life insurance. When you buy term insurance, you pay premiums in exchange for a death benefit over a specified period of time. This is the least expensive type of life insurance. Because the death benefit is all that you get with term insurance, it's never sold as an investment.Whole life insurance, also known as permanent- or cash value life insurance, not only promises to protect you for your entire life, but also includes an investment...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Global Diversification]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/global-diversification.html</link><description><![CDATA[In the past United States citizens have often been somewhat narrow-minded when it came to investment opportunities. At least part of this is attitude has no doubt been due to the fact that the U.S. is fairly isolated geographically, along with the dominant position that America has enjoyed both politically and economically. Another reason for this myopia is that investors in the U.S. stock and bond markets have historically benefited from very strong returns and, as a result, have often seen little benefit of diversifying their portfolios internationally. However, in recent years, things have taken a dramatic swing away from...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Keep Watch over your Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/keep-watch-over-your-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[Risk can creep up on even vigilant investors. For instance, your holdings in a retirement plan may grow more quickly than you realize, particularly if you make regular contributions or reinvest your returns. But along with this success comes a problem. Growth in one asset can throw your portfolio out of balance if other investments don't keep up. If a prolonged bull market boosts the value of your stockholdings, you may need to sell some shares to restore the balance between stocks and other assets. Similarly, when a single stock does extremely well, you might need to twist your own...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Limiting your Risk with Market-Neutral Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/limiting-your-risk-with-market-neutral-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[Market-neutral investing is an investment strategy that helps you manage risk. It offers protection against market volatility by utilizing simultaneous long (buying securities) and short (borrowing securities in order to sell them) market positions, or by using options or index funds as a hedge. Thus, a market-neutral portfolio would consist of long positions that would be expected to perform well if the market is strong and short positions that would profit if the market does poorly. The theory behind this strategy is that if the market does well you'll make money on your long position, and if it does poorly...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Making a Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/making-a-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[When a firm buys and sells securities for its own account, it is said to be market making. Before a firm can make a market in a security, it has to meet certain Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) – formerly the National Association of Security Dealers (NASD) – qualifications with regard to its net capital. These qualification safeguards are designed to ensure that a firm has enough ready capital to back up its quotes so that there's no credit risk in the market.The department that decides which securities to buy and sell and for what prices is called the trading...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Comparison of Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-comparison-of-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[There are many different ways to invest your money. So how do you choose what's right for you? First, you must examine your own financial circumstances, your goals, and your individual personality. For instance, how much risk will you be able to tolerate before you're driven to walk the floors all night long worrying about your money? Along those same lines, the primary criterion for evaluating any investment is to weigh the potential profit against the risk that it will expose you to. Finding the proper match is crucial, not only to your financial success but to your psyche, as...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Events affect Perception and Investor Confidence]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-events-affect-perception-and-investor-confidence.html</link><description><![CDATA[There are times when a company's earnings history and projections are the only solid data that you have on which to base a decision about its stock. Although that may be enough, you must nonetheless constantly monitor your stocks for events that can change either a company's market perception or investor confidence; because, as we learned in the article Why do Stock Prices Move?, these two factors are crucial to price changes and the valuation of every stock.Let's take a look at just a few events that can change the perception of a stock's future earnings and the confidence level...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Market Pros and Cons - Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-market-pros-and-cons.html</link><description><![CDATA[When you buy a lottery ticket, you're confident that the maximum amount that you can lose is limited to the price of the ticket. The same logic actually applies to buying stock; the most that can be lost is what you paid for it. While the lottery offers a grand prize, there is no set prize amount when you invest in a stock. So, how high can a stock price rise? Some have been going up for years and are still rising. Stocks, therefore (at least theoretically), have unlimited profit potential. Investing in the stock market has proven to be...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing 101]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-101.html</link><description><![CDATA[It&amp;rsquo;s never too early to begin thinking of your financial future, whether you&amp;rsquo;re nearing retirement or just getting started. As a matter of fact, the longer you wait before you begin implementing a financial plan to reach your goals, the farther behind the curve you&amp;rsquo;ll be. It&amp;rsquo;s also very tough to catch up, and getting tougher by the day. With the value of the dollar continuing to erode, it&amp;rsquo;s obvious that it will take more of them later to do the same job that they are doing now. It&amp;rsquo;s also becoming clearer that in order to fund your retirement adequately,...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Types of Brokerage Accounts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/types-of-brokerage-accounts.html</link><description><![CDATA[Opening an account at a brokerage firm is as easy as opening a bank account. The investor is required to provide basic personal information, such as occupation and social security number, as well as more specific information about his or her financial circumstances. Brokers are required to become familiar with their customers in order to be able to use their judgment with regard to sizable transactions and to whether or not credit should be issued to finance trades.There are three types of brokerage accounts that can be used for buying and selling securities: cash accounts, margin accounts, and discretionary accounts....]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Profile of the Successful Investor]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/profile-of-the-successful-investor.html</link><description><![CDATA[Successful investors aren’t necessarily any smarter or better at analyzing financial data than anyone else. They don’t have to have degrees in financial planning or business. Many of the most successful don’t have any college degrees at all. But they do generally have some things in common which make them successful at what they do. Here are four characteristics that you can imitate:Successful investors have a plan for investing, and they stick to it. It’s very easy to be tempted by a tip about a hot stock that’s reported in all the financial magazines and websites. But that isn’t the...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How a Securities Trade is implemented]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-a-securities-trade-is-implemented.html</link><description><![CDATA[Securities transactions take place either on an exchange or in the over-the-counter (OTC) market. While the purpose of both is to match securities buyers and sellers, the way that they carry this out is very different. For instance, let's look first at the country's oldest and most prestigious exchange, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).When a customer wants to buy or sell a stock that trades on the NYSE, he or she places an order with a firm that's a member of the exchange. Only member firms can transact business on the exchange. Being a member of an exchange is...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Prospectus]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-prospectus.html</link><description><![CDATA[Mutual fund industry studies have shown that only about half of fund shareholders consult a prospectus before investing. With more than the estimated ten thousand mutual funds to choose from, many investors feel understandably overwhelmed when comparing possible investments, particularly when they have to wade through prospectuses that are often complicated and confusing. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), however, has recommended new rules, including requiring the translation of fund booklets into easily understood language and the creation of a one-page summary -- a clearly-written, streamlined fund profile which includes all vital statistics. The prospectus must be evaluated in order...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Rationale of Buying-and-Holding]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-rationale-of-buying-and-holding.html</link><description><![CDATA[The buy-and-hold technique is a passive investment strategy based on the premise that over long periods of time, the returns from common stocks will exceed the returns earned from other investments. It also stems from the fact that stock markets have historically always increased in value. The object of a buy-and-hold strategy is to do as well as the market. There is absolutely no attempt made to beat the market's performance. By compiling a broadly diversified portfolio, the investor should be able to approximate the performance of the market. Stocks in the portfolio are selected and held for the long...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Discerning the Two Types of Risk]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/discerning-the-two-types-of-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[Risk can be thought of as the possibility that your investment will be worth less at the end of your holding period than it was at the time that you originally bought it. The volatility of the financial markets creates risk. But risk is also the reason that you have the potential to earn more than what is available from T-bills, if you know how to recognize and manage it wisely. Your investment choices should be considered in terms of both reward and risk, and the trade-off that you're willing to make.In the stock and bond markets, there are actually...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The 6 Basic Principles of Successful Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-6-basic-principles-of-successful-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[You really don't need to have a graduate degree in finance to enjoy success in your investing endeavors. Simple, basic knowledge is a powerful tool. The purpose in becoming familiar with these fundamental investing concepts is to remove fear from your decision-making process. Once you have a grasp of the way they operate, you'll be able to take a more active, informed role in the direction of your portfolio and, ultimately, your financial future. Diversification - Simply, diversification means not putting all of your eggs in one basket. If one investment bottoms out, you haven't lost everything. Since stocks respond...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dollar Cost Averaging]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dollar-cost-averaging.html</link><description><![CDATA[Dollar Cost Averaging is an extremely effective way to produce above-average long-term gains. It’s easy, it can be started with a small investment, and it works. Simply put, dollar cost averaging is the practice of buying securities at regular intervals in fixed dollar amounts, regardless of market conditions. Small investors have built fortunes by making systematic purchases of shares over long periods of time. For instance, by investing as little as $50 monthly in mutual funds, you can take advantage of dollar cost averaging, which is one of the simplest and most efficient ways of building an investment portfolio. The...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Choosing a Broker]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/choosing-a-broker.html</link><description><![CDATA[Selecting a stockbroker or brokerage firm can be handled in one of two ways: you can choose an individual broker, or you can choose a brokerage firm and then find a broker within that company. When shopping for a broker, it's likely that you'll begin to come across a few names over and over again. It stands to reason that a broker's reputation will go a long way in helping you to decide with whom to do business.Both a firm's size and membership on the stock exchange can affect its reputation. Large national firms are known throughout the world; however,...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The 6 Basic Principles of Successful Investing - Two Strategies to Avoid]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-6-basic-principles-of-successful-investing-pt2.html</link><description><![CDATA[Part 2: Two Strategies to AvoidStock picking, the process of trying to identify that one &amp;quot;homerun&amp;quot; stock, is highly risky. Although some retirement plans allow you to buy individual stocks, they may have a limit to the number of times and frequency with which you can trade in that manner. And the truth is that you're as likely to pick a loser as you are to pick a winner. There would be few things worse than having to sit and watch your money sink along with a bad pick. Add to that the huge risk of owning only one stock...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Globalization affects U.S. Companies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-globalization-affects-u-s-companies.html</link><description><![CDATA[The notion of a global marketplace is no longer a trend of the future &amp;ndash; it's here now. No longer are corporate behemoths such as Coca-Cola, Ford or Sony the only global enterprises. Today, companies that operate with just a few employees and an Internet presence can, and do, compete effectively on the global stage. As such, even individuals who choose not to invest in security instruments denominated in currencies other than their own reference currency must still be aware of how the fluctuation of currency values will affect the performance of their investments. To illustrate this point, let's consider...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Margin Accounts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/margin-accounts.html</link><description><![CDATA[For the average person, the purchase of a home or automobile is usually made using a small amount of personal funds and a much larger percentage of money that's borrowed from another source. Most investment securities can be bought in exactly the same manner. When an investor decides to buy securities on margin a special account, known as a margin account, must be opened with a stock brokerage firm. The investor supplies a down payment and the firm lends the remaining balance for the transaction and actually purchases the securities for the investor. Up to 50% of the purchase price...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Long, Short, Flat: What Your Position Means]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/long-short-flat-what-your-position-means.html</link><description><![CDATA[The terms &amp;quot;long&amp;quot;, &amp;quot;short&amp;quot;, and &amp;quot;flat&amp;quot; identify an investor's market position with respect to a given stockbroker. To be long means to have a positive market position; in other words, the investor owns a particular security. He is therefore &amp;quot;long&amp;quot; any securities that his brokerage firm is holding for him. If the investor orders the broker to buy 1,000 shares of Widget, Inc., for example, he &amp;quot;goes long&amp;quot; immediately after the trade is executed for him. His account remains &amp;quot;long 1,000 Widget&amp;quot; until the investor either asks the broker to forward the stock certificates to him, or to sell the...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[More Key Market Indexes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/more-key-market-indexes.html</link><description><![CDATA[Over the years, the number of market indexes has grown substantially. For instance, in addition to its industrial average, Dow Jones &amp; Company itself now publishes a transportation average, a utility average, and a composite of all three. Some of the more widely-known indexes are listed below:American Gas Association (AGA) Stock Index - The AGA Stock Index contains approximately 100 publicly-traded stocks of companies engaged in the natural gas distribution and transmission industry.Dow Jones Transportation Average (DJTA) - This index is a price-weighted average of the stocks of 20 large companies in the transportation business, including airlines, railroads, and trucking....]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[When should you Rebalance?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/when-should-you-rebalance.html</link><description><![CDATA[Let's assume that -- because of your personal and financial circumstances -- you decide to allocate your investment assets as follows: you want fifty percent of your portfolio in stocks, forty percent in fixed-income investments (bonds), and 10 percent in cash equivalents. So, you build your way into such a portfolio using dollar cost averaging; investing gradually, perhaps over two- to three years.After your portfolio is set up, some more time passes, maybe a few months. The stock market has risen and the bond market has declined somewhat. You're now holding sixty percent of your portfolio in stocks, thirty percent...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Money Market - Part 2: Nontraditional Instruments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-money-market-pt2.html</link><description><![CDATA[Part 2: Nontraditional InstrumentsMoney market instruments are favored by investors who prefer short-term investment horizons. There are two types of these security instruments. In Part 1 of this series we saw the first category of money market investments: traditional instruments. This article will focus on another type of money market security: nontraditional instruments. Floating Rate Notes (FRNs) - FRNs are corporate notes which pay an interest rate that &amp;ldquo;floats&amp;rdquo; (or fluctuates) in response to changing market interest rates. For instance, the interest rate that the note pays may change every six months. The date that the rate changes is known...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Magic of Compound Interest]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/compound-interest.html</link><description><![CDATA[With a compounding interest structure, your money works diligently for you in an investment program, continually feeding upon itself to grow at a substantially faster rate than with simple interest. An account that offers compound interest first pays you interest on your principal, and then, when it&amp;#8217;s time to pay interest again, the account pays interest on your principal and the previous interest that you earned. In other words, the interest that you&amp;#8217;re paid adds to and becomes part of the principal that accrues interest during the next period. You have a continuously growing principal amount without having to make...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Basic Investment Strategies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/basic-investment-strategies.html</link><description><![CDATA[Your investment strategy deals with the overall, long-term guidelines that you set up and implement in an attempt to ensure success in meeting your financial goals. Most strategies used to invest in the stock market fall into three general categories: fundamental analysis, technical analysis, or buy and hold the market. Let's examine each technique.The fundamental analysis approach is primarily concerned with value; it examines factors that determine a company's expected future earnings and dividends as well as the continued dependability of those earnings and dividends. It then attempts to put a value on the stock accordingly. Therefore, an investor who...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Market Indexes: The Dow Jones Industrial Average]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/market-indexes-the-dow-jones-industrial-average.html</link><description><![CDATA[Market indexes show the general direction of fluctuations in the securities markets and reflect the historical continuity of security price movements. While this information will not necessarily reveal whether individual securities are up or down, it's nevertheless useful to understand how indexes operate because they're commonly used as benchmarks for judging the performance of stocks, bonds and mutual funds. In actuality, market averages are no longer truly averages. The term index is more appropriate, because the numbers given&amp;#8212;usually called points&amp;#8212;are not dollar-per-share prices of stocks. Points refer to units of movement in the average, which is a composite of weighted...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Risk Management]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/risk-management.html</link><description><![CDATA[If you're like most investors, you probably think that you're basically safe if your investment principal is in no danger of being lost. Unfortunately, there are only a few types of investments that guarantee no loss of principal, and with those your earnings are likely to be somewhat meager, only keeping up with inflation -- if you're lucky. In other words, you'll have little to no net gain. It's the oldest rule of investing at work: no risk, no reward. If being in the stock market and possibly losing your money causes you to have sleepless nights, then, to be...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Constant Ratio Plan]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/constant-ratio-plan.html</link><description><![CDATA[The constant ratio plan is an asset allocation strategy that establishes fixed percentages for the different types of securities contained in a portfolio. For example, a typical constant ratio plan could be made up of an allocation of 45 percent of portfolio investments in stocks, 45 percent in bonds, and 10 percent invested in money market (cash) securities. The percentages allocated to the different types of investments are determined by the investor's objectives and risk tolerance. Changes in asset allocation percentages can be made to coincide with changes in these objectives as well as changes in the conditions of the...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Common Investment Mistakes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-common-investment-mistakes.html</link><description><![CDATA[When investment mistakes happen, money is lost. Mistakes can occur for a variety of reasons, but they can generally be attributed to the clouding of the investor&amp;rsquo;s judgment by the influence of emotions, the misunderstanding of basic investment principles, or misconceptions about how securities react to varying economic, political, and fear-driven circumstances. The investor should always keep a calm, cool and rational head, and avoid these common investment mistakes: Not having a clearly-defined investment plan. A well-conceived investment plan does not need frequent adjustments, and a well-managed plan is not susceptible to the introduction of trendy speculations and &amp;ldquo;hot picks&amp;rdquo;....]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Getting Started in the Stock Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/getting-started-in-the-stock-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[When you purchase stock in a company, you become a part-owner, along with other stockholders, of that company. As investors, you are in the position to reap profits if the company does well, or suffer losses if it does poorly. Since 1926, the average stock has a return-on-investment (ROI) of over 10% per year. That fact makes stock a very solid choice for long-term investing. The proliferation of state lotteries and the media attention focused on the huge jackpots are ample evidence of the get-rich-quick mentality. However, the chances of an individual winning the lottery are remote, to say the...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Constant Dollar Investment Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/constant-dollar-investment-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[Constant dollar investment is a strategy that attempts to keep a fixed dollar amount allocated to each of the various types of securities contained in a portfolio. The constant dollar technique works well when the total available investment dollars are allocated to two different investment types: one amount going to the more speculative instruments of the portfolio and the rest being used for more conservative offerings. This fixed dollar ratio between the two parts is typically regulated by either the buying or selling off of stocks.The strategy works in this manner: let's assume, for example, that an investor has a...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[More Stock Investment Strategies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/more-stock-investment-strategies.html</link><description><![CDATA[There are a tremendous number of stock-buying strategies. Many of them are based on the basic fundamental- and technical analysis methods expounded upon in the article Basic Investment Strategies. While it would be impossible to cover them all, here are some of the most popular approaches used by experienced investors. Many of these strategies can be combined with others to formulate a more personalized technique that will meet your individual needs, based on your own investment philosophy. But no matter what strategy you choose to make use of, the ultimate key to success lies in staying true to those investment...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Glossary of Investment Terms]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-glossary.html</link><description><![CDATA[Like any highly specialized field of endeavor, investing has its own peculiar language, terms, and jargon. Listed below are twenty-five of the most common investment terms and tools, along with their basic definitions. Take the time to learn these terms; you&amp;rsquo;ll hear them daily. As you come across more complex investment terminology, use this link to locate their meanings in the advanced glossary.ASSETS - Resources owned by a company, fund, or individual; i.e. cash, investments, money due, materials, inventories, etc.BEAR MARKET - A market in which prices are falling, or expected to do so. BOND - A debt security issued...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Let the IRS Help Your Investment Returns]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/let-the-irs-help-your-investment-returns.html</link><description><![CDATA[Income taxes can take a serious bite out of your savings and investment plan. Fortunately, the federal government is well aware of this, and gives taxpayers a break in the form of several IRS-approved tax-deferred investment plans. These investment vehicles allow you to put money away for your retirement and not pay any taxes on your gains until you begin to make withdrawals when you’re in your 50’s or later. This allows the magic of compound interest to go to work for you, earning you interest on top of interest. It’s an extremely effective way of building your financial nest...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Money Market - Part 1: Traditional Instruments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-money-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[Part 1: Traditional InstrumentsMoney market instruments are investments that are suitable for investors who prefer an investment time period of one year or less. These instruments are divided into two categories: traditional and nontraditional instruments. Traditional money market instruments include: U.S. Treasury Bills - Also known as Treasuries, these fixed-income security instruments are issued by the United States Treasury. They make up the largest, most important, and most liquid fixed-income marketplace in the world. They&amp;rsquo;re backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government, which makes them an extremely safe investment vehicle. For a detailed discussion of...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[General Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/general-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[General investing involves purchasing something at a set price with the purpose of trading it, selling it or cashing it in when prices rise or the investment matures. Investing in this form may not actually involve the trading of tangible goods between buyers and sellers.When trading is the desired form of general investing, transactions are typically regulated through markets. Some of the more common forms of investing through trading include stocks, ETFs or exchange traded funds, futures and options. Bonds also fall into the general classification....]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:19 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing Basics: It's Easy to Start]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-basics.html</link><description><![CDATA[From the outside looking in, it's understandable that the big, mean, complicated, dog-eat-dog world of investing can seem pretty intimidating to the beginner just trying to make sense of the whole thing. Yes, it's true: it is big, some areas can be extraordinarily complex, and the occasional dog does get eaten from time to time. But there's no real need to be worried about those types of things, because investing is a pool that has many depths, and you don't have to jump in at the deep end. As a matter of fact, if you have any nonessential funds at...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:19 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Will Your Antiques Drop in Value?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/will-your-antiques-drop-in-value.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There is a lot of pressure on investors and collectors to retain the value of their antique pieces. Unlike other investments, such as rare coins or classic cars, antiques can retain their value for extended periods of time. This makes them ideal investment items. As with all markets, the antiques market can fluctuate. The price of certain antiques will rise with popularity. This cycle is due, in part, to both internal and external forces of the antique market.&amp;nbsp; Antiques Can Keep Their Value Antique furniture is always popular due to its sturdy construction and elegant appeal. The lift-boy seats...]]></description><pubDate>February 23, 2011  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rarity and the Establishment of Rare Coin Value]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/rarity-and-the-establishment-of-rare-coin-value.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Aside from the grade, there are two other things that affect the value of a coin: the rarity of the piece, and the establishment of the value. The rarity of the coin is the most important part of the value because even if a coin is not very well-preserved, it might still have a good value because of a scarce supply of the coin. If the coin has a low survival rating because it is very old, then you may have a coin which is valuable despite its appearance. Establishing Absolute Rarity When you are considering a rare coin...]]></description><pubDate>February 10, 2011  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rare Coin Values: Grading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/rare-coin-values-grading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are interested in collecting rare coins, then you will need to know the basics of coin grading. Although many dealers are honest, they cannot know everything about every rare coin, and this can lead to over-graded coins, or coins that are valued above their actual worth. When you are collecting rare coins, the risks of your coin being over-graded can mean that you buy a coin for more than its market value. This can be a problem because your coin will automatically depreciate. Avoiding this problem is simple, if you can learn a few facts about coin...]]></description><pubDate>February 10, 2011  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Silver and Gold - Protecting Your Wealth in Times of Inflation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/silver-and-gold---protecting-your-wealth-in-times-of-inflation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Silver and gold are two of the oldest forms of wealth known to man. These precious metals have been used as currency for thousands of years. Here's what you need to know about silver and gold as a method of protecting your wealth in times of inflation. A Simple Illustration Here's an example of how gold can protect your wealth. Let's say you want to buy a flat screen TV that costs $1,500, which happens to be the same price as one ounce of gold at the time you're considering the purchase. If you hold off on purchasing the...]]></description><pubDate>January  4, 2011  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Study Specific Commodity Systems]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-study-specific-commodity-systems.html</link><description><![CDATA[ You made it this far in trading, but now you want to take it to a greater level. What do you do ? Well you study trading systems from those professionals who have proven through thick and thin time and time again that their system works to make profits. That's easier said than done, that is why so many people pretend to to have a special trading technique, stock picking system, commodity system, etc. In order to study specific commodity systems properly you will have to do the following: Know the proprietor It's important to know who created the...]]></description><pubDate>December 24, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Guide to Selling Gold Coins]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/guide-to-selling-gold-coins.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Buying and selling gold coins is an effective investment strategy if you know the rules. Even if you plan to hold onto your gold for the long term, there will come a time when you need to sell at least some of the coins that you own. You may want to sell your gold coins in the immediate future to overcome some of the financial challenges brought on by the recession and inflation. Here&amp;rsquo;s a guide to help you find buyers and sell your coins for a profit: Prospective Buyers If you listen to the radio often, you&amp;rsquo;ve probably...]]></description><pubDate>December  7, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Tips for Getting a Fair Price for Gold]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-tips-for-getting-a-fair-price-for-gold.html</link><description><![CDATA[ You shouldn't sell your jewelry, coins or bars to anyone until you know what it takes to get a fair price for gold. There are many scam artists who want to offer you a low price, so that they can resell your gold for a large profit. Avoid getting ripped off when selling gold by following these 5 selling tips: Tip #1 - Figure out the Content of Your Gold The content of your gold determines its value and is the starting point for figuring out a fair price. If you're selling gold coins, you can research the spot...]]></description><pubDate>December  7, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Tips for Avoiding Cash for Gold Scams]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-tips-for-avoiding-cash-for-gold-scams.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Cash for gold scams are tempting, because scammers promise to give you fast access to the money that you need. You may be one of many who want to sell your gold, because you bought it when it was worth less and now you stand to make a profit. Don't lose your investment, the gold itself, or the profit you could gain by falling for the cash for gold scam. Here are 5 tips to avoid them: Tip #1: Avoid Selling Online Weeding out the online scammers from reputable gold dealers can be difficult if you're new to buying...]]></description><pubDate>December  7, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comparing Ways to Invest in Gold]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/comparing-ways-to-invest-in-gold.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Whether you invest in gold as insurance against a devalued currency or to increase your wealth, your choices for how to invest vary. All kinds of investors invest in gold, from the lay person to the ultra wealthy individual. The method you choose depends on what your financial goals are and whether you want immediate access to your gold. 1. Coins Buying gold coins is a great way to invest in gold if you want to take direct possession of your gold. If you&amp;#8217;re purchasing gold just in case the currency is worth much less in the future, then...]]></description><pubDate>December  1, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in Gold Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-gold-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many financial experts recommend investing in gold stocks. Having a well-diversified portfolio is a way to manage and reduce risk. Many experts believe that all balanced portfolios should contain gold. In difficult economic times, investing in gold becomes a more attractive investment. During these times, there are often difficulties in the currency markets. Lack of confidence in currencies makes gold a more attractive investment. The inclusion of gold in a portfolio is a critical element according to many financial experts. Difficulties of Physical Gold Trading For most individuals, holding the actual gold as an investment is not practical. Most...]]></description><pubDate>November 24, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Tips for Investing in Classic Cars]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-tips-for-investing-in-classic-cars.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in classic cars is a great idea if you know what to look for, which vehicles can make you the most money and how to negotiate a great deal. This type of investment can be an exciting way to put your money to work. Before you begin to invest in classic cars, though, you must have a clear understanding of how this is done and what you can do to better your chance of long term gains. Consider the Current Value It is essential to make your purchase once the car you want to buy has a depreciated...]]></description><pubDate>September 27, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Trade Crude Oil]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-trade-crude-oil.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you want to trade oil, there are a few different options that you have. Many traders are trying to find ways to get involved in the oil market because of the high price of oil. Here are the basics of how to trade crude oil effectively. Futures Contracts The most direct way for you to get involved in the crude oil market is to trade futures contracts. A futures contract gives you the ability to secure a certain amount of crude oil, at a fixed price and for a specific amount of time. These contracts are traded in...]]></description><pubDate>September 18, 2010  5:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Preserve Wealth by Investing in Colored Diamonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-preserve-wealth-by-investing-in-colored-diamonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Putting your money in colored diamonds can help in preserving your wealth. This alternative investment has proven to be lucrative for countless investors. However, just like any other type of venture, it is important to understand that this kind of investment can only give you substantial gains if you have ample knowledge about colored diamonds. Before you start buying, here&amp;rsquo;s how colored diamonds can help in growing your money. Great Value for Your Money One of the main reasons why you should consider putting your money in colored diamonds is their great value. The potential profits you get from...]]></description><pubDate>September 17, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trading Using the Gold-Silver Ratio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/trading-using-the-gold-silver-ratio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The gold-silver ratio is used by precious metals traders across the world. It has been used for centuries and continues to be relevant. The gold-silver ratio is essentially the number of ounces of silver that it takes to buy an ounce of gold. While it may seem like a simple concept, it actually provides investors with a lot of value. Here are the basics of the gold-silver ratio, and why it is important. Gold-Silver Ratio The gold-silver ratio is commonly used by precious metals traders interested in trading back and forth between gold and silver. If gold is trading...]]></description><pubDate>September 12, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Where to Buy Antiques to Invest In]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/where-to-buy-antiques-to-invest-in.html</link><description><![CDATA[ You can buy antiques in a number of places. While many people buy antiques simply for their aesthetic value, others buy them as investments. The idea is that the older the antiques get, the more valuable they become, allowing the investor to earn profit by simply holding onto an antique for a certain length of time and selling it for a much larger price. However, investing in antiques isn't just about buying old objects. An investor has to find something that is genuinely valuable, something that won't lose value over time. That is why investors will probably have to...]]></description><pubDate>September  3, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Overview of the U.S. Commodity Exports Industry]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-overview-of-the-us-commodity-exports-industry.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The commodity exports of the United States are as vast as the natural resources the nation contains. It can be said that the bounty of the land has allowed the United States to become the preeminent economy of today. Although commodity exports provide only approximately 7 percent of the GDP (in 2010), the American economy was well positioned to have become the power that it is today due to its rich abundance in various types of commodities.&amp;nbsp; Agricultural Exports It is interesting to&amp;nbsp;note that although the United States lags behind China and India in terms of total agricultural exports,...]]></description><pubDate>September  1, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Commodity Investing for the Medium Term]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/commodity-investing-for-the-medium-term.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Commodity investing for the medium term, or 3-5 years is both interesting and chaotic. With economic recovery gearing up in most parts of the world, there is no question that the next 3 to 5 years will be an exciting, yet chaotic time for commodity markets. This is due to many factors, ranging from politics, to economics. &amp;nbsp; What Will Influence Commodity Prices?&amp;nbsp; A number of factors will play a part in the inevitable rise of commodity prices. Economic expansion is one the largest factors that will have an important impact. The BRIC countries, or Brazil, Russia, India and...]]></description><pubDate>September  1, 2010  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Invest in Oil Futures]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-in-oil-futures.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Oil futures are a type of investment contract that will allow you to speculate on the price of oil in the market. This type of contract gives you the right to buy or sell oil at a specific price and can be very valuable if prices in the market fluctuate. Oil futures are contracts that are made between two parties and can be traded in the secondary market. Many investors are intimidated by this type of investment because they are different from traditional stocks. In order to trade oil futures, you will have to get involved with a different...]]></description><pubDate>August 31, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Invest in Silver]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-in-silver.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in precious metals has increased in popularity, and you may be wondering how to invest in silver. It's far cheaper to invest in than gold, and it's often a good starting place if you're new to precious metals. Until the silver standard was eliminated, the average person in the United States used dimes, quarters and half dollar silver coins. Now those coins are worth many times the face value of the coins, and they are worth adding to your savings. Silver bars are an alternative form of silver investment, but it may not be a good option for...]]></description><pubDate>August 31, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in Wine]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-wine.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In addition to being a fun hobby, investing in wine is a great way to make money over the long term. Just like any investment there are things you can do to increase your chances of success. Before you begin to invest, you should learn as much as you can about the different types of wine, the history of wine making and which ones will age best. If you make the wrong investments you may be stuck with a lot of bad wine and will not earn much of a profit. Connect with Professionals If you are interested in...]]></description><pubDate>August 31, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Benefits of Wine Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/benefits-of-wine-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Wine investing has many palpable benefits. Before investing in wine, however, you should be aware that there are difficulties in this type of investment as well. Make sure that you do your marketing research and speak to an experienced professional. One of the biggest benefits of wine investing is that it is a tangible asset. Its quality improves with age. Plus, wine investing is non-correlated to common financial investments. Tangible asset Anytime there are economic woes and market failures, investors across the board will turn to investing in tangible assets. One of the great features for wine investing is...]]></description><pubDate>August 31, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Top Risks when Investing in Wine]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-top-risks-when-investing-in-wine.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in wine can be a very lucrative venture. But just like other investments, putting your money in wines can have its drawbacks. Even seasoned wine investors admit that wine investing does not always yield profits. Below are the biggest risks that investors deal with in the wine industry. 1 - Wine Quality can Change over Time The quality of wines, even unopened ones, constantly changes with time. There are many factors that can alter wine quality. Apart from the ingredients and the production techniques used, wines can be affected by transportation and storage methods. Even the type of...]]></description><pubDate>August 31, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pros and Cons of Investing in Diamonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pros-and-cons-of-investing-in-diamonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The demand for diamonds continues to grow not only because they are being used in jewelry, but also due to the important part they play in the manufacture of various high-precision medical and industrial tools. Indeed, putting your money in this precious gem can give you very high returns. First, though, consider these pros and cons of diamond investing.Pros of Investing in Diamonds1. High Demand and Low SupplySince 1949, diamond prices have, on the average, enjoyed large annual increases. This is brought about by the fact that the demand for the stone continues to surge in international markets, particularly...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  6:06 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in Gold Coins]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-gold-coins.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in gold coins is one the smartest ways to manage your money. Gold has existed and held value for many years. Currencies come and ago, and many are devalued. However, this has not been the case with gold. No matter what lies ahead, you'll be glad you had some gold coins for insurance and investment purposes. Gold will always be worth something, no matter where you live. Buy from Local Coin Dealers Tune into talk radio on any given day, and you'll hear a number of radio ads by online gold coin dealers. The problem with buying from...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Gold Investment: An Insurance Policy in Turbulent Times]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/gold-investment-an-insurance-policy-in-turbulent-times.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Gold investment is an opportunity that is often overlooked in the investment world today. Investing in gold can provide a hedge against inflation as well as an investment that moves independently of other financial markets. There are several ways to invest in gold including certificates, funds, and purchasing physical gold. Here are a few things to consider about gold investments.&amp;nbsp; Inflation Hedge Gold is an attractive investment because it provides a hedge against inflation. When you are an investor, you have to do your best to stay on top of inflation. If inflation increases at a higher rate than...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Gold Bullion]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/gold-bullion.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Gold bullion is a piece of gold that is in bar form and is recognized as 99.5 percent pure, by definition. Traditionally, investors have purchased gold bullion to put their dollars into a hard commodity when inflation was high because the price of gold tends to hold stable. In fact, it can increase in value during a recession when the value of the dollar may be decreasing. When you are considering investing in gold bullion, it is important to know the factors that govern your ability to both protect your assets and profit from the investment. Supply and Demand...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rhodium Investment: The Rarest of Precious Metals]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/rhodium-investment-the-rarest-of-precious-metals.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Rhodium is the rarest precious metal that is available in the world today. Even though gold and silver are more popular, rhodium is more rare and is worth more than either of them. Investing in rhodium is not as easy as it is to invest in gold or silver, but it is possible. Here are a few things to consider about investing in rhodium. Rhodium Rhodium is a precious metal that is very similar to palladium. Rhodium is most frequently used in the automobile industry. It is also commonly used in jewelry as well. The automobile industry uses rhodium...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  8:11 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in Palladium]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-palladium.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Palladium is a precious metal that is not traded as commonly as gold or silver. However, investing in palladium can present you with some definite advantages as an investor. Here are a few things to consider about investing in palladium. Palladium Palladium is a type of precious metal that is commonly used in many different products. The most common use for palladium is in the construction of catalytic converters for automobiles. The metal makes it possible to convert dangerous carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. Palladium is also commonly used in jewelry products. It is not as common as some...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  8:08 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Platinum: A Metal Investment Fit for a King]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/platinum-a-metal-investment-fit-for-a-king.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Platinum investment has become very popular in recent years. Investing in platinum can provide you with a number of benefits to your portfolio. Here are a few things to consider about investing in platinum. Platinum&amp;nbsp; Platinum is one of the most precious metals in the world today. It is actually rarer than gold or silver. The biggest available supply of platinum is in Africa. The scarcity of platinum is what makes it one of the most expensive metals in the world. Platinum is used in a variety of applications. One of the most popular applications for platinum is in...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  8:05 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Much of Your Portfolio Should You Allocate to Gold?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-much-of-your-portfolio-should-you-allocate-to-gold.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are building a portfolio, gold is one of the most common types of investments in the market today. Gold can provide you with a number of unique benefits as an investor. However, you do not want to allocate too much of your portfolio to this one type of asset. Here are a few things to consider about how much of your portfolio should be devoted to gold. Investing in Gold Gold has several advantages when comes to investing. One important benefit is that gold will help you hedge your investments against inflation. Gold is a commodity that...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  8:02 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Gold Parties: Cashing in on Old Gold]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/gold-parties-cashing-in-on-old-gold.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Gold parties have become a popular means of selling old gold that is no longer being used. These parties are popular everywhere and are being sponsored by companies that buy gold from the public. A gold party is a type of home party in which a host invites several friends over and ask them to bring any old gold jewelry that they might have laying around. The guests will come over to the house and a representative from a gold party company will come also.&amp;nbsp; Relaxed Atmosphere One of the defining characteristics of a gold party is that it...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  8:00 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Inflation Not a Requirement for Increasing Gold Prices]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/inflation-not-a-requirement-for-increasing-gold-prices.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Gold prices have normally been strongly correlated to the rate of inflation. It has been thought that as inflation climbs and the dollar became weaker that gold would increase in value. However, gold prices have been also known to do well during times of deflation. In fact, the best gold bull cycles have been during deflationary periods. As the dollar becomes weaker demand for gold goes up and the gold price, denominated in dollars, will naturally rise. This is due to the flight to quality. Inflation eats away at the stock and bond markets because the value of the...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  7:57 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Buy Gold Bars and Protect Them]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-buy-gold-bars-and-protect-them.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In order to buy gold bars, there are a number of things that you should take into consideration. It is not as simple as going down to the store and making a purchase. Here are the basics of how to buy gold bars and protect them. You will need to work with a gold company. There are several companies that will sell gold directly to consumers. You will have to open an account with the company and then fund it in order to purchase gold bars. Why Buy Gold Bars Buying gold bars is a popular investment because it...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  7:54 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Disadvantages of Investing in Gold]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-disadvantages-of-investing-in-gold.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in gold is generally revered as a good investment. However, there are a few disadvantages that you will need to be aware of before getting involved. Here are some of the disadvantages of investing in gold. 1. No Financing or Leverage When you invest in gold, you will need to have all of the cash on hand to make a purchase. You cannot use leverage, or any type of financing, for this type of investment or purchase. This can severely limit the amount of people that can get involved in the market. 2. No Tax Advantage Investing in...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  7:51 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Sell Gold]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-sell-gold.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Learning how to sell gold can be important information if you plan on getting involved in the gold market as an investor. There are many different types of gold out there and different ways for you to sell it. Here are a few things to consider about how to sell gold. Selling Gold Bullion If you own gold bullion, there are a few different ways that you could sell it. Gold bullion could come in the form of gold bars or gold coins. When you own pure gold like this, you can typically sell it very easily. One of...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  7:49 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Invest in Diamonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-in-diamonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are two primary methods for investing in diamonds. First, you can purchase physical stones for resale at a later date. This method offers the most stability, but it can limit profits. The second option is to trade in diamonds contracts, which is far riskier but presents opportunities for huge profits. As with all investing, choosing between security and potential profit is never a straightforward choice. Consider these factors to determine the methods that will work best for you. Purchasing Stones The first step to investing in diamonds by physical purchase is to learn where and how to purchase...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  7:46 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Invest in Antique Jewelry]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-in-antique-jewelry.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Just because you come across antique jewelry does not mean that it is worth a lot of money. In other words, old jewelry does not necessarily have a high value. If you are going to invest in antique jewelry, you need to know what you are doing. This helps to ensure that you spend your money in all the right places on the right items. Type of Jewelry It goes without saying that some types of antique jewelry are worth more than others. For instance, a bracelet from a certain era, such as the early 1900s, could be worth...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  7:43 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Selling Your Antiques at Internet Auctions]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/selling-your-antiques-at-internet-auctions.html</link><description><![CDATA[ With the right preparation anyone can have success selling antiques at an internet auction. There are many websites available that enables anyone with Internet access to set up a virtual store and begin selling items from their home with the click of button. But before you go hunting through the neighborhood yard and estate sales in search of hidden gems, let&amp;rsquo;s go over how to get up and running on with your virtual antique store.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Set Up an Account When you decide to set up an account with an online auction site there are a number of features you...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  7:40 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Tips for Investing in Antiques]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-tips-for-investing-in-antiques.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in antiques is an investment technique that can provide you with excellent returns over the long-term. Many people love to buy antiques and if you purchase the right ones, you could be very successful with this strategy. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when investing in antiques. 1. Education One of the most important parts of being a successful antique investor is educating yourself. The average person does not know that much about antiques. Therefore, if you are going to be successful in this market, you have to spend quite a bit of time trying...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  7:38 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Factors that Affect Antique Values]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-factors-that-affect-antique-values.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Antique values can be affected by a number of different things. If you are planning on getting involved in collecting, there are several things that you will want to keep in mind. Here are three of the most important factors that can affect antique values. Supply One of the biggest factors in antique value is the supply of that antique. You want to find an antique that does not have a large amount of supply. Regardless of how old it is or how nice it is, no one is going to want to pay a lot of money for...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  7:35 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Collectible Books Investing: Is It Right for You?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/collectible-books-investing-is-it-right-for-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in collectible books allows you to profit off of the rarity of certain books. This type of investment is not for everyone, but it can be very beneficial for those that pursue it. Here are a few things to consider about collectible book investing and whether it is right for you. Book Investing If you are the type of individual that likes to read and look at books, this type of investment could be for you. With the collectible book market, you could potentially make a great deal of money investing in something that you enjoy. Time Horizon...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  7:32 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Basic Rules of Rare Coin Investment]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-basic-rules-of-rare-coin-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A rare coin investment can be a satisfying and profitable enterprise. However, it is easy to get taken advantage or to buy unwisely. To sensibly pursue a rare coin investment, make sure your interest is real; rare coins seldom provide quick return. Deepen your knowledge of this investing opportunity; find and deal with reputable professionals; plan to buy quality coins and hold them; and, finally, get the coins in your possession, store them securely and insure them. 1 - Have Interest, Develop Knowledge Investing in rare coins is best pursued by those with passion for that product. Quick returns...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  7:27 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[6 Advantages of Rare Collectible Coin Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/6-advantages-of-rare-collectible-coin-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Rare coin investments have many advantages over other types of investments. Unlike coin collectors, many people who&amp;nbsp;invested in stocks, foreign currencies and real estate within the past decade experienced a dramatic drop in the value of their investments. Even so, you have to take good care of your coin collection if you want to ensure a high return on your investments. Here are six top advantages of investing your money in rare collectible coins.1. AffordabilityCoin investments are affordable compared to other forms of investments. While it is true that there are coins that can fetch as much as $50,000...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  7:24 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Best Types of Investment Coins]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/best-types-of-investment-coins.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are looking for a new way to invest your money, you may want to consider investment coins. Of course, if you decide to go this route, you surely will want to know what the best types of investment coins are. Many experts will tell you that there are 2 types of investment coins that are the best and the wisest choices. First, there are the rare key date coins and then there are the bullion coins. Rare Key Date Coins Key date coins are those hard to find coins. Since they are hard to find you can...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  6:48 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are You Prepared for the Costs of Collecting Classic Cars?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/are-you-prepared-for-the-costs-of-collecting-classic-cars.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Collecting classic cars is a dream for many people. However, it is a dream that requires a lot of planning before you actually go out and purchase that first car. Classic cars work differently than regular model cars because they tend to require more maintenance and you need to protect your investment. You need to consider such things as: Storage First, you need a place that will keep the car safe from the elements. You should choose a place that will protect your car and keep it under lock and key. Maintenance costs All cars require routine maintenance, and...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  6:45 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding Classic Cars to Invest In]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/finding-classic-cars-to-invest-in.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The steps that you take to find a classic car are a bit different than those of buying a new or slightly used vehicle. Buying a classic takes a lot more time, dedication, patience, and connections with the right people. Visit an Auction House One of the best ways to find and purchase a classic car is at an auction house. Even if you do not have one of these in your area it may make sense to travel a distance to attend. If you plan on purchasing at an auction, make sure you call in advance for information....]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  6:43 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Classic Car Investing: Why You Need an Antique Car Appraisal]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/classic-car-investing-why-you-need-an-antique-car-appraisal.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Your classic car appraisal will be the best weapon you have against potential scams. Antique cars are only as valuable as the parts that make them up. As an investor, you may be able to look at a car's condition and know whether you think it to be a good investment. This is where an appraiser offers great value to you. Original Parts and Replacement Parts An appraiser will know the difference between original parts and replacement parts. Many antique cars will require replacement parts, but the key is to assure the individual who made the adjustments used originals...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  6:40 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Guide to Antique Car Appraisal]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/guide-to-antique-car-appraisal.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An antique car appraisal is much different than one for a new vehicle. There are unique details that must be considered when appraising an antique car. These are much different than the things that are looked at during the appraisal process for later models. Don&amp;rsquo;t Go Too Far Before you go too far, there are a few things that you want to keep in mind. Above all else, an antique car appraisal is just that &amp;ndash; there is no guarantee. While there are guidelines that are used by all appraisers, opinion plays a large part in the overall process....]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  6:37 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Choosing a Classic Car Price Guide]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/choosing-a-classic-car-price-guide.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Whether you are selling or buying a classic car, you need to use a classic car price guide to help you determine the approximate value of the vehicle. The challenge arises because there are dozens of potential guides and pricing models. To be sure the price you locate will be close to market value of the vehicle, use a nationally recognized guide to help set the price of your classic car.&amp;nbsp; Collector Car Price Guide Each year, the Collector Car Price Guide publishes an index of prices for different collectible vehicles. This index is fairly all-encompassing, and it is...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  6:35 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Determining Your Classic Car Value]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/determining-your-classic-car-value.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Your classic car value is not determined through an exact science. The value is a measure of the approximate value an investor would be willing to pay for your car. This is essentially a &quot;market price&quot; rather than a flat quote. For this reason, you may find different answers depending on how you go about determining your car's value. Getting an Industry Quote A good place to start estimating the value of your collectible car is through industry quotes. Quotes are available through &quot;Kelly Blue Book,&quot; the National Auto Dealers Association and in trade-specific magazines. &quot;Kelly Blue Book&quot; uses...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  6:32 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Classic Car Pricing: How It Works]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/classic-car-pricing-how-it-works.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Classic car pricing is a measure of both the quality of the asset and the desirability of the asset. Having a beautifully restored classic car is worth nothing if no one wants to buy it. Classic car pricing indexes try to consider both of these factors when creating a price list for vehicles, but some do better than others. Understand the factors that affect a car's value as well as its listed price before purchasing a classic car. Quality of the Vehicle The main factors that go into quality include the age of the vehicle and the condition of...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  6:29 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Types of Precious Metals Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/types-of-precious-metals-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Precious metals investing should be considered to make up a portion of your portfolio as an investor. If you would like to get involved in precious metals investing, there are a number of different avenues that you could choose to pursue. Here are a few of the different types of precious metals investing. Tangible Assets The most direct way for you to invest in precious metals is to purchase tangible assets. This is going to involve purchasing actual pieces of the precious metals and taking possession of them. For example, you can buy actual bars or coins of gold...]]></description><pubDate>July 28, 2010  4:49 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Educate Yourself Like a Commodity Trader]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-educate-yourself-like-a-commodity-trader.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are looking to become a commodity trader, you need to be prepared to trade like a pro. This article is your resource for getting a head start. There is a myriad of books to choose from, and you will also need daily resources. Here is where to search. You will need up-to-date market commentary. You can find that at cmegroup.com/education/market-commentary. If you need independent research newsletters, you can find those at archerfinancials.com. If you are really serious, you can invest in the annual commodities almanac, which is available at crbtrader.com. You can also find the previous year&amp;#8217;s...]]></description><pubDate>May 14, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Interpret the History of a Commodity]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-interpret-the-history-of-a-commodity.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Looking at commodity history can tell you a lot about a particular commodity. However, when looking at the history of a commodity, there are a few things you want to keep in mind. Here are the basics of how to interpret the history of a commodity. Past Results The first thing that you should realize is that you cannot accurately predict what will happen in the future based upon past pricing information. While you can use it to try to pick out patterns, every day could bring something completely new to the price history of a commodity. Technical Analysis...]]></description><pubDate>April 28, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Start Trading in Agriculture Commodity Markets]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-start-trading-in-agriculture-commodity-markets.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Anyone who wants to start trading in the agriculture commodity markets needs to understand the basics of futures trading. The bulk of trading in this market is done through futures contracts, rather than at spot prices or with the expectation of physical delivery. Once this basis of knowledge is established, you will be able to approach the details of the various agricultural markets and what factors drive prices. Futures Contracts A futures contract is a contract between two parties that binds the buyer of the contract to buy a set amount of a commodity at a set price at...]]></description><pubDate>April 28, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hedging against Commodity Risks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/hedging-against-commodity-risks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Hedging against commodity risk is a different process depending on what type of market participant you are. The objective of the true hedger, a producer or consumer of the actual commodity, is not the same as if you are a speculator, a trader who is trying to profit from moves in the market. In the first case, hedging is the very reason for being a market participant. In the latter case, you can hedge against commodity risk by buying certain types of options, by trading in interest-rate-sensitive futures or by maintaining a well-diversified portfolio. Types of Market Participants&amp;ndash;True Hedgers...]]></description><pubDate>April 28, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Read and Analyze Commodities Charts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-read-and-analyze-commodities-charts.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are looking to trade commodities, you will have to become acquainted with reading commodities charts. The chart depicts the story that is unfolding for the selected commodity. There are a myriad of different technical indicators, but it is important to know the fundamentals of chart reading. Three major&amp;nbsp;variables for chart reading are price, volume and open interest. These are the statements of trading activity and can be very eye opening in speculating for profits in the near term. Much can be said for chart patterns as well as candlestick bars. To get started, however, the basic way...]]></description><pubDate>April 28, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Relevant Is Daily Commodity News?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-relevant-is-daily-commodity-news.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors in the commodities market keep up with the commodity news regularly. Many new investors may wonder whether doing so is important. Here are the basics of daily commodity news and whether you should pay attention to it.&amp;nbsp; Weather Reports When dealing with commodities such as wheat or corn, weather reports can have an impact on commodity pricing. For example, if a devastating storm is on the way, the value of these commodities might go down substantially because the crops could be destroyed. Petroleum and Natural Gas Reports Petroleum and natural gas reports will frequently be released in...]]></description><pubDate>April 28, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Spot a Bubble in Commodity Prices]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-spot-a-bubble-in-commodity-prices.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Trying to spot a bubble in commodity prices requires you to have experience, patience and a clear picture of your objective. Given that commodity prices are often driven by persistent trends in the general economy, most notably inflation, their prices tend to follow long-term trends. This phenomenon can lead to bubbles in the prices of these assets that are prone to fast and significant reversals. If your goal is to spot a bubble for the sake of avoiding the reversal, this can be accomplished by following some basic rules. If, however, your goal is to profit from the bursting...]]></description><pubDate>April 28, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to the Commodity World]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-the-commodity-world.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The commodity market is one of the fastest moving financial markets in the world. Many traders get involved in the commodity market in an effort to diversify their investments and pull away from the stock market. Here are the basics of the commodity world and how it could benefit you as a trader. Commodities Commodities are the physical things that we use on a daily basis. For example, a commodity can be referring to agriculture products such as corn, wheat, soybeans or sugarcane. You could also be referring to precious metals such as gold or silver. Many commodity traders...]]></description><pubDate>April 28, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Overview of the Bulk Commodity Industry]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-overview-of-the-bulk-commodity-industry.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The bulk commodity industry is a very important part of the world economy overall. Many people do not understand how the bulk commodity industry works. Here are the basics of the bulk commodity industry and how it affects other sectors of the economy. Bulk Commodities A bulk commodity is any commodity that is shipped in large amounts without any type of packaging involved. Many of these commodities are shipped by trains and boats in large bins. In order to be classified as a commodity, it has to be a good that is produced in a number of locations and...]]></description><pubDate>March 26, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Commodity Margin?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-commodity-margin.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A commodity margin is the minimum sum you must invest into your trading account in order to trade a futures contract. There is an initial margin, like a minimum deposit on a bank account, and then a maintenance margin, similar to a minimum balance in a bank account. If you do not meet these minimums, your broker will close your account. Maintenance Margin Once you have deposited your initial margin, you will see your account fluctuate through profits and losses on your futures contracts. If your account is profitable, your maintenance margin will be met without your depositing any...]]></description><pubDate>March 26, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Principles of the Metal Commodities Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-principles-of-the-metal-commodities-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are considering investing in the metal commodities market for the first time, start slow. You may be familiar with strategies such as options or futures contracts, which allow you to gain large profits by correctly betting on short-term commodities prices. While these opportunities are out there, they are typically employed only by sophisticated commodities traders who can correctly anticipate prices. Even these traders bet wrong sometimes, and they can stand to lose a lot of money on a single trade. This does not describe most first-time metal investors. Instead of going after these wealth building schemes, consider...]]></description><pubDate>March 26, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Invest in Wheat Commodity]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-in-wheat-commodity.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in wheat commodity is one of the more common types of commodity investing. Wheat is the commodity with the second largest production quantity in the world, behind corn. Here are the basics of how to get involved in wheat commodity investing. Futures Contracts The most direct way to get involved in investing in wheat is through the use of futures contracts. With these, you are actually purchasing a contract to buy a certain amount of wheat. One contract is equal to 5000 bushels of wheat. You can get a futures contract from the Chicago Board of Trade when...]]></description><pubDate>March 26, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Corn Commodity: How Does It Interact with Other Foods?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/corn-commodity-how-does-it-interact-with-other-foods.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in corn commodity markets is a very popular method among futures investors. Corn ties in with many of the other foods in the industry because of the way the market is set up. Here are a few things to consider about corn as a commodity. Government Regulation As an investor, one of the most important things to realize about the corn industry is that the government subsidizes its production with price floors. Therefore, even if the market price is low, the corn farmers will still be paid for the amount that they produce by the government to meet...]]></description><pubDate>March 26, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is the Commodity Product Spread?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-the-commodity-product-spread.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A commodity product spread is a transaction that involves simultaneously purchasing a commodity and selling a product made from that commodity. The transaction is supposed to occur at one time, but there is usually a small difference between when the commodity is purchased and when the product is sold. Despite this small gap, the transaction goal can be met. Transaction Goal The goal of the transaction is to profit when a commodity price is high. The sale of the ultimate product covers the cost of purchasing a futures contract on the commodity itself, so the investor nets a profit...]]></description><pubDate>March 26, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Get into Commodities Future Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-get-into-commodities-future-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Commodities future trading has become a very popular form of investment in the last few years. Many traders have been looking for a way to diversify and move away from the stock market and turned to commodities as a result. Here are the basics of how to get into commodities future trading successfully. Learn How to Trade Before actually putting any money on the line, you need to make sure that you know how to trade successfully. Commodities trading is no game for amateurs and you need to develop a successful trading style before you get involved. Research the...]]></description><pubDate>March 26, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Commodity List: 3 Most Profitable Commodities in Recent Times]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/commodity-list-3-most-profitable-commodities-in-recent-times.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Looking at a commodity list can help you come up with ideas for potential commodities that you might want to trade. There are a number of different commodities that are traded in the world today, and therefore you cannot be an expert in all of them. Here are a few of the most profitable commodities that have been traded in recent times. 1. Oil One of the most commonly traded and most profitable commodities in recent years has been oil. Nearly everyone you talk to has some sort of an opinion on oil prices. Many traders love to speculate...]]></description><pubDate>March 26, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Differences in Behavior between Hard and Soft Commodities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/differences-in-behavior-between-hard-and-soft-commodities.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Soft commodities are generally those grown or produced through the agriculture industry. Hard commodities, on the other hand, is a term that refers to commodities extracted or mined, such as metals, oil and natural gas. The key difference in these two categories is the sensitivity of soft commodities to spoilage, which changes the way the commodities prices behave for this area. Weather and Climate Hard assets tend to have a more consistent price over time, with small fluctuations in between. A &quot;hard&quot; asset in most applications is a term used to describe something with an intrinsic value that can...]]></description><pubDate>March 26, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Qualified Does Commodity Training Make Someone?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-qualified-does-commodity-training-make-someone.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Commodity training happens in business schools and on trading floors. Typically, a commodities trader starts with a bachelors or masters degree in finance, mathematics or a related field. The next step after one of these degrees is a training program, typically offered by a trading firm. While the training is absolutely necessary if for no other reason than to be certified in the marketplace, it does not always make someone qualified as a trader. The Role of Experience In general, with all professions, experience brings advanced knowledge. A novice trader who has been through a trading program has been...]]></description><pubDate>March 26, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Reasons to Invest in Grain Commodity Futures]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-reasons-to-invest-in-grain-commodity-futures.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in grain commodity futures is something that many investors overlook, however, this type of investment could provide you with several unique benefits. Here are a few reasons that you may want to consider investing in grain commodity futures. 1. Grain Dependence Our society is very dependent upon grain in order to function. There are many different products that we constantly use that are derived from grain. Unless you believe that our society is going to rapidly change, there will always be a high demand for grain, and grain products. This means that your investment will always have value....]]></description><pubDate>March 26, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Overview of the International Agricultural Commodity Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-overview-of-the-international-agricultural-commodity-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The agricultural commodity market is a mystery to many investors. However, as more investors look to diversify their portfolios, the commodity market has started to become more appealing. Here are the basics of the international agricultural commodity market and what it could mean to you as an investor. Agricultural Commodities Agricultural commodities represent a very important part of every economic system. The strength of any country is tied directly to their agricultural commodities. Things that we use everyday, as consumers, are produced in the agricultural commodity market. Things like wheat, corn, soybeans, sugar cane and many other things are...]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:48 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Make Use of the Commodities Index]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-make-use-of-the-commodities-index.html</link><description><![CDATA[ You can use any commodities index of your choosing to analyze the performance of the commodities market. Like a stock index, a commodities index simply compiles statistics from a broad range of commodities into one, simple ticker. This ticker can be purchased or sold like a stock if you would like to invest in the commodities market as a whole instead of a specific commodity. Trading an Index When you trade an index, you are trading at the value of its underlying assets. It is similar to trading shares in a mutual fund that trades at the value of...]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:46 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Manage Your Commodity Account]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-manage-your-commodity-account.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Having a commodity account gives you access to trade in the very dynamic commodities market. As a trader, you will want to make sure that you handle your account like a pro. Here are a few tips on how to manage your commodity account. Withdrawing Profits As a commodity trader, you will immediately begin to realize just how volatile the market can be. It can be up one minute and down the next. This can put you at a very large risk of losing money in your account if you are in a trade. Therefore, one thing that you...]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:44 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Tips for Speculating on a Traded Commodity]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-tips-for-speculating-on-a-traded-commodity.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Speculating on a traded commodity can provide you with a nice alternative to traditional forms of investment. However, if you want to do this successfully, there are a number of things that you will want to keep in mind. Here are a few tips for speculating on a traded commodity. 1. Trade What You Know When you get involved in the world of commodity trading, you will notice that there are many potential things that you can trade. Opening a commodities trading account will show you just how many commodities are available to trade. It can be tempting to...]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:42 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Definition of a Commodity]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-definition-of-a-commodity.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Trying to understand a commodity definition can be challenging without the proper context. In order to invest in commodities, you need to first understand what a commodity is and how it affects you as an individual. Here are the basics of the definition of a commodity. Commodities In order for something to be qualified as a commodity, it has to meet certain criteria. A commodity is a good that is produced or sold by many different companies or countries. In addition to being sold by many different entities, it also has to be indistinguishable from the product of another...]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:40 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Commodity Futures Market: Who Are the Major Investors?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/commodity-futures-market-who-are-the-major-investors.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The commodity futures market is largely made up of investors with a high enough capitalization to sustain major losses in the short run. The average investor purchasing $1,000 to $5,000 of shares of a stock, bond or fund at a given time will not typically engage in futures trading. However, if this investor is part of a fund with a high capitalization, he or she can be a part of a futures contract. Understanding Commodity Futures A futures contract is just what it sounds like: it is a contract to buy or sell a product at some point in...]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:38 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Tactics Employed by Commodities Traders]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-tactics-employed-by-commodities-traders.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Commodities traders tend to engage in riskier tactics than those who trade in other areas of the market. This is a generalization, and there are still some commodities traders who engage in, for example, simplified gold bonds. However, the commodity market is considered a riskier market than the general securities market, so the types of investors and traders called to this unique area are typically hungry for risk. They fulfill this hunger with tactics that go beyond simply investing and hoping for profits.&amp;nbsp; #1 Exercising Options An options contract allows a buyer or seller to lock in a future...]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:36 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Cash in on Hot Commodities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-cash-in-on-hot-commodities.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors would like to get involved in hot commodities in some capacity. However, investing in commodities is not as widely understood as investing in stocks. Here are the basics of how you can take advantage of the commodity market.&amp;nbsp; Futures Contracts The most direct way to take advantage of a hot commodity is to get involved in futures contracts. A futures contract allows you to speculate on the price of a commodity. For example, if you believe that the price of a commodity is going to increase, you can purchase a futures contract based on today's prices. Then,...]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Successful Have Commodity Mutual Funds Been?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-successful-have-commodity-mutual-funds-been.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in commodity mutual funds has become a popular way to access the commodity market without trading commodities directly. A number of different mutual fund providers offer these types of funds. Here are a few things to consider about how successful these types of funds have been. Commodity Mutual Funds There have been a number of different commodity mutual funds that have been successful in recent years. However, there have also been several funds that have failed miserably in that time. Therefore, the commodity mutual fund market is very similar to the traditional mutual fund market as far as...]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Tips for Evaluating the Prices of Commodities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-tips-for-evaluating-the-prices-of-commodities.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Analysts and traders use a variety of complicated formulas to evaluate the price of commodities. For most commodities, however, a fundamental understanding of the laws of supply and demand is all that is needed to properly consider price today and in the future. If you are looking to grow an income rather than to powerfully transform your wealth, the fundamental theory of commodities prices can help you simply secure long-term growth. #1 Evaluate Supply The first thing you have to do is evaluate the supply of a given commodity in the marketplace. You can do this by watching reports...]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Things a Commodity Contract Should Include]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-things-a-commodity-contract-should-include.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A commodity contract is a legally binding agreement that must be written according to the contract laws in the state where it will be executed. Anyone who has ever worked with a lawyer in writing up a contract is aware there are a number of terms and conditions that must be included in order to protect both parties involved. These items depend on the nature of the contract. All commodity contracts, regardless of where they are executed or what they entail, though, should have these key elements. #1 Pledged Property Pledged property is the commodity that will be traded....]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Ways Commodities and Other Stocks Interact]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-ways-commodities-and-other-stocks-interact.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Stocks and commodities are often trading the exact same resource. We think of the commodity market as the purchasing and sale of the good, often times separate from the stock market. However, there are a number of commodity companies that trade equity on the market. There are also indices tracking commodities and bonds held in the value of commodities. In this way, the markets interact because they are, essentially, the same market. #1 Indices and Bond Purchases An example of an index that tracks commodities is the Goldman Sachs Commodities Index (GSCI), now called the S&amp;amp;P GSCI. This index,...]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Avenues by Which People Buy Commodities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-avenues-by-which-people-buy-commodities.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you want to buy commodities, there are a number of different methods that you could utilize. Commodities have become more widely available to the general public. Here are a few avenues by which people get involved in the commodities market. 1. Futures Contracts One of the most common ways to get involved in the commodities market is to purchase futures contracts. This can be done through a futures broker and will allow you to speculate directly on the price of the commodity you purchase. With this method, you buy a futures contract on a commodity in an effort...]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Major Factors about Oil as a Commodity]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-major-factors-about-oil-as-a-commodity.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Gold and oil are the two most popular commodities to invest in. When an investor first gets into the commodities market, these two essential items are often the first he or she must understand. While gold is essentially a form of currency, oil is a very unique commodity because of the implications of oil prices on the market as a whole. Understanding oil as a commodity means learning not only about how it trades, but also how it is controlled by various individuals. #1 Oil Markets have Two Sides First, it is essential to understand there are two sides...]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Do Institutions Approach Commodity Investment?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-do-institutions-approach-commodity-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The commodity investment market is a very large financial market with many different players. While many individuals choose to invest in this market, institutional investors also make up a fair share of the market. Here are the basics of how institutional investors approach commodity investment and how this affects you as a trader. Massive Resources The first thing that you should know about institutional investors is that they have massive resources to deal with. Most institutional investors are multinational banks and have a wealth of money to invest. Therefore, they benefit from economies of scale in the market and...]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[2 Things a Beginner Should Understand about Commodity Markets]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/2-things-a-beginner-should-understand-about-commodity-markets.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Commodity markets operate in a manner different from stock or bond markets. When you invest, you are not buying a piece of a company whose performance relies mostly on personal choices. Instead, you are buying a piece of an entire marketplace, where the weather in Florida can affect the shipment in India.&amp;nbsp; #1 They Are Innately High Risk Because your investment in the commodity market relies on so many unreliable and unpredictable factors, the commodities markets are innately high risk. Even the best analysts using superior modeling can fail to predict random events like wars, storms and heat waves....]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Find Legitimate Commodities Brokers]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-find-legitimate-commodities-brokers.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Commodities brokers are a necessary part of getting involved in the commodity trading market. In order to access the market, you will have to go through a commodity broker. However, it is important that you choose a legitimate one to represent you. Here are a few things to consider about finding a legitimate commodities broker. National Futures Association When trying to evaluate several different commodities brokers, one of the first places that you should turn to is the National Futures Association. The National Futures Association is the governing body that deals with futures brokers in the United States. Any...]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Things to Know About a Commodities Trader]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-things-to-know-about-a-commodities-trader.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A commodities trader is different from other stock traders because he or she deals specifically in a very unique market. Even though the commodities market does interact with the rest of the economy, it is subject to factors and drifts entirely unique to the particular commodity being traded. Before you pick your trader, consider a host of factors of importance to you. #1 Education Commodities traders typically have an educational background in finance, economics or engineering. These fields are highly technical, and commodities trades are highly technical, so they blend well together. All traders must pass exams hosted by...]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons Professionals Succeed in the Commodities Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-professionals-succeed-in-the-commodities-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The commodities market represents a viable alternative to more traditional forms of investment like stocks and bonds. However, it is no place for amateurs. Here are a few reasons that professionals succeed in the commodities market. 1. Proper Mindset Perhaps the most important thing that a professional trader has is the proper mindset. Trading in the commodities market is unlike trading in the stock market. Since most traders are familiar with the stock market, they do not feel comfortable dealing in the commodities market. Therefore, they do not know how to handle the way things work in this market....]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Trade the Eternal Commodity: Gold]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-trade-the-eternal-commodity-gold.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in gold commodities has been an established investment method for many years. Gold has been sought after for centuries and does not show any signs of slowing down in the future. Here are the basics of how to trade gold and what it can do for you as an investor. Physical Asset The first, and most basic, way that you can trade gold is to purchase the physical asset and warehouse it yourself. Many people purchase gold, store it, and then resell it at a later date. This is the most tried and true method of gold investment...]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Fundamental Theory about Traded Commodities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-fundamental-theory-about-traded-commodities.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Traded commodities, such as grain, wheat, soy, oil or gold, operate on the same basic supply and demand principles of all purchased goods. The use of supply and demand laws when analyzing the expected price of a commodity in the future is called the fundamental theory or fundamental analysis of traded commodity prices. The fundamental theory uses three components: the law of demand, the law of supply and the stocks-to-use ratio. Law of Demand The law of demand is one of the basic principles of economics. The more a product is in demand, the higher its price will be....]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Commodity Stock Investing for Diversification]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/commodity-stock-investing-for-diversification.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When it comes to buying stock , the commodity markets could be something to consider. Many investors choose to purchase a majority of traditional stocks, however, commodity stocks may offer a good alternative form of investment to diversify your portfolio. A commodity stock is a share of stock that is issued by a corporation that deals with a certain commodity. For example, you would be investing in oil company, an oil refinery or a steel mill. This could apply to any company that deals primarily with commodities. Advantages of Commodity Stocks Convenience: Dealing with commodity stocks is a very...]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[When Should You Invest in a Commodity Fund?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/when-should-you-invest-in-a-commodity-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a commodity fund has become a very common investment tool with many investors. While the commodity market used to be inaccessible to the average investor, commodity funds have made them available to the masses. Here are a few things to consider about when to invest in a commodity fund. Commodity Funds This type of investment is basically a mutual fund that invests in certain commodities. The mutual fund may invest directly in the commodities through futures contracts or by purchasing the physical asset. They could also invest indirectly, in the commodities, through commodity stocks. These mutual funds...]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Things Experienced Commodity Traders Understand]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-things-experienced-commodity-traders-understand.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you speak with experienced commodity traders, you may get caught up in the complexity of the language they use to describe their trading practice. For example, they often speak of options and futures markets, stock use ratios and margin calls. If you ask a commodities trader to plainly tell you a few facts about the business, however, the trader will give advice not all together different from a traditional stock adviser. #1 Risk Can Pay off Options and futures trading is the riskiest choice for commodities trading. With these contracts, an investor promises to buy or sell the...]]></description><pubDate>March 25, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Facts Related to Gold as a Commodity]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-facts-related-to-gold-as-a-commodity.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are looking at the gold commodity market, you will likely find a plethora of advice, tables and indexes describing how the market operates. Trading in commodities is commonly considered risky, sophisticated and complex, leading many investors to steer clear. However, you may be surprised to learn you can invest in gold using a relatively simple method, and many less-experienced investors exercise the option. Consider these simple facts about gold. #1 Novice Investors Can Tap into Gold Markets You do not have to have an intricate understanding of the commodities markets to invest in gold. In fact, there...]]></description><pubDate>March 24, 2010  4:47 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Realistic Expected Returns from a Commodities Broker]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/realistic-expected-returns-from-a-commodities-broker.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing with a commodities broker has become a popular alternative to investing in the stock market. Many investors have heard of the amazing returns that you can get from investing in commodities. Here are a few things to consider about what you should realistically expect in the way of return when investing with a commodities broker. Unrealistic Expectations One of the biggest problems with investing in the commodities market is that investors have an unrealistic viewpoint of what you can achieve. There is a lot of hype surrounding the commodities future market and many people believe that you can...]]></description><pubDate>March 24, 2010  4:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Do Investors Usually Profit in the Commodity Exchange?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-do-investors-usually-profit-in-the-commodity-exchange.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The average investor is not involved in complicated options, futures or derivatives on the commodity exchange market. These more complex and risky options are typically exercised by hedge funds of commodities brokers. If you are a fairly average investor, though, you can get a piece of the profits on a much simpler level. Commodity Mutual Funds If you purchase shares in a mutual fund that holds a portfolio of commodities, you are engaged in the commodity exchange. You will profit if you own commodities through the fund that go up in value. Some riskier hedge funds catering to bolder...]]></description><pubDate>March 24, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Reasons the Price of a Commodity May Fall]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-reasons-the-price-of-a-commodity-may-fall.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are a number of different reasons that the price of a commodity could fall rapidly. Here are a few reasons that the price of a commodity could go down. 1. Obsolescence One of the biggest fears of a commodity investor is that their commodity will become obsolete. When this happens, the value of their investment will plummet quickly. It may be reduced to nothing faster than they can sell their interests in the commodity. For example, let's say that you invested heavily in oil. While oil has always been a popular commodity to invest in, we all know...]]></description><pubDate>March 24, 2010  4:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Commodity Future Trading: How to Navigate the Uncertainty]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/commodity-future-trading-how-to-navigate-the-uncertainty.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The business of commodity future trading can be very confusing for many traders. The commodities market represents many uncertainty and can fluctuate greatly from day to day. Here are a few things to consider about how to navigate the uncertainty that comes with the commodity futures trading market. Educate Yourself One of the best ways to eliminate uncertainty is to educate yourself. A good education in the commodities market can go a long way towards making you feel more confident about your ability to trade. With a good education, you will understand the intricacies of the market itself and...]]></description><pubDate>March 24, 2010  4:39 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Tips to Trading Commodities Online]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-tips-to-trading-commodities-online.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Trading commodities online has entered into the mainstream as an alternative to trading in the stock market. Many traders are turning to the commodities market as a way to diversify away from stocks. Here are a few tips to trading the commodities market online successfully. 1. Find a Good Broker There are many different brokers that you could potentially use to trade the commodities market online. You will want to make sure that you find a reputable one to do business with. You need to make sure that you check with the National Futures Association and find out a...]]></description><pubDate>March 24, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons Commodity Futures Trading Can Be Tricky]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-commodity-futures-trading-can-be-tricky.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Commodity futures trading can be one of the most rewarding financial markets in the world. To the average investor, it can be difficult and unpredictable. It is important to know some of the most difficult aspects of commodities before investing. 1. World Market The commodity futures trading market has evolved into a world market. Every region in the world has some impact on the commodity futures market. As an investor, you have to keep a keen eye on many different areas of the world. Investing in the stock market by comparison, can be much easier. Usually, you just have...]]></description><pubDate>March 24, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Ways to Begin Commodity Market Research]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-ways-to-begin-commodity-market-research.html</link><description><![CDATA[ You can invest in the commodity market in either very straightforward or very complicated methods. For example, you can purchase shares in a commodities mutual fund in the same way you would purchase shares in any other mutual fund. In this case, you would only need to research fund performance instead of specific commodity markets. On the other hand, you can go the opposite route and look to complicated options and futures contracts. The research you do will depend on the style of investing you are pursuing. #1 Watch an Index One simple way to start reviewing the commodity...]]></description><pubDate>March 24, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[When to Cash Out on a Commodity Trade]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/when-to-cash-out-on-a-commodity-trade.html</link><description><![CDATA[ You do not have to cash out a commodity trade the moment it is executed. In fact, the majority of commodity traders hold funds in an account for an extended period of time. This enables them to continue trading, but it serves a greater purpose. By holding the funds in an account instead of continually cashing out, you can find some tax benefits through deferring the income. Then, you can select a time to cash out when your capital gains and capital losses will be more even. How to Cash Out a Commodity Trade To cash out a trade,...]]></description><pubDate>March 24, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Future of a Commodity: Maximizing Potential Profits]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-future-of-a-commodity-maximizing-potential-profits.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The commodity future market is one of the most dynamic investment markets in the world today. As an investor, you will want to do your homework on the future of the particular commodity in which you are investing in order to maximize your potential profits. Here are a few things to consider about the future of a commodity before investing. Limited Resources Before investing in a commodity, you will want to take note of whether it is a renewable resource or a limited resource. Renewable resources such as wheat and corn should be able to be produced for as...]]></description><pubDate>March 24, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Ways Commodity Brokers Can Screw Up]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-ways-commodity-brokers-can-screw-up.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Commodity brokers do not have to miss the mark by much to truly screw up a transaction. The commodities market is often unpredictable, which is part of why there is so much money to be made on effective trades. The less predictable an event, the more likely you are to make money off of betting on that event. While this is the nature of the commodities market, it also means a broker will make bad choices on multiple occasions in a lengthy career. #1 Engaging in Groupthink The commodities market is subject to bubbles and crashes. This market may...]]></description><pubDate>March 24, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Much Will a Talented Commodity Broker Cost?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-much-will-a-talented-commodity-broker-cost.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Commodity broker costs are often based on past performance and experience, but not necessarily talent. If you would like to find the cheapest option while still working with good talent, consider contacting a young broker who is less established in the industry. You will likely find lower fees from this type of broker. Broker Flat Rates A flat rate broker is cheaper for an individual who will have a very large sum invested. You will pay an up front cost and a cost per transaction, regardless of how much you are trading. There is a cap to how much...]]></description><pubDate>March 24, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Commodities Trading: How to Deal with the Competition]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/commodities-trading-how-to-deal-with-the-competition.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The field of commodities trading is a very competitive one with many different traders. In order to profit from trading commodities, you will have to learn how to deal with this competition. Here are a few tips to keep in mind on how to effectively deal with the competition that comes with commodities trading. Do Not Rely on Emotions One of the most important things to remember is that you should not rely on your emotions. The commodities trading market moves very fast and has a lot of price action involved. This fast movement and high pace tends to...]]></description><pubDate>March 24, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Trade Commodity Futures Using Software]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-trade-commodity-futures-using-software.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The commodity futures market has the potential to bring in astounding gains to traders who know what they are doing. Trading the market with software has become a popular technique among many traders. Here are the basics of how to trade commodity futures using software. Trading with Software The idea of trading commodity futures with software might have seemed like an absurd one just a few years ago. The commodity market moves very rapidly, and it is difficult for manual traders to determine which way to trade. Therefore, relying on a machine to do it for you might seem...]]></description><pubDate>March 24, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does Commodity Trading Compare to Stocks?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-commodity-trading-compare-to-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Commodity trading has become popular in recent years as many investors think of new ways to diversify their portfolios that is not tied to the stock market. While many people are familiar with trading stocks, not that many are familiar with trading commodities. Here are a few things to consider about how commodity trading compares to stock trading. Basic Principles The basic principles of stock trading still apply to commodities. You want to buy low and sell high. However, instead of researching individual companies and trying to find one that looks very is growth, you have to choose an...]]></description><pubDate>March 24, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The 5 Different Classes of Commodities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-5-different-classes-of-commodities.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When people talk about commodities classes, they are not using the word in the same way it applies to other types of investments. For most types of investments, such as mutual funds or stocks, the term &quot;class&quot; has a tangible affect on the investment. Having a Class B interest in a mutual fund is different from having a Class A interest in the fund. With commodities, however, the term &quot;class&quot; refers to a classification, or type of commodity, rather than the type of interest held. In general, commodities can be broken down into five major categories.&amp;nbsp; #1 Energy The...]]></description><pubDate>March 24, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Gold Investment Stock Tips for Wary Buyers]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/gold-investment-stock-tips-for-wary-buyers.html</link><description><![CDATA[In economic downtimes, many turn to gold investment stock as a way to store their money safely. Of course, these times are when the price of gold rises the highest, so investors should be wise about putting money into gold. Here are some tips for gold investing.Know YourselfFirst determine what kind of gold investor you are. Are you investing in gold as a speculator &amp;ndash; someone who is trying to turn a quick profit? Are you an investor &amp;ndash; someone who is looking for growth and steady return? Or are you saver &amp;ndash; someone who wants gold as a part...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does The International Petroleum Investment Company Operate?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-the-international-petroleum-investment-company-operate.html</link><description><![CDATA[The International Petroleum Investment Company is a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. Created in 1984, it is based in the United Arab Emirates, where it is responsible for the international investment operations of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.Operational ProcedureThe International Petroleum Investment Company is responsible for investment in hydrocarbon industries as well as other related fields.&amp;nbsp; Operating solely through investments in oil, oil products, crude oil, petrochemicals, natural gas and any other industry that involves the collection, refinement or use of hydrocarbons in any way, it invests heavily in many foreign petroleum producing companies.Influential in the...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Prevailing Gold Investment Advice For Different Economic Environments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/prevailing-gold-investment-advice-for-different-economic-environments.html</link><description><![CDATA[Gold investment advice is available all over the internet. But what works for one person may not work for you. The area you are in will have a lot to do with the prices and what will work.&amp;nbsp; Here are some questions you should ask yourself before you start investing.When Should I Buy?Investing in gold is a pretty big decision to make. Gold investments are very different than other types of investing. The gold market varies frequently, and there may not be a perfect time to buy. You should buy when you need it. When you are able to start...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Selecting a Gold Firm]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/selecting-a-gold-firm.html</link><description><![CDATA[Gold bullion (whether bars or coins) should primarily be viewed as a portfolio hedge and insurance against various economic and financial uncertainties first, before being regarded as a profit-generating investment. Finding a highly professional gold firm - one that doesn't have its own agenda - can greatly help you to determine the gold products that are best for your portfolio. By associating yourself with the right gold firm, you're much more likely to find your gold ownership a very rewarding experience. If, however, you choose the wrong firm and utilize the wrong investment products, it could reduce your attempt to...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Is Investing In Oil Companies Ever A Bad Idea?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/is-investing-in-oil-companies-ever-a-bad-idea.html</link><description><![CDATA[For many years people assumed that investing in oil companies was an easy way to make money. That may not be the case anymore. With oil prices fluctuating, and stock doing the same thing, there may be other options to consider.Oil ConcernsOil will not be around forever. At some point, even with massive investing in oil drilling, we will not be able to use this energy source. Many people, because of this, are finding ways to cut back on oil based energy. This means decreased stock values. FluctuationsOil is not a stable investment. It&amp;rsquo;s not uncommon to make a lot...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Have those Collectibles Appraised]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/have-those-collectibles-appraised.html</link><description><![CDATA[Are you an avid collector? Perhaps you fancy stamps or artwork. Maybe it's baseball cards or antique vases. It could be cars – real ones or the vintage toy variety. There are collectors for virtually anything imaginable. Perhaps, however, you don't consider yourself to be an active collector at all, and yet you've still managed to accumulate a few rather interesting items over the years to add to your attic assortment. Either way, you may unwittingly be sitting on a substantial amount of money. It could very well be worth your while to find out by utilizing the services of...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Gold and Silver as Mediums of Exchange]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/gold-and-silver-as-mediums-of-exchange.html</link><description><![CDATA[Since ancient times, gold has been used reliably as both a store of value and a medium of exchange. Today, in an era in which the world is moving ever closer toward the total elimination of currency and its replacement with plastic cards and even cyber-cash, the utilization of gold as money somehow seems completely out of place. But the possibility of an economic collapse has led many investors to begin acquiring and storing gold away specifically for the purpose of buying essential goods should the worst come to pass.In most circumstances (including an economic breakdown) gold owners would sell...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Numismatics: Is it for you?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/numismatics-is-it-for-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[Broadly speaking, numismatics is the study and collection money, coins and medals. For our particular purposes today, we're going to focus on the area of old and rare coins. Coin collecting has evolved well beyond the simple accumulation of old and interesting currency. It has, in fact, become a quite sophisticated investment vehicle and hedge instrument that incorporates high-volume purchases and sales, independent third-party grading, widely circulated and updated pricing sheets, electronic trading, and a large and growing number of enthusiastic participants. Numismatics has become a popular pursuit among well-to-do investors, similar to collecting fine oil paintings, antiques and gemstones....]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Beware of Gold Scams]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/beware-of-gold-scams.html</link><description><![CDATA[When the U.S. dollar falls in value, the price of gold and silver can usually be expected to rise. And with the dollar in free-fall as it is at the time of this writing, the trend is proceeding true to form, with gold just recently blowing past $800 an ounce. But when the gold and silver markets turn bullish and enthusiasm among investors accordingly rises, watch out! Amid every new &amp;quot;gold rush,&amp;quot; you can also expect a fresh assortment of corresponding scams to appear. The last major bull market for gold and silver, the 1970's, saw scam artists abound; and...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in Gold]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-gold.html</link><description><![CDATA[Advocates of gold investing believe that it is the best hedge against inflation and stock market declines. Of all the precious metals, gold has consistently been the most popular investment as a store of value. Historically, gold has performed well during periods of high inflation. It must be noted, however, that as with any other investment, money can be made or lost in gold. For instance, both inflation and the price of gold declined in the first 4 years of the twenty-first century. When the price of gold rises above its original purchase price, investors realize capital gains when selling....]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A few Questions and Answers about Gold]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-few-questions-and-answers-about-gold.html</link><description><![CDATA[Holding gold as an investment doesn't pay interest. Why should it be included in my portfolio?Instead of being a liability, this can actually be looked at as one of gold's biggest strengths. If gold were to pay interest like stocks, bonds, or other paper assets do, the return would be dependent upon the performance of another individual or institution. Furthermore, those types of assets are also directly affected by the performance of the currency in which they're denominated.Gold, on the other hand, has no dependence on the performance of any other entity for its intrinsic value. Even though it does...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Gold Bullion: Coins]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/gold-bullion-coins.html</link><description><![CDATA[Gold used for investment purposes is manufactured in one of two forms: bullion bars or bullion coins. Most of the gold held by private investors around the world is in the form of coins because of their portability and liquidity; in other words, they can be easily converted into cash. Another reason why coins are the preferred vehicle for gold ownership is that the minted coin is a standardized measure of weight and purity, which can be relied on for current and future value assessment. Gold bullion coins are the most popular, most convenient, and safest way to physically invest...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in Collectibles]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-collectibles.html</link><description><![CDATA[Collectibles can include art, antiques, old coins, vintage cars, stamps, rare books, Persian rugs, baseball cards, bottles of fine wine and other items that offer the potential for appreciation in value. Unlike other investment vehicles, these items generally do not generate any type of cash flow during the time that they're owned (unless the property is so rare and exquisite that you can open a museum and charge admission for patrons to view it). In addition, a number of other characteristics make collectibles investing significantly different from investing in financial securities. First, specialized knowledge is necessary in order to be...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Metals, Resources &amp; Collectibles - Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/metals-resources-collectibles.html</link><description><![CDATA[Throughout recorded history gold has been used not only as a universally accepted medium of exchange, but also as a reliable store of value as well. It has been worked for, fought for, and, sadly, killed for. Unfortunately, the same can still be said today. But why? What's the attraction that gold and every other precious metal holds? At the risk of being blatantly simplistic, it's what they (either directly or indirectly) can buy. Boiling it down even further: greed. Modern investors view gold as a solid hedge against inflation and declines in the stock market. Historically, gold's value has...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:19 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Mutual Fund Benchmark Are You Following?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-mutual-fund-benchmark-are-you-following.html</link><description><![CDATA[A mutual fund benchmark is a type of statistical measure that you can compare the performance of your mutual fund to. Here are the basics of the mutual fund benchmark and how it can help you as an investor. Mutual Fund Benchmark Most mutual funds today compare their performance to some type of benchmark. If the mutual fund exceeds this benchmark, they claim that they have been successful on the year. If the performance of the mutual fund does not reach the level of the benchmark that it is compared to, then you can say that the mutual fund is...]]></description><pubDate>April  6, 2011  9:04 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Do Conservative Growth Strategies Really Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-do-conservative-growth-strategies-really-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[Conservative growth portfolios are designed to provide long-term income instead of short-term capital gains. This affects the types of investments the funds make. They are more likely to engage in purchasing constant-growth stocks instead of speculating on value stocks, and conservative funds rarely engage in shorting, derivatives or other riskier trading strategies. The goal is to consistently match or beat the market averages but only by a little.&amp;nbsp; Constant-Growth Investing Constant-growth stocks are those that have shown consistent, profitable returns for a few years or even a decade. These securities belong to established corporations, such as Google, Apple, Wal-Mart or...]]></description><pubDate>April  6, 2011  8:40 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to Investing in Index Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-investing-in-index-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investing in index mutual funds can be a solid way to grow your portfolio over the long term. Index funds have become&amp;nbsp;a very popular form of investment over the last few years. Here are the basics of investing in index funds and how they work. Financial Indices In order to understand how index funds work, you first need to understand what a financial index is and how it works. A number of different financial entities have developed financial indices as a way to track the strength of the market. A financial index is a collection of stocks that is designed...]]></description><pubDate>April  6, 2011  8:37 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Open-End vs Closed-End Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/open-end-vs-closed-end-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[Understanding the difference between open-ended and closed-end funds&amp;nbsp;is an important part of the mutual fund investment process. Before you get involved in mutual fund you need to know which category your fund falls in to. Here are the basics of both types of funds. Open-End vs. Closed-End&amp;nbsp; The difference between open-end and closed-end fund is the amount of investors that are allowed into the fund. An open-end fund does not have any limit on the amount of investors that can get involved. In contrast, the closed-end fund has a set amount of investors that will be allowed in from the...]]></description><pubDate>April  6, 2011  8:36 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rebalancing Your Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/rebalancing-your-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[Rebalancing your mutual funds is an essential step in the investment process. Investing in a mutual fund provides you with a great way to diversify your portfolio. However, if left unchecked your portfolio could get out of balance. Here are the basics of rebalancing mutual funds and why it's important. What Is Rebalancing? Rebalancing is the act of making sure everything is in proportion in your portfolio. When we start investing, one of the first things we do is balance our portfolio. You choose how much of your investment dollars goes towards each type of investment. For example, you might...]]></description><pubDate>April  6, 2011  8:30 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Advantages to Investing in Indexed Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/advantages-to-investing-in-indexed-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The average investor is likely to benefit most from investing in indexed mutual funds when compared to other mutual funds or individual stocks. This is due to the notion that the average investor is looking to save for retirement and is therefore unwilling to take on large amounts of investment risk. As long as the investor is savings for at least five years, indexed mutual funds represent the safest investment with the highest yield. This strategy is riskier for those retiring in the next few years. As we saw in 2008 and 2009 the market is prone to bad...]]></description><pubDate>February 23, 2011  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Upside Potential of Growth Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-upside-potential-of-growth-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you want to invest your money in a reliable way, then you should consider growth mutual funds. These funds have a number of benefits which mean that you can get reliable income, as well as improving your portfolio. No matter what kind of investment you intend to make, there is a growth mutual fund which would suit your needs, from large funds which are dedicated to slow growth in big companies, to small aggressive funds that concentrate upon new and exciting business ventures. Any of these funds could give you the income that you desire, so learning about...]]></description><pubDate>February 12, 2011  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Advantages of Index Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-advantages-of-index-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you want to be sure of making a profit on your investment, and have already decided on a mutual fund, index funds might be the next addition to your portfolio. These types of funds invest in a number of small stocks belonging to a particular stock market index. These index funds are then tracked using computer models, allowing you to follow your fund wherever it goes. When you are setting up an index mutual fund, you should consider all of the advantages to this form of fund before you proceed, so you will know exactly what you are...]]></description><pubDate>February 12, 2011  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Growth Stock Mutual Funds for the Long-Term Investor]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/growth-stock-mutual-funds-for-the-long-term-investor.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you want to see the best profit for your investment in growth stock mutual funds, then you will need to consider investing in the long-term. Although you might see the occasional person winning big, most investors settle in for the long term, and use slow growth to increase their income. When you are sticking around for the long-term, it makes sense to spread your money over a wide area, and hold out for the pay-off. If you want to become this kind of investor, then you might be considering investing in growth stock mutual funds. Growth Stock Mutual...]]></description><pubDate>February 12, 2011  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Picking a Growth Stock Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/picking-a-growth-stock-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you want to invest in a secure market, then you should look at the growth stock mutual fund. These types of funds have the advantage of being risk adjusted, so they have some of the best returns available, making them attractive to mature investors and the beginner alike. Choosing to invest in a growth stock mutual fund is just the beginning, however, as there are several hundred different funds that you could choose to invest in. The right mutual fund is vital, as you could get a poor return for your money if you don't invest wisely. Understanding...]]></description><pubDate>February 12, 2011  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Pros and Cons of an Aggressive Growth Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-pros-and-cons-of-an-aggressive-growth-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A lot of people are wary about an&amp;nbsp;aggressive growth mutual fund, thinking that this type of investment is too risky. However, like all types of investment vehicles, this type of mutual fund can go both ways, meaning it has both upsides and downsides. If you are one of those investors who are still in the process of making up your mind whether to invest or not to invest in aggressive growth mutual funds, check out the pros and cons of this type of investment vehicle before you make a decision. Advantages If you are looking for medium- to long-term...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2011  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Downsides to Stock Market Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/downsides-to-stock-market-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Stock market mutual funds can outperform other types of investments in the long run; however, investing in these funds is not without risks. No Insurance Coverage Because stock market prices are volatile and fluctuations in value are normal, insurance companies do not cover stock market mutual funds. Since your investments are not insured, during economic downturns, you may lose money and be unable to get it back unless you keep your stocks and wait for the market to recover. If the market does not rebound in time and a company that issued some of the stocks goes bankrupt, you...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2011  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Equal Weight with Portfolios and Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/equal-weight-with-portfolios-and-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Equal weight system is a method of relating two separate financial things together, in this case a portfolio of stock and a mutual fund. Weighting allows small companies to be given the same amount of importance as large companies, putting them onto an even playing field. An equal-weight index could tend to have a higher turnover of shares than the market-capped version, and this could inspire higher costs and fees. Equal Weighting Stocks If you put your portfolio of stocks into an equal weight system, then you will find that smaller companies, who would traditionally have cheaper stocks,...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2011  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Invest in Mutual Funds and Minimize Risk]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-in-mutual-funds-and-minimize-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you want to invest in stocks, while still limiting your risks, then you may want to know how to invest in mutual funds. These funds are often seen as a safer way for the average investor to see a return on their money, and carry less risk than trading on the stock exchange. The mutual fund is a collection of diverse investing, from stocks and bonds to money market instruments and Index funds. When you put your money into a mutual fund, you buy a small portion of that investment portfolio, and you can usually find a small...]]></description><pubDate>February 11, 2011  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Pros and Cons of a Preferred Stock Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-pros-and-cons-of-a-preferred-stock-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Preferred stock mutual fund is a financial instrument that generates dividends and its price has the potential to appreciate under given circumstances. As a general rule, dividends for preferred stocks are paid before dividends for common stock mutual funds are paid. Although a preferred stock mutual fund has many advantages, it is not without disadvantages. Below are some of the pros and cons of a preferred stock mutual fund. Advantages As mentioned earlier, one of the main advantages of a preferred stock mutual fund is that it gets dividends ahead of the other types of stocks. In case of...]]></description><pubDate>February  4, 2011  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Redemption Restrictions for Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/redemption-restrictions-for-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Mutual fund redemption is a very complex business. With ordinary funds, you expect to replace any money or shares taken from the funds with other shares, The mutual fund, on the other hand, must be handled by the fund manager. The manager will either provide a cash equivalent or they will sell off a number of shares. This makes the mutual fund much more vulnerable because there is such an imbalance between money coming in and out of the account. Mutual Fund Redemption Restrictions Because of this vulnerability, there are a number of restrictions that are meant to protect...]]></description><pubDate>February  4, 2011  4:01 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Passive Management]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/passive-management.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Passive management is the opposite of active management. It means that investors don't try to augment the portfolio. This form of investment management holds fast to the principles of sound rational investing. Active management, on the other hand, is a more practical approach that treats a portfolio with a more attentive approach that seeks to make adjustments on an ongoing basis. Note, most economists believe under the tenets of rational investing that passive management is the way to go. Active management seeks to work at making a portfolio better and ultimately justify administrative expenses and their jobs of doing...]]></description><pubDate>February  1, 2011  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Best Types of Mutual Funds to Buy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-best-types-of-mutual-funds-to-buy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are ready to invest your money into mutual funds but can't decide which to buy, you should ask yourself a few simple questions. The questions can help you determine which fund will fit into your portfolio, based on your investment personality. Answering and researching about the different categories of mutual funds will help you determine the best types of mutual funds to buy for your unique needs. How much of a risk are you willing to take?&amp;nbsp; Some mutual funds are a safer bet than others. Would you like to see regular dividends or are you willing...]]></description><pubDate>January 29, 2011  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Managed Money]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/managed-money.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The term managed money connotes investments under professional management. Money managers are those investment professionals who are paid to deal with personal and institutional accounts. In other words, money managers is another name for investors or traders who deal in the daily management of investment capital. Normally, money that investment professionals manage is regulated by an organized government agency. For instance, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is a government agency that regulates the stock market exchanges. Overall, money managers are adminstrators as well as active participants in the markets investing other people's money....]]></description><pubDate>January 25, 2011  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Buy Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-buy-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Learning how to buy mutual funds is a critical process for the amateur investor who looks to take advantage of the market without having great knowledge of financial markets or spending extensive time trading. Mutual funds allow investors to buy a preselected basket of stocks, bonds and other financial instruments collected neatly into a single security. These funds have the added benefit of being managed by knowledgeable professionals, which allows an investor to hold the fund for long periods without micromanaging her portfolio. Which Account to Use A growing number of employers offer a 401(k) plan instead of a...]]></description><pubDate>January 20, 2011  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Ways to Measure Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-ways-to-measure-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are currently more mutual funds than there are stocks; investors need to know how to measure mutual fund risk as well as measure performance to make decisions about the many funds available. If we categorize risk and return we can systematically size up mutual funds to make good comparisons. Generally speaking there are 5 quantitative measures to compare mutual funds; two are based on performance, one of which is solely based on return, while there are three measures based on risk.Risk measures Metrics based on risk help professionals gauge a mutual fund for comparison. The three risk measures...]]></description><pubDate>December 29, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Accrued Income]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/accrued-income.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Accrued income is income a business has earned but not yet actually received. This is common in the business world when using accrual accounting. Many mutual funds also use this type of business model. A business may be scheduled to earn a certain amount of money from a customer. The business is providing a service over the long term for the other company. However, the money that is being earned will not be paid by the customer until the end of the contract. Instead of reporting all of the earnings at the end of the contract, the business can...]]></description><pubDate>December 26, 2010  4:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[World Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/world-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A world fund is a type of mutual fund that takes a global approach to investing. With this type of mutual fund, fund managers will potentially invest in any country across the world. This type of mutual fund is different from an international mutual fund because international funds only invest in countries that are outside the United States. With a world fund, a good portion of the funds can be invested in securities from the United States as well as foreign countries. By investing in a world fund, individuals can significantly diversify their portfolios. With investments in many different...]]></description><pubDate>December 24, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Survivorship Bias]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/survivorship-bias.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Survivorship bias occurs because over a certain period there are those companies or funds that go out of business, making those who survived a better performer. Therefore, the survivorship bias will overestimate the batch of funds or companies in comparison. Those who went under are not being included, which would otherwise invariably weaken the group and give a better estimate to the comparison given it is natural for companies to go out of business. Survivorship bias is a phenomena that exists in business and finance....]]></description><pubDate>December 24, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Portfolio Management]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/portfolio-management.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In simple terms, portfolio management is the managing of investments. Portfolio management requires the assessing of strengths, weaknesses and threats as a means to gauge whether investing would be profitable. Other items utilized to make decisions are debt versus equity, risk versus safety, domestic growth versus international growth, and other key determinants. There are 2 types of portfolio management. They are passive and active. Passive portfolio management uses indexing as a means to track the market. Active portfolio management is a comprised of a team who work to beat the market return by having hands on approach to the...]]></description><pubDate>December 24, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Portfolio Income]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/portfolio-income.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Portfolio income is the income earned from investments. This income includes dividends, royalties, interest and capital gains. There are 3 types of income that can be earned from investments. They are active, passive and portfolio income. Active income is the money that comes from performing a service and compensation is provided. Types of active income are wages, salaries and commissions. Passive income is income from business investments from rental property, partnerships and other business ventures in which the person is not playing an active role. Passive income is considered taxable and does not include wages, dividends, capital gains or...]]></description><pubDate>December 24, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Management Fee]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/management-fee.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A management fee is charged by an investment manager when they assist a client with investing. Fees are charged when a person uses a firm to handle their investments. The client pays out management fees&amp;nbsp;according to the amount of assets involved. The&amp;nbsp;fee amount&amp;nbsp;varies. It is based on the type of investment and the amount the client is investing. For example, a client investing $2,000,000 may have a lower percentage rate&amp;nbsp;than a client investing $1,000,000, because the first client has more money involved. The higher investment can result in lower fees. You will need to be sure to inquire about...]]></description><pubDate>December 24, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Managed Account]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/managed-account.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A managed account is a type of investment account for which a financial professional helps manage your money. This arrangement is similar to what you will find with a mutual fund except that you are not working in conjunction with other investors. Instead of pooling your money with that of many other investors, you have an individual account that the money manager takes care of. One of the benefits of using a managed account is that you can have more say over what goes on with your money. For example, when you are investing in a mutual fund and...]]></description><pubDate>December 24, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Company Act of 1940]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-company-act-of-1940.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The investment company act of 1940 was created as an Act of Congress. The purpose of this act was to ensure that investment companies have a set of guidelines that they must adhere to. The Securities and Exchange Commission&amp;nbsp;regulates this by limiting filings, fees and financial disclosures on open end-mutual, close-end and traded funds. Investment companies under this act must register their business and appoint a board of directors, as long as 25 percent of the board members are not employees or investors of the company....]]></description><pubDate>December 24, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Green Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/green-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A green fund is a collective investment venture that will only fund and support businesses that encourage, or are involved in, &quot;green&quot; interests. In order to gain the investment of a green fund, the company must be environmentally friendly in all of its business practices. Businesses that also actively support green interests, such as energy conservation, waste management, alternative energy research, and other environmentally conscious programs, are likely to gain the support of this type of mutual fund. These groups of investors may also decide to avoid businesses that are not socially aware in their business practices, and may...]]></description><pubDate>December 24, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Top Country Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/top-country-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The United States may have the world&amp;rsquo;s largest economy, but investing solely in this economy prevents you from benefiting from investments in mutual funds that cover the remaining 70 percent of the world&amp;rsquo;s economy. Every year, markets in certain countries of the world rise, while the markets decrease in other parts of the world. One country may be doing well, but its next door neighbors might be declining. The increase in markets does not impact every country in a region equally. Markets in one country may have the best returns one year and then fail miserably the next year....]]></description><pubDate>December 24, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can You Invest in a Foreign Mutual Fund?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/can-you-invest-in-a-foreign-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A foreign mutual fund might look like an attractive option to U.S. investors. Countries that have a stable economic climate can be a hedging incentive. You can invest in a foreign mutual fund to hedge against inflation, but there are a few things you should know. Restrictions You cannot invest in a mutual fund that is based in a country at war with the United States. In 2010, those countries are Iraq or Afghanistan. Your money could be used to aid an enemy nation, which is illegal. When to Use Caution You should always take care to understand the...]]></description><pubDate>December  7, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why a Mutual Fund Investment Is Better than Owning Individual Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-a-mutual-fund-investment-is-better-than-owning-individual-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Owning a mutual fund allows the average investor an opportunity to invest in stocks at a reasonable cost. Many people do not invest in stocks because the cost to buy and sell a small quantity of stock can eliminate a significant portion or all of the potential profit. For example, 10 shares of a stock trading for $10 would cost $100. If the purchase transaction required a $10 charge, you would need a 10 percent return just to break even. Keep in mind that an investor would also pay a fee to sell the stock. If another $10 fee...]]></description><pubDate>November 24, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Calculating the Cost Basis of Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/calculating-the-cost-basis-of-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Trying to calculate your cost basis mutual funds for tax purposes can be complex, especially if you are not keeping up with it. The cost basis determines how much tax needs to be paid on the investments that were sold. If you are working with a broker, you may receive a copy of the cost basis for your mutual funds. It is best to verify those numbers yourself. Working with mutual funds is a bit more complicated because more shares are sold and reinvested on a regular basis. The correct way to calculate the cost basis starts with gathering...]]></description><pubDate>November 18, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Financial Index]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/financial-index.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A financial index is a statistical guide to the values of securities, or stocks, bonds, etc. In a stock index, a certain number of stocks are tracked and the values are averaged using a specific formula to indicate the overall market performance. In the United States, the four major financial indices are Standard &amp;amp; Poor 500 (S&amp;amp;P 500), Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA, also called &quot;The Dow&quot;), NYSE (New York Stock Exchange), and NASDAQ. S&amp;amp;P 500 The S&amp;amp;P 500, as the name suggests, track the stock values of 500 companies. It has been most commonly used as a major...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2010  4:48 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Equity Income]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/equity-income.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The term &quot;equity income&quot; is another way of describing company dividends. Dividends paid to shareholders by the company would become equity income for you, the shareholder. Other income can be interest earned in your brokerage (equity) account. Mutual funds sometimes name their portfolios &quot;income&quot; funds when they seek out high-dividend-paying companies. These stocks are considered high-quality stocks during certain times when growth is negligible in the economy. Research has shown that equity funds that add income-producing investments generally perform better than their peer groups who focus only on growth companies....]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2010  4:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Equity Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/equity-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An equity fund is made up of predominantly stocks. This is in contrast to a debt fund, which is predominantly consists of bonds. Equity funds are also commonly known as stock funds. In addition, equity funds can be categorized by their prospects for growth. For example, there may be equity funds classified as follows: Aggressive growth Growth Moderate growth Income Note, growth funds and income funds are two major distinguishing categories. Income funds invest in high dividend yielding companies; growth funds invest in companies with high earnings yields....]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Absolute Return]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/absolute-return.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Most funds use holding period returns as their basis of comparison yet there are times when absolute return is a necessary tool for comparison. Absolute return is the return that is measured from inception to current date. It is the total return experienced by the fund, after subtracting any fees and taxes. Although holding period return is used most often in comparing funds, absolute return does have its advantage when it comes to mere simplicity. Advantages Let's assume a fifteen year old fund has an average annual rate of return equal to 7%. This fund can be compared to...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2010  4:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Gold Index Fund: Pros and Cons]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-gold-index-fund-pros-and-cons.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a gold index fund gives you the ability to speculate on gold through a traditional fund arrangement. This type of investment has become more popular over the years as people look for alternative forms of investment. This type of investment carries with it some advantages and disadvantages to be aware of. Here are some of the pros and cons of the gold index fund. Speculate on Gold One of the big advantages of this type of fund is that it allows you to speculate on the price of gold. The gold index fund will closely track the...]]></description><pubDate>October  9, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Turnover Ratios: Weak Indicators of Fund Quality]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/turnover-ratios-weak-indicators-of-fund-quality.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Turnover ratios are statistics commonly used when evaluating the prospects of mutual funds. A turnover ratio looks at the amount of buying and selling that goes on with the underlying investments of a fund. While this information can be good to look at, it is generally not a good way to determine the quality of a fund. Here are a few things to consider about the importance of turnover ratios. Turnover Ratio The turnover ratio of a mutual fund is calculated by first adding up all of the fund's transactions. This includes all of the buying and all of...]]></description><pubDate>September 23, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Your Mutual Fund Annual Report: A Wealth of Information]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/your-mutual-fund-annual-report-a-wealth-of-information.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Looking at your mutual fund report can provide you with a lot of great information that you can use as an investor. At the end of each year, you need to reevaluate your holdings and determine if the mutual fund should still be in your portfolio. Here are a few items that you need to look at in your mutual fund annual report. Returns One of the most important sections of the report to look at is the returns. Ultimately, the goal of a mutual fund is to provide a good return on investment. If your mutual fund is...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  5:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons a Small Cap Index Fund Can Hold Its Own]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-a-small-cap-index-fund-can-hold-its-own.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A small cap index fund is an index fund that invests in companies that have market capitalizations of $300 million to $2 billion. These companies are still relatively small and are not nearly as big as the companies that make up the S&amp;amp;P 500. Even though these companies are smaller, there are several advantages of investing with these types of funds. 1. Room to Expand One reason that it is beneficial to invest in these stocks is because there is plenty of room for them to grow. Many of these companies are still relatively young and have not expanded...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  4:51 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The NASDAQ Index Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-nasdaq-index-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The NASDAQ index fund is a fund that is comprised of all of the stocks that trade on the NASDAQ exchange. Many investors put their money into this particular fund as a way to expose themselves to the movement of the market as a whole. This is considered to be a broad index fund and can provide investors with some unique considerations. Here are the basics of the NASDAQ index fund. NASDAQ Index Fund This is a type of investment in which investors pool their money together with the help of a mutual fund company. The mutual fund manager...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Risks of Infrastructure Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-risks-of-infrastructure-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Infrastructure funds are a type of mutual fund that invests in companies that are involved in infrastructure work in particular areas. While this type of investment might seem attractive to you, there are a few risks that you should be aware of. Liquidity One of the biggest potential risks of this type of investment is the lack of liquidity that often comes with it. Many of these projects do not have very many investors which makes it difficult to sell your shares at a fair price. It may be difficult for the mutual fund company to get into and...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Your Mutual Fund Redemption]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/your-mutual-fund-redemption.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A mutual fund redemption occurs when an investor in a fund sells their shares in the fund. The shares are redeemed by the investor and the mutual fund gives them the cash value of the shares. When this happens, the mutual fund has to take cash out of reserves in order to pay the investor. If the mutual fund does not have enough cash, they have to sell the appropriate amount of securities to pay for the cash out.&amp;nbsp; When an investor redeems their shares, they need to be aware of any redemption fees. Many mutual funds will charge...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[When the Dollar Fades, International Mutual Funds Shine]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/when-the-dollar-fades-international-mutual-funds-shine.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors have turned to international mutual funds as a way to diversify their portfolio outside of the domestic market. These funds utilize a variety of investment strategies that can sometimes have much more promise than what you can find in the United States. This is especially true when the United States dollar is declining in value.&amp;nbsp; Currency Exchange If you are worried about the dollar falling in value, one of the best things that you can do is invest in an international mutual fund. When you put money into an international mutual fund, you will have to convert...]]></description><pubDate>September 19, 2010  5:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Does Index Fund Performance Not Match the Index?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-does-index-fund-performance-not-match-the-index.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When looking at index fund performance, you might notice that the actual return of an index fund is not exactly the same as the index that tracks. While index funds aim to match the performance of a particular index, that does not always occur. In fact, they are generally a little bit behind the index as a whole. Here are a few reasons to consider why this might happen. Expenses One reason that your index fund will not return exactly the same as the index is because of the expenses involved. In order to provide you with the opportunity...]]></description><pubDate>September 17, 2010  5:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Index Funds May Not Be for You]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-index-funds-may-not-be-for-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Index funds are a type of investment where a mutual fund attempts to track the movements of a particular financial index, such as the S&amp;amp;P 500. While this type of fund is great popular, it is definitely not for everyone. Here are a few reasons that you may not want to invest in index funds. Costs One of the drawbacks of investing in an index fund is the costs that are involved. In order to operate this type of fund, mutual funds have to charge you fees. These operating expenses are charged as a way to cover the costs...]]></description><pubDate>September 17, 2010  5:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Getting Over the Minimum Investment Hurdle]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/getting-over-the-minimum-investment-hurdle.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you decide to get involved with a particular mutual fund, you will need to look at the minimum investment requirements and determine if you can afford to invest. Each mutual fund will have a minimum investment that must be met in order to become an investor. Here are a few things to consider about why these minimum investments exist and what they can tell you. Investment Strategy One of the big reasons that minimum investments vary greatly between mutual funds is because of the differences in investment strategy. Fund managers use different investment strategies. This means that they...]]></description><pubDate>September 17, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[TIPS Fixed Income Funds Explained]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/tips-fixed-income-funds-explained.html</link><description><![CDATA[ TIPS fixed income funds are a type of investment that many people turn to in order to provide a regular income. The underlying security for this type of mutual fund is TIPS, which stands for &quot;Treasury inflation-protected securities.&quot; Here are the basics of the TIPS fixed income fund. TIPS Treasury inflation-protected securities are a type of investment that is offered by the United States Treasury. The idea behind this type of security is that you can invest in it, and it will keep up with inflation. The Treasury will adjust the principal of the security periodically in order to...]]></description><pubDate>September 10, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons for Selling Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-for-selling-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are several good reasons for selling mutual funds. Here are some indicators to watch out for to help you decide when to sell a mutual fund. 1. Fund Manager Quits Peter Lynch is famous for his management of the Fidelity Magellan mutual fund. During the 13 years he managed this fund, Magellan bested the S&amp;amp;P 500 benchmark for 11 years. During his tenure as the fund manager, Magellan achieved a 29 percent average annual return. When a successful manager retires, the new manager may have an entirely different management style. This change may be good or bad for...]]></description><pubDate>September 10, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stop Paying High Mutual Fund Fees]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stop-paying-high-mutual-fund-fees.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Paying mutual fund fees is a part of investing in mutual funds, most people simply do not pay much attention to it. However, if you want to be successful investing in mutual funds, you should pay more attention to the high fees that you are paying to your mutual fund company. Here are a few things to consider about the fees that are associated with mutual funds and what you should know about them. Mutual Fund Fees There are number of different fees that can be charged by a mutual fund. These fees are taken directly out of the...]]></description><pubDate>August 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Build Your Portfolio with Infrastructure Assets]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/build-your-portfolio-with-infrastructure-assets.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There is no uniform definition for what qualifies as infrastructure assets. Generally, the term applies to investing in long-term projects that require high amounts of capital and are designed to meet needs of a large group of people. Once the project is complete, it should represent a very large market share, often controlling a monopoly in a certain area or industry. Because the projects lead to these powerful situations, they are considered recession proof and, at times, risk proof investments.&amp;nbsp; Types of Infrastructure Depending on the nation and area where a project takes place, infrastructure needs vary greatly. In...]]></description><pubDate>August 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Financial Sector Funds: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/financial-sector-funds-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Financial funds are a type of mutual fund that is designed to focus on a particular sector in the market. This type of fund aims to provide a balance between diversification and specialization. This sector includes things such as investments, insurance, real estate and several other things. Many investors focus on other sectors and leave out this very important section of the market. By investing in this type of fund, you will be able to get a professionally managed portfolio that benefits from the success of the financial sector. Benefits Investing in this type of fund has several benefits...]]></description><pubDate>August 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Difference between Load and No-Load Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-difference-between-load-and-no-load-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Both load mutual funds and no-load mutual funds are similar investments that provide you with the ability to pool your money together with other investors and invest in the market. A load is an amount of money that is charged by the mutual fund when you purchase shares of the fund. Load funds charge sales commissions, while other funds do not. Here are a few things to consider about no-load mutual fund and load mutual funds. Load Mutual Funds The term sales load simply means that you will pay a certain amount of money for the shares that you...]]></description><pubDate>August 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Decoding the Mutual Fund Prospectus]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/decoding-the-mutual-fund-prospectus.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The mutual fund prospectus is a document that is distributed by a mutual fund in order to provide information to the fund's shareholders. There is a lot of information conveyed in this report, and it is important that you understand what the fund is providing to you. Here are the basics of how to read a mutual fund prospectus. Mutual Fund Prospectus Before you invest in a mutual fund, you should get a copy of the prospectus and delve into it. In order to get a copy, you can request one directly from the mutual fund company. Many times,...]]></description><pubDate>August 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Determining When to Sell Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/determining-when-to-sell-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Deciding when to sell mutual funds can be a difficult part of investing. Many people hang onto their shares too long and end up losing money because of it. Here are a few things to consider about determining when to sell your mutual fund shares. Back-End Loads One thing that you will need to become aware of is whether your fund charges a back-end load. A back-end load is a sales charge that is imposed when an individual sells his or her shares of a mutual fund. Many mutual funds charge a sales fee on the front end, but...]]></description><pubDate>August 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Key Qualities of Floating-Rate Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/key-qualities-of-floating-rate-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Floating-rate funds are a type of investment that can provide regular income for the investor. Many times these funds will invest in floating rate loans from banks in order to provide returns to the investor. If you are considering investing in this type of loan, here are a few key qualities that you will need to be aware of. Limited Time Frame With this type of fund, the time frame of the loans are limited. This is not considered to be a long-term investment, like most bonds are. This means that they are less susceptible to interest rate risk....]]></description><pubDate>August 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pros and Cons of Floating-Rate Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pros-and-cons-of-floating-rate-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Floating-rate funds are type of mutual fund that invests in floating-rate loans. Here are some of the pros and cons of putting your money into a floating-rate mutual fund. Pros One of the advantages of this type of investment is that you can generate decent returns. These funds tend to provide better returns than traditional fixed-income investments. If you are in a market where interest rates are rising, you can take advantage of the situation by investing in floating-rate mutual funds. Another advantage of putting money into this type of fund is that they are diversified. The mutual funds...]]></description><pubDate>August 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[International Fixed Income Funds: What to Know]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/international-fixed-income-funds-what-to-know.html</link><description><![CDATA[ International fixed income funds can provide investors with a way to diversify their portfolios and bring in regular income at the same time. An international fixed income fund is a type of mutual fund that focuses on providing regular income payments to investors. This is accomplished by investing in fixed income securities, such as corporate bonds. There are many funds that accomplish this with domestic investments. However, international funds are going to use the same strategies with foreign companies.&amp;nbsp; The mutual fund is going to pool resources together from thousands of different investors. They will take the money that...]]></description><pubDate>August 25, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Pros and Cons of Life Cycle Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-pros-and-cons-of-life-cycle-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Life cycle funds are a type of investment that is commonly offered as part of retirement portfolios in today's market. This is a type of mutual fund that utilizes changing asset allocation to provide a balanced portfolio for retirement savers. This strategy can provide you with a number of advantages, but there are a few disadvantages to watch out for also. Here are some of the pros and cons of life cycle funds. Pros One of the biggest advantages of this strategy is that you will get professional management. This means that you will be able to take advantage...]]></description><pubDate>August 25, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Funds Aren't Always Great Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-funds-arent-always-great-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in stock funds is a popular way for investors to get involved in the stock market. While these funds do have a few advantages, they are not always a great investment. One of the biggest disadvantages of investing in a stock fund is that you are going to have to pay several different types of costs. Costs First, you will be required to pay a sales charge on the front end of your purchase. Many times, this will be around five percent of the total value of your purchase. This charge is levied in order to compensate the...]]></description><pubDate>August 25, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Funds Are the Way to Go for the Average Investor]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-funds-are-the-way-to-go-for-the-average-investor.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Stock funds are a type of investment that most average investors should utilize. This type of mutual fund provides investors with a number of benefits when compared to other investments. A stock fund is a type of mutual fund that invests in stocks as the underlying asset. This type of investment allows investors to pool their money together under the direction of a fund manager. The fund manager will use the money to purchase thousands of different shares of stocks. A group of investors will then share in the profits and losses of the fund as a whole. Professional...]]></description><pubDate>August 25, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Funds vs Traditional Stock Ownership]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-funds-vs-traditional-stock-ownership.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in traditional stocks and stock funds can provide you with benefits as an investor. While these types of investment are similar, there are a few key differences that you should understand as an investor. Here are a few things to consider about investing in stocks and investing in stock funds. Potential When you are thinking about the potential of the two investments, direct stock ownership is going to have more potential for gains. When you invest in a stock fund, you are a partial owner of thousands of different shares of stock. This means that the performance of...]]></description><pubDate>August 25, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[S&amp;P 500 Index Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/sp-500-index-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ S&amp;amp;P 500 index funds are one of the most common types of index funds in the world. This type of fund is designed to track the movements of the S&amp;amp;P 500 exactly. Here are the basics of S&amp;amp;P 500 index funds and what you should expect from them as an investor. S&amp;amp;P 500 The term S&amp;amp;P 500 stands for Standard &amp;amp; Poor's 500. This is a market index that was created by Standard &amp;amp; Poor's in order to track the movements of the market. It is comprised of the 500 largest companies in the United States according to market...]]></description><pubDate>August 25, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Risks Associated with a Small Cap Index Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/risks-associated-with-a-small-cap-index-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a small-cap index fund can provide you with massive opportunities for growth. At the same time, there are several risks that you will need to be aware of before getting involved with this type of mutual fund. Here are some of the risk associated with a small-cap index fund. Market Risk The first risk that you will have to be able to deal with is market risk. Anytime that you invest in stocks, this is going to be the case. You have to be able to put up with market risk in order to make a return....]]></description><pubDate>August 25, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is an Enhanced Index Fund?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-an-enhanced-index-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An enhanced index fund is a type of fund that tries to exceed the performance of the stock market. These funds have become very popular in recent years and there are several different enhanced index funds that you could invest in. Here are the basics of the enhanced index fund and how it works. Index Fund This type of fund is a variation on the index fund. An index fund is a type of mutual fund that aims to completely replicate a financial index. By doing this, the fund attempts to capture the growth of the market without a...]]></description><pubDate>August 25, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Do Small Cap Index Funds Compare to Their Big Brothers?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-do-small-cap-index-funds-compare-to-their-big-brothers.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Small cap index funds are made up of securities in companies that have a relatively small capitalization compared to the market standard. Every broker defines &quot;small cap&quot; differently. Most use a measure of capitalization somewhere between $200 million and $2 billion. Index funds that focus on these companies aim to capitalize on the notion that small cap stocks tend to outperform their counterparts year after year. Small Cap Benefits Small cap securities have several advantageous over their larger counterparts. They tend to be more responsive to market conditions. The companies may not be burdened by the same large infrastructure...]]></description><pubDate>August 25, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Disadvantages of a Large Cap Index Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/disadvantages-of-a-large-cap-index-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a large-cap index fund can provide you with both benefits and disadvantages. In order to qualify as a large cap company, a company has to have at least $10 billion in market capitalization. There are a number of financial indices that are made up of large-cap stocks. A large-cap index fund is one that invests in every stock within a particular large-cap financial index. This amounts to a passive form of management because the fund managers simply have to mimic the financial index. Arbitrage With this type of investment, you have to worry about a certain amount...]]></description><pubDate>August 25, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons to Invest in a Large Cap Index Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-to-invest-in-a-large-cap-index-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A large cap index fund is a popular investment for many individuals. This type of index fund tracks companies that have large market capitalizations in a financial index. Here are a few reasons that you might want to consider investing in a large-cap index fund. 1. Track the Market One of the big advantages of investing in a large-cap index fund is that you can track the movements of the market overall. Historically, the stock market has always increased in value. Even though it has gone through some down periods in the short term, it always tends to bounce...]]></description><pubDate>August 25, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Do International Mutual Funds Have to Offer?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-do-international-mutual-funds-have-to-offer.html</link><description><![CDATA[ International mutual funds are a type of investment that allows you to get involved in other financial markets and get away from the traditional financial markets. Here are the basics of international mutual funds and what they have to offer investors. International mutual funds are mutual funds that invest in foreign financial markets. This type of investment vehicle utilizes a fund manager, and the manager makes the individual investment decisions on behalf of the investors. International mutual funds could choose to invest in a particular country, or they could spread out over several different countries. International mutual funds come...]]></description><pubDate>August 25, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Different Types of Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-different-types-of-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ You can invest in different types of mutual funds to make your portfolio more diversified. The classifications are based on the investment markets, strategies and objectives of the funds. Here are the three main classifications of mutual funds that you can invest in. Stock Mutual FundsStock mutual funds are more popularly referred to as equity funds. Mutual funds that have long term investments in stocks are known to perform better than the other types because, barring economic downturns, they can maximize investment returns while facing few risks. This is based on the fact that the fluctuations in stock prices...]]></description><pubDate>August 25, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Actively Managed ETF or Mutual Fund?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/actively-managed-etf-or-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The actively managed ETF is a type of investment that is very similar to a mutual fund. Both of these types of investments can provide you with important advantages as an investor. For many years, investors researching the difference between ETF's and mutual funds focused on passive versus active management. If you wanted to take advantage of active management, you had to purchase a mutual fund. If you liked passive management, you could put your money into an ETF. However, in recent years, actively managed ETF's have emerged. This means that investors that prefer active management now have two...]]></description><pubDate>August 25, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Things to Know before You Buy an Index Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-things-to-know-before-you-buy-an-index-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Before you buy an index fund, there are a number of different things that you should take into consideration. Here are three of the top things to know before you buy an index fund. 1. Index Tracked An index fund is a type of mutual fund that tracks a financial index. Instead of choosing the stocks that the fund is going to invest in, they simply buy all of the stocks that are in the financial index that they are tracking. Because of this, you need to be aware of what financial index the mutual fund is tracking. There...]]></description><pubDate>August 25, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pay Attention to Your Mutual Fund Holdings]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pay-attention-to-your-mutual-fund-holdings.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Knowing your mutual fund holdings is important when you are an investor. Knowing exactly what is within your mutual fund can provide you with a lot of valuable information as an investor. The term mutual fund holdings essentially means the assets that the mutual fund owns. A mutual fund is made up of many different securities. For example, it could be comprised of thousands of shares of stock. Some mutual funds will also purchase bonds or other types of securities in order to make up the portfolio. The holdings is the total of the assets that are owned by...]]></description><pubDate>August 25, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Look at Mutual Fund Performance with One Eye on Risk]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/look-at-mutual-fund-performance-with-one-eye-on-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Looking at mutual fund performance is a popular way to determine what type of mutual fund to invest in. However, there are many other things that you will want to be aware of before making a decision on a fund. Here are a few things to consider about mutual fund performance and how it couples with risk. Mutual Fund Performance Looking at the performance of a mutual fund is a critical part of evaluating a fund. Before you make a decision on a mutual fund, you will need to research the track record of that fund. In most cases,...]]></description><pubDate>August 25, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Gauge Mutual Fund Performance]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-gauge-mutual-fund-performance.html</link><description><![CDATA[ One of the important things to consider when evaluating mutual fund performance is how efficiently cash assets are spread across different industries. Several studies show that approximately forty percent of variation in returns across funds is explained by target asset allocations. Ninety percent of the variation in a single portfolio can be explained by asset allocation within the fund. This illustrates that fund performance has less to do with individual equities comprising them then it does the actual differences in returns among asset classes. Recognizing efficient diversification when comparing funds is essential to selecting the best choices for investment....]]></description><pubDate>August 23, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Current Income]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/current-income.html</link><description><![CDATA[Current income is a type of investment strategy that aims to provide regular income payments to the investor. This is a type of strategy commonly used with certain mutual funds. In most cases, individuals who try to develop a current income portfolio are retired. These individuals are not necessarily concerned about the capital appreciation of their investments. Instead, they want to be able to live off of the income that is created from the investments. This income could come from bond coupon payments, dividends from stocks or even annuity payments from insurance companies. For more information visit: Where Do Mutual...]]></description><pubDate>August 20, 2010  1:23 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Liquid Are Index Funds?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-liquid-are-index-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Index funds are a popular type of mutual fund that tracks the movement of a particular financial index. If you are an investor, you should consider the level of liquidity of these funds before getting involved. If you need to buy or sell shares of your index fund, you will not suffer from a lack of options to do so. These shares are commonly traded and you should be able to find a way to buy or sell, regardless of market conditions. Method of Trading The only problem with index funds is in the way that they are bought...]]></description><pubDate>August  3, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Different Money Market Funds Carry Different Risks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/different-money-market-funds-carry-different-risks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Money market funds can be a solid investment with minimal risk. However, these investments are not risk-free, and if you are planning on investing in them, you should understand the risks that are involved. Here are the basics of money market funds and what types of risks you can expect from the different funds that are available. Money Market Funds Most mutual fund companies offer some type of money market mutual fund to their clients. Many times, this fund is promoted as a way to allow your cash to earn a return while you are in between investments. With...]]></description><pubDate>August  2, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Money Market Fund Risks and Costs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/money-market-fund-risks-and-costs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a money market fund can be a good way to park your money in between larger investments. However, this type of investment carries with it some risks and costs. Here are a few things to consider about the risks and costs associated with money market mutual funds. Money Market Funds Money market mutual funds are the type of investment in which you can invest in a variety of securities within the money market. These funds will invest in United States Treasury securities, government-sponsored enterprises, commercial paper and other short-term debt instruments. Safety The big advantage of investing...]]></description><pubDate>August  2, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Invest in REIT Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-in-reit-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in REIT funds is a simple way to diversify your portfolio and get involved in the real estate market. This type of investment has been around for years and it has grown in popularity recently. Here are the basics of REIT funds and how you can invest in them.&amp;nbsp; REITs The term REIT stands for real estate investment trust. This type of investment is basically a type of mutual fund that invests in real estate. Instead of putting money into stocks or bonds, this type of fund is going to put money into different types of real estate....]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  6:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Does a REIT Fund Have to Offer?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-does-a-reit-fund-have-to-offer.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A REIT fund is a mutual fund that invests in stocks issued&amp;nbsp;by a variety of real estate investment trusts (REITs). Each REIT is a company that invests in real estate, earning profit by either selling or renting out its real estate properties. REITs don't have to pay corporate income taxes, but in return for this exception, they must distribute 90 percent of their profits to their investors. Those profits are put into stocks, and everybody who invests in those stocks earns annual dividends. REIT funds have a number of benefits to their investors, but they also have a few...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  6:38 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Reasons Bond Funds Are Better than Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-reasons-bond-funds-are-better-than-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in bonds and bond funds can provide you with a similar type of investment. However, bond funds are an investment that have several advantages over traditional bonds. Here are a few of the reasons that bond funds are better than bonds. 1. Easier Purchase One reason that bond funds are better than bonds is that they are much easier to purchase. When you need to purchase shares in a bond fund, you can simply do so from any brokerage account. It is as simple as investing in any other type of mutual fund. With bonds, it is not...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  6:36 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bonds vs Bond Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bonds-vs-bond-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in bonds or bond funds can provide you with some benefits as an investor. Both of these types of investments have some advantages and disadvantages associated with them. Here are a few things to consider about bonds and bond funds. Bonds Bonds are a type of debt that is issued by a corporation or by the government. When an entity issues a bond, individual investors can purchase them. This is essentially like lending money to a company or the government. You are going to have to give them a standard amount of money depending on how big the...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  6:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Target-Date Life-Cycle Funds: How Do They Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/target-date-life-cycle-funds-how-do-they-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Target-date life cycle funds are a type of investment designed to make retirement planning simple. The idea behind this type of fund is that you will be able to choose a date at which you want to retire. You will choose the date, and the investment mix will be developed for you. You will continue to invest, and the proper securities to fit in with your mix will be chosen for you. These funds are becoming very popular among those that do not want to have to actively manage their portfolios. Here are the basics of target-date life cycle...]]></description><pubDate>July 11, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What do Foreign Infrastructure Funds have to Offer?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-do-foreign-infrastructure-funds-have-to-offer.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Infrastructure funds offer you the opportunity to invest in the development of critical services and public utilities. Infrastructure funds were first popularized following the Vietnam and Korean Wars when Americans wanted to help redevelop certain nations. Investment into Asia quickly followed. Today, emerging economies offer the largest opportunities for American investors to invest in foreign infrastructure. These funds can be socially responsible and profitable. However, the investments come with great risks. Socially Responsible Investing Many individuals considering foreign infrastructure funds would like to take part in the development of critical services in emerging markets. African and Middle-Eastern nations have...]]></description><pubDate>July  8, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Islamic Fund: Religious Take on Socially Responsible Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-islamic-fund-religious-take-on-socially-responsible-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Islamic fund is an investment fund that is managed according to the Sharia law. The law is based on Islam's&amp;nbsp;sacred texts. In many ways, the resulting policies often overlap with the goals of socially responsible investing. Socially responsible investing is the term for investment practices that try to earn profit in a socially responsible way without hurting the investors' bottom lines.&amp;nbsp;Like socially responsible investors,&amp;nbsp;Islamic investors seek to minimize risk, contribute to social causes and avoid contributing to industries that they view as&amp;nbsp;damaging to the public good. However,&amp;nbsp;because of unique features of Sharia law, Islamic funds and the goals of...]]></description><pubDate>July  1, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding the Statement of Additional Information (SAI)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-the-statement-of-additional-information-sai.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The statement of additional information or SAI is a document that is provided by mutual fund companies to their investors. It is usually issued in conjunction with the mutual fund prospectus. Here are a few things to consider about the statement of additional information and why it is important. Statement of Additional Information The statement of additional information is a document that is optional for mutual fund companies to release. Some companies release the statement of additional information attached to the prospectus, while others do not release it at the same time. With some companies, you have to actually...]]></description><pubDate>June 23, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[6 Steps to Start a Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/6-steps-to-start-a-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ &amp;nbsp; Since almost 75 percent of all mutual funds fail to surpass the S&amp;amp;P 500 return each year, many people wonder what it would take to start a mutual fund because they believe they can do better than most of the current mutual funds. There are many requirements that a mutual fund must fulfill before it is able to sell the first share of its new fund. Failure to perform the necessary steps can result in the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) shutting down your new mutual fund. Here are the steps you need to complete in order to...]]></description><pubDate>June 19, 2010  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Methods of Earning with Your Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-methods-of-earning-with-your-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The structure of your mutual fund will determine how you earn income when your investments are profitable. You have several options to choose from, and each will carry implications for taxes and long-term earnings. Consider high yield funds, capital gains funds, equity funds and other structures prior to deciding on which mutual fund to&amp;nbsp; buy into. 1. High Yield and Dividend Payments High yield mutual funds have the goal of providing a constant flow of income to investors through dividend payments. At the end of a quarter, the increase of value of the shares in the fund is paid...]]></description><pubDate>June 15, 2010  4:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Calculating Annual Turnover]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/calculating-annual-turnover.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The annual turnover of a fund measures the percentage rate by which that fund replaces its investment holdings each year. All funds have some inflow of profits and equity and some outflow of funds due to trading. Very active funds will replace their holdings at a high percentage. Inactive funds will have a lower annual turnover. Using Annual Turnover If you are looking for a less active fund, you should aim for one with low annual turnover. This shows the fund manager has a more passive investment style. Passively managed funds have a lower cost for management and transaction...]]></description><pubDate>June 12, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Funds 101: Last Year's Winners Can Be This Year's Duds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-funds-101-last-years-winners-can-be-this-years-duds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When it comes to mutual funds, there are a lot of common misconceptions that run rampant in the industry. One of the most common misconceptions is that last year's performance is a strong indicator of what will happen this year. Past Performance When you are getting involved in the mutual fund market, you need to make sure that you understand one of its most basic rules. That rule is that past performance does not tell you anything about what is going to happen in the future. While seeing a solid performance last year can make you feel good about...]]></description><pubDate>May 20, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Does Your Mutual Fund Reclassification Mean to You?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-does-your-mutual-fund-reclassification-mean-to-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Reclassification is a process that will often happen to mutual fund shares. If you are an investor in a mutual fund that has been reclassified, it can impact you significantly. Here are the basics of mutual fund reclassification and what it means to you. Reclassification Mutual funds will regularly issue different classes of shares that are very similar. For example, you might see a mutual fund that has Class A and Class B shares available. The basic structure of the fund is similar, but the big difference is in the way that fees are charged. Whenever a reclassification takes...]]></description><pubDate>May 19, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Fund: Dividend Reinvestment or Growth?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-fund-dividend-reinvestment-or-growth.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A mutual fund dividend can be paid out to investors each quarter or each year, or the same money can be reinvested to purchase more shares of the underlying equity in the fund. If you would like to keep reinvesting earnings, the dividend reinvestment model is not the only option, though. There is also the growth option, which pays out no dividends at all. Instead, any cash that is earned is used by the mutual fund itself to invest into the total Net Asset Value of the fund. In both options, the investor does not receive regular payments. This...]]></description><pubDate>May 18, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Popular Mutual Fund Benchmarks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-popular-mutual-fund-benchmarks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Looking at a mutual fund benchmark can provide you with information that lets you know whether your mutual fund is performing up to expectations. Every type of mutual fund should have a benchmark that you can use for comparison purposes. Here are some of the most popular mutual fund benchmarks in the market today. 1. S&amp;amp;P 500 Standard &amp;amp; Poor's is one of the leading financial analysis companies in the world today. They created a financial index that is known as the S&amp;amp;P 500. The S&amp;amp;P 500 is one of the most widely known financial indices in the industry...]]></description><pubDate>May 18, 2010  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is an Absolute Return Fund?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-an-absolute-return-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The absolute return fund is a type of mutual fund that many investors choose to invest in at some point. Here are the basics of the absolute return fund and how it works. Absolute Return Fund This type of fund aims to provide a certain amount of return regardless of what happens in the stock market. Fund managers of this type of fund use a variety of different techniques in order to provide regular returns for investors. Investment Methods With this type of fund, they will typically invest in a number of different things besides stocks. They could invest...]]></description><pubDate>May 15, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Things to Watch Out for with Absolute-Return Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-things-to-watch-out-for-with-absolute-return-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Absolute-return funds aim to provide consistent returns regardless of what is going on in the market place. While these can sometimes be attractive, there are a few things that you will want to watch out for. 1. Not Easily Analyzed One of the big problems with absolute-return funds is that they are not easily analyzed. These funds typically invest in a number of different types of securities and some of them are unorthodox strategies. When you are trying to analyze these returns, you might have trouble because everyone of them is going to be different. This makes comparing absolute-return...]]></description><pubDate>May 12, 2010  4:42 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Annual Fund Operating Expenses]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/annual-fund-operating-expenses.html</link><description><![CDATA[ As a mutual fund investor, you will want to be aware of annual fund operating expenses. The operating expenses for a fund can affect the returns that you bring in from investments. Here are the basics of annual fund operating expenses and why they are important to investors. Operating Expenses Operating expenses for a mutual fund are charged to all of the investors in a fund. This is also sometimes referred to as the expense ratio. Operating expenses will cover all of the costs of maintaining the mutual fund. They will pay for the salaries of the fund managers...]]></description><pubDate>May 11, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Invest In Absolute-Return Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-in-absolute-return-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Absolute-return funds are a type of mutual fund that strives to provide a steady rate of return regardless of what goes on in the stock market. In the past few years, this type of investment has started to pick up a lot of steam. Here are the basics of absolute-return funds and how to invest in them. Absolute-Return Funds The absolute-return fund is a mutual fund that utilizes a variety of different investment techniques in order to achieve gains. With this type of fund, the fund manager might choose to invest in stocks, bonds, other mutual funds, real estate...]]></description><pubDate>May  7, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sector Weight and Mutual Fund Diversity]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/sector-weight-and-mutual-fund-diversity.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Sector weight and diversity within a mutual fund really are based on economics. The major goal of most mutual funds is to match or beat the investment returns of the major market indices, such as the S&amp;amp;P 500. Imagine, 500 companies within an index. All the industries comprising the index will have changing weightings depending upon the growth or decline of the companies. Does the price index reflect the economy, or does the economy affect the index? Both reflect each other. A money manager understands the nature of the economy and how, like the index, it changes with size...]]></description><pubDate>May  5, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is in Your Mutual Fund Shareholder Report?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-in-your-mutual-fund-shareholder-report.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Looking at a mutual fund shareholder report can provide you with a lot of important information. Here are some of the things that you should expect to find in a mutual fund shareholder report. Current Holdings In a mutual fund shareholder report, you are going to see the mutual fund's current holdings. This means that you will be able to see exactly what the mutual fund has invested in over the course of the last year. This is important for you to look at when trying to determine whether the mutual fund has stuck to its investment strategy. Performance...]]></description><pubDate>April 27, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Large Cap Mutual fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-large-cap-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The large cap mutual fund is a mutual fund that invests in companies with market capitalization. A large cap mutual fund invests in companies that have market capitalization of at least $10 billion. These are some of the biggest companies in the world and have substantial assets. Stability Mutual funds that invest in large cap corporations do so because of the stability that it provides for investors. The likelihood of a large cap company filing for bankruptcy is very small. Usually, you can expect consistent returns by investing in these types of stocks in most cases. Dividends One of...]]></description><pubDate>April 27, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Do Mutual Funds Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-do-mutual-funds-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ How do mutual funds work? To answer this, we must first understand what mutual funds are. To put it as simply as possible, mutual funds are funds pooled from a group of investors so that they may be invested in one or more type of financial security. The professional mutual funds manager does the actual investing and is ultimately responsible for whatever profit or loss the mutual funds produce. There are several types of mutual funds you can choose from. Ideally, mutual funds are supposed to reduce risk and increase profit, though the reality is more complex than that....]]></description><pubDate>April 21, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Ultra-Short Bond Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-ultra-short-bond-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The ultra-short bond fund is a type of mutual fund that is often sought after by those that want a safe place to store their money. This type of bond fund became very popular in recent years but it does have some drawbacks as well. Here are the basics of the ultra-short bond fund and how they work. Ultra-Short Bond Fund This is a mutual fund that invests in various types of short-term bonds. Some of the bonds that the fund will invest in are government bonds while others are corporate bonds. Any of them will also invest in...]]></description><pubDate>April 20, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tips for Reading Your Mutual Fund Prospectus]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/tips-for-reading-your-mutual-fund-prospectus.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The mutual fund prospectus is a very important financial document for investors to be aware of. If you are an investor in a mutual fund, you need to make sure that you read your mutual fund prospectus annually. Here are a few tips for reading your mutual fund prospectus. Basic Information The first thing that you will see on your mutual fund prospectus is basic information about the fund. You will see the date of the prospectus which tells you whether or not you are reading the most current version. You will also see the name of the fund...]]></description><pubDate>April 20, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Importance of Fund Fees and Expenses on Earnings]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-importance-of-fund-fees-and-expenses-on-earnings.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors fail to realize the implications that fund fees and expenses have on the performance of a mutual fund. When you invest in a mutual fund, you should pay special attention to the amount of fees and expenses that are charged. Here are the basics of fund fees and expenses and why they are so important to you as an investor. Fund Fees When you purchase shares of a mutual fund, you are going to have to pay some type of fee. Some mutual funds charge a front-end load which means that you will pay a certain percentage...]]></description><pubDate>April 20, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Knowing Your Mutual Fund Shareholder Fees]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/knowing-your-mutual-fund-shareholder-fees.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding the different mutual fund fees that are commonly charged can help you become a more effective investor. You should be able to look at different mutual funds and compare the fees intelligently. Here are some of the different types of fees that mutual funds typically charge. Sales Fees Many mutual funds charge some type of sales fee to you as a way to reimburse financial advisors. If you are working with a financial advisor when you purchase shares of a mutual fund, the advisor is going to get a certain percentage of your purchase. This sales fee could...]]></description><pubDate>April 20, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using a Letter of Intent to Hit a Breakpoint]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-a-letter-of-intent-to-hit-a-breakpoint.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In order to reach a breakpoint with a mutual fund, some companies will allow you to use a letter of intent. Here are the basics of the letter of intent and how it can help you as an investor. Breakpoints The purpose of the letter of intent is to try to hit a breakpoint. A breakpoint is a discount that investors can receive in order for making a bulk purchase of mutual fund shares. The broker is willing to give you a discount because of the sheer volume of your purchase. Most of the time, this discount is reserved...]]></description><pubDate>April 20, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Buying Mutual Fund Shares]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/buying-mutual-fund-shares.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The process of buying mutual fund shares is something that many investors go through at some point. Here are the basics of buying mutual fund shares and how the process works. Buying Shares In order to buy shares in a mutual fund, you will need to open an investment account with a financial broker. When you choose a particular mutual fund to buy, you will be able to tell your broker how many shares you would like to purchase. If you are doing this online, you will be able to specify the number of shares with your trading platform....]]></description><pubDate>April 20, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at the Performance of Total Stock Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-the-performance-of-total-stock-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Total stock funds are a unique type of investment that many investors have turned to. Here are the basics of the total stock fund and how they have historically performed. Total Stock Funds A total stock fund is a mutual fund or ETF that attempts to purchase a very large number of stocks. In fact, total stock funds try to own every single stock that is traded on a stock exchange. For example, a total stock fund might look at the New York Stock Exchange and then purchase shares of every stock that is traded there. This makes them...]]></description><pubDate>April 20, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Reasons to Invest in Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-reasons-to-invest-in-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many people choose to invest in mutual funds for a variety of reasons. They are a very popular form of investment, and they have a lot to offer. Here are a few reasons that you might want to consider investing in a mutual fund. 1. Diversification One of the primary reasons that you should consider investing in a mutual fund is the diversification that it provides. When you invest in a mutual fund, you will be pooling together your resources with many other investors. The mutual fund management team will take these resources and use them to invest in...]]></description><pubDate>April 17, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Unit Investment Trust (UIT)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-unit-investment-trust-uit.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The unit investment trust is a type of investment that provides you with a way to buy multiple securities. This investment carries with it some benefits. Here are a few things to consider about the unit investment trust and what it can do for you. Unit Investment Trust The unit investment trust offers investors a way to purchase a share of a portfolio of securities. This portfolio could be made up of stocks, bonds or other securities. The unit investment trust has a specific life attached to it. Therefore, after a certain point, all of the securities in the...]]></description><pubDate>April 17, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Reasons to Invest in Growth Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-reasons-to-invest-in-growth-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Growth funds are a type of mutual fund that seeks to invest in stocks that are poised for growth. This type of mutual fund is very popular in the investment world and can provide you with some unique benefits. Here are a few reasons to invest in growth funds. 1. Capital Appreciation One of the primary reasons that investors are drawn to growth funds is that they seek to provide capital appreciation above anything else. The fund manager spends a lot of time identifying growth stocks and attempts to grow the value of the fund. This type of investment...]]></description><pubDate>April 17, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Diversified Common Stock Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-diversified-common-stock-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A diversified common stock fund is a type of mutual fund that focuses on investing in common stock. This type of mutual fund can provide you with a few unique benefits as an investor. Here are the basics of the diversified common stock fund and what it can do for you. Diversified Common Stock Fund With this type of fund, the fund manager is going to use the fund's assets to purchase many different types of common stock. Although traditional mutual funds do a good job of buying a variety of stocks, this type of fund will purchase a...]]></description><pubDate>April 17, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Important Features of the International Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/important-features-of-the-international-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors choose to invest in an international fund as an alternative to the traditional domestic mutual fund. This type of fund offers investors a few features that can be attractive. Here are the basics of the international fund and what it can offer investors. Diversification When you invest in a mutual fund that holds international securities, you will be able to diversify your portfolio away from the domestic market. Many investors wish to diversify their portfolios, but unless they hold some securities outside of their own country, they are not truly diversified. If your own country goes through...]]></description><pubDate>April 17, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Reasons to Trust Your Money to an Investment Company]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-reasons-to-trust-your-money-to-an-investment-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are an investor who has trouble trusting your money to an investment company, you are definitely not alone. Many people do not feel comfortable making investments because of the risks involved. Here are a few reasons to trust your money to an investment company. 1. Financial Reward One of the major advantages of trusting your money to an investment company is the potential reward that you can gain financially. By investing in a mutual fund, you will be able to increase your investment over time. With the power of compound interest, you will be able to create...]]></description><pubDate>April 17, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Vulture Fund: Picking the Remains]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-vulture-fund-picking-the-remains.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The vulture fund is a type of fund that attempts to invest in distressed situations and securities. Here are the basics of the vulture fund and what it can do for investors.&amp;nbsp; The Vulture Fund This is a fund that invests in securities that other funds would consider high risk. They might invest in junk bonds from corporations nearing default. They might also invest in stocks of companies close to bankruptcy. Purpose Although it might not seem like a sound investment strategy to invest in securities that are distressed, these funds do have a purpose to them. When you...]]></description><pubDate>April 16, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Shortcomings of Enhanced Indexing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-shortcomings-of-enhanced-indexing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many mutual funds attempt to use enhanced indexing in order to increase the returns that they can generate for shareholders. While this is a nice idea, it does not always work out according to plan. Here are a few of the shortcomings of using enhanced indexing. Deviating From the Index The idea behind an index fund is to mimic the returns of an index. This is accomplished by buying all of the stocks that make up a financial index. When a mutual fund company attempts to beat the index, this is referred to as enhanced indexing. In order to...]]></description><pubDate>April 16, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Where Do Mutual Funds Fit in Your Current Income Portfolio?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/where-do-mutual-funds-fit-in-your-current-income-portfolio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A current income portfolio is a device that is commonly used by retirees or those that wish to create additional sources of income. Many investors choose to include mutual funds in their current income portfolios. Here are a few things to consider about current income portfolios and where mutual funds fit into the equation. Current Income Portfolio This is a type of portfolio that focuses on creating a residual income for the investor. Instead of focusing on capital appreciation, the only concern is maintaining wealth and creating income from it. This makes it a very popular choice for retirees....]]></description><pubDate>April 16, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of Stock Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-stock-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Stock funds are one of the most common types of mutual funds in the market today. This type of fund carries with it some unique features when compared to other mutual funds. Here are the basics of stock funds and what they can offer you as an investor. Stock Funds Stock funds are mutual funds that invest solely in corporate stocks for their underlying investment. Investors will invest money into the fund and the fund manager will use the money to purchase stocks. The fund management team will put a great deal of research and thought into each individual...]]></description><pubDate>April 15, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Fund Advantages and Disadvantages]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-fund-advantages-and-disadvantages.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a mutual fund is a very common tactic. This type of investment is offered by many different financial institutions across the world. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages that you will be subject to when investing in a mutual fund. Advantages One of the main advantages of investing in a mutual fund is that you will receive professional money management. A mutual fund is run by a fund manager. This fund manager or group of managers knows quite a bit about investing and the financial markets. Fund managers have a great deal of experience with...]]></description><pubDate>April 15, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does the Tax-Free Income Fund Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-the-tax-free-income-fund-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The tax-free income fund is a type of investment many individuals prefer. Here are the basics of the tax-free income fund and why you might want to consider investing in one. Tax-Free Income Funds This type of mutual fund is designed to provide you with a regular source of income that does not require you to pay any taxes on the money. With this type of investment, the mutual fund will invest completely in municipal bonds. Municipal Bonds This type of fund chooses municipal bonds because of their safety and tax advantages. Municipal bonds are issued by municipalities such...]]></description><pubDate>April 15, 2010  4:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Fixed Income Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-fixed-income-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The fixed income fund is a type of mutual fund that many people prefer to put their money in. This type of fund is drastically different from funds that try to provide capital appreciation for the investors. Here are the basics of the fixed income fund and what it could provide to you as an investor. Fixed Income Fund With the fixed income fund, you will be buying into an investment that is striving to provide a regular income for you. The fund managers of fixed income funds will invest in securities that pay a regular interest payment or...]]></description><pubDate>April 15, 2010  4:31 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Inherent Risks of Growth Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-inherent-risks-of-growth-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Growth funds are a type of stock mutual fund that many investors like to invest in. This type of fund carries with it some inherent risks that you need to understand before getting involved. Here are the basics of growth funds and what risks come with them. Growth Fund The growth fund is a mutual fund that invests in growth stocks. The mutual fund will collect money from investors and use that money to purchase stocks that they decide on. The fund manager will spend a lot of time doing research on individual companies in order to identify patterns...]]></description><pubDate>April 15, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pros and Cons of the Growth Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pros-and-cons-of-the-growth-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a growth fund can present you with some unique features as an investor. Some people can really benefit from this type of investment while others prefer to stay away from it. Here are a few of the pros and cons of investing in a growth fund. Pros The major advantage of this type of fund is that the fund manager is striving to achieve capital appreciation for the investors. Every decision that is made is based upon how it will grow the value of the portfolio. For investors that value capital appreciation above everything else, this really...]]></description><pubDate>April 15, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Money Market Fund vs Traditional Savings Accounts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-money-market-fund-vs-traditional-savings-accounts.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are thinking about investing in a money market fund, there is a good chance that traditional savings accounts would also be an option for you. Both types of accounts carry with them some unique advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few things to consider about money market funds and traditional savings accounts. Where to Get One of the major differences between these two types of investments is where you obtain them. With a money market fund, you will be working directly with a financial broker or a mutual fund company. A money market fund is typically one...]]></description><pubDate>April 15, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Money Market Fund vs Money Market Account]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/money-market-fund-vs-money-market-account.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors choose to invest in either a money market fund or a money market account. While these are both popular investments, many investors do not know the difference between the two. Here are a few things to consider about money market funds and money market accounts. Money Market Fund The money market fund is a mutual fund that holds money market securities. These are securities that have a maximum of 13 months until maturity. According to the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission), the average maturity of these investments in the fund has to be 90 days or fewer....]]></description><pubDate>April 15, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Making Money with Equity Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/making-money-with-equity-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The vast majority of mutual funds are also equity funds. An equity fund is a mutual fund that invests solely in stocks. Here are the basics of equity funds. Equity Funds With an equity fund, you will be pooling your money together with many other investors. In some cases, you could potentially be investing with millions of other people. A fund manager is going to be in charge of the equity fund. The manager will take the money that has been pooled together and use it to purchase thousands of shares of different stocks. Each shareholder in the mutual...]]></description><pubDate>April 15, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Exchanging Mutual Fund Shares in a Family of Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/exchanging-mutual-fund-shares-in-a-family-of-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Being able to exchange mutual fund shares between mutual funds is one of the major advantages of investing into a family of funds. A family of funds is a company that offers many different mutual funds to invest in. Here are the basics of exchanging mutual fund shares in a family of funds. Exchanging Shares With a family of funds, you will be able to easily exchange shares from one fund to another. Therefore, if you decide that you no longer want to be involved in a large-cap mutual fund, you can trade your shares for shares in an...]]></description><pubDate>April 14, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Is a Tax-Free Income Fund Worth It? Check Your Bracket]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/is-a-tax-free-income-fund-worth-it-check-your-bracket.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a tax-free income fund is attractive for many different types of investors. However, this type of investment is not suitable for everyone. Here are the basics of the tax-free income fund, including information to help you determine whether it would be a good investment for you. Tax-Free Income Funds A tax-free income fund is a mutual fund that provides a regular monthly payment to you without any requirement of taxation on the returns. This tax-free income is produced by investing in municipal bonds from a number of different types of organizations. Municipal bonds are provided by state...]]></description><pubDate>April 14, 2010  4:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at the Income Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-the-income-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The income fund is a type of mutual fund that has some unique features and benefits. Here are the basics of income funds. Income Fund The income fund is a mutual fund that puts an emphasis on creating a regular income for its investors. This is in stark contrast to the traditional mutual fund model that aims to create capital appreciation for the shareholders. With an income fund, the mutual fund manager will seek to find investment securities that will pay a regular payment to the portfolio. These payments are then taken in collectively and distributed to the shareholders...]]></description><pubDate>April 14, 2010  4:38 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Introduction to the Money Market Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/introduction-to-the-money-market-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a money market fund can provide you with several different benefits and features. Money market funds are offered by a variety of mutual fund providers. Here are the basics of money market mutual funds and why you might potentially want to invest in one. Money Market Funds A money market fund is a mutual fund that invests in money market instruments. They should not be confused with a money market account that is offered by most banks. Investments will be made in things like T-bills, CDs, repurchase agreements and commercial paper. Parking Spot Many investors and fund...]]></description><pubDate>April 14, 2010  4:36 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Do Bond Funds Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-do-bond-funds-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The bond fund is a unique type of investment that is offered by many different mutual fund companies. The bond fund provides an alternative to those that wish to avoid the stock market. Here are the basics of the bond fund and how they work. The Bond Fund A bond fund is a mutual fund that invests solely in bonds as the underlying investment. A bond fund will collect investments from individual investors and pool the money together. They will then use this money in order to purchase many different bonds. Some bond funds will choose to focus only...]]></description><pubDate>April 14, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Diversification with the Mutual Fund: Divide and Conquer]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/diversification-with-the-mutual-fund-divide-and-conquer.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are looking for diversification, mutual fund investing is one of the best ways to achieve this. Diversification is an extremely important part of any successful portfolio. Here are a few things to consider about diversification and how mutual funds attempt to achieve it. Diversification The idea of the importance of diversifying a portfolio comes from Modern Portfolio Theory. This is a concept that was first developed in the 1950s. The idea behind diversification is that you can lower the overall risk of your portfolio while increasing the possible returns at the same time. Mutual Funds Mutual funds...]]></description><pubDate>April 14, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Permanent Portfolio Funds Offer Solid Performance in Any Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/permanent-portfolio-funds-offer-solid-performance-in-any-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The permanent portfolio fund is a unique type of investment that is designed to offer a solid performance regardless of what is going on in the market. Here are the basics of permanent portfolio funds and what they have to offer you as an investor. Permanent Portfolio Fund The idea for permanent portfolio funds was originated by adviser named Harry Browne. He had the idea of coming up with a mutual fund that could withstand any market conditions. This was accomplished by investing in many different types of securities. He put an emphasis on investing in things that you...]]></description><pubDate>April 11, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Late-Day Trading vs After-Hours Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/late-day-trading-vs-after-hours-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Late-day trading&amp;nbsp;and after-hours trading are often confused for one another. However, these are two completely different things that take place in the financial world. Here are the basics of late-day trading and after-hours trading and how they differ from one another. Late-Day Trading The process of late-day trading involves purchasing shares of a mutual fund after the close of the business day. When dealing with mutual funds, you are supposed to be able to purchase them at the end of the trading day. Therefore, or less of when your order goes in, it will not be processed until the...]]></description><pubDate>April 11, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in Infrastructure: There's More than One Way]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-infrastructure-theres-more-than-one-way.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When investing, infrastructure is a sector that many people overlook. However, investing in infrastructure can provide you with steady gains in your portfolio if you do it correctly. Here are a few things to consider about investing in infrastructure and some of the options that you have available to you in this area. Investing in Infrastructure By investing in infrastructure, you will provide yourself with a number of key benefits. When you invest in infrastructure, you are investing in an industry that the government sees as a priority. In order for a country to thrive and grow in other...]]></description><pubDate>April 11, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Discretionary Mutual Fund Advisory Programs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/discretionary-mutual-fund-advisory-programs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A discretionary mutual fund advisory program is an investment option that you might want to consider. Here are the basics of a discretionary mutual fund advisory program. Discretionary Mutual Fund Advisory Programs A discretionary mutual fund advisory program allows the average investor to get involved with professional money management. For many years, you had to have at least $100,000 to invest in order to get access to the professional money management that hedge funds had to offer. However, with this model, you can get involved for as little as $20,000 in some cases. Working with A Manager You will...]]></description><pubDate>April 10, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Non-Discretionary Mutual Fund Advisory Programs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/non-discretionary-mutual-fund-advisory-programs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A non-discretionary mutual fund advisory program can provide you with a solid way to invest. Here are the basics of the non-discretionary mutual fund advisory program. Non-Discretionary Mutual Fund Advisory Program This type of program is a way for investors to take advantage of professional money management. However, with this program you will not have to have as much money to invest as a typical hedge fund would require. You can get involved with a mutual fund advisory program for around $25,000 in most cases. With this type of program, you are going to be working closely with a...]]></description><pubDate>April 10, 2010  4:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Fund Advisory Programs: What Do They Offer?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-fund-advisory-programs-what-do-they-offer.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Instead of investing in an individual fund, many investors prefer to get involved with mutual fund advisory programs. Mutual fund adviser programs can provide a number of benefits to investors. Here are the basics of mutual fund adviser programs and what they can do for you. Mutual Fund Advisory Programs Mutual fund adviser programs are also sometimes referred to as mutual fund wraps. With this type of program, you are working with an advisor that helps you formulate an investment strategy. There are two main types of mutual fund advisory programs. You could choose to get involved in a...]]></description><pubDate>April 10, 2010  4:39 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Blend Fund vs Balanced Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/blend-fund-vs-balanced-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The blend fund is a popular type of mutual fund. However, it is often confused with a similar investment known as the balanced fund. Here are the basics of the blend fund and the balanced fund and what the differences between the two are. The Blend Fund A blend fund tries to give investors a nicely diversified mix of securities. However, the blend fund invests only in different types of stocks. Therefore, you will be totally exposed to the stock market with this type of fund. The blend fund will utilize a mix of growth stocks and value stocks.&amp;nbsp;...]]></description><pubDate>April 10, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Qualities Shared by the Best Mutual Fund Companies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-qualities-shared-by-the-best-mutual-fund-companies.html</link><description><![CDATA[ As an investor, you want to invest in only the best mutual fund companies. The best companies in the industry tend to share certain qualities. Here are a few qualities that you will find in most of the best mutual fund companies in the market. 1. Variety of Funds The best mutual fund companies tend to have many different mutual funds to choose from. Investors like to see many different choices for them to invest in. If a company has a limited selection, it can really turn off investors. Many investors like to move money from different funds depending...]]></description><pubDate>April 10, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Beginner's Guide to Mutual Fund Dividends]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/beginners-guide-to-mutual-fund-dividends.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding how mutual fund dividends work is important for those who are just getting started investing in mutual funds. Mutual fund dividends can provide you with a valuable source of income and portfolio growth. Here are the basics of mutual fund dividends and how they work. Mutual Fund Dividends Mutual funds create dividends for investors in a few different ways. For example, many mutual funds will invest in stocks, as they are a main form of investment. When stocks pay dividends to their shareholders, they will pay the mutual fund a certain amount of money in dividends. Since the...]]></description><pubDate>April 10, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons Passive Management Works]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-passive-management-works.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many mutual funds use passive management strategies in their portfolios. This type of management has been proven to provide investors with good results in the majority of cases. Here are a few reasons that passive management works. 1. Historical Performance When you use a passive investment strategy, you have history on your side. Over the entire history of the stock market, you will find that it always tends to go up. Although you will experience downturns in the market, over the long term, the market will always move upwards. Therefore, if you use a passive investment strategy and hold...]]></description><pubDate>April 10, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Segregated Funds vs Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/segregated-funds-vs-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Both segregated funds and mutual funds offer similar characteristics as investments. However, they also have some key differences that make them unique. Here are the basics of segregated and mutual funds and what makes them different. Mutual Funds A mutual fund is an investment vehicle that allows investors to pool their money together and purchase securities. The money is controlled by a fund manager that makes the investment decisions for the group. With a mutual fund, you can easily buy and sell shares in the fund. Mutual funds allow regular investors to diversify their investment portfolios. Since mutual funds...]]></description><pubDate>April 10, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Segregated Funds: The Pros and Cons]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/segregated-funds-the-pros-and-cons.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Segregated funds have started to become a more popular investment over the last few years. This type of investment is similar to mutual funds with a few differences. Here are a few pros and cons associated with the segregated fund. Pros Fans of the segregated fund will point to an investment guarantee as one of the biggest advantages that this type of investment has to offer. Segregated funds to carry with them a guarantee that will pay you back if you lose your initial investment. In most cases, they will offer 75% of what you originally paid into the...]]></description><pubDate>April 10, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Feeder Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-feeder-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The feeder fund is a particular type of mutual fund that has some advantages for investors. Here are the basics of the feeder fund to help you decide whether you should invest in one. The Feeder Fund The feeder fund is a mutual fund that uses its assets to invest in another mutual fund. This is similar to a fund of funds except that the feeder fund is investing in a particular mutual fund instead of several. With this arrangement, there is a master fund that holds all of the assets and makes the investment decisions for the portfolio....]]></description><pubDate>April 10, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Strategic Asset Allocation: How Does It Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/strategic-asset-allocation-how-does-it-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Strategic asset allocation is an investment strategy that many people use to govern the decisions that pertain to their portfolios. Here are the basics of strategic asset allocation and how it works. Strategic Asset Allocation With this type of portfolio management strategy, you predetermine a percentage of each asset in your portfolio. For example, you might decide that you are going to have 60 percent in equities, 30 percent in bonds, and 10 percent in the money market. These percentages will govern your investment decisions at all times. Throughout the life of your portfolio, you will strive to stick...]]></description><pubDate>April 10, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Modern Portfolio Theory: The Basics]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/modern-portfolio-theory-the-basics.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many experienced investors turn to modern portfolio theory when making investment decisions for their money. Modern portfolio theory is one of the most widely used theories in the investment world. Here are the basics of modern portfolio theory and how it applies to the decisions that an investor should make. Modern Portfolio Theory Modern portfolio theory has been around since 1952 when it was published in the Journal of Finance as &quot;Portfolio Selection.&quot; This theory was invented by Harry Markowitz. He was one of the leading economists in the United States during his career. Diversification Markowitz was partly responsible...]]></description><pubDate>April 10, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons the Protected Fund Might Not Be for You]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-the-protected-fund-might-not-be-for-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many people choose to invest in the protected fund because of its relative safety. With this type of investment, you will be guaranteed your initial investment by an insurance policy. However, this investment is not for everyone. Here are a few reasons the protected fund might not be for you. 1. Low Returns When you invest in a protected fund, you will not be able to get substantial returns. These funds tend to provide some of the lowest returns on investment available. When you invest in this type of fund, you are basically trading security for lower returns. Since...]]></description><pubDate>April  9, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Funds: &quot;Risk-Free&quot; Is an Illusion]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-funds-risk-free-is-an-illusion.html</link><description><![CDATA[ With mutual funds, &quot;risk-free&quot; is a term that gets used frequently. However, even though mutual funds are fairly safe investments, they are not risk-free. Here are a few things to consider about the risk associated with mutual funds. Mutual Fund Risk A mutual fund is an investment vehicle that is highly diversified. When you invest money with a mutual fund, the fund manager is going to use it to buy many different securities. For example, they will buy hundreds of different stocks in different sectors. They might even buy some stocks and some bonds to provide even more diversification....]]></description><pubDate>April  9, 2010  4:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Fund Dividend Reinvestment]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-fund-dividend-reinvestment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Mutual fund dividend reinvestment is a strategy that can allow you to grow your account quickly. Here are the basics of mutual fund dividend reinvestment and how it works. Mutual Fund Dividends When you invest in a mutual fund, there is a good chance that you will be able to receive some dividends as a shareholder. Mutual funds invest in stocks and bonds in most cases. Stocks regularly pay dividends to their shareholders. Bonds pay interest on a monthly basis. Both of these sources of income combine to provide dividends for the mutual fund to divide up between the...]]></description><pubDate>April  9, 2010  4:39 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Infrastructure Funds: Paving the Way to Your Retirement]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/infrastructure-funds-paving-the-way-to-your-retirement.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Infrastructure funds are those concentrating investments in capital goods, construction and development. On the whole, infrastructure companies are heavily involved in investing in companies with government contracts. This is particularly true in light of federal stimulus programs in the late 2000s. Many fund managers believe government dollars will continue to pour into infrastructure development as it did following the Great Depression. Since infrastructure funds performed extremely well in the closing years of the decade, the buzz word expanded to cover much broader investment opportunities. What Qualifies as Infrastructure? Technically, infrastructure developments are defined by their ability to add equity...]]></description><pubDate>April  9, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons Mutual Funds Beat Individual Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-mutual-funds-beat-individual-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are investing in mutual funds, stocks may also be an investment that you consider. However, many investors prefer investing in mutual funds over investing in individual stocks. Here are a few ways that investing in mutual funds is better than investing in individual stocks. 1. Diversification One of the biggest advantages that mutual funds have over individual stocks is that they are extremely diversified. An individual stock is tied directly to the performance of the company that issues it. Therefore, if sales are down, the price of the stock will tend to go down as well. Even...]]></description><pubDate>April  9, 2010  4:31 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Be Aware of Management Risk to Your Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/be-aware-of-management-risk-to-your-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Management risk is something that you will need to be aware of when investing in mutual funds. This is a specific type of risk that is presented by having a mutual fund manager. Here are the basics of management risk and how it affects investors. Management Risk Management risk is a term that refers to the inherent risk of having someone else make investment decisions with your money. When you are giving your money to a mutual fund, a fund manager or team of managers is in charge of every investment decision for the portfolio. If the fund manager...]]></description><pubDate>April  9, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Access Independent Mutual Fund Research]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-access-independent-mutual-fund-research.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Mutual fund research is essential in order to ensure that your investment will yield significant amounts of profit. Mutual funds offer a significant number of advantages, namely high returns and professional management. Since over 8,000 mutual funds are easily available to the public, the trick is to choose the one that might prove to be the most lucrative. Investment professionals will easily tell you which funds to choose from, but using a few easily available tools, you can choose the fund you would like to invest in yourself. Determine Money to Be Invested Of course, one of the main...]]></description><pubDate>April  2, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Appraise a Bond Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-appraise-a-bond-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ While there are many types of bond funds, the main concept behind them is the same. By purchasing a bond, you are actually buying your way into a fund. Bonds have fixed interest rates per annum, which determine the total amount of dividend you will receive after the bond matures.&amp;nbsp; The interest rate, taxation policies on the interest and bond maturation depend on the type of bond that you buy and the borrowing (issuing) authority. To find out how much your bond has grown, follow the steps given below. Step 1&amp;ndash;Finding Out the Interest Rate for Your Bond Information...]]></description><pubDate>April  2, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Is Your Fund Manager Practicing Sector Rotation?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/is-your-fund-manager-practicing-sector-rotation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Sector rotation is an investment strategy that many mutual fund managers utilize on a regular basis. Here are the basics of sector rotation and what it means to you as an investor. Sector Rotation Many mutual funds invest in a diversified package of securities from a particular sector in the economy. For example, some mutual funds might invest in retail while others invest in technology. Sector rotation is the act of converting assets from one sector to another depending on the condition of the sectors. Why It Is Done Sector rotation is performed in order to try and take...]]></description><pubDate>March 31, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Taking a Level Load Off of Your Retirement]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/taking-a-level-load-off-of-your-retirement.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A level load is a term that is used to describe the fee structure of certain shares of mutual funds. Here are a few things to consider about level loads and how they work. Level Load In the past, you would be able to choose between paying a fee on the front end or back end of a mutual fund transaction. Class A shares have a front end load while glass B shares have a back end load. With the level load, you are paying a percentage of the earnings from the mutual fund back to the fund each...]]></description><pubDate>March 31, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Identify a Profitable Equity Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-identify-a-profitable-equity-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in an equity mutual fund allows you to get involved in the stock market, without directly investing in individual stocks. An equity mutual fund is one that is made up entirely of stocks and has a high potential for capital growth. Here are a few tips on how you can identify a profitable equity mutual fund to invest in. MorningStar Ratings When you are trying to identify a profitable equity mutual fund, one of the first places you should start is MorningStar. MorningStar is the leading financial authority when it comes to rating investments. They have a very...]]></description><pubDate>March 30, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Index Tracking Risk: Big Gains Mean Big Exposure]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/index-tracking-risk-big-gains-mean-big-exposure.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Index tracking has become a very popular method of investment for mutual funds. With this investment strategy, a mutual fund attempts to replicate the movement of a financial index. However, when this type of index fund posts big gains, this can also mean big risk for you as an investor. Here are a few things to consider about big gains in index funds. Financial Indices Investing in an index fund can be one of the safer forms of investment in the market. A financial index essentially tracks the stock market by keeping track of a certain amount of critical...]]></description><pubDate>March 30, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can You Avoid an Advisor Fee?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/can-you-avoid-an-advisor-fee.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Adviser fees are standard on load mutual funds. However, you can avoid an adviser fee by purchasing a no load fund. The choice you make should depend on your investment style and not just your desire to save money. No Load Mutual Funds A no load fund is offered direct from the issuer. You are not consulting with a financial planner in order to make your decision. Instead, you will analyze the options on your own, select your choice, and put 100 percent of your investment money directly into the mutual fund. For example, if you are allocating $10,000...]]></description><pubDate>March 28, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Portfolio Income and Taxes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/portfolio-income-and-taxes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Portfolio income is any money earned from investments through capital gains, dividend payments, interest payments or royalties. It is important to remember that portfolio income does not count as passive income during tax season. Passive income is subject to a wholly different set of tax laws, and losses in passive income may be written off. Portfolio income is not considered passive since it does involve some work on behalf of the investor. As a result, gains and losses must be reported and are subject to income tax. Capital Gains Income When you sell an asset for profit, you experience...]]></description><pubDate>March 28, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Unraveling the Absolute Return Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/unraveling-the-absolute-return-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The absolute return mutual fund can be an attractive option for investors. This type of fund seeks to provide a return regardless of what happens in the marketplace. Here are a few things to consider about the absolute return mutual fund and how it works. Absolute Return Fund Over the last few years, many mutual funds have received attention for not performing well. Most mutual funds attempt to beat a particular financial index as a way to gauge their performance. If the financial index loses money, the mutual fund considers itself in good shape if it lost less money...]]></description><pubDate>March 28, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons to Invest in a No-Load Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-to-invest-in-a-no-load-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A no-load fund is offered directly from the issuing institution instead of passing through a secondary sales team. The main difference with a no-load fund is, because there is no secondary sales team, there is no secondary sales cost. Buying a no-load fund is like buying house name instead of brand name. The goal is efficiency, not luxury and funds deliver on this goal. #1 Lower Sales Fees When you buy a load fund, you pay a sales fee to purchase the fund, make changes in your holdings or even for the management of your holdings as long as...]]></description><pubDate>March 28, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Debt Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-debt-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The debt fund is a type of mutual fund that invests solely in debt instruments. Here are the basics of the debt fund and whether or not you should consider making it a part of your portfolio. The Debt Fund With a debt fund, you are buying into a mutual fund that is designed to produce income. Most of the time, these funds focus on purchasing bonds. Purchasing a bond is essentially like loaning your money to a corporation or the government. In return for the loan, they will pay you a set rate of interest over the life...]]></description><pubDate>March 28, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Core-Plus Investment Management Style]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/core-plus-investment-management-style.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Core plus is a management style characterized by mixing in a few high risk securities with an otherwise low risk core portfolio. This allows the investor to take on some risks in hopes of profit, but minimizes the chance for large-scale losses. Core Plus Example For example, you may have a portfolio that is largely holding bonds and low-risk securities for long-term growth. These low risk securities could make up as much as 75 to 80 percent of the entire portfolio. The remaining 20 percent, though, may be invested in a short-term opportunity like a commodity option contract or...]]></description><pubDate>March 28, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Load vs No-Load Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/load-vs-no-load-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors have had trouble deciding between a load fund and a no-load fund over the years. Both options can provide you with a solid investment. However, in order to make an accurate assessment of which method you should choose, there are few things that you should understand first. Load vs. No-Load Funds The difference between load and no-load funds is the amount of money that you pay upfront. When you purchase a load fund, there will be a fee to pay for a commission to a salesperson. When you work with an investment broker, they will be paid...]]></description><pubDate>March 28, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Go with a Load Fund?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-go-with-a-load-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A load fund uses a secondary sales team instead of offering direct opportunities to investors. The sales team is actually a network of investment advisers that is a third party not connected with the institution putting together the fund. For example, you can buy shares of a money market fund directly with Bank of America or allow an adviser with Fidelity choose a better option for you. The catch is, there is no sales fee with the no-load fund, and you do pay a fee with the load fund. The fee may be okay by you if you want...]]></description><pubDate>March 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Municipal Bond Fund: Another Tax-Free Investment]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-municipal-bond-fund-another-tax-free-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The municipal bond fund is a unique type of investment that allows investors to get involved in the bond market. Many investors get involved in this type of fund in order to minimize their tax liability. Here are the basics of the municipal bond fund and whether or not you need to make it a part of your investment strategy.The Municipal Bond FundThe municipal bond fund is a mutual fund that invests solely in municipal bonds. A municipal bond is a debt instrument that is issued by a public organization such as a school or city government. These bonds...]]></description><pubDate>March 27, 2010  4:48 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Municipal Bonds vs the Municipal Bond Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/municipal-bonds-vs-the-municipal-bond-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors choose to invest in a municipal bond fund because of the unique advantages that it presents. However, many other investors choose to invest directly in municipal bonds. Here are a few things to consider about each type of investment and which one would be best for you. Municipal Bonds A municipal bond is a debt instrument that is issued by a municipality. A city government, state government, school, or some other type of public entity can issue municipal bonds. These bonds are issued in order to raise money for certain projects. As an investor, you can purchase...]]></description><pubDate>March 27, 2010  4:46 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment-Grade Bonds: Head and Shoulders Above the Rest]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-grade-bonds-head-and-shoulders-above-the-rest.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors choose to invest in investment grade bonds because of the safety that they provide. Here are the basics of investment grade bonds. What Is Investment Grade? The term &quot;investment grade bond&quot; essentially means that the&amp;nbsp;bond is a very safe investment. As an investor, you should feel very little apprehension about investing your money into an investment grade bond. Investment grade bonds are a class of bonds that represent the best that the industry has to offer.&amp;nbsp; How a Bond Is Determined to Be Investment Grade In order to determine which bonds are investment grade, a bond rating...]]></description><pubDate>March 27, 2010  4:44 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is an Approved List?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-an-approved-list.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An approved list&amp;nbsp;is a list of investments that many mutual funds use to select the individual securities that they invest in. Here are the basics of the approved list and how it works. The Approved List This is essentially a list of securities that have been chosen because they were determined to be acceptable investments. Many times, a brokerage will have their research team come up with a list of securities for the brokers to use. The purpose of this list is to try and limit the possible investment choices that a broker has in front of them. Sometimes...]]></description><pubDate>March 27, 2010  4:42 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Fund of Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-fund-of-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a fund of funds&amp;nbsp;may be something that you want to consider for your portfolio. Here are the basics of the fund of funds as well as some of the advantages and disadvantages associated with it. Fund of Funds This is a mutual fund that uses its assets to purchase shares of other mutual funds. While most mutual funds will invest directly in the stock market or bonds, this mutual fund simply stays in the mutual fund market for its investment. Advantages One of the advantages of this type of fund is that it provides you with superior...]]></description><pubDate>March 27, 2010  4:40 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Adding a Little Extra for Your Breakpoint Sale]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/adding-a-little-extra-for-your-breakpoint-sale.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Mutual funds have breakpoint lines where lower sales fees are charged. For example, a fund could charge a 6.5 percent fee for investments under $50,000 and a 5.75 percent fee for investments over $50,000. If you are considering purchasing $47,000 worth of shares in the fund, you might be be better off purchasing the full $50,000. Affect of Sales Fees In the above example, you would be charged a sales fee of $3,055 on the transaction if you purchased $47,000 worth of shares. You would only actually have $43,945 invested at the end of the transaction. If you purchased...]]></description><pubDate>March 27, 2010  4:38 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons to Invest in a Gold Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-to-invest-in-a-gold-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors have turned to investing in a gold fund as an alternative to the stock market. This type of investment carries with it several advantages over other types of investments. Here are a few reasons that you might want to consider investing in a gold fund.1. Low CorrelationOne of the biggest things that gold offers you is diversification from the traditional markets. Gold has a very low correlation to other types of investments. Therefore, with a gold fund, you can still be up substantially even if the rest of the market is tanking. Many other types of investments...]]></description><pubDate>March 27, 2010  4:36 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Indicators of a Lousy Fund Company]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-indicators-of-a-lousy-fund-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Choosing a mutual fund company&amp;nbsp;can sometimes prove to be difficult. With so many options on the market, you might not know to pick. However, there are certain indicators that you can look at to make sure that you avoid doing business with a lousy mutual fund company.1. No Customer ServiceOne of the first things that you should notice about a mutual fund company is their level of customer service. You want a mutual fund company that places a high value on pleasing their customers. You are going to be giving them a significant amount of your money over the...]]></description><pubDate>March 27, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Managed Account Might Not Be for You]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-managed-account-might-not-be-for-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors choose to invest in a managed account instead of a mutual fund. While they are similar in nature, they differ in a few key areas. Depending on your situation, a managed account may not be the best fit for you. Here are a few things to consider about the managed account. What Is a Managed Account? A managed account is a type of investment account that is handled by a financial professional. It is similar to a mutual fund, except that you have a financial professional reviewing your account. With a mutual fund, a fund manager will...]]></description><pubDate>March 27, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Balanced Fund Provides the Best of All Possible Worlds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-balanced-fund-provides-the-best-of-all-possible-worlds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a balanced fund could be exactly what you need to do as an investor. While some mutual funds strive to provide growth and others provide income, the balanced fund does its best to provide both. This makes it a very sensible choice for many investors regardless of their situations. Here are the basics of the balanced fund and why you might want to consider investing in one. The Balanced Fund The balanced fund is a mutual fund that invests in a number of different types of securities. Most mutual funds are equity funds, which means that they...]]></description><pubDate>March 27, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Equity-Income Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/equity-income-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Equity-income mutual funds balance their holdings between bonds and dividend paying stocks. The goal of the funds is to provide two, equally desirable results: capital growth in the long run and income in the short run. Some mutual funds focus on one goal or the other, so this blend is not true of all investment opportunities. However, most investment houses will offer some type of equity-income fund because they are used for a number of applications. Uses for an Equity Mutual Fund The primary use for an equity mutual fund is saving for a long-term investment. For example, equity...]]></description><pubDate>March 27, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Green Funds: Saving the World, One Investment at a Time]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/green-funds-saving-the-world-one-investment-at-a-time.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Green funds have become very popular as more and more people are becoming environmentally conscious. This type of mutual fund is very intriguing from an investment standpoint. Here are a few things to consider about green funds and how they try to save the world one investment at a time. What Are Green Funds? A green mutual fund is a fund that has strict criteria on what they can invest in. Each green fund set up their own rules and decides what things they will avoid putting money into. If an investment does not meet the strict investment criteria...]]></description><pubDate>March 27, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Reasons the Green Fund Won't Grow on You]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-reasons-the-green-fund-wont-grow-on-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The green fund&amp;nbsp;has become increasingly popular as more and more investors become socially conscious. With all the attention that it will get to the environment and acting responsibly, it is no wonder that many people like to invest in green funds. However, here are a few reasons that you might want to avoid investing in a green fund in your portfolio. 1. Volatility One of the biggest reasons to avoid investing in a green fund is the volatility that comes with it. These types of funds are traditionally very volatile and are subject to huge swings in value. For...]]></description><pubDate>March 27, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Give the Green Fund Some Time: It Might Just Bloom]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/give-the-green-fund-some-time-it-might-just-bloom.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a green fund has become increasingly popular as more and more investors have put an emphasis on protecting the environment. The green movement is currently in full swing and more and more people want to get involved. Here are the basics of the green fund and why it might be to your advantage to invest in one.Green FundsThe term green mutual fund refers to a mutual fund that invests in companies that are socially responsible. These companies typically have &amp;nbsp;put into place business practices that keep the environment in mind. These companies might be considered green in...]]></description><pubDate>March 27, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Diversify, Diversify, Diversify: Mantra of the Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/diversify-diversify-diversify-mantra-of-the-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Every mutual fund attempts to diversify holdings in one way or another. &quot;Diversify&quot; is the mantra of the mutual fund in general, and it provides investors with a number of benefits. Here are the basics of why diversification is important and how mutual funds implement it into their portfolios. Diversification Diversification is a very basic investment concept that you must understand in order to succeed. Every investor should attempt to employ some form of diversification into his or her portfolio. Diversification refers to spreading your funds out over a number of different investments. You want to invest in many...]]></description><pubDate>March 27, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stable Value Fund vs Money Market Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stable-value-fund-vs-money-market-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Both the stable value fund and the money market fund present you with a safe way to investor money. However, these are two different types of investments and they both offer you something unique. Here are the basics of the stable value fund and the money market fund and why you might want to consider one over the other.Stable Value Fund A stable value fund was once only available through a company's retirement account. In recent years, this type of investment became available for those with an IRA as well. A stable value fund, as the name implies, is...]]></description><pubDate>March 27, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pros and Cons of the Stable Value Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pros-and-cons-of-the-stable-value-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A stable value fund is designed so it is &quot;impossible&quot; for an investor to lose money. The funds were first offered through 401(k) plans, but they are now an option for IRA accounts as well. The reason the funds can guarantee a constant value is because the majority of them use insurance wraps to hedge against loss.&amp;nbsp; Insurance Wrap Pros With an insurance wrap, the fund contracts with an insurance company that promises to pay the fund if the value of the investments falls below a certain level. The insurance company agrees to this because, on the flip side,...]]></description><pubDate>March 27, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Reasons to Include a Global Fund in Your Portfolio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-reasons-to-include-a-global-fund-in-your-portfolio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a global fund has become a popular investment strategy in the last few years. Here are a few potential reasons that you might want to consider including a global fund in your portfolio. 1. Convenience A global fund provides you with a very convenient way to invest. You can invest in a global fund through any standard brokerage account. You will not have to do your own investment research on the individual investments that make up the fund. You simply purchase your shares and the global fund manager will handle the rest. 2. Diversification With this type...]]></description><pubDate>March 27, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Global Fund: You Can't Get More Diversified than Planet Earth]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-global-fund-you-cant-get-more-diversified-than-planet-earth.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The global fund has emerged as a great way for investors to diversify their portfolio. This type of fund has the capability to invest in any market in the world. Here are the basics of the global fund and what it can provide to you as an investor. The Global Fund Most mutual funds will invest only in their domestic markets. Other mutual funds, referred to as international funds, will invest only in markets outside of their domestic market. With the global fund, they will choose investments from the domestic and international markets depending on their investment criteria. This...]]></description><pubDate>March 27, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Your Capital Gains Distribution]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/your-capital-gains-distribution.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A capital gains distribution&amp;nbsp;is something that you need to be aware of as a mutual fund investor. Here are the basics of the capital gains distribution and how it can affect you individually. Capital Gains Distributions Throughout the year, a mutual fund will use your money and the money of others to trade securities. Most of the time, they will make some type of profit over the course of the year. At the end of the year, the mutual fund will distribute the gains that they have made back to the investors. They will take all of the profit...]]></description><pubDate>March 26, 2010  4:36 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Form 1099-DIV]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-form-1099-div.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Form 1099-DIV is an IRS tax form that investment fund companies must use to report the income the investors earned from dividends (both ordinary and qualified) and capital gains distributions. Once the forms are filled out, copies of the forms are sent to the investors. They must then use that information to fill out their income tax forms. The forms will not be sent if the investors earn $10 or less per fund/distribution. In order to avoid trouble with the IRS, the investors must be able to read and understand their 1099-DIV forms, something this document aims to help...]]></description><pubDate>March 26, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Steady Returns with the Income Share]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/steady-returns-with-the-income-share.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many people choose to invest in an income share as opposed to a security that is designed to provide capital appreciation. Here are the basics of the income share and why you might want to consider investing in them. The Income Share The income share is a share of a mutual fund that is issued by a company that does not have room for capital appreciation. Although they cannot provide any growth for potential shareholders, they will offer you a portion of the income that is made from trading securities. In most cases, the fund will make a regular...]]></description><pubDate>March 26, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Your Mutual Fund's Standard Deviation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/your-mutual-funds-standard-deviation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The standard deviation of a mutual fund is something that you will need to be aware of before you invest in one. Here are the basics of standard deviation and what it means to you as a mutual fund investor. Standard Deviation The standard deviation of an investment is the amount of dispersion that the results have compared to the mean. If a mutual fund has a high standard deviation, this means that it is very volatile. If the standard deviation is low, this means that you have a safer form of investment that will not experience extreme highs...]]></description><pubDate>March 26, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Legal Consequences of the Mutual Fund's Definition]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/legal-consequences-of-the-mutual-funds-definition.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A mutual fund's definition determines the extent of investment opportunities it may participate in. As a general rule, mutual funds fall under the Investment Company Act of 1940. This act applies to all investment groups, of which a mutual fund is one type. The act regulates the disclosures a fund must make, how it can borrow and spend money and even who can oversee the fund. Depending on the type of fund, i.e., the fund's definition, these rules will differ. Open-End vs. Closed-End One of the primary mutual fund classifications is open versus closed. In an open-end fund, a...]]></description><pubDate>March 24, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Claiming the Mutual Fund Foreign Tax Credit]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/claiming-the-mutual-fund-foreign-tax-credit.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you pay a mutual fund tax on shares you own in a foreign fund, you may be eligible for a tax credit. This credit is applied to the income tax you would owe to the IRS, and you will not be taxed twice on the same income as a result. There are several conditions for when this tax credit would apply. Mutual Fund Foreign Tax Credit To claim a foreign tax credit, you&amp;nbsp; must have the tax imposed on you. This essentially means it is a non-elective tax against income earned in the foreign country. For the purposes...]]></description><pubDate>March 24, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does Income Risk Occur?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-income-risk-occur.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Income risk is the chance that a fund's interest rate will drop in response to the drop of national interest rates. The fund cannot continue to pay out rates far higher than it is earning, so your income could take a sudden down turn. The risk is highest in a volatile economy and with a short-term fund. Volatile Economy Interest rates drop when the economy is slow. The rate is lowered to encourage banks to lend more money and to curb the affects of inflation. When this occurs, though, income rates on funds will have to go down in...]]></description><pubDate>March 22, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Reasons to Invest in a Diversified Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-reasons-to-invest-in-a-diversified-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ You can attempt to diversify your portfolio through individual investments, or you can buy into a diversified fund to capture the same benefits. When you invest in a diversified fund of any type, you are selecting just one investment that will effectively give you holdings in low-risk and high-risk investments across multiple industries and markets.&amp;nbsp; #1 Mitigate Risk The main goal of diversifying is protecting yourself from dips in any one area of the market. For example, you may have a handful of securities in green technology, a handful in manufacturing, a number of gold bonds and some foreign...]]></description><pubDate>March 21, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Late-Day Trading Hurts Your Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-late-day-trading-hurts-your-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Late-day trading&amp;nbsp;has been a problem with mutual funds over the years. Besides being illegal, it hurts the other investors involved in mutual funds. Here are the basics of late-day trading and how it can affect you negatively. Late-Day Training In order to understand how this could negatively affect you as a trader, you first need to understand how it works. Late-day trading is when someone places an order for a mutual fund after the trading day has closed and gets credit for it on the same day. When you buy a share of a mutual fund, regardless of what...]]></description><pubDate>March 21, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Commingled Fund?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-commingled-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A commingled fund mixes together assets from various accounts, providing investors with the benefits of an economy of scale. This term simply means the investors, though they are each small, can pool together to make one large network. Commingled funds are often called pooled funds for this reason. Advantages of a Commingled Fund The main advantage of a commingled fund is more efficient trading. You can reduce the transaction cost on your own account by spreading that cost amongst the various members of the fund. Further, commingled funds can help spread risk and diversify a portfolio. Many mutual funds...]]></description><pubDate>March 21, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Offshore Fund: Invaluable Investment Opportunity or Scam?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-offshore-fund-invaluable-investment-opportunity-or-scam.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in an offshore fund presents investors with a bit of an enigma. Although many investors fear offshore investment scams, many of these funds can present a valuable investment opportunity. Here are a few things to consider about the offshore fund. The Offshore Fund An offshore fund is any mutual fund that is located outside of the United States. Many times, these funds are located in countries that have favorable tax situations. Since the mutual fund companies often have no dealings with the countries in which they are located, they do not have to pay business taxes. Therefore, since...]]></description><pubDate>March 20, 2010  4:47 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Closer Look at Offshore Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-closer-look-at-offshore-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ For many years, investing in offshore mutual funds has been the choice of many investors looking to diversify away from domestic funds. There are a lot of misconceptions out there about this type of investment. Here are the basics of offshore mutual funds and whether they are actually good investments for you. What Are Offshore Mutual Funds? An offshore mutual fund is a mutual fund that has its headquarters somewhere outside of the United States. Typically, this term is reserved for a company that is doing business in a foreign country. Sometimes, investment brokerages that do business in the...]]></description><pubDate>March 20, 2010  4:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Vice Fund: Why Does Depravity Pay So Well?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-vice-fund-why-does-depravity-pay-so-well.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A vice fund allocates investments strictly toward companies operating in the areas of tobacco, firearms, gaming, liquor or weaponry. In general, these areas are considered areas of &quot;vice,&quot; meaning they are not thought of as &quot;socially responsible&quot; companies. While many people are opposed to investing in these industries, the fact remains that vice funds have outperformed other stock indices, including the S&amp;amp;P 500, in the past.&amp;nbsp; Why Do Vice Funds Succeed? The reason for these high returns cannot be attributed to a single factor. Some of the factors adding to the success of these funds, though, include limited access...]]></description><pubDate>March 20, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Which Mutual Fund Investing Style Matches Your Needs?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/which-mutual-fund-investing-style-matches-your-needs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ As an investor, it is important to choose a mutual fund that matches your investing style. There are many different types of mutual funds on the market and each of them employs a different investment strategy. Here are a few of the different types of mutual fund strategies that are available so that you can choose one that meets your individual needs. Balanced Fund One of the most popular forms of mutual fund is the balanced fund. This provides you a very diversified portfolio to work with. This type of fund will invest in stocks, bonds, and the money...]]></description><pubDate>March 20, 2010  4:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Do Hybrid Funds Provide a Valuable Mix?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/do-hybrid-funds-provide-a-valuable-mix.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a hybrid fund can be a good alternative to putting your money into an equity fund. Many investors like the hybrid fund because of the nice mix of investments that you get. Here are the basics of the hybrid fund and whether it is actually a valuable form of investment. What Is a Hybrid Fund? A hybrid fund is one that invests in a number of different types of investments. Many mutual funds invest solely in stocks and are referred to as equity funds. By comparison, the hybrid fund will invest in stocks, bonds and even money...]]></description><pubDate>March 20, 2010  4:39 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using Relative Return to Review Your Manager]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-relative-return-to-review-your-manager.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Relative return on a mutual fund is only calculated in comparison to a benchmark. Most mutual funds seek earnings in a relative return manner, either choosing to beat a specific index or even the market as a whole. When it comes time to determine how successful your manager has been, you can use the benchmark of other mutual funds. Pick Similar Funds You have to compare apples to apples with relative return modeling. There are some mutual funds that are more aggressive than others, and these funds could post much higher returns than your fund in an average year...]]></description><pubDate>March 20, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at the Momentum Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-the-momentum-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a momentum fund can provide you with several benefits. Here are the basics of the momentum fund and what to consider before investing in one. The Momentum Fund A momentum fund is a mutual fund that looks to capitalize on a trend. They believe in the old adage that says &quot;the trend is your friend.&quot; These types of funds will do a great deal of research in order to uncover stocks and sectors that tend to illustrate a certain amount of growth. Once they identify momentum in the market, they will purchase securities in the direction of...]]></description><pubDate>March 20, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Blend Fund: Mixing the Best of Everything]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-blend-fund-mixing-the-best-of-everything.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The blend fund&amp;nbsp;is a type of mutual fund that provides a nice mix of investment options. Although it is often compared to the balanced fund, it is a completely different type of investment. Here are the basics of the blend fund and whether or not you should think about putting money into one. The Blend Fund The blend fund is an investment that seeks to provide capital growth for its shareholders. However, this type of fund seeks to provide that by using more than one investment strategy. They will invest in both value stocks and growth stocks in order...]]></description><pubDate>March 20, 2010  4:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are Soft Dollars Bleeding Your Retirement?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/are-soft-dollars-bleeding-your-retirement.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The subject of soft dollars has become a sore point for many on Wall Street. Many mutual funds have used soft dollars for many years, and they do not appear to be slowing down in the near future. Here are the basics of soft dollars and how they could affect your retirement funds. What Are Soft Dollars? The term &quot;soft dollars&quot; refers to a method of payment that mutual fund companies often use instead of hard money. Many mutual fund companies use soft dollars, or commission revenue, to pay their individual vendors. Instead of writing a check for the...]]></description><pubDate>March 20, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Forward Pricing?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-forward-pricing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An open-end mutual fund must use forward pricing on buy and sell orders received throughout the day. Forward pricing estimates the Net Asset Value (NAV) that will be used when the order is fulfilled. This may sound complicated, but the reason for forward pricing can be easily understood. Net Asset Value Mutual funds trade at the value of the sum of the value of their holdings, divided by the total number of shares outstanding in the fund. Therefore, the price per share is the net asset value of the fund. Open-end mutual funds can trade during the day, but...]]></description><pubDate>March 20, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Is Your Mutual Fund Holding Cash Equivalents?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/is-your-mutual-fund-holding-cash-equivalents.html</link><description><![CDATA[ To protect against too much aggregate risk, most mutual funds do hold some degree of cash equivalents. This category of investments, called cash and cash equivalents (CCE) formally, describes short-term investments that can immediately be converted into money. Examples include short-term government bonds and money market funds. In particular, CCE investments mature in three months or less. Though there is little room for growth with such a fast turnaround, these securities are valuable for their ability to protect against risk. Converting to Cash The main reason a mutual fund must hold CCEs is that it may actually need to...]]></description><pubDate>March 20, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons Managed Money Works]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/number-reasons-managed-money-works.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Managed money is an investment style that involves leaving your decisions up to a manager instead of individually making investment choices. A good example of managed money is a mutual fund, money market fund or even a hedge fund. When you invest in these institutions, you do not personally pick the securities you will have a share in from that point forward. You allow another party, an experienced investment adviser, to manage the funds for you. #1 Calm in Turbulent Times A key reason to seek the advice of a money manager is to have advice for the bad...]]></description><pubDate>March 20, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Quant Fund: Removing Emotion from Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-quant-fund-removing-emotion-from-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The quant fund is a type of mutual fund that aims to remove emotion from investing. Controlling your emotions in investing can be very difficult at times and this type of fund makes it possible to do so. Here are the basics of the quant fund and how it could potentially help you as an investor. The Quant Fund The term quant fund is short for quantitative fund. With this type of fund, a team of fund managers develop a software program that analyzes potential investments. These programs use quantitative analysis in order to make their decisions. Some of...]]></description><pubDate>March 20, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Long-Short Fund Is a Long Way from Perfection]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-long-short-fund-is-a-long-way-from-perfection.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The long-short fund&amp;nbsp;is a fund that takes both long and short positions in the market. It was designed to provide investors with a hedge against any market condition. However, in most cases, this type of fund does not work well. Why It Exists The idea behind the long-short fund makes some sense. It was created so that regardless of whether the market goes up or down, the fund will not lose any money. This strategy is commonly used in many hedge funds, and mutual funds attempted to copy it. Where It Fails When mutual funds attempt to copy hedge...]]></description><pubDate>March 20, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Exit Fee Makes Leaving Your Fund a Painful Thing to Do]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-exit-fee-makes-leaving-your-fund-a-painful-thing-to-do.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A mutual fund's exit fee&amp;nbsp;is a charge that is incurred when an investor sells their shares of a mutual fund. Here are the basics of the exit fee and how it can impact your investment decisions. The Exit Fee The exit fee of a mutual fund is also known by the terms &quot;back-end load&quot; or &quot;redemption fee&quot;. Regardless of what you call it, it means that you will have to pay the mutual fund a certain percentage in order to cash out your shares. Most of the time, this type of fee will be eliminated if you hold your...]]></description><pubDate>March 20, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Your Mutual Fund's Annual Turnover Is Important to You]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-your-mutual-funds-annual-turnover-is-important-to-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The annual turnover of a mutual fund is something that you will need to be aware of. The turnover of a mutual fund can affect you in a number of different ways. Here are a few reasons that you might want to keep an eye on the turnover in your mutual funds. Tax Efficiency The first thing that the annual turnover affects is the tax efficiency of the fund. When a fund constantly buys and sells securities, there is a good chance that it will trigger a capital gains tax. When investing in a mutual fund, you do not...]]></description><pubDate>March 20, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Performance-Weighted Mutual Fund Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-performance-weighted-mutual-fund-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are a number of mutual fund strategies to estimate the value of the holdings in a fund's portfolio. Some analysts use price-weighting, some use capitalization-weighting and some use performance-weighting. With a performance weighted mutual fund or mutual fund chart, the only factor being considered is return on investment, or price to earnings ratio. The performance weighted strategy assumes that, other things being equal, the security with the best price to earnings ratio (P/E) is a better purchase. Finding Price to Earnings Determining the price to earnings ratio on a security is actually a bit more complicated than you...]]></description><pubDate>March 20, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Family of Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-family-of-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors seek out a family of funds in order to invest their money. Here are the basics of a family of funds and what they have to offer you as an investor. Family of Funds The term &quot;family of funds&quot; refers to a mutual fund company that offers several different types of funds. All of the funds will be run by the same company, as if they were different departments of the same organization. Investing in a family of funds can often provide you with more benefits than going with a single mutual fund. Benefits of a Family...]]></description><pubDate>March 19, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pioneer Investing with Venture Capital Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pioneer-investing-with-venture-capital-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Venture capital funds are unique because they invest in companies not yet offering stock on the general market. When you are a part of a venture capital fund, you are providing the base funding for a wholly new business that may not even have a single dollar in business loans or funding from other sources. Typically, engaging in the venture capital business requires a very high level of capitalization. Just like mutual funds allow low-cap investors to play like large-cap investors, venture capitals offer the same. Create a Capital Fund The biggest advantage offered by a venture capital fund...]]></description><pubDate>March 19, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fund Flow a Great Indicator of Investor Interest]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/fund-flow-a-great-indicator-of-investor-interest.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Fund flow is an expression for the amount of money used to purchase securities in a specific area of the market each month. Fund flow is a net expression of this interest, adjusted to account for any investors that are leaving the market at the same time. Analysts use this measurement to determine the popular areas of investing in a given period of time. Fund Flow Example Last month, there was a very high fund flow into the bond market. This could show an analyst that investors are looking for stable, fixed-income opportunities as opposed to high risk securities....]]></description><pubDate>March 19, 2010  4:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tracker Funds Continue to Stand the Test of Time]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/tracker-funds-continue-to-stand-the-test-of-time.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a tracker fund has been a popular choice for many investors over the years. Historically, this type of fund tends to outperform most other mutual funds in the market. Here are a few things to consider about tracker funds and why they are so successful. Tracker Funds This type of fund is also referred to as an &quot;index fund.&quot; A tracker fund is a mutual fund that tries to mimic the movements of a particular financial index. Therefore, if the index moves up or down, the tracker fund will have a corresponding movement. This is accomplished by...]]></description><pubDate>March 19, 2010  4:31 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Redemption Fee: Nemesis of Mutual Fund Timing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-redemption-fee-nemesis-of-mutual-fund-timing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The redemption fee of a mutual fund is designed to curtail investors that try to time their investments. Here are the basics of the redemption fee and whether or not it is ultimately beneficial to mutual fund investors. The Redemption Fee The redemption fee in a mutual fund is a fee that is charged if a share of the mutual fund is sold within a certain period of time after being purchased. For example, a mutual fund might have a 30 day period in which you must hold your shares or be assessed a fee when you sell them....]]></description><pubDate>March 19, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Emerging Market Funds: Great Potential If You Can Swallow the Risk]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/emerging-market-funds-great-potential-if-you-can-swallow-the-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Over the last few years, the emerging market fund has become a more common investment. This type of fund focuses on areas of the world that could be considered emerging markets. Here are the basics of the emerging market fund and why it could be a good investment for you. What Are Emerging Markets? In order to understand this type of mutual fund, you first need to have some understanding of what an emerging market is. This is a title given to a geographic area that as of yet is underdeveloped. Emerging markets are in areas that do not...]]></description><pubDate>March 19, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Long-Run Disadvantages of the Open-End Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/long-run-disadvantages-of-the-open-end-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in an open-end fund might seem attractive at first. However, when you examine this possibility, you will notice that there are several long-run disadvantages to this type of investment. Here are a few of the disadvantages that you should be aware of. Lack of Growth With an open-end fund, there is no limit to how many investors a mutual fund will take on. This might not seem like a bad thing at first, but it can actually hamper the growth of the fund. Smaller mutual funds have an easier time making quick changes and growing. Once a mutual...]]></description><pubDate>March 19, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Growth and Income Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-growth-and-income-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The growth and income fund can be a good form of investment for those that wish to get the best of everything that the investment world has to offer. This fund is designed to provide you with capital growth as well as income. Here are the basics of the growth and income fund and a few things that you might want to consider about them. The Growth and Income Fund Most mutual funds do business by choosing one form of investment and sticking with it. For example, most equity funds will attempt to provide superior growth for their investors....]]></description><pubDate>March 19, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Benefits of a Retail Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-benefits-of-a-retail-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A retail fund is a type of fund that is readily available in the marketplace. This type of fund is often referred to as a mutual fund and it is registered with the SEC. Here are a few benefits of investing in a retail fund.1. ConvenienceGetting involved in a retail fund is extremely convenient. You can purchase shares of this type of fund through any investment broker. This makes it very easy to get involved with this type of investment.2. Management FeesUsing a retail fund, will provide you with a way to minimize your management fees. By employing professional...]]></description><pubDate>March 19, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Market Neutral Strategy: Being a Winner in Any Situation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-market-neutral-strategy-being-a-winner-in-any-situation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a market neutral mutual fund has become a popular way to diversify away from the stock market. Many investors have been scared after losing significant amount of money in their investment accounts. Here are the basics of the market neutral strategy and whether or not it is worth your consideration.Market Neutral FundsA market mutual fund is a mutual fund that strives to provide an investment portfolio that is not affected by the stock market in any way. Therefore, when the stock market goes through a downturn, you are investment could still remain intact. However, on the other...]]></description><pubDate>March 19, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Reasons to Stay Away from a Capital Appreciation Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-reasons-to-stay-away-from-a-capital-appreciation-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors choose capital appreciation funds in order to grow their accounts. However, this type of fund is not perfect by any means. Here are a few reasons that you might want to stay away from a capital appreciation fund. 1. Volatility Perhaps the biggest reason to stay away from this type of fund is the volatility that it presents. These funds invest in growth stocks, which can move quickly. While this can provide you with nice returns in some situations, it can also make the losses come faster as well. In order to invest in this type of...]]></description><pubDate>March 19, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Capital Appreciation Fund vs Income Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/capital-appreciation-fund-vs-income-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A capital appreciation fund aims for long-term wealth building with little reward in the short term. An income fund, though, provides more regular dividend payments to the individual invested in the fund. Most mutual funds pay out income and capital gains nearly immediately. It is rarer to be involved in a capital appreciation fund. However, there are several scenarios in which an appreciation fund is preferable. Retirement Savings Funds Saving for retirement is most effective when all earnings are returned directly to the fund. For this purpose, a capital appreciation fund is a better option. Further, with a retirement...]]></description><pubDate>March 19, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Do Market-Neutral Funds Really Beat the Market?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/do-market-neutral-funds-really-beat-the-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A market-neutral does not depend on the traditional stock market for trading success. The fund focuses on avoiding links to the stock market. As an investor, you may be wondering if this type of fund investment tool holds any advantage over investing in stocks and other investments. Long/Short Method A long/short portfolio is achieved by investing in a number of different securities. This means that the portfolio buys an equal number of long shares and short shares, for a particular security. Regardless of which direction the market goes, the value the portfolio will be the same. The long/short method...]]></description><pubDate>March 19, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[When to Invest in a Value Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/when-to-invest-in-a-value-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ It can be difficult to determine the value of a mutual fund accurately. Value is often confused with other factors, such as price of net asset value. A mutual fund cannot be measured on these statistics alone. A &quot;value&quot; fund is one that is actually priced below what the indicators would deem its reasonable price. Finding a value fund can be a challenge, but if you locate one, investing will almost always provide profitable returns. Value vs. Net Asset Value Value in a mutual fund is not to be confused with net asset value, one of the fund's underlying...]]></description><pubDate>March 17, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Private Investment in Public Equity (PIPE) for Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/private-investment-in-public-equity-pipe-for-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Private investment in public equity (PIPE) is the selling of common shares to private interest groups. Common shares are typically listed on the general stock exchange for purchase by common investors with low capitalization. Typically, a company would prefer to list common shares because it limits the possibility one investor will gain a controlling interest in the equity of the business. In fact, businesses buy back common shares when they no longer need the investor funding so no outside investors can take over the business. Turning to private equity investors presents risks for companies, but it also presents very...]]></description><pubDate>March 17, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Risks and Benefits of Commodity Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/risks-and-benefits-of-commodity-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in commodity funds has become a popular alternative to the traditional mutual fund. This type of fund offers you with a number of benefits as an investor. Here are a few of the risks and benefits associated with investing in commodity funds.&amp;nbsp; Benefits Investing in a commodity fund presents a very convenient scenario for traditional investors. For many years commodities were an area that was difficult to access for the standard investor. In order to get involved in the commodity market, one had to purchase confusing futures contracts or house the physical asset. This eliminated many that did...]]></description><pubDate>March 17, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are Mutual Fund Investors Chasing Profits or Security?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/are-mutual-fund-investors-chasing-profits-or-security.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Mutual fund investors are often looking to streamline their investment decisions by investing in a pool instead of creating their own portfolio. The best mutual funds offer investors the best of both worlds: consistent profits and relative security. While they do not tend to be the highest performing portfolios on the market, there are certain mutual funds that engage in riskier investing than others, increasing the chance for big gains. A given investor may be interested in profit, security or both. Profitable Mutual Funds Mutual funds looking for the biggest gains are often top choices of more sophisticated investors...]]></description><pubDate>March 16, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Factors Influencing Commodity Mutual Fund's Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-factors-influencing-commodity-mutual-funds-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in commodity mutual funds can provide investors with an easy way to access the commodities market. Instead of dealing with futures contracts, you can simply buy shares of a mutual fund. A commodity mutual fund chooses its investments based on a number of different factors. Here are a few factors that influence the investments of a commodity mutual fund. 1. Investment Strategy One of the biggest influential factors of a mutual fund investment decision is the investment strategy of the fund. Every mutual fund has a different investment strategy. Some of them are very aggressive by nature, and...]]></description><pubDate>March 16, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Important Statistics Related to Mutual Fund Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-important-statistics-related-to-mutual-fund-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are considering mutual fund investments, you may be confused by ratings systems that attempt to quantify the value of an investment. The value of any investment is typically associated with the price of its shares; in an efficient market, the price would always reflect underlying value. Unfortunately, because many investors and advisers are not always reasonable and efficient, pricing may be set too high or too low, considering the actual value of the underlying securities in a mutual fund. These statistics can help shed light on that value.&amp;nbsp; 1) Volatility Volatility is a word generally associated with...]]></description><pubDate>March 16, 2010  4:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Funds: Dividend Profits]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-funds-dividend-profits.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are looking to receive a regular dividend, mutual funds could be an option to consider. Mutual funds regularly disburse profits to the investors in the form of dividends. There are a few different types of dividends and profits that are important. Mutual Fund Dividends As an investor in a mutual fund, you are entitled to receive regular dividends from the mutual fund. The mutual fund can make money in a variety of different ways and then distributed to the shareholders. Many mutual funds invest in stocks that pay dividends. When the mutual fund receives the dividends, they...]]></description><pubDate>March 16, 2010  4:31 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Tips on Comparing Mutual Fund Quotes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-tips-on-comparing-mutual-fund-quotes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are comparing mutual fund quotes, there is a tendency to get caught up in the number. Statistics can be telling, and it is important to think about things like standard deviations or beta. However, you need to think about the big picture and not only focus on the small factors, in order to best determine the value of your purchase at any given time. #1 Set Goals First You cannot pick the right choice if you do not know what you are looking to do. You need to have your goals set. For example, is your goal...]]></description><pubDate>March 16, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Build Income through a Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-build-income-through-a-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Building income with a mutual fund is generally considered a wise investment strategy. Mutual funds tend to spread risk over a variety of investments, offering a portfolio that can present modest returns in exchange for safe investments. Some mutual funds are more aggressive than others, but you can select the risk profile that is best for your goals. When you are seeking to grow your income through investment, there are some simple steps to follow. Consider Goals First It is inadvisable to start investing without setting goals. Like budgeting or saving, investing is a way to reach both short-term...]]></description><pubDate>March 16, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Conduct Useful Mutual Fund Trading Research]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-conduct-useful-mutual-fund-trading-research.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Mutual fund trading can be one of the most beneficial practices that you institute in your portfolio. However, in order to be successful, you have to pick the best mutual funds available in the market. This requires research. Here are the basics of how to conduct useful mutual fund trading research. MorningStar Ratings Many mutual fund investors start out by looking at MorningStar ratings. MorningStar is the leading authority in the financial industry as far as rating investments on several different categories. MorningStar compiles a list of every mutual fund that is available in the market. They break this...]]></description><pubDate>March 16, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Corroborate a Mutual Fund Rating]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-corroborate-a-mutual-fund-rating.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Mutual fund rating companies use a variety of statistical analysis tools in order to determine the value of a fund. These ratings are available online or through the majority of investment advisers. Ratings are compiled by groups like Morningstar, Fidelity or T. Rowe Price. Some of these organizations, though, also sell the mutual funds. This can cause some conflict of interest when it comes to rating the funds. Many investors will look to corroborate a mutual fund rating in order to determine if the rating is accurate or simply a sales pitch. Seek Multiple Sources of Ratings Perhaps the...]]></description><pubDate>March 16, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Tips to Interpreting a Mutual Fund Report]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-tips-to-interpreting-a-mutual-fund-report.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Reading a mutual fund report can provide you with a great deal of information about the fund and how it trades. Mutual fund reports are typically distributed annually or quarterly, depending on the type of fund that you invest in. Here are a few tips to interpreting a mutual fund report. 1. Look At Visuals Some of the most useful tools that are typically included are the visual representations of the fund. The visuals will typically include pie charts and a variety of different graphs to help you understand the fund report. These visual representations help you get a...]]></description><pubDate>March 16, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Assess the Quality of Mutual Fund Analysis]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-assess-the-quality-of-mutual-fund-analysis.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Mutual fund analysis is meant to assist you in determining whether one fund offers an advantage over another. In order to make this comparison, you will need to be aware of certain terms and formulas used to generally assess the value of a fund. These terms, when uniformly applied, will be the basis of sound analysis. You should look for reports that include this information in order to best assess which mutual fund is right for you. Absolute Return The absolute return of a mutual fund is the actual profit it earns over the initial investment. For example, in...]]></description><pubDate>March 16, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Fund Comparison: Talent]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-fund-comparison-talent.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you conduct a mutual fund comparison, you may want to take into account some intangible factors in addition to statistics. You can rate a fund based on standard deviation, volatility and beta, but at the end of the day, you just want a fund managed by an individual you can trust with your investments. Most mutual fund purchasers are not looking to make risky, wealth-building moves. Instead, they are looking to grow an income and protect their savings. The talent of your fund's manager can be a significant factor in your comparison. Mutual Fund Style You can pick...]]></description><pubDate>March 16, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Ways to Invest in a Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-ways-to-invest-in-a-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Mutual fund investing is generally considered a safe way to diversify your portfolio, without selecting individual securities. You can simply trust the fund's manager to select the securities the fund will own, and you will sit back and, hopefully, collect returns on those decisions. Mutual fund investing can supplement your income on a yearly basis since the funds pay out dividends and capital gains frequently. If you are interested in purchasing shares in a mutual fund, there are three general methods to go about the investment.&amp;nbsp; #1 Choose a Proprietary Fund Proprietary mutual funds are house name funds. They...]]></description><pubDate>March 16, 2010  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[When Is It Good to Buy a Mutual Fund?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/when-is-it-good-to-buy-a-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There is not truly a bad time to buy a mutual fund, but some environments are more favorable than others for the fund's typical models. Keep in mind that there are many different types of mutual funds. Some can be aggressive, such as absolute value funds, that use strategies similar to hedge funds to play the markets. Others, though, are very safe, mostly purchasing bonds and growth stocks. The average mutual fund, though, attempts to balance risk through a variety of investments in a balanced portfolio, making it a sound investment in nearly any market. Purchase Mutual Funds for...]]></description><pubDate>March 16, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Analyze Mutual Fund Prices]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-analyze-mutual-fund-prices.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Mutual fund prices give insight into the value of a fund. However, value and price are not always equal. It is common for a mutual fund to be overvalued, leading to an inflated price. It also common to be undervalued, leading to a deflated price. As an investor, you want to stay away from overvalued funds. However, funds listed at a price consistent with, or beneath, the value you perceive them to have should be options for investment. In order to analyze prices of a mutual fund, you need to understand the value of the fund, which is a...]]></description><pubDate>March 16, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Bond Mutual Fund: A Long-Range Investment Decision?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-bond-mutual-fund-a-long-range-investment-decision.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A bond mutual fund will generally be lower risk than another form of fund. Bonds are low-risk investments, particularly if they are highly rated. Mutual funds also specialize in spreading out risk, so combining the two can present a slow, predictable return. You can purchase shares in a bond mutual fund in the short term, but you will likely see the best profits by holding the shares in the long-term. Short-Term Bonds Short-term bonds are less risky for the investor, and they also have to compensate for inflation to a much lower degree. Your mutual fund may have some...]]></description><pubDate>March 16, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Are Reasonable Mutual Fund Fees?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-are-reasonable-mutual-fund-fees.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Dealing with mutual fund fees is part of the process of investing in mutual funds. Many investors do not know how the fees that they pay stack up against the competition. Here are a few things to consider about reasonable mutual fund fees and what you should be paying as an investor. Load Fees One of the types of fees that you could pay when investing in mutual funds is a load fee. This is the same thing as saying you are paying commission to a broker for selling you shares. Some mutual funds have a front-end load fee...]]></description><pubDate>March 16, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Ways to Compare Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-ways-to-compare-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In order to accurately compare mutual funds, there are a number of different factors to consider. Here are a few ways to compare mutual funds effectively. 1. Expense Ratio One of the most critical factors that you should look at when comparing mutual funds is the expense ratio that is charged. An expense ratio is what a mutual fund charges to maintain the fund. This pays for it the fund managers salaries as well as administration costs. Finding a fund with a low expense ratio means that you to keep more of the gains that are realized from the...]]></description><pubDate>March 16, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Invest in a Top Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-in-a-top-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Choosing a top mutual fund can sometimes be difficult if you are unfamiliar with the market. There are a number of things that you will want to look at when choosing a mutual fund. Here are some of the things to consider when looking for a top mutual fund. Yield One thing that you will want to look at is the yield of the mutual fund. Look at the historic figures for the fund for its entire existence. You want to look at the 1-year, 3-year and 5-year yields for the mutual fund. Most of the time, the fund...]]></description><pubDate>March 16, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Choosing an Asset Allocation Fund to Suit You]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/choosing-an-asset-allocation-fund-to-suit-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A mutual fund classified as an asset allocation fund has a variety of types of assets in it, spreading your risk among them. The goal is to reduce your chance of loss, or increase your chance of gain depending on your personal investment preferences. Choosing an asset allocation fund requires that you understand what such a fund is, the basics of the three asset classes and how your preferences should direct you. Asset Allocation Fund Defined A simple definition of an asset allocation fund is a mutual fund that contains assets from the three major asset classes: stocks, bonds...]]></description><pubDate>March 15, 2010  4:36 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Mutual Fund?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many people may be wondering, 'What is mutual fund investment?' and how it can benefit them. Here are the basics of a mutual fund and what it can do for individual investors. Pooling of Funds A mutual fund is an entity that allows investors to pool their funds together and purchase many different securities. By pooling together the money from millions of different investors, a fund can raise a great deal of money. This allows the group to benefit from economies of scale by cutting down on transaction costs as well as diversifying the portfolio overall. An individual investor...]]></description><pubDate>March 15, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are Mutual Bond Funds a Long-Run Investment?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/are-mutual-bond-funds-a-long-run-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in mutual bond funds can be a great way to create a steady source of income for yourself. It has become a very common form of investment over the last few years. Here are the basics of investing in mutual bond funds and whether it is a long-term investment. What Are Bond Funds? A bond fund is a mutual fund that is made up entirely of bonds. Bonds are debt instruments that can be issued by corporations and government organizations. These debt instruments can be purchased by investors for a certain amount of money. Then, the entity that...]]></description><pubDate>March 15, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Are Mortgage Fund Ratings Issued?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-are-mortgage-fund-ratings-issued.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A mortgage mutual fund is subject to the same ratings process used to issue all mutual fund ratings. Rating organizations use financial modeling based on items like volatility, price and interest payment to determine the relative value of the mortgage fund. However, since mortgage funds helped contribute to the financial crisis of 2007, these ratings were discovered to be very inaccurate in the coming years. Today, mortgage-backed securities and their funds tend to be considered extremely risky or even worthless by most raters. Mutual Fund Rating Terms There are several terms used to describe the process of rating mutual...]]></description><pubDate>March 15, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Pick a Growth Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-pick-a-growth-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Trying to pick the best growth mutual fund for your portfolio can be challenging. Investing in a growth mutual fund should be part of your long-term investment strategy because it will help build your investment dollars. Here are some of the basics of how to pick a growth mutual fund. Read the Prospectus When truly evaluating a mutual fund, one of the first things you will want to look at is the mutual fund prospectus. The mutual fund prospectus is a document that is published by the mutual fund provider every quarter or year. This document provides you with...]]></description><pubDate>March 15, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Benefits of No-Load Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-benefits-of-no-load-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ No-load mutual funds do not impose a sales charge on the front end. Many &quot;load&quot; mutual funds are purchased through an adviser or broker. This individual receives a fee upon purchase and may get even more fees during the life of the investment. A no-load fund does not use any of these fees, but there is still some debate over which is better. Entire Principal is Invested When you want to invest $10,000 in a mutual fund, you have to consider fees on that $10,000. For example, if your financial adviser charges a 5 percent service fee, you will...]]></description><pubDate>March 15, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Your Periodic Payment Plan]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-your-periodic-payment-plan.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A periodic payment plan is a unique type of investment that allows certain people to more easily invest in the mutual fund market. This type of investment plan is often sold to military personnel as a way to save for the future. Here are the basics of the periodic payment plan and whether or not you should consider investing in one. Periodic Payment Plan A periodic payment plan is a long-term agreement that involves an investor setting aside a predetermined amount of money each month. With this type of plan, you are investing a regular amount of money that...]]></description><pubDate>March 15, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Does Your Mutual Fund Hold Credit Default Swaps?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/does-your-mutual-fund-hold-credit-default-swaps.html</link><description><![CDATA[ It is not likely your mutual fund holds credit default swaps&amp;nbsp;(CDS) if you are invested in a conservative fund. The majority of mutual funds are conservative, made up of stocks and bonds. However, some funds will include derivatives, and this is where you may run into the risk of credit default swap exposure.&amp;nbsp; What is a Credit Default Swap? A swap of any financial instrument means Party A trades the income of one of its financial instruments to Party B in exchange for the same. For example, a person holding a bond paying 5 percent over 10 years can...]]></description><pubDate>March 15, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Flawed Thinking behind the Asset Allocation Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/flawed-thinking-behind-the-asset-allocation-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An asset allocation fund is a type of mutual fund that attempts to diversify a portfolio for an individual investor through one simple fund purchase. Essentially, this type of fund will purchase a wide array of securities, spreading risk across the market instead of concentrating in one area. The goal is to give an investor a one-stop shop but still allow an investor to diversify, reducing the amount an individual needs to think about the types of assets he or she is holding. While the goal is noble, there is flawed logic in this model. Lack of Specialization All...]]></description><pubDate>March 14, 2010  4:38 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Guide to Mutual Fund Classes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-guide-to-mutual-fund-classes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A mutual fund class is the division of investors in a mutual fund pool. All investors in the mutual fund will be part of the same pool, meaning they will own shares of the same portfolio. However, members of different classes within the fund will have unique fee and expense structures, meaning their performance will differ from each other's over time. The classes of a mutual fund are regulated by the Investment Company Act of 1940; thus, they will be fairly consistent across the board. Class A Shares Class A is typically the standard class of a mutual fund....]]></description><pubDate>March 14, 2010  4:36 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Mutual Fund Classes: C-Shares]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-mutual-fund-classes-c-shares.html</link><description><![CDATA[ C-shares are a specific class of mutual fund shares that investors can purchase. Mutual funds are typically broken down into three different classes with A-, B-, and C-shares. Here are the basics of C-shares and how they could benefit you as an investor. C-Shares The different classes of mutual fund have to do with the different types of fee structures that are available. With a C-share of a mutual fund, you will be able to benefit from a level fee structure. Purchasing A-shares means that you will pay a percentage up front, while for a B-share, you have to...]]></description><pubDate>March 14, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Mutual Fund Classes: B-Shares]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-mutual-fund-classes-b-shares.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors choose to invest in B-shares of mutual funds. Understanding what the different classes of mutual funds are and what B-shares are in particular could benefit you as a mutual fund investor. Here are a few things to consider about B-shares and mutual fund classes. The Different Mutual Fund Classes Mutual funds are typically broken down into three different types of shares. You have A-shares, B-shares, and C-shares. With these different types of shares, you will deal with a unique form of fee structure for your investment. Therefore, understanding the difference between these can help you save money...]]></description><pubDate>March 14, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Mutual Fund Classes: A-Shares]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-mutual-fund-classes-a-shares.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are investing in mutual funds, the term &quot;A-shares&quot;&amp;nbsp;might come into play. Understanding what this term means is essential to your success as a mutual fund investor in the long-term. Here are the basics of mutual fund classes and what &quot;A-shares&quot; means. Mutual Fund Classes Mutual funds, like stocks, are broken down into different classes. However, with mutual funds, the classes have to do with this fee structure that is associated with the shares. Most mutual funds have three main classes that they use: A-,B-, and C-shares.&amp;nbsp; A-Shares A-shares are a type of mutual fund share that charges...]]></description><pubDate>March 14, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bear Funds: Are They Worth the Risk?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bear-funds-are-they-worth-the-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Bear funds have become a more readily available investment choice in recent years. Many investors have begun to include them in their portfolios as a result. Here are the basics of bear funds and whether you should consider investing in them. What Are Bear Funds? A bear market is one that is declining. A bear market fund is one that is designed to profit from a decline in the markets. Therefore, if the stocks that make up the fund go down, you actually make a profit overall. This is accomplished by short selling stocks and by using derivatives to...]]></description><pubDate>March 14, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can Mutual Funds Rally against Bear Markets?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/can-mutual-funds-rally-against-bear-markets.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In a bear market, mutual funds may be a relatively safe investment, but this is only in comparison to the rest of the market. They will rarely outperform the market as a whole. The reason for this relative stability with a fund is simple: mutual funds are designed to be diversified portfolios that spread risk and therefore spread reward. When the market is up, your fund should be up. When the market is down, your fund may be down. If you are looking to beat a bear market, try specific types of funds. Absolute Return Funds If your goal...]]></description><pubDate>March 14, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dollar-Cost Averaging for Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dollar-cost-averaging-for-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The process of dollar-cost averaging traditionally works very well with mutual funds. One of the best ways that an investor can create wealth is to implement a dollar-cost averaging strategy in his or her portfolio. Here are the basics of dollar-cost averaging for mutual funds. What Is Dollar-Cost Averaging? In order to understand how this process works with mutual funds, you first need to understand what dollar-cost averaging is. Dollar-cost averaging is the act of investing a fixed amount of money on a regular interval schedule. When you do this regularly, it will level out the cost of the...]]></description><pubDate>March 14, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hedge Funds and the Long/Short Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/hedge-funds-and-the-longshort-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many hedge funds regularly employ the long/short strategy in their investment portfolio. This type of strategy was designed to limit the overall risk of investing in stocks. Here are the basics of the long/short strategy and why hedge funds utilize it so often. Long/Short Strategy One of the traditional problems with investing in stocks is that you never know which direction the market will go in the short term. While the stock market always tends to trend upward, individual stocks can bottom out and provide no return. When you are in control of a large portfolio, such as a...]]></description><pubDate>March 14, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Buy-and-Hold Strategy Stands the Test of Time]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-buy-and-hold-strategy-stands-the-test-of-time.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Using the buy-and-hold strategy has proven to be a good investment method for many years. Many investors choose this method when they handle mutual funds. Here are the basics of the buy and hold strategy and how it can apply to mutual fund investing.Buy-and-Hold StrategyThe strategy is referred to as the buy-and-hold strategy because you are buying shares of a mutual fund, and then holding them for the long-term. In comparison, many investors choose to buy shares of assets and try to realize a profit by selling them a short time later. However, it is important to note that...]]></description><pubDate>March 14, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Funds vs the Subaccount]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-funds-vs-the-subaccount.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Life insurance companies often offer subaccounts for their policy holders to invest their insurance premium. This can be confusing because many individuals think of investments and insurance as two different categories of financial expenditures. This was true for some time, and an individual purchasing life annuities would simply be guaranteed to receive their principal plus interest at some point in the future. However, in order to offer an advantage in allowing the money to grow, insurance providers started offering subaccounts to policy holders, similar to mutual funds. Mutual Funds Explained A mutual fund is essentially a stock portfolio that...]]></description><pubDate>March 14, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Breakpoints and Rights of Accumulation (ROA)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/breakpoints-and-rights-of-accumulation-roa.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Breakpoints in a mutual fund represent areas of discount on the sales price of investors. They are a way of rewarding investors with more than a specific amount of money in the fund with lower charges. When you reach a break point, you are given rights of accumulation to the lower fee. Breakpoints and ROA You are entitled to an ROA discount at several breakpoints throughout the time you hold shares in a mutual fund. It does not matter how long you hold the shares: all that matters is the amount you invest. The more you invest, the more...]]></description><pubDate>March 14, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Portfolio Management and Risk]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/portfolio-management-and-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Learning proper portfolio management can go a long way towards helping you build your investment dollars. Risk plays a vital role in how people manage their portfolios in a number of different ways. Here are a few things to consider about portfolio management and risk levels. Portfolio Risk The subjective risk factors into portfolio management on a regular basis. Depending on the investment style that a trader utilizes, their risk tolerance will be displayed. Many investors choose more volatile investments as a way to realize faster growth in their portfolios. At the same time, you have other investors that...]]></description><pubDate>March 14, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Argument against the Efficient Market Hypothesis]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-argument-against-the-efficient-market-hypothesis.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The efficient market hypothesis was first developed by French mathematician Louis Bachelier in 1900. He asserted that, generally speaking, the price of a stock reflects the public information available on that stock at a given time. According to this hypothesis, because investors know the available public information, they will determine the most efficient price based on that information in a simple supply and demand model. While the model may hold true in an educated investor pool, the fact that many investors lack the background and reasoning needed to properly analyze public information generally makes this model unreliable.&amp;nbsp; Versions of...]]></description><pubDate>March 14, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Quantitative vs Qualitative Analysis for Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/quantitative-vs-qualitative-analysis-for-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Quantitative versus qualitative analysis of mutual funds is when you try to make mathematical and statistical conclusions about a given mutual fund, rather than making judgments about the overall quality. Quantitative analysis involves considering such factors as the correlation between a given fund and the broad market, the standard deviation of returns, or the moving average of any divergence that exists between a given fund and the benchmark it claims to track. Qualitative analysis considers more subjective factors like the skills of the manager, the relative position of the fund to your long-term view of where the market is...]]></description><pubDate>March 14, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Fund Holding Rules]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-fund-holding-rules.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The sum of all the securities and assets in a fund's portfolio are commonly called the mutual fund holding.&amp;nbsp;As a mutual fund, the investment vehicle is limited to certain types of transactions and holdings by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Mutual funds fall into a class of investment advisers, and this class determines the types of holdings the fund can have. For example, a hedge fund can engage in different strategies than a mutual fund. In response to the market meltdown of 2007, the SEC changed the rules for mutual fund holdings.&amp;nbsp; Reasons for New Rules The new...]]></description><pubDate>March 14, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Commodity Funds and the Illusion of Diversity]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/commodity-funds-and-the-illusion-of-diversity.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors turn to commodity funds as a way to diversify their portfolios. However, this illusion of diversity can sometimes lead to trouble. Here are a few things to consider about commodity funds and how they might affect you as an investor. Commodity Fund Risks The point of diversification is to reduce your overall risk in your portfolio. However, by investing in commodity funds, you may actually be increasing your degree of risk. Since commodities are a tangible asset, they are subject to their own types of risks. For example, many people invest in agricultural crops as part of...]]></description><pubDate>March 14, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Funds and the Drawdown Metric]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-funds-and-the-drawdown-metric.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are investing in mutual funds, the relative drawdown of the fund should be something that you consider. Here are the basics of drawdown and what it means to you as a mutual fund investor. Mutual Fund Drawdown The drawdown of a particular investment is equal to the distance between the highest peak and the lowest trough on a price chart. Therefore, it deals with how far the value of the investment decreases before rising again. This statistic can tell you how risky a particular form of investment is. If an investment provides you with a larger return...]]></description><pubDate>March 14, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Capital Gains Exposure]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-capital-gains-exposure.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Capital gains exposure is an estimate of how much a taxpayer will owe based on the growth of the value of a stock or share of mutual fund holding. When an investor owns a security and the security's value increases, the investor has earned an income that is taxed in the capital gains portion of the IRS's tax brackets. Investors look to minimize their capital gains exposure on an annual basis through a number of different methods. Minimizing tax exposure first requires understanding tax exposure. Determining Capital Gains Exposure To calculate your capital gains exposure on a yearly basis,...]]></description><pubDate>March 14, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Value-Focused Fund: Great Idea, Terrible Results]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-value-focused-fund-great-idea-terrible-results.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Value-focused funds are mutual funds that invest in undervalued stocks. They should not be confused with growth funds--mutual funds that invest in low-value stocks that have potential to become highly valuable in the future. The theory is that undervalued stocks are valuable all along--it's just that most investors don't realize it yet. Value-focused funds have a potential to yield high returns, outperforming growth stocks and many other types of mutual funds. However, value-focused funds are also incredibly risky. There are a number of factors that can cause the funds not to perform as predicted, leaving you with significant losses...]]></description><pubDate>March 14, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Deciphering a Mutual Fund's Name]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/deciphering-a-mutual-funds-name.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Trying to decide between mutual funds can be difficult. A mutual fund's name can sometimes--although not always--give you valuable information to help you make a decision. Here are the basics of deciphering a mutual fund's name and whether you should rely on what you glean from the name when making a decision. Mutual Fund Names The name of a mutual fund can tell you a lot about the fund itself and its investment strategy. Each mutual fund name will typically start with the name of the company that issues it and then give some indication of what type of...]]></description><pubDate>March 13, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Gain with a Closed-End Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-gain-with-a-closed-end-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The first step to understanding how to gain with a closed-end fund is to distinguish between this type of investment and a traditional mutual fund, also known as an open-end fund. Each type of fund offers you certain advantages based on unique structural differences. Additionally, there are another set of similarities and differences between a closed-end fund and an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that should be considered as well. Determining which investment type best suits your needs is an important step that should be completed before any capital is invested. The Mechanics of a Closed-End Fund A closed-end fund is...]]></description><pubDate>March 13, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Active Share: A Measure of Active Management]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/active-share-a-measure-of-active-management.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Evaluating active management can be a good way to help you differentiate between mutual funds. Active Share is a system that was developed to help you easily compare the active management of one fund against the other. Here are the basics of active share and how it can help you as an investor. History Active Share is a relatively new form of comparison for mutual funds. It was invented in 2006 by Martijn Cremers and Antti Petajisto of the Yale School of Management. They conducted a detailed study that led to some interesting findings that dealt with choosing a...]]></description><pubDate>March 13, 2010  4:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Arguments for and against Weighted Index Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/arguments-for-and-against-weighted-index-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are two types of weighted-index investing: capitalization-weighted index investing and fundamentally weighted index investing. Both involve the same principal strategy. The investor finds a fund that focuses on a certain index and purchases shares in that fund. As long as the index grows, the fund grows, providing low risk and relatively stable rewards to the investor. Depending on how the index is weighted, though, there can be unique advantages or disadvantages to this tactic.&amp;nbsp; Capitalization-Weighted Indices A capitalization-weighted index relies on the efficient market hypothesis to pick profitable securities. The S&amp;amp;P 500 is an example of a capitalization...]]></description><pubDate>March 13, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Where Do Precious Metal Funds Fit in a Portfolio?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/where-do-precious-metal-funds-fit-in-a-portfolio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in precious metal funds has become more commonplace in today's market. What once was thought of as an area outside of the mainstream of investments, is now more commonly held in portfolios. The precious metal fund is a mutual fund that invests in precious metals such as gold and silver. These funds make it possible for the average investor to get involved in the precious metals market. The Need for Precious Metal Funds Before these funds were invented, the only way to access exposure to these materials was to buy futures contracts, or physically warehouse metals. Futures contracts...]]></description><pubDate>March 11, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Does Low Turnover Mean Greater Gains?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/does-low-turnover-mean-greater-gains.html</link><description><![CDATA[ One important aspect that mutual fund investors tend to look for is the turnover ratio of potential funds. The turnover ratio of a fund represents how often they trade securities within the fund. Many growth funds utilize a high turnover investment strategy. Fund managers of this type of strategy are constantly looking for stocks that exhibits high growth potential. Therefore, they are selling stocks or not growing according to their desires and buying stocks that they believe could grow. Other funds decide to implement a low turnover strategy. With this strategy, the fund investors research stocks extensively before selecting...]]></description><pubDate>March 11, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Healthcare Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-healthcare-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a healthcare fund presents you with a number of unique advantages as an investor. This mutual fund invests solely in healthcare related stocks and securities. This fund might purchase stocks a particular hospitals, insurance companies, healthcare equipment providers and a number of different types of companies that have to do with healthcare. Trends One of the major benefits of investing in this type of fund, is that you can take advantage of a growing trend. The healthcare industry is rapidly growing and shows no signs of slowing down in the near future. With the generation of baby...]]></description><pubDate>March 11, 2010  4:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Long-Term Outlook of Healthcare Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-long-term-outlook-of-healthcare-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In the last few years, investing in healthcare funds has increased significantly. Many investors are turning to these funds in an attempt to capture long-term growth. A healthcare fund is a mutual fund that invests in healthcare related stocks and securities. A healthcare fund could potentially invest in individual hospitals, insurance companies, clinics, healthcare equipment providers and healthcare technology companies. All of the stocks or bonds in the fund are made up completely by healthcare related companies. Therefore, as the fate of the healthcare industry goes so goes your investment. Here are a few things to consider about the...]]></description><pubDate>March 11, 2010  4:31 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Performance-Based Compensation Goes a Long Way]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/performance-based-compensation-goes-a-long-way.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Some alternative trading models use performance-based compensation for fund managers instead of flat fee compensation. This means the managers are paid only if they actually turn a profit, and the bigger the profit, the more they get paid. Traditional mutual fund managers receive some performance-based compensation in the form of bonuses. However, it is rare for a fund manager to be operating on 100 percent commission unless the fund uses a unique compensation model. When applied, this compensation model can drive results. Psychology of Performance-Based Pay The psychology behind performance-based pay is simple. The harder you work and the...]]></description><pubDate>March 11, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Efficient Market Hypothesis: Are You a Believer?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-efficient-market-hypothesis-are-you-a-believer.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The efficient market hypothesis assumes that reasonable investors will set reasonable prices for investments based on known information. The hypothesis basically means, left to their own device, the markets would set fair values and prices on their own. The idea was first laid out by Louis Bachelier, a French mathematician. Bachelier's hypothesis is now called the weak hypothesis as newer applications have developed. Weak, Semi-Strong and Strong Hypothesis The weak hypothesis first described in 1900 states that the market responds to public information that has been set out prior to the trading day. Basically, the idea is all investors...]]></description><pubDate>March 11, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Advantages of Passive Management for Your Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/advantages-of-passive-management-for-your-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Passive management of a mutual fund allows you to save on fees on transactions and capital gains taxes. The strategy essentially means the manager makes as few moves as possible on the fund, allowing it to generally ride out market swings. You will not see much change in your fund in the short-term, and this means you will not owe much money on a quarterly or annual basis. In addition to these savings, the funds offer other advantages. Consistent Style The style of a mutual fund is the overall approach it takes to investments. Style drift is a phenomenon...]]></description><pubDate>March 11, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Knowing Your Net Asset Value (NAV)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/knowing-your-net-asset-value-nav.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The net asset value of a mutual fund is the price, per share, of the fund. It can be calculated by taking the sum of all the securities in a portfolio, less any liabilities, and dividing it by the number of shares outstanding in the fund. When you are invested in a mutual fund, the net asset value of your shares is the actual ownership stake you have in the fund. While this is a useful indicator, it does not truly represent the profitability of a mutual fund. Recording Net Asset Value Net asset value is calculated for every...]]></description><pubDate>March 11, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Does It Mean to Trade at a Premium to Net Asset Value?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-does-it-mean-to-trade-at-a-premium-to-net-asset-value.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The term net asset value is commonly used when referring to mutual funds. With many mutual funds, the net asset value is the price that it costs to purchase a share. However, sometimes you will run across a situation where a fund will be trading at a premium to net asset value. Here are the basics of that situation and what it means. Trading at a Premium The term &quot;trading at a premium&quot; means that shares of the mutual fund are actually trading at a price higher than the net asset value. The net asset value deals with the...]]></description><pubDate>March 11, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Limitless Potential of Pooled Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-limitless-potential-of-pooled-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Using pooled funds is essential to the success of any mutual fund. Pooled funds is when several investors put their investment dollars together into a single entity and use it to invest. One of the major benefits of using pooled funds is that you experience economies of scale. Many investors can accomplish much more than a single investor with their investment dollars. By combining millions of investors dollars together, the mutual funds can get better deals on securities and preferential treatment in the market. When you have more money, you are substantially leveraged and will get more attention and...]]></description><pubDate>March 11, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Influence of Portfolio Turnover on Your Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-influence-of-portfolio-turnover-on-your-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Considering the portfolio turnover of a mutual fund is an important step that you must take before investing. Portfolio turnover and have a large effect on the success of a mutual fund. The amount of turnover in the portfolio refers to how often the securities in the portfolio are bought and sold. A high turnover ratio means that the fund is very active and buys and sells frequently. A low turnover ratio means that the portfolio purchases securities and then holds them for long-term. Investment Implications As an investor, this can affect you in a few different ways. The...]]></description><pubDate>March 11, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Protected Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-protected-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a protected fund could be one of the safest investments that you ever take. The protected fund is a type of mutual fund that guarantees at least the initial investment amount back to the investor regardless of what happens the market. This guarantee is provided through the use of an insurance policy on the initial investment. In order to qualify for this, the investor has to invest their money for a predetermined period of time. If the investor asks for their initial deposit back prior to this deadline, they may not be able to get their initial...]]></description><pubDate>March 11, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hedging Your Bets with Portfolio Insurance]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/hedging-your-bets-with-portfolio-insurance.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Portfolio insurance is an unfamiliar trading tool for many investors. This tool allows you to limit the overall risk of your portfolio and helps hedge your portfolio in volatile market conditions. Here are the basics of portfolio insurance and how it could be beneficial to you as a trader.Portfolio InsurancePortfolio insurance is a hedging mechanism that is used by advanced traders. In order to implement the strategy, a trader can purchase short stock index futures as part of their overall portfolio. Then, if the market goes down, the short index futures will provide them with a profit. In this...]]></description><pubDate>March 11, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Is Your Portfolio Manager Worth the Money He's Paid?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/is-your-portfolio-manager-worth-the-money-hes-paid.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Portfolio managers are generally highly educated and highly intelligent financial minds. They are in a very competitive industry, in which their returns directly impact their salaries and future careers. One bad year can crush a portfolio manager. A good year can make her highly desirable, opening up doors to increased profits with other funds. Many feel portfolio managers are overpaid, but the fact is there are few qualified for the role, and the job is very challenging. Qualified Portfolio Managers Even with more people graduating from finance programs today than in the past, the fact of the matter remains...]]></description><pubDate>March 11, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Importance of Tracking Cost Basis]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-importance-of-tracking-cost-basis.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The cost basis of an investment is an important number to keep track of. Many mutual fund investors fail to keep track of cost basis and it ends up causing problems in the future. Here is the importance of tracking cost basis and why you will want to start doing so as an investor. Cost Basis The cost basis of an investment is equal to the amount you paid for the security when you purchased it. Keeping track of this number is critical to your success as a trader in mutual funds. Many people take for granted that this...]]></description><pubDate>March 11, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can Mutual Funds Successfully Mimic Hedge Funds?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/can-mutual-funds-successfully-mimic-hedge-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in mutual hedge funds has become very popular due to the recent success of hedge funds in general. Many hedge funds have acheived record gains that have led many mutual funds try and mimic their success. Here are a few things to consider about whether a mutual fund can actually mimic a hedge fund and whether you should get involved. Hedge Funds In order to understand why a mutual fund would want to mimic a hedge fund, you need to understand a little bit about hedge funds and how they operate. Hedge funds are investment vehicles that are...]]></description><pubDate>March 11, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hedge Fund Lack of Transparency Comes at a Cost]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/hedge-fund-lack-of-transparency-comes-at-a-cost.html</link><description><![CDATA[ While hedge funds can provide investors with astounding returns, sometimes the lack of hedge fund transparency can result in problems. Here are the basics of hedge funds and why their lack of transparency can affect you as an investor. Hedge Funds A hedge fund is an investment vehicle that is somewhat like a mutual fund for the wealthy. In order to get involved in a hedge fund, you must be an accredited investor. This means that you have a net worth of $1 million or you have made at least $200,000 in each of the last two years. Therefore,...]]></description><pubDate>March 11, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Being an Accredited Investor]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/being-an-accredited-investor.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Being an accredited investor carries with it significant benefits in the market place today. This signifies a certain level of accomplishment and allows you more opportunities. Here are the basics of being an accredited investor and what it means to you. Qualifications An accredited investor is one that meets a certain set of criteria. The most important criteria is that they have a significant amount of money. In order to qualify as an accredited investor you have to have a net worth of at least $1 million. If you do not meet this criteria, you have to have made...]]></description><pubDate>March 11, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at a Variety of Income Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-a-variety-of-income-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Income funds have become a very popular investment because of it's residual income. There are a number of different types of income funds available on the market today. Here is a closer look at some of the choices that you have for these types of funds. Bond Funds The bond fund is the most common form of income fund available in the market today. Bonds are a debt instrument that is issued by an entity to investors. Investors can purchase these bonds, and then receive a regular interest payments over the life of the bond. At the end of...]]></description><pubDate>March 11, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Beginner's Guide to Income Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-beginners-guide-to-income-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Income funds are designed to provide a good source of income for investors. They represent an alternative to the traditional mutual fund and several different benefits. Here are the basics of income funds and how they could benefit you as an investor. What Are Income Funds? The majority of mutual funds in the market put an emphasis on growth and appreciation of the value of the fund overall. Many investors seek to grow their portfolios over the long-term and traditional mutual funds provide this. In order to realize a return on your investment, you have to sell your shares...]]></description><pubDate>March 10, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Don't Put Too Much Stock in Mutual Fund Ratings]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dont-put-too-much-stock-in-mutual-fund-ratings.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors put a lot of faith in mutual fund ratings. However, you may want to consider looking at other sources of information before you invest in a mutual fund. Here are a few reasons that you might not want to put much stock in mutual fund ratings. Number of Mutual Funds One of the major reasons to reconsider the significance of mutual fund ratings is that a large number of funds receive a good rating. MorningStar is the most popular mutual fund rating system in the market today. It is important that you understand how MorningStar comes up...]]></description><pubDate>March 10, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Guide to Mutual Fund Ratings]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-guide-to-mutual-fund-ratings.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Using mutual fund ratings is a very common way for investors to decide which mutual funds to invest in. Mutual fund ratings can be a valuable tool to help you distinguish one fund from another. Here are the basics of mutual fund ratings and how you can use them to your advantage as an investor. How Mutual Fund Ratings Work Mutual fund ratings are provided by various financial institutions in the market. The most popular mutual fund rating system is provided by MorningStar. Their ratings, utilize a star system to help you determine the quality of a particular fund....]]></description><pubDate>March 10, 2010  4:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Fund Analysis: Absolute vs Relative Returns]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-fund-analysis-absolute-vs-relative-returns.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Absolute return calculations tell an investor the netl profit of an investment during a mutual fund analysis. Basically, the absolute return of a mutual fund is how much it earns over a given period of time. This is a simple calculation. A more profitable mutual fund will have a higher absolute return. However, returns on a mutual fund or any investment do not exist in a vacuum. Instead, they should be compared to other investments in order to determine their success rate. This is called relative return. Relative Return Calculation When you are looking to discover the relative return...]]></description><pubDate>March 10, 2010  4:31 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hedge Fund Research Can Take You a Long Way]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/hedge-fund-research-can-take-you-a-long-way.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Doing the appropriate amount and kinds of hedge fund research can take you a long way as an investor. Investing wisely in a hedge fund can represent a great opportunity for you and the growth of your portfolio. Here are a few things to consider about hedge fund research and how it can help you as an investor. Hedge Funds Hedge funds are a unique investment vehicle designed to be utilized by the wealthy. In order to get involved with a hedge fund, you must be an accredited investor. This means that you must have made at least $200,000...]]></description><pubDate>March 10, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Liquid Is Your Mutual Fund?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-liquid-is-your-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Mutual fund liquidity is an important factor to consider as an investor. The liquidity of a mutual fund determines how quickly you could sell your shares of the fund if you wanted or needed to. Here are a few things to consider about mutual fund liquidity and how it impacts you as an investor. Mutual Fund Liquidity As an investor, you like to have some level of liquidity in your investments. In case you ever need money immediately in an emergency, it is good to have some investments that can be quickly sold. Many popular mutual funds can be...]]></description><pubDate>March 10, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Advantages that Mutual Funds Offer]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-advantages-that-mutual-funds-offer.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Learning about mutual funds advantages can help you to understand the benefits that these investments can provide. Here are a few of the advantages that you can reap by investing in mutual funds. 1. Diversification One of the biggest advantages that mutual funds offer is the ability to diversify your portfolio. A mutual fund is made up of many different smaller investments. When you buy a share of a mutual fund, you are buying a piece of a completely diversified portfolio. Diversification allows you to protect your investment and your entire portfolio. Since a mutual fund owns the stocks...]]></description><pubDate>March 10, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Mutual Fund Economies of Scale Advantage]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-mutual-fund-economies-of-scale-advantage.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Economies of scale is part of what makes the mutual fund a powerful investment vehicle. Mutual funds have been a popular investment for a number of years and provide investors with several benefits. Here are the basics of how economies of scale assist mutual funds and investors. Pooling of Funds Mutual funds allow you to benefit from a significant pooling of funds from various investors. A mutual fund takes all of the funds that investors are willing to invest, and uses those funds for the entire group. They take all of the funds and purchase other securities to create...]]></description><pubDate>March 10, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Will Declining Stockpiles Impact Natural Resource Funds?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-will-declining-stockpiles-impact-natural-resource-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in natural resource funds offers investors with the opportunity to diversify traditional forms of investments. Natural resource funds represent a good opportunity for investors. Before getting involved, you should consider the impact that declining stockpiles of natural resources will have on these funds. Natural Resource Funds You will need to have a basic understanding about the natural resource fund. A natural resource fund is like a mutual fund that invests in natural resources. For example, a natural resource fund could focus on oil companies and companies that provide equipment to the oil industry.This allows investors to speculate on...]]></description><pubDate>March 10, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons to Invest in Natural Resource Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-to-invest-in-natural-resource-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Natural resource funds allow investors to get involved in markets outside of stocks and bonds. By investing in natural resources, you are presented with several unique benefits. Here are a few reasons to invest in natural resources funds. 1. Demand Continues to Increase Natural resources are a very valuable commodity in the world today. As the population of the world continues to expand, the consumption of natural resources continues to increase with it. Therefore, the more that the world grows, the more these natural resources will become in demand. Many countries are developing at rates faster than they have...]]></description><pubDate>March 10, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Market-Neutral Funds: A Strategy Worth Consideration]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/market-neutral-funds-a-strategy-worth-consideration.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The market-neutral fund is one that has picked up steam in recent years with investors. The market-neutral fund aims to eliminate correlation to the traditional stock market while attempting to provide a good return on investment at the same time. Here are the basics of the market-neutral fund and how it could help you as an investor. The Market-Neutral Fund Over the last several years, many investors have been scared away from the stock market and other traditional investments. To many investors, it seems like no matter which stocks they buy, they are subject to the overall risk of...]]></description><pubDate>March 10, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Different Types of Commodity Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-different-types-of-commodity-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Commodity funds represent a growing sector of the investment market today. If you are considering investing in a commodity fund, it is important that you understand the different types of funds in the market. Here are a few of the different types of commodity funds that are available. Direct Holdings One type of commodity fund that is available for you to invest in is the kind that has direct holdings of their commodities. This means that they actually hold the commodities and warehouse them. For example, for each share that a silver fund sells, they keep a certain amount...]]></description><pubDate>March 10, 2010  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Key Hedge Fund Metrics to Observe]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/key-hedge-fund-metrics-to-observe.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Hedge funds offer investors alternatives to the mutual fund market. Hedge funds have become very popular in recent years as a way to increase market returns. Here are a few things to consider about hedge funds and what you will want to look at before choosing one. Hedge Funds A hedge fund is very similar to mutual fund. With both investments, investors come together, pool their funds and an investment manager makes all the investment decisions for the group. However, it differs from mutual funds in a few key ways. First, you have to be an accredited investor. This...]]></description><pubDate>March 10, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Does Mutual Fund &quot;Full Closure&quot; Mean?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-does-mutual-fund-full-closure-mean.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Full closure of a mutual fund means liquidation of the fund. This is similar to a bankruptcy liquidation for an individual or liquidation of a bank that is insolvent. The fund simply does not have the money to continue operating, so it must cease operation and sell off assets. Since the owners of a mutual fund are its investors, the investors are the ones forced to sell. If your fund experiences full closure, you will likely lose a large portion of your investment and may even owe taxes on capital gains. Reasons for Mutual Fund Liquidation The main reason...]]></description><pubDate>March 10, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Make the Best of a Mutual Fund Loss]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/make-the-best-of-a-mutual-fund-loss.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Dealing with a mutual fund loss can be very challenging. Anytime you lose your money in an investment, it can be very discouraging. However, when a loss occurs, it is important to make the best of the situation and look to the future. Here are a few things to consider when your mutual fund produces losses. Tax Implications When a mutual fund loss occurs, one of the first thing that you should consider are the tax implications. Although you have lost potentially a significant amount of money, this can be to your benefit when it comes to taxes. All...]]></description><pubDate>March 10, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Attribution Analysis for Gauging Mutual Fund Risk]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/attribution-analysis-for-gauging-mutual-fund-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Attribution analysis is a valuable, sophisticated tool used to evaluate the performance of a mutual fund and the fund manager. Here are the basics of attribution analysis. What Is Attribution Analysis? Attribution analysis is a system designed to reveal the impact of a fund manager's investment decisions. It looks at the overall investment policy of the fund and determines whether the fund manager adhered to that policy. It also looks at the asset allocation decisions of the fund manager as well as which securities the manager chose. It even takes into consideration the active management level of the portfolio....]]></description><pubDate>March 10, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[International Equity Funds: A Necessary Part of Your Portfolio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/international-equity-funds-a-necessary-part-of-your-portfolio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ As an investor, international equity funds should be an investment that you consider. International equity funds present you with a number of unique benefits. Here are the basics of international equity funds and why you might want to consider investing in them. International Equity Funds An international equity fund is one that is made up mainly of stocks. While other funds may concentrate on bonds and other assets, equity funds utilize a mix of stocks from different corporations. There are a variety of different types of equity funds available in the market. Some equity funds go after more high-risk...]]></description><pubDate>March  9, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The International Equity Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-international-equity-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in international equity funds allows investors an alternative to the traditional mutual fund. There are a number of international equity funds that have grown in popularity in recent years. Here are the basics of the international equity fund and what you can expect from them as an investor. International Equity Funds In order to understand the benefits of an international equity fund, you first need to understand what an equity fund is. An equity fund is a mutual fund that is made up almost entirely of stocks. It can be managed actively or passively, depending on the strategy...]]></description><pubDate>March  9, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Technology Funds: Risky, Volatile and Likely Profitable]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/technology-funds-risky-volatile-and-likely-profitable.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in technology funds has been a popular investment strategy since the mid-90s. Since then, investors have been taken on a roller coaster ride along the way. Here are the basics of investing in technology funds and what to be prepared for as an investor. Technology Funds Technology funds are an investment tool that allow investors to get involved in the technology sector of the market. This could include things like the Internet, computers, software, semi conductors and anything else that has to do with technology. This particular sector realized astounding growth in the 1990s. Then after 2000, the...]]></description><pubDate>March  9, 2010  4:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Utility Funds: Monopolies You Can Count On]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/utility-funds-monopolies-you-can-count-on.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in utility funds offers investors with an alternative to traditional investments. Utility funds are based on investing in utility companies such as electric, gas, water and sewer companies. Here are the basics of utility funds and why they make a potentially good investment. What Are Utility Funds? A utility fund is basically a mutual fund that invests in regional utility companies. Regional utility companies often sell shares to investors, and the shares are purchased as part of the utility fund. In addition to investing and specific utility companies, utility funds may also invest in companies that supply materials...]]></description><pubDate>March  9, 2010  4:31 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Research Is Key Before Investing in a New Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/research-is-key-before-investing-in-a-new-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Properly researching the mutual fund is a critical step in the investment process. When investing in a new mutual fund, there are several things that an investor will want to look for, here are a few reasons that you want to research a mutual fund and what to look for. Mutual Fund Research Before you ever part with your money for an investment, you need to do a thorough research process on the particular investment. You have worked hard for your money and there is no reason to invest in something that you know nothing about. A little research...]]></description><pubDate>March  9, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Money Market Fund Is Not Invulnerable]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-money-market-fund-is-not-invulnerable.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A money market fund is considered one of the safest forms of investment available in the market today. However, it is not invulnerable, and investors should realize that there is some risk involved with this type of fund. Here are some things to consider about money market funds and how they could lose value. Bad Debt Most of the time, the majority of money market funds are made up of T-bills, CDs and other forms of low-risk investments. However, some money market funds also include commercial paper and other types of business loans. These loans are considered very low...]]></description><pubDate>March  9, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in Real Estate Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-real-estate-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in real estate funds became popular in the beginning of the twenty-first century. The practice first involved commercial real estate securities investments, which essentially meant purchasing the underlying assets on large pieces of real estate intended to be rented out. However, the development of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) lead to more speculation in residential real estate, including the popularization of house &quot;flipping.&quot; When the real estate bubble burst in 2006 and 2007, many began to question the viability of continuing with this type of investment. Few doubt there is money to be made, but many wonder if...]]></description><pubDate>March  9, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Great Potential and Greater Risks of Prime Rate Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-great-potential-and-greater-risks-of-prime-rate-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Prime rate funds have started to provide an alternative to the traditional mutual fund or CD as an investment. Prime rate funds are mutual funds that aim to mimic the prime rate and provide investors with a larger return on investment. Here are the basics of the primary fund and what you should consider before investing in them. Prime Rate Funds This type of fund is actually considered a closed-end mutual fund by design. Therefore, only a certain amount of investors can get involved before the doors are closed. This fund has the objective of trying to stay with...]]></description><pubDate>March  9, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Ranking of Mutual Fund Types By Risk]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-ranking-of-mutual-fund-types-by-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Accurately gauging mutual fund risk can help investors avoid undesirable investment situations. You need to match the inherent risk of a mutual fund with your own personal risk tolerance. Here is a ranking of mutual fund types broken down by risk level from lowest to highest. Money Market Funds The safest form of investment in the mutual fund world is the money market fund. A money market fund deals with a number of investments that make up the money market. For example, they commonly invest in T-bills, commercial paper, CDs and other short-term debt instruments. This form of investment...]]></description><pubDate>March  9, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Mysterious Nature of Hedge Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-mysterious-nature-of-hedge-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The term hedge fund is enough to scare some investors off of an investment strategy. Few investors truly understand how hedge funds work, and this is likely because each hedge fund operates in its own unique way. One constant, though, is that they are investment pools with a very high capital base. Due to this capital base, hedge funds are not subject to the same investment regulation as other financial firms or investment banks assisting investors with a lower amount of capital investment. Because they lack this regulation, hedge funds are often viewed as controversial or mysterious. How Hedge...]]></description><pubDate>March  9, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in a Mutual Fund Isn't Cheap]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-a-mutual-fund-isnt-cheap.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The process of mutual fund investing can provide investors with a number of unique benefits. You can diversify your account, bring a nice return on your investment and do so with minimal effort. However, this form of investment is not free. Here are a few of the costs that are associated with mutual funds and how they impact you as an investor. Management And Operating Expenses One of the most common fees that is charged by mutual funds is known as management and operating expenses. This is also sometimes referred to as MER. Management and operating expenses deals with...]]></description><pubDate>March  9, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Can Sector Funds Offer for Your Portfolio?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-can-sector-funds-offer-for-your-portfolio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Sector funds provide investors with an alternative form of investment. Investing in sector funds is something you should consider for your portfolio. Here are the basics of sector funds and what they can do for you as an investor. What Are Sector Funds? Most investors are familiar with mutual funds and exchange traded funds. The basic idea behind these funds is to buy a number of different assets in order to diversify a large portfolio for investors. This tends to lower risk and create steady growth for investors. The sector fund is a similar concept, however, it utilizes securities...]]></description><pubDate>March  9, 2010  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Interested in Sector Funds?  Here Are a Few to Check Out]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/interested-in-sector-funds-here-are-a-few-to-check-out.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in sector funds has become a very popular alternative to using traditional mutual funds. Sector funds allow you to take advantage of certain industries and sections of the overall market. Here are a few of the top sector funds that you should investigate. Healthcare Sector Fund One of the most intriguing sectors in the world to get involved in is the healthcare industry. The healthcare industry is growing at a rate unlike any other time in its existence. Every investor wants to get in at the beginning of a trend. With baby boomers getting older, many of them...]]></description><pubDate>March  9, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Separately Managed Accounts: The Pseudo-Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/separately-managed-accounts-the-pseudo-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The separately managed account is a relatively new form of investment that rivals the mutual fund. This type of investment provides you with several unique advantages over investing in a traditional mutual fund. Here are the basics of the separately managed account and why you might want consider investing in one in the future. Separately Managed Accounts Separately managed accounts are an investment vehicle that are used to leverage the experience of a fund manager in much the same way as a mutual fund. However, the way that the assets are held is the main difference between the two....]]></description><pubDate>March  9, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons Hedge Funds Outperform Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-hedge-funds-outperform-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in hedge funds has become a popular alternative to mutual funds. While hedge funds utilize the same diversified investment strategy, they work a little bit differently and typically outperform mutual funds. Here are a few reasons that hedge funds usually outperform mutual funds. 1. Different Investments Many hedge funds do not make a habit of investing in the same types of investments at mutual funds do. While mutual funds focus mainly on stocks, bonds, and other traditional forms of investment, hedge funds do not. They get outside of the normal spectrum investment and focus on other things. Their...]]></description><pubDate>March  9, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Fund vs Hedge Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-fund-vs-hedge-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a mutual hedge fund can provide you with a number of benefits as an investor. While most investors are familiar with mutual funds, hedge funds are not as commonly understood. Here are a few of the differences between mutual funds and hedge funds. Mutual Fund The mutual fund is one of the most common investments in the world today. Anyone can invest in a mutual fund and it has a low level of entry. Mutual funds sell shares in a diversified portfolio to the public. Mutual funds are run by fund managers that pool the resources of...]]></description><pubDate>March  9, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Breakpoint Considerations for Your Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/breakpoint-considerations-for-your-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding how a breakpoint works for a mutual fund could help you save a significant amount of money. Here are the basics of breakpoints and how they affect you as an investor. What Are Breakpoints? There are front-end fees associated with buying into a mutual fund. Investment brokers make their money through these sales charges. For each dollar that you put into the fund, a certain percentage will be given to the introducing broker. This represents an incentive for the broker to sell a particular fund to his or her clients. A breakpoint is a point at which the...]]></description><pubDate>March  8, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Targeted-Distribution Funds: Replacing Retirement Plans?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/targeted-distribution-funds-replacing-retirement-plans.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Targeted-distribution funds&amp;nbsp;are a unique form investment that focuses on the distribution, instead of the accumulation, of assets. Those that are facing retirement should consider adding targeted distribution funds to their portfolios. Here are the basics of targeted distribution funds and how they could benefit you in the future. Targeted Funds Many that have started to invest in 401(k)s over the last few years will be familiar with target funds. These funds are attached to a certain date and are basically a retirement investment plan based upon retiring around that date. For example, if you have a 2050 targeted fund,...]]></description><pubDate>March  8, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Active Management?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-active-management.html</link><description><![CDATA[ As an investor, finding a mutual fund that utilizes active management can provide you with many benefits. Here are the basics of active management and what it means to you as an investor. Active Management Mutual funds use a number of different investment strategies when it comes to managing their clients investment dollars. Mutual funds can be managed passively, or actively. A passively managed fund is one that does not make many trades. This type of fund generally hold stocks and other securities and allows them to grow in value over time. An actively managed mutual fund is one...]]></description><pubDate>March  8, 2010  4:31 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Active Management vs Passive Management]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/active-management-vs-passive-management.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Active management and passive management is one of the most heavily debated questions in the asset management business. The question of whether a skilled asset manager is capable of consistently beating the broad market has important implications. If you can make more by investing with a skilled manager, choosing the right manager becomes of paramount importance. If passive management is your methodology choice, you will need to examine the long term effects of how you invest because the methodology will be different. While different schools of thought reach opposing conclusions, understanding the arguments that will help you to make...]]></description><pubDate>March  8, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Reasons Behind Intentional Style Drift]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/reasons-behind-intentional-style-drift.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are a few basic reasons behind intentional style drift within a portfolio that can be either negative or positive. Style drift is the phenomenon of an actively managed portfolio deviating from its described mandate. For example, if the average market capitalization of a mid cap fund were to grow beyond what the fund&amp;rsquo;s prospectus stated as the acceptable range, this would be considered style drift. Positive Reasons The positive reason that this could occur is that the fund&amp;rsquo;s holding had appreciated significantly. This would cause the average market cap of the stocks in the portfolio to rise, potentially...]]></description><pubDate>March  8, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Style Drift: Why Does It Happen?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/style-drift-why-does-it-happen.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Mutual funds can experience style drift, or a movement away from their initial intention, over time. In general, portfolio managers who consistently use the mutual funds stated intentions as a guide for investments are desirable for most investors. Mangers who are constantly changing plans in order to chase profit schemes can be a headache for many investors. However, there are times when style drift may be necessary and advised. Mutual Fund Style When you invest in a mutual fund, you have likely selected it because it matches your personal investment goals. For example, some funds are targeted toward commodities...]]></description><pubDate>March  8, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Funds and Long-Term Capital Gains]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-funds-and-long-term-capital-gains.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Learning to navigate mutual funds and long-term capital gains can be a significant challenge. Before putting your capital into any investment vehicle, you should understand the tax ramifications for your particular circumstances. Particularly at a time when most experts agree that higher taxes are coming, being prepared to defend your money is a matter of knowledge. Finally, as an ever-increasing number of options&amp;ndash;such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs)&amp;ndash;become available, being well positioned has never been more important. The Types of Long-Term Gains Mutual funds are particularly hard to understand because they can pay multiple types of distributions. You may receive...]]></description><pubDate>March  8, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Proprietary vs Nonproprietary Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/proprietary-vs-nonproprietary-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Mutual funds have brand name and house name options, just as other consumer goods do. In terms of a mutual fund, the house name version is a proprietary mutual fund. The word &quot;proprietary&quot; indicates that one individual or organization holds the sole ownership of an item. When a mutual fund is proprietary, the same company issuing the fund is also selling and managing the fund for you. No third party is involved. There can be perceived advantages to both options, depending on your investment strategy. Proprietary Funds Propriety funds are generally issued by financial houses such as banks, credit...]]></description><pubDate>March  8, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Your Mutual Fund Closed?  Maybe It's a Good Thing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/your-mutual-fund-closed-maybe-its-a-good-thing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many people believe that a closed fund signals trouble for the investors involved. However, sometimes a closed mutual fund may be a good thing. Here are the basics of a closed fund and why it may be beneficial to you as an investor. Closed Funds There are two different types of mutual funds available in the market today. You have open ended funds, and you have close ended funds. An open-ended fund is one that allows an infinite number of investors to get involved. It will always be open to the public and anyone can join. On the other...]]></description><pubDate>March  8, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Implications of a Closed Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-implications-of-a-closed-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors seek a closed fund as part of their investment portfolio. The closed fund can provide you with a number of unique benefits. Here are the basics of the closed fund and what implications this might have on your investment portfolio. The Closed Fund Mutual funds are made up of two different types of funds. You have the open ended fund and the closed fund. The open ended fund does not have any restrictions on the number of investors that are allowed into the fund. It can keep growing infinitely. The closed fund, on the other hand, has...]]></description><pubDate>March  8, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Reasons to Consider a Closed-End Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-reasons-to-consider-a-closed-end-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in closed-end funds can provide you with a number of unique benefits as an investor. A closed-end fund is one that limits the number of investors that are allowed into the fund. Here are a few reasons that you may want to consider a closed-end fund for your investments. 1. Investors are Priority When investing in a closed-end fund, you can rest assured that the investors are the priority for the mutual fund managers. Many mutual funds are basically something that investment managers can sell to their clients. They try to get as many people involved as possible...]]></description><pubDate>March  8, 2010  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What's the Point of the 12b-1 Fee?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/whats-the-point-of-the-12b-1-fee.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The 12b-1 fee is a common fee associated with mutual funds. This fee is part of the expense ratio and is paid every year by the investors in a mutual fund. In short, the 12b-1 fee is a percentage of the entire assets of the mutual fund. This fee is collected as a means to pay for marketing, advertisements and distribution. Therefore, if you see a commercial for a mutual fund, or receive a mailer, this was paid for with a 12b-1 fee. Contraversy Initially, this fee was said to ultimately help the investors because it increased the funds...]]></description><pubDate>March  8, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Uneven Returns of Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-uneven-returns-of-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Dealing with mutual fund returns can be challenging as an investor. While it would be nice if a mutual fund could provide a steady source of growth, this is rarely the case. Here are a few things to consider about the uneven returns provided by mutual funds. Value of Assets One of the main things that influences the returns of mutual funds is the value of the assets that make up the fund. A mutual fund is a collection of many different securities. For example, many mutual funds invest in hundreds or thousands of different stocks. In order to...]]></description><pubDate>March  7, 2010  4:38 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Do Tax-Free Mutual Funds Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-do-tax-free-mutual-funds-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When dealing with mutual funds, tax implications is something that you have to consider. A tax-free mutual fund offers investors a unique opportunity to save money. Here are the basics of a tax-free mutual fund and how they work. Tax-Free Funds A tax-free mutual fund is one that invests in municipal bonds and government bonds. A municipal bond can be issued by city governments, county governments, school systems and airports. This is done to raise money for some sort of project. The bonds that the issue are debt instruments that investors can purchase. The municipalities then pay a certain...]]></description><pubDate>March  7, 2010  4:36 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Fund Tax Implications]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-fund-tax-implications.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Mutual fund tax implications are something that every mutual fund investor has to consider. Mutual funds can be a great way to diversify your portfolio, however, you need to understand how the taxes work. Here are the basics of mutual fund taxes and what they mean for your portfolio. Mutual Fund Taxes A mutual fund is set up to distribute all of the profits from trading to the shareholders. Therefore, the shareholders are responsible for all the profit that is made through trading. The shareholder will have to pay for the taxes regardless of whether the profit was actually...]]></description><pubDate>March  7, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Guide to Money Market Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-guide-to-money-market-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Money market mutual funds present investors with a viable way to get involved in the money market. This fund can provide a number of different benefits for the investors. Here are the basics of the money market mutual fund and how it could benefit you as an investor. Money Market Mutual Funds Money market mutual funds aim to provide a diversified portfolio of money market investments for shareholders. Although it sounds similar, it is not the same thing is a money market account. You are actually buying into a mutual fund with this type of investment. With a money...]]></description><pubDate>March  7, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fund Managers and the &quot;Groupthink&quot; Mentality]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/fund-managers-and-the-groupthink-mentality.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Fund managers are often pulled in multiple directions at once because they are responsible to investors with a wide array of priorities. Even though fund managers attempt to set a distinct style for a fund in order to attract like-minded individuals, there will always be some conflict over how individuals want their money handled. Further, a fund manager must balance information from market advisers and market performance to determine a strategy. If a manager isn't careful, all of this advice and ultimately lead to a swaying from initial intention due to groupthink mentality. Groupthink Mentality Groupthink is a term...]]></description><pubDate>March  7, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Your Mutual Fund Manager Left: Is It Time to Move on?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/your-mutual-fund-manager-left-is-it-time-to-move-on.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Your fund manager may have been responsible for large gains in your mutual fund overtime. If this is the case, it is not a surprise the manager was swept away by another firm in what is a very competitive job market. Your initial reaction may be to jump ship and go along with your fund manager. This type of loyalty is what the new fund is counting on, and they will try to profit on your change. Instead of leaving your current mutual fund immediately, observe the fund for some time before making a decision. Expense of Switching Funds...]]></description><pubDate>March  7, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Value of a Good Fund Manager]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-value-of-a-good-fund-manager.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The fund manager of a mutual fund is one of the most vital parts of the fund itself. Finding a good manager should be the top priority for investor. Here are the basics of the value of a good fund manager and how to find one. What Fund Managers Do In order to properly understand the value of a fund manager, you need to understand what it is that they do. Fund managers are in charge of the entire mutual fund. They evaluate potential investments, choose which investments they want to invest in, and then allocate resources appropriately. A...]]></description><pubDate>March  7, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Necessary Qualities of a Top Fund Manager]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-necessary-qualities-of-a-top-fund-manager.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Having a good fund manager is essential to the success of a mutual fund. Top-flight fund managers are difficult to locate and are highly sought after by various mutual funds. As an investor, here are some of the necessary qualities to look for in a top fund manager. 1. Experience One of the most important things to look for in a top fund manager is experience in the market. You want someone that has been in the market for a number of years and has traded successfully. You want to be able to look at their track record and...]]></description><pubDate>March  7, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Different Categories of Money Market Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/different-categories-of-money-market-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Money market funds can deliver very good returns to investors. Here are a few of the different categories of money market funds and what they have to offer. U.S. Treasury Funds One type of money market fund focuses solely on United States Treasury securities. The U.S. Treasury issues several different types of investment instruments that are considered very low risk since they are tied directly to the government. Government Mix Another category of money market fund invests in a few different government-backed securities. They will also invest in government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs). This is also considered a very safe type...]]></description><pubDate>March  7, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Truth about Enhanced Index Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-truth-about-enhanced-index-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in enhanced index funds has been touted as a superior form of investment over the traditional mutual or index fund. The enhanced index fund has some advantages to it as an investor. However, there are some things that you want to know about how this type of fund works before getting involved. The Index Fund In order to understand how the enhanced index fund works, you first need to know the basics of an index fund. A financial index is a measure of a certain group of stocks and the stock market. A common example of a financial...]]></description><pubDate>March  7, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Invest in a Mutual Fund through Your IRA]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/invest-in-a-mutual-fund-through-your-ira.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Mutual fund IRA investing can provide you with a steady source of growth for your retirement funds. Mutual funds make a great tool to use for those that are investing for retirement. Here are the basics of investing in a mutual fund or your IRA. IRA Investing An individual retirement account, or IRA, is a very valuable tool in planning for your retirement. When saving for an IRA, the government allows you to contribute pretax dollars to your account. From there, you are allowed to invest the money into different investments, in the interest can accumulate tax-free. Then, once...]]></description><pubDate>March  7, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Causes of Index Fund Tracking Error]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-causes-of-index-fund-tracking-error.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Index fund tracking error is a problem that you will have to consider if you plan on investing in index funds. Index fund tracking error could occur as a result of a number of different circumstances. Here are a few potential causes of index fund tracking error. Asset Allocation One possible cause of index funds tracking error is the wrong mix of asset allocation by the fund manager. For example, in relation to the total assets of the fund, the fund manager might keep too much cash. This could result in slight differences from the performance of the index...]]></description><pubDate>March  5, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Gauging Mutual Fund Volatility with the Beta Value]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/gauging-mutual-fund-volatility-with-the-beta-value.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The beta value of a mutual fund can tell you a lot about the volatility of the fund and whether it meets your investment criteria. Here are the basics of the beta value of mutual funds and how it impacts you as an investor. Beta Value The beta value of a fund is designed to tell you how volatile a mutual fund is. This is a very common statistical measure that is used to compare one mutual fund against another. If a beta value is set to be 1.0, then it moves exactly with the particular financial index that...]]></description><pubDate>March  5, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Fund Alpha and Risk]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-fund-alpha-and-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Evaluating mutual fund risk is an important part of the mutual fund investment process. Before deciding on a mutual fund, you will want to determine how risky of an investment it is. Alpha is one source of financial comparison that you can use to determine the risk of a mutual fund. Here are the basics of Alpha and how it impacts mutual funds. Alpha As part of modern portfolio theory, there are five technical risk ratios that are utilized to evaluate investments. Alpha is one of the five and helps to determine the risk associated with investment. With Alpha,...]]></description><pubDate>March  5, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Equal-Weight Index]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-equal-weight-index.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An equal-weight index fund provides you with an alternative form of investment. An equal-weight index fund is set up with different proportions. Here are the basics of the equal-weight index fund and how they work. Equal-Weight Index Fund With the equal-weight index fund, the same importance is given to every stock in the index. A traditional index fund is weighted towards the larger companies in the index. They place less importance on the smaller companies in the index and therefore do not buy as many stocks from these companies.&amp;nbsp; In an equal-weight scenario, the size of the company does...]]></description><pubDate>March  5, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Focused Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-focused-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a focused fund presents investors with an alternative to the traditional mutual fund. This type of fund is not nearly as diversified as a regular mutual fund and presents you with different benefits. Here are the basics of the focused fund and how it works. The Focused Fund The focused fund is a fund that holds a small number of securities in large volume. For example, instead of holding hundreds or thousands of different stocks in small quantities like many mutual funds do, the focused fund may only hold 20 different stocks, with a large volume of...]]></description><pubDate>March  4, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Impact of Late Trading Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-impact-of-late-trading-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The process of trading mutual funds is a relatively simple one that many investors get involved in. The act of late trading in the mutual fund market complicates things and is illegal. Here are a few things to consider about late trading and the impact it has on the marketplace. What is Late Trading? In order to understand the impact that late trading has on the mutual fund market, you need understand the basics of late trading itself. All mutual funds are bought and sold the same way. At the end of the trading day at 4:00 Eastern time...]]></description><pubDate>March  4, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Measuring Mutual Fund Volatility]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/measuring-mutual-fund-volatility.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are a number of statistical analytical products that can provide insight into a mutual fund's volatility, or relative risk on the market. The more volatile a fund is, the less able you are to predict returns. Returns could be very high leading up to the year you purchase the fund, then drop substantially the following year. A less volatile stock will present consistent returns over time. Financial advisers use common measures to analyze volatility, but you may quickly become confused if you do not know what the measures mean. Standard Deviation The standard deviation of a mutual fund...]]></description><pubDate>March  4, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Major Mistakes when Building a Portfolio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-major-mistakes-when-building-a-portfolio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The following four major mistakes when building a portfolio are not the only errors that can be made, but are amongst the most common. While no portfolio is perfect for all investors or in all types of markets, following a basic framework and avoiding certain common mistakes is a logical way to improve your odds. 1. Failure to Create a Comprehensive Investment Profile Before you deploy a single dollar into a single investment, developing a comprehensive investment profile is advisable. This activity will define your risk tolerance, your investment objective, and your time horizon. Without know each of these,...]]></description><pubDate>March  4, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is an Activist Hedge Fund?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-an-activist-hedge-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An activist hedge fund is a fund that becomes a major shareholder in a company, for the purpose of exerting pressure on the board of directors. A major shareholder is an investor with an ownership amount that is greater than five percent in a company. When an individual or institution controls this large a block of shares, the shareholder is able to provide an agenda with the management of the company. The purpose of this agenda, particularly when an activist hedge fund is involved, is to bring about a change capable of having a positive impact on the stock's...]]></description><pubDate>March  4, 2010  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Things You Didn't Know about Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-things-you-didnt-know-about-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Learning about mutual fund investment can provide you with a valuable tool to use in the marketplace. Mutual funds represent one of the most commonly traded securities in the world. However, the average mutual fund investor does not understand everything about mutual funds. Here are a few things that you may not have known about mutual funds. 1. 12b-1 Fees 12b-1 fees are charged by many different mutual funds as part of their expense ratio. While investors are used to paying fees for everything, this one can be particularly frustrating. This fee is associated with marketing and advertising for...]]></description><pubDate>March  4, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Expense Ratio of Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-expense-ratio-of-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Learning how the mutual fund expense ratio affects you as an investor is a vital topic to understand. The expense ratio can tell you a lot about the mutual fund and help you decide whether to invest. Here are the basics of the expense ratio of mutual funds and how it affects you overall. What is an Expense Ratio? The expense ratio is a number that represents all of the costs associated with owning a mutual fund. This is a separate cost from actually acquiring a mutual fund, which is known as a load fee. Once you purchase the...]]></description><pubDate>March  4, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Taxable vs Tax-Free Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/taxable-vs-tax-free-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When investing in a mutual fund, tax is one of the major factors that you will have to consider. The tax that you pay as a result of investing in a mutual fund lowers the amount of money that you will be able to make overall. Here are a few things to consider about investing in taxable or tax-free mutual funds. Tax-Free Mutual Funds As it turns out, there is a type mutual fund that will prevent you from having to pay any taxes on your investment. This tax-free mutual fund focuses on municipal bonds and government investments. A...]]></description><pubDate>March  2, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[R-Squared Value and Mutual Fund Risk]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/r-squared-value-and-mutual-fund-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Looking at the r-squared value of a mutual fund can provide investors with a lot of valuable information that they can use for investment decisions. The r-squared value of an investment is one of the most common metrics of comparison available in the market. Here are the basics of the r-squared value and what it means to you as an investor. What is R-Squared? In order to understand the importance of this value, you need understand what it represents. The r-squared value is a number that will range from 0 to 100. This number tells you how much of...]]></description><pubDate>March  2, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[&quot;Sinful&quot; Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/sinful-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Sinful mutual funds is a term that describes a mutual fund that invests in questionable companies in the market. Many investors have an issue with these types of funds, but they can provide a high return on your investment under the right circumstances. Here are the basics of simple mutual funds and what they mean to you as an investor. Sinful Mutual Funds One of the most popular forms of mutual fund in today's market is the socially responsible mutual fund. This type of fund aims to invest only in companies that help the world in some way. Nearly...]]></description><pubDate>March  2, 2010  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does Mutual Fund Timing Hurt Investors?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-mutual-fund-timing-hurt-investors.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Implementing the right mutual fund timing might seem very difficult at times as an investor. Mutual funds provide investors with a unique tool to diversify their portfolios. However, without the right timing, all of their investment efforts could be in vain. Here are the basics of how mutual fund timing affects investors. Mutual Fund Timing In the world of investment, timing is everything. While it might seem more applicable to the stock market, this rule still applies to those that invest solely in mutual funds. Mutual funds are made up of a collection of stocks, bonds or other securities....]]></description><pubDate>March  1, 2010  4:36 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Who Is Controlling Your Mutual Fund?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/who-is-controlling-your-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The mutual fund is one of the most well-known investments in the world today. As an investor a mutual fund represents a passive form of investment. Here are the basics of why a mutual fund is a passive investment and who is actually running your fund. How Mutual Funds Work In order to determine if a mutual fund is a good investment for you, you need to understand how they work. A mutual fund is basically a pool of money from many investors that is used to buy a substantial amount of securities. Mutual funds could have thousands or...]]></description><pubDate>March  1, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Socially Responsible Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-socially-responsible-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The socially responsible mutual fund is a type of investment that adheres to certain social criteria. It aims to bring investors a return, but at the same time, it has standards to abide by. Here are the basics of the socially responsible mutual fund and what it means to you as an investor. Socially Responsible Mutual Funds The socially responsible mutual fund still adheres to the basic principles of a mutual fund. They still pool resources of investors together and use those resources to make investments on their behalf. Their ultimate objective is to bring in a steady return...]]></description><pubDate>March  1, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Sharpe Ratio: Insight into Risk-Adjusted Performance]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-sharpe-ratio-insight-into-risk-adjusted-performance.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Sharpe ratio is named for William Forsyth Sharpe, a winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics. He developed a formula to estimate the relative value of a stock based on its risk and reward. The main aspects of the formula are asset return, risk free return and the standard deviation of the asset. These are complicated concepts for a novice investor, but they can provide insight into the viability of profit on a stock purchase if used correctly in the Sharpe ratio formula. The Formula Basically, the formula finds the difference between the asset return and the risk...]]></description><pubDate>March  1, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Signs It's Time to Ditch Your Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-signs-its-time-to-ditch-your-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a mutual fund has been one of the most popular investment strategies for a number of years. However, that does not mean that all mutual funds are good for your portfolio. Here are a few signs that it's time to ditch your mutual fund and look for another alternative. 1. Name Change One big sign that could tell you trouble is looming is a mutual fund name change. Many times, mutual funds will change names for a variety of different reasons. One of the most common reasons is to try and rebrand the image of the mutual...]]></description><pubDate>March  1, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stay in the Loop with Your Mutual Fund Annual Report]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stay-in-the-loop-with-your-mutual-fund-annual-report.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A mutual fund annual report can provide you with a great deal of information about your investment. Many investors fail to read the mutual fund annual report that they receive. However, this is a mistake, and you should take greater notice in the information provided by the report. Here are a few things that you could learn from your mutual fund annual report. Returns One of the first things that you will realize about your mutual fund annual report is the return. The report outlines how much has been made over the previous year, and what type of yield...]]></description><pubDate>March  1, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Flaws of the Hedge Fund Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-flaws-of-the-hedge-fund-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The flaws of the hedge fund strategy have received wide coverage as both politicians and the media have attacked these vehicles. While some of these criticisms are unfounded, hedge funds are not without negatives aspects that you should understand. Ranging from the moral hazard to the lack of transparency, some of these concerns are legitimate. Regulators have attempted to affect change in the industry, but many of these attempts have fallen short of real reform. What is a Hedge Fund? One of the problems that you run into making comments about hedge funds is that the term covers a...]]></description><pubDate>March  1, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Fund Tips for a Declining Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-fund-tips-for-a-declining-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Learning the proper mutual fund tips can go a long ways towards helping you protect your investment in a declining market. When the market is down, it is much more difficult to make a steady return on your investment. Here are a few tips for investing in mutual funds when the market is down. Low-Risk Mutual Funds There are many different kinds of mutual funds available in the market today. With so many different choices, it can be difficult to keep up with the investment strategies of each one. When choosing mutual funds, you need to make sure that...]]></description><pubDate>March  1, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Funds Aren't a Risk-Free Investment]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-funds-arent-a-risk-free-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Mutual funds risk is often portrayed as nonexistent. While mutual funds are a safe investment, they are far from risk-free. As an investor you should know the risks of the investment that you are utilizing. Here are a few risks involved with investing in mutual funds. Declining Market Mutual funds do a great job of diversifying their investments. A mutual fund will often have thousands of different securities within it. As an investor, it gives you an opportunity to buy a share of a very diversified portfolio. This is something that most people cannot do because of a lack...]]></description><pubDate>March  1, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Important Features of the Mutual Fund Prospectus]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-important-features-of-the-mutual-fund-prospectus.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Reading a mutual fund prospectus is a very important part of choosing a mutual fund. It has everything that you need to know about a mutual fund, but can be long and confusing to read. Here are a few important features of the mutual fund prospectus. 1. Administration The first part of the prospectus will cover the administration aspects of the mutual fund. It will give the name of the mutual fund and the company that runs it. This will help you make sure that you're looking at the right mutual fund. Be sure to compare the numbers of...]]></description><pubDate>March  1, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Value Fund?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-value-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A value fund is an investment vehicle that focuses its investments on one of two types of stocks: those that are considered undervalued based on fundamental analysis, or those that are considered value stocks. This later group of stocks is differentiated from growth stocks in many ways. Blue Chips and Value Stocks A typical value stock is a large cap stock that pays a fair dividend and is relatively stable. These are the stocks that you commonly hear referred to as &amp;ldquo;blue chips.&amp;rdquo; The thirty stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average are primarily value stocks. In contrast, a...]]></description><pubDate>February 28, 2010  5:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at Sector Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-sector-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Sector funds give you the ability to invest within a specific sector of the economy, selecting the exposure to given industries with which you are most comfortable. Unlike with broad market indexes like the S&amp;amp;P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average, sector funds are more targeted and lack significant diversification. An example of a sector fund is an energy fund. If you believe that energy prices are going to rise in response to both the demand for oil and the general pressures of inflation present in the economy, buying an energy fund would be appropriate. This investment will...]]></description><pubDate>February 28, 2010  5:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Donor-Advised Funds: Charity at Its Easiest]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/donor-advised-funds-charity-at-its-easiest.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Utilizing donor-advised funds has become a popular method of giving to charity. While this is still a relatively new way to give there are many donor advised funds to choose from. Here are the basics of donor advised funds and how to use them. What Are Donor Advised Funds? For many years people have been giving to charity in order to help others and take advantage of tax benefits. However with today's fast-paced schedules, it can sometimes be difficult to stay involved. With this in mind, donor advised funds were created. A donor advised fund is a vehicle that...]]></description><pubDate>February 28, 2010  5:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does a Reverse Mutual Fund Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-a-reverse-mutual-fund-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The mutual fund has been one of the most popular investments in the industry for years. While it is designed to benefit from growth, a reverse mutual fund benefits from a decline in value. Here are the basics of how a reverse mutual fund works and how you could benefit from it. How It Works A reverse mutual fund can be based on an index or it can be actively managed. If it is based upon an index, the bond goes up in value when the index decreases. Many of these funds will increase in value at twice the...]]></description><pubDate>February 28, 2010  5:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Your Mutual Fund Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/your-mutual-fund-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Taking stock of your mutual fund options can help you stay away from zeroing in on a particular investment strategy. As an investor, it is important to consider all of your options. Here are a few of the options that you have as a mutual fund investor. Stock Mutual Funds One of the most basic forms of mutual fund is one that focuses on stocks as the underlying asset. Many mutual funds utilize the strategy and have done so successfully for a number of years. The purpose of this type of fund is to pull investors money together and...]]></description><pubDate>February 28, 2010  5:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Choosing the Right Market Cap for Your Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/choosing-the-right-market-cap-for-your-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Choosing the right market cap for your mutual funds is primarily a matter of understanding your investment goals and risk tolerance. Different market cap stocks have different risk and return profiles. Matching your preferences to the right type of fund increases your likelihood of achieving results in keeping with your expectations. While there are no guarantees, understanding the various characteristics of different market caps is an advisable first step. What is Market Cap? A stock&amp;rsquo;s market capitalization, or market cap, is a measure of the value of all the stock of that company that is in circulation. If you...]]></description><pubDate>February 28, 2010  5:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Passive Investing with an Index Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/passive-investing-with-an-index-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Passive investing with an index fund has both advantages and drawbacks. While some studies have suggested that over the long-term, passive investment is more successful than active management. However, because of our recent financial crisis, there is now doubt where passive index funds are considered. Also, index funds are one of the options you can use for passive investing. The fee structures of most passive vehicles are attractive, but without satisfactory returns, low fees are irrelevant. Passive Versus Active Investment There are two primary approaches you can use for investing in the stock market, passive investing and active management....]]></description><pubDate>February 28, 2010  5:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are Country Mutual Funds Worth the Risk?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/are-country-mutual-funds-worth-the-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ You may wonder if country mutual funds are worth the risk when other attractive options are available. A common perception is that international investing is inherently risky and should be reserved for those with big risk appetites. The reality is, however, that with the introduction of country specific mutual funds, you can deploy capital into foreign stocks with less difficulty. The risks still exist, but you face fewer logistical issues. As with any asset class, there are advantages and disadvantages, and you should only invest a portion of your assets if you understand the risks. What is a Country...]]></description><pubDate>February 28, 2010  5:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can a Mutual Fund Grow Too Large for Its Own Good?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/can-a-mutual-fund-grow-too-large-for-its-own-good.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a mutual fund has become one of the most popular investment strategies in the world today. Mutual funds offer diversification for their clients. However, it is possible for mutual funds to grow too large. Here are a few things to consider about excessive growth in mutual funds. Flexibility One of the major advantages of investing in mutual funds is that you are diversified as an investor. You pool your money together with many other investors and buy thousands of securities. This allows you to maintain your portfolio even if one or two individual securities do not perform...]]></description><pubDate>February 28, 2010  5:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Advantages of Managed Accounts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/advantages-of-managed-accounts.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The primary advantages of managed accounts are transparency, control and access to top money managers. The mechanics of a managed account are different, so you are able to create a highly customized product that is tailored to not only your investment beliefs, but your tax needs as well. As technology has advanced, money managers are more able to efficiently manage several individual accounts. This efficiency means that they can make this approach both profitable and direct, which results in more options for most investors. The Mechanics of a Managed Account A managed account is an actively-managed portfolio of investment...]]></description><pubDate>February 28, 2010  5:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Preparing for Retirement with a Life-Cycle Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/preparing-for-retirement-with-a-life-cycle-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The life-cycle fund&amp;nbsp;provide investors with a customized retirement strategy. While these funds have been around for years, they have really grown in popularity in recent years. Here are the basics of the life-cycle fund and how they work. What Are Life-Cycle Funds? With this type of fund you are investing with a specific objective in mind. You choose a retirement date, and then start putting money into the fund. The fund managers take care of the rest. You do not choose any specific investments, such as stocks, bonds or CDs. You just keep putting money into the fund, and...]]></description><pubDate>February 28, 2010  5:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Fund Name Changes: Don't Fall for It]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-fund-name-changes-dont-fall-for-it.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a mutual fund has long been a favorite technique of investors. However, mutual funds do not always work out. When a mutual fund changes names it could spell trouble for its investors. Here are a few reasons to be leery of a name change with a mutual fund. Bad Performance One of the main reasons that mutual funds change names is because of bad performance. In the corporate world, when a company changes its name it is usually to get away from the performance record of its past. For example, after a company files for bankruptcy, they...]]></description><pubDate>February 28, 2010  5:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Argument in Favor of Hedge Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-argument-in-favor-of-hedge-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An argument in favor of hedge funds is that often the most talented managers work for hedge funds. The fee structure of hedge funds permits talented traders to participate in the success of their strategies alongside their clients. The industry's standard fee structure is to charge a 1 percent management fee and a 20 percent performance or incentive fee. The management fee is levied against the net assets managed by the fund. The performance fee is charged against the profits earned by the fund. For example, if a hedge fund generates $100 million in trading profits in a given...]]></description><pubDate>February 28, 2010  5:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Advantages of the Small Cap Mutual Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/advantages-of-the-small-cap-mutual-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a small-cap mutual fund can provide you with a number of unique benefits. Small-cap mutual funds focus on companies that have lower amounts of capital on hand. Here are a few of the advantages of investing in a small-cap mutual fund. Profit Potential One of the major advantages of investing in a small-cap mutual fund is the huge profit potential that you can realize. When you invest in larger companies, the growth potential is not quite as large. All companies start out small at some point. Therefore, the larger companies have already experienced most of their growth....]]></description><pubDate>February 28, 2010  5:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Load or No-Load Mutual Funds?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/load-or-no-load-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[A load mutual fund charges a sales commission for buying shares in the fund. These charges can be front-ended, back-ended, or both and can be quite substantial, ranging to as much as 8 percent or more of the purchase price of the shares. The amount of the sales charge per share (the load) can be determined by deducting the net asset value (NAV) price from the offer price. Conversely, some mutual funds are no-load funds, meaning that the investor pays no commission or fee to buy or sell the shares of the fund. For example, when investing $50,000 in a...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Evaluating Manager and Fund]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/evaluating-manager-and-fund.html</link><description><![CDATA[A mutual fund's portfolio- or fund manager is responsible for implementing the fund's investment strategy by researching and selecting the specific securities that will be bought and sold in the portfolio. The manager can be a single individual or a team of investment advisors. In most instances, the manager is employed by an investment advisory organization that is either a wholly owned subsidiary of the fund's sponsor or an outside advisory company. The manager runs the fund in accordance with the investment objectives stated in the fund's prospectus. They must also abide by any restrictions set forth as to the...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Fund Investment Strategy Tips]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-fund-investment-strategy-tips.html</link><description><![CDATA[Different mutual fund investment strategies will provide you with different results. If you want to get the highest return there are several mutual fund investment strategies that you can follow. Two main ones are investing in mutual funds with stated dividends and investing in a long-term mutual fund that focuses on the long term capital growthOption 1 &amp;ndash; Mutual Funds with Stated DividendsThe mutual funds investment strategy of stated dividends can be a fruitful one. There are some mutual funds that have stated dividends and these dividends will help you get a high return on the mutual fund.&amp;nbsp; Some mutual...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Getting In: Starting Low Initial Investment Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/getting-in-starting-low-initial-investment-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[Sometimes investing can be a high cost activity, this has led to the desire for many investors to seek low initial investment mutual funds. Since many investors would prefer to lower their investing risk, they choose to invest in diverse portfolios instead of invest in specific securities such as stocks or options. However, the main problem with this strategy is that many of these diverse portfolios require a substantial initial investment of capital. This article will cover different strategies that you can undertake in order to find and invest in low initial investment mutual funds.The Reason for the Large InvestmentThe...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Fund Investors: Expanding Their Overall Diversification Potential]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-fund-investors.html</link><description><![CDATA[With the increasing scrutiny on financial markets, certain mutual fund investors are wondering how they could better diversify away from risk while still earning great returns for their portfolio. While there are certain strategies that investors can undertake to minimize their risk, there is always the risk that the market as a whole is unhealthy and produces negative returns. In any case, this article will outline the different types of risk inherent with investing and how to avoid them.Systematic RiskThis type of risk is impossible to reduce through diversification. Unfortunately, along with investing in capital markets comes the risk of...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of Mutual Funds - Part 2: Major Benefits]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-mutual-funds-pt2.html</link><description><![CDATA[Part 2: Major BenefitsNow that you know a little more about the origin of mutual funds (from Part 1 of this article series), we'll now look at some of the reasons why so many people choose these investment vehicles. Mutual funds are the primary means by which most investors in the United States purchase securities, especially in the stock markets. Whether novice or experienced, young or not-so-young, most individuals are attracted to these funds for four major reasons: diversification, convenience, professional management, and lower transaction costs. Diversification offers protection against the danger of placing all of your eggs in one...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[6 Mutual Fund Investing Tips]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/6-mutual-fund-investing-tips.html</link><description><![CDATA[Keep ongoing expenses as low as possible. You should always keep a close watch on the sales charges (loads) and fees of your mutual funds. This is especially important for beginning investors, because you're probably starting out using small amounts of money, and you want as much of it as possible to be kept actually working for you and not lost to sales or operating expenses. The longer a fund is held, the less your initial load charges will matter. But the ongoing fees will never go away; they'll always be there to reduce your fund's return. Also, be aware...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Closed-End Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/closed-end-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[Closed-end funds – like open-end or mutual funds – establish a portfolio of securities and issue shares of the portfolio to the investing public. And as with mutual funds, each share represents an undivided interest in the portfolio of securities. Unlike mutual funds, however, closed-end funds typically issue shares to the public only once. They do not continually sell new shares or redeem already-outstanding ones. Therefore, the number of closed-end fund shares outstanding (the company's capitalization) tends to remain, for the most part, fixed.A closed-end fund's shares can be bought and sold in stock exchanges or the over-the-counter market (hence...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Mutual Funds are Priced]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-mutual-funds-are-priced.html</link><description><![CDATA[Many new investors see buying and selling mutual fund shares in the same light as buying and selling shares of stock. This is an inaccurate comparison for two reasons: first, mutual funds are redeemable securities, whereas stocks are tradable securities. Mutual fund shares can only be bought from and redeemed with the sponsor company itself or one of its selling group members. Secondly, the daily purchase and sale prices of mutual funds are determined in a completely different way from that of a corporation's common stock offerings.The method by which the purchase and sale prices of mutual fund shares are...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How To Invest In Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-in-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[How to invest in mutual funds? If you have never invested in mutal funds before, of if it was always part of an work-sponsored plan, you can get started by following these simple steps:Step 1 - Find a Mutual Fund ManagerYou will need to choose the manager of your investments.&amp;nbsp; The manager could be an individual or a group.&amp;nbsp; Many banks offer mutual fund plans. You can also talk to stock brokers and other financial offices or advisers about how to invest.&amp;nbsp; Make sure your fund manager has a proven track record and a reliable history of making smart decisions...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[The concept upon which mutual funds are based has likely been around since securities were created. Here's a simplified explanation of how they work. A group of individuals with similar investment objectives and goals place their funds for investment into a common pool. This money is then used to buy and sell securities. By pooling their resources, the participants enjoy two significant advantages. The first is greater buying power; the group's collective resources enable it to purchase shares in a much broader range of industries or business sectors than any individual in the pool could do alone. The second advantage...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Best Mutual Funds to Invest In?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-best-mutual-funds-to-invest-in.html</link><description><![CDATA[The best mutual funds to invest in change from year to year. But, the things to look for in a good mutual fund basically stay the same through time.Criteria for a Successful Mutual FundThere are some criteria that seem to stay strong through time when it comes to indicating what makes a successful mutual fund.&amp;nbsp; These criteria include: keeping a diversified portfolio, dividends on a regular basis, low management fees, and long-term records of relative stability. Some of the Best Mutual FundsFollowing a turbulent end to 2008, you may be a bit wary about investing in 2009. That is why...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Do Large Investors buy Mutual Funds?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/do-large-investors-buy-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[Many large investors use mutual funds to solve at least some of their investment problems. It's not at all unusual for big investors (whether corporate or private) to place multimillion-dollar investments into mutual fund accounts. As a matter of fact, institutional investors alone account for more than forty percent of all fund assets. Why do these entities put their money into mutual funds? They basically do it for many of the same reasons that small investors do.One of the most important reasons why major investors choose mutual funds is the ready accessibility of past performance records. No other form of...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ranking The Best Mutual Fund Investment Companies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/ranking-the-best-mutual-fund-investment-companies.html</link><description><![CDATA[The ranking of the best mutual fund investment company firms can be organized into &amp;nbsp;different categories. The companies base strategies on risk, geographical extent, cap size and management types.&amp;nbsp;Double Digit Five Year ReturnIn general, there are a few companies that stand out in a pack. One popular ranking method is the double digit- five year return method. The method delineates the average five year return of an investment firm.&amp;nbsp;For example: Artisan Funds (18%) Fidelity Investments (13%) American Century (13%) The Oakmark Funds (13%) Franklin Templeton Investments (12%)Generally speaking, companies that are not able to show a double digit five year...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Funds: Minimum Investment Requirements]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-funds-minimum-investment-requirements.html</link><description><![CDATA[Mutual funds minimum investment requirements have become an appealing feature of mutual funds as the low minimum required to buy into a mutual fund makes it a viable option to investors with limited financial resources.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Types of Mutual FundsThere are an estimated 10,000 varieties of mutual funds. Each of these types falls into one of three broader categories based on the goal of the investment: those with goal to provide immediate income, those focused on long-term growth, and those that are able to offer both. Within those frames it is possible to find a low requirement for the mutual funds...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Advice: Mutual Funds For Beginners]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-advice-mutual-funds-for-beginners.html</link><description><![CDATA[Here is some mutual fund investment advice for beginners. A professionally managed investment option, a mutual fund is an easy, low cost way for individuals and institutions to add diversification to their portfolios. Mutual funds pool the money of many, many investors to buy stocks and/or bonds in various companies in accordance with the fund&amp;rsquo;s stated investment objective. In general, the more individual securities you own, the lower your exposure to risk.Mutual funds come in many shapes and sizes. Through a mutual fund, you can invest in stocks or bonds or a combination of both. Perhaps you want exposure to...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Advantages and Disadvantages of Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[The popularity of mutual funds can be attributed to the numerous advantages that they afford investors. To invest prudently, however, do bear in mind that mutual funds&amp;#8212;like all other investments&amp;#8212;also carry significant disadvantages.&amp;nbsp; Advantages of Mutual Funds These are some of the benefits that come with investing in mutual funds. Diversification&amp;#8212;Most financial professionals believe that diversification is one of the best ways to enhance a portfolio's risk-adjusted return. Low minimum investment&amp;#8212;Mutual funds make it possible for investors with very little cash to own an undivided interest in a diversified portfolio. Professional management&amp;#8212;Mutual funds give investors access to professional managers whose...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investment Advice: Starting Out With Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investment-advice-starting-out-with-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[Sometimes it can be quite hard to find investment advice on mutual funds, but, mutual funds can be beneficial for investors searching capital market gains.What They AreMutual funds are investment vehicles which serve to reduce the overall risk of a portfolio of securities by including different types of investments with different risk and return goals. Essentially, when you invest in a mutual fund, you are actually buying multiple different securities with the purpose of having a less risky portfolio. The goal for mutual fund investors is to find securities which are negatively correlated to each other as this will protect...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing In Mutual Funds? Understand How They Work]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-mutual-funds-understand-how-they-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[Mutual fund investing is a popular form of investment that is considered safer and more profitable than many other types of investments.&amp;nbsp; A mutual fund is a portfolio that is professionally managed and composed of stocks, bonds, and/or cash. Every investor becomes a partial owner of a mutual fund. There are usually many owners of one mutual fund. The fund manager trades the money pooled together frequently to ensure it is growing in the best possible ways. Types of Mutual Funds for Investing There are about ten thousand types of mutual funds to choose from when investing. However, each of...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Contrasting Mutual and Closed-End Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/contrasting-mutual-and-closed-end-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[Although mutual funds and closed-end funds are both management companies, they're actually quite different from each other. Despite the fact that the financial media may occasionally make mention of a &quot;closed-end mutual fund, the legal definitions of a closed-end fund and an open-end fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940 actually make the term mutually exclusive and technically impossible for a closed-end mutual fund to even exist. When used, this term probably refers to an actively managed closed-end fund. Many aren't actively managed; therefore, such a fund's investment portfolio of securities changes very little. A closed-end fund that's actively...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Identifying your Mutual Fund Investment Objectives]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/identifying-your-mutual-fund-investment-objectives.html</link><description><![CDATA[The first step in selecting a mutual fund (or any other investment vehicle, for that matter) is not evaluating the fund's investment objective; instead, the first step is defining your own investment goals. You must clearly determine why you want to invest and what you wish to accomplish before sinking your money into any type of mutual fund. By taking the time to identify and articulate the purpose for making the investment, you'll be better able to choose a fund that's most appropriate for your needs. You'll also give yourself the best chance of achieving your stated goals in light...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Funds 101]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-funds-101.html</link><description><![CDATA[A mutual fund is a single portfolio of stocks, bonds, and/or cash that is managed by an investment company on behalf of many investors. Every mutual fund has a manager, also known as an investment adviser, who directs the fund's investments according to the fund's objective; i.e. high current income, long-term growth, principal stability, etc. The investment company is responsible for the management of the fund, and it sells shares in the fund to individual investors. When an investor purchases shares in a mutual fund, he or she becomes part-owner of a large investment portfolio, along with all the other...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Types of Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/types-of-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[There are basically three broad categories of mutual funds: those whose goal is to provide immediate income, those oriented toward long-term growth or capital appreciation, and those offering both. The individual fund's objective will be stated at the beginning of its prospectus. Of the literally thousands of variations of mutual funds, here are just a few: Equity Funds - Stock funds emphasize growth, with dividend payouts typically being low. These funds stress capital appreciation rather than immediate income. Bond Funds - The key advantage of bond funds, in contrast to individual bond issues, is that the funds pay income at...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Money Market Accounts and Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/money-market-accounts-and-mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[Part 1: What They AreMoney market accounts (MMAs) are bank savings accounts that generally pay a higher rate of return than regular savings accounts. They&amp;rsquo;re insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for up to $100,000 ($200,000 for joint accounts) per financial institution. In exchange for the higher interest rate, you have somewhat limited access to your money with this type of account. Withdrawals are usually limited to around six per month, and you can only write three checks without incurring additional withdrawal charges. Minimum balance requirements for MMAs are generally also higher than standard savings accounts, ranging anywhere...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Money Market Accounts and Mutual Funds - Types of MMMFs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/money-market-accounts-and-mutual-funds-pt2.html</link><description><![CDATA[Part 2: Types of MMMFsIn Part 1 of Money Market Accounts and Mutual Funds we discussed the basics of money market accounts and money market mutual funds. Today we’ll examine the different kinds of money funds.There are two general types of money market funds: taxable and tax-free. In a taxable money fund, any income that you earn is subject to federal, state and local taxation. Income from a tax-free fund is exempt from federal taxes, and may also be exempt from state and local taxation as well.So, which type of fund is right for you? How do you know which...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mutual Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mutual-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[Mutual funds, like stocks and bonds, are very common investment instruments among large and small investors alike. When you buy shares of a fund, you become part owner &amp;ndash; along with other fund investors &amp;ndash; of a large investment portfolio made up of hundreds or even thousands of individual securities issuers. A professional investment advisor manages the fund's investments according to its stated objectives, for instance, long-term growth, current income, etc. This is one of the primary reasons that mutual funds have become so popular. Most investors, especially private individuals, would be extremely hard-pressed to successfully direct or even afford...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:19 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ordinary Annuity: The Present Value]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/ordinary-annuity-the-present-value.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An ordinary annuity, also called an immediate annuity, is an investment tool in which an individual (the annuitant) makes a single payment, at a certain time, in exchange for a series of smaller payments in the future. Ordinary annuities are generally sold by insurance companies and can be designed to pay for a certain period (e.g., 10 years) or for the remainder of the annuitant&amp;rsquo;s life. An annuity is effectively a loan by the annuitant to the issuer. The annuitant will collect payments that are made up of principal repayment and interest. The principal is not taxable and the...]]></description><pubDate>February 23, 2011  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Option Agreement]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/option-agreement.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An option agreement is a type of agreement between two parties that specifies the terms of an option contract. With this type of agreement, one person will have the option to buy a piece of property from the seller at a certain point in the future.&amp;nbsp; Option Agreement With this type of agreement, one person will pay the seller of the option a certain amount of option money. This money will reserve the right to purchase the property from the seller by a specific date in the future. The buyer has the opportunity to purchase the property, but she...]]></description><pubDate>December 26, 2010  4:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is an Option Premium?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-an-option-premium.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The option premium is the amount of money that an investor pays in order to secure a contract. When an individual investor purchases an option, it gives them the right to buy or sell a specific security. The purchase must be completed by a specified date in the future. In order to obtain that right, the investor has to pay a premium to the seller of the option. The individual that writes the option contract gets to keep the option premium money, regardless of what happens to the option. If the investor that purchases the option does not choose...]]></description><pubDate>September 30, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Equity Derivates and How They Work]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-equity-derivates-and-how-they-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Equity derivatives are a type of investment tool that is commonly used in order to gain exposure to stock movement without actually owning the stock. The value of these derivatives is attached to the underlying stocks or indices. Here are a few of the different types of equity derivatives and how they work. 1. Stock Options One of the most common types of equity derivatives is the stock option. A stock option is a contract that allows the owner to buy or sell a certain number of shares of stock on a specific date in the future. When you...]]></description><pubDate>September 26, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Protective Collar Provides Downside Protection]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/protective-collar-provides-downside-protection.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The protective collar is an options trading strategy used by many money managers and professional investors. The collar for options can be defined as a position that protects an asset by purchasing a put with an exercise price lower than the price of the asset while simultaneously financing the purchase of the put by selling a call at a higher exercise price. For interest rate options, the put is a floor, and the call is a cap. This is how mortgage banks protect a loan. The collar strategy can be employed at the same time as buying the asset...]]></description><pubDate>September  3, 2010  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hedging with Options: The Basics]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/hedging-with-options-the-basics.html</link><description><![CDATA[ One common and effective method used to limit risks in equity investments is to hedge with options, called hedging options. In some cases, options are doubly effective by limiting risk, while providing additional income at the same time. By using options effectively, investors can take advantage of current market volatility (or lack thereof) and completely protect themselves from large and unexpected price movements. Basic Definition and Terminology An option contract gives an investor the right to purchase or sell a specific company&amp;rsquo;s stock at a set price on a pre-determined date, regardless of what actual company shares are selling...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SPOT Options: Advantages and Disadvantages]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/spot-options-advantages-and-disadvantages.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Single Payment Options Trading (SPOT) options are unique because they automatically exercise an option on behalf of a trader if a certain scenario occurs. With a traditional options contract, there is a strike price and an expiration date. An individual holding the option can exercise the option if he or she chooses at the strike price or at the expiration date. In either case, the individual holding the option has to actively choose whether to exercise it. With a SPOT option, this occurs automatically. Terms and Definitions To understand SPOT options, it is first necessary to understand a few...]]></description><pubDate>August 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cheap Out of the Money Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/cheap-out-of-the-money-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Cheap out of the money options carry a high amount of risk. Yet being cheap, these options also have a high potential for reward. In order for these options to become profitable, the underlying market must make a big move in a short time. Otherwise, your options portfolio will spend its time breaking even and making meager profits while the options are nearing expiration. That's why it is almost always advisable to buy options with at least six months time until expiration in order to give the market a chance to make its move. Speculative Calls The most common...]]></description><pubDate>August 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FLEX Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/flex-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Flexible exchange traded options (FLEX options) are option contracts without set terms. The customer and broker independently negotiate the terms of the contract, and they have the ability to choose their own structure. These options are not typically offered directly through brokers. They are more likely to be offered through a clearinghouse when a broker would like to execute an option and is running out of choices to do so. The clearinghouse can negotiate on behalf of two parties to structure the FLEX option appropriately. Types of Options Contracts There are several different types of options available for purchase....]]></description><pubDate>August 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Incentive Stock Option Requirements]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/incentive-stock-option-requirements.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An incentive stock option is a type of stock option that is provided by companies to their employees. The tax provides a tax benefit for the employee. There are specific, qualifying requirements that must be met in order to keep the tax benefit. Otherwise, the incentive stock option will become a non-qualified stock option. Here are a few of the requirements associated with incentive stock options. Employees Only Incentive stock options are a benefit that are only available to employees of a company. Companies can offer other benefits to non-employees, but when employees receive stock options. Most of the...]]></description><pubDate>August 24, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overview of LEAPS Options (Long Term Equity Anticipation Security)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/overview-of-leaps-options-long-term-equity-anticipation-security.html</link><description><![CDATA[ LEAPS options are derivatives that investors use to reduce their risk in their portfolio. They are also used to speculate by investors and can turn large returns. Long term equity anticipation securities (LEAPs) are simply long term options that&amp;nbsp; take much longer to expire, when compared with regular options. LEAPs can expire anywhere from a year to three years. This gives investors a lot more time to invest and hedge the market than if regular dated options were used. LEAP Put These puts will allow investors to hedge a stock or portfolio for the long term by being given...]]></description><pubDate>August 23, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Explanation of Timer Call Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/explanation-of-timer-call-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A timer call option is a rare and infrequently used model in which volatility is fixed instead of implied in an options contract. Typically, the implied volatility of a security is used to generate the current price of the option. It is hard to measure volatility, however, and this can often result in added expenses and risks in an options contract. With a timer call option, the volatility on a security is fixed, but the maturity rate is not fixed. This can reduce some risk and expense. &quot;Exotic Option&quot; It is worth noting that timer call options are &quot;exotic,&quot;...]]></description><pubDate>August 23, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at the Monte Carlo Options Method]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-the-monte-carlo-options-method.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Monte Carlo options method is a means to analyze highly volatile or complex investments by running models of various potential outcomes. The method uses inputs of different factors that can affect the profit of a highly unpredictable investment. The investment is so unpredictable that no other means of valuation could properly measure its likely return. With the Monte Carlo method, the option's potential return is considered to be the average of all the various outcomes. History of the Monte Carlo Method The method was first introduced in 1964 when economists noted there were some investments with which traditional...]]></description><pubDate>August 23, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Long Straddle vs Short Straddle]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/long-straddle-vs-short-straddle.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Long straddles and short straddles are both strategies to profit from arranging two options contracts--a put and a call--on the same security with the same strike date. This is the only area where the two are similar, however. As implied in the name, the short straddle is a short-term option contract by which the investor issues two opposing contracts. The sales are profitable as long as the trades are not executed. In a long straddle, the investor purchases two contracts, one call and one put, with the same strike price and date with a long position. Benefits of a...]]></description><pubDate>August 22, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overview of Incentive Stock Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/overview-of-incentive-stock-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Incentive stock options, or ISO's, are a type of benefit that many companies offer their employees. This type of stock option program provides employees with tax advantages and several benefits. Incentive stock options are a type of stock option that are reserved only for employees of the company. In most cases, they are reserved for upper-level executives in the company. What is it? An ISO is essentially a contract that is offered to the executive as a way to allow them to purchase a certain amount of shares of stock at a certain point. The executive can exercise the...]]></description><pubDate>August 22, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at Basket Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-basket-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Basket options are contracts based on the weighted value of a basket of goods. Typically, these goods are commodities or currencies. The contract is set up to represent the entire sum of values in the basket, and the individual purchaser would acquire each of the underlying assets if he or she executes the option. A single strike price and maturity is set. Because of the way they simplify multiple financial products into one contract, basket options are used in order to hedge risks in foreign currencies. In particular, basket options are popular with companies that will need to obtain...]]></description><pubDate>August 22, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Explanation of a Foreign Exchange Option]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/explanation-of-a-foreign-exchange-option.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A foreign exchange option is a contract that provides a purchaser the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a given amount of a foreign currency at a set price at a set date in the future. Foreign exchange options can be used to generate profit for private investors, but they are more often used by importers looking to ensure the price of their goods will not rise sharply due to an unfavorable exchange rate. Example For example, imagine an olive importer has an order for 1,000 olive trees that will cost $1,500USD to import from Europe....]]></description><pubDate>August 21, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Constructing a Long Put]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/constructing-a-long-put.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A long put is a derivative product that protects a stock or portfolio from a downfall in price because puts gain in value when the underlying goes does in value. This counteracting feature for puts makes them ideal for protection. In order for this protective put to work, you should buy to open. This works like buying an insurance contract for your portfolio. Buying a put is the same thing as buying a long put. Tips for Options Some tips for buying options include, having an expiration greater than or equal to six months in the future, making sure...]]></description><pubDate>July  1, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Short Straddle: Betting on Inaction]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-short-straddle-betting-on-inaction.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The short straddle is an options strategy that is used for a quiet market. It entails unlimited risk. It&amp;nbsp; is also known as a credit spread. A credit spread is one where you receive premium at the opening of the position, as opposed to outlaying premium in the form of cash. Therefore, this requires a margin account. With that said, let's explain the dynamics of the short straddle. Like any other options strategy, it is replete with a maximum loss, maximum gain, and break even price. How It works Constructing a short straddle involves selling both put and call...]]></description><pubDate>July  1, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Global Investment as a Recovery Stategy for the Economy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/global-investment-as-a-recovery-stategy-for-the-economy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Global investment as a recovery strategy for the economy has been a hot subject and a very real course of action for some time now. As the world becomes smaller and more interconnected, companies located in different countries are looking to invest elsewhere in order to spur growth and open new markets. Both governments and corporations realize that a major result of globalization is that opportunity will be sought overseas. Sovereign Wealth Funds An example of global investment for economic stimulus is sovereign wealth funds. These pools of nationally backed investment funds will seek out opportunities abroad. A prime...]]></description><pubDate>June 29, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Global Investment Group: Recession Coping Mechanisms]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/global-investment-group-recession-coping-mechanisms.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Global investment groups have seen investment as the solution to homegrown recession. Since the 2007 collapse of the subprime market and the resulting economic turmoil worldwide, consumers and companies alike have resorted to different methods of coping with a slowing economy and the effects that come with the territory. It has been said that the most recent recession has created a &amp;ldquo;new normal,&amp;rdquo; although whether it will remain as such is yet to be seen. Slowing of Discretionary Purchases An example of coping for consumers is cutting back on discretionary purchases. In a recession, companies that rely on consumer...]]></description><pubDate>June 29, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Knowing When to Use a Married Put Comes in Handy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/knowing-when-to-use-a-married-put-comes-in-handy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A married put is best used in a bullish market. In this type of market, the same protection is available through the married put as in any other market. However, in a bull market, the potential gains from a married put are much higher. To understand when to employ a married put strategy, it is important to understand the function of this model and the cost involved. What Is a Married Put? With a married put, you will own shares of a security and a put option on the security simultaneously. As the stock price of the security goes...]]></description><pubDate>June 19, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Calculating the Debit Spread]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/calculating-the-debit-spread.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A debit spread is a financial transaction where an investor sells and purchases two options involving the same security. The investor purchases the option with a higher price and sells the option with a lower price. Doing the math, you will see this means the investor initially loses money on the transaction. The amount of money lost is officially termed the &quot;debit spread.&quot; However, the ultimate goal is to earn money on the move in the long-run. Debit Spread Example Consider an investor holding a call option for a security at $10 per share. She sells the shares, and...]]></description><pubDate>June 19, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[China &amp; International Investment: Dominant Trends]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/china-international-investment-dominant-trends.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Given the state of the economy and China,international investment has begun to display dominant trends. These trends are helping dictate how international countries such as China are working to boost the world economy. If you are looking to branch into international investing, pay attention to the dominant emerging trends. These trends are especially important if you are expanding your portfolio beyond domestic countries. They can be good indicators as to what the growth potential is. Before investing into any of the trends, be sure to consult your investment group to determine which option provides the least amount of risk,...]]></description><pubDate>June 19, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Lookback Option: Going Back to Greener Pastures]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-lookback-option-going-back-to-greener-pastures.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A lookback option is a highly sophisticated and unique type of options purchase that allows an investor to select a call or put price based on a wide range of trading values over the life of the option. Essentially, the investor can exercise the option at any point and use a trading price of his or her choice that occurred during the life of the option. This eliminates the possibility of &quot;holding out too long&quot; and losing potential profits. Traditional Options Model With a traditional option, an individual investor has the right to put or call an option at...]]></description><pubDate>June 16, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Making Money in a Bear Market with the Bullet Trade]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/making-money-in-a-bear-market-with-the-bullet-trade.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Using the bullet trade is a high-risk investment technique that is utilized with options. Here are the basics of the bullet trade and how you can make money with it during a bear market. Utilizing a bullet trade will give you the opportunity to make money in a declining market. Sometimes, when the market is declining rapidly, brokers will not allow you to short a stock directly. Because of this, you may have to turn to other alternatives in order to take advantage of the market fall. One of the best ways to do this is to utilize a...]]></description><pubDate>June 11, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to the Bull Spread: Risks and Benefits]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-the-bull-spread-risks-and-benefits.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The bull spread is a type of option strategy that is commonly used in order to maximize the movement in an underlying security. This strategy is accomplished by purchasing the lowest strike price and selling at the highest strike price that is available. The options are purchased with the same expiration date. This creates a wide area between the lowest and highest strike prices that are available. Benefit The biggest benefit of using the bull spread is that you will be able to maximize your returns. When the price of the security increases, the returns will be large. Even...]]></description><pubDate>June 10, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Binomial Option Pricing Model]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-binomial-option-pricing-model.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The binomial option pricing model is a complicated formula for pricing options. The binomial model is based on two possible outcomes using combination mathematics to reiterate the number of outcomes in the model.The model is used with the help of a computer spreadsheet to calculate the price of an option. The benefits of using the model include a reasonable method to pricing options as well as a basis to calculate their value. Some of the drawbacks to the binomial pricing model are that it emphasizes the model on two possible outcomes, essentially up or down movements in the market....]]></description><pubDate>June  7, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using the Condor Spread]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-the-condor-spread.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The condor spread is similar to the butterfly spread, with uneven strike prices. This strategy is used when an investor has a volatile outlook on the market. It is equivalent to buying a bull call spread and a bear put spread with uneven strike prices on the short legs. &amp;nbsp; Debit spread The iron condor spread is essentially the opposite strategy to this condor spread. Similar to the iron condor, there is a wider profit zone than the butterfly version. These condor spreads are the favorite for those who want a wide profit zone. Take for example a market...]]></description><pubDate>June  7, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Things to Know About Interest Rate Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-things-to-know-about-interest-rate-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Interest rate options are trade-able instruments like any other option. In specific, the buyers and sellers of these options are betting on the rise or fall of a particular interest rate. In the United States, the rate is usually the Treasury Bond rate or the eurodollar interest rate. If you feel you can interpret the movement of this interest rates in either the short or long-run, you could make a profit by putting your money on the table with your bet. Take a few factors into account first. #1 Interest Rate Options are Derivatives If you are an investor...]]></description><pubDate>June  7, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding the Bull Call Spread]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-the-bull-call-spread.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A bull call spread is a involves engaging in two sides of a call option simultaneously. The individual involved in the process has one call option to buy at a certain strike price and one call option to sell at a separate strike price. The investor may find it favorable to do both at the same point in time to either profit or at least cover a loss. A bull call spread can take multiple forms, but it is most often a vertical spread. A vertical spread occurs whenever a trader is exchanging calling two options with the same...]]></description><pubDate>June  7, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Portfolio Margin Requirements in the Options Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/portfolio-margin-requirements-in-the-options-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Portfolio margins can be as complex as the portfolio strategies themselves. It's best to always check with your broker or to use the technical support in your trading platform. This is due to sell side credit calls, or puts, that make margin calculations harder. The cost of the spread is paid by cash in the account. Generally, options spreads are based on the volatility of the underlying market just like futures margin requirements are. This volatility can change therefore the required margin amount will change as well. The Risks If you are not careful, you can get into margin...]]></description><pubDate>June  7, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Compound Option?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-compound-option.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A compound option is essentially like having an option on another option. This is an investment technique that is used in many different situations. Here are the basics of the compound option and how it works. Compound Option With this type of option, you are going to have two different strike prices as well as two completely different exercise dates. With a traditional option, you only have one exercise date and one strike price. This means that a compound option is going to be much more complex and is typically reserved for investors that are very advanced in the...]]></description><pubDate>June  2, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using a Calendar Spread]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-a-calendar-spread.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A calendar spread is used for taking advantage of the difference in different delivery month prices as opposed to speculating on the future price. In other words, the difference in the two delivery month prices is the driver for profits as opposed to a rise or decline in price. Calendar spreads are also known as horizontal spreads. With that said, it is first important to properly choose the profitable two delivery months for the spread. This is done with proper research or common sense. When choosing the spread for short term interest rates, for instance, there are certain months...]]></description><pubDate>June  2, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is Options Backdating?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-options-backdating.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Options backdating is a practice that is sometimes performed by companies in order to provide them with an option with a date in the past. Here are the basics of options backdating and how it is used.&amp;nbsp; Options Backdating With a stock option, you are typically able to purchase a stock for what the price was on the day that you purchased the option. With options backdating, you are given an option on a company stock from a date that was in the past. By doing this, the company can select a date in which the value of the...]]></description><pubDate>June  2, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of the Spread Option]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-the-spread-option.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Options allow flexibility in investing but are some of the most risky instruments, that's why you should be aware of spread options. An options spread allows the investor to absorb major losses and aligns the investor with his or her view of the market. For instance, a spread on the Euro will allow the investor time and position to realize his or her view of the market. If the investor sold the front month and bought the back month (ie. sell July'10 and buy Dec'10) he or she would benefit from a drop in the Euro. Since it's a...]]></description><pubDate>May 23, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does an American Option Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-an-american-option-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The American option is the most commonly used type of option when dealing with exchange trade options. Here are the basics of the American option and how it works. American Option The American option gives you the ability to purchase a certain type of security at a specific price. When you have this type of option, you do not necessarily have to exercise it if you choose not to. The unique feature about this type of option is that you have the freedom to exercise it at any point during the life of the contract. The European option is...]]></description><pubDate>May 20, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using Inflation Derivatives]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-inflation-derivatives.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Inflation derivatives are a type of investment that are designed to protect investors against rising inflation rates. Here are the basics of the inflation derivative and how it works. Inflation Derivative This is a type of derivative that is going to give you some type of hedge against inflation. These are typically used as credit swaps between investors. The interest rate of the investment is going to be tied to a financial index such as the Consumer Price Index. If the Consumer Price Index increases, this type of investment is going to pay back a higher percentage of interest....]]></description><pubDate>May 19, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Warrant Coverage?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-warrant-coverage.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Warrant coverage is an option that allows a shareholder to purchase additional shares of a security for a predetermined amount. Many corporations will offer warrant coverage as an incentive for investors to purchase large shares in the company. How Warrant Coverage Works Let's say that you decided to invest $100,000 in a company that had stock selling at $2 per share. This means that you now own 50,000 shares of this particular company. The company currently provides 10 percent warrant coverage. With this, you would be able to purchase another 10 percent's worth of your original investment at the...]]></description><pubDate>May 18, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Option Time Decay]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-option-time-decay.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in options is difficult for one of two reasons; time decay and timing the markets. Since options have a time value attached to them, they are depreciating assets. To understand time value of options we look at one of the analytical calculations: theta. Theta Theta measures the price sensitivity of the option per lapsing day approaching expiration. Theta can be a negative value as well as positive, it most likely will be negative when the option is sold. No matter if the option is a call or put, the time value will create an extra expense that needs...]]></description><pubDate>May 12, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is the Greenshoe Option?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-the-greenshoe-option.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The greenshoe option is a feature that allows an underwriter of a particular security to sell more shares than what was originally discussed. Here are the basics of the green shoe option and what it means to investors. Greenshoe Option When an individual underwriter is selling a particular security, they really do not have any idea how much demand they should expect. If the demand for that security is particularly high, they may not have enough shares to sell. In this case, if the contract has a greenshoe option included, they could potentially sell more of that security than...]]></description><pubDate>May 11, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The S&amp;P 500 Mini: Play Like the Big Boys]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-sp-500-mini-play-like-the-big-boys.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The S&amp;amp;P 500 mini is a highly followed and traded futures product. Because it is a mini futures contract, it is popular among smaller traders who cannot afford the risk of the full futures contract. It is also popular among bigger traders who want more flexibility by being able to purchase more contracts. The Mini Contract Mini contracts are similar to full futures contracts; however, they are worth a fifth of the value of the contract. Therefore, mini futures contracts have 20 percent of the profit and loss point value. In other words, buying five minis is the same...]]></description><pubDate>May 11, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Option Intrinsic Value?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-option-intrinsic-value.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Intrinsic value for call options is literally the difference between the price of the market and the strike price (or exercise price), as long as the market is above the strike price. The intrinsic value for put options is literally the difference between the price of the market and the strike price, so long as the market is below the strike price. The strike (or exercise) price is the contract's stated agreed-upon value for buying the underlying security of a call option or selling the underlying security of a put option at the expiration date or upon exercise. Time...]]></description><pubDate>May  5, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Making Money with Call Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/making-money-with-call-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ This article is a start in learning to make money with call options. Call options afford the investor with great flexibility to make leveraged investment returns. Some of the benefits include the following: stock replacement, greater leverage, portfolio complements and lower capital requirements. Stock Replacement When you are closing the position for stocks, if the investment has been held for a year or more, the capital gains will be taxed at the lowest capital gains tax rate. Otherwise, these gains are taxed as personal income tax. A stock replacement portfolio can mimic the portfolio of the actual stocks. Options...]]></description><pubDate>May  5, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Iron Condor Spread]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-iron-condor-spread.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The iron condor spread is an advanced options strategy that uses multiple positions to create a limited risk strategy. It is also known as a reverse condor spread, essentially the credit spread version, or opposite. This requires buying and/or selling four different puts and calls with different strike prices. This is a high probability profiting position used mainly for a market that is expected to remain flat for a length of time. The iron condor is made up of two strangles and is similar to the iron butterfly spread but with a wider range to profit thanks to the...]]></description><pubDate>May  4, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Options Terminology: Backspread]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/options-terminology-backspread.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An options backspread is a ratio strategy with call or put options. Either the long or short side will have more weight. For instance, a call ratio backspread could be to sell the lower strike price and purchase a greater number of higher strike price calls. This gives an unlimited profit potential with a limited risk. This is a bullish strategy that will receive its profit potential with a great upside move. The upside move must be bigger to experience its profit potential depending on the gap between the purchased and written calls. The backspread can be a ratio...]]></description><pubDate>May  4, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trading Market Volatility with the VIX Option]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/trading-market-volatility-with-the-vix-option.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Markets go up, and markets go down; you can take advantage of this by trading volatility with the VIX option. This volatility has been calculated and measured for decades, but more recently, it has been formally introduced as a financial instrument for trading.&amp;nbsp; The volatility index is normally measured by a general market index, which could be the Dow Jones or S&amp;amp;P 500. It's a derivative product that behaves the same way as any option market does. Before you consider trading the VIX option, understand the way the volatility is measured. This is actually very important for professional traders...]]></description><pubDate>May  4, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Options Trading 101: The Box Spread]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/options-trading-101-the-box-spread.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The box spread is a trading strategy that seeks to accumulate a rate of return near that of an interest-rate bond. Using the box spread entails buying puts and calls. Given it is an arbitrage strategy, there is no real risk in using the box spread. The only downside is the transaction costs because of all the calls and puts used. Essentially, the box spread entails buying a bull call spread and buying a bear put spread. Because these two strategies even each other out at the time of expiration, the goal of the box spread is to find...]]></description><pubDate>May  4, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of Index Arbitrage]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-index-arbitrage.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Index arbitrage is the systematic process of trading the spot market and the futures market in such a way that captures the difference between the two prices. Index arbitrage occurs on a daily basis by professional traders. In the early morning hours of trading at the opening bell the futures market price and spot price will be out of whack due to the volatile nature of early morning and overnight trading in the futures markets. Normally, what happens is before the opening bell, if the market is expected to go up the futures market will be well above the...]]></description><pubDate>May  2, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Horizontal Spread Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-horizontal-spread-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The horizontal spread is one of many options strategies. However, few strategies are able to take advantage of the discrepancies of the time value in options. The horizontal spread strategy, also known as a calendar spread, is best for capturing an obvious discrepancy of an expiration month's average options price. Here's an example with July and September expiration months. Say the volatility in the market is 20% and the options for July and September are implying a 18% and 22% volatility, respectively. First, knowing that implied volatility should be at or near 20%, the September options are relatively more...]]></description><pubDate>May  1, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Credit Spread Option]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-credit-spread-option.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The credit spread option is essentially a limited gain, limited risk strategy that seeks to profit by selling options. For call options one would sell the low strike price option and buy the higher strike priced option. Hence, the spread will be net credit. In other words, at the outset of the position the account will collect premium with the intention of profiting by a sideways market or a bull market, having neither preference. This is a premium collection strategy with limited risk as opposed to selling naked options with unlimited risk. This options strategy is ideal for people...]]></description><pubDate>May  1, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Naked Call: Not for Novices]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-naked-call-not-for-novices.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A naked call occurs when you write or sell a call option by itself. It&amp;rsquo;s termed &quot;naked call&quot; because of the unlimited downside risk. You can also buy a call that has a limited risk; you would risk only the price of the call itself. The naked call you sell, however, can easily become a huge liability in your brokerage account. Here are some factors to keep in mind before choosing this trading strategy. Delta The delta of the call is important because it measures the price sensitivity to the underlying investment vehicle that the call is based on....]]></description><pubDate>April 30, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to Delta Hedging]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-delta-hedging.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you have traded options before, you may have heard the term delta hedging. The most followed analytical variables for options are delta, theta, vega, rho and gamma. Delta is the Greek symbol for change, and in finance, the term means the price sensitivity of the option in regards to the underlying instrument. Delta hedging is a technique used by professionals who trade options on a daily basis because trading in an options pit requires many transactions; the total delta is the entire exposure of the professional trader. Delta Value The meaning of delta neutral is a delta of...]]></description><pubDate>April 30, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using Options in a Managed Futures Account]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-options-in-a-managed-futures-account.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Managed futures accounts are a great way for any investor to diversify a portfolio. Most experts agree that up to twenty percent of an investment portfolio should be allocated to risk capital. Options portfolios would be considered risk capital that is suitable for this allocation. Now, with options investment managers or professional traders can use a great number of different strategies. The major strategies are as follows: Options selling Dispersion portfolio Buy a basket of options Options selling is one of the more risky types of investing. The manager will write (sell) options to capture a short term profit...]]></description><pubDate>April 28, 2010  5:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Options Trading 101: The Bear Call Spread]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/options-trading-101-the-bear-call-spread.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The bear call spread is used to profit from an expected drop in the price of the market. The strategy writes call options as opposed to buying call options for the bull call spread. When writing options, remember there is an advantage to the passage of time. There is a time value to options that goes above and beyond the true option value considered at time of expiration. If this time value is great, then some or all of it can essentially be reaped when writing options, especially in a spread where the risk is determined at time of...]]></description><pubDate>April 28, 2010  5:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Bull Vertical Spread Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-bull-vertical-spread-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The bull vertical spread strategy is a very popular strategy for casual investors who wish to enjoy tremendous rates of returns. Unlike trading options outright the bull call spread has the advantage of leveraging the position. The initial outlay for a bull call spread can make room for more positions, meaning greater rates of return, overall. Take for example, options on the S&amp;amp;P 500. If the market is trading near 1200 and we have two different strike priced options at 800 and 1000, we would&amp;nbsp; buy the 800 call and sell the 1000 call. This gives a below the...]]></description><pubDate>April 28, 2010  5:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Rainbow Option: Clever Investment Strategy or Gamble?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-rainbow-option-clever-investment-strategy-or-gamble.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The rainbow option is a specific type of option that many traders like to use. Here are the basics of the rainbow option and a consideration of whether it is a solid investment strategy. Rainbow Option A typical option will be exercised when the price of a security or commodity reaches a certain point. With the rainbow option, the option will be based on two different underlying assets. Both underlying assets will have to reach a certain threshold in order for the option to take effect. Otherwise, nothing will happen with the option. Example This type of option is...]]></description><pubDate>April 27, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Long Straddle: Win Big or Lose Trying]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-long-straddle-win-big-or-lose-trying.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A long straddle is an options strategy that uses both calls and puts. It takes advantage of the market volatility by profiting from either a large upward move or a large downward move. This straddle is not without a downside, though. That is the cost. The cost of a straddle is much more than buying a bull call or bear put spread. Normally, the strategy entails buying a call and a put with the same strike price. One can also use different strike prices for there to be an adjustment to the break-even point. Another adjustment can be made...]]></description><pubDate>April 27, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[International Investment Strategy for Risk Management]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/international-investment-strategy-for-risk-management.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors choose to utilize an international investment strategy to limit the amount of risk in their portfolios. This type of strategy definitely has some merit and should be considered by many investors. Here are the basics of using an international investment strategy for risk management. Global Market With today's technology, it is very simple for the average investor to invest in foreign markets. With nothing more than the money, a computer and an Internet connection, almost anyone can get involved. This makes the investment world a global market for everyone that is involved. Diversification The major benefit that...]]></description><pubDate>April 22, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Weather Derivatives: Raining on Your Sunny Day]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/weather-derivatives-raining-on-your-sunny-day.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The weather derivative is a unique form of investment that has not been around forever. With the weather derivative, you can essentially bet on what the weather is going to do. Here are the basics of the weather derivative and how it works. Background The weather derivative was created as a way for companies to hedge their bets against the weather. Many people do not stop to think about how much the weather affects businesses and the economy. According to some estimates, the weather affects as much as $1 trillion of the economy every year. Although our society is...]]></description><pubDate>April 16, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Introduction to the Bear Put Spread]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/introduction-to-the-bear-put-spread.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A bear put spread is the simultaneous purchasing and writing of two put options. This spread has the advantage of lowering the cost of the initial investment as well as defining a set maximum loss and maximum profit amount. Compared to buying only one put, which could lose and gain value dramatically overnight, a bear put spread also provides greater price stability throughout the life of the spread. For example, let&amp;rsquo;s say you are bearish on the major S&amp;amp;P 500 index, and it is trading around 1150. A bear put spread would be the buying of the lower exercise...]]></description><pubDate>April 13, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Bear Spread Option Trading Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-bear-spread-option-trading-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A bear put spread is the simultaneous purchasing and writing of two put options. This spread has the advantage of lowering the cost of the initial investment as well as defining a set maximum loss and maximum profit. It also features greater price stability throughout the life of the spread as compared to just buying one put, which could lose and gain value dramatically overnight. Since time has a lot to do with value, the markets may go in your favor, but there may be a lot of time until exercise still left with the options. This is a...]]></description><pubDate>April 13, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are OTC Options the Right Investment for You?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/are-otc-options-the-right-investment-for-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[ OTC options essentially stand for &amp;ldquo;over-the-counter&amp;rdquo; options, which are non-exchange listed options. That means the counter-parties (buyers and sellers) will trade options privately. &amp;nbsp; OTC options offer value in regards to privacy, tailoring specific needs between counter-parties, and mitigating costs of trading. In essence, there are lower transaction costs by trading outside of a commercial exchange. In general, options are a fantastic way to garner high investment returns while working with very little monetarily in comparison to stocks and bonds. Options also carry a very high amount of risk and indirectly have been the cause of systemic financial failure....]]></description><pubDate>April 12, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Tips for Beginning to Use Commodities Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-tips-for-beginning-to-use-commodities-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Commodities options contracts allow you to pick a set time in the future when you can buy or trade a commodity, based on a price you determine today. Options were originally created as a way to diversify risk in the commodities market, offering buyers the chance to speculate and sellers the change to hedge their goods. Now, the options market has multiple players, including individual investors, who capitalize on correctly predicting changes in prices.&amp;nbsp; #1 Be Prepared to Lose The first rule of all commodities investing, but particularly with options, is you have to be prepared to lose money....]]></description><pubDate>March 19, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Steps to Understanding Commodity Option Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-steps-to-understanding-commodity-option-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Commodity option trading is setting a price today for a purchase that will take place in the future. Here are three simple steps to understand what is occurring. #1 Use an Example Today, a purchaser would like to set a price of $200 a head for cattle six months from now. The seller agrees. In six months, the price rises to $220 a head. The buyer can exercise the contract, getting a discount on the cattle, and then reselling them for a profit.&amp;nbsp; #2 Differentiate the Two Parties There are two parties in every commodity trade: the speculator and...]]></description><pubDate>March 19, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is the Point Behind Commodity Options Trading?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-the-point-behind-commodity-options-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Commodity options trading has become a very popular form of investment over the years. However, many people outside the market do not understand the purpose behind it. Here are the basics of why someone would want to trade commodity options. Commodity Options Trading When you get involved in commodity options trading, you will essentially be buying options on commodity contracts. This gives you the right to purchase a commodities contract, but not necessarily the obligation to do so. Therefore, this is done as a way to lower risk on commodity investing. For example, you could purchase an option on...]]></description><pubDate>March 19, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[2 Ways a Commodity Option Can Improve Returns]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/2-ways-a-commodity-option-can-improve-returns.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A commodity option is essentially no different from a stock option. You purchase the option to either buy or sell a commodity at a given time in the future at a given price. You purchase this option because you think you can predict the market price for that commodity at the future time, and by predicting the price you can beat the market. There are really only two ways to improve returns using options. The first is to buy below the market price, and the second is to sell above the market price. #1 Buying Below the Market Price...]]></description><pubDate>March 19, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Pitfalls in Investing in Commodity Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-pitfalls-in-investing-in-commodity-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Commodity options contracts allow a buyer and seller to reach an agreement to exchange goods at a set time in the future for a preset price. This can be a profitable way to invest if the buyer or seller can accurately predict changes in the price of the commodity in the future. The obvious pitfall in this strategy is guessing wrong and being held accountable to a trade that represents a loss. #1 Unpredictability of Hard Commodity Pricing Hard commodities, such as metals and natural resources, fluctuate in price on a daily basis. This can make a price very...]]></description><pubDate>March 19, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Option Class]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-option-class.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The option class is a term that you may want to become familiar with as an investor in the stock market. Here are the basics of the option class and what it means to you and your investments. The Option Class The option class refers to the entire set of options that are available. This can refer to all of the put options that are available on a certain stock, or it can refer to the available call options. This can be limited to a particular stock or can also cover an entire index or sector. Significance The option...]]></description><pubDate>March 12, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Option Strike Price]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-option-strike-price.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The strike price of an option is the price at which shares of the underlying security are bought and sold for if the option is exercised. This price is important because it forms the basis for determining the option&amp;rsquo;s value. When the underlying security is trading above this price, the call holder is said to be in-the-money. In this case, if you are the call holder your option has intrinsic value because if the option is exercised, you can buy the security for less than its current market price. Likewise, if you own a put on a security that...]]></description><pubDate>February  1, 2010  4:05 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Strategies for Managing Your American Option Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/strategies-for-managing-your-american-option-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ American options are different from European options in that American options can be exercised at any point prior to expiration, while European options can only be exercised on the expiration date. European options often have indexes as their underlying investments. American options tend be used more for stocks and bonds. They also have different expiration dates. Since American markets are closed on weekends, they expire on the third Friday of every month. American options expire on the day after, on Saturday. Basics An call option allows you to buy a stock at a certain price, and a put option...]]></description><pubDate>January 26, 2010  4:11 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trading Digital Options Made Easy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/trading-digital-options-made-easy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A digital option trading account is one that is touted as a way to simplify your ability to trade in upswings or downturns in the market with little risk. Lets set aside or debunk a few myths about digital option platforms and websites that promote them before discussing how they work. First, all options trading involves risk, including the risk that you may potentially lose all of the money that you invested, or be exposed to an unlimited risk potential. Period. A Caution Regarding Digital Options A digital option is often promoted as an exotic option trading platform that...]]></description><pubDate>January 17, 2010  4:18 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Exploring Option Risk Mitigation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/exploring-option-risk-mitigation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There is option risk associated with hedging a stock position or taking advantage of the movement of a particular stock. Option contracts provide you an opportunity to participate in the market with the lowest capital outlay, but the greatest potential for either profit or loss, depending on the options position you take. You can mitigate this risk by taking opposite positions against your bet or limiting either your upside or downside risk with different options strategies. These strategies help mitigate your risk and maximize your potential gain. Basis for an Options Strategy Option strategies are based on your experience...]]></description><pubDate>January 17, 2010  4:14 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What to Know before Trading Option Spreads]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-to-know-before-trading-option-spreads.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An&amp;nbsp;option pricing model&amp;nbsp;that is most commonly used by tradition is the Black-Scholes model, but there is also the Monte Carlo method for pricing options. Both of these mathematical models looks to create a standardized way to evaluate the risk associated with equity options, and in particular American style options, and quantify that risk in order to determine the price. This article will touch on very generic concepts related to these traditional option pricing models. Given the complexity of these formulas you should seek additional sources to supplement or complete your understanding of these option pricing models and how they...]]></description><pubDate>January 17, 2010  4:10 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Traditional Option Pricing Models]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/traditional-option-pricing-models.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An option pricing model that is most commonly used is the Black-Scholes model, but there is also the Monte Carlo method for pricing options. Both of these mathematical models try to create a standardized way to evaluate the risk associated with equity options, and in particular American style options, and quantify that risk in order to determine the price. This article will touch on very generic concepts related to these traditional option pricing models. Given the complexity of these formulas, you should seek additional sources to supplement or complete your understanding of these option pricing models and how they...]]></description><pubDate>January 12, 2010  4:27 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ways to Profit from Option Volatility]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/ways-to-profit-from-option-volatility.html</link><description><![CDATA[ You can use an option volatility and make it work for you. Many psychological studies have found that humans have an optimistic bias. You can use this information and capitalize on it. Options allow you to move on the short term movements of a stock. You might believe that the general trend of the company will be positive, but there is nothing wrong with buying a few put options to capitalize on short term declines. Here are a few other ideas to help you maximize your profit: Pick Reactive Stocks There are a few sectors and stocks that are...]]></description><pubDate>January 11, 2010  4:24 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Function of American Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-function-of-american-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ American options&amp;nbsp; can be&amp;nbsp; exercised at any time before the expiration date. This is in direct contrast to&amp;nbsp; European options which can only be exercised at the expiration date. The type of option is not determined by which continent you buy your options on. American options tend to be used more for stocks and bonds. European options tend to be used more for indexes. American options expire on the third Friday of every month. This is because American markets are closed on weekends. Options, and American options in particular, serve certain functions in an in investor portfolio, and in...]]></description><pubDate>January 11, 2010  4:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tips for Reasearching Stock Option Quotes Online]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/tips-for-reasearching-stock-option-quotes-online.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are a number of internet tools available for researching options quotes. One of the biggest difficulties that come with investing in options is choosing the right options to invest in. There is no universal method&amp;nbsp; for choosing quality investments. Part of the reason for this is the fact that there are too many investments that have to be considered. Since the United States market is very large and relatively liquid, most screeners are targeted at U.S. exchange traded equity options. The Market Options are generally highly liquid. Their market prices can change very rapidly. Also, there can be...]]></description><pubDate>January 11, 2010  4:16 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Knowing Your Option's Value]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/knowing-your-options-value.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In order to understand the value of your option, you should become familiar with the concept of stock option valuation. Valuing options can involve fairly advanced mathematics. You do not need to know the exact details of the Black Scholes formula, or the other formulas used, but you should understand the underlying concepts. Components Options prices are also called premiums. They have two components and are determined by six factors. The price changes are indicated by six factors, which are called Greeks. Note that interest rates and stock dividends&amp;nbsp; are not generally important to options traders. The two basic...]]></description><pubDate>January 11, 2010  4:13 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Importance of Your Option Expiration Date]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-importance-of-your-option-expiration-date.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The importance of the option expiration date cannot be understated. If you do not have a good grasp on expiration dates, you run the risk of letting your options expire and they become worthless. Stock options normally begin trading&amp;nbsp; around eight months before their expiration dates. Because expiration dates are cyclical, some options are only operative for a month or two. An option can be bought or sold with one of four possible expiration dates. These dates are designated on the expiration cycle table. Equity options typically expire on the Saturday following the third Friday of the expiration month....]]></description><pubDate>December 29, 2009  4:12 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Calculating an Option's Theta]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/calculating-an-options-theta.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In order to find the options theta of an option, you need to take the derivative of an options value by time first. This will always be a negative number, but you will need to use the absolute value. An options theta is the daily rate of depreciation of a stock option price, while setting underlying stock at a constant price. An options theta measures how much an options price will decrease over time. This is the time decay rate. As the expiration date of an option comes closer, the option&amp;rsquo;s&amp;nbsp; extrinsic value, decreases.&amp;nbsp; The value of an option...]]></description><pubDate>December 28, 2009  3:43 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Useful Tools to Calculate an Option's Implied Volatility]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/useful-tools-to-calculate-an-options-implied-volatility.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are trading stocks or options, it will be useful for you to calculate implied volatility. Volatility is the term used to denote the stability of a given stock&amp;rsquo;s price, in relation to other stocks in the same industry.&amp;nbsp; If it is very reactive in comparison, it is considered highly volatile. Implied volatility attempts to predict how volatile the stock will be in the future based on the market&amp;rsquo;s view on the matter. This is in contrast to the term historical volatility, which denotes how volatile the stock has been in the past. Volatility is especially important because&amp;nbsp;the...]]></description><pubDate>December 28, 2009  3:40 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What to Know about a Digital Option]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-to-know-about-a-digital-option.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Digital options are also called binary options. Digital options come in two varieties; the European and the American. Just like normal options, the values of digital options are based on the values of the underlying assets. The underlying assets can be stocks, shares, bonds, insurance or currency. With digital options you bet on the movement of the underlying asset by the strike date. You choose a call option if you believe that the underlying asset will rise in value and a put option if you believe the underlying asset will lose value. Single Payout In digital options you receive...]]></description><pubDate>December 28, 2009  3:37 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tips for Buying Call Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/tips-for-buying-call-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are looking into options trading, you will want to know more about how to profit from buying call options. Call options can be extremely profitable and give great rates of return if the underlying stock value goes up substantially. Options give the buyer the right to buy or purchase the underlying stock. This makes the call option a form of derivative, that is, it derives its value from the value of the underlying stock. Buying Profitably To use the power of leverage and maximize the value of your money, buy stock options of the company whose stock...]]></description><pubDate>December 24, 2009  3:39 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does a Swap Option Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-a-swap-option-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A swap option is a complicated financial instrument that allows two parties to trade cash flows based on a number of different arrangements. In most cases, the party electing a swap option, or swaption, sees an advantage in one market over another, called a comparative advantage. If another party has the opposite comparative advantage, the two can trade and have a mutually beneficial agreement.Swap Option ExampleThe most common type of swap option is an interest swap. Typically, this means one party exchanges a fixed rate interest payment for a variable rate interest payment and visa versa. Imagine one party...]]></description><pubDate>December 24, 2009  3:35 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is an Option Spread?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-an-option-spread.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are investing in the stock market, you should learn about option spreads. These mitigate the risk you take when buying shares. Before we can understand what an option spread is we first need to be clear on what an option is. Options An option is basically a contract that gives the buyer of the option the right to buy or sell an underlying security on a specific date for a specific sum or amount. Please note that the buyer of the option has the right to buy or sell but is not under any obligation to do...]]></description><pubDate>December 24, 2009  3:32 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trading a Binary Option]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/trading-a-binary-option.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A binary option&amp;nbsp;is a unique investment tool that has given more people the opportunity to get involved in options. An option contract gives an investor the opportunity to buy or sell an asset at a given price and time. While it gives them the opportunity, it does not come with it any obligation. Therefore, options present investors with a very flexible form of investment. Many investors are unfamiliar with how to trade options in general and more specifically, binary options. Here are the basics of trading a binary option and how to go about doing so.What Are Binary Options?...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2009  3:32 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Don't Let Option Expiration Catch You Off Guard]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dont-let-option-expiration-catch-you-off-guard.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The option expiration is the date when you will no longer have the right to exercise your option on a stock. If you allow a stock option to expire, you will have to hold onto the stock instead of selling it at the price you previously agreed to for the option period. This may sound confusing because it relies on understanding what a stock option is, what an expiration period looks like and how you may miss the date. What is a Stock Option? A stock option is a privilege sold by one stockholder to another to take the...]]></description><pubDate>December 18, 2009  3:33 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trading Options Is No Game for Novices]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/trading-options-is-no-game-for-novices.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Trading options&amp;nbsp;is one of the most complicated ways to trade in the financial markets. Stocks and bonds are very simple by comparison. Therefore, if you have no experience in the field of options, there are several mistakes that you could potentially make. When dealing with options, large sums of money are on the loan. When you make a mistake, it could potentially cost you thousands of dollars. While an experienced investor can make a great return with this type of investment, a novice could easily lose their shirt. Here are a few common mistakes that a novice investor might...]]></description><pubDate>December 16, 2009  3:40 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Exploring Different Option Types]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/exploring-different-option-types.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are new to the world of options, you soon realize that you have several different ways to invest based on option type. An option is a method to invest that many people are not familiar with. Many investors think that there are stocks, mutual funds, and bonds and that is about it. However, if you are limiting yourself to those choices, you are missing out on a very rewarding type of investing through options. An option is a contract that gives you the right to buy a particular asset at a specific price on or before a...]]></description><pubDate>December 11, 2009  3:48 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Calls and Puts: The European Option]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/calls-and-puts-the-european-option.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The European option&amp;nbsp;is a unique variation on the traditional option model. The option gives an investor the right to purchase or sell something at a given price. There are many variations on the option process and one of the most popular types of options is the European option. Here are a few things that you need to understand about the European option if you are considering using one in the future.&amp;nbsp; Unique Feature The European option is like every other option in that it gives you the right to buy an asset at a specified price. However, where it...]]></description><pubDate>December 11, 2009  3:46 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Different Types of Exotic Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/different-types-of-exotic-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Exotic options&amp;nbsp;provide many opportunities for those who wish to dabble in the speculative world of options. An option gives you the right to buy or sell an asset at or before a specific point in time, at a certain price. All of the exotic options conform to those basic rules. All options work a little differently. Here are a few examples of exotic options that you could potentially invest in.&amp;nbsp; Barrier Option A barrier option is a special type of option that involves exceeding a pre-established barrier level. If the asset crosses the barrier, the option loses all of...]]></description><pubDate>December 11, 2009  3:42 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Option &quot;Theta&quot;]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-option-theta.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding option theta is a critical element of option trading because it directly impacts one of the two elements of an option&amp;#8217;s value: time value and intrinsic value. Theta&amp;nbsp;is the rate at which an option&amp;#8217;s value changes for each passing day, with all other factors held constant. If you want to trade options, it is important to know how the time value of the option will be affected by the passage of time. This is different than&amp;nbsp;intrinsic value (the value if the option were exercised immediately), which&amp;nbsp;has a direct relationship to the price of the underlying. Theta, however, varies...]]></description><pubDate>December  8, 2009  3:51 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Risk Exposure When Writing Call Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/risk-exposure-when-writing-call-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The risk exposure when writing call options is the single biggest consideration you need to make before investing capital. Depending on whether you are pursuing a covered call writing program or a naked call writing strategy, the risks of writing calls involve a significant amount of risk. While the exposure in each of these cases is different, understanding each difference is a critical part of the process. For the sake of ease, we will focus on equity call options, but the same principles apply to other types of underlying securities. Covered Call Writing Programs When you write or sell...]]></description><pubDate>December  7, 2009  4:00 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Covered Call Option?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-covered-call-option.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you own&amp;nbsp;a covered call option, you own both a call option and the amount of the underlying security. A covered call option is generally considered the safest and most conservative approach to owning call options because the risk is very limited and the profit potential is modest. The Mechanics of a Covered Call Covered call options involve writing, or selling, call options against a stock position that you have established prior to selling the calls. Once you already own the shares of the stock, if you then sell call options against your position, you have written covered calls....]]></description><pubDate>December  7, 2009  3:56 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Are Binary Options?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-are-binary-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are two primary types of binary options available: cash-or-nothing and asset-or-nothing options. Both types of options provide a fixed payout amount to the owner in the event that a certain condition is met prior to expiration. Binary options are&amp;nbsp;also known as all-or-nothing options. This is different from traditional options which pay a proportional amount&amp;nbsp;based on&amp;nbsp;the distance between the option's&amp;nbsp;strike price and&amp;nbsp;the market price of&amp;nbsp;underlying security at expiration. For this reason, most binary options trade as European-style options, meaning that they are only exercised at the expiration date. The Mechanics of a Binary Option Binary options are either cash-or-nothing...]]></description><pubDate>December  7, 2009  3:52 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Helpful Tips for Put and Call Options Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/helpful-tips-for-put-and-call-options-trading-1.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Put and call options trading can offer a creative and lucrative way to profit from investing in securities. While there is a significant level of skilled required, if you are willing to dedicate a modest amount of time to learning, you&amp;nbsp;can gain a rudimentary understanding. Experience is the best teacher, but the following tips can help you to both avoid common mistakes and make more effective trading decisions. Track the VIXX The VIXX is a measurement of the prevailing level of volatility in the broad market as measured by the S&amp;amp;P 500. When the general market experiences spikes in...]]></description><pubDate>December  3, 2009  4:01 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Write a Call Option]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-write-a-call-option.html</link><description><![CDATA[ To learn how to write a call option, first understand that the process involves selling the option contract. This is called &amp;#8220;writing&amp;#8221; because the seller of the option contract writes down the terms for the buyer. In another sense, the seller is the one making the promise to buy the underlying security, so he writes the promise down. When you write a call, you are promising to buy a set amount of the underlying security at a set price for a set period.Naked versus Covered CallsThe difference between a naked call and a covered call is that when you...]]></description><pubDate>December  2, 2009  4:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Option &quot;Gamma&quot;]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-option-gamma.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When one is working towards understanding option gamma, it is first necessary to understand an option&amp;#8217;s delta. In options trading there are a set of statistics that measure the sensitivity of the option to certain underlying factors - each is represented by a Greek letter, and they are collectively referred to as the Greeks. Gamma is a second derivative Greek that measures the rate of change of delta, which is the measurement of an option&amp;#8217;s sensitivity to a change in the price of the underlying security. Reaching levels of significant complexity is attainable when considering the Greeks, but is...]]></description><pubDate>December  2, 2009  4:18 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Helpful Tips for Put and Call Options Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/helpful-tips-for-put-and-call-options-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Put and call options trading can offer a creative and lucrative way to profit from investing in securities. While there is a significant level of skilled required, if you are willing to dedicate a modest amount of time to learning, you&amp;nbsp;can gain a rudimentary understanding. Experience is the best teacher, but the following tips can help you to both avoid common mistakes and make more effective trading decisions. Track the VIXX The VIXX is a measurement of the prevailing level of volatility in the broad market as measured by the S&amp;amp;P 500. When the general market experiences spikes in...]]></description><pubDate>December  2, 2009  4:16 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Learning to Trade Put Option Spreads]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/learning-to-trade-put-option-spreads.html</link><description><![CDATA[ While there are a wide variety of ways to trade put option spreads, the two most straightforward are vertical bull put spreads and vertical bear put spreads. Vertical spreads involve buying puts that expire in the same month but have different expiration months. These spreads apply to every type of underlying security, but we will focus on equity options for consistency. After understanding the process for creating each of these types of spreads, the tips that follow will help you to trade these strategies more successfully. Building the Spread To build a vertical bull put spread, you buy a...]]></description><pubDate>December  2, 2009  4:14 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Factors That Determine Option Costs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/factors-that-determine-option-costs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are two primary factors that determine option costs: the time value and the intrinsic value. While not all options have intrinsic value (this applies only to in-the-money options), all options have time value. When the two factors are combined, you can determine the option&amp;rsquo;s net value. Time Value Recall that an option gives the owner the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a set quantity of a specific security at a specific price for a limited period of time. This right carries a certain value that decreases as the amount of time until the right...]]></description><pubDate>December  2, 2009  4:11 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Guide to Currency Option Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-guide-to-currency-option-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Currency option trading is buying or selling the right - or the option - to buy or sell a given hard currency over a given time in the future. It is a high-risk investment opportunity and the only option trading that can be done 24 hours a day.&amp;nbsp; Different Than Currency Trading Trading in international hard currencies is a volatile, high-risk investment. Placing orders through a broker, an investor uses one currency to purchase another. The movement of either currency - up or down - can mean a gain or loss on the investment. Plus there are broker fees....]]></description><pubDate>December  2, 2009  4:07 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Trade Options: The Basics]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-trade-options-the-basics.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In order to understand the basics of how to trade options, you must understand the concept of an option contract, the basic mechanics of a call option and a put option, and when each type is used. While grasping these concepts will only provide the most rudimentary understanding of options trading, these concepts both form the baseline of a deeper knowledge and provide sufficient detail to begin examining the market. It is best to consult with a professional before risking any money. Call Options The purchase of a call options is the most basic strategy in options trading. A...]]></description><pubDate>December  1, 2009  4:01 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Guide to Trading Index Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-guide-to-trading-index-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Trading index options is a method of investing in the general movement of the stock market without having to purchase a wide variety of stocks. Instead, investors purchase an option to buy or sell based on the value of a particular stock index at a given time.&amp;nbsp; What Is a Stock Index? A stock market is a common point where shares of stocks listed on that market are bought or sold. For example, companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange have their stock bought and sold by traders who place orders for buyers through the exchange floor in...]]></description><pubDate>December  1, 2009  4:00 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Difference between an Option and a Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-difference-between-an-option-and-a-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding the differences between an option and a stock can be critical to making prudent investment decisions. The performance of these two instruments may have a direct correlation to capital commitment levels. In all cases, the differences are an important factor in determining the most sound investment approach. Relative Price Movements The price of an option may be directly or indirectly related to the price of the underlying stock upon which the option is written. While the specifics of the price relationships will differ based on various factors, in general, calls will rise in value as the price of...]]></description><pubDate>December  1, 2009  3:59 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Exploring Put and Call Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/exploring-put-and-call-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A good way to begin to understand options trading is by exploring put and call options, their basic mechanics, and the benefits of each relative to trading in the underlying securities. While there are clear differences between puts and calls, it will be useful to first understand a few basic principles of options. After these are understood, the details of call options and put options will be more apparent. Option Basics At the most basic level, an option contract gives the owner the right, but not the obligation, to transact in a specified amount of an underlying security or...]]></description><pubDate>November 28, 2009  3:49 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Getting an Education in Option Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/getting-an-education-in-option-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When working on getting an education in option trading, there are a few avenues one can follow. You can teach yourself the basics by reading and researching or attending more formalized training courses. In either case, option trading is a discipline that involves a need for experience to really understand the subtleties involved. The most prepared theorist will find new and unexpected challenges in practice, and, as such, a real education means committing some capital and trading. Reading the Books The most common way to learn the basics of options trading is to buy a small collection of books...]]></description><pubDate>November 28, 2009  3:48 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[American Options vs. European Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/american-options-vs-european-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When considering the difference between American options versus European options, it is important to keep in mind that there are several levels of analysis possible because they &amp;nbsp;range from the most straightforward to highly complex mathematical anomalies. A full interpretation of an option requires both an understanding of options contracts and an appreciation of statistical subtleties. Differences in Exercise Ability The most basic difference between an American option and a European option is that a European option may only be exercised on the expiration date, while an American option may be exercised at any point before that date. All...]]></description><pubDate>November 28, 2009  3:46 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Conservative Equity Option Trading Tips]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/conservative-equity-option-trading-tips.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Taking a conservative approach to trading equity options can be a successful way to generate profits, while mitigating risk. While trading options can involve high volatility, carefully crafted trades can avoid these issues. By observing the following basic tips, a trader can maintain a conservative approach. Focus on Long Options By taking only long option positions, and avoiding writing (selling short) options, the downside of trading is reduced. If an option becomes worthless at expiration, the most that the owner can lose is what was paid for the option. For example, if you pay $2 for a call option...]]></description><pubDate>November 28, 2009  3:44 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Pitfalls of Option Trading Software]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-pitfalls-of-option-trading-software.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Option trading software is a relatively new way to get involved in the field of trading options. Much like the online stock, trading programs are on the market that should help you make informed decisions. While it is nice to be on the cutting edge of technology and trade independently, there are also some pitfalls to this type of trading method. Software Malfunctions Any time you use a piece of software to do anything, you run the risk of problems. When you are dealing with a real-time market, execution is of the essence. You need to get in and...]]></description><pubDate>November 28, 2009  3:43 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Choosing Your Stock and Options Broker]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/choosing-your-stock-and-options-broker.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Choosing the right stock and options broker is an essential part of your investment success. Regardless of how good your trading strategy is, the wrong broker can eat into your profits and your effectiveness. There are many things to consider when choosing the proper broker. Here are a few things that you should be aware of before you select a broker. Fees The fees that your broker charges can affect you in a big way. When you pay a high amount of fees, your profits are minimized along the way. By the time you get to the end of...]]></description><pubDate>November 28, 2009  3:41 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Inherent Dangers of Trading Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-inherent-dangers-of-trading-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Trading options&amp;nbsp;gives investors a different type of security to trade besides stocks and bonds. With options, you get a unique type of agreement in which you are not always obligated to purchase. This can let you lower your risk on the front end and let you invest with less money. While options can be beneficial, there are a few inherent risks associated with them and there are few things you need to think about in advance.&amp;nbsp; Lose Initial Investment In order to secure the option to buy or sell a security, you will need to come up with an...]]></description><pubDate>November 28, 2009  3:40 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Risk Managing: Options As A Strategic Investment]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/risk-managing-options-as-a-strategic-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[Options as a strategic investment make sense for some investors because they can take advantage of the market fluctuations. Also, options can minimize risk because they provide an established length of time for investment opportunities. aOption ContractOption investing involves a contract that is entered into between two parties. The option holder is an investor who buys the right to either buy or sell a stock. The option writer has an obligation to buy or sell a stock. This is stipulated in the contract, which is fixed at a set price known as the exercise or strike price. An option contract...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Option Investing: Educate Yourself Before Getting In]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-option-investing-educate-yourself-before-getting-in.html</link><description><![CDATA[Stock option investing is less familiar to many inexperienced investors than other types of investing. However, there are those who advocate stock options as a better way of investing than a buy and hold strategy with actual stocks.Define Stock Option InvestingStock option investing means to buy a stock without actually trading the actual stock. Instead, you purchase an option for the underlying stock.These options can be used to engage in trading the stock without actually being involved in the buying and selling of the stock itself.These options can be purchased for nearly every individual stock in the U.S., Europe and...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What An Option Investor Can Do For You]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-an-option-investor-can-do-for-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[An option investor is an investor who trades option contracts. An option is a financial instrument derived from an underlying security, such as a stock. An option is a contract between 2 parties, the buyer or holder of the contract who has certain rights and the seller or writer of the contract who has obligations. An option holder pays a premium or buys a right to buy or sell while the option writer receives the premium in exchange for the obligation to buy or sell.Income and Hedge StrategiesAn option investor uses these contracts as a way to minimize risk or...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Global Capital Investment Structure In 4 Paragraphs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-global-capital-investment-structure-in-4-paragraphs.html</link><description><![CDATA[For many investors, global capital investments are considered to be more risky than their domestic counterparts. However, there are many excellent opportunities to be found in foreign investments. Many foreign investment securities and funds have outperformed domestic securities and funds in both stability and returns. It is important to understand how global capital investments work.Investors and the Global EconomyThere are many financial companies that search the world for well-managed and profitable companies outside the United States. These companies usually make global investments available in the form of mutual funds. Most global fund managers try to choose companies that stand out...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lease Option Investing Different From &quot;Normal&quot; Option Investing?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/lease-option-investing-different-from-normal-option-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[Lease option investing involves obtaining an option to purchase real estate at some future date. Lease options work similarly to option investments but do not involve the same market for the purchase, or execution, of the option. Use of the term lease option investing can sound misleading because it sounds like you are getting involved in the securities market but these transactions are not defined as securities or regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.Lease Option InvestingLease option investing involves acquiring a lease on a piece of real estate and with the ability to purchase it at some future date....]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Respectable Strategies for Buying Investment Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-respectable-strategies-for-buying-investment-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[Usually investment options are investment tools used by experienced investors. However, if you can understand the fundamentals behind what drives the value of options, you can become familiar with how they work and what strategies you can employ in order to profit from them. Unlike investing in mutual funds, where many of the securities are low-risk in order to provide the least possible overall risk for your portfolio, investing in options entails some more complex financial concepts. The article below will briefly describe the variables that influence the prices of options and how to use these variables to your advantage....]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Are Global Investment Services Regulated?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-are-global-investment-services-regulated.html</link><description><![CDATA[Many new investors are surprised to learn that there is not a lot cooperative and organized regulation concerning global investment services. While there are organizations that regulate certain aspects of global investment, the regulations are not uniform and vary from country to country. In fact, many countries do not allow any type of foreign investment at all and some countries that allow foreign investments, place very heavy restrictions and limits.Current Global Investment RegulatorsWhile international banking and finance laws vary considerably, there are a few organizations that have been established to help facilitate trade and investment throughout the world. &amp;nbsp;Organizations like...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[2 Different Stylistic Option Investing Strategies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/2-different-stylistic-option-investing-strategies.html</link><description><![CDATA[Option investing provides a way or investors to minimize their loss potential and maximize their gains. An option is a contract between a holder and a writer to perform some action by some predetermined expiration date, typically 9 months. A premium is the price the buyer pays for their right, and the holder receives for their obligation.There are various option strategies that are available to an option investor. These involve the two types of option contracts; calls and puts. From the holder&amp;rsquo;s perspective, a call is a write to buy stock from the writer at a fixed price stated in...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:21 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Embedded Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/embedded-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[There are a number of reasons why investors buy preferred stock. For instance, preferreds are sometimes used to speculate on interest rates because of their relatively high sensitivity to rate changes. Many investors employ preferreds to generate a steady income. Still others use them to make option plays. Preferreds can contain several different types of embedded options (options that are part of and inseparable from the structure of another security instrument). Some embedded options benefit the investor, while others benefit the bond issuer. Some common embedded options of preferred stock are discussed below.Call option - Stock equity is normally perpetual,...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Exotic Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/exotic-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[Exotic options are highly customized instruments that are usually created by the over-the-counter desks of major derivatives dealers in order to help their clients solve very specific types of business problems. These options - which typically have unusual features - are the fastest-growing segment of the options market. There are many different kinds of exotic options in existence today, and new ones are being created all the time. This article will examine a number of them and how they're used to traverse distinct financial obstacles.First, however, let's quickly review some basic terminology that you'll need to understand the various summaries...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/options.html</link><description><![CDATA[Options in relation to the stock market involve a tentative contract to purchase or sell an asset. This contract is written to give a buyer the ability to purchase shares at an agreed upon rate as long as the buy is made before a specific date. The buyer is under no obligation to carry the contract forward.Options can be a gamble, but they can also pay off. If an agreed upon price is lower than the going value at the time of purchase, the buyer wins. ....]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:19 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Are Stock Warrants?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-are-stock-warrants.html</link><description><![CDATA[Stock warrants are similar to options because they give an investor the option to purchase a share of stock at a given price at some point in the future. The true difference between a warrant and an option is the issuer. An option is issued by the market exchange; a warrant is issued by the company offering the stock. Why Offer Warrants? Companies offer warrants on their shares when they want to boost investor confidence. They are predicting the value of their stock will go up; if it does, then investors will have greater confidence in the stock in the...]]></description><pubDate>April  6, 2011 11:59 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Gross Profit?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-gross-profit.html</link><description><![CDATA[Gross profit is essentially the profit made from a company before interest expenses, taxes, and dividend expenses. This is the gross sum of money made in a calendar year as income. Other names Gross profit can be defined also, commonly, as EBIT and NOPAT. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) is commonly calculated as gross profit. This is a measure that is used for year by year comparisons to analyze the company's earnings performance based on a different capital structure and different tax rates. Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) is the same thing as (EBIT) except that it takes...]]></description><pubDate>April  6, 2011 11:14 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Volatility Index (VIX): Analyzing Market Sentiment]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-volatility-index-vix-analyzing-market-sentiment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Volatility Index (VIX) is a relatively new index that captures implied volatility for the S&amp;amp;P 500 index options. An implied volatility uses the quoted price of a security to determine the level of volatility the market has priced. The Volatility Index represents that implied volatility for the next 30 days. The Index is a good predictor of the general level of movement in short-term stock prices. Measuring Implied Volatility The VIX is determined by a complex formula and the index value is published by the Chicago Board Options Exchange. The formula to calculate the VIX uses current market...]]></description><pubDate>March 24, 2011  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using Return on Equity (ROE) to Gauge Financial Success]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-return-on-equity-roe-to-gauge-financial-success.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Return on equity is a valuation multiple that is commonly used to determine the value of a company. Investors will rely on return on equity to tell them important information about a company's potential. Here are the basics of return on equity and why it is important. Return on Equity The process of determining return on equity is very simple. Take the net income after taxes and divide that by the shareholder equity. This is designed to tell you exactly how much profit can be generated by the company when people invest in it. Why it is Considered Valuable...]]></description><pubDate>March  1, 2011  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Choosing an Online Broker as a New Forex Investor]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/choosing-an-online-broker-as-a-new-forex-investor.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Choosing the best online broker is critical when someone is a new forex investor. There are forex brokers who provide in-depth market data and free demo accounts to test-run their trading platform. There are other brokers who do business only with experienced clients or institutions. A new forex trader should choose a broker that provides instructional support, market data and free demos of their services. Taking a demo run with several different forex brokers will allow a trader to find the best services and trading platform to suit her needs. Before any broker is considered, make sure they are...]]></description><pubDate>February 26, 2011  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Gauging the Impact of a Hostile Takeover on Stock Values]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/gauging-the-impact-of-a-hostile-takeover-on-stock-values.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A hostile takeover occurs when a company is actively pursued for purchase against the wishes of the board of directors. The company that is up for sale is often vulnerable. Another company that is determined to take over can move from friendly to hostile in a matter of weeks. The board of directors may refuse to accept the other company, but the aggressor instead starts to buy stocks. The company intending to purchase may buy stock until they have the majority of the shares and are therefore able to force through the takeover. The takeover affects the value of...]]></description><pubDate>February 10, 2011  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Incentive Stock Option Tax Tips]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/incentive-stock-option-tax-tips.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Businesses sometimes encourage their staff to work harder through the use of an incentive stock option. Employees are allowed to buy these ISOs for a much lower price, and are then allowed to hold them for 10 years. These stock options confer a federal tax benefit onto the employee, and are sometimes known as ISOs. These kinds of stock options have a tax benefit, in that holders do not have to pay income or employment tax on the calculated difference between the price and the market value of these shares. However, in some cases the owner of the ISO...]]></description><pubDate>February 10, 2011  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Accumulated Depreciation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-accumulated-depreciation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you want to invest in stocks, then you may not be sure about how to work out the accumulated appreciation, most often referred to as accumulated depreciation. The fact that items lose value the longer that you hold onto them is a difficult situation, and you may find that the longer you hold onto your shares, the faster they lose value. When it comes to the point where you are unsure whether to sell or to hold onto any valuable stocks, then you might want to know how to understand the effects of accumulated appreciation. Understanding Accumulated Depreciation...]]></description><pubDate>February 10, 2011  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Broker Fees Worth Fighting Against]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-broker-fees-worth-fighting-against.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are employing a stock brokerage firm to invest your stocks, then you might be unhappy about the stock broker fees that you have been charged. If you consider that you might only be getting around 6 percent from your investments, and yet you are paying 2 percent in fees, that's about a third of your profits that you are handing over to the stock broker. Money which could be finding its way into your pocket instead. If you want to make your broker worth your while, and oppose those fees that you don't want to pay, then...]]></description><pubDate>February 10, 2011  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Operating Profit Margin: Strong Indicator of Efficiency]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/operating-profit-margin-strong-indicator-of-efficiency.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you want to work out whether the company you have stocks in is working effectively, you should consider looking at the operating profit margin. This is considered to be the amount of revenue which is left over, before any kind of indirect costing such as taxes and rent, after all of the variable expenses such as wages and parts have been paid. The operating profit margin, also known as the operating margin, is a useful way of discovering if the company you have shares in is working at its maximum, or if there are problems in its running...]]></description><pubDate>February 10, 2011  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding and Using Net Profit Margin]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-and-using-net-profit-margin.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Net profit margin is a metric used in financial analysis as a quick way to help determine the profitability of a company. The net profit margin can be calculated with two figures from the income statement: the top line (revenue) and the bottom line (net income). Net profit margin is defined to be the ratio of net income to revenue, expressed as a percentage. The mathematical equation is: Net Profit Margin = (Net Income / Revenue) * 100 percent Since net income is always less than revenue under normal circumstances, the highest theoretical net profit margin is 100 percent,...]]></description><pubDate>January 29, 2011  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Liquid Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/liquid-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A liquid market holds sufficient trading volume so that you are able to execute a trade near the price that is available in the market. Liquidity is often a function of the size of the trade you wish to make. Larger share quantities require greater liquidity. However, for most retail investors, a liquid market allows them to trade easily and quickly. A hallmark of a liquid market is a small spread between the bid and ask prices. Often, the spread is little as one cent, or a penny. This means that if you are willing to give up one...]]></description><pubDate>January 28, 2011  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Qualified Dividend]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/qualified-dividend.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A qualified dividend is one in where capital gains taxes can be applied. Normally, a qualified dividend garners dividends that pass through an investment vehicle. The most basic difference between qualified and ordinary dividends have to do with taxes. Ordinary dividends are taxed at the income tax rate the investor is paying. Qualified dividends, on the other hand, are taxed at a lower capital gains tax rate. Most dividends that are paid out by investment companies and stocks are treated as qualified dividends....]]></description><pubDate>January 25, 2011  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pink Sheet Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pink-sheet-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Pink sheets is the informal designation for&amp;nbsp;an electronic&amp;nbsp;quotation system known as Pink Quote&amp;nbsp;from Pink OTC Markets. It is a&amp;nbsp;system&amp;nbsp;that displays&amp;nbsp;quotes for over-the-counter (OTC) securities. The companies that are traded on this system&amp;nbsp;can't be traded on the stock exchanges. They're usually small, newly-formed companies that are thinly-traded, companies that are bankrupt, or&amp;nbsp;large companies that have recently been delisted from an exchange.&amp;nbsp;DifficultiesPink Sheets are difficult to trade for the average investor because:There is very little transparency.&amp;nbsp;Financial information isn't required to be disclosed regularly other than when they are first entered into the system. This makes information for investing difficult to find.&amp;nbsp;...]]></description><pubDate>January 18, 2011  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Market Arbitrage]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/market-arbitrage.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Market arbitrage is the risk-free profit available from the price discrepancy of the same investment in different markets. If the discrepancy is larger than the transaction fees than there is a definite risk-free opportunity to profit. For example, XYZ stock is listed on two different exchanges and one is trading at a higher price. To perform market arbitrage you would simultaneously sell the higher priced XYZ stock and buy the lower priced XYZ stock. Once the two prices converge, you will have gained a risk-free profit....]]></description><pubDate>December 26, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Equity]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/equity.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Equity is the term used to describe the common or preferred stock that belongs to a company; this is also called an ownership interest. It can also mean the net worth of a company, also called the shareholder's equity. This can be calculated by subtracting all liabilities from the company's total assets. The term equity also describes the value of securities held in an account. It represents the complete asset, as a liquidated asset at the current market value, when used in the context of futures trading. The most commonly known use of the word is related to mortgages....]]></description><pubDate>December 24, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Choosing a Trading Style]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/choosing-a-trading-style.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are getting involved with stock investing, you need to choose a trading style that works best for you. Instead of dabbling in many different styles, you would generally be better off by choosing one and sticking with it for an extended period of time. Here are a few of the different trading style that you could choose and what each one can provide you. Scalping Scalping is a type of trading strategy that is used by traders on a short-term basis. With this type of trading, a trader will open a position and then will close it...]]></description><pubDate>December 23, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Day Trading: Live Trading Services]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/day-trading-live-trading-services.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Live trading services provide day traders with the tools needed to succeed. Day trading is not for the faint of heart. It is a high-risk and high-reward investment activity. Most novice investors do not have the expertise, experience or tools required to achieve consistent positive returns on their investments as day traders. Therefore, many choose to use live trading services instead. What Is Day Trading? Most experts advise conservative investors to focus on long-term objectives when investing in the stock market. The stock market is volatile by nature. Many will argue that investors cannot consistently time the market, which...]]></description><pubDate>December 23, 2010  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Trade Penny Stocks Online]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-trade-penny-stocks-online.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you want to learn how to trade penny stocks online you are not alone. This is a great way to make a lot of money, if you know what you are doing. While there is a big risk involved, the more you know about trading these stocks the better off you are going to be. Open an Online Brokerage Account The only way to trade penny stocks online is to open an account with a popular service such as Ameritrade, Scottrade, or E*TRADE. While these brokerage services are among the most popular, there are many others that will...]]></description><pubDate>December 23, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Ways Technical Analysis Can Fail]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-ways-technical-analysis-can-fail.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Technical analysis is a discipline that many individual traders use on a daily basis. This is the analysis method of choice for day traders. This type of analysis seeks to find patterns in price charts instead of looking at the fundamental aspects of a security. While it could potentially provide you with valuable information, there are certain times that technical analysis can fail miserably. Here are a few ways that technical analysis can fail you. 1. Geopolitical Events One of the scenarios in which technical analysis can fail is during a geopolitical event. Anytime that a political event takes...]]></description><pubDate>December 23, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Top 4 Benefits of Technical Analysis]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/top-4-benefits-of-technical-analysis.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Technical analysis is the study of stocks and markets as they relate to price data only. Technical analysis does not concern itself with the researching of the fundamental information and prognosis--that&amp;#8217;s left for fundamental analysis. Fundamental and technical analyses are somewhat at odds with each other. Some market experts use both, and some use one or the other. The main benefits of technical analysis are that it takes less time than fundamental analysis, can easily take advantage of useful resources, is inexpensive to employ and focuses more on strategy and execution. 1. Takes Less Time Proponents of technical analysis...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2010  5:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Penny Stocks - Are They Worth Adding to Your Investment Portfolio?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/penny-stocks---are-they-worth-adding-to-your-investment-portfolio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Penny stocks, also known as pennies, are shares issued by small companies that trade under a dollar. In recent times, however, the Securities and Exchange Commission has expanded the meaning of the term to include stocks that are priced under $5 and are traded in the Pink Sheets, or the OTC Bulletin Board. The companies that issue these shares do not have the financial standing to meet the requirements of a regular stock exchange listing. Many people are lured into putting their money in penny shares because they are very inexpensive. Affordable InvestmentOne of the main reasons why investors...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2010  5:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Day Trading: The Good News and the Bad News]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/day-trading-the-good-news-and-the-bad-news.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Day trading is a type of stock trading that involves purchasing a security and then selling it within the same day in order to realize a short-term profit. This type of trading can potentially generate nice profits, but it also has a few drawbacks that you should be aware of. Here are some of the benefits and risks of day trading. Big Profits The biggest advantage of day trading is that you can generate big profits in a short time. Many people who have learned how to be successful day traders can make huge returns compared to with some...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2010  5:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Annuity Due]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/annuity-due.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An annuity due is when an annuity payment must be made at the beginning of a period of time, instead of at the end of the term. With this arrangement, the individual that is making the payment will essentially be paying for something before they actually receive any benefits from it. This is very common with rental and lease agreements. For example, when a business leases a piece of property for a store, they have to pay the landlord for the first month's rent at the beginning of the month instead of at the end.&amp;nbsp;...]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Abatement Cost]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/abatement-cost.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Abatement cost is the term used to describe the expenses that companies incur when they remove a negative environmental hazard, that is a result of their regular operations. There are many hazardous byproducts that can be produced from the business operations of some companies. The toxins can include the release of unwanted chemicals into the atmosphere in gas or greenhouse gases, fluid chemicals released into water systems, and excess wood or plastic or other debris that are the result of manufacturing. Another important abatement cost can be loud noises. Abatement costs can be expensive....]]></description><pubDate>December 22, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Distribution Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/distribution-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Distribution stock is the term used to describe the selling of portions of a group stock shares rather than selling an entire block of shares at once. With distribution stock, the shares are sold gradually over a period of time. This can reduce the risk of a sudden drop in the stock's market value that could be created if it is all sold at once. Some companies may do this in order to test the way the market responds without risking all of the asset. &amp;nbsp;...]]></description><pubDate>December 21, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Adaptive Moving Average]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/adaptive-moving-average.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The adaptive moving average (AMA) is a variation on the exponential moving average (EMA). It is an effort to deal with the inherent problems that have always plagued moving averages when being used to produce trading signals. Moving averages are following trend indicators that can be used to produce trading signals when prices cross over the moving average line. A perplexing problem for averages is when the market becomes range-bound, in a consolidation pattern. This produces many small gains and losses.&amp;nbsp; Exponential Moving Average (EMA) The EMA is a weighted average that tries to smooth out the market variations...]]></description><pubDate>December  8, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Efficiency Ratio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/efficiency-ratio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An efficiency ratio is used to evaluate how efficient a financial institution i. The ratio is mainly used with banks and is commonly calculated by dividing the expenses that the bank incurs by the revenue. This number is then converted to a percentage. A bank with a lower percentage is viewed as more efficient than a bank with a higher one. A bank will a low efficiency ratio indicates that the bank is not losing the revenue it generates to pay for overhead and operational costs. Analysts and managers can also look at the ratio and determine how much...]]></description><pubDate>December  7, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Over the Counter Stocks: Risk vs Reward]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/over-the-counter-stocks-risk-vs-reward.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many over the counter stocks differ from stocks traded in traditional markets in several important ways. These are stocks of smaller, newer companies. The unique characteristics of these stocks can provide investment opportunities for smart investors. These investors must have the ability to recognize both the risks and the rewards. Success in this market requires that an investor be prudent and be willing to accept a reasonable amount of risk. The investor must be willing to research potential investment opportunities carefully. What Is the Over the Counter Market? There are several centralized exchanges where investors trade securities. The New...]]></description><pubDate>December  1, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does an Employee Trust Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-an-employee-trust-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ An employee trust is a type of trust that is set up as a benefit to the employees of a company. With this type of arrangement, the company is the grantor of a trust fund and an individual within the company is in charge of maintaining the trust fund. This individual is known as the trustee. The employees of the trust fund are the beneficiaries of the trust. Types of Employee Trust The most common trusts are employee stock ownership programs. The trustee uses money within the trust to purchase many shares of stock. Typically, the stock that is...]]></description><pubDate>December  1, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trading Pink Sheet Stocks Is No Game for Novices]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/trading-pink-sheet-stocks-is-no-game-for-novices.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many people are intrigued with the huge profits some traders make in pink sheet stocks. These stocks generally trade at low prices. Some may even trade for under $1 a share. However, a small increase in the price of these stocks can translate to a large gain. For example, a stock trading for 50 cents a share would need to increase to only 75 cents a share for a 50 percent gain. Yet the investor, focusing on the potential profits, can overlook the risks associated with trading pink sheet stocks. As in most cases of investment, a high risk...]]></description><pubDate>November 24, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Calculating Stock Dividend Yields]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/calculating-stock-dividend-yields.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Calculating stock dividend yields is one of the many ways for some analyst to determine the attractiveness of stock as an investment. Investment professionals use different ways of identifying the best and most attractive stocks for investments. There is no universal agreement on which method of evaluating stocks to determine best investments. Some analyst focus on the entirely growth rates revenues while others may concentrate more the fundamentals of the business such as it financial health and market share. Investors have enjoyed success using various methods. However, most experts will agree dividend payments are a significant factor in determining...]]></description><pubDate>November 23, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Company Stock Research: Using SEC Filings Is Not Just for Pros]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/company-stock-research-using-sec-filings-is-not-just-for-pros.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The average investor can find a wealth of stock research information in SEC filings. Much of the information is in layman&amp;rsquo;s terms and easily understandable. This information is free and easily accessible. Anyone who has access to the Internet can get information from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website. This site has a database known as EDGAR. The SEC homepage has a link to Edgar as well as a tutorial. From the links on the site, you can view and download a number of various reports. However, the most helpful reports for the average investor are the...]]></description><pubDate>November 23, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[VDAX Volatility Index]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/vdax-volatility-index.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Volatility index is a&amp;nbsp;stock market&amp;nbsp;indicator that shows how likely the prices of certain stocks are to fluctuate over a certain period of time. The VDAX volatility index, in particular, is used to measure the volatility of the DAX stock index. The DAX stock index is a German stock market index that consists of the stocks of 30 major German blue chip companies that are traded at Frankfurt Stock Exchange. It calculates the implied volatility for the next&amp;nbsp;thirty&amp;nbsp;days. This&amp;nbsp;helps traders to better anticipate&amp;nbsp;how big the stock price fluctuations are likely to get&amp;nbsp;and customize their trading strategies accordingly. Understanding Volatility When...]]></description><pubDate>November 20, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trading Styles: Scalping]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/trading-styles-scalping.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When it comes to stock market trading, scalping is a technique that many investors like to use. Scalping is a very short-term type of trading in which the trader attempts to secure small amounts of profit on each trade. This type of trading can be very profitable, but it also carries with it a fair amount of risk. Here are the basics of scalping. Scalping When a trader places a scalping trade, he plans on holding the position only for a very short amount of time. In most cases, this type of trade will be open for only a...]]></description><pubDate>November 20, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Technical Analysis - A Basic Guide]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/technical-analysis---a-basic-guide.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Technical analysis is an analysis tool used in determining the stock market situation. This financial analysis tool aids in determining the direction of stock price by comparing the past market data and volume of transactions. It becomes important for an investor of stock options to study and understand the stock market position in order to make decisions on investments. Hence, technical analysis is used as a tool for finding the trends of the stock market. Characteristics of Technical Analysis Technical analysis is one of the two analysis methods used for understanding the position of stock market. It is concerned...]]></description><pubDate>November 20, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Discretionary vs System Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/discretionary-vs-system-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Discretionary and system trading are methods commonly used by stock traders. In discretionary trading, you make your own decisions on each trade. In system trading, you utilize a specific set of rules for each trading situation. Both of these methods have some merit and a few potential drawbacks as well. Here are a few things to consider about discretionary and system trading. Discretionary Trading Individuals who engage in discretionary trading look at each trading opportunity as unique. Discretionary traders typically have a great deal of experience in the stock market and rely on this experience every time they make...]]></description><pubDate>November 20, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is Market Sentiment?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-market-sentiment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Market sentiment is the collective feeling of traders in a particular financial market. Market sentiment can apply to the market as a whole or to individual securities. This term deals with the overall feeling of what the majority of traders think about a particular market or security. For example, if the market is going up, then it is said to have a bullish market sentiment. On the other hand, if the market is headed down, it is said to have a bearish market sentiment. Market Even though it is not based in company fundamentals, market sentiment does play a...]]></description><pubDate>November 20, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is Day Trading?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-day-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Day trading is a type of trading in which a security is only held for a short amount of time. Traders will buy a stock and then sell it again within the same day instead of holding it for the long-term. This type of trader looks to take advantage of short-term fluctuations in the price of a security. Requirements If you are day trading stock, you will have to meet the requirements that are set forth by the SEC. According to their rules, you have to have at least $25,000 in your account to engage in day trading. You...]]></description><pubDate>November 19, 2010  4:51 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Make Money On a Stock Spinoff]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-make-money-on-a-stock-spinoff.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A stock spin off can provide a unique investment opportunity for investors. Studies have shown that the shares of these stocks tend to out perform the market by a wide margin. An understanding of stock spin offs and why they occur can give some clues and insights into why these stocks perform so well. These stocks often provide opportunities many investors overlook. What are Stock Spin offs? A stock spin off occurs when a parent company separates a division, or business unit, into a separate individual company. The new company becomes a totally independent entity. Therefore, the new company...]]></description><pubDate>November 18, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Use Level II Stock Quotes for Day Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-use-level-ii-stock-quotes-for-day-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Level II stock quotes can be a valuable source of information for day traders. Day trading is a very fast-paced activity and must make buy-and-sell decisions quickly. The quality of theses decisions can be the difference between large financial gains, or large losses. Successful day trading requires quick information, in the shortest possible amount of time. Level II stock quotes are often the answer to the challenges faced by day traders because they give the current bid and ask price of a particular stock. What are Level II Stock Quotes? The bid price is the price a broker will...]]></description><pubDate>November 18, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Market Sentiment Analysis]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/market-sentiment-analysis.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Market sentiment analysis is a type of analysis that many individuals use to make stock trading decisions. Market sentiment is essentially the overall feel of the market. This could be described as what the majority of traders in the market feel about a particular security or the market as a whole. There are many different ways that you could potentially analyze market sentiment. Here are a few of the different methods that are used. Common Sense When looking at market sentiment, you need to try to use common sense as much as possible. When you get a general feel...]]></description><pubDate>November 11, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Every Investor Cares about Treasury Notes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-every-investor-cares-about-treasury-notes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Treasury notes are bonds that are sold by the US government. The bonds mature between one and ten years, have a fixed interest rate and are marketable throughout their lifetime. There are a number of types of treasury notes, known as T-notes, which an investor can choose from. Even if you are not interested in buying t-notes directly, understanding the current t-note market can help you make better decisions about investments.Differences Between Stocks and BondsTo understand the significance of t-note rates, it is first important to understand key differences between stocks and bonds. When you purchase a stock, you...]]></description><pubDate>November 11, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Equity Multiplier]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/equity-multiplier.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The equity multiplier is figured by dividing the total assets, by the total common stockholder's equity. Every dollar of equity translates into the equity multiplier showing the amount of assets for the company. An equity multiplier is used to evaluate if a company finance its assets with debt. When you have a high equity multiplier, the company in question finances its assets with debt. For example, if a company has assets totaling $13,500, and a total equity of $7,500, their equity multiplier is 1.8. According to this example, every dollar of equity the company has $1.8 of assets....]]></description><pubDate>November  2, 2010  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Off-Balance Sheet Components]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/off-balance-sheet-components.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When a business files a financial report, some of its activities and components may not be included because they are off balance sheet (OBS). OBS components can be daughter companies, new ventures or letters of credit.&amp;nbsp;Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) allows for OBS components so risks can be compartmentalized and carried outside of a parent company. However, this can be abused if companies use OBS regulation to hide critical liabilities. It is important to look at OBS components in the footnotes of a financial report to gain a clear picture of a company's liabilities. Off Balance Sheet Components All...]]></description><pubDate>November  1, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SEC Day Trading Rules]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/sec-day-trading-rules.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Abiding by the SEC day trading rules is essential if you are planning on getting involved in day trading as an investment style. The SEC has specific rules when dealing with individuals that are considered to be pattern day traders. Here are the basics of what the SEC expects out of day traders and how to make it work. Pattern Day Traders The SEC rules apply to you only if you are considered to be a pattern day trader. Just because you buy and sell a security in the same day, that does not necessarily mean that you are...]]></description><pubDate>October 27, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A CFD Trade in Action]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-cfd-trade-in-action.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Contract for Difference (CFD) trading allows an investor to bet on the movement of a security without actually owning the security itself. A CFD trader sells these contracts and the trader will charge a lower percentage than a traditional stock broker. The lower commission and traditionally high leverage amount is what attracts many investors to CFD trading. To understand how a CFD trade actually works, it is valuable to consider an example. Step One: Locate a Trade The first step in trading CFDs is actually establishing a contract. You must pick a security you wish to bet on. To...]]></description><pubDate>October 22, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Backtesting for Future Gains]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/backtesting-for-future-gains.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Backtesting is the process of trying out an investment theory using existing data. Instead of testing out your investment scenario on data that is currently unfolding, which can take years to compile, you can use data that has already been compiled. This allows you to get an immediate analysis of how successful your model is in the real world. This process has its shortcomings because by using past data, you are analyzing how well your theory works in the past, not how well it will work in the future. This can cause problems when you go to apply your...]]></description><pubDate>October 22, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Interpreting Short Interest]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/interpreting-short-interest.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Short interest is a measure of how many shares of any given security have been sold short in a period of time. Typically, a stock exchange produces a monthly report on the total amount of short interest in any given stock. This number is expressed as a percentage of stocks sold short which have not yet been covered compared to the total outstanding shares of the stock. The higher the short interest, the more investors are betting the stock will fall in price. However, a very high short interest can be the predecessor to a rise in stock price....]]></description><pubDate>October 22, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The MSCI EAFE Index]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-msci-eafe-index.html</link><description><![CDATA[ MSCI EAFE index is a stock market index that measures equity market performers in developed countries outside the North American continent. This index is maintained by MSCI Barra. The MSCI EAFE index ranks equity market&amp;nbsp;securities according to their&amp;nbsp;market capitalization. This allows investors to look at their own investments in developed markets and see how they are doing in comparison. This, in turn, helps investors decide which investments are worth their time and which investments should be discarded. While MSIC EAFE index is not foolproof, it has been around for over 30 years, making it the oldest and the most...]]></description><pubDate>October 19, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Short Interest Theory]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-short-interest-theory.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The short interest theory generally states a large short interest will lead to a rise in the price of a given stock. Short interest is a percentage that describes the total number of shares of any given security that have been sold short, in a specific period of time. Every security has a short interest measure, and the measure is typically very small. When this measure rises, though, it can indicate there is going to be a large purchase of the security in the near future. Measuring Short Interest Short interest is typically expressed as a percentage, and it...]]></description><pubDate>October 19, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Dos and Don'ts of CFDs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-dos-and-donts-of-cfds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The market for trading CFDs is one that many people are starting to be turned on to as they look for alternatives to the traditional forms of investment. If you are thinking about getting involved in this market, there are several tips that you need to keep in mind. There are also a few things that you should most likely avoid as a contract for differences, or CFD, trader. Here are some of the dos and don'ts of CFD trading.&amp;nbsp; Do Check on Account Classification When you trade CFDs, there are a few different types of accounts that your...]]></description><pubDate>October 12, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Rising Interest Rates Can Kill Companies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-rising-interest-rates-can-kill-companies.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Generally speaking, rising interest rates have an opposite effect on lenders and borrowers. Lenders may like the increase because it presents them with a chance to increase profits on loan. Borrowers, by contrast, may now owe more on debts, and this costs borrowers more money in the long run. Businesses are among the biggest classes of borrowers. They borrow money from banks, in the form of loans, and individuals, in the form of bonds, each year to grow their profits. If interest rates rise faster than profits, a company may fall into negative cash flow. Source of Rising Interest...]]></description><pubDate>October  7, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Problems with the Simple Moving Average]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/problems-with-the-simple-moving-average.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The&amp;nbsp;simple moving average&amp;nbsp;of a security is a basic arithmetic measure of the change in its price over time. This average is calculated by adding up the closing price of a security for each day in a given period and then dividing the sum by the number of days. There is no special weight given to any particular day. The moving average can be calculated in a short- or long-term cycle, and the result is a measure of the average price of a security for that period. Since the formula is so basic, it often fails to give key information...]]></description><pubDate>October  5, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Inventory Turnover and Company Efficiency]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/inventory-turnover-and-company-efficiency.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Inventory turnover&amp;nbsp;is a statistic that a lot of investors ignore when it comes to evaluating a company. While it is not the most commonly used ratio, it can still tell you quite a bit as a key measurement of the efficiency of a company. Here are the basics of inventory turnover and how it relates to company efficiency. Inventory Turnover Inventory turnover is a statistic that is used to gauge how quickly a company is getting its merchandise off the shelves and into the hands of its customers. Ideally, you would like to invest in companies that have a...]]></description><pubDate>October  5, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Different Perspective on Leverage Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-different-perspective-on-leverage-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Leverage trading is a type of investing in which an individual essentially borrows money from a broker in order to secure a larger position in a financial market. While most of the experts would argue that leverage is extremely dangerous, there are also several advantages of using leverage in your trading. Here are a few things to consider about leverage and how it can work both ways. Risks of Leverage Before you get involved with leverage, it is important to understand the risks that are associated with it. When you are borrowing money from a broker, you are taking...]]></description><pubDate>October  4, 2010  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Day Trading Advice: Patience Is Key]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/day-trading-advice-patience-is-key.html</link><description><![CDATA[ One of the best cardinal rules and day trading advice is to be patient. Patience is key, during the day, there may be many opportunities. It is best to wait for the right opportunity pursuant to your specific rules and trading plan. Sometimes you won't make any trade at all, that's why it's not always easy being patient. Most of the time you will find yourself in profitable trades as long as your patient and vigilante. It is best to be actively involved in your trading plan and passively involved in the actual markets when starting out. If your...]]></description><pubDate>October  4, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Get Started as a Day Trader]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-get-started-as-a-day-trader.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Becoming a day trader can be an exciting path to embark on, yet it is one wrought with slippery slopes and hazardous conditions. The more trading knowledge a day trader has, the better the odds of success are. Some of this knowledge comes from trading experience, but in order for a beginning trader to start out on the right foot, he must have access to a wide variety of educational resources. Because of the copious trading styles out there, however, different traders will require different types of information. Using Information Efficiently Trying to incorporate all of the current information...]]></description><pubDate>October  4, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mind the Stock Gap or Lose Your Shirt]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mind-the-stock-gap-or-lose-your-shirt.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A stock gap occurs when a stock opens at a higher or lower price than it closed the previous day. These gaps usually occur because there were a large number of buy or sell orders put in between the close of one day and the start of trading the next. So, you might wake up to the happy coincidence that your stock is worth more than it was the day before, of course, it could be, you find your stock suddenly plummeting out of control. A stock gap will appear as an actual space in the bar of the...]]></description><pubDate>October  4, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Detailed Merger Arbitrage Case]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-detailed-merger-arbitrage-case.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Merger arbitrage is defined as the opportunity to profit amidst a merger or acquisition between two companies. During the merger, the target company that is being acquired will trade at a discount. In this way, it offers the ability to profit from the difference between the discount and the target price. This target price is stated in the terms of the merger. The arbitrage profit is available because it is not certain when the merger will be finalized and even if the merger will happen at all. Funds of funds &amp;amp; Hedge funds strategies This sort of arbitrage is...]]></description><pubDate>October  4, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding and Using Liquidity Ratios]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-and-using-liquidity-ratios.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Liquidity ratios are commonly used by investors in order to determine how well a company is positioned with its short-term debt obligations. If a company is able to maintain its short-term debt obligations, it is said to have good liquidity ratios. By avoiding companies that have poor ratios, investors can increase the effectiveness of their investments and lower the possibilities of default. Here are a few things to consider about liquidity ratios. Short-Term Obligations Liquidity ratios look at the relationship between the liquid assets of a company and the short-term liabilities. If a company can cover its short-term debt,...]]></description><pubDate>October  4, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Conversion Premium?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-conversion-premium.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A conversion premium is an amount of money that is paid that exceeds the value of a security. The owner of the bond has the opportunity to convert back on into a specified number of shares of common stock. In order to calculate the convertible premium, you first have to know the value of the shares of stock that the bond can be converted into. An Example For example, if the bond can be converted into 10 shares of common stock that are worth $90 apiece, the value of that conversion would be $900. If the bond is trading...]]></description><pubDate>October  2, 2010  4:39 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Legitimate Uses of Off-Balance Sheet Financing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-legitimate-uses-of-off-balance-sheet-financing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Off-balance sheet financing is a type of arrangement that many companies use to make their numbers on the balance sheet look better than they actually are. They will arrange it so that an off-balance sheet entity takes a good portion of a company's debt to improve financial ratios. Even though these entities have come under a lot of scrutiny lately, there are some legitimate uses of this type of account. Here are a few of the legitimate uses of off-balance sheet financing. 1. Pursue a Similar Business Opportunity One of the legal uses of off-balance sheet financing is to...]]></description><pubDate>October  2, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dual Class Stock: Unfair, But It Can Be a Good Thing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dual-class-stock-unfair-but-it-can-be-a-good-thing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Dual class stock is issued by companies that want to provide the majority of ownership of a company to a specific group of investors. When this type of stock is offered, you will commonly see both Class A and Class B stock associated with a company. One class of stock will have superior voting rights to the other class. Here are the basics of dual class stock and why it could be a good thing. Dual Class Stock One of the classes of stock will have more votes per share than the other class. For example, Class A might...]]></description><pubDate>October  2, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Begin Investing in Commodities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-begin-investing-in-commodities.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in commodities can provide you with a way to diversify your portfolio, and earn money, without depending on what the stock market does. Investing in commodities will provide you with the ability to speculate on the price of things like wheat, corn or soybeans. There are several methods that you could use to invest in the commodities market. Here are the basics of how to begin investing in commodities. Funds One of the easiest ways to get involved in commodity investing is to invest in ETF's or mutual funds. There are several funds that make money by investing...]]></description><pubDate>October  1, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Things to Know about the Technology Sector]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-things-to-know-about-the-technology-sector.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The technology sector is one of the most popular sections of the stock market that many investors like to get involved with. Here are a few things to know about the technology sector and what it offers. 1. What it Is The technology sector is a section of the market that includes the development and research of technological products. This could include computers, software, communications, electronics, and other technological products.&amp;nbsp; 2. Volatility This section of the market is known for its extreme volatility compared to other sectors. If you are going to invest in the technology sector, you have...]]></description><pubDate>October  1, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is the Receivables Turnover Ratio?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-the-receivables-turnover-ratio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Receivables turnover ratio is a financial metric that is used to gauge the effectiveness of a company to offer credit and collect the money that it is owed. This ratio is calculated by taking the net credit sales of the company and dividing it by average accounts receivable for a specific amount of time.&amp;nbsp; When a business gets in the habit of allowing accounts receivables to add up, they are essentially providing loans to their customers, without earning interest, Why it is Important If you are an investor, you should pay special attention to the receivables turnover. This can...]]></description><pubDate>September 30, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Calculate Retained Earnings]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-calculate-retained-earnings.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The level of a firm&amp;rsquo;s retained earnings is an important factor in its size, financial condition and growth rate. Simply put, retained earnings are the amount of net income that a firm retains in order to reinvest in its growth and operations. The portion of net income that is not kept by the company is paid out as dividends to shareholders. Hence, dividends paid out plus retained earnings equals net income. The percentage of net income that is retained by the firm is called the &quot;earnings retention rate.&quot; Size of a Company in Relation to Its Retained Earnings The...]]></description><pubDate>September 29, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is NASDAQ Short Interest?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-nasdaq-short-interest.html</link><description><![CDATA[ NASDAQ short interest is a financial metric that is used by many investors as a way to tell if the market is going to move up or down in the near future. This is a statistic that is used to determine the number of shares that are involved in a short sale and will be settled soon.&amp;nbsp; Short Selling When an individual uses a short sale, she is betting on the price of securities decreasing in value. When this transaction is set up, there is a settlement date in the future on which she will buy the securities and...]]></description><pubDate>September 26, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Invest in a Multinational Corporation?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-invest-in-a-multinational-corporation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A multinational corporation is a company that has business in several different countries at the same time. These companies employ various business strategies that are unique to the regions in which they are located. Multinational corporations can often gain a competitive advantage by having operations in various countries. There are many companies that have expanded into other countries and many of these companies made a good investment. Here are a few reasons that you might want to consider investing in a multinational corporation. Large Companies In order to expand your business into multiple countries, you generally have to have...]]></description><pubDate>September 26, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using CFDs (Contracts for Difference) to Trade and Invest]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-cfds-contracts-for-difference-to-trade-and-invest.html</link><description><![CDATA[ CFDs are a type of investment that involves a contract between two parties that deals with an underlying investment. The CFD shares some common characteristics of futures contracts and options, but CFDs are a unique type of investment that can provide investors with some great opportunities to profit. Here are the basics of CFDs. CFDs CFD is a term that is short for contract for difference. This is a type of contract that allows the investor to profit from a particular type of underlying investment without actually owning that investment. They can simply take out a contract on the...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  5:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Rights Offering: How Will It Affect Your Shares?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-rights-offering-how-will-it-affect-your-shares.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A rights offering occurs when a company offers to sell additional shares of stock to its existing shareholders. In order to entice investors to purchase, they will typically offer these shares at a discount to what the shares are trading for in the market. While this might sound like a great deal, it can also have a potentially negative impact on the existing shareholders of the company. Here are a few things to consider about the rights offering and how it can affect your shares. Rights Offering When a company decides to issue a rights offering, they will contact...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  5:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-return-on-capital-employed-roce.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Return on capital employed is a type of valuation multiple that is commonly used by investors in order to value companies. This ratio gives a more accurate indication of the profitability of a company than some of the other ratios that are commonly used for this reason. Here are the basics of return on capital employed.&amp;nbsp; Return on Capital Employed The return on capital employed is a measure of how much money the company brings in, in relation to the amount of capital that it has employed. In order to calculate the return on capital employed, you would take...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  5:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Are Retained Earnings?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-are-retained-earnings.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Retained earnings is the amount of money that a corporation keeps of its profit instead of distributing it to the shareholders in the form of dividends. How much money a company retains can tell you a lot about them and what they are trying to accomplish. This is also sometimes referred to as the retention ratio or the retained surplus. Retained Earnings The process of calculating the retained earnings of a company is relatively simple. In order to calculate the retained earnings of a company, you take the beginning retained earnings and add to that the net income of...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  4:54 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using a Sell Limit Order]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-a-sell-limit-order.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Using a sell limit order allows you to specify the price at which you are willing to sell a particular security. You can use this type of order in the stock market, the Forex market, and the commodities market. This order can be placed through an online trading platform or with the help of a broker. Advantage One of the advantages of using this type of strategy is that you will be able to save money on transaction costs. When you specify how much you want for a security, the order will not be processed unless someone is willing...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Does the Green Movement Mean for the Energy Sector?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-does-the-green-movement-mean-for-the-energy-sector.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The energy sector is one of the most talked about areas of the economy at all times. It has been affected by a number of things over the years and something that could affect it significantly in the future is the green movement.&amp;nbsp; Green Movement Because of the green movement, more businesses and consumers are trying to make decisions based on how they will impact the environment. Consumers are choosing recycled products and products that are created from sustainable resources. They are also putting pressure on governments and businesses to make green sources of energy more readily available.&amp;nbsp; Investor...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Can Asset Turnover Tell You about a Company?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-can-asset-turnover-tell-you-about-a-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Asset turnover is a valuation multiple that is used in order to compare the amount of revenue of a company to the assets it holds. You can calculate asset turnover by taking the revenue and dividing it by the dollar value of the assets of the company. Efficiency Asset turnover can tell you a great deal about a company. One of the most important things that it tells you is how efficiently a company handles its assets. If a company can generate a substantial profit with a limited amount of assets, it would potentially be a good investment. If...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Total Return Index?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-total-return-index.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A total return index is a type of stock market index that looks at both the capital gains in the value of the stocks as well as the dividends that are received by investors. Most other financial indices only take into consideration the capital gains of the stocks in the index. While this gives you an idea of how much the stocks have appreciated in value, it does not give you a realistic picture of the actual returns of the stocks. With a total return index, you get a clear picture of exactly how much money is being earned...]]></description><pubDate>September 22, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to Weather Futures]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-weather-futures.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Weather futures are a type of investment that can be purchased in order to speculate on weather conditions. This type of investment is relatively new compared to stocks or bonds and it is growing every year. In 1997, the first weather future was traded. Before that, there was growing concern by many businesses that the weather could negatively affect their profit. Some estimates say that over $1 trillion of the economy is directly linked to the weather. This represents a large amount of risk for business owners. Before weather futures were invented, business owners simply had to deal with...]]></description><pubDate>September 21, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Trading Volume]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-trading-volume.html</link><description><![CDATA[ &quot;Trading volume&quot; is a term that is commonly used when speaking of the stock market or other financial markets. The trading volume of a market is essentially the number of trades that take place during a given period of time. For traders, the trading volume may not seem like a very important statistic. However, trading volume plays a vital role in the market and how it operates. Here are a few things to consider about trading volume. Trading Volume Trading volume is most often quoted as the number of trades that take place during a given trading day. This...]]></description><pubDate>September 21, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Searching for a Good Trading Seminar]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/searching-for-a-good-trading-seminar.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Attending a trading seminar can provide traders with a great deal of important information. In order to benefit from a seminar, you need to look for a few important key points. Here are a few things to consider when searching for a good trading seminar. Experience of Instructor One of the most important aspects of choosing a trading seminar is the experience of the instructor teaching it. A seminar will only be as good as the teacher. If you have someone that is not very experienced in the market, there is a good chance that you will end up...]]></description><pubDate>September 21, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Signs Your Trading Seminar Is a Scam]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-signs-your-trading-seminar-is-a-scam.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Signing up for a trading seminar can provide you with a great deal of valuable information in your stock trading career. However, in some cases, a stock trading seminar is nothing more than a scam. Here are a few signs that your trading seminar is a scam. 1. Teacher with a Poor Reputation One of the first things that you should look at is who is teaching the course. The value of a trading seminar lies in the experience and knowledge of the teacher. In many cases, scam artists are well-known in the stock trading industry, and you should...]]></description><pubDate>September 21, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Maintain a Proper Trading Log for Successful Day Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/maintain-a-proper-trading-log-for-successful-day-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A trading log is a document that a trader can use in order to keep track of every aspect, of each trade, that they take. Keeping a proper trading log is a critical part of being a successful day trader and many people overlook the importance of keeping track of this information. Here are a few things to consider about maintaining a proper trading log for successful day trading and why it is so important. Trading Log Successful day traders utilize a trading log. A trading log is simply something that allows you to keep track of all of...]]></description><pubDate>September 21, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trading Capital for the Day Trader: How Much Is Needed?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/trading-capital-for-the-day-trader-how-much-is-needed.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Having the appropriate amount of trading capital to work with as a day trader is extremely important. You need to make sure that you have enough capital to handle your open positions. You also need to allow yourself a sufficient amount of money to risk in order to make a decent amount of money. Choosing the proper amount of capital to work with can be difficult to determine. It is especially difficult since everyone is different, and has different needs. Here are a few things to consider about how much trading capital you need as a day trader. SEC...]]></description><pubDate>September 21, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Day Trading with Time and Sales]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/day-trading-with-time-and-sales.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The intraday price history of a stock, or its time and sales history, is a useful tool for day traders looking to make small, rapid profits. Scalp trading has become increasingly difficult in recent years because of new, prevalent forms of hidden orders that often cause unexpected and rapid price movements, because of this, scalpers need all of the help they can get. Time and sales information is useful because it shows areas of support and resistance in various price levels of a stock during the day. Once hidden orders are filled, they too appear on this order print...]]></description><pubDate>September 21, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Discretionary vs System Day Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/discretionary-vs-system-day-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Both discretionary and system day trading methods are frequently used by day traders in the stock market. Some traders prefer to utilize a specific system while others tend to trade at their own discretion. Both of these methods have some merit and a few potential drawbacks associated with them. Here are a few things to consider about using a discretionary or system day trading method. System Day Trading One way that many day traders use to trade is with a system. They could choose to develop a system or purchase one of the commercially available trading systems on the...]]></description><pubDate>September 21, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Day Trading 101: The Stop Loss Order]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/day-trading-101-the-stop-loss-order.html</link><description><![CDATA[ One of the best ways to stick to a trading discipline is by using stop-loss orders to limit losses. A stop-loss order can be very effective in helping to maintain risk-reward ratios and in letting winners ride, while cutting losers quickly. Perhaps as important, these orders eliminate much of the personal angst involved when a stock goes against you, because the trade is automatically closed out, with no questions asked or emotions involved. Trading without emotions is key to long-term success. Dynamics of the Stop-Loss Stop-loss orders can be used for both longing, and shorting stock. They can limit...]]></description><pubDate>September 21, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Trading Books Can Help, but They're Just Paper]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-trading-books-can-help-but-theyre-just-paper.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Stock trading books have been written on every subject that pertains to the stock market. By reading these books, you can pick up some valuable information that you can implement into your trading techniques. These books can provide you with a way to learn about many different stock-related topics.&amp;nbsp;However, these books can not necessarily replace a more active form of education. Here are a few things to consider about reading stock trading books and what they can provide. Complete Education Many people make a habit of purchasing book after book about the stock market and reading them endlessly. While...]]></description><pubDate>September 21, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Faults and Limitations of Stock Screeners]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/faults-and-limitations-of-stock-screeners.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Stock screeners are modern innovations that allow an investor to search for a stock based on certain criteria through the use of a computer matrix. Prior to the development of computers, investors, analysts and brokers alike had to manually search for stocks that fit their criteria. Today, they simply use one of the many stock screeners available, including those on common search engines, in order to put together a list of investments that my be interested in following or purchasing. However, the new developments receive some criticism. Potential Bias There is a nearly limitless supply of stock screeners on...]]></description><pubDate>September 21, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Use a Stock Screener]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-use-a-stock-screener.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A stock screener is a tool that is used to help individuals find stocks that fit their investment criteria. It is a way to filter through all of the thousands of stocks that are available. Stock screeners are offered by many different financial publications. You can visit these publications on their website and gain immediate access to a stock screener. In many cases, when you work with a stock broker, they will also provide access to a stock screener. Purpose The purpose of this device is to help you save a great deal of time. When you are trying...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  5:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Scalping as a Day Trader]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-scalping-as-a-day-trader.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Stock scalping is a day trading strategy that can provide great profits for an investor. This method of trading is a short-term strategy and capitalizes on small fluctuations in stock prices. Here are the basics of stocks dropping and how day traders use it.&amp;nbsp; Stock Scalping With this type of trading strategy, investors try to get into and out of the market quickly. The objective is to scalp profits out of the market within a few minutes. While many stock traders may hold stocks for months or years, scalpers may only keep stocks for a few minutes. They will...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  5:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can an Online Trading Course Really Help?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/can-an-online-trading-course-really-help.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are interested in the stock market, there is a good chance that you have considered taking an online trading course. Before you decide whether it is something you want to do, it is good to know what one of these courses offers. While there are definite benefits of taking an online trading course, there are some disadvantages that you should also be aware of. What is an Online Trading Course? An online trading course will have professionals teach you how to make the most of every trade. From basic information on getting started, to more in depth...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  5:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Opening an Account with an Online Discount Broker]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/opening-an-account-with-an-online-discount-broker.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Working with an online discount broker can provide you with the opportunity to access the stock market for less than you could with a traditional stock broker. It will allow you to save money and increase your trading profits. The online discount broker has become more popular in recent years with advancements in technology. In the past, you had to open an account with a traditional stock broker in order to gain access to the market. Every trade required contact with your broker and they would place the order for you. In today's world, you can open an account...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  5:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Online Day Trading Makes for Lightening-Fast Losses]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/online-day-trading-makes-for-lightening-fast-losses.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Online day trading is a type of investment in which an investor places stock trades that are closed out in the same day. By doing this, an investor hopes to benefit from small fluctuations in the price of a stock. While this particular investment strategy can net some quick profits, it also has been known to create large, quick losses as well. This is a very risky type of trading and it is not for everyone. Fast Pace If you decide to get involved in online day trading, you will immediately notice the fast pace that is involved. With...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  5:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[NASDAQ Day Trading: Advice for Beginners]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/nasdaq-day-trading-advice-for-beginners.html</link><description><![CDATA[ NASDAQ day trading is an investment choice that can provide you with a way to make steady profits as an investor. The term NASDAQ stands for National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation. This is a type of automated stock exchange that allows traders to immediately have orders filled. In contrast, if you trade on the New York Stock Exchange, your orders will go to the floor of the exchange and be matched up with the assistance of a floor trader. This system allows orders to be filled very quickly and you can trade 5000 of the most popular...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  5:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Brokers, Money Managers and More]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/brokers-money-managers-and-more.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are new to stock investing, you can rely on money managers, discount brokers and other types of financial experts to provide you with professional investment advice and wealth management strategies. Choosing the right person to assist you in managing your investments spells the difference between growing and losing your money. Here&amp;rsquo;s a list of the common types of brokers that can provide you with various money management services.1. Discount BrokersThis type of broker, also known as online broker, is ideal for people who already have in-depth knowledge of investing and finance. If you prefer a hands-on approach...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  5:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Choosing Market Order or Limit Order as a Day Trader]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/choosing-market-order-or-limit-order-as-a-day-trader.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are a day trader, you will have the option to choose a market order or a limit order every time that you place a trade in the market. A market order is a type of order that goes directly into the market at the best available price. A limit order allows you to specify the exact conditions that you want filled before your order goes through. Here are a few things to consider about choosing the proper type of order. Control One of the biggest differences between the market order and the limit order is control. With...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  5:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Open a Margin Account]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-open-a-margin-account.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A margin account allows you to borrow money from your broker in order to purchase investments. Not all brokers permit buying on margin, but most will allow for some degree of margin activity if you have a substantial amount of money invested with the firm. As a general rule, you can begin to ask your broker about the ability to borrow if you have placed $2,000 in your brokerage account. Once you have hit this figure, take the following steps. #1 Talk to your Broker If you would like to take the risk of investing on margin, you have...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  5:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Disadvantages of Internet Day Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-disadvantages-of-internet-day-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Getting involved in Internet day trading has become a popular way to invest in the stock market for many individuals. Although you could potentially make some money doing this, there are a few potential drawbacks to this type of trading. Here are some of the disadvantages of Internet day trading. 1. Commissions One of the biggest problems with trading online is that you will have to deal with commissions. Individuals who get involved with online trading typically make numerous trades everyday. When you do this, you will have to pay a commission to your broker every time you trade....]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  5:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Technical or Fundamental Analysis for Day Trading?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/technical-or-fundamental-analysis-for-day-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Both technical and fundamental analysis can be used by day traders in the stock market. Some people prefer one method over the other. There is not a particular method that has been proven to be more effective. Fundamental analysis involves looking at the internal information of a company. Day traders that utilize fundamental analysis scour over financial statements of companies. They try to use valuation multiples in order to determine which companies are under-priced in the market. Traders who use this type of analysis like to watch financial news programs in order to pay attention to the latest announcements...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  5:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Discretionary Account?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-discretionary-account.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A discretionary account is a type of trading account that an individual has with a broker. With this type of account, the broker can make trades on the client's behalf without getting his prior approval for the specific trades. This type of trading account is also sometimes referred to as a managed trading account. With this particular account, the broker has the freedom to do as she wishes with the client's money. In many cases, the broker will take a percentage of the winnings from the trades that she places. This gives the broker an incentive to perform well...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  5:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Essential Day Trading Tools]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/essential-day-trading-tools.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Even when you are in possession of all of the relevant day trading information and tools, day trading is a rather difficult craft to master. At the very least, a trader should always have the proper day trading tools with him or her during trading hours. These tools allow a trader to make decisions based on factors that he can control: timing and confidence. Think of a pitcher. Once a pitcher releases the ball, he no longer has control over what happens. What he has to focus on are the things he can control: stance, grip, speed and the...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  5:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Day Trading with Technical Analysis]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/day-trading-with-technical-analysis.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In many cases, day trading and technical analysis go hand-in-hand. In order to be a successful day trader, it is useful to incorporate as much relevant information as possible into each and every trade. Because pricing information captures and displays the most recent trading patterns of a stock, technical analysis defines stocks in a way that fundamental analysis cannot. It also appeals to the short-term mentality of the day trader. There are many ways that technical analysis can be used to the advantage of the day trader. Technical Charts-A Course in Behavioral Science One useful feature of technical analysis...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  5:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Start Day Trading Stocks Online]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-start-day-trading-stocks-online.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Day trading stock online is a passion that many people share. More and more investors are finding that this is a great way to make money. Although there are pros and cons of day trading stock online, those who know the process have a much better chance at long term success. Day Trading Software To succeed with day trading you the right type of software at your fingertips at all times. To start, you should find data software that can provide pricing information for all available stocks. Without this, your day trading career will be over quickly. Additionally, there...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:59 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Mistakes when Day Trading Stock Online]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-mistakes-when-day-trading-stock-online.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When day trading stock online, there are a number of techniques that you could use. Many traders who get involved in this type of trading end up making the same mistakes at some point. Here are a few common mistakes that you should avoid when day trading stock online. 1. Not Working With a Discount Broker One of the first thing that you should consider is the broker that you are using. If you are day trading, then there is a good chance that you are trading very frequently. When you do this, you need to be able to...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:57 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Day Trading Software Makes the Impossible Possible]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/day-trading-software-makes-the-impossible-possible.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Day trading software is becoming more common among traders in the stock market today. This type of software has been successfully used by many traders and is making things that were previously considered to be impossible, possible. Here are a few things to consider about day trading software and what it can do.&amp;nbsp; Day Trading Software Day trading software is a type of software program that can be installed into the trading platform on a trader's computer. This type of software comes in many varieties and serves various functions. Many software developers have developed this type of program for...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:52 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Day Trading Scalping Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/day-trading-scalping-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you want to take advantage of very short term opportunities in trading, you most likely will want to learn about day trading scalping. This is a strategy most used by very active day traders. It involves buying and selling within a couple hours. Scalping is best exploited by those traders with a competitive advantage, like floor traders. Those traders who get the best bid and ask quotes and have a great deal of volume of trading will scalp a lot during the day. That's why as a retail trader it's best not to commit to such a strategy...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:50 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Get Some Day Trading Practice Before the Real Thing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/get-some-day-trading-practice-before-the-real-thing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Getting some day trading practice is critical before you start trading in the real stock market. There are several different services that you could use in order to get practice and learn how to day trade. Here are a few things to consider about getting practice with the stock market before putting real money on the line. Importance Before you get involved in the stock market, you should think about getting some practice first. Many individuals make the mistake of jumping directly into the stock market without trying out some trading strategies first. There are many different ways that...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:47 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Choosing Your Day Trading Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/choosing-your-day-trading-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Choosing the right day trading market can be just as important as choosing the proper investment strategy to use. There are several popular day trading markets out there and all of them have something to offer investors. Here are a few things to consider about choosing your day trading market. Stocks One of the most popular markets to get involved in is the stock market. Many individuals practice regular day trading in this market. You can do this by opening an account with any online brokerage. There are many brokers out there that offer the ability for you to...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Day Trading with the MACD]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/day-trading-with-the-macd.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The MACD indicator is defined as a moving average convergence divergence; it's used as an indicator to measure momentum. This indicator consists of a &quot;slow&quot; moving average line and a &quot;fast&quot; moving average line. Essentially, the slow moving average is the longer period and the fast moving average is the shorter period. The MACD indicator displays these two lines as they cross over, and under, each other. Anytime there is divergence between these two moving averages, that's an indication of positive upward momentum in the stock price. Conversely, anytime there is convergence between these two moving averages, that's an...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Benefits and Risks of Day Trading Futures]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-benefits-and-risks-of-day-trading-futures.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Day trading futures is a process that will allow you to buy and sell futures contracts on commodities or stocks. Day trading futures allows you to place a bet on what you believe the future price of a security or commodity will be. Here are some of the benefits and risks of day trading futures. Leverage One of the biggest advantages of trading futures is that you can use large amounts of leverage. Some brokers will allow you to use leverage of as much as 150:1. This is much larger than what you can do with a traditional margin...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:40 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Day Trading Futures: How Does It Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/day-trading-futures-how-does-it-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Day trading futures can be a wild emotional roller coaster. As a day trader, you must do a great deal of research. You must know the trends, have a system and stick to it. We can't fully deal with all the complexities here, but if you invest a little time into researching this subject you will find it has enormous potential. It is unlike any type of investing you may have encountered before. What Are Futures? A future is a contract to buy a certain amount of goods, that usually haven't been produced yet. They usually have a delivery...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:38 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Day Trading and Buying Power]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/day-trading-and-buying-power.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The size and scale of positions that a day trader enters into is affected by the day trading buying power allowed by the firm being traded with. In other words, account value and buying power can be different numbers. Many day trading firms will extend their traders buying power leverage based on the amount the trader has available to trade. For example, a 20 to 1 leverage policy would mean that for every $5,000 invested in a trading account, the firm would allow positions held to be worth up to $100,000. The Drawbacks of Leverage While this allows for...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Day Trading 101: Strategic Hedging]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/day-trading-101-strategic-hedging.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Having the discipline to cut losers fast and let winners ride is a lesson learned in day trading 101. Yet even though the lesson is simple, it can be surprisingly difficult to employ when actually in a trade. Sticking to your trading discipline is particularly important when day trading because the market often moves irrationally on a day-to-day basis. Regardless of how calculated your decision to buy or short a stock for the day might be, the market may completely ignore your reasons and move in the opposite direction. Even if the stock does rebound days, weeks, or months...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Prepare for Currency Day Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-prepare-for-currency-day-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Currency day trading is a type of trading that is becoming more popular in the financial markets today. The Forex market is the largest single financial market in the world and many individuals are becoming attracted to it because of the massive profit potential. The object of currency day trading is to try to benefit from fluctuations in the exchange rate between two currencies. Here are a few things to consider about how to prepare for currency day trading. Currency Day Trading You should work with a Forex broker in order to trade in this market. You will be...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:31 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Currency Day Trading Risks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/currency-day-trading-risks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Currency day trading involves opening and closing a foreign currency trading position within the same trading day, usually through the Internet. Traders or investors make profits via the small price movements in the market. In this type of market, traders rely heavily on the technical analysis of the currency trends. However, since the Forex market is highly susceptible to speculation, it can be risky. Here are some of the biggest risks that currency day traders face.1. Trading Decisions can Become EmotionalOne of the biggest pitfalls in currency day trading is being emotional about your investment decisions. Just like in...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[When Cheap Stocks Are Just Cheap Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/when-cheap-stocks-are-just-cheap-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors have used the purchase of cheap stocks to increase the value of their portfolios over time. By finding bargains, you can save significant amount of money on the purchase of the securities. When they increase in value, you stand to make a great deal of money. However, sometimes these stocks that appear to be bargains turn out to be nothing more than cheap stocks. Cheap Stocks vs. Bargains If you are going to be a successful value investor, you need to be able to tell the difference between cheap stocks and bargains. When you look at a...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Break Even Analysis for the Day Trader]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/break-even-analysis-for-the-day-trader.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The secret to day trading is to trade based on rules that are created with thorough and efficient break-even analysis. Break-even analysis can be conducted in various ways, and allows a trader to mathematically determine what percentage of trades must be correct given a specific risk over reward ratio. This ratio describes how much a trader needs to make, per trade, in order to account for commission costs and other fees. It also describes where the stock needs to be trading in order for an options trader to break even on the option. Whichever type of analysis you are...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Pros and Cons of Automated Stock Trading Services]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-pros-and-cons-of-automated-stock-trading-services.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Automated stock trading services provide traders with a way to trade the markets even when they are not available to do so. Automatic stock trading is typically done with software programs and stock trading robots. These programs utilize trading algorithms in order to make individual investment decisions. Here are some of the pros and cons of automated stock trading services. Pros One of the biggest benefits of using this type of service is that you can turn your investing into a &quot;hands off&quot; endeavor. You will not have to sit in front of the stock charts all day in...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Pros and Cons of Top-Down Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-pros-and-cons-of-top-down-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Top-down investing is a type of investment in which an investor takes a broad approach to selecting a sector to invest in and then chooses the best companies in that particular industry to invest in. The investor will look at the financial health of the world, zero in on financially sound regions, and then determine the best sectors in the market to invest in. This is a strategy in contrast to trying to identify individual companies that appear to be moving in the right direction regardless of industry. Here are some of the pros and cons of using top-down...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Detailed Look at Top-Down Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-detailed-look-at-top-down-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Top down investing is a method of analyzing the market as a whole when picking securities. Instead of concentrating on detailed analytics, top down investors look at overall market conditions, market sentiment and large-scale statements of financial health before picking sectors in which to invest. Top down investing results in mixed success. Some investors and analysts believe it is superior to bottom up investing, but others believe it falls short of truly detailed analysis of securities. Theory behind Top Down Investing The theory behind top down investing is simple: no securities exist in a bubble. They are all subject...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Can a Stop-Loss Order Fail?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-can-a-stop-loss-order-fail.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A stop loss order puts an immediate sell order on shares of a security that fall below a certain price. Since the order is executed automatically, the order cannot &quot;fail&quot; to be executed if the stock hits a given price. It can fail to deliver the best possible outcomes for the portfolio, however, and this is the main reason some analysts advise against using stop loss orders too heavily. Their reasons are varied, but they often focus on proper market responses versus improper responses. &quot;Getting Out&quot; vs. Getting Back In A stop loss order can be placed only to...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Sell Ratings Are Few and Far Between]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-sell-ratings-are-few-and-far-between.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Stock sell ratings seem as if they are nonexistent at times. In most cases, the ratings that investors see are all some variation of &quot;buy.&quot; Here are a few reasons that stock sell ratings are few and far between and how that can affect the investor. Stock Ratings Stock ratings are commonly issued by financial analysts from a number of different financial companies. These financial analysts work for investment banks, brokerages and other financial businesses. Financial analysts will choose a company and come up with a detailed report on the prospects of its stock. They will use financial analysis...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Breakdown of Solvency Ratios]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-breakdown-of-solvency-ratios.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Solvency ratios measure how easily a company can pay off long-term debt. When a company does not earn enough income to easily repay debts, it will fall into a negative cash flow pattern. In this case, the company will have to cut back employees or sell off assets to avoid defaulting on loans. Even with these measures, long-term negative cash flow can result in bankruptcy. Whether a company is &quot;solvent&quot; is an important factor in deciding to invest or hold on to shares of the company. Solvency Ratio The most basic solvency ratio measures a company's ability to meet...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to the Relative Strength Index (RSI)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-the-relative-strength-index-rsi.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Relative Strength Index (RSI) of a security or commodity attempts to measure its momentum. Namely, the formula is used to estimate whether the stock has been overbought or oversold, which could falsely affect price even if the underlying asset has held relatively constant. The RSI was developed by J. Welles Wilder in an article for Commodities magazine in 1978. It is a simple technical formula that uses a scale of 0 to 100 to indicate the momentum of the security. Formula for RSI The formula for RSI is simple: RSI =&amp;nbsp;100 - (100/relative strength) In this case, relative...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Know Your Profitability Ratios]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/know-your-profitability-ratios.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A profitability ratio is a measure of how successfully a company turns its underlying financial performance into profit. Profitability ratios can indicate whether a company is out-pacing a competitor, its performance from last year or its performance from last quarter. A profitability ratio can also provide insight into how aggressively a company is looking to grow its operations and move forward. As an investor, looking at key profitability ratios will help you understand how much you can expect to earn from dividends and capital gains on a stock. Profit Margin Profit margin measures how much of its earnings a...]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dangers of Investing in the Pharmaceuticals Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dangers-of-investing-in-the-pharmaceuticals-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in the pharmaceuticals market can sometimes be very lucrative. However, there are also several dangers associated with investing in this market. Here are a few things to consider about the risks associated with investing in the pharmaceuticals market. Reliance on a Drug One of the big dangers with investing in the pharmaceuticals market is that many companies rely on the success of one drug to carry them. A company might come up with a particularly promising drug and put millions of dollars into promoting it. When this happens, it can generate massive amounts of profit for the company....]]></description><pubDate>September 20, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bouncing Back from a Negative Return]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bouncing-back-from-a-negative-return.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you invest in the stock market, there is a chance that you will have to deal with a negative return at some point. In fact, most investors regularly lose trades. How you bounce back from a negative return will say a lot about you as an investor and your chances of success in the industry. Here are a few things to consider about bouncing back . Hard to Come Back It is important for you to realize the impact of a negative return on investment. Many investors mistakenly believe that you can get an equivalent return in order...]]></description><pubDate>September 19, 2010  5:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Profit from a Falling Dollar with Foreign Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/profit-from-a-falling-dollar-with-foreign-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Foreign investing can provide investors with a way to profit from the falling dollar. As the value of the dollar decreases, it makes domestic investments less attractive to investors. At the same time, foreign investing can potentially help investors when this happens. Here are a few things to consider about profiting from a falling dollar with foreign investing. Falling Dollar Inflation over the years has led to the value of the dollar decreasing drastically in relation to other currencies. The buying power of the dollar is substantially lower than what it once was. While this might have a negative...]]></description><pubDate>September 19, 2010  5:31 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Introduction to the Exponential Moving Average (EMA)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/introduction-to-the-exponential-moving-average-ema.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The exponential moving average of a security is a measure of its value over time with more weight given to recent changes. Exponential moving average is a slight variation from simple moving average. The simple moving average of a security compares one data point over a certain period. For example, closing price could be compared over 10 days. The simple average is the sum of the closing price over 10 days divided by 10. The exponential moving average is similar, except it weights the values of each day so more consideration is given to the most recent data. Exponential...]]></description><pubDate>September 19, 2010  5:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Biotech Investment: Should You Invest in Current Successes?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/biotech-investment-should-you-invest-in-current-successes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Biotech investment often offers the greatest opportunity for large capital gains. When biotech companies are first starting operations, they often have little more than a theory and an experiment designed to prove that theory. This means you can get into the investment for a very low price. Once the experiment works, though, there is nearly limitless expansion for the profit of the development, particularly if it involves medicine, energy or other necessities on the marketplace. The chance to turn a large profit is clear if you get in at the beginning, but what about investing in a biotech that...]]></description><pubDate>September 19, 2010  5:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in a Bankrupt Company]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-a-bankrupt-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[ It may sound like a bad idea to invest in a bankrupt company, after all, something has to be wrong if they are filing for bankruptcy. While you may believe this to be true, it is possible that you are missing out on a great opportunity. There are many advantages to investing in a bankrupt company. Of course, this does not mean that it is the right type of investment for you. A company can file for bankruptcy for many different reasons, underneath all of the reasons are financial issues. Many companies file for bankruptcy so that they can...]]></description><pubDate>September 19, 2010  5:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Average Return vs Compound Return]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/average-return-vs-compound-return.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When comparing investments, you can use average return or compound return as a comparison method. Compound return is more suitable for comparison and can be plugged into a formula for growth because it uses the power rule. Average return is easier to calculate, but is not commonly used by analysts to review earnings growth. The calculations Applying these calculations to earnings is simple. First, you acquire the earnings data for all periods whether it be annual or quarterly earnings data. Then you calculate the rate of return for each period. You would then sum the rates of return and...]]></description><pubDate>September 19, 2010  5:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tap Your Sources for Investment Ideas]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/tap-your-sources-for-investment-ideas.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Keeping up with the latest investment ideas can be important if you want to maximize your opportunities for profit and be successful. Sticking with the same old investment ideas may not give you the results that you desire. When it comes to finding new invest in ideas, you need to look to multiple sources for help. Family and Friends One of the best places to find invest in ideas is to talk to your family and friends. In many cases, your family and close friends can offer you new investment ideas. Keep in mind that if you talk to...]]></description><pubDate>September 19, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Pattern Day Trading?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-pattern-day-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Pattern day trading is a type of trading that is utilized by individuals who wish to take short-term trades that are closed out in the same day that they are opened. The SEC has a special designation for individuals that engage in this type of activity. In order to be classified as a pattern day trader, you have to trade the same security at least 4 times per day over a period of 5 days. If the amount of same day trades for that 5 day period is over six percent of your total activity, then you would be...]]></description><pubDate>September 19, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Trend Trading?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-trend-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Trend trading is a type of investment strategy in which traders try to identify the major trend of a particular security and then trade with it. For example, if they notice that a particular stock has been moving upward for a certain amount time, they will place a buy order. With the same idea, they could also place a short order with a stock that is on the way down. Momentum Traders that use this strategy will often use the line &quot;the trend is your friend.&quot; They believe that it is better to go with the trend than to...]]></description><pubDate>September 18, 2010  5:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Start Making Money with Online Commodity Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-start-making-money-with-online-commodity-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Online commodity trading has become very popular in the financial world today. Many investors that previously used the stock market exclusively have now branched out into the commodities market as a way to diversify their portfolios. Here are the basics of how to start making money with online commodity trading. Choosing an Online Commodity Broker The first part of the process involves choosing the right online commodity broker for you. There are many different brokers that will allow you to trade commodities online. However, they are not all created equal. The success of your online commodity trading will have...]]></description><pubDate>September 18, 2010  5:03 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Hedging?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-hedging.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Hedging is a concept that is utilized in the financial markets in order to minimize risk. In essence, the trader will make a trade that will limit the risk of the first transaction. This strategy can be used in every financial market, to some degree. For example, many individuals will use inverse index funds for this type of hedging strategy. If they have the majority of their money invested a traditional index fund, they could put a smaller amount of money in an inverse leveraged index fund. If the market goes up in value, they will earn money from...]]></description><pubDate>September 18, 2010  4:58 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Find Rolling Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-find-rolling-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Rolling stocks are a type of stock that are cyclical by nature. You will see the stock increase to a certain amount and then fall back down to a certain level repeatedly. This type of stock rolls back and forth from high to low. They are beneficial because you can have a good idea of where they are headed in the future. If you are looking at a stock chart of a rolling stock, and the current prices near the historic high, you can generally feel comfortable that it will start to decline in value. The same principle applies...]]></description><pubDate>September 18, 2010  4:56 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Advantage of Intermarket Analysis]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-advantage-of-intermarket-analysis.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Intermarket analysis is a type of analysis that many traders use to gain perspective on the stock market. This type of analysis involves looking at multiple markets in order to get an idea of what is new in a market. Intermarket analysis is commonly used by many traders and has some merit. Here are a few things to consider about the advantages of intermarket analysis. Looking at a Single Market Single market analysis is the opposite of intermarket analysis. With single market analysis, a trader looks only at the market that they are currently involved with. This is what...]]></description><pubDate>September 18, 2010  4:53 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[When to Buy in a Down Market and when to Hide]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/when-to-buy-in-a-down-market-and-when-to-hide.html</link><description><![CDATA[ During a down market, investors become unsure of what they should be doing. Some people say that you should try to buy as much as you can, while others say that you should stay out of the market. There is not a definitive approach for every stock but, you can be successful during a down market. Buying Low As a general rule, you can find good values in a down market. The object of investing is to buy low and sell high. When you are in the middle of a down market, it can be a great time to...]]></description><pubDate>September 17, 2010  5:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Traits of Successful Commodity Futures Traders]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-traits-of-successful-commodity-futures-traders.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many successful commodity futures traders share common traits. If you want to be successful trading commodity futures, developing these qualities will most likely be necessary to get there. Here are a few traits that are commonly found in successful commodity futures traders. 1. Knowledge One of the most common traits that is found in successful commodity futures traders is knowledge. These individuals are highly knowledgeable in the futures market as well as many other financial markets. These people did not become successful by guessing and investing on hunches. Instead, these traders spent a great deal of time learning their...]]></description><pubDate>September 14, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Biotech Investing Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/biotech-investing-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Biotech investing can be one of the most lucrative methods of investment that financial markets have to offer today. If you have been considering investing in the biotech industry, there are a number of choices for you to look into. One of the most direct ways that you have available to you to invest in biotech is to purchase stock in a company. One option that you have is to purchase the stock of a smaller biotech company. Small Company Stock Small-cap companies have vast potential. Many of these smaller biotech companies are working on drugs that can provide...]]></description><pubDate>September 14, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Uranium Investing Offers Explosive Potential]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/uranium-investing-offers-explosive-potential.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Uranium investing is an often overlooked method of investing in the precious metals market. While most people are focused on gold, the &quot;other yellow metal&quot; has something to offer investors as well. Here are a few things to consider about the potential of investing in uranium and how to go about doing so.&amp;nbsp; Uranium Potential With the majority of the world looking for alternative sources of energy, uranium makes a lot of sense for investors. The oil industry has been the provider of the bulk of the energy that is created in the world today. With oil and natural...]]></description><pubDate>September 14, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trading Gold Commodity Futures]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/trading-gold-commodity-futures.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors are turning to trading gold commodity futures in order to get away from dependence on the stock market. This gives investors another option when it comes to investing and it also presents them with a unique opportunity. Here are the basics of trading gold gold commodity futures and how the process works. Futures Contracts In order to get involved in the futures market, it is important to understand exactly what a futures contract is. When you enter into a futures contract, you are essentially buying or selling a commodity at a given price at a future date....]]></description><pubDate>September 13, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Day Trading Taxes and Costs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/day-trading-taxes-and-costs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Learning about the basics of day trading taxes is essential if you plan on getting involved in day trading on a regular basis. Day traders also have to be aware of other costs that can negatively impact their ability to make money in the stock market. Here are a few things to consider about day trading taxes and costs. Day Trading Taxes Day traders regularly make several trades per day. They buy and sell stocks very quickly and attempt to make small, regular profits. The point of this type of trading is not to buy and hold like many...]]></description><pubDate>September 13, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trading Silver Futures]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/trading-silver-futures.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Trading silver futures along with trading gold has become popular in the investment world today. Many people are turning to this type of investment as a way to diversify their portfolios and bring in returns even during a down economy. The process of trading silver futures is a little bit different than trading stocks, but the same basic ideas apply. Here are the basics of trading silver futures and how it works. What are Silver Futures? In order to decide whether you want to trade silver futures, you need to have a good understanding of what a silver futures...]]></description><pubDate>September 13, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trading OTCBB Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/trading-otcbb-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ OTCBB stocks are stocks that are not traded on the major stock exchanges. The term OTCBB stands for over the counter bulletin board and these stocks are traded through dealer networks, instead of exchanges. The companies which make up this market are much smaller than what you will find in the larger stock exchanges. Here are a few things to consider about trading OTCBB stocks and how they work. OTCBB Stocks There are no specific requirements for companies to meet in order to be classified as an OTCBB stock. With the large stock exchanges, companies have to meet certain...]]></description><pubDate>September 13, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Day Trading Penny Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/day-trading-penny-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Day trading penny stocks is a stock trading strategy that is commonly used by many traders in the market today. This strategy is implemented by using short-term trades of inexpensive stocks to make small, regular profits. As the name implies, penny stocks are stocks that trade for small share prices. In many cases, you can buy a share of stock in the company for only a few cents. There are thousands of companies out there that trade for very small amounts of money. Most of these companies are not traded on the large stock exchanges. In order to gain...]]></description><pubDate>September 13, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Analyzing Stock Beta]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/analyzing-stock-beta.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Stock beta is a metric used to describe the volatility of a stock in relation to the rest of the stock market. Many investors utilize stock beta in order to make important investment decisions and to assess the risk of their portfolio. Here are the basics of stock beta.&amp;nbsp; Stock Beta Stock beta is a tool that is used to show how volatile a stock is. A stock could have provided an investor with an outstanding rate of return over a certain amount of time. However, if the stock is very volatile, the returns of that stock could be...]]></description><pubDate>September 13, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to Pivot Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-pivot-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Pivot trading is a type of trading that utilizes technical indicators in order to trade stocks and other securities. This system also utilizes pivots in order to provide support and resistance lines for a particular security. Here are the basics of pivot trading.&amp;nbsp; Pivots In order to get involved in pivot trading, it is important to understand what a pivot is. A pivot point is basically an important price level on a price chart. There are indicators that you can use that will place the pivot points on your chart for you. In most cases, the pivot point is...]]></description><pubDate>September 13, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Choosing the Right Commodity Futures Broker]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/choosing-the-right-commodity-futures-broker.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Working with a commodity futures broker provides you with a way to gain access to the futures market. If you plan on getting involved with this market, you will need to choose a good commodity futures broker to work with. When you are trying to choose a commodity futures broker, you should do a great deal of research on the broker. One of the first things that you should look at is the reputation of the broker in general. Reputation Brokers tend to carry a reputation in the futures market. By talking to a few traders, and other individuals...]]></description><pubDate>September 13, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using Price to Book Value to Find a Bargain]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-price-to-book-value-to-find-a-bargain.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The price to book value is a valuation multiple that many investors use to find companies that are undervalued in the marketplace. This metric is fairly simple to calculate, and investors hope to be able to find companies that they can buy at a discount. Here are the basics of price to book value.&amp;nbsp; Price to Book Value The price to book value is a comparison of the value of the company's stock to the book value of the company. By using this, you can tell if a company is actually worth what the investors think or if the...]]></description><pubDate>September 11, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Pros and Cons of Preferred Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-pros-and-cons-of-preferred-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Preferred stocks&amp;nbsp;are a type of investment that provides you with some features of debt and equity instruments at the same time. With this investment, you can receive regular interest payments and have a higher claim on the assets of a company, in the event that the company went out of business. Here are some of the pros and cons of investing in preferred stocks. Pros One of the biggest advantages of investing in preferred stock is that you can bring in a steady income. With this type of investment, you will receive a regular dividend payments from the company....]]></description><pubDate>September  9, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bonds and Preferred Stocks: Differences and Similarities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bonds-and-preferred-stocks-differences-and-similarities.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Both bonds and preferred stocks are very similar investments that are commonly issued by many corporations. While these investments are similar, they also have a few key differences. One of the biggest differences between these two types of investments is the type of security that they represent. When you invest in a bond, you are considered to be a creditor of the company. This means that you are lending money to the company that issued the bond. Preferred stock, on the other hand, is considered to be an equity instrument. This means that you are going to become a...]]></description><pubDate>September  9, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Does Your Company Do with Its Retained Earnings?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-does-your-company-do-with-its-retained-earnings.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Retained earnings is a financial value that is very important to investors of a company. If you are investing in a company, you should pay attention to where their retained earnings end up, as this has a lot to do with the profitability of the company. Here are a few things to consider about why you should care about where the retained earnings end up. Retained Earnings When a company makes a profit, they generally do two different things with it. Part of it will go out to the shareholders in the form of a dividend. Shareholders love dividends,...]]></description><pubDate>September  9, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in Silver: 4 Different Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-silver-4-different-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are interested in investing in silver, there are several investment options available. Silver is a precious commodity and many people like to invest because it acts as a hedge against inflation and continues to rise in value. Here are a few options that you have to invest in silver.&amp;nbsp; 1. Silver Bullion One of the options that you have is to invest directly in silver bullion. Silver bullion can come in the form of silver bars or silver coins. You can purchase these coins for many different places, such as a precious metals dealer or from an...]]></description><pubDate>September  8, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cash Cow Companies (and How to Find Them)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/cash-cow-companies-and-how-to-find-them.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A cash cow company is one that has enough annual income to more than over its expenditures. A cash cow is usually a mature company with a large market share. The company has already put in the capital and hard work to become successful, and it mostly focuses on fine-tuning that success each year rather than making large changes. For an investor, a cash cow stock can provide very healthy, consistent dividends without high risk of loss. Even though the capital appreciation of the stock may be low, this promise of income while the stock is held is promising....]]></description><pubDate>September  8, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding the Best Commodity Futures News]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/finding-the-best-commodity-futures-news.html</link><description><![CDATA[ You can find some of the best commodity futures news on the exchange websites. For instance, Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) has a website that disseminates current futures news. There is also daily and periodical research that helps traders and investors keep track of various factors in commodities, such as supply and demand. Other syndicate news companies such as Associated Press, Reuters, and Bloomberg are also good sources for commodities news. Make sure that when you start trading or investing you have a commodity news calendar handy. This can be made available by your broker. The news calendar dates every...]]></description><pubDate>September  7, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Breaking Down the CEO Bonus Structure]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/breaking-down-the-ceo-bonus-structure.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In the corporate world, a CEO bonus typically is an incentive-based annual payment to the chief executive officer of a company that is over and above that executive&amp;rsquo;s salary. The CEO bonus is part of the overall compensation package, which normally includes salary, bonus, stock options, insurance benefits, retirement benefits, vacation, severance and perks, such as a car. Calculating the Bonus Part of the hiring process for the chief executive officer of a company includes negotiating how bonuses will be calculated. Typically, this is handled by the compensation committee of the board of directors. A CEO bonus is usually...]]></description><pubDate>September  3, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Swing Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/swing-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Swing trading is an investment strategy that aims to secure quick gains, usually within an average period of two to five trading days. Investors who make use of this technique take advantage of drastic but short-term movements in stock prices. In other words, swing traders are more concerned about the price trends and not the actual values of the stocks. The key to this type of stock investing strategy is being able to act fast and capture stocks whose prices can potentially fluctuate within a few days. Day traders or home-based investors are the ones who make use of...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Buy Oil Shares]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-buy-oil-shares.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Purchasing oil shares is an investment strategy that many investors are turning to. Contrary to popular belief, anybody can buy oil shares. Those who have the most success know how to research available stocks related to oil companies, oil and gas drilling and exploration, oil and gas equipment and oil refining. The more details you consider, the more you will see that there are many ways to invest in oil. Do your Research Your knowledge will determine how much research you have to do. It is essential to research the companies that you are interested in investing in. If...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Trade Futures]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-trade-futures.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A&amp;nbsp; future contract is a kind of financial contract in which the two involved parties agree on the transaction of physical commodities, or financial instrument, at a particular cost for delivery in future. When you invest in a future contract, you are agreeing to buy a commodity that the seller has not yet manufactured, or established a price basis for. But this doesn&amp;rsquo;t mean you will be selling and buying large physical commodities and inventories. Traders in futures market are mostly involved in hedging risks, instead of actual exchange of commodities. DIY Future Trading Future trading is not suitable...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Types of Earnings Per Share]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-types-of-earnings-per-share.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Earnings per share, also known as EPS, is the portion of a company&amp;#8217;s income that will be allocated to each outstanding common share. This is an important metric that helps determine the profitability of a company. Many investors look at the EPS before they put money on certain stocks. However, it is worth noting that there are many types of EPSs that companies report or disclose. An investor must have a good understanding of the various types of earnings per share in order for him or her to make informed investment decisions.1.&amp;nbsp; GAAP EPSPopularly known as the reported EPS,...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Support and Resistance Basics]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/support-and-resistance-basics.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Support and resistance are the technical equivalent of supply and demand from a technical trading perspective. It is not a law ,or a theory, but rather a pattern that occurs within the course of trading. Support and resistance can make up the general range that the stock trades in. Taking a look at the basics it is useful to define the terms and understand how it is applied in the daily routine of trading. What is support Support is the price level, or range, that is at or below the current price in sustaining the level of the stock....]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Power of Program Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-power-of-program-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Program trading is a type of automated stock trading that involves institutional investors making large trades. With this type of trading, an institutional investor will buy at least 15 stocks and at least $1,000,000 will change hands. Program trading is commonly used by many of the bigger mutual funds in the market today. Here are a few things that you should know about program trading. Program Trading This type of trading is also sometimes referred to as system trading. With this type of trading strategy, computers do the heavy lifting. Investment managers set the criteria for the trading activities...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Darvas Box Captures Elusive Returns]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/darvas-box-captures-elusive-returns.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Darvas box strategy is a trading strategy that has withstood the test of time in the investment world. This strategy is based on the observations and trading methods of Nicolas Darvas. Darvas traded before the days of instant stock quotes and online trading, but he was able to have a great deal of success with his Darvas box strategy. Here are the basics of the Darvas box strategy. Nikolas Darvas Nikolas Darvas, a professional dancer, was deeply involved in the stock market. He utilized a weekly newspaper and stock quotes that came from his stockbroker via telegrams. Even...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Measuring Volatility with Average True Range (ATR)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/measuring-volatility-with-average-true-range-atr.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Average True Range (ATR) is a measure of volatility proposed by Welles Wilder, a technical analyst and trader who introduced the term in his 1978 book, New Concepts. ATR is measured by determining a range based on highs and lows over a current trading cycle. The ATR is always the greatest of three measures: Current high less current low Absolute value of current high less previous close Absolute value of current low less previous close Terms and Definitions To understand these three ranges, it is first necessary to understand the terms used. Often, two ranges of securities are used...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pyramiding Your Way to Profits]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pyramiding-your-way-to-profits.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Pyramiding is an investment strategy that involves putting more money into an asset that is doing well in order to increase the amount of profits that are possible. With this strategy, you can take a low risk approach to improving your results. Pyramiding is a strategy that is used by traders who wish to increase the amount of profit on a trade. For example, let's say that you have invested a certain amount of money in a stock and it is performing well. You look at your price chart and the price of the stock has broken through the...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Day Trading with CFDs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/day-trading-with-cfds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ CFDs, or contracts for difference, are financial instruments that enable traders or investors to trade shares and speculate on the price movements of stocks without actually owning the shares. People who are interested in day trading can opt to invest in this particular instrument primarily because CFD market does not have day trading restrictions and rules. Here are some important tips to follow if you want to put your money in CFDs as a day trader. Understand CFD TradingIt is very important for new investors to understand what a CFD is before they invest in such a financial instrument....]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding Market Movement with The ADX (Average Directional Index)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/finding-market-movement-with-the-adx-average-directional-index.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Average Directional Index (ADX) of a financial instrument attempts to measure which &quot;trends&quot; in its price are noteworthy. Essentially, the goal of mapping the ADX is to determine if a change in price or activity is developing into a trend, or simply going to appear as a small blip in the overall structure of the instrument's movement over time. The ADX uses the Directional Movement Indicators, one positive and one negative, in order to find a center-line trend of an asset price. Directional Indicators On any ADX map, there are two other lines; they are called the DI...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Increasing Your Profits with a Soft Stop]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/increasing-your-profits-with-a-soft-stop.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A soft stop is a theoretical position or price where a trader will execute a trade. The position is &quot;soft&quot; because it is subject to change if market conditions change. A soft stop can be thought of as a guideline but not a hard rule. Traders can elect to ignore a soft stop or enforce it at any point in the future, while they do not have this leeway with an actual &quot;stop order.&quot; Using soft stops can make a portfolio more flexible to the market. &amp;nbsp; Stop Order A hard stop, called a &quot;stop order,&quot; is a specific...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Direct Access Trading Systems (DATs)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/direct-access-trading-systems-dats.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Direct access trading systems are preferred by many traders because they do not have to go through a middleman. This system provides faster execution and allows a trader to increase potential profits. With this type of system, orders that are placed go directly into the market and are matched up with the aid of a computer system. Here are the basics of direct access trading systems and how they are used. Online Brokers Trading with an online broker is one of the most common ways that most traders access the market. An online broker can help you open an...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Risk Management Techniques for Active Traders]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/risk-management-techniques-for-active-traders.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Before becoming an active trader it's best to tread cautiously; for starters make sure you have a risk management plan. Risk management is very important to traders who are actively involved in the markets. Your livelihood is at stake, that's why the rules you set are an important first step. It is a proven fact that most amateur traders lose money starting out. Yet surprisingly, it is also a fact that professional traders lose money on most of their trades. That's why risk management is so important. It's important to approach the markets from a standpoint of managing risk...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are You Under or Overtrading?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/are-you-under-or-overtrading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Overtrading in the stock market can be a recipe for disaster. At the same time, under trading is also going to cause you some problems. In order to be successful, you have to come up with a way to find a happy medium between the two. Here are a few things to consider about the frequency of your trading and how to improve it.&amp;nbsp; Under Trading Many traders are guilty of under trading. When this happens, an individual does not take as many trades as he or she should be taking. For example, a trader might be watching the...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding a Good Trading Coach]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/finding-a-good-trading-coach.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Are you interested in finding a trading coach who can show you the ropes? This is a trend that has been picking up in recent years. Rather than learning how to trade on your own, you can hire a coach who can walk you through the process. Not only will this help you increase your knowledge base, but it will also allow you to minimize your losses. Speak with Several Coaches The last thing you want to do is hire the first trading coach that you find. This is a mistake on many levels. While it may work out...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Contracts for Differences Pricing Work]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-contracts-for-differences-pricing-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Contracts for differences (CFD) agreements are a form of financial derivative sold on some foreign markets. CFDs are not permitted within the United States at this point (August 2010). Therefore, this investment is open only to an investor engaged in a market where CFDs are legal, including the United Kingdom, many European nations and Canada. In a CFD agreement, a &quot;buyer&quot; promises to pay a &quot;seller&quot; the difference between current price and a forward long price, and the &quot;seller&quot; agrees to pay the &quot;buyer&quot; the difference between current price and a forward short price.&amp;nbsp; Current Price The current price...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Benefits of Trading CFDs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/benefits-of-trading-cfds.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The number of investors trading CFDs is steadily increasing because more people are discovering its various advantages over the ordinary buying and selling of stocks or shares through conventional stockbrokers. A CFD, which is short for Contract for Difference, is a financial instrument that allows investors to benefit from the price movements of the underlying shares or instruments. Here are some of the benefits of adding CFDs in your investment portfolio.Trade on MarginCFDs are popular because they allow investors to trade or open a position without really putting up the overall value of the trade. In this type of...]]></description><pubDate>August 30, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Day Trade: 5 Steps to Financial Disaster]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-day-trade-5-steps-to-financial-disaster.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Learning how to day trade can provide you with a way to make a comfortable living. However, if you do it incorrectly, you could lose a large amount of money, very quickly. Here are a few steps that could potentially lead you to financial disaster in day trading. 1. Trading on Borrowed Money or Margin One of the biggest mistakes that you can make in the stock market is to trade with borrowed money, or trade on margin. This creates a situation where you are taking on a large amount of risk. When you have to borrow money just...]]></description><pubDate>August 29, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Day Trading Tips for Beginners]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/day-trading-tips-for-beginners.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are many day trading tips that are perfect for beginners. While day trading is not something that you should attempt to do on a whim, if you are interested in getting deeply involved, you have the potential to make a lot of money. As a beginner, you should learn as much as possible about day trading, including what goes into the process, how much money it will take and the risks involved. If you do not fully understand day trading, you are going to find yourself confused and wondering what to do next. Prepare for Stress If you...]]></description><pubDate>August 29, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Tips Are Just Words, Not Guarantees]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-tips-are-just-words-not-guarantees.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Stock tips are commonly offered by many stock analysts and other individuals to trade the market. While a good stock tip can be a powerful tool, it can also lead to problems for investors. There are many forms of stock tips that are currently available. Everywhere that you look in the financial world, someone is giving their opinion about a particular stock that you should buy. You can find these stock tips on radio programs, television programs, blogs, websites, newspapers, and magazines. Many individuals publish newsletters that are based on nothing more than providing stock tips. These tips could...]]></description><pubDate>August 29, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trading on Margin Is Powerful but Dangerous]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/trading-on-margin-is-powerful-but-dangerous.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Trading on margin is a process that involves borrowing money from your broker and using that money to purchase additional stock. This allows you to increase the potential of each investment by increasing the number of shares that you can buy. Even though this investment strategy can be very powerful, it can also be very dangerous and can amplify your losses. Here are a few things to consider about trading on margin. Trading on Margin Trading on margin is a strategy that has been used by many investors for years. In order to engage in this activity, you may...]]></description><pubDate>August 29, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at Pro-Forma Earnings]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-pro-forma-earnings.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Pro forma earnings statements are not designed to catalogue actual company finances. Instead, they are used to project earnings anticipated from a given project or expansion. Pro forma literally translates to &quot;for the sake of form.&quot; Pro forma earnings statements, then, are a way of categorizing potential revenues in an accepted format in order for investors and lenders to understand the projection. Pro forma statements are not designed to replace actual earnings statements or financial reports. Pro Forma Earnings Example There are many scenarios when a pro forma earnings statement is useful. For example, Bob's Restaurant currently owns 1,000...]]></description><pubDate>August 29, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to the Conversion Ratio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-the-conversion-ratio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The conversion ratio on any type of convertible security is the number of common shares the security holder will receive when the conversion is exercised. The conversion ratio is found with a very simple formula: par value of the convertible security divided by the conversion price of the underlying asset. To understand this formula, it is necessary to understand the parts that make it up. Terms and Definitions Conversion - A conversion is the process of changing any convertible asset into another type of asset. For example, a convertible bond can be exchanged for common stock in the future....]]></description><pubDate>August 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does Convertible Preferred Stock Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-convertible-preferred-stock-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Convertible preferred stock can be traded for a fixed amount of common stock at a given time in the future. Typically, the conversion occurs after a given date. However, the stockholder or corporation may decide to make a conversion at his or their own discretion in some scenarios. Ultimately, the contract and terms to which convertible preferred stock is subject depend on the corporation issuing the stock.&amp;nbsp; Common Stock Common stock is an issuance of equity to a shareholder. The shareholder typically has voting rights to help control his or her equity, and the shareholder will earn money if...]]></description><pubDate>August 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Different Types of Preferred Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-different-types-of-preferred-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Preferred stocks, also known as preferred shares, are equity securities that get preferential treatment over common shares. These shares can be considered hybrid securities because they also show characteristics similar to bonds. Holders of preferred stocks are given priority guarantee. They are given preferential treatment when it comes to the payment of dividends and with other claims on company assets. A holder of this type of share does not have voting rights. Here are the main types of preferred stocks.Cumulative StocksThis type of preferred stock comes with a provision stipulating that if dividends have been skipped or omitted in...]]></description><pubDate>August 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Days Sales Outstanding (DSO)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/days-sales-outstanding-dso.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When measuring revenue collection for a company, days sales outstanding is the calculation most people choose. Also known as average collection period, days sales outstanding essentially gauges the average time it takes for a company to receive its cash after a sale has been made.&amp;nbsp; Calculation It is calculated by dividing account receivables by the average daily sales revenue. Account receivables is a line item of short term assets on the balance sheet. Average daily sales revenue can be calculated as annual sales divided 365 to come to average daily sales. The average days sales outstanding is three months...]]></description><pubDate>August 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Inefficient Accounts Receivables Can Spell Trouble]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/inefficient-accounts-receivables-can-spell-trouble.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Inefficient accounts receivables can be a sign of a company that is in financial trouble. If your company struggles with accounts receivables, you may need to assess the source of your problems. Many businesses measure their success in the amount of sales that they make. If sales are up, the managers and the business owner are happy. However, a business is not truly making any money until the money from those sales is collected. You can sell as much as you want, but if you do not collect the money in a timely fashion, your business could be on...]]></description><pubDate>August 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Ways to Measure Business Efficiency]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-ways-to-measure-business-efficiency.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Financial ratios can be used to measure business efficiency, and once you understand them, you'll be guided in the right direction. Some ratios can even indicate how long your business would be able to survive, or forecast cash shortfalls. Your small business accountant could run the numbers, but why not do it yourself and save some money. Here are the top 5 ratios you need to know about: 1 - Net Profit Margin Every business owner needs to know what the net profit margin for their business. For every sales dollar you make, the following ratio will help you...]]></description><pubDate>August 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Calculate Inventory Turnover]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-calculate-inventory-turnover.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Calculating inventory turnover requires dividing the cost of goods sold at a business by the average inventory value. Both figures used in the equation can be found in a firm&amp;rsquo;s financial statements. Knowing the inventory turnover rate is important, particularly for investors wishing to compare the relative value of inventory at one company to another. It also is important for company managers, because a higher inventory turnover rate can mean more sales at lower costs. Finding Cost of Goods Sold The cost of goods sold is a figure used on business financial statements. It represents the entire cost to...]]></description><pubDate>August 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Exploring the Negative Aspects of Small Cap Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/exploring-the-negative-aspects-of-small-cap-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Small cap stocks are stocks of companies that have a market capitalization of somewhere between $300 million and $2 billion. This type of stock can provide several advantages to investors. However, at the same time, there are several negative aspects of investing in small cap stocks. Here are a few of the negatives of investing in small cap stocks. Volatile One of the potential negative aspects of investing in small cap stocks is that they tend to be very volatile. When compared to larger stocks, these stocks are going to vary greatly in price from one day to the...]]></description><pubDate>August 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to the Fama French Three Factor Model]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-the-fama-french-three-factor-model.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Fama-French three factor model is adapted from the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM). The CAPM attempts to measure a &quot;good&quot; price for a security based on the risk of the security, but the Fama-French model accounts for high performance among value and small-cap stocks. These two categories of securities tend to outperform the market, and this means the value of the asset may be affected if it falls into one of these two categories. Capital Asset Pricing Model To understand the Fama-French model, it is important to first understand the CAPM. The CAPM formula is this: &amp;nbsp; Asset...]]></description><pubDate>August 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Problems with Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/problems-with-return-on-capital-employed-roce.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Return on capital employed is a valuation multiple that is commonly used in order to determine the efficiency of a company. When trying to determine whether to buy a stock, many investors use this ratio as a way to help make the decision. Even though this metric provides some valuable information, there are a few potential problems with it. Return on Capital Employed The idea behind return on capital employed is that you can look at a company and determine how much profit is generated by the amount of money that it has used. In order to calculate the...]]></description><pubDate>August 28, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Z Scores]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-z-scores.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Z-scores are the numbers that are calculated using&amp;nbsp;the Altman z-score mathematical formula. The formula&amp;nbsp;uses corporate financial data to predict whether or not a company will go bankrupt in the next few years. The formula was invented in 1968 by Edward I. Altman, an assistant professor of finance at New York University. Since then, the formula has been able to correctly predict bankruptcies 72 percent of the time. While the formula is not fool-proof, it has become a fairly reliable indicator of a company's financial health. Understanding Z-Scores Formula The original Z-scores formula was geared towards publicly traded companies. More...]]></description><pubDate>August 27, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Exploring International Investment Opportunities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/exploring-international-investment-opportunities.html</link><description><![CDATA[ International investment opportunities can provide a solid way for investors to diversify their portfolios. There are several different types of investments in this category that an investor could choose. Here are a few of the options that are available to investors. Stocks One of the most direct ways for you to get involved in international investments is to purchase foreign stock. Foreign companies sell stock in exactly the same way as domestic ones. You will need to open a brokerage account in order to gain access to these companies. In most cases, you will need to open a brokerage...]]></description><pubDate>August 26, 2010  4:01 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[International Risk: Investing Abroad Could Cost You]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/international-risk-investing-abroad-could-cost-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing abroad is a source of several types of international risk. As an investor, you need to be aware of what types of international risk are present. Here are a few things to consider about the different sources of risk with international investments. Currency Risk One of the most common types of risk that you will have to deal with is currency risk. Every currency is worth a different amount when compared to another currency. If you have to convert your money into a foreign currency in order to invest in a foreign investment, there is a chance that...]]></description><pubDate>August 26, 2010  4:01 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding Value in Beta Risk Assessment]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/finding-value-in-beta-risk-assessment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In finance, beta risk is a comparison of the volatility of a stock or security, in comparison to the market as a whole. The market as a whole is said to have a beta of 1.0. If an individual security has a beta below 1, it is thought to be less volatile than the market. The same is true with the other side of the scale, a stock with a security with a beta higher than 1 is considered volatile. Calculating Beta The formula for the beta coefficient of an asset seems complicated, but it can be broken down...]]></description><pubDate>August 26, 2010  4:01 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Business Market Share and Growth]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/business-market-share-and-growth.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A company&amp;rsquo;s growth and its business market share (the percentage of total profits of its industry that it controls) have varying degrees of positive correlation. Depending on the nature of the industry a firm operates in, a small amount of growth can lead to large market share increases, or a large amount of growth can lead to small increases. In perfect competition, where a large number of price-taking suppliers all compete against each other with identical products, a given rate of growth may have a lesser impact on a company&amp;rsquo;s market share than it would in an industry where...]]></description><pubDate>August 26, 2010  4:01 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to Market Growth]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-market-growth.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Market growth is the measure of how desirable a product or service is on the general market. It is essentially a measure of the change in demand over time. Of course, demand does not exist in a bubble. It is highly correlated to price, supply and other factors, and market growth examines how these factors interact to expand or contract the desirability of a product.&amp;nbsp; Market Growth Example When the DVD was first introduced to the market, there was speculation as to whether or not it would replace the video tape (VHS). Many people argued the DVD was too...]]></description><pubDate>August 26, 2010  4:01 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Argument against Dual-Class Shares]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-argument-against-dual-class-shares.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many companies offer a dual class of shares of stocks, which means there are two ways to participate in company ownership. Typically, one of the share classes grants more control over the company, and for this and other reasons, many investors find the disadvantages of such arrangements outweigh the benefits. Following is a definition of dual-class share companies and several points investors use to argue against them. What Are Dual-Class Stocks? In a publicly owned company, ownership is vested in shares of stock that can be purchased by individual investors. Typically, a share of stock grants one vote to...]]></description><pubDate>August 26, 2010  4:01 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Use Accelerated Depreciation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-use-accelerated-depreciation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Accelerated depreciation allows a company to count a higher portion of depreciation of an asset's value to the early years of the asset's use. Essentially, the company is stating the asset will be more productive immediately after it is purchased. As a result, the asset's value will depreciate faster in the beginning of its lifetime than in the end. For tax purposes, this can permit a company to defer tax payments on an asset's production for a longer period. Depreciation of Assets There are two ways to deduct the expense of a business asset. First, an asset can be...]]></description><pubDate>August 26, 2010  4:01 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Assumptions Play a Large Role in Depreciation Methods]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/assumptions-play-a-large-role-in-depreciation-methods.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A company can use depreciation methods to reduce taxable income, defer taxes to a later date or even show improvements in earnings or value. If you are not involved in accounting, you may be surprised to learn about the many simple changes in calculations that can result in largely different answers to the question of &quot;what a company is worth.&quot; As a result, it is important to understand the assumptions an accountant is making in depreciation to properly assess the strength of the organization. Depreciation Rate and Method When a company purchases an expensive capital asset, it can capitalize...]]></description><pubDate>August 26, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Invest when Interest Rates Are Rising]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-when-interest-rates-are-rising.html</link><description><![CDATA[ With interest rising rates you need to think long and hard about what you are going to do with your money. Investing when interest rates are climbing is much different than investing when they are dropping, or holding steady. The way that you invest your money during these times will have a massive effect on your long term success.&amp;nbsp; As interest rates begin to soar, there are some things that you should expect. History shows that stocks do not respond well when interest rates begin to increase. Rising interest rates can lead to a decline in the stock market....]]></description><pubDate>August 26, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Guide to Federal Interest Rates]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-guide-to-federal-interest-rates.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Changing the level of federal interest rates is one tool that the Federal Reserve Board (FRB) can use to control the money supply and, hence, the growth rate of the economy. An easy way to understand the relationship between the money supply and economic growth is to think of interest rates as the price of money. By raising interest rates, the Fed is raising the price of money. This discourages capital borrowing by new and existing firms to fund growth and provides incentives for consumers to save rather than spend. These two consequences of higher interest rates result in...]]></description><pubDate>August 26, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to Margin Analysis]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-margin-analysis.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Learning and perfecting strategies using margin analysis to invest in companies is complex yet rewarding. It is complex because not only must future economic trends be forecasted, but also once we have narrowed down the over 200 industries we then have to select the best stocks in those industries. Needless to say, this can be difficult, and understanding company financial statements is crucial. Interpreting the elaborate nature of these statements is perhaps the most important skill to have when evaluating stocks. Learning and Understanding Financial Ratios An easy way to begin understanding these statements is by learning the financial...]]></description><pubDate>August 26, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Calculating and Understanding Burn Rate]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/calculating-and-understanding-burn-rate.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Burn rate is another way to say, &quot;negative cash flow.&quot; It is a measure of how quickly a company moves through money in order to make purchases, pay staff or expand. All companies should have some negative cash flow. They must pay vendors, and wise companies will also spend some profits on capital investments. However, the key is to keep negative cash flow balanced against positive cash flow in order to turn a profit. Calculating Burn Rate Burn rate is a simple calculation of how much a business spent in a single month. If the business spent $100,000 in...]]></description><pubDate>August 26, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Problems with Return on Assets (ROA)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/problems-with-return-on-assets-roa.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The return on assets is a valuation multiple that investors commonly use in order to evaluate potential investments. Return on assets is calculated by taking the net income of a company, over a particular time period, and then dividing that number by the assets of the company.&amp;nbsp;The purpose of this ratio is to determine how efficiently a company is working with the assets that they have. Even though this ratio can be beneficial at times, there are a few problems associated with it. Return on Assets The number that you come up with when calculating return on assets can...]]></description><pubDate>August 26, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Failure of Relative Valuation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-failure-of-relative-valuation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Relative valuation is a method used to discover low-priced companies with strong fundamentals. It is assumed that while the companies may not be worth much now, they have the qualities that&amp;nbsp;can make them successful in the future. The hope is that the company will earn great profits for anyone who had the foresight to invest in them before they got big. Relative valuation is a relatively simple process. Unfortunately, there are a number of factors that can cause relative valuation to go awry, making it far less reliable than what most investors would be comfortable with. How Relative Valuation...]]></description><pubDate>August 26, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Investing Tip: Create a Sell Rule to Minimize Losses]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-investing-tip-create-a-sell-rule-to-minimize-losses.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are looking for a solid stock investing tip, consider creating a sell rule for yourself in order to minimize losses. By taking this step, you can potentially lower the amount of capital that you lose and protect yourself as a trader. Regardless of how good of a stock trader you are, you are going to need to be able to minimize your losses. Even if you win a lot of trades, it is only going to take one big loss to get you back down to where you started. Because of this, you need to come up...]]></description><pubDate>August 26, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[High P/E Ratio Stocks: Be wary and think growth]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/high-pe-ratio-stocks-be-wary-and-think-growth.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A high p/e ratio isn't always a bad thing. In fact, it can be useful in indicating positive future performance. A high p/e ratio can be indicative of good relative price strength and high earnings growth, albeit the fundamentals may be skewed. Think of stocks with high p/e ratios as a certain type of investing. It is simply growth investing. As always in finance, reward does not come without its risks. A stock with a high p/e ratio is one which carries risk. As a side note, value investors do not generally see high p/e ratio stocks as ones...]]></description><pubDate>August 26, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Low-Priced Stock Isn't Always a Bargain]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-low-priced-stock-isnt-always-a-bargain.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Low priced stocks offer investors some of the best opportunities in the equities market. However, reward does not come without risk. Buying a stock purely because it's cheaper could be a mistake. It is not a mistake when you buy when the company is well capitalized. Essentially, that means the company can easily pay its debt service and does not need to issue more stock to raise money. As far as performance is concerned, the company should have clear earnings growth projections and is showing mass appeal for a product or service that can easily become a household name....]]></description><pubDate>August 26, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Knowing when to Average Down and when to Sell]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/knowing-when-to-average-down-and-when-to-sell.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The average down strategy involves putting more money into a stock after it has declined in value. This type of strategy can be a good tactic, but sometimes, it may be to your advantage to sell instead. Here are a few things to consider about knowing when to average down and when to sell. Average Down When you implement this strategy, you are going to be purchasing additional shares of stock at a lower per share price. By doing this, you make the average price of the investment much smaller. The hope is that the stock is going to...]]></description><pubDate>August 26, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Prepare Yourself with a Margin of Safety]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/prepare-yourself-with-a-margin-of-safety.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When trading in the stock market, using a margin of safety can be to your advantage. A margin of safety gives you some room to work with if you were not completely accurate with your stock projections. Here are the basics of a margin of safety and how you can use one. Margin of Safety A margin of safety is an extra margin that you allow yourself when you are purchasing a stock. This is used in order to give yourself some cushion if you did not accurately project what a stock was worth. With a margin of safety,...]]></description><pubDate>August 25, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of a Market Order]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-a-market-order.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A market order is a type of order that you can place when you are buying stock in order to have the transaction placed immediately at the market price. The order will be passed into the market place and a broker can then fill the order with a buyer that is closest to the current market price. Here are the basics of the market order and how it works. Market Order When you place an order in the stock market, you will have two options. You can choose a market order or a limit order. With a limit order,...]]></description><pubDate>August 24, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Don't worry about daily Stock Quotes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dont-worry-about-daily-stock-quotes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The simplest way not to worry about daily stock quotes is by hiring a broker. A personal broker will keep track of the market for you and alert you if anything needs your attention. A broker is your hired hand that worries about the daily quotes for you. Having a personal broker who you can trust will be a great help in seeking opportunities as well as curtailing risk on your positions. In other words, having a professional who you trust can give you good recommendations or feedback. This is much needed if you are worried about the daily...]]></description><pubDate>August 24, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Beware the High Yield Dividend Trap]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/beware-the-high-yield-dividend-trap.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The high yield dividend can be very enticing as an investor. Being able to secure a high dividend payment is an attractive option, however, you do not want to fall into the high yield dividend trap. If you are an investor in the stock market, you know that a company will issue dividends to their investors. Dividends offer a way for the company to share profit with the stock holders. If you are a shareholder, you are going to get a specific dividend payment for each share that you have. High Yield One of the primary objectives of investing...]]></description><pubDate>August  3, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Advantages of a Cash Dividend]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-advantages-of-a-cash-dividend.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Receiving cash dividends is one of the best things about investing in stocks. Cash dividends provide you with a few benefits when compared to a dividend reinvestment program. A cash dividend is a payment that is received in the form of a check from a company. Cash dividends are basically a way for the company to share the profit with those that have put money into the company. Income One of the biggest advantages of cash dividends is that they can provide you with a steady source of income. If you built up a large enough portfolio of dividend...]]></description><pubDate>August  3, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Close Look at Accounting Changes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-close-look-at-accounting-changes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The various accounting methods often require an observer to make accounting changes in effort to compare different companies and make those comparisons meaningful. Management discretion can be vast, and two otherwise identical firms may report significant differences. The most common differences usually arise in net income, operating expenses, reported sales and balance sheet values. Understanding how different accounting methods affect income statement and balance sheet values is also vital because it helps detect red flags and gives warning signs of poor internal management, and in some cases fraud.&amp;nbsp; Various Meanings of Alternate Accounting Practices Variations in accounting procedures may...]]></description><pubDate>August  3, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Trailing Stop Order?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-trailing-stop-order.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A trailing stop order is a type of order that investors can use when trading in the financial markets. This type of order is commonly used in the stock market and the Forex market, but could be used in any financial market. Here are the basics of the trailing stop order and how it works.&amp;nbsp; Stop Loss Order The trailing stop order is a variation of a stop loss order. When you are trading in your online trading platform, you should be able to specify at what level you want to take profit or which level you want to...]]></description><pubDate>August  2, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Compare Your Stocks to the Market to Gauge Success]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/compare-your-stocks-to-the-market-to-gauge-success.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you compare stocks to the performance of the market, you are going to be able to ascertain valuable information about the potential of your investments. Making the proper comparison can tell you whether you should stick with the stocks that you have chosen or go with something else. Here are a few things to consider about comparing your stocks to the market. Having a Point of Comparison Many people look at their portfolios and see that they have appreciated in value. They think that because a few of their stocks have increase in value that they are doing...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  5:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Investing Guide: Know When to Fold 'Em]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-investing-guide-know-when-to-fold-em.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Think of this article, which will discuss how to sell stocks in the market, as part of your stock investing guide. In this context, &quot;knowing when to fold 'em&quot; most obviously connotes selling stocks when they are not performing well. However, investors need to know when to sell their stocks not only when they are performing badly but also when they are performing well. Knowing when to sell is one of the fundamental parts of sound investing. The major factors involved in selling stocks are the commission costs, the amount of liquidity and the investment rules that are being...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  5:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Advantages of the PEG Ratio in Stock Valuation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/advantages-of-the-peg-ratio-in-stock-valuation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The advantages of the PEG ration in stock valuation are concentrated around the ratio&amp;rsquo;s ability to be applied across industries. The PEG ratio is the relationship between the price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) and the companies projected growth rate. The P/E ratio is commonly used to value stocks because it represents how much an investor is paying for each dollar of earnings that the company generates. Drawback The problem with this ratio is that it is based on what the company has earned in the past and it is hard to apply across industries. For example, what a utility company earns...]]></description><pubDate>July 31, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Stock Volatility vs. Risk]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-stock-volatility-vs-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Stock volatility indicates how much the value of the stock changes during the course of a certain period of time. if the stock's value keeps going up and down on regular bases over the course of 90 days, it has high volatility. But if it the stock's value remains the same over the course of 90 days, it has low volatility. While volatility can make a stock risky, that isn't necessarily the case. In fact, with the right investment strategy,&amp;nbsp;it can make the stock more profitable than it would otherwise be. The Question of Risk When an investor buys...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  7:57 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Battling the Bear with Dividend Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/battling-the-bear-with-dividend-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Dividend stocks are a popular investment vehicle in the stock market today. Many investors choose these types of stocks because of their ability to produce results, even in bad financial conditions. Dividend stocks are stocks that are issued by companies that have historically paid regular dividends. The companies will typically issue a dividend once every quarter. Some companies will issue a dividend more frequently than that, by paying once a month. Here are a few things to consider about investing in dividend stocks in a bear market. Dividend Stocks When you are an investor in a company, you will...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  7:55 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dollar Cost Averaging with Dividend Reinvestment]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dollar-cost-averaging-with-dividend-reinvestment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Dollar cost averaging is a type of investment strategy that has been used successfully for many years. When you combine this with a dividend reinvestment strategy, it can become very powerful. Here are a few things to consider about dollar cost averaging with dividend reinvestment. Dollar Cost Averaging The concept of dollar cost averaging involves making a regular purchase of a security on a certain interval schedule. For example, you might decide to invest $100 into a particular stock every month. By doing this, you are going to be able to negate the impact of market fluctuations. When the...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  7:52 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Argument in Favor of Share Repurchase]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-argument-in-favor-of-share-repurchase.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A share repurchase occurs when a company buys back a portion of their outstanding shares from the marketplace. Some people look at this as a negative situation. However, there are some definite benefits of this strategy as well. A share repurchase could take place in a few different ways. A company could go out into the market and purchase a certain amount of shares through the traditional means. They could also use a tender offer. A tender offer is when a company will advertise that they are buying back shares. They will typically pay a premium. They will buy...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  7:49 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[See Stock Growth in Action]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/see-stock-growth-in-action.html</link><description><![CDATA[ As an investor, stock growth is one of the most important things that you are looking for. Many investors specifically seek out stocks that are meant for growth. Stock growth is the main area in which investors make a return on their investment. Even though they can also receive dividends, capital appreciation is where most of the big money is made. How Stock Grows Stock growth is generated by the actions of the company. However, the growth is spurred by investor sentiment. If the investors in the market do not believe that a company has good potential, then the...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  7:46 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Don't All Companies Pay Dividends?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-dont-all-companies-pay-dividends.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you have been in the stock market for long, you will realize that some companies pay dividends while other companies do not. Some investors like to receive dividends and they might wonder why certain companies do not pay them. Here are a few things to consider about why some companies do not pay dividends. What Are Dividends? In order to understand why some companies do not pay dividends, it is important for you to understand what a dividend is. When a company is profitable, they can choose to use their profit in a few different ways. One way...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  7:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Guide to Dividend Taxes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-guide-to-dividend-taxes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Dividend taxes are a controversial with many investors in the stock market today. These are taxes that must be paid when a company issues a dividend to its shareholders. When a publicly held company earns money, they have to pay taxes on the amount they hold. After they pay the government taxes, they pay their shareholders a dividend. The shareholders are then required to pay taxes out of the amount that they received. Qualified vs Unqualified You will be required to differentiate your dividend payments into qualified and unqualified groups. If you have qualified dividends, you are going to...]]></description><pubDate>July 30, 2010  7:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Money Manager Report Card: How Did They Do?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/money-manager-report-card-how-did-they-do.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are working with a money manager, you get the benefit of having someone else make your individual investment decisions for you. When you trust your money to someone else, you want to continually gauge their performance. Here are a few things to consider about how you can check on the performance of your money manager. Results When you are working with a money manager, the only thing that matters is results. Your money manager might come very highly recommended and they might be working with many of your friends or family members. However, unless they can provide...]]></description><pubDate>July 29, 2010  6:18 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Market Timing: An Investment Stab in the Dark]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/market-timing-an-investment-stab-in-the-dark.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Market timing is one of the biggest issues for investors in the market today. Some believe that they can time the market while others think that it is completely impossible to do so. Here are a few things to consider about market timing and why it is very difficult. Market Timing The subject of market timing deals with an investor trying to accurately predict what is going to happen in the stock market in the very near future. They will look at technical indicators and use them to make a trading decision. The investor tries to get in right...]]></description><pubDate>July 28, 2010  4:59 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Readjusting after a Market Recession]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/readjusting-after-a-market-recession.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Going through a market recession can be a difficult time for many investors. After the recession is over, there are several things that you may need to do in order to readjust your portfolio. Here are a few things to consider about readjusting after a market recession. Adjust Your Strategy After a market recession, you may want to spend some time adjusting your trading strategy. If you lost a considerable amount of money during a recession, your strategy may not be the best one for you. At this point, you may need to spend some time researching other strategies...]]></description><pubDate>July 28, 2010  4:57 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Weak Dollar? Be Wary of These Investments]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/weak-dollar-be-wary-of-these-investments.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you listen to news items relating to the economy, the weak dollar tends to come up a lot. While the weak dollar can actually be good for certain businesses and investments, other types of investments are negatively impacted by a weak dollar. Here are a few investments that you might want to steer clear of if the dollar is weak. Stock of Companies That Rely on Imports When you are investing in the stock of a particular company, there are several things that you are going to want to look at. One of the most important things that...]]></description><pubDate>July 28, 2010  4:54 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investments that Benefit from a Weak Dollar]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investments-that-benefit-from-a-weak-dollar.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are a number of parts of the economy that can be damaged by a weak dollar. However, there are some investments that actually benefit from a weak dollar. Here are some of the investments that you could put your money into if you want to benefit from a weak dollar. Forex One of the most direct ways to benefit from a weak dollar is to invest in the Forex market. The Forex market is all about betting on the relationships between two different currencies. The most commonly traded currency in the world is the United States dollar. Therefore,...]]></description><pubDate>July 28, 2010  4:51 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[EBITDA: To Care or Not to Care?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/ebitda-to-care-or-not-to-care.html</link><description><![CDATA[ EBITDA is information that is commonly used in evaluating the potential of a company. Some investors love this calculation, while others do not put any weight into it. Here are a few things to consider about whether you should care about EBITDA and how to use it. EBITDA EBITDA stands for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The calculation for EBITDA is fairly simple. To calculate it, you are going to add depreciation and amortization to operating income. This gives you an idea of how the company operates without having to pay unrelated business expenses such as interest...]]></description><pubDate>July 28, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Tiptoe around a Bear Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-tiptoe-around-a-bear-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a bear market can be a scary proposition for many investors. When everything seems to be going down, it can be difficult to choose investments. Here are a few things to consider about investing during a bear market. Finding the Investments When you are in the middle of a bear market, it is important for you to realize that not every investment is going to perform poorly. Just because you hear a lot about how down the market is does not necessarily mean that you cannot make money. You may not be able to make as much...]]></description><pubDate>July 27, 2010  4:52 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Reasons to Invest in the Entertainment Industry]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-reasons-to-invest-in-the-entertainment-industry.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in the entertainment industry is often described as high risk, but there are many reasons investors choose to put money in it. Along with the risk, there is a possibility of high returns and a payoff that can continue over a long period. With mutual funds, it is now possible to spread the risk. Entertainment industry investments offer an opportunity for great personal satisfaction. Finally, despite the high cost of entertainment offerings such as motion pictures, investors can participate at very low levels of investment. No. 1 - High Possible Returns All non-insured investments have risk, and entertainment...]]></description><pubDate>July 27, 2010  4:49 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Calculating Return on Assets (ROA)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/calculating-return-on-assets-roa.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Return on assets is a measure of how effectively a company is using the asset base it has to generate a profit. Return on assets (ROA) is measured with the simple formula: net income / total assets. This measure can be confusing to an individual who does not understand how ROA can fluctuate across industries and over time. Understanding the Formula In this formula, net income is profit after taxes and expenses. Total assets include both equity and the debts a company has incurred through loaned monies. Even though many people do not think of debt as an asset,...]]></description><pubDate>July 27, 2010  4:46 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bull Market Investing: There's Good, and Then There's Great]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bull-market-investing-theres-good-and-then-theres-great.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Bull markets can be best summed up, in the words of former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, as &amp;ldquo;irrational exuberance.&amp;rdquo; Investors are usually caught up in the market rallies and in their portfolios' movement from red to black almost overnight. However, the dazzling green ticker symbols hide a very ugly reality: the fundamentals of making prudent investments are ignored. Investors are concerned only with making stratospheric gains, which are more often than not unachievable. Expectations become, as Greenspan famously said about the housing market bubble, irrational.&amp;nbsp; The Difference between Good and Great One's portfolio can be doing well because...]]></description><pubDate>July 27, 2010  4:44 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Executive Stock Sales Can Speak Volumes]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/executive-stock-sales-can-speak-volumes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Executive stock sales can tell you a lot about the future potential of a company. If you are an investor in a company in which an executive has recently sold their stock, you need to take a good look at the company itself. When an executive sells their shares of stock in the company, you need to try to determine the reasoning behind it. Sometimes, they will issue some type of statement as to why they are doing so. In some cases, they may simply be generating cash for something that they need. This is common when an executive...]]></description><pubDate>July 27, 2010  4:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Making Use of the Debt to Equity Ratio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/making-use-of-the-debt-to-equity-ratio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A company's debt to equity ratio is a measure of how aggressive it has been in leveraging its assets for growth. As the name implies, the ratio is a simple measure of debt over equity. If the debt to equity ratio for a company is in the whole numbers rather than a fraction, the company may be carrying too much debt in comparison to its actual net worth. Factoring in Investor Funds Debt does not include funds provided from investors since these funds do not need to be repaid. In fact, having many investors will&amp;nbsp; actually add to the...]]></description><pubDate>July 27, 2010  4:38 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Commodity Investing Plus Leverage EqualsÂ?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/commodity-investing-plus-leverage-equalsa.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Utilizing commodity investing plus leverage can go either very well or very badly. Commodities are prone to wild speculation. as seen in 2007 to 2008 when oil prices hit $147 a barrel. This was also witnessed in the &amp;ldquo;Silver Thursday&amp;rdquo; of 1980, when two billionaires ended up getting hit with a margin call that even their resources could not cover. This situation, which inspired the movie &amp;ldquo;Trading Places,&amp;rdquo; become an infamous example of how using leverage on a trade that fails can destroy even the most formidable trading force. Why Use Leverage on Something So Risky? Investors will utilize...]]></description><pubDate>July 27, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Volatility in Commodity Markets]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/volatility-in-commodity-markets.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in the commodity markets can be a good way to diversify your portfolio away from the stock market. If you are going to get involved in the commodity markets, you need to understand how volatile they are. Here are a few things to consider about volatility in the commodity markets. Volatility The commodity markets are one of the most volatile types of investments in the world today. You are going to find that prices of commodities can swing wildly based on the smallest news announcements. This means that you have to be prepared for everything when you are...]]></description><pubDate>July 27, 2010  4:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Signs of Healthy Bull Markets]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-signs-of-healthy-bull-markets.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The signs of healthy bull markets range from the technical to the emotional. Investors not only track the difference between a market&amp;#8217;s low point and its high point to determine if the bull is running faster or slowing down, they also watch the general level of anxiety in the investing community, which can yield surprising results. In general, signs of healthy bull markets include these plus the performance of mergers and new offerings; advancing stocks over a wide area of the market; and plenty of cash and credit on hand. No. 1 - Market Highs and Lows Investment professionals...]]></description><pubDate>July 27, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to Depreciation and Amortization]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-depreciation-and-amortization.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Depreciation and amortization are both methods for spreading out the cost of an asset over its lifetime. They are used in accrual accounting, which measures the financial performance of a company based on economic events without taking into account exactly when they occur. An understanding of accrual accounting is necessary before understanding why depreciation and amortization must be taken into account.&amp;nbsp; Accounting Standards The accounting principles used by any company are essential to measuring the company's performance. Without accounting principles, companies could use whichever formulas and methods they would like to inflate their own positions. Thankfully, the emergence of...]]></description><pubDate>July 27, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Interest Coverage Ratio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-interest-coverage-ratio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Interest coverage ratio is the number of times that the gross income covers the gross interest expense based on the annual income statement. This is an income statement ratio. Components The way to calculate interest coverage ratio is to find the gross interest and the gross income for the year. Then you will divide the gross income by the gross interest expense, this gives you interest coverage ratio. If the ratio is less than one then there is a major liquidity problem and eventually the balance sheet will have to decrease in order to pay off the interest in...]]></description><pubDate>July 27, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Equity Investing: Should You Go All-In?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/equity-investing-should-you-go-all-in.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Equity investing can provide you with a lot of potential as an investor. This potential has enticed many investors to get involved exclusively in the equity market. Here are a few things to consider about whether you should deal only with equities.&amp;nbsp; Equity Investing The term equity investing essentially means that you are investing in the stock market. Stocks are the most common type of investment in the market today. There are many investors that deal only with stocks, that do not diversify their portfolios with other types of investments. If you are thinking about investing in this manner,...]]></description><pubDate>July 27, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Closer Look at Operating Expense]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-closer-look-at-operating-expense.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Operating expense is one of the variables that investors tend to look at when they are evaluating a potential investment. Reviewing the operating expenses of a company can tell you a lot about what they value and where they may be headed. Here are the basics of operating expense and what it can tell you about a company. Operating Expense Operating expenses are the normal expenses that are incurred when running a business. This category of expenses covers many day-to-day operations of a business. For example, this category is going to cover things like salaries of the employees and...]]></description><pubDate>July 27, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in Commodities: Don't Forget to Diversify]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-commodities-dont-forget-to-diversify.html</link><description><![CDATA[ You are exposed to a number of unpredictable factors when you elect to start investing in commodities. When you purchase stock in a corporation, annual reports and financial statements can generally provide an indication of if and when a price may fall. Of course, there is always risk involved, but market indicators are there to guide you. With commodities, you are dealing with an actual physical trade. This relies on the quality of the item being traded, which can easily be compromised in an instant.&amp;nbsp; Perishable Commodities Perhaps the greatest example of exacerbated risk in commodities investments is the...]]></description><pubDate>July 27, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Interpreting the Working Capital Ratio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/interpreting-the-working-capital-ratio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A company's working capital ratio is a measure of its short-term ability to cover its financial liabilities. Working capital ratio is found through the formula: current cash assets divided by current liabilities. It can also be found with the formula: current cash assets minus current liabilities. In both models, a company aims to have current cash assets far exceeding current liabilities. However, having little to no liabilities is not necessarily a sign of success. Consider these factors when interpreting working capital ratio.&amp;nbsp; Negative Ratio If you are using the formula for the working capital ratio that divides assets by...]]></description><pubDate>July 27, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Market Risks: All Your Eggs in 1 Dropping Basket]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/market-risks-all-your-eggs-in-1-dropping-basket.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Market risks are always present when you are an investor. If you are going to be an investor, you have to be able to deal with a certain amount of risk. Diversification can lower your risk, but it can not completely eliminate it. Here are a few things to consider about diversification and market risk. Diversification One of the basic principles of investing in the stock market is diversification. If you put all of your money into investing in a particular stock, you are taking a big chance. If that individual company goes out of business, you are essentially...]]></description><pubDate>July 27, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Gross Profit Margin Breakdown]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/gross-profit-margin-breakdown.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Gross profit margin is a measurement that is often used by investors to determine the financial status of a company. This measurement is simple to calculate, and it gives you a good idea of how financially healthy a company really is. Here are the basics of gross profit margin and why it is important. Gross Profit Margin Gross profit margin deals with the pricing structure of a particular company. When you look at this information, you are essentially trying to determine how much profit is priced into the sales of a company. In order to calculate gross profit margin,...]]></description><pubDate>July 27, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Correlated Risk: Diversification is a Lie]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/correlated-risk-diversification-is-a-lie.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Risk in the financial markets can be misconstrued, and/or skewed due to a couple of reasons including diversification risk. All investment advice says to diversify in order to minimize risk. This, however, does not get rid of all the risk. This is due to the correlated risk in the markets. Like a house of cards, the markets will all fall flat at the same time triggered by a catalyst. What is Correlated Risk? Correlated risk is risk that entails high correlation of markets as well as the degree to which different markets are interconnected. The higher the correlation there...]]></description><pubDate>July 27, 2010  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Important Components of a 10K Report]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/important-components-of-a-10k-report.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Each year, every publicly traded company must provide the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) with a 10k report. This report clarifies the company's operation and positions and allows the SEC to approve the company for continued listing on a public exchange. Explanation of Business Activities This section basically describes what the company does, where it operates, how it operates and how it makes its money. This is similar to a business purpose function of a business plan. It is the easiest part to report, and it does not change on a yearly basis unless the company makes drastic changes to...]]></description><pubDate>July 27, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Brokerage Research and Other Perks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/brokerage-research-and-other-perks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ With the growth in popularity of online brokers, brokerage research has become a very important part of working with any broker. You want to choose a broker that provides you with the best opportunities when it comes to researching your investments. Here are a few things to consider about brokerage research and other perks that are offered by brokers. Brokerage Research In the past, investors would rely heavily on the advice from their stock brokers. While this is still common for some investors, many investors are now taking matters into their own hands. With the ability to buy stocks...]]></description><pubDate>July 27, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Earnings Yield vs P/E Ratio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/earnings-yield-vs-pe-ratio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The earnings yield of a stock is a measure of its earnings per share for the past year divided by the current market price of a share. It is essentially the exact opposite of a price to earnings (P/E) ratio. A P/E ratio is used to measure the relative value of a stock by asking the question: what do I get for my money? With earnings yield, the measurement is a greater reflection of the stock's performance, as compared to other companies, the market as a whole and, less-risky investment options. Earnings Yield vs P/E Ratio With earnings yield,...]]></description><pubDate>July 26, 2010  4:44 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Interpret the Return on Assets Ratio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-interpret-the-return-on-assets-ratio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The return on assets ratio (ROA) for any individual company shows how effectively it has turned its investments into profits. The model uses the simple formula of net income divided by total assets. A company that has a higher ROA has made comparably more profit&amp;nbsp; for the investment either the owners or individual investors have made. However, the formula must be interpreted knowledgeably in order for one to truly understand the success of the company's management at turning a profit. Example To understand ROA, use this example. Sam's Internet company earns $1,000 a year. Sarah's magazine earns $10,000 a...]]></description><pubDate>July 26, 2010  4:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[When Dealing with Stock Brokers, Communication Is Key]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/when-dealing-with-stock-brokers-communication-is-key.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Stock brokers take your money and put it to work for you in various markets where, it is hoped, the risk you face results in better returns than safer investments, such as insured bank deposits. Communication with stock brokers can be key to avoiding negative surprises. When dealing with stock brokers, make sure they know your goals for investing and the amount of risk with which you're comfortable. In turn, use good communication not only to understand all costs associated with investing, but to build valuable relationships with your broker and the office manager. Sharing Goals Stock brokers do...]]></description><pubDate>July 21, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Breaking Down Executive Compensation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/breaking-down-executive-compensation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Executive compensation is something that investors will want to take a look at before investing in a particular company. Executive compensation has risen dramatically over the last few years and you want to understand how a company values its executives before you invest with them. Here are the basics of executive compensation and why it is important. Salary One form of executive compensation is the salary that executives receive. Executives typically receive some type of fixed salary in addition to their other types of pay. This salary is going to be paid regardless of the performance of the company...]]></description><pubDate>July 21, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to the Income Statement]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-the-income-statement.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The income statement is part of the financial statement that is issued by a company. As an investor, you can find a lot of important information in this document. You could spend a lot of time learning about all of the different parts of an income statement. Here are the basics of the income statement that are relevant to investors. Income Statement The income statement is a document that is constructed with information directly from the ledgers of a company. They take a lot of different information from the ledgers and journals and put it into a neat, concise...]]></description><pubDate>July 21, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Choosing a Brokerage Account for Your Investing Style]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/choosing-a-brokerage-account-for-your-investing-style.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are choosing a brokerage account, you are going to have many different variables to consider. You need to choose an account that meshes well with your individual investing style. Here are a few things to consider about choosing a brokerage account for your investment style. Fee Structure Before you choose a broker, you need to understand the different fee structures that are available in the market. Discount brokers are going to charge you a low fixed rate every time that you make a trade. A full-service broker is going to charge more for each trade. Some of...]]></description><pubDate>July 21, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Free Cash Flow (FCF)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-free-cash-flow-fcf.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Free cash flow is a valuation multiple that many investors use to determine the health of a particular company. This metric can provide investors with valuable information about a company concerning whether they should invest in it. Here are the basics of free cash flow and how it can be used by investors. Free Cash Flow Free cash flow is a measurement that signifies how much cash a company has left over after paying for its asset base. This essentially means that the money can be used for other purposes, such as increasing shareholder equity. When you are investing...]]></description><pubDate>July 21, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Searching for a Discount Stock Broker Online]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/searching-for-a-discount-stock-broker-online.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Working with a discount stock broker can provide you with a way to save some money on your trading. When you are choosing a broker, it is important for you to realize that not every discount broker is the same. Here are a few things to consider about searching for a discount stock broker online. Features When you are looking for a broker, you will want to make sure that you find one that has the appropriate features for you. Every stock broker is going to have some different features that you will potentially be able to benefit from....]]></description><pubDate>July 21, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons to Choose a Discount Stock Broker]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-to-choose-a-discount-stock-broker.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Working with a discount stock broker can provide you with a number of benefits as an investor. If you are thinking about working with a discount stock broker, here are a few reasons that you might want to do business with one. 1. Low Commissions The biggest advantage of working with a discount stock broker is the low commissions. When you work with a full-service broker, you could potentially have to pay a large amount of money for a commission on each trade that you make. For example, he might take a certain percentage of the amount of each...]]></description><pubDate>July 21, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of Brokerage Accounts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-brokerage-accounts.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Brokerage accounts are similar to prepaid credit accounts. You place money with your broker when you open an account, and you can use this money to trade securities through your broker. In order to trade, there must be money in the account. Profits from trades can be deposited in the account to raise your credit limit, and withdrawals can be made if you need a little cash. The regulation of brokerage accounts, though, is extremely important in avoiding negative financial losses. Restrictions on Account Activity Each broker will have several types of brokerage accounts available. The difference between the...]]></description><pubDate>July 21, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Setting Financial Goals with Your Broker]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/setting-financial-goals-with-your-broker.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Setting financial goals with your broker is an important part of the planning process that every investor needs to go through. Here are a few things to consider about setting financial goals with your broker.&amp;nbsp; Definite When you are working with your broker, you need to set some goals that can be easily defined. Setting general goals like having &quot;financial security&quot; are not going to be good enough. You need to set specific goals such as aiming for a specific monetary goal by a certain date.&amp;nbsp; Risk When you are setting goals with your broker, you should also pay...]]></description><pubDate>July 21, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Different Methods of Computing Earnings per Share]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/different-methods-of-computing-earnings-per-share.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Earnings per share is a common multiplier that is used in order to value a company. Investors will use this method in order to determine how much they should be paying for a share of stock. Even though this method is common, there are several different ways that you can calculate it. Here are a few of the different methods of computing earnings per share. P/E Ratio The most basic form of the earnings per share calculation is the price over earnings ratio. This is a simple calculation but it is also one of the most effective. In order...]]></description><pubDate>July 21, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Limitations of Return on Equity (ROE)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/limitations-of-return-on-equity-roe.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Return on equity is a valuation multiple that is commonly used in order to determine the value of a company. The return on equity or ROE is the amount of profit that is generated with the money that has been invested with a company by the shareholders. While this metric can be useful in certain cases, it definitely has a few drawbacks to be aware of as well. Here are a few things to consider about the limitations of return on equity. Return on Equity The return on equity calculation is going to tell you whether a company is...]]></description><pubDate>July 21, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Calculating Return on Equity (ROE)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/calculating-return-on-equity-roe.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Return on equity is a measure of a corporation's rate of return on the stockholders' ownership interest. The return is based on the profit the corporation created when compared to the total amount of shareholder equity. Before you can understand how return on equity is calculated, you must first understand how to calculate a balance sheet. A balance sheet provides a measure of a company at a particular point in time. The three major areas covered in a balance sheet are assets, liabilities and shareholder equity. Shareholders' Equity As a company operates, it will have assets and liabilities. When...]]></description><pubDate>July 21, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Return on Equity (ROE)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/return-on-equity-roe.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Return on equity or ROE is a valuation multiple that is used in order to determine the value of a company to investors. Here are the basics of return on equity and why it is important to investors. Return on Equity The calculation for return on equity is quite simple. You are going to take the net income of the business and divide that number by the shareholders equity. What it Tells You As an investor, return on equity can be a good thing to look at. This number tells you how much return the company is getting from...]]></description><pubDate>July 21, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Don't Confuse Company Growth with Industry Growth]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dont-confuse-company-growth-with-industry-growth.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Company growth is important when you are selecting stocks. Many investors choose stocks that are growing because of the industry, instead of anything that the company is doing. Sometimes entire industries will grow at a rapid pace. For example, during the 1990's, technology stocks all tended to grow at fantastic rates. It almost did not matter what company you invested in as long as you were in the technology sector. Once the technology bubble burst, many of those same companies lost value quickly. Only the companies that were fundamentally sound remained in good shape. Industry Growth It is important...]]></description><pubDate>July 21, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[8 Signs of Stock Broker Fraud]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/8-signs-of-stock-broker-fraud.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Stock broker fraud is one of the biggest reasons why many small investors lose money in the stock market. Basically, a fraud is committed if the broker puts his personal interests over that of his client's. A stock broker is duty bound to protect the best interests of the client at all times. Here are the common signs of stock broker misrepresentation or fraud.1. Practicing without LicenseA stock broker, brokerage company, or any person who is in the business of trading investment products must be registered. If the person handling your investment account is not licensed to do so,...]]></description><pubDate>July 21, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Checking the Balance Sheet for Stock Valuation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/checking-the-balance-sheet-for-stock-valuation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Checking the balance sheet for stock valuation of a company is one part of making an informed investment decision. It can help gauge how well a company is doing by determining how much debt or surplus a company holds. If a company has a lot of debt on its books, then a prudent investor might not even look at making an investment. However if the company is profitable, then the same investor might decide to invest their dollars. Billions of dollars, and entire companies, can either be created or destroyed by their balance sheets. For example Google and Microsoft...]]></description><pubDate>July 21, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Market Orders vs Limit Orders]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/market-orders-vs-limit-orders.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Limit orders are different from market orders based on both the way they are executed and the cost involved. When most people think of &quot;buying stock&quot; or &quot;selling stock,&quot; they are thinking of a market order. The investor simply tells the broker which security to trade and how much to buy or sell. The order is initiated at the current market price. The order is also initiated immediately. A limit order, on the other hand, is a more flexible order that can take place several days or weeks after the order is placed. Market Order Example Jean decides she...]]></description><pubDate>July 21, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Placing a Value on Intangible Assets]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/placing-a-value-on-intangible-assets.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Intangible assets are often one of the most valuable things that companies have in their possession. These assets can be very difficult for investors to put a value on. Here are a few things to consider about intangible assets and how you can place a value on them. Intangible Assets There are many different things that could fall into the category of intangible assets. These assets are something that you cannot necessarily put a hand on, but they do add value to a company. For example, one of the biggest sources of intangible assets is human capital. You cannot...]]></description><pubDate>July 20, 2010  5:46 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Special Reasons to Avoid a Balanced Portfolio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/special-reasons-to-avoid-a-balanced-portfolio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In most cases, experts would advise investors to keep a balanced portfolio. However, there are certain times when a balanced portfolio may not be in your best interest. Here are a few special reasons to avoid a balanced portfolio. Keep the Best When you are looking at your portfolio and evaluating the different investments, you may find that a few of your investments are still your top performers. It may not make sense for you to sell portions of your best performers to purchase other investments. In this case, you may want to hang onto your best investments. Tax...]]></description><pubDate>July 20, 2010  5:43 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Pullback: Part of the Cycle or Start of a New Trend?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-pullback-part-of-the-cycle-or-start-of-a-new-trend.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A market pullback is inevitable and part of the push-pull of the market in general. Pullbacks are mostly understood as cyclical events. It is best to know a market's cycle to gauge whether or not the pullback is part of a new trend. Bull market In a bull market there are three major up waves. A retracement is another word for a pullback when it's part of a bull market cycle. Typically, a retracement can be anywhere from 5% to more than 60% of the value lost in the equities. The pullback can range from anywhere between these figures,...]]></description><pubDate>July 20, 2010  5:28 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Last in, First Out (LIFO) Inventory Valuation Method]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/last-in-first-out-lifo-inventory-valuation-method.html</link><description><![CDATA[ LIFO (Last In, First Out) is the most common form of inventory valuation for the tax reporting of U.S. companies. Under LIFO, the most recent purchases (costs to the firm) of inventory are matched with current sales. In an inflationary environment this results in higher selling costs (basing firm cost of inventory on the most recent, most expensive inventory), and thus a lower net income. Lower net income means lower taxes, and consequently a higher cash flow from operations. Another benefit of using LIFO is that it is the most accurate representation of cost of goods sold, since the...]]></description><pubDate>July 20, 2010  5:17 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[First In, First Out (FIFO) Inventory Valuation Method]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/first-in-first-out-fifo-inventory-valuation-method.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Firms have a choice among FIFO, LIFO or the average-cost method for valuing inventories.&amp;nbsp; Depending on the chosen method, costs associated with inventory sold will differ, as will the reported asset values of remaining inventory. The First In, First Out (FIFO) method holds that the first items purchased by the company (the oldest inventory) are the first items sold. In a period of rising prices this results in lower costs of goods sold and higher net income. The Benefits and Drawbacks to Using FIFO Using FIFO results in the firm being left with the most recent inventory purchases.&amp;nbsp; This...]]></description><pubDate>July 20, 2010 12:43 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Maintaining the Health of Your Balanced Portfolio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/maintaining-the-health-of-your-balanced-portfolio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Keeping a balanced portfolio is an essential part of investing in the stock market. If you become too heavily weighted towards a certain class of stocks, you could find yourself in a lot of trouble if that class goes through a downturn. Here are a few things to consider about maintaining the health of your balanced portfolio. Balanced Portfolio When you are creating your portfolio, you want to try to keep it as balanced as possible. In addition to investing in different asset classes, you also want to invest in different types of assets from the same class. You...]]></description><pubDate>July 13, 2010  4:44 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to Simple Moving Averages]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-simple-moving-averages.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Moving averages are a continuously updated average, updated normally every day or unit of period. Simple moving averages are a common technical trading tool for investors and traders. Some of the basics of simple moving averages include the following: trending, support and resistance, average prices. Trending A moving average line can tell you whether or not the stock is in an uptrend or downtrend, you would need a short period moving average for this. A short period for simple moving averages could be a 5, 10, or even a 20 day moving average. This period would provide a trending...]]></description><pubDate>July 13, 2010  4:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Take Your Diversification Strategy to the Next Step]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/take-your-diversification-strategy-to-the-next-step.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Implementing a solid diversification strategy can help you lower the amount of risk in your portfolio as well as increase your potential returns. You may have a nicely diversified stock portfolio and still not be diversified enough to avoid problems. Here are a few things to consider about taking your diversification strategy to the next step. Diversified Stocks vs Diversified Portfolio Many investors diversify their stock trading accounts by investing in many different individual stocks. You can do this by investing in stocks from different industries and in different stages of business. When you do this, you are going...]]></description><pubDate>July 13, 2010  4:39 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Separates the Best Stock Brokers from the Rest?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-separates-the-best-stock-brokers-from-the-rest.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Working with the best stock brokers is going to provide you with an enjoyable experience when trading the market. If you get stuck with a bad broker, it can be a very frustrating experience. Here are a few things to consider about what separates the best stock brokers from the rest. Integrity when Introducing Investments Many stock brokers will regularly try to promote products to their clients. In some cases, this can create a conflict of interest. When a stock broker promotes a product, it is very difficult for her to give unbiased advice to her customers. Many times,...]]></description><pubDate>July 13, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Making Your Own Stock Broker Comparison]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/making-your-own-stock-broker-comparison.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Doing a stock broker comparison can help you determine which broker is the best option for you. Many people rely on the comparisons of others to make their decision. However, you can do your own stock broker comparison and be just as effective. Here are a few things to consider about how to make your own stock broker comparison. Side-By-Side Breakdown When you are doing this, the easiest way is to conduct a side-by-side breakdown. This means you are going to get a piece of paper and put two columns on it. You will then put the names of...]]></description><pubDate>July 13, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Value of Target Prices]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-value-of-target-prices.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Target prices are a tool that many stock investors use in their daily trading. Target prices provide a way for investors to plan out their trades and to know when to get in and out. Here are the basics of target prices and how they are valuable to investors. Target prices provide two different functions for investors. First of all, an investor can get target prices from professional stock analysts that give her an idea about which stocks to buy. Secondly, once she owns a particular stock, she can use target prices in order to determine when to get...]]></description><pubDate>July 13, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Distinguishing between Good and Bad Target Prices]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/distinguishing-between-good-and-bad-target-prices.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Target prices are a tool that individual investors can use in order to make investment decisions. Being able to separate the good from the bad can go a long way towards your investment success. Target prices can be one of the most valuable indicators to an investor. Many investors make decisions based on ratings or recommendations by experts. While these ratings can provide a general opinion of what the experts think, they may not make sense for you. The expert does not know your individual situation, or whether or not when you bought into the stock in the first...]]></description><pubDate>July 13, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Inputs of Target Prices]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-inputs-of-target-prices.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are two main inputs used to determine target prices: earnings per share (EPS) forecast and valuation models. The quality of the research that an analyst or broker puts into determining these two numbers will directly impact how exact a target price will actually be. If you are using target price to glean information on whether you should buy or sell, you are on the right track. However, you should investigate the way the target price was calculated, based on its inputs, in order to truly understand if the target price is accurate or just a sales tool. Earnings...]]></description><pubDate>July 13, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ratings vs Target Prices]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/ratings-vs-target-prices.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When it comes to valuing stocks, you are going to see both ratings and target prices. Both of these can provide you with some value but you need to think about which one is more appropriate for your situation. Here are the basics of stock ratings and target prices and how they compare to one another. Ratings In almost every financial publication that you see, you will find stock ratings. These ratings are provided by in-house experts of the financial publications. These experts are typically good at analyzing the potential of stocks. They will use some type of rating...]]></description><pubDate>July 13, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Look Past the Silver Lining of the Stock Buyback]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/look-past-the-silver-lining-of-the-stock-buyback.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A stock buyback occurs when a company decides to purchase a large number of shares of its own stock from the market place. While investors typically look at this scenario as a good thing, there are definitely a few drawbacks to a stock buyback. Here are a few of the potential downsides of a stock buyback. Lose Appreciation When you choose to be involved in a stock buyback, you are going to essentially be selling your shares back to the company. If you agree to sell your shares, you will no longer be able to benefit from the appreciation...]]></description><pubDate>July 13, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Tips for Investment Diversificaion]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-tips-for-investment-diversificaion.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investment diversification is one of the most important factors to success for an investor. Properly diversifying your portfolio can go a long way towards helping you minimize your risk. Here are a few tips to keep in mind for investment diversification. 1. Diversify Your Stocks When you invest in the stock market, you want to do the best that you can to invest in many different stocks. You should not put all of your money into one or two individual companies. If you do this, you are putting yourself in a big position of risk. Instead of doing that,...]]></description><pubDate>July 13, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does a Stop-Limit Order Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-a-stop-limit-order-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A stop-limit order, as its name indicates, combines the features of a stop order and a limit order to give an investor the highest level of control in a trade. The order is initiated once a stock hits its &quot;stop price,&quot; but it is executed only if the stock maintains a value between that stop price and a limit price. This can be quite an advantageous option for some investors who would like to work within a very narrow price region on a stock.&amp;nbsp; Stop Order Only Sue would like to put a stop limit on Stock X in...]]></description><pubDate>July 13, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dividend Payments Speak Volumes about Company Health]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dividend-payments-speak-volumes-about-company-health.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Dividend payments are one of the perks of being an investor in the stock market. While these payments can be nice to investors, they can also provide you with some valuable information about the company that is issuing them. Here are a few things to consider about dividend payments and how they help you gauge company health. Dividend Payments Dividend payments are an optional form of payment that is often provided by companies to their investors. This is a way for companies to share some of the profit that is generated every quarter or year. If you are an...]]></description><pubDate>July 13, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fees to Consider before Your Sell Your Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/fees-to-consider-before-your-sell-your-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you sell your stock, there are a number of things that you will need to consider. One of those factors is the transaction costs that you will have to incur. When you have to pay fees on the sale of a stock, it can definitely impact the performance of your investments. When part of the profit from your sale goes to fees, this means that your investments are going to have to perform that much better to make up for it. Therefore, you need to consider the impact of these transaction costs before you close out your sale....]]></description><pubDate>July 13, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Tax Considerations before You Sell Your Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-tax-considerations-before-you-sell-your-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Before you sell your stock, there are a number of different factors that you are going to have to think about. One of the most important aspects of this transaction is how the taxes will be handled. Here are a few tax considerations to think about before you sell your stock. 1. Holding Period One of the most important things for you to look at when you are selling your stock is the holding period. You need to know how long you have owned the stock that you are thinking about selling. Depending on how long you have held...]]></description><pubDate>July 12, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Bad Reasons to Sell Your Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-bad-reasons-to-sell-your-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are many good reasons for deciding to sell your stock. At the same time, there are several reasons that are not sufficient to justify selling your stock. Here are a few bad reasons to sell your stock. 1. Temporary Losses One of the most common reasons that investors sell their stock is temporary losses. The stocks that they have invested in go&amp;nbsp; downhill, and they quickly cash them out. This is not a good reason to sell your stock, and you should not give into this temptation. Many stocks are going to go through downturns temporarily. This does...]]></description><pubDate>July 12, 2010  4:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Know Your Valuation Multiples]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/know-your-valuation-multiples.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Valuation multiples are formulas that can be used in order to try to determine the value of a company and its stock. There are many different valuation multiples out there that you could potentially use. Here are the basics of some of the most popular valuation multiples that are available. P/E Ratio The most popular valuation multiple available today is the P/E ratio. This is short for price/earnings ratio. With this ratio, you are going to take the current price of one share of a company's stock and divide that by the earnings per share for a specific amount...]]></description><pubDate>July 12, 2010  4:39 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[All Stock Broker Firms Are Not Created Equal]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/all-stock-broker-firms-are-not-created-equal.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Choosing between the many stock broker firms that are available can seem like a challenging task for an investor. If you want to get involved in the stock market, you are going to need to make sure that you choose the right broker for you. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a stock broker firm. Fee Structure One of the most important things that you will need to consider is the fee structure of your broker. Stock brokers have many different ways that they can charge you and you want to make sure that you understand...]]></description><pubDate>July 12, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tips for Researching Stock Broker Firms]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/tips-for-researching-stock-broker-firms.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Working with stock broker firms is a necessity to gain access to the stock market. When you are going to work with a broker, you want to make sure that you find the best one for you. Here are a few tips on how to research stock broker firms. BrokerCheck BrokerCheck is a service offered by FINRA. FINRA stands for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. This is an organization that acts as a regulatory agency for the stock market. They offer BrokerCheck as a way to investigate any broker that is authorized to trade stocks in the United States....]]></description><pubDate>July 12, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Features and Faults of the Dividend Discount Model]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/features-and-faults-of-the-dividend-discount-model.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The dividend discount model is a method that investors use to attempt to value a stock based on the value of the dividends that it pays. This method has both some merit and some drawbacks. The basic idea behind the dividend discount model is that you can determine the value of a stock by looking at the dividends that it pays. If someone is getting a certain amount of money from the dividends, investors would be willing to pay a specific amount. This tells you how much you should be willing to pay for the stock and whether the...]]></description><pubDate>July 12, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Protecting Your Portfolio from Extreme Events]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/protecting-your-portfolio-from-extreme-events.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Extreme events do not occur regularly within a market, but when they do occur they cause great destruction to unprepared investors. For example, a sudden market crash such as the one that occurred in 2007 cost millions of investors their life savings. While some risk is inherent in the market, it is important to guard your portfolio by using techniques to both anticipate losses and prevent them. Educate Yourself If you are not an investment professional, you may think it is impossible to anticipate the losses you could face in a market catastrophe. You will not have sophisticated knowledge...]]></description><pubDate>July 12, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Negotiating a Stock Broker Commission]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/negotiating-a-stock-broker-commission.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Stock broker commission is one of the biggest variables that most investors have to learn to deal with. When you are working with a stock broker, you could potentially try to negotiate their commission. Here are a few things to consider about negotiating a stock broker commission. Benefits of Negotiation Many people do not realize that you can negotiate with some stock brokers. While some of them will not be willing to negotiate with you, others will potentially be willing to accommodate you. When you can successfully negotiate a lower commission, you are going to be able to cut...]]></description><pubDate>July 12, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Developing a Breakout Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/developing-a-breakout-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Breakout strategy is a term used to describe the practice of noticing when a stock has broken through its previously defined ceiling. When this occurs, there is a large chance the stock will climb sharply and present a profit opportunity to the sophisticated investor. To develop a breakout strategy, though, an investor must be aware of trends in a stock, how to identify a false breakout and when to purchase a breakout stock in order to maximize profit.&amp;nbsp; Identifying Trading Channels A trading channel is a range of prices a stock trades at over a number of years. For...]]></description><pubDate>July 12, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Pros and Cons of a Wrap Account]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-pros-and-cons-of-a-wrap-account.html</link><description><![CDATA[ With wrap accounts, the broker manages an investor's portfolio for a flat quarterly or annual fee. This fee covers all of the broker's administrative, commission and management expenses. Wrap accounts are designed to ensure that the broker doesn't trade excessively for the sake of getting commissions. Ideally, this would allow brokers to serve the investors' interests without worrying about their profit. However, the very structure of the wrap account leaves it open to abuse, allowing brokers to overcharge for their services without working up to capacity--in other words, leaving investors with large bills and few results. Advantages of a...]]></description><pubDate>July 12, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-securities-investor-protection-corporation-sipc.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) is a non-profit corporation that protects securities investors from financial harm if the brokerage firm that handles their investments fails. The SIPC is made up of brokers and dealers that are registered with the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Although it was created&amp;nbsp;though federal legislation, it is privately funded through&amp;nbsp;financial assessments on its members. The SIPC helps investors by securing their cash, stocks and other securities from failed brokerage firms and returning these securities to the investors as soon as possible. However, there are limits to how much the SIPC can recoup...]]></description><pubDate>July 12, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Value a Company via Reproduction Cost]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-value-a-company-via-reproduction-cost.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Reproduction cost is one way that investors can come up with a value for a company. Many people would argue that this is the most accurate way to come up with a company's value. Here are the basics of reproduction cost and how you can value a company using this method. Reproduction Cost You will essentially be trying to create an exact replica of a company financially in order to determine what the true value of a particular company is. This method is commonly used in real estate appraisals and it can be applicable to valuing a company as...]]></description><pubDate>July 12, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Top 5 Broker Interview Questions]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/top-5-broker-interview-questions.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Conducting a broker interview is essential when you are trying to determine which stock broker to work with. When you are conducting your broker interview, you will want to make sure to ask the right questions. Here are some of the best broker interview questions to ask. 1. How Do Your Commissions Work? You need to find out how the commission structure for your broker works. You do not want to sign up with a broker until you understand exactly how he or she charges for commissions. Some brokers have fixed commission fees, while others charge a percentage of...]]></description><pubDate>July 12, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at Socially Responsible Investment Performance]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-socially-responsible-investment-performance.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Socially responsible investment options can perform as well as any other investment on the books. However, the benefits from these investments may partly depend on the quality of the market at the time they are made. Generally speaking, social responsibility is most popular when economic times are profitable. Socially responsible companies take their biggest hit when the economy sinks, as customers and investors alike see profit as more important than social impact during a recession. Socially Responsible Investment Options Socially responsible investments can take a wide range of forms. In fact, it is the individual investor who decides what...]]></description><pubDate>July 11, 2010  4:44 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Contrarian Investing: Going against the Current]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/contrarian-investing-going-against-the-current.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Contrarian investing is a style investing that is designed to go against what the popular opinion in the market is. This type of investor attempts to take advantage of mistakes that are made by the masses. Here are the basics of contrarian investing and how it works.&amp;nbsp; Going Against the Masses If you are a contrarian investor, you do not necessarily believe that the masses are always wrong. However, you do believe that you can take advantage of going against the masses in certain situations. With this logic, you do not believe that just because everyone else is doing...]]></description><pubDate>July 11, 2010  4:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Buy and Hold Stock Rebalancing: A Hybrid Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/buy-and-hold-stock-rebalancing-a-hybrid-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The buy and hold stock rebalancing strategy is one that combines two of the most popular stock investment strategies. This method utilizes a long-term investment approach with some adjustments for short-term fluctuations. Here are a few things to consider about this hybrid strategy of investment. Buy and Hold&amp;nbsp; One of the most time honored methods of stock investment involves buying and holding a stock. Investors that utilize a buy and hold approach actively look for the right stock when they are deciding what to invest in. Once they have made their purchase, they do not pay much attention to...]]></description><pubDate>July 11, 2010  4:39 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in Water: The Wave of the Future]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-water-the-wave-of-the-future.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in water is a technique that many investors have turned to in recent years. In the past, investing in water might have seemed like something that was unwise. Today, there is a huge amount of potential for those that invest in water. Here are a few things to consider about investing in water and how you can go about doing so. Investing in Water Water is the most precious resource that we have on the planet. Even though many investors are concerned with putting their money into oil and natural gas, water is actually more valuable than them...]]></description><pubDate>July 11, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Corporate Debt Restructuring: Second Time's the Charm?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/corporate-debt-restructuring-second-times-the-charm.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Corporate debt restructuring is something that often takes place when a company is having financial difficulties. It involves changing the nature of the debts that have been incurred by the company. For example, the company might refinance a loan in order to get a longer repayment term. In some cases, a company will also get part of their debts forgiven because they give a portion of the company's equity to their debtors. Impact When a company restructures their debt, it is typically because they are in bad financial shape. For investors, this is usually a sign of better things...]]></description><pubDate>July  8, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using Net Operating Income for Company Valuation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-net-operating-income-for-company-valuation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Net operating income is often used to measure a company's monetary worth. It is important to know what net operating income is before understanding how it is used for company valuation. What Is Net Operating Income? Net operating income is the income from operations before interest and taxes. In other words, it is the income from the ongoing operations the company undergoes. It could be income generated from investments in research and development. It could also be income generated from invested capital expenditures; such as, computer technology, company machinery, etc. How Is Net Operating Income Used for Company Valuation?...]]></description><pubDate>July  1, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Value of ROIC]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-value-of-roic.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Return on invested capital (ROIC) is a common measure for financial management. It is the percentage of revenue based on the investments made for a certain project. So long as return on invested capital is greater than the weighted average cost of capital, then the project is worth its salt and will be profitable, if all goes to plan. Calculating ROIC The calculation of ROIC involves first obtaining the net operating income, essentially earnings before interest and after taxes. It is also known as net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT). This figure gives a clear operating net income figure...]]></description><pubDate>July  1, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Common Investor Methods for Offsetting Ordinary Income]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/common-investor-methods-for-offsetting-ordinary-income.html</link><description><![CDATA[ People who invest in stocks are expected to be rewarded with ordinary income and capital gains. Ordinary income is created from any dividends that are established from stocks or interest income from bonds. Investors who receive ordinary income find that it is taxed at the highest possible tax rate. For this reason many investors wish to offset ordinary income they receive by deductions allowed by the tax code so they can lower their tax bill. Disadvantages of Ordinary Income Investors receive ordinary income through the payment of dividends, or interest income. Investors have no say on when ordinary income...]]></description><pubDate>June 26, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of Currency Exchange Rates]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-currency-exchange-rates.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Currency exchange rates are rates that signify how much one currency is worth in relation to another currency. This allows you to&amp;nbsp;exchange one set of currency for another without having to argue about their values. Knowing currency exchange rates helps when you are traveling abroad or if you are buying anything in a foreign country. The currency exchange rates shift constantly, sometimes slightly, sometimes fairly drastically. There are a number of factors that account for those shifts. While changes in currency&amp;nbsp;exchange rates are hard to predict, knowing those factors will&amp;nbsp;help you to anticipate the drastic shifts ahead of time....]]></description><pubDate>June 25, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Can Leverage Ratio Tell You about a Company?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-can-leverage-ratio-tell-you-about-a-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Leverage ratio is used by investors to gain insight about a company&amp;rsquo;s financial methods as well as its ability to repay its debts. The term leverage, also known as gearing, pertains to the use of debts to fund investments or acquisitions, with the hope that the rate of return from the investment is higher than the rate of interest on the debts. Investing in companies that are highly leveraged is considered risky by many investors because such companies are very much vulnerable to economic declines, as they need to pay off their debts despite decreasing sales and production. Below...]]></description><pubDate>June 25, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Average Cost Inventory Valuation Method]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-average-cost-inventory-valuation-method.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The average cost inventory valuation method is one way that many companies choose to evaluate their company inventory. This method is very simple to calculate and is preferred by many companies for this reason. Here are the basics of the average cost inventory valuation method. Average Cost Inventory Valuation Method With the average cost inventory valuation method, you are going to be looking at the weighted average of all of the items in your inventory. It looks at the average value of all of the items that were up for sale during a specific accounting period. With this information,...]]></description><pubDate>June 23, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using a Scale Order]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-a-scale-order.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A scale order is a method of triggering purchases based on a security's price over a given period of time. Essentially, an investor or trader can create an order that will instruct of portfolio to either purchase or sell a certain number of shares for every incremental change in price. This method allows the trade to occur without involvement from the trader at each step along the way. It also limits losses that may have otherwise occurred due to a lump-sum purchase. Scale Order Example John currently holds 100 shares of Security A he purchased for $3 per share....]]></description><pubDate>June 23, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Financial Reporting: You Can't Put a Price on Transparency]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/financial-reporting-you-cant-put-a-price-on-transparency.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Financial reporting standards have come a long way in recent decades. The introduction of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) as an industry-standard form for accounting has increased transparency, and it provides investors a way to compare &quot;apples to apples&quot; with different financial reports. However, despite efforts to eliminate skewed data, there are still ways for a company to mislead investors. Those companies with financial transparency, though, tend not only to be better investments but also to survive market tests in the long run. What Is Transparency? Transparency is a term that describes the practice of reporting all data--good and...]]></description><pubDate>June 20, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Value of Employee Stock Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-value-of-employee-stock-options.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Employee stock options are a benefit offered to many employees of various corporations. If your company offers an employee stock option, you will be able to purchase a certain amount of stock at a predetermined price. Here are the basics of employee stock options. How They Work The employee can choose to exercise an employee stock option once she reaches a certain point in her employment. She has the right to do this, but she does not necessarily have to do it if she does not want to. If she exercises the stock option, she will be able to...]]></description><pubDate>June 19, 2010  4:54 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Price-to-Book Value]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/price-to-book-value.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The price-to-book value is a ratio that tells you the relationship between the price for which&amp;nbsp; a stock is currently trading and the actual book value of a company. By comparing these two values, you will be able to determine if the stock is currently trading at a bargain or if it is overpriced. Calculating Calculating price-to-book value is relatively simple. You will first need to determine what the book value of the company is per share. Start by looking at the company's total assets. Then subtract the liabilities from the assets. The difference you get is the company's...]]></description><pubDate>June 19, 2010  4:52 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to Discounted Cash Flow Analysis]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-discounted-cash-flow-analysis.html</link><description><![CDATA[ This article details discounted cash flow analysis and how it is used to calculate the value of companies. Discounted cash flow arithmetic is essentially a way to size up a company numerically, such as the discount price of a stock. Professionals as well as academic people use this as their base method for value investing and calculating value, numerically. Discounted cash flow is another way to express the time value of money in terms of perpetuities which is what stock investments are. Corporations are individual entities that have an infinite lifespan as far as the arithmetic is concerned. Because...]]></description><pubDate>June 19, 2010  4:50 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Common Stock Selling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/common-stock-selling-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When selling stock, many investors make some common mistakes that could be avoided. These mistakes could potentially cost you a lot of money in the long run. Here are a few common stock selling mistakes and how to avoid them. Ignoring Your Plan One of the biggest mistakes that many people make is that they ignore an established plan in order to hold out for more money. If you are a smart trader, you are going to have a plan set up that governs your stock decisions. You will have decided how much you are going to invest and...]]></description><pubDate>June 19, 2010  4:47 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Factors Determine Currency Exchange Rates?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-factors-determine-currency-exchange-rates.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Currency exchange rates signify how much a currency is worth in relation to another. For example, a currency exchange rate of the Japanese yen to a U. S. dollar is how many yen equal the value of one dollar. Currency exchange rates are important when you have to spend your money in another country. The currency exchange rates shift constantly, though not always drastically. This is due to a number of factors. While there is no way anyone can truly predict how the currency exchange rate will behave 100 percent of the time, knowing those factors will make you...]]></description><pubDate>June 19, 2010  4:45 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Use Interest Coverage Analysis]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-use-interest-coverage-analysis.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Interest coverage is a mathematical expression of how easily a company could repay its debts if necessary. Essentially, the total cash reserves of a company are compared to the total interest it currently owes on debts. If the company could easily repay all of this debt with cash reserves, the company is in a strong financial position. A company that would struggle more with this process can present more risk to an investor. However, there is some interpretation with interest coverage that makes it more complicated than a simple ratio. Low Interest Coverage Industries There are some industries in...]]></description><pubDate>June 19, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Trading in a Secondary Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-trading-in-a-secondary-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Stock trading in the secondary market is the most common type of stock trading in the world today. If you are going to get involved in the stock market, you need to have a basic understanding of how the secondary market works. Here are the basics of the secondary stock market and how you can trade on it. Primary Versus Secondary The primary market for stocks is when initial public offering occurs. A company that issues stock directly to investors is considered the primary market. In order to get involved in the primary market, you have to typically be...]]></description><pubDate>June 19, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Capital Investment Company - Investing With Short Term Horizons?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/capital-investment-company---investing-with-short-term-horizons.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When determining how to invest, you may use a capital investment company. A company that deals with capital investments utilizes the acquired fixed assets that have a substantial life usage before it has to be discarded or replaced. These fixed assets can be used to invest in a horizon. The horizon is determined based on how long you have to sell your investment and what your investment goals are. Each horizon has a risk associated with it. It can be quite confusing if you are new to investing, but once you have an understanding of how the process works...]]></description><pubDate>June 19, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pitfalls in Interest Coverage Analysis]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pitfalls-in-interest-coverage-analysis.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Interest coverage is a financial model to indicate how easily a company can repay the interest on its debts in a given year. Nearly every company in America takes on loans in many forms, and the interest on these loans is a necessary part of operating a business. However, a company must maintain a profit high enough to easily cover this interest each year in order to protect against bankruptcy. Interest coverage is the metric used to determine how many times a company could pay its interest this year. Like all financial metrics, though, it has shortcomings. Calculating Interest...]]></description><pubDate>June 18, 2010  4:54 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Important Features of Interest Coverage]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/important-features-of-interest-coverage.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Interest coverage is a calculation of how easily a company can pay off the interest on its debts given its current profits. This concept is relatively simple, and it is similar to an &quot;income to debt&quot; ratio in personal finance. Given your current income, how easily could you repay the interest on any debts you owe? If you could pay them off easily, you are making enough money for your current debt load. If it would be a struggle, your income may not be sufficient for the size of debt you carry. This is the basic structure of analyzing...]]></description><pubDate>June 18, 2010  4:52 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using a Buy to Cover]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-a-buy-to-cover.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A buy to cover option permits an individual to purchase securities to repay a broker he or she has borrowed shares from for a short position. When an investor borrows shares, they do not own them, and they must be given back to the broker at some point in the future. The investor wants the price to go down, so the shares can be purchased on the cheap and traded back to the broker at this less expensive price. However, if the price of the shares begins to raise, the broker may ask for immediate repayment. Therefore, the investor...]]></description><pubDate>June 18, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comparing Inventory Valuation Methods]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/comparing-inventory-valuation-methods.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Inventory valuation is an important part of the accounting function in any manufacturing or merchandising business. Inventory is a vital factor that affects the company&amp;#8217;s cash flow, balance sheet and income statement, and there is a good chance that a big part of your capital is tied to or invested in your inventory. Moreover, investors are also concerned about the correct valuation of inventory items because it can definitely affect the market price of the company&amp;#8217;s stocks. You should compare a few generally accepted methods of valuing inventories to consider what would best suit your business.3 Common MethodsThe first-in,...]]></description><pubDate>June 17, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Russell 3000 Index]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-russell-3000-index.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Russell 3000 index is one of the most important financial indices that is monitored in the markets today. Here are the basics of the Russell 3000 index and why it is important. The Russell 3000 is a financial index that is intended to re-create the movements of the stock market as a whole. This is a financial index that is made up of 3000 companies in the stock market. All of the companies that are in this financial index do business and are incorporated in the United States. The stocks that make up this index are the 3000...]]></description><pubDate>June 15, 2010  4:42 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Will the Emergence of the Hybrid Market Affect Investors?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-will-the-emergence-of-the-hybrid-market-affect-investors.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The hybrid market allows for a combination of electronic trading and traditional floor trading with a physical broker. Historically, all trading was done by a broker present on the exchange floor. Today, many trades can take place electronically, but it depends on the rules of the particular exchange. Notably, the New York Stock Exchange has even moved to a hybrid system. The emergence and predominance of this system will change the way investors interact with brokers and the general market in a number of ways. Interaction with Brokers As brokers have less of a presence on the trading floor,...]]></description><pubDate>June 15, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Calculating an Earnings Estimate]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/calculating-an-earnings-estimate.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Analysts each have their own models for calculating the earnings estimate of a company. Analysts create this information in order to recommend securities for purchase. They weigh different statistics in a unique manner, but all use some common denominators. #1 Prior Performance All analysts will look at the past performance of a company for indications of its future earnings. In particular, they will note swings in the price point of the company's stock that may indicate it is approaching a minimum or maximum value. They may also consider things like interest coverage ratio and outstanding stock options. #2 Current...]]></description><pubDate>June 15, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Compound Annual Growth Rate]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-compound-annual-growth-rate.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investors as well as analysts look mathematically to one figure most frequently: the compound annual growth rate. Finance holds the time value of money concept, which deals entirely with the lapsing of time and rate of change. This is better understood as compounding growth rates. As suggested by the term, the compound annual growth rate uses annual growth as the period rate of change. This could be in contrast to a six-month growth rate or a ten-year growth rate. What Is It ? It is a unit of measurement that can be derived or plugged into a mathematical finance...]]></description><pubDate>June 15, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Shanghai Stock Exchange]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-shanghai-stock-exchange.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) is one of the three stock exchanges in the People&amp;rsquo;s Republic of China. The other two are the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The Shanghai-based stock exchange was established as a non-profit group in 1990 and is not fully open to foreign investors and is heavily regulated by Chinese authorities, particularly the China Securities Regulatory Commission. Even so, foreign investors can acquire B shares listed in the exchange. The trading of A shares are usually restricted to domestic investors. In 2009, the exchange was named as one of the world&amp;rsquo;s...]]></description><pubDate>June 11, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Analyzing a Tender Offer: Is It Time to Jump Into the Mix?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/analyzing-a-tender-offer-is-it-time-to-jump-into-the-mix.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A tender offer is a type of offer that one individual makes in order to purchase a certain amount of shares in a corporation. It is basically a type of takeover technique that can be used in order to buy a certain amount of shares in a company. Many times, an investor will contact shareholders of a company in order to inquire about purchasing their shares in that company. Sometimes, they will use a very public medium to advertise that they are looking for shares. For example, they might take an ad out in a financial publication in order...]]></description><pubDate>June 10, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Will Initial Margin Affect Your Decisions?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-will-initial-margin-affect-your-decisions.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Initial margin is the amount of money that you have to put up when purchasing stocks on margin with a broker. Here are the basics of initial margin and how it can affect your investment decisions. Initial Margin When you get involved with margin trading, you are going to have to put up a certain amount of your own money in order to trade. With current laws, you have to put up at least 50 percent of the money for these transactions. For example, if you wanted to buy $20,000 of stock on margin, according to the law, you...]]></description><pubDate>June 10, 2010  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Are Fractional Shares Created?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-are-fractional-shares-created.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors find themselves in possession of a fractional share at some point in their trading. Here are the basics of fractional shares and how they are created. Fractional Shares If you have a fractional share, this means that the share is actually worth less than one normal, full share of stock. In order to calculate the value of the share, you would simply multiply the value of a full share times the percentage of the share that you own. How They Are Created Fractional shares can be created when a stock split takes place. Companies will sometimes utilize...]]></description><pubDate>June 10, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Don't Be Deceived by Run Rate Predictions]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dont-be-deceived-by-run-rate-predictions.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A run rate prediction is a type of prediction that is done by calculating long-term performance of a company based on short-term performance. For example, the company will look at the results from the past quarter and then multiply those results by four. This is done so that they can say this is how much money the company would make over the course of an entire year at this rate. This type of prediction is commonly used in order to please investors in a particular stock. Although this is a very simple way to make a prediction, it does...]]></description><pubDate>June  9, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Does a Vertical Merger Signal a Golden Age of Profits?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/does-a-vertical-merger-signal-a-golden-age-of-profits.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A vertical merger is a transaction that sometimes takes place with companies that are in a manufacturing industry. A vertical merger occurs when a company purchases another company that manufactures a critical part of their end product. For example, if you had a computer manufacturer purchase the company that makes the processors that they use in the computers, this would be a vertical merger. This type of transaction can greatly affect the profitability of the company and the investors in that company. Here are a few things to consider about the vertical merger and how it can impact shareholders....]]></description><pubDate>June  9, 2010  4:03 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/return-on-invested-capital-roic.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you have been introduced to finance you would have heard of return on invested capital (ROIC). This is a coined term for financial people who measure it for managerial purposes within a corporation. Before understanding why it is measured it's best to find out the variables as to how to calculate the formula.&amp;nbsp; The Formula for ROIC Simply put, the formula for ROIC is to take net operating profits and divide that by the invested capital. In essence, that means the ROIC calculation uses net income as the numerator and invested capital as the denominator. The numerator is...]]></description><pubDate>June  8, 2010  4:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Do You Have Ex-Rights Stock?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/do-you-have-ex-rights-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are involved in the stock market, you might come across ex-rights stock at some point. Here are the basics of ex-rights stock and what it means to you as an investor. Shareholder Rights When you invest in common stock, you are going to have certain shareholder rights associated with your stock purchase. You will be able to vote on important matters regarding the company, such as voting for a board of directors. You will also have a claim to a portion of the assets of the company. If the company issues a dividend, you will be entitled...]]></description><pubDate>June  8, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Margin Debt]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-margin-debt.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Margin debt refers to the amount of securities held in a portfolio or group of portfolios that have been purchased on margin. Margin is a way of saying &quot;with a loan&quot; in the stock brokerage industry. When an investor has an account with a brokerage, that investor is free to purchase with a loan from the broker; however, the broker will impose limits. An account cannot continue to fall deeper into margin debt, or a margin call will occur.&amp;nbsp; Margin Debt of Individual Account An individual typically must have a minimum account balance in order to be permitted to...]]></description><pubDate>June  7, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Seasonal Profitability Ratios]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/seasonal-profitability-ratios.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Profitability ratios are ways to measure a company's ability to earn money, in return for its investments. There are a variety of factors that can be used to determine profitability. For example, financial analysts use can use return on equity, or profit to cost as measures of profitability. Regardless of the factor used, these ratios can be a source of comparison between a company and its competitors; is also valuable to review a company's profitability ratio over time to measure performance. For companies with seasonal swings in profit, though, this model may fall short. Seasonal Companies Seasonal companies are...]]></description><pubDate>June  7, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The EAFE Index]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-eafe-index.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The EAFE index (or Europe, Australasia, and Far East index) is a financial index that keeps track of international stocks. Here are the basics of the EAFE index and why it is significant. The EAFE index is maintained by Morgan Stanley Capital International. This is why sometimes you will see this referred to as the MSCI EAFE index. This index has been a mainstay in the financial world for the last 30 years. This financial index is comprised of many different international stocks. The majority of this index is made up of Japanese securities. By looking at this index,...]]></description><pubDate>June  5, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is an Equity Risk Premium?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-an-equity-risk-premium.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The equity risk premium is a term that is commonly used when talking about securities in the stock market. Here are the basics of the equity risk premium and how it works. Equity Risk Premium One of the most basic fundamentals of investment is that in order to obtain a reward, you are going to have to take a risk. As the potential rewards increase, the risk is going to increase also. In investing, there is an interest rate that is known as the risk-free rate. Typically, this rate is associated with long-term government bonds. Investors believe that these...]]></description><pubDate>June  2, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Red Chip Stock?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-red-chip-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The term red chip stock refers to a stock that is from a company that is located in China. Here are the basics of what a red chip stock is and how it can impact you as an investor. Red Chip Stock This type of stock is referred to as red chip in reference to the red color of the Chinese flag. This is a type of stock that is available for individuals that are located outside of China to invest in. If you are a Chinese citizen, you will be investing in A-shares of the same companies instead...]]></description><pubDate>June  2, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Retirement 101: Vesting]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/retirement-101-vesting.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are planning for your retirement, vesting is a process that you are bound to run across and you need to understand how it works. Here are the basics of vesting and how it can affect you. Vesting With retirement plans such as the 401k, you will often see that a portion of your retirement funds are vested. The term vesting means that not all of your funds are going to be available if you leave your job immediately. In order to become a fully vested employee, you have to work for your employer for a certain amount...]]></description><pubDate>June  1, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Qualifying Disposition for Stock Transfers]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/qualifying-disposition-for-stock-transfers.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Qualifying disposition is a term that deals with stock transfers when individuals are involved in an incentive stock option program. Here are the basics of qualifying disposition for stock transfers and what it means. Qualifying Disposition Many companies out there offer employee stock purchase programs. One of these types of programs is referred to as the incentive stock option or ISO program. With this program, employees will be able to get stock options for a company as part of their benefits package. These individuals have the option to get stock from the company treasury whenever they want. A qualifying...]]></description><pubDate>June  1, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Dow Jones EURO STOXX 50]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-dow-jones-euro-stoxx-50.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 index is a euro currency index that is weighted by market capitalization of the stocks. It is comprised of the largest 40 euro currency stocks and the previous index stocks that may not be as big in market capitalization. All the stocks in the index have to be using the euro currency so any U.K. companies are not included in this index. Dow Jones keeps an index on the major industries and sectors for the euro currency companies to select from. Every quarter the index is refreshed to reflect all the correct market...]]></description><pubDate>May 28, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Calculating Your Current Yield]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/calculating-your-current-yield.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Current yield is the income generated by a bond divided by the price of the bond. It is quoted in terms of a percentage yield. It is a simple calculation used as a primary benchmark to gauge the current year's yield of a single bond. This is different from the interest yielded at the origination of the bond because that uses the par value, which is $1,000 or 100. The current yield, by contrast, focuses on the current price of the bond, which most likely will not be equal to par value. In addition, the current yield is different...]]></description><pubDate>May 27, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to Asset Performance]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-asset-performance.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The asset performance of a business is its ability to use and manage its productive resources to bring about returns. With the present cash crunch and companies getting leaner, investors and owners are especially keen to make existing assets perform optimally. Let's see what essentially assets are and why a company needs to monitor, evaluate and optimize asset performance. What Are Assets? When an individual or a company owns any item of economic value that can be converted into cash, the item is an asset. Assets can be of two kinds: tangible and intangible. Tangible and intangible assets each...]]></description><pubDate>May 27, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using a Stop Order]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-a-stop-order.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A stop order is used to protect against major losses in the market. This can be a buy stop or a sell stop to protect for short or long positions that may get out of hand. In addition, there is also stop limit orders to insure the transaction is at a certain limit price. Stop limit orders are not guaranteed, especially not in fast market conditions. Investors should always consider using stops. Using a rule of thumb, stops should be placed below the trade price by eight to twelve percent. Before knowing where exactly to put the stop, investors...]]></description><pubDate>May 26, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Popular Methods of Green Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/5-popular-methods-of-green-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Green investing is becoming more of a priority for many individuals in recent years. Because of an increased emphasis on protecting the environment, many individuals look for a way to invest in companies that are doing their part. Here are a few popular methods of green investing. 1. Energy Companies One way that you could get involved with green investing is to put money into an energy company. There are many companies out there that are trying to create alternative forms of energy that can be used on a widespread basis. Many of these companies are in the development...]]></description><pubDate>May 26, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Green Investing: The Financial Angle]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/green-investing-the-financial-angle.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Green investing is a type of investment that is quickly growing in popularity in today's society. With so much emphasis being placed on the importance of the environment, this is something that many investors are starting to pay attention to. Here are the basics of green investing in what it can do for you as an investor. Green Investing The term &quot;green investing&quot; could actually mean a few different things. Someone could be referring to a company that makes all of its profits from green projects. It can also mean that you are investing in a company that does...]]></description><pubDate>May 26, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is Intellectual Capital?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-intellectual-capital.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Intellectual capital is an asset that every company has that can be difficult to value. Here are the basics of intellectual capital and what it means to a company. Intellectual Capital Intellectual capital is a term that is used to describe resources at a company's disposal that cannot be included on a financial statement or balance sheet. There are several different things that could be included as part of the designation of intellectual capital. Types of Intellectual Capital One type of intellectual capital is referred to as human capital. This is the value that the employees in your company...]]></description><pubDate>May 25, 2010  4:52 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Dangers of Value Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-dangers-of-value-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Value investing is one of the most popular types of selecting stocks that is available. Although it is commonly used, there are some inherent problems with this type of investing. Here are some of the dangers to be aware of with value investing. Locating &quot;Undervalued&quot; Investments With this type of investment strategy, you are going to try to locate stocks that are undervalued in the market place. You can do this by analyzing fundamental data about the company that you are thinking about investing in. The only problem with this strategy is that it is very difficult to locate...]]></description><pubDate>May 25, 2010  4:50 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Basics for New Investors]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-basics-for-new-investors.html</link><description><![CDATA[ As a new investor, it is important that you learn stock basics. By increasing your knowledge about stock, you can more easily become a successful investor. Here are some of the stock basics that you need to know. What Are Stocks? Before you get involved in the stock market, it is important that you understand exactly what stock is. When you purchase a share of stock, you are actually purchasing partial ownership of a company. A company will issue stock in order to raise funds for business purposes. Instead of borrowing money from the bank, the company sells part...]]></description><pubDate>May 25, 2010  4:48 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Constitutes Insider Trading?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-constitutes-insider-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Insider trading is a scandalous term that is often thrown around among stock traders. If you are accused of insider trading, you could face some very stiff penalties from the government. Here are the basics of insider trading and exactly what constitutes it. Two Types Technically, there are two different types of insider trading. One of them is perfectly legal while the other is definitely illegal. The legal form of insider trading involves employees purchasing the stock of their own companies. This is perfectly legal and encouraged. Whenever an employee purchases stock from their own company, they have to...]]></description><pubDate>May 25, 2010  4:46 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Separate Fact from Fiction: What Cash Reserves Really Mean]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/separate-fact-from-fiction-what-cash-reserves-really-mean.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Cash reserves are the immediate liquid funds a company or household has available to meet day-to-day demands. This is particularly important when dealing with an unforeseen expense. Without cash reserves, a company would need to spend money that was budgeted toward other directives on items that come up unexpected. Often, this can cause a company to miss payments on debts, leading to delinquency or even potential bankruptcy. A company will list its cash reserves on a financial statement, but the numbers can be misleading. Defining Cash Reserves Cash reserves are very narrowly defined as actual cash in the bank....]]></description><pubDate>May 25, 2010  4:44 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The What's and Why's of Working Capital]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-whats-and-whys-of-working-capital.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Working capital is essentially the short term capital that is at work for the company. Net working capital is usually calculated as accounts receivable plus short term assets minus accounts payable plus any short term liabilities. Neither cash nor interest bearing capital is included in calculating working capital. Calculations Working capital calculations are used by company analysts to measure the solvency of the corporation. If it is a publicly traded stock, a measure of the working capital can help analysts predict if the company will be capable of offering a dividend or increase its dividends to investors if that...]]></description><pubDate>May 25, 2010  4:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cost of Goods Sold: Why Should It Matter to You?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/cost-of-goods-sold-why-should-it-matter-to-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The cost of goods sold (COGS) for any company is the exact cost of raw materials and labor to produce a product. It is an accounting term used to determine how much a company actually profited from a sale. Since a company is taxed based on net profit and not gross sales, determining net profit based on COGS is essential to reducing taxes. For an investor considering a company, reviewing COGS versus gross sales can help you see inefficiencies and net profit. Gross versus Net Sales When you look at a company's financial statement, you should see two separate...]]></description><pubDate>May 25, 2010  4:39 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding Value in the Price-to-Sales Ratio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/finding-value-in-the-price-to-sales-ratio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The price-to-sales ratio is a common tool that many investors use to value stocks. This method has been around for some time and it has proven that it does have some merit when valuing stock purchases. Here are the basics of the price-to-sales ratio and how it works. Price-to-Sales Ratio The price-to-sales ratio is an indicator that many people look at before they purchase a stock. It is actually one of the easier calculations that you can make whenever evaluating stock. In order to calculate this ratio, you first need to determine the market capitalization of the company. This...]]></description><pubDate>May 25, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Margin Trading: Understand the Risk]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/margin-trading-understand-the-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Margin trading is something that is definitely not for the faint of heart. While it can substantially increase your gains, it can also increase the amount of risk that you are taking on. Here are a few things to consider about the risks of margin trading. Margin Trading Margin trading is essentially borrowing money from your stockbroker in order to increase the amount of stock that you can purchase at one time. Whenever you purchase stock with margin, you are going to be paying interest to the stock broker. When you increase the amount of stock that you are...]]></description><pubDate>May 25, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Take Note of Your Diluted Earnings Per Share]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/take-note-of-your-diluted-earnings-per-share.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Diluted earnings per share takes into account what would occur if all convertible securities in a company's stock were exercised. The metric starts with the same basic formula as earnings per share; the company's profit is divided by its total number of shares outstanding. However, diluted earnings per share also accounts for stock options, convertible preferred shares, convertible debentures and warrants outstanding on the company's stock. Essentially, the diluted earnings per share formula shows what would occur if every single one of these conversions was exercised all at once. Significance of Diluted Earnings per Share This factor provides a...]]></description><pubDate>May 23, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Does a Company Delisting Mean for Your Stock?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-does-a-company-delisting-mean-for-your-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A delisting is when a stock is removed from a stock exchange. Here are the basics of the delisting and what it means to your investment. Company Listing In order to be listed on a stock exchange, a company has to meet certain requirements. Not every company is eligible for being listed on the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ. If they want to elicit on either one of these stock exchanges, they will have to pay an application fee, as well as well over $100,000 in listing fees. In addition to paying the fees, they are going...]]></description><pubDate>May 22, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Does Capital Reduction Mean to Shareholders?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-does-capital-reduction-mean-to-shareholders.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Capital reduction is a strategy that is often used by companies in order to reduce the amount of equity financing that they have taken on. Here are the basics of capital reduction and what it means to shareholders. Capital Reduction Capital reduction is a method that companies will often use in order to reduce the amount of outstanding shares in the market place. This can be done by canceling shares or by purchasing them back from the market. This is typically done as a way to increase the value of the company stock. What It Means to Investors If...]]></description><pubDate>May 22, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Buy and Sell Stock Futures]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-buy-and-sell-stock-futures.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Buying and selling stock futures can provide you with an alternative to the traditional stock market. By trading these securities, you will be able to take advantage of several benefits and increase your potential returns. Here are the basics of how to buy and sell stock futures. Day Trading One of the most common ways to buy and sell stock futures is through day trading. You can access single stock futures through an online exchange called OneChicago. You can also open an account with one of the many online brokerages that offer the ability to trade stock futures. Once...]]></description><pubDate>May 21, 2010  4:38 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Skimming the Pitchbook]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/skimming-the-pitchbook.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are two basic applications of a pitchbook used by an investment banking firm. The first form of pitchbook tells a potential investor about the firm itself. The second type of pitchbook is related to a specific deal the firm is offering. In order to get a look at a pitchbook, you must either be a client or be considering becoming a client. These items are not published. Once you get a look at a pitchbook, you may be overwhelmed with information. Focus on the key elements within your comprehension. Skimming a Firm's Pitchbook A firm's pitchbook will lists...]]></description><pubDate>May 21, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Market Depth]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-market-depth.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Market depth is a term that is often used in the stock market when referring to a particular stock. Here are the basics of what market depth is and how it affects you as an investor. Market Depth Market depth is a term that is used to describe how well the market will be able to absorb large orders without changing the price of the security. If a stock has good market depth, someone can place a very large order of stock and the price in the market is not going to be substantially changed. If a stock does...]]></description><pubDate>May 19, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The MSCI Emerging Markets Index]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-msci-emerging-markets-index.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The MSCI emerging markets index is a financial index that is commonly used in the investment world today. Here are the basics of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index and why it is important. MSCI Emerging Markets Index MSCI stands for Morgan Stanley Capital International. Morgan Stanley is a financial company that comes up with this index in order to keep track of emerging markets. Emerging markets are located in many different areas around the world. This index keep track of 26 different emerging markets across the globe. This is a tool that many investors use when deciding whether they...]]></description><pubDate>May 19, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Did Repackaging Make the Stock Any Better?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/did-repackaging-make-the-stock-any-better.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many companies go through the process of repackaging at some point in their history. If you are an investor, you need to understand what repackaging is and what it means to the stock of the company. Repackaging Repackaging is a process that involves a private company's purchase of a public company. The private company will typically buy all of the outstanding shares of a public company and then make it a private company for a time. During the repackaging process, the private company will attempt to make improvements to the company it has purchased. After making the necessary changes,...]]></description><pubDate>May 18, 2010  4:49 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is Extended Trading?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-extended-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Extended trading is a practice that many traders regularly engage in. Here are the basics of extended trading and how it works. Extended Trading When trading stocks, the stock market is only open for a specific period of time everyday. This is when the vast majority of stock trading takes place. However, there is also a time before the market open and after the markets close that stock trading still takes place. The trading of these stocks is not actually taking place on the floor of the stock exchange. It is taking place through electronic stock trading networks. Increase...]]></description><pubDate>May 18, 2010  4:44 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is the Russell 2000 Index?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-the-russell-2000-index.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Russell 2000 index is a financial index that is commonly used in the stock market today. Here are the basics of the Russell 2000 index and why it is important.&amp;nbsp; The Russell 2000 Index The Russell 2000 index is a financial index that is comprised of 2000 companies in the stock market. The companies that make up this particular index are all considered to be small-cap companies. This index measures the movement of the market that is made up of smaller companies and allows investors to get a feel for what is going on in that portion of...]]></description><pubDate>May 18, 2010  4:42 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does a &quot;Dutch Auction&quot; Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-a-dutch-auction-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A Dutch auction is a technique that is sometimes used to determine the market price of stock during an initial public offering. Here are the basics of the Dutch auction and how it works. Dutch Auction The Dutch auction is named after a method that was used to sell Dutch tulip bulbs during the Dutch Tulip Craze. With this method, they will start out trying to sell the stock at a high price. Bidders will then be given the opportunity to bid on the security at that price. If no one bids on the stock at that particular price,...]]></description><pubDate>May 18, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Stock Tips for New Investors]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-stock-tips-for-new-investors.html</link><description><![CDATA[ As a new investor, there is a good chance that you are looking for some stock tips to help you get started. Here are a few stock tips that you will want to keep in mind when getting involved in the stock market for the first time. 1. Consider Transaction Costs Regardless of how good of a trader you are, you are going to need to consider the impact of transaction costs on your profits. If you choose a broker that has high commissions, this is going to seriously eat into your overall profit. If you plan on trading...]]></description><pubDate>May 17, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Margin Call in Actions]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-margin-call-in-actions.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A margin call is a notice from your broker that you must increase the funds in a margin account. Not all investors use margin accounts. Only those investors who plan on borrowing money from the broker using securities as collateral will have a margin account. You can continue to trade from this account and make trades on borrowed money so long as you have minimum collateral present. The key is your total account, including the assets you own as investments, cannot fall below the broker's margin. If so, you must either deposit more cash with the broker or sell...]]></description><pubDate>May 14, 2010  4:46 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Full Disclosure: Mixed Blessing for the Everyday Investor?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/full-disclosure-mixed-blessing-for-the-everyday-investor.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Full disclosure is a principle of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) whereby a company lists all items that may affect its underlying value on a financial statement. Some items may not typically show up on a financial statement, such as outstanding lawsuits or losses to be expected in the immediate future. With full disclosure, companies would list these items on a memorandum or an accompanying addendum. Full disclosure is meant to give all stockholders the opportunity to see a full picture of the company's financial status. However, the good intentions often go awry. Advantages of Full Disclosure Companies must...]]></description><pubDate>May 14, 2010  4:44 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What to Know before Purchasing Stocks in Foreign Markets]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-to-know-before-purchasing-stocks-in-foreign-markets.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are considering purchasing stock in foreign markets, there are number of different things that you will need to consider. Research Before getting involved with foreign stocks, you will want to conduct thorough research. In some cases, it can be difficult to find enough information about foreign companies. Many foreign countries do not have the same information requirements that we do in the United States. Because of this, you might have to dig a little deeper and utilize multiple resources. Costs You will also want to understand the potential costs of investing in a foreign stock. Sometimes, you...]]></description><pubDate>May 13, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing on Margin: The Basics]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-on-margin-the-basics.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing on margin is a high-risk proposition, but it can also bring in some substantial rewards. If you are considering investing on margin, you need to understand how the process works so you can avoid big losses. Here are the basics of investing on margin and how it works. Margin Investing with margin is essentially borrowing money so that you can purchase more shares of stock. If the price of the security goes up, you are going to be able to bring in bigger profits. If the price of the security goes down, you are going to lose big....]]></description><pubDate>May 12, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Working with a Cyclical Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/working-with-a-cyclical-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Working with a cyclical stock can provide you with a great opportunity to bring in a nice return on your investment. If you are going to work with this type of a stock, there are many things that you will need to consider. Here are the basics of cyclical stocks. Cyclical Stocks Cyclical stocks are those that are directly affected by the economy and outside influences. In order to understand cyclical stocks, sometimes it helps to look at stocks that are considered to be non-cyclical first. Stocks that are not cyclical are those in health care, household perishable goods...]]></description><pubDate>May 12, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Dividend Tax Credit: Canada's Weapon against Double Taxation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-dividend-tax-credit-canadas-weapon-against-double-taxation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The dividend tax credit is a credit the Canadian government issues to its taxpayers. This type of tax credit is very desirable, as it helps to prevent double taxation. Here are the basics of the dividend tax credit. Dividend Tax Credit The dividend tax credit in Canada is a credit received in conjunction with receiving corporate dividends. Whenever an individual investor receives dividends from a Canadian corporation, she will also receive a tax credit in the same amount. When she files her taxes at the end of the year, she will be able to apply this credit to offset...]]></description><pubDate>May 11, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Future Investing Strategies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-future-investing-strategies.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Stock futures are becoming more popular and for a good reason too. Stock futures offer the trader many strategies to gain on his or her investment capital. Futures also offer a greater degree of leverage and that means a greater degree of risk, so be careful when trading futures. Here are few stock future investing strategies: Intermarket spread The intermarket spread is by far one of the most educated investing strategies for futures. The great thing about the intermarket spread is that it entails less risk and offers the investor more leeway for better research. For instance, the intermarket...]]></description><pubDate>May  9, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Guide to Electronic Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/guide-to-electronic-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Electronic trading has opened up a world of opportunity for many investors in the market today. With the power of electronic trading, you can place trades from anywhere that you want. Here are the basics of electronic trading and how it works. What Is Electronic Trading? Electronic trading is a system that allows you to trade the stock market from any computer. You will be able to download a trading platform onto your computer and use it to make instantaneous trades in the market. This has revolutionized the stock market as you used to have to work through a...]]></description><pubDate>May  9, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Futures Versus Traditional Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-futures-versus-traditional-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Both stock futures and traditional stocks can present traders with some unique opportunities. Both of these investment vehicles have some advantages and disadvantages that you should know about. Here are the basics of stock futures and traditional stocks and some of the differences between them. Traditional Stock Traditional stock is a security that is more commonly traded than stock futures. With traditional stock, you are purchasing a portion of ownership in a company. When you purchase traditional stock, you are going to have voters rights in the company as well as the ability to receive regular dividends. With stock,...]]></description><pubDate>May  9, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Stock Futures Work]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-stock-futures-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in stock futures can provide you with an alternative to simply investing in the stock market. If you are looking for a way to branch out and experience another type of investment, you might want to take a look at stock futures. Here are the basics of stock futures and how they work. Stock Futures A stock futures contract is an agreement between two individuals to purchase or sell a certain amount of stock at a given price on a certain date. When a futures contract is created, an actual stock transaction is not really occurring. Instead, you...]]></description><pubDate>May  9, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Futures Conracts 101]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-futures-conracts-101.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in stock futures is a popular alternative to investing directly into the stock market. Stock features can provide you with several different benefits and features when compared to traditional stock. Here are the basics of stock futures and how stock futures contracts work. Stock Futures vs Stock In order to understand how stock futures contracts work, you need to understand the differences between stock futures and traditional stock. When you purchase stock, you are going to be buying partial ownership of a company. You are going to receive voting rights for the company for each share of stock...]]></description><pubDate>May  9, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Conversion Price]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-conversion-price.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are planning on getting involved in the stock market, you will want to understand what the conversion price of a stock is. Here are the basics of the conversion price and what it means to you as an investor. Conversion Price There are a few types of investments that can be converted to another type of security. Corporate bonds and preferred shares of stock will commonly have the ability to be converted into common stock. When a security has this feature, the conversion price tells you at what price you will be able to convert the security...]]></description><pubDate>May  7, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Invest in Foreign Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-in-foreign-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in foreign stocks can provide you with a great potential return on your investment. Many investors seek out a way to get involved in the foreign stock market, which is slightly different than investing in domestic stocks. Here are the basics of how to invest in foreign stocks. Investing in Foreign Stocks Foreign stocks carry with them a certain appeal for many investors. Most investors have experienced what the domestic market has to offer, and many of them wish to pursue other opportunities. Certain foreign markets have exploded with growth over the last few years. If you had...]]></description><pubDate>May  6, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Searching for Opportunities on the Primary Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/searching-for-opportunities-on-the-primary-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Dealing with the primary market can provide you with some great opportunities from time to time. Most individuals that invest in stocks deal only in a secondary market, but the primary market should be something that you consider. Here are the basics of searching for opportunities on the primary market. The Primary Market The primary market is the market in which a company sells stock directly to an investor. This is typically done whenever a company has an initial public offering. If you can purchase stock from an initial public offering, there is a huge potential for growth almost...]]></description><pubDate>May  3, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Stock Investing Tips to Live By]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-stock-investing-tips-to-live-by.html</link><description><![CDATA[ By learning some stock investment tips, you will be able to improve your trading performance substantially. Here are some of the best stock investing tips to implement into your trading. 1. Choose a Good Broker Before you get started trading, it is important that you find a quality stockbroker to work with. You are going to want to work with a company that you feel comfortable with. You also need to find a broker that has low trading commissions as well. When you are trading, the amount of commissions that you pay will have a big impact on your...]]></description><pubDate>May  3, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Influence of Broker Commission on Your Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-influence-of-broker-commission-on-your-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When it comes to paying commission, broker fee structures can vary greatly. Regardless of how you pay commission to your stockbroker, it can potentially affect the way you trade stocks. Here are a few things to consider about the influence of broker commissions on your trading. Flat Fee One of the most common ways that brokers are compensated is with a flat-fee structure. With this type of commission, you are going to pay a certain amount of money every time that you make a trade. This type of fee structure is very common with most of the online discount...]]></description><pubDate>May  3, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Reasons to Invest in a Growth Company]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-reasons-to-invest-in-a-growth-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a growth company is an attractive proposition for many investors. When compared to other types of stock that is available, growth stock has several benefits that you will potentially be able to realize. Here are a few reasons that you might want to invest in a growth company. 1. Capital Appreciation If your main objective in investing is capital appreciation, growth stock is one of the best tools that you could possibly use. With growth companies, the only thing they think about is getting bigger and bringing in more profit. They do not look at other aspects...]]></description><pubDate>May  2, 2010  4:39 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Popular Means of Energy Sector Investment]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/popular-means-of-energy-sector-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in the energy sector can provide you with a great opportunity for the long term. There are many companies that are within the energy sector, and there are multiple ways to invest in them. Here are a few of the most popular means of investing in the energy sector. Stocks The most direct way to invest in an energy sector company is to purchase company stock. You can directly purchase the stock of any of the corporations that are doing business in the energy sector. In order to do this, you will need to open a brokerage account...]]></description><pubDate>May  2, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in Clean Energy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-clean-energy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in clean energy has become a popular choice over the last few years. Due to problems with traditional energy sources, many people are turning their attention to clean sources of energy. Here are a few things to consider about investing in clean energy sources. Clean Energy Sources For many years, our society has relied heavily on fossil fuels to create the bulk of our energy. The problems with this are that they will eventually run out and that burning them damages the environment. With advances in technology, we are starting to learn more about other options that we...]]></description><pubDate>May  2, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Finding Value in the Little Things: Micro-Cap Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/finding-value-in-the-little-things-micro-cap-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors are starting to put their money into micro-cap stocks. Here are the basics of micro cap stocks. Micro-Cap Stocks A micro-cap stock is a company that has a market capitalization of $50 million to $300 million. These are some of the smaller companies on the market, but they are not necessarily the smallest. Nano-cap stocks are issued by smaller companies. Where They Are Traded Micro-cap stocks are typically not traded on the major stock exchanges like the NASDAQ or the New York Stock Exchange. Instead, they are traded in the over-the-counter market. This makes trading these stocks...]]></description><pubDate>May  2, 2010  4:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to Sector Rotation Stock Strategies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-sector-rotation-stock-strategies.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are planning on investing in the stock market, sector rotation is a strategy that you might want to consider utilizing. Sector rotation is a very popular investment strategy that many individuals have implemented into their own portfolios. Here are the basics of sector rotation and how it can benefit you as a trader. Sector Rotation Sector rotation is an investment strategy that utilizes moving assets from one sector of the economy to the other. Economists have theorized that the economy goes through cycles that can be predicted. One area of the economy will be strong for a...]]></description><pubDate>May  1, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Earnings Yield]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-earnings-yield.html</link><description><![CDATA[ One of the fundamental metrics for starting fundamental analysis in investing is earnings yield. This figure essentially gives the investor a basic understanding of how wealthy the company is for the investor. Given, the goal of the investor is to profit from his or her investment, when all is said and done the earnings minus any dividend or interest liens is due to the equity investor. Earnings yield is simply calculated by taking the earnings per share (EPS)&amp;nbsp;for the company and dividing that by the price of the stock for the company, resulting in a percentage much&amp;nbsp;like the dividend...]]></description><pubDate>May  1, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Exploiting a Short Squeeze]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/exploiting-a-short-squeeze.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A short squeeze is a phenomenon that sometimes occurs in the stock market. If you are in the right position, you could potentially take advantage of a short squeeze and make a nice return on your investment. Here are the basics of a short squeeze and what it can do for you as an investor. Short Squeeze In the stock market, a short squeeze occurs when there are not enough shares available to fulfill the demand for a stock. When a particular stock is in high demand, sometimes there will not be enough shares to go around. As a...]]></description><pubDate>April 29, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Corporate Raider: Pillager or White Knight in Disguise?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-corporate-raider-pillager-or-white-knight-in-disguise.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The corporate raider is an individual that sometimes plays a vital role in a company's future. Many have different opinions as to what corporate raiders actually provide. A corporate raider is an individual that seeks to pursue a corporate takeover. The corporate raider will identify a company that appears to be undervalued in the market place. Then, they come in and buy a large number of shares in the corporation. At that point, the corporate raider will have a great deal of control over the company because of the massive voting rights that they have. Here are the basics...]]></description><pubDate>April 28, 2010  5:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Introduction to Dow Theory]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-introduction-to-dow-theory.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Dow theory is an integral part of stock trading in the market today. The theory was created by Charles Dow around 1900. Here are the basics of Dow theory and how investors use it in the market. Market Discounts Everything One of the most basic principles in Dow theory says that the market discounts everything. This means that everything is factored into the current market price of a stock. This includes company earnings, investors feelings, and interest rate information. Therefore, this theory provides support for those that believe in technical analysis of the markets. Trends Dow theory also put...]]></description><pubDate>April 28, 2010  5:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Share Repurchase: Good News for Those Remaining?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-share-repurchase-good-news-for-those-remaining.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many times a company will utilize a share repurchase in order to influence the market. A share repurchase is when a corporation goes out into the marketplace and buys shares of their own stock. Here are the basics of a share repurchase and how it affects other investors. Share Repurchase Typically, a share repurchase occurs when a company believes that their share price is undervalued. By decreasing the amount of outstanding shares, they hope to bump up the value of the price of their shares. They will essentially be purchasing the shares from a certain group of investors, which...]]></description><pubDate>April 28, 2010  5:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is the Bid-Ask Spread?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-the-bid-ask-spread.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The bid-ask spread is something that you will need to become familiar with if you plan on trading stocks in the future. Here are the basics of the bid-ask spread and what it means to investors. Bid-Ask Spread Whenever you are trading in a live market, there are going to be sellers that have securities to sell and buyers that want to purchase these securities. The buyers are going to want to pay as little as they possibly can in order to purchase a security. The sellers are going to want to charge as much as they possibly can...]]></description><pubDate>April 27, 2010  4:58 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Formula Investing: Removing the Human Factor Has Advantages]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/formula-investing-removing-the-human-factor-has-advantages.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors utilize formula investing in order to make the process easier. Formulate investing can be very beneficial but it has a few drawbacks as well. Here are the basics of formula investing and what it can do for you as an investor. Formula Investing Formulate investing is a method that utilizes a specific plan in order to determine your investing decisions. It can govern everything that has to do with an investment portfolio. It could tell you when to purchase securities and what mix of investments you need. It can also help you determine how much money that...]]></description><pubDate>April 27, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at War Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-war-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a war stock can provide you with a way to diversify your portfolio and bring in steady gains. Although war is never something that is desirable, there are certain companies that will benefit from it. Here are the basics of war stocks and what they can do for investors. War Stocks War stocks are stocks in corporations that stand to profit substantially during times of war. These types of stocks are also referred to as war babies or defense stocks. There are many different types of companies that will be able to make more profits during a...]]></description><pubDate>April 20, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in a Heavy Industry]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-a-heavy-industry.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a heavy industry is a strategy preferred by many people. Here are the basics of heavy industries and some of the investment implications related to them. Heavy Industries The term &quot;heavy industry&quot; can carry a few different meanings. Originally, when people referred to heavy industries, they were talking about the weight of the actual products an industry produced. However, in today's market, the term &quot;heavy industries&quot; refers to those that are difficult to enter. There are heavy costs to get involved in them, and there are large barriers to new companies that attempt to get started. This...]]></description><pubDate>April 18, 2010  4:31 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in the Healthcare Sector]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-the-healthcare-sector.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In today's market, many investors choose to invest in the healthcare sector. The healthcare sector represents a part of the economy that has vast potential for growth. Here are the basics of investing in the healthcare sector and what it can provide you as an investor. The Healthcare Sector The healthcare sector includes a number of industries and companies within those industries. This means that, as an investor, you will have many different options to choose from when it comes to putting your money into healthcare. The healthcare sector is made up of smaller industries, such as pharmaceuticals, hospitals,...]]></description><pubDate>April 18, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Are Ordinary Shares?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-are-ordinary-shares.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When investing in the stock market, you need to understand what ordinary shares are. There are a few different types of stock available, and you need to understand which type you are purchasing. Here are the basics of ordinary shares and what they can provide to investors. Ordinary Shares Ordinary shares are also sometimes referred to as common stock. With this type of stock, you are entitled to a partial ownership in the company. This type of stock does not have any predetermined number of dividends allocated to it. The only time that the owner of ordinary shares will...]]></description><pubDate>April 18, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Trading 101: Ex-Dividend Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-trading-101-ex-dividend-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you plan on getting involved in the stock market, you will need to have an understanding of what ex-dividend stock is. Here are the basics of ex-dividend stock and how it can affect you as an investor. Ex-Dividend Date Many stocks will issue dividends to shareholders. When a company decides to issue a dividend, it will announce an ex-dividend date. On this date, anyone who owns a share of that company's stock will receive a dividend when the dividend is issued. Implications In order to receive a dividend, you do not necessarily have to own the stock on...]]></description><pubDate>April 18, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sell-Side vs Buy-Side Analysts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/sell-side-vs-buy-side-analysts.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Both sell-side and buy-side analysts play an important role in the stock market. Here are the basics of sell-side and buy-side analysts and what the difference between them is. Sell-Side Analysts This type of analyst is employed by a brokerage or investment firm. This analyst will look at many different stocks and come up with recommendations about them. For example, they will commonly issue statements such as &quot;buy,&quot; &quot;sell&quot; or &quot;strong buy.&quot; These recommendations are for the general investor with a brokerage firm. Buy-Side Analysts This type of analyst works for a company such as a mutual fund or...]]></description><pubDate>April 18, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Advantages of Monoline Investment]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/advantages-of-monoline-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A monoline is a type of company that focuses on one individual area in business. These companies do not branch out into a lot of different side projects or other ventures. By investing in this type of company, you can benefit in several ways. Specialization A monoline chooses a particular area to specialize in. This means that they will possess certain skills that similar companies may not have. They will be able to provide better service to customers and take advantage of their knowledge in the industry. Lower Costs When a company spends its time focusing on a particular...]]></description><pubDate>April 18, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Value of Stockholder Voting Rights]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-value-of-stockholder-voting-rights.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When an investor purchases shares of stock, she will also get a voting right in the company. Many individual investors do not pay much attention to these voting rights. However, they are another benefit that you receive by purchasing stock. Voting Rights Stockholder voting rights are a very important feature for investors to have. The strength of your vote will depend upon how many shares you own. For example, someone with 10 shares in the company will be able to cast 10 votes. You do not necessarily have to be present at a shareholder meeting in order to vote....]]></description><pubDate>April 16, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Dangers of Off-Balance-Sheet Financing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-dangers-of-off-balance-sheet-financing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Off-balance-sheet financing is a procedure that many companies use from time to time. This is basically an accounting procedure that can be done for a variety of reasons. Although it originally started out as a legitimate business practice, it has taken a lot of negative heat in recent years. Here are the basics of off-balance-sheet financing and how it can hurt a company. Off-Balance-Sheet Financing This is a method that is used by companies in order to keep large expenditures off of the company balance sheet. This is done by setting up a separate legal entity as either a...]]></description><pubDate>April 16, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Performance Drag Can Grind Your Earnings to Dust]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/performance-drag-can-grind-your-earnings-to-dust.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Performance drag is a phenomenon that has the potential to substantially decrease the returns on your investments. Here are the basics of performance drag and how it can affect you as an investor. Performance Drag &quot;Performance drag&quot; refers to the conditions that lead to an investment's not performing as well as it should. Performance drag ends up costing you money in the long run. One of the most common causes of performance drag is the broker commission. Every time you purchase stock, you are going to have to pay a broker a certain amount of money. When this happens,...]]></description><pubDate>April 15, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in the Transportation Sector]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-the-transportation-sector.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in the transportation sector is a strategy that many people use to diversify their portfolios. Investing in transportation can provide you with a number of unique benefits. Here are the basics of investing in the transportation sector. The Transportation Sector This sector is made up of companies involved in the transportation of goods or individuals. In the transportation sector, you will find, for example, airlines and trucking and railroad companies. Many people choose to invest in this industry because it is a vital part of the success of our overall economy. There are a few different ways that...]]></description><pubDate>April 15, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Developing a Glide Path]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/developing-a-glide-path.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Developing a glide path is a very important part of any long-term investment strategy. You want to have a plan to help you govern each investment decision that you make over the years. Here are the basics of developing a glide path and what it can do for your portfolio. Glide Path The term &quot;glide path&quot; refers to a plan that is developed in order to help you determine your asset allocation mix over the years. With a glide path, you will set a target date when you want to reach a certain goal through investing. For example, you...]]></description><pubDate>April 14, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Beginner Stock Investing Strategies for Ambitious New Traders]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/beginner-stock-investing-strategies-for-ambitious-new-traders.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are many beginner stock investing strategies that you could potentially utilize. The stock market can be a very confusing place, and you want to start with a simple strategy when trading. Here are a few beginner stock investing strategies to consider. Dollar Cost Averaging Dollar cost averaging is a proven method to investing in the stock market. With this method, you will choose an individual stock and devote a certain amount of money to it on a regular interval. For example, you will invest $100 per month into the stock. When the price of the stock is low,...]]></description><pubDate>April 13, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trading Arcades Pay Far Better than Traditional]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/trading-arcades-pay-far-better-than-traditional.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A trading arcade is a way for traders to get together and trade the stock market. They share some similar characteristics with traditional stock exchanges with a few differences. Here are the basics of a trading arcade and what is involved. Trading Arcades Trading arcades our local facilities that allow individual traders to meet and trade their personal accounts. A trading arcade is typically a large room that has many different computers, monitors, and television screens. In a trading arcade, you can watch the financial news and know immediately when something big is happening. You can then get on...]]></description><pubDate>April 10, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[If You're Jumping Into the Market, You Need a Portfolio Plan]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/if-youre-jumping-into-the-market-you-need-a-portfolio-plan.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Before getting involved in the stock market, you should make sure that you have a sound portfolio plan in place. A portfolio plan will help govern each investment decision that you make. Here are a few things to consider about developing a successful portfolio plan. Portfolio Plan In developing a portfolio plan, you will need to make sure that you do a thorough amount of research first. You should look at different portfolio management strategies and try to determine which one suits you best. If you are working with a financial broker, it might be a good idea to...]]></description><pubDate>April 10, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Terminology: Payment for Order Flow]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-terminology-payment-for-order-flow.html</link><description><![CDATA[ &quot;Payment for order flow&quot; is a term that might come up with your stockbroker. Here are the basics of payment for order flow and what it means to you. Payment for Order Flow Payment for order flow is a payment that is made to a broker in order to compensate him or her for sending trades to another broker. For example, a broker might receive one cent per share that is purchased in return for passing a trade along to another broker. This is basically like a referral fee or commission. Small Brokers Many small brokers will pass trades...]]></description><pubDate>April  9, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mega Cap Stocks: Here to Stay, for  the Time Being]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/mega-cap-stocks-here-to-stay-for-the-time-being.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Mega cap stocks are a group of stocks that represent companies with capitalizations of at least $200 billion. These companies are leaders in their industry and some of the biggest companies in the world. Here are a few things to consider about investing in mega cap stocks and what they can provide to you as an investment. Mega Cap Stocks Many investors prefer investing in these types of stocks because of the familiarity with the companies involved. For example, you will be working with companies such as Wal-Mart, Microsoft, and General Electric. These are all well-known brands that everyone...]]></description><pubDate>April  9, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dogs of the Dow Investing: Does it Pay Off?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dogs-of-the-dow-investing-does-it-pay-off.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Dogs of the Dow is an investment system that many people have used for years now. It has been proven to work over the long term and is gaining more followers every year. Here are the basics of Dogs of the Dow investing and how it works. Dogs of the Dow Dogs of the Dow is a strategy that is sometimes referred to as the high-yield method. The strategy revolves around investing in stocks that produce a high yield and are in the Dow Jones Industrial Index. This system has produced an average rate of return of about 18...]]></description><pubDate>April  9, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Intricacies of the Utilities Sector]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/intricacies-of-the-utilities-sector.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in the utilities sector can provide you with several benefits. However, in order to benefit from this type of investment, you need to understand the intricacies of the sector. Here are a few things to consider about investing in the utilities sector. Stock Value In the past, utility stocks were typically reserved for investors that were very conservative. These investors did not want to invest in risky stocks and preferred the low risk that comes with investing in utilities. However, over the last few years, many utility companies have performed very well. Therefore, stock values have continued to...]]></description><pubDate>April  9, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[You Want to Buy 37 Shares?  Not in This Board Lot]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/you-want-to-buy-37-shares-not-in-this-board-lot.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A board lot is a unit of shares that is often utilized by a stock exchange. If you are a stock trader, you need to understand the concept of board lots and how they work. Board Lot A board lot is a standard unit of shares that can be traded on a stock market. For example, a stock exchange might mandate that everyone trades in increments of 100 shares. Typically, a stock exchange will have different board lot sizes for different prices of stock. For example, if a stock is priced at a dollar or less per share, you...]]></description><pubDate>April  9, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Terminology: Selling Group]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-terminology-selling-group.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The &quot;selling group&quot; is a term that is used when a stock is initially being offered to the public. Here are the basics of a selling group and what it entails. Selling Group The selling group is the collection of entities that are selling a particular security when it becomes available. For example, when an initial public offering takes place, the issuing company will work with an investment brokerage to get started. The brokerage will be in charge of determining how the shares of stock are released into the public. Parts of a Selling Group A selling group does...]]></description><pubDate>April  8, 2010  4:43 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Popular Styles of Formula Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-popular-styles-of-formula-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Formula investing is a method of investment that tries to eliminate guesswork. This method provides you with an easy to follow formula for your investments. There are many different styles of formula investing available. Here are some of the most popular types of formula investing. 1. Dollar Cost Averaging One of the most popular forms of formula investing is dollar cost averaging. Dollar cost averaging has been around for many years and has been proven to be successful over the long term. This strategy is also very simple to implement for the average investor. With dollar cost averaging, you...]]></description><pubDate>April  8, 2010  4:41 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Trading 101: The Covered Warrant]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-trading-101-the-covered-warrant.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you are involved in stock trading, you might come across the term &quot;covered warrant.&quot; Here are the basics of a covered warrant and what it means to you as an investor. Covered Warrant The covered warrant is an agreement that allows you to purchase or sell a predetermined amount of a security. You will be working with a specific financial institution in order to gain access to this type of warrant. You will then be able to purchase the securities directly from the issuing financial institution. You will typically be working with a bank for this type of...]]></description><pubDate>April  8, 2010  4:39 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Accelerated Share Repurchase]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-accelerated-share-repurchase.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The accelerated share repurchase is a method that a company will use in order to buy back shares of their own stock. Here are the basics of the accelerated share repurchase and how it works. Accelerated Share Repurchase With the accelerated share repurchase, a company will work with an investment brokerage in order to quickly buy shares of their stock. They will give the brokerage a certain sum of money, and the brokerage will then guarantee that it will provide them with an amount of shares. The investment brokerage may not have enough shares to complete the transaction. However,...]]></description><pubDate>April  8, 2010  4:37 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing 101: Ordinary Dividends]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-101-ordinary-dividends.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding the importance of ordinary dividends is one of the most critical aspects of stock trading. Here are the basics of ordinary dividends and what they can do for you as an investor. Ordinary Dividends An ordinary dividend is a payment that is made by a corporation to its shareholders. This payment is a way to distribute part of the profit of the company to the investors. These ordinary dividend payments are distributed periodically but are not required. Many companies will distribute dividends quarterly or annually; however, some companies will distribute them on a monthly basis. Companies will typically...]]></description><pubDate>April  4, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of Enhanced Indexing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-enhanced-indexing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Enhanced indexing is a hybrid investment management strategy that attempts to gain the benefits of both passive management and active management. Index funds are designed to track the market as a whole; managers of these funds are passive in order to allow the fund to ride out ups and downs while reducing transaction costs. On the whole, passively managed funds are generally considered to offer the best diversification and protection against risk. Through enhanced indexing, this model is slightly adapted, allowing transactions to take place for a fund, ideally, to beat the benchmark index. Index Investing Benefits The goal...]]></description><pubDate>April  4, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Bull CD]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-bull-cd.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The bull CD&amp;nbsp;is a unique type of investment that provides security as well as market risk. Here are the basics of the bull CD and how it can benefit you as an investor. The Bull CD The bull CD is a type of investment that is offered by financial institutions such as banks. You can purchase the CD for a set amount of money, and you will have to keep the CD for a certain period of time. While most CDs provide you with a fixed rate of return, the bull CD is actually attached to a market index....]]></description><pubDate>April  4, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Distressed Securities: A High Risk Investment]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/distressed-securities-a-high-risk-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Distressed securities&amp;nbsp;represent a very high-risk investment in the market. Here are the basics of distressed securities and why some people choose to invest in them. Distressed Securities A distressed security is an investment tied to a company that is in the middle of tough financial times. Most of the time, the company is on the verge of filing for bankruptcy. Sometimes, the company is already in the process of filing bankruptcy. Some investors will purchase shares of stock or corporate bonds in these companies. This presents a very high-risk scenario because, if the company does go bankrupt, the amount...]]></description><pubDate>April  4, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing 101: Qualfied Dividends]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-101-qualfied-dividends.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Qualified dividends are dividends that are subject to lower tax rates than ordinary dividends because they fit certain specific criteria under the US Internal Revenue Code (or as it's more popularly known, the tax code). Normally, dividends are taxed as ordinary income. Qualified dividends, though, are subject to capital gains tax, which decreases the investor's tax burden. However, this may change in 2011. Unless Congress extends the existing tax cuts, all dividends will be taxed as ordinary dividends at 2001 tax rates, effectively rendering the concept obsolete. Understanding Qualified Dividends Dividends are payments made by companies to their stockholders....]]></description><pubDate>April  4, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Authorized Stock vs Issued Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/authorized-stock-vs-issued-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding the difference between authorized stock&amp;nbsp;and issued stock is critical for investors. Here are the basics of authorized and issued stocks. Authorized Stock When a company decides that it wants to raise money by equity financing, it will issue stock to the public. In order to do this, it will have to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and go through an initial public offering. During this time, the company will decide how many shares to create. This is determined by the value of the company. For example, if the company is valued at $1 million and...]]></description><pubDate>April  4, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Bearer Share]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-bearer-share.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The bearer share is a type of stock that is handled differently from the majority of stocks in the market. Here are the basics of the bearer share and how it can affect you as an investor. The Bearer Share The bearer share is a share of stock that is held directly by the owner. The company that issues the stock does not register the personal information of the person that buys it. With this type of security, if you have it in your possession, you are considered the owner. This type of security is not registered with anybody,...]]></description><pubDate>April  4, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fighting Double Taxation with the Franking Credit]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/fighting-double-taxation-with-the-franking-credit.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The franking credit is a device used to prevent double taxation on corporate dividends. Here are the basics of the franking credit and how it works. The Franking Credit Currently (as of early 2010), the franking credit is used in the countries of Australia and New Zealand. It was developed in order to prevent the issue of paying taxes on corporate profits twice. With this system, shareholders receive a dividend as well as a certain amount of franking credit. Therefore, when they file their personal taxes, they will be able to use the franking credit to reduce their taxes...]]></description><pubDate>April  4, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Argument in Favor of Franking Credits]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/an-argument-in-favor-of-franking-credits.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Franking credits are a system of tax credits popular in advanced economies without a standardized capital gains tax system. Notably, Australia uses the system for dividends paid out to investors. U.S. investors with Australian-based investments may also be subject to the Franking credit system. Essentially, this is a way for a corporation to pay taxes on gains prior to paying out dividends and then to add these tax credits to the dividends paid. Ultimately, the investor's individual tax liability is lowered through the Franking credit system. Franking Credit Example It is often easiest to understand the complicated Franking credit...]]></description><pubDate>April  4, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Introduction to Short Covering]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/introduction-to-short-covering.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Short covering is an action that many investors will utilize to help their investment positions. Here are the basics of short covering and what it means to you as an investor. Short Covering Short covering involves purchasing shares of a security in order to cancel out a short position. Investors will do this to cover their losses and minimize the impact of a poor investment decision. Example Let's say that you decide to short sell shares of stock in a particular corporation. When you make this decision, the price of the stock is at $100 per share. You believe...]]></description><pubDate>April  4, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Maintenance Margin?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-maintenance-margin.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding maintenance margin is critical to many stock investors. Here are the basics of maintenance margin and how it is used in the stock market. Maintenance Margin Maintenance margin is something that will apply to stock traders that wish to trade on margin. The maintenance margin is the minimum amount of money that must be kept in an account for margin requirements. For example, when trading on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ, you must have at least 25 percent of the total value of the account available in margin. This prevents individual investors from over-leveraging their...]]></description><pubDate>April  4, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Signs a Story Stock Can Reach Its Potential]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-signs-a-story-stock-can-reach-its-potential.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A story stock is one that investors choose because of the story behind it instead of actual fundamental analysis. Many times, investors are lured in to investing in a particular stock because of the potential it conveys instead of its actual performance. While this is risky, here are a few signs that a story stock might actually live up to its potential. 1. Revolutionary Invention If a company is on the verge of creating a revolutionary invention, the stock may be able to live up to its promising image. Start-up companies that are working on a great new invention...]]></description><pubDate>April  4, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Your Class B Shares]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/your-class-b-shares.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When trading stocks, you will sometimes come across Class B shares. As an investor, you need to understand the difference between Class A and Class B shares and how they can affect you in the long run. Class B Shares This type of share is one version of common stock in a corporation. Typically, a company will have both Class A and Class B shares. The main difference between these two types of shares is that they come with different voting rights. In many cases, Class B shares will have fewer voting rights than Class A shares. Investment Impact...]]></description><pubDate>April  4, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing 101: The Voting Trust]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-101-the-voting-trust.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A voting trust is a device that can be utilized by shareholders of a stock. Here are the basics of the voting trust and what it means to you as an investor. The Voting Trust A voting trust is a legal entity that is created in order to convey a stockholder's ownership in a stock to a trust. This will also convey the voting rights that come with owning a stock. Most of the time, investors will convey their rights to the trust for a certain amount of time before gaining the rights back. Why It Is Used There...]]></description><pubDate>April  4, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hop on That Hot IPO before the Heat Dies Down]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/hop-on-that-hot-ipo-before-the-heat-dies-down.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A hot IPO can cause a big stir in the financial market. As an investor, you could potentially stand to make a great return on your investment by getting involved with a hot IPO. Here are the basics of the hot IPO and how it can benefit you. Hot IPOs&amp;nbsp; An IPO is the initial public offering of a corporation's stock. When a company wants to issue shares of stock, they have to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and then have an initial public offering. If the company is popular, many people may be looking to...]]></description><pubDate>April  4, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons to Invest in a Nano Cap]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-to-invest-in-a-nano-cap.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in a nano cap company could provide you with a number of benefits. A nano cap is a company that has a market capitalization of less than $50 million. Here are a few reasons that you might want to consider investing in a nano cap company. 1. Flexibility A nano cap company is one of the smallest companies in the market. These companies tend to be much more flexible than their larger counterparts. When you are small, you can adapt to the changing conditions in the market much more quickly than a larger company. In addition to this,...]]></description><pubDate>April  3, 2010  4:38 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Does It Mean to Be Capital Intensive?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-does-it-mean-to-be-capital-intensive.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Certain industries or companies are considered capital intensive. Here are the basics of what it means to be capital intensive and what it means for businesses in the industry. Capital Intensive A capital intensive industry is one that requires a significant amount of money to get involved. Businesses or industries that are capital intensive typically require a substantial amount of infrastructure before any profit can be made. Therefore, companies that choose to get into these industries may have to invest millions or billions of dollars before they ever see a dollar of revenue. Some examples of capital intensive industries...]]></description><pubDate>April  3, 2010  4:36 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Benefits of Investing in a Capital-Intensive Industry]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/benefits-of-investing-in-a-capital-intensive-industry.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A capital-intensive industry is one that requires a very large initial investment from a company. Investing in this type of industry can provide you with several advantages. Here are a few of the benefits of investing in a capital-intensive industry. High Rate of Success When you invest in a capital-intensive industry, you are investing in an industry that has a very good chance of being successful. Companies that choose to get involved in a capital-intensive industry do an astounding amount of research before getting involved. The industries that these companies get into are typically industries that everyone needs in...]]></description><pubDate>April  3, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does a Cumulative Preferred Stock Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-a-cumulative-preferred-stock-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Owning cumulative preferred stock&amp;nbsp;can provide you with a unique advantage as an investor. Here are the basics of cumulative preferred stock and how it can benefit you. Cumulative Preferred Stock Cumulative preferred stock is a type of stock that entitles you to be paid dividends before any other classes of stock. Therefore, if it is determined that a company owes dividends, they will first have to pay the holders of cumulative preferred stocks before anyone else can be paid. How It Works Most of the time, corporations will pay dividends at regular intervals. Paying dividends on a quarterly basis...]]></description><pubDate>April  3, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at the NYSE Composite Index]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-the-nyse-composite-index.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The NYSE composite index is a very important component of the financial world. Many investors look at the NYSE composite index regularly in order to make investing decisions. Here are the basics of the NYSE composite index and why it is important to investors. The NYSE Composite Index The NYSE Composite Index is a representation of the entire New York Stock Exchange. This is a financial index that is calculated based on the individual values of the shares that are traded on the New York Stock Exchange. In order to calculate the index, they multiply the value of each...]]></description><pubDate>April  3, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Don't Fall for the Pump and Dump]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dont-fall-for-the-pump-and-dump.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The pump and dump&amp;nbsp;strategy is sometimes used by unscrupulous investors in order to take advantage of the market. Here are the basics of the pump and dump strategy and how you can avoid falling victim to it. The Pump and Dump Strategy With this strategy, someone will try to pump up the price of a particular stock through false statements and then sell their shares of the stock at the right time in order to take advantage of an inflated stock price. This is an illegal strategy and will commonly hurt smaller investors. Avoiding This Tactic This tactic will...]]></description><pubDate>April  3, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Don't Be Fooled By Misleading Company Earnings]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dont-be-fooled-by-misleading-company-earnings.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors look at company earnings when evaluating a stock's potential. However, in recent years it has become more apparent that earnings reports can be misleading. Here are a few things to consider about why you cannot based financial decisions on earnings that are reported by corporations. Manipulating Earnings In today's business world, it is more apparent than ever that company earnings can be manipulated. When a company reports a certain amount for earnings, it is because that is what they want you to believe the earnings were. However, there are many different ways that earnings reports can be...]]></description><pubDate>April  3, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Look at the Company Balance Sheet]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-look-at-the-company-balance-sheet.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A company balance sheet is a very important financial document that investors will want to be aware of. Here are the basics of a balance sheet and why it is important to investors. Company Balance Sheet The company balance sheet is a document that a company uses to show how much it is worth. There are three main parts to a company balance sheet. It will list the assets, the liabilities, and the equity. On a balance sheet, the equity has to be equal to the assets minus the liabilities. Why It's Important The balance sheet is something that...]]></description><pubDate>April  3, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Large-Cap Stock: Is There Such a Thing as Too Big?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/large-cap-stock-is-there-such-a-thing-as-too-big.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A large-cap stock is one that is a share of a very large company. Here are the basics of large-cap stock and how you could be affected when a company gets too large. Large-Cap Stocks This type of stock represents the largest companies in the world. In order to qualify as this type of stock, a company typically has to have at least $5 billion in assets. These types of stocks make up the vast majority of the money in the stock market. You need to be aware of the stocks due to their immense weight and influence in...]]></description><pubDate>April  3, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Small Cap Stocks Can Make Big Noise]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/small-cap-stocks-can-make-big-noise.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors prefer purchasing small cap stock to the stock of large cap companies. Small cap stock can provide you with a number of different benefits as an investor. Here are a few things to consider about small cap stocks and what they can do for you. Small Cap Stocks A small cap stock is one that is issued by a company that has a market cap between $300 million and $2 billion. A company that has a market cap of larger than $2 billion is considered to be a large cap stock. Over the last few years, investors...]]></description><pubDate>April  3, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Earnings Per Share--Not So Straightforward]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/earnings-per-share--not-so-straightforward.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are at least five different ways to calculate earnings per share (EPS). It is important to compare apples to apples when selecting a stock because a company can choose the model that is most favorable to its independent situation. This can mislead investors into believing the company is posting a better EPS than its competitor. Reported EPS The reported EPS is the EPS calculated according to basic Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC.) Even though GAAP is designed to make it difficult to manipulate EPS, there are some features that...]]></description><pubDate>April  3, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[P/E Ratio vs PEG Ratio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/pe-ratio-vs-peg-ratio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The p/e ratio&amp;nbsp;is a well-known financial indicator that is commonly used in the stock market. For many years, this has been the standard in evaluating stocks. However, the PEG ratio is another financial indicator that is similar but offers a different insight into stock valuation. Here are the basics of the p/e ratio and how it compares to the PEG ratio. P/E Ratio The p/e ratio is calculated by taking the market value per share and dividing it by the earnings per share. A company that has a high ratio is considered one that is poised for growth. This...]]></description><pubDate>April  3, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Can P/E Ratio Tell You?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-can-pe-ratio-tell-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The p/e ratio is a popular way to value stocks. Many investors regularly use this ratio when making important investment decisions. Here are the basics of the p/e ratio and what it can tell you. P/E Ratio The p/e ratio is calculated by taking the market value of a share of a particular stock and dividing it by the earnings per share of the stock. This will give you a number that you can use as the price earnings ratio. Importance to Investors The price earnings ratio can be a way to determine whether a stock is currently being...]]></description><pubDate>April  3, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Knowing Your Subscription Right]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/knowing-your-subscription-right.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The subscription right of a stock is vital to many investors. Here are the basics of subscription right and what it means to you as an individual investor. Subscription Right The term subscription right basically means that you will have the first chance to purchase new shares of stock that are offered into the market place if you are an existing shareholder. This is a protective measure that is designed to prevent the value of your shares in a stock from being diluted. How It Works Companies will regularly decide to issue new shares of stock in order to...]]></description><pubDate>April  3, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ticker Tape Scams: Painting the Tape]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/ticker-tape-scams-painting-the-tape.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Painting the tape is a manipulative technique that you will need to be aware of if you plan on trading stocks. Here are the basics of painting the tape and how it can affect you as an investor. Painting the Tape Painting the tape is a term used to describe unusual transaction activity with a particular stock. One of the most common scenarios involves institutional investors purchasing and selling a security among themselves in order to increase the trading volume of a particular stock. When the trading volume increases significantly, this often brings new investors into the arena. This...]]></description><pubDate>April  3, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Investing in a Broad-Based Index Might Be Right for You]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-investing-in-a-broad-based-index-might-be-right-for-you.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors choose to invest in a broad-based index. Here are the basics of the broad-based index and why you might want to consider investing in one. Broad-Based Index A broad-based financial index is one that attempts to copy the movements of the stock market as a whole. Therefore, if the market is doing well, the broad-based index will also be doing well. Some examples of a broad-based index are the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&amp;amp;P 500. These indices will purchase large amounts of stocks from the companies that make up the index. This will typically provide...]]></description><pubDate>April  3, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing 101: The Callable Preferred Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-101-the-callable-preferred-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The callable preferred stock is a type of stock that is commonly issued by corporations. Here are the basics of the callable preferred stock and how it can impact you as an investor. Callable Preferred Stock Callable preferred stock is a stock that comes with a par value that is issued by a corporation. The corporation can choose at their discretion to take back the shares of stock that are issued and pay the investors the par value of the stock. This makes this a very flexible type of investment for the corporation that issues it. Investment Impact As...]]></description><pubDate>April  3, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Naked Shorting: Betting Against Stock That Isn't Even There]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/naked-shorting-betting-against-stock-that-isnt-even-there.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Naked shorting is when an investor short sells a security without borrowing the security first. Here are the basics of naked shorting and what it means to investors. Naked Shorting When an investor decides to go short on a stock sale, they typically have to borrow the shares or agree to borrow them. Regardless of the arrangement, the shares are supposed to be reserved for the person that goes short. However, when you utilize naked shorting, you are actually doing this without having access to the shares. Therefore, if you actually need access to the shares, you will not...]]></description><pubDate>April  3, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Taking on a Prepayment Risk]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/taking-on-a-prepayment-risk.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Prepayment risk is something that you need to be aware of as an investor. Here are the basics of prepayment risk and how it can affect you as an investor. Prepayment Risk Prepayment risk is the risk associated with getting the principal amount back before you plan on getting it. For example, if you invested in mortgages, someone could decide to refinance his loan or sell his home. At that point, you would get all of your principal back, and the interest payments would cease. When you get involved in the mortgage market, you have to be aware that...]]></description><pubDate>April  3, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Affidavit of Loss]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-affidavit-of-loss.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The affidavit of loss can be a very important tool for investors to understand. Here are the basics of the affidavit of loss and what it means to you as an investor. The Affidavit of Loss This document deals with the loss or physical distraction of a security. If you physically hold shares of stocks or bonds, there is a chance that the paper could be destroyed or lost. Instead of simply losing the rights that came with being a shareholder, you could potentially recoup your losses with an affidavit of loss. When a loss or physical destruction occurs,...]]></description><pubDate>April  3, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Quarterly Earnings Report Time: How Did They Do?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/quarterly-earnings-report-time-how-did-they-do.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The quarterly earnings report is a very important document that most investors will want to be aware of. This is a document that is released by a corporation in order to give a summary of the business dealings of the previous three months. Here are the basics of the quarterly earnings report and how you can use it as an investor. Quarterly Earnings Report The quarterly earnings report is a document that a company has to file with the SEC. Most of the time, investors are only aware of the press releases that companies create around the time of...]]></description><pubDate>April  2, 2010  4:38 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Accumulated Earnings Tax]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-accumulated-earnings-tax.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The accumulated earnings tax can greatly influence corporate decisions. Here are the basics of the accumulated earnings tax and what it means to you as an investor. Accumulated Earnings Tax The accumulated earnings tax was designed to encourage companies to issue dividends to shareholders. If the government decides that a company is hanging onto too much capital, they can choose to implement extra taxes on them. Therefore, the company will not benefit from accumulating their earnings. Reason for the Tax The government came up with this tax in order to increase tax revenue. Without this law, many companies would...]]></description><pubDate>April  2, 2010  4:36 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Does a Standstill Agreement Mean for Your Investment?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-does-a-standstill-agreement-mean-for-your-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A standstill agreement will sometimes take place when a hostile takeover is in process. Here are the basics of a standstill agreement and what it means for your investment. Standstill Agreement A standstill agreement is a contract that is agreed upon between a corporation and an entity trying to take it over. The standstill agreement puts a halt to the hostile takeover. In most cases, the company that is being taken over will offer to repurchase the shares that are owned by the hostile takeover bidder. The company will typically have to pay a premium in order to get...]]></description><pubDate>April  2, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Value Averaging Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-value-averaging-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The value averaging strategy is an investment method that many investors have turned to. This is often done in place of using dollar cost averaging as an investment strategy. Here are the basics of the value averaging strategy and what it can do for you as an investor. The Value Averaging Strategy The value averaging strategy is a method that regulates the way you purchase securities for your portfolio. With this method, you will choose particular securities to purchase on a regular basis. At the beginning of the process, you will set a specific amount that you want your...]]></description><pubDate>April  2, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Value Averaging vs Dollar Cost Averaging]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/value-averaging-vs-dollar-cost-averaging.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors use value averaging or dollar cost averaging as a way to minimize the impact of market timing on their portfolios. Both methods have proven that they have some merit for long-term investors. However, they do have some distinct differences that you need to be aware of. Here are the basics of value averaging and dollar cost averaging. Dollar Cost Averaging Dollar cost averaging is a very popular method of investment that allows you to level out the movement of a particular security overtime. With this strategy, you are going to be investing a set amount of money...]]></description><pubDate>April  2, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Reasons to Jump in on a Primary Offering]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-reasons-to-jump-in-on-a-primary-offering.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors like to get involved in a primary offering because of the massive potential that comes with it. However, not every primary offering will provide you with great returns. Here are a few reasons that you might want to consider getting in on a particular primary offering in the market. 1. Type of Company One of the most important factors to consider in your decision is what type of company is offering the stock. Typically, in this situation you will be presented with one of two different types of companies. You will have certain companies that are private...]]></description><pubDate>April  2, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Primary Offering]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-primary-offering.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The primary offering is something that you will want to be aware of as a stock investor. Here are the basics of the primary offering and how it can affect you as an investor. The Primary Offering The primary offering comes when a company decides to sell some of its equity in the form of stock. This is also known as an initial public offering, or IPO. In order to go through a primary offering, the company will have to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Most companies will hire investment banks in order to facilitate the...]]></description><pubDate>April  2, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Whisper Number?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-whisper-number.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A whisper number is something that you may need to be aware of as an investor in the stock market. Here are the basics of a whisper number and how it can affect you as an investor. Whisper Number A whisper number can be a number that unofficially indicates the earnings per share of a particular stock. This is typically a number calculated by a financial professional and is distributed by word-of-mouth between investors. Many traders on Wall Street will circulate whisper numbers amongst themselves. In many cases, you have to be a privileged investor in order to gain...]]></description><pubDate>April  2, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Shareholder Register]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-shareholder-register.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A shareholder register is an important part of trading in the stock market. Here are the basics of the shareholder register and why it is important to you as an investor. The Shareholder Register The shareholder register is a database of all of the different shareholders that hold a particular stock. This is a database that is continuously updated by the company that issued the stock. In this registry, they keep track of any pertinent information about shareholders. For example, they will keep track of your name, your address and your phone number. If a share of stock changes...]]></description><pubDate>April  2, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is a Property Dividend?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-property-dividend.html</link><description><![CDATA[ At some point in your investing career, you may receive a property dividend from a company. Here are the basics of the property dividend and why a company might elect to distribute such dividends. The Property Dividend With a property dividend, a company will actually distribute physical property to shareholders instead of sending them a check. This can result in your receiving any number of physical things instead of money. As an investor, you may or may not appreciate getting a piece of property instead of money. For example, if you have a share in an energy drink manufacturer,...]]></description><pubDate>April  2, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Worry About Pre-Money Valuation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-worry-about-pre-money-valuation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ If you are considering investing in a company, pre-money valuation is something that you will want to be aware of. Here are the basics of pre-money valuation and how it can affect you as an investor. Pre-Money Valuation Before investors decide to provide venture capital to a company, they will first need to value the company. If you are going to be investing a substantial amount of money in a company, you want to know how much it is worth first. This will provide you with answers as to how much of the company you will now own. When...]]></description><pubDate>April  2, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does a Sponsored ADR Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-a-sponsored-adr-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A sponsored ADR is a unique type of security that is offered in the financial markets. Here are the basics of a sponsored ADR and how it works. Sponsored ADR The term ADR stands for American depository receipt. Many times, these securities are traded on the stock market. This is a security that is traded in the United States. However, the security itself represents a certain number of shares in a foreign corporation. Typically, a brokerage or bank in the United States will sponsor this type of security and issue shares that are traded on the market. Why Sponsored...]]></description><pubDate>April  2, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Golden Parachute: Shielding Executives with Investors]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-golden-parachute-shielding-executives-with-investors.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In recent years the term golden parachute has become more popular with investors. If you are an investor, you need to understand how a golden parachute can affect you negatively. Golden Parachute A golden parachute is a term that is used to describe a benefits package that is provided to an employee in the event that they are terminated. This is typically a treatment that is reserved for upper-level executives in the company. For example, an executive might have a clause in their contract that provides them with millions of dollars worth of severance pay and stock options if...]]></description><pubDate>April  2, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Weapons of the Anti-Merger Arsenal]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/weapons-of-the-anti-merger-arsenal.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A corporate merger can sometimes provide added strength to a company. However, in some cases, you may not want a merger to actually go through. Here are a few ways that a company could try to avoid a merger with another corporation. Vote Against It One way that you could try to stop a merger is to act against it in the board room. When a company is proposing a merger with another company, it will have to get through a board room vote first. Therefore, if you currently sit on the board, you can vote against the proposed...]]></description><pubDate>April  2, 2010  4:12 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rise and Decline in the Industry Lifecycle]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/rise-and-decline-in-the-industry-lifecycle.html</link><description><![CDATA[ All firms go through a process known as the industry lifecycle. This is synonymous to the process humans go through in their lives, mainly identified as birth, growth, maturity and death. To assess which stage of the lifecycle the industry is currently passing through, the sales of the firm are thoroughly analyzed. The main phases of the industry lifecycle are as follows: introduction, growth, maturity and decline. The first two phases deal with the rise, and the last two stages concern the decline in the industry lifecycle. Introduction At this stage, the firm might just be starting out, or...]]></description><pubDate>April  2, 2010  4:10 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Countering a Merger with a Poison Pill]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/countering-a-merger-with-a-poison-pill.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A poison pill is a tactic sometimes used in an effort to prevent a corporate merger. If one of the companies seeks to avoid merging, that company can enact this policy to help discourage it. Here are the basics of what a poison pill is and how it impacts investors. What Is a Poison Pill? A poison pill is a move that will impact the ability to purchase stock. It can come in two different forms. With a &quot;flip in&quot; poison pill, the first company makes it so that everyone besides the entity trying to take over can purchase...]]></description><pubDate>April  1, 2010  4:38 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Book Closure?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-book-closure.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The term book closure is an important one for stock investors to understand. Here are the basics of book closure and how it can impact you as an investor. Book Closure The term book closure refers to when a company announces that they are going to distribute a dividend to the shareholders. If you are a shareholder, knowing when you are going to receive a dividend can be very important information to you. In order to receive a dividend, you will have to be on the shareholder registry on the date that the book closure takes place. Investor Impact...]]></description><pubDate>April  1, 2010  4:36 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using Inherited Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-inherited-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Receiving inherited stock could potentially be a nice surprise for you. However, unless you understand the financial implications that come with it, you may not make the right decisions associated with it. Here are a few things to consider about inherited stock. Inherited Stock If you inherit shares of stock, you are given a distinct advantage over those that receive stock as a gift. When you receive stock as a gift, you will be required to track down the original purchase price of the stocks. This can be difficult and sometimes impossible. The difference between the original price of...]]></description><pubDate>April  1, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Closely Held Stock?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-closely-held-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Closely held stock is a type of stock that you will find in many different companies. Here are the basics of closely held stock and what it means to investors. Closely Held Stock The term closely held stock refers to when an individual or small group holds all of the outstanding shares of a stock. By comparison, widely held stock may be traded by millions of different investors on the stock market. Closely held stock is typically not available to trade on the stock market. If it changes hands, it will do so on a person-to-person basis.&amp;nbsp; When It...]]></description><pubDate>April  1, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Reasons a Speculative Stock Can Fall Short]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-reasons-a-speculative-stock-can-fall-short.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors get involved with a speculative stock&amp;nbsp;in order to take a chance in the marketplace. A speculative stock is one that is considered very risky compared to the returns that are expected from it. However, sometimes during a bull market, investors will invest in certain stocks just for the speculative nature of the investment. Here are a few reasons that a speculative stock might fall short of an investor's expectations of it. 1. Poor Financial Numbers Most investors in speculative stocks do not put any time into researching the underlying company. This leads many investors to purchase stocks...]]></description><pubDate>April  1, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Analyzing the 52-Week High/Low]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/analyzing-the-52-week-highlow.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The 52-week high/low&amp;nbsp;is a commonly used indicator in stock trading. Here are the basics of the 52-week high/low and why some investors utilize it when analyzing stocks. The 52-Week High/Low The 52-week high/low is a figure that represents the highest and lowest prices that a stock has traded at over the past year. This gives you an indication of exactly where the price of the stock has gone over the course of the last 52 weeks. How It Is Used Investors will use the 52-week high/low in a number of different ways when analyzing certain stocks. This indicator can...]]></description><pubDate>April  1, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Does a Forced Conversion Mean for Your Investment?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-does-a-forced-conversion-mean-for-your-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A forced conversion could have a serious impact on your investment portfolio. Here are the basics of a forced conversion and how it can affect you as an investor. Forced Conversion Many types of securities are convertible by nature. For example, there are convertible bonds that can be converted into common stock. There are also certain stocks that can be converted into other classes of stock. A forced conversion occurs when the company that issued the security forces you to convert to another form of security. Impact on Investors This type of conversion can have some serious impacts for...]]></description><pubDate>April  1, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock-for-Stock Merger Deals]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-for-stock-merger-deals.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The stock-for-stock merger has become more common in the financial world in recent years. Here are the basics of a stock-for-stock merger deal and how it works. Stock-For-Stock Mergers This type of merger is one that allows two companies to come together by exchanging a certain amount of shares of stock. Each company will have an equal holding in the other company. By comparison, another common method of conducting a merger involved one company paying cash for shares of the other company. While this did accomplish the goal of merging, it was not quite as convenient as business owners...]]></description><pubDate>April  1, 2010  4:24 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Stock Watcher: It Knows if You've Been Bad or Good]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-stock-watcher-it-knows-if-youve-been-bad-or-good.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The stock watcher is something that you will need to be aware of if you plan on trading in the stock market. Here are the basics of the stock watcher and what it can do for investors. The Stock Watcher The stock watcher is a computer program that is constantly used by the New York Stock Exchange. The New York Stock Exchange utilizes this program in order to monitor all trading that is going on in the market. The stock watcher is designed to monitor trades and identify any unusual practices. This is utilized in order to prevent illegal...]]></description><pubDate>April  1, 2010  4:22 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding the Stock Cycle]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-the-stock-cycle.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding the stock cycle is extremely important for you as an investor. Here are the basics of the stock cycle and how it can affect investing decisions. The Stock Cycle In the stock market, a typical stock will go through a standard cycle. If you are an investor, understanding the different stages within this cycle can help you avoid getting a stock at the wrong time. The four main phases of the stock cycle are accumulation, markup, distribution, and markdown. The Four Phases The accumulation phase involves institutional investors such as mutual funds, buying up a large amount of...]]></description><pubDate>April  1, 2010  4:20 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Trading Halt: A Time to Pause and Reflect]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-trading-halt-a-time-to-pause-and-reflect.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding the basics of a trading halt is essential for an investor. Here are the basics of the trading halt and how it can impact you as an investor. The Trading Halt Typically, you will be able to trade a security on the stock exchange anytime that the stock exchange is open. However, sometimes you will have to deal with a condition called a trading halt. During a trading halt, a particular security will no longer be allowed to trade on the market. Any trading on a security that has been halted will be postponed for a certain amount...]]></description><pubDate>April  1, 2010  4:18 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Insights into Stock Valuation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/insights-into-stock-valuation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ To gain insights in stock valuation, you are best served by considering a wide variety of perspectives. While this is initially challenging, it allows you to discover the valuation methodology most suited to your views and observations. While there are an infinite number of approaches, stock valuation is often broken into two types of analysis: fundamental analysis and technical analysis. Each uses a different set of metrics to gauge a stock&amp;rsquo;s relative position. Considering each will allow you to make an informed decision. Fundamental Analysis The basis of fundamental analysis is to consider the major economic factors that drive...]]></description><pubDate>March 26, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Development of a Dividend Policy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/development-of-a-dividend-policy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Any company issuing stock will have to consider the dividend policy it will use to make payments to shareholders. When a company earns money, it can use profits to build corporate capital or pay the profits out in dividends. These two choices have very different immediate results, but some research shows the big picture is not largely affected by a corporate dividend policy. Considerations The goal is to use profits to best grow the value of the company. However, it is hard to say whether the company is served best by enticing share holders with high dividends, thus leading...]]></description><pubDate>March 22, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Indicators of Dividend Stocks to Avoid]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-indicators-of-dividend-stocks-to-avoid.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Dividend stocks are profitable on two levels: first, they provide short-term income from dividend earnings; second, the provide opportunities for long-term capital gains through appreciation and splits. In exchange for this high chance of profits, you must be able to assume some degree of risk when purchasing a dividend stock. While some risk is necessary, there are indicators that you may be engaging in an investment that is simply not worth the gamble. #1 Limited High Growth Rate Limited high growth is a term used to describe a stock that is in the process of a bullish run. This...]]></description><pubDate>March 20, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Explanation of the Treasury Stock Method]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/explanation-of-the-treasury-stock-method.html</link><description><![CDATA[ To understand the treasury stock method, you must first understand some of the factors in business accounting that require its use. The treasury stock method is used to measure diluted earnings per share for a business. This is consistently applied by any company using Generally Accepted Accounting Priniciples (GAAP), which all companies trading public securities must use. GAAP standardized how a company keeps its books so, when an investor considers purchasing a security from that company, the public information on the corporation is based on a standard metric. Earnings Per Share Earnings per share is an expression of how...]]></description><pubDate>March 18, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Corporation Shares Outstanding]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/corporation-shares-outstanding.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The unit of ownership in any company is called a share of the company or stock and shares outstanding are those shares held by the public and those shares owned by the company staff and insiders. This will be shown in the number of shares the company will be projecting as &amp;lsquo;Capital Stock.&amp;rsquo; Sometimes the company repurchases the shares it had issued, but these cannot be considered as shares outstanding. This is an important entity affecting the price of the stock as these outstanding shares are used to calculate earnings per share (EPS) and capitalization etc. and it affects...]]></description><pubDate>March 18, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Approximate Stock Valuation Approaches]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/approximate-stock-valuation-approaches.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are three key methods for approximate stock valuation. Each try to determine a stock's current value in order to provide insight into the price. If a stock is priced under the perceived value, then it is a good buy. If a stock is priced at or above what an analyst believes its actual value to be, then it is a stock to avoid. Valuing a stock is essential because some &quot;good&quot; stocks, those with a record of high earnings, are actually very over-priced. An investor should look for those stocks that have yet to reach their earnings peak...]]></description><pubDate>March 18, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Learn How to Cash in a Stock Certificate]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/learn-how-to-cash-in-a-stock-certificate.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When you decide it is time to cash a stock certificate, the process to do so is actually rather simple. You have the certificate on hand. In some cases, it is on hold with a broker or bank, and you will need to go retrieve the certificate. Once the certificate is in-hand, there are three simple steps to cashing it in. Tell Your Broker There is a legal process a broker must comply with in order to cash in the certificate. You will need to issue a written request to cash in the certificate, telling your broker the exact...]]></description><pubDate>March 18, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Intricacies of the Samurai Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/intricacies-of-the-samurai-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The term Samurai Market was once considered a slang term, but it is now the widely accepted name for the foreign bond market in Japan. In fact, many markets have international nicknames, such as the American markets are known as the &quot;Yankee Market.&quot; The Samurai Market is one of the most mystified in the business world because there are only a few US companies listed on the exchange. As a result, it remains unfamiliar to most US investors. Foreign Bond Markets The Samurai market welcomes foreign bond issuers. It serves as a place for foreign companies to enter into...]]></description><pubDate>March 17, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The TSX Venture Exchange]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-tsx-venture-exchange.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The TSX Venture Exchange is a Canadian-based stock exchange owned by the TMX Group. The TMX Group consists of two exchanges: the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the TSX Venture Exchange. The key difference comes in the word &quot;venture.&quot; The venture exchange is like a public market for private equity. It provides common investors the chance to engage with new companies looking for start-up capital. Creation of the TSX Venture Exchange The TSX Venture Exchange was originally created as the Canadian Venture Exchange in 1999. The creation of this new market was the solution to a dispute between multiple...]]></description><pubDate>March 17, 2010  4:00 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Using a Stock's Weighted Alpha Rating]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/using-a-stocks-weighted-alpha-rating.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The weighted alpha on a stock is an expression of how much its price has risen, or fallen, in the past year. Most of the emphasis is placed on the most recent movement of the stock. Alpha is the measure of the stock's fluctuation, and weighted just means that the higher emphasis is placed on the most recent figures. Using this figure can provide insight into a stock's value. Weighted Alpha A stock that has not risen or fallen in value much this year has a low alpha. A stock that's value has risen has a high alpha, and...]]></description><pubDate>March 15, 2010  4:08 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Limited High-Growth Period Approximation for Stock Evaluation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/limited-high-growth-period-approximation-for-stock-evaluation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are three models commonly used for stock valuation&amp;nbsp;explicitly based on growth. Those models are the average growth approximation, the constant growth approximation and the high-growth period approximation. Analysts use these models to determine whether a certain stock is worth the price it where it is currently listed. While none of the models are exact, they each offer insight into a stock's growth over time. Average Growth Approximation The average growth approximation is used to compare two stocks with similar earnings growth. It assumes that, all other things being equal, the stock that has a lower price to earnings...]]></description><pubDate>March 15, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does a Stock Split Affect Your Taxes?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-a-stock-split-affect-your-taxes.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Stock splits&amp;nbsp;divide cost basis among more shares without increasing tax liabilities. When a stock split occurs, a bookkeeping adjustment to cost basis should be made.&amp;nbsp;Cost basis is the amount paid to purchase the stock and is subtracted from the sale price to determine profit.&amp;nbsp;A stock split increases the number of shares and decreases the cost basis per share. Example: 100 shares of stock purchased at $20 per share Cost basis = $20 per share After 2 for 1 stock split the holding becomes 200 shares of stock&amp;nbsp;(2 shares issued for every 1 share held) &amp;nbsp; Cost basis = $10...]]></description><pubDate>March 15, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stated Value of a Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stated-value-of-a-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Interpreting stock value is a very important part of investing in the stock market in general. Many investors get confused with the difference between the par value and stated value of a stock. Here are the basics of the stated value of a stock and how it affects investors. Stated Value The stated value of a stock is a monetary value that is assigned to a share of stock by the corporation. The stated value has no actual bearing on the market value of the stock itself. This value is assigned strictly for accounting purposes for the corporation that...]]></description><pubDate>March 12, 2010  4:35 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Standard and Poor's CNX Nifty]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/standard-and-poors-cnx-nifty.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Standard and Poor is a division of McGraw-Hill and is one of the major financial institutions in the world. They have created many financial indices that are designed to gauge the market. One of these indices is known as the CNX Nifty. Here are the basics of the CNX Nifty and how it could help you as an investor. CNX Nifty The CNX Nifty is a financial index that is based on the stock market in India. It is composed of what Standard &amp;amp; Poor's considers to be the top 50 stocks in the region. These stocks make up...]]></description><pubDate>March 12, 2010  4:33 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Zero-Dividend Preferred Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-zero-dividend-preferred-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Many investors purchase preferred stock because it provides them with a number of benefits. One alternative to the traditional type of preferred stock is referred to as zero-dividend preferred stock. Here are the basics of zero-dividend preferred stock and what it provides to you as an investor. Zero-Dividend Preferred Stock Traditional preferred stock provides you with a type of stock that is superior to common stock; however, it may not come with any voting rights in the company. Many traditional forms of preferred stock will provide investors with a regular dividend payment. When you purchase a share of zero-dividend...]]></description><pubDate>March 12, 2010  4:31 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Advantages of Puttable Common Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-advantages-of-puttable-common-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Puttable common stock is a type of security that provides you with some unique advantages. You can actually sell puttable common stock back to the company at a predetermined price. Here are some of the advantages of purchasing puttable common stock for your portfolio. Liquidity One of the major benefits of purchasing puttable common stock is that you will never have to worry about liquidity issues. Sometimes, an investor wants to cash out his or her stock but cannot find anyone to buy it. While this is rare, it does happen from time to time. When you purchase puttable...]]></description><pubDate>March 12, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The World Federation of Stock Exchanges]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-world-federation-of-stock-exchanges.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are many different stock exchanges located all across the world. The World Federation of Stock Exchanges was designed to be a form of governing body over all of the different stock exchanges in the world. Here are the basics of The World Federation of Stock Exchanges and how it works with the different stock markets. The World Federation of Stock Exchanges The World Federation of Stock Exchanges is based in Paris, France, and utilizes international standards to govern all of the different stock exchanges that are members. The vast majority of the large stock exchanges in the world...]]></description><pubDate>March 12, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Importance of the Short Interest Ratio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/importance-of-the-short-interest-ratio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The short interest ratio is a very important financial metric used in the stock market. Understanding the importance of the short interest ratio can help you make more educated investment decisions. Here are the basics of the short interest ratio and what it means to you as an investor. Short Interest Ratio The short interest ratio is determined by taking the short interest rate and dividing it by the average daily volume of a particular stock. You can also calculate the short interest ratio based on information from an entire financial index if you desire. The purpose of determining...]]></description><pubDate>March 12, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Risk with a Speculative Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/risk-with-a-speculative-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The primary risk with a speculative stock is that the company will be unable to continue as a going concern and you will lose the entirety of your investment. A speculative stock is one that is issued by a company with both high return potential and high risk. Small-cap or micro-cap companies often fall into this category, whereas mid- and large-cap companies have usually achieved sufficient stability to have been able to grow. A company issuing a speculative stock will likely have a limited operating history but the ability to realize a significant gain if it is successful. A...]]></description><pubDate>March 12, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Value Line Index]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-value-line-index.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Value Line Index is a stock index based on 1700 companies chosen by Value Line. Another common name for this is the &quot;Value Line Investment Survey.&quot;&amp;nbsp;The companies that make up the Value Line Index come from many different stock indexes, including the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. Therefore, this is a very large representation of the stock market overall and provides a good indication of how the market moves.Equal Weight The Value Line Index is an equally weighted index, meaning that it assigns the same value to each company in the index....]]></description><pubDate>March 12, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Purpose of the Special Dividend]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-purpose-of-the-special-dividend.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investors are familiar with regular dividends; however, the special dividend works a little bit differently. Here are the basics of the special dividend and why companies will sometimes offer it. The Special Dividend The special dividend is a one-time payment of cash to the investors in a particular stock. While a regular dividend will be paid out quarterly or annually, the special dividend will happen randomly. In addition to the random nature of its distribution, a special dividend will usually be quite a bit larger than a normal dividend payment would be. Some people also call this an extra...]]></description><pubDate>March 12, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Necessity of Stock Splits]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-necessity-of-stock-splits.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Stock splits are a process that is commonly used in the stock market today. Here are the basics of how stock splits work and why they are necessary in the market place. Stock Splits A stock split is a transaction that is enacted by a particular company in order to change the number of shares of available stock in the market place. Each company that issues stock has a certain number of shares. A stock split can increase or lower that amount of shares available. For example, let's say that a company has 5000 shares of stock in the...]]></description><pubDate>March 12, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Calculate the Yield of a Dividend Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-calculate-the-yield-of-a-dividend-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ To calculate the yield on a dividend stock you need some basic information. You need the stock price and the annual dividend. The equation that you should use is: dividend yield = annual dividend / stock price. &amp;nbsp;Many popular financial websites list the dividend payment that is made quarterly, but because you are interested in the annual dividend, this number must often be multiplied by four to get the annual dividend yield. Furthermore, the dividend yield is calculated in terms of the price of the stock, so if you are an owner of the stock, you calculate the yield...]]></description><pubDate>March 12, 2010  4:16 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Commodity Stocks with Dividends]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/commodity-stocks-with-dividends.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in dividend stocks can be a good way to create a residual payment for yourself over the long-term. One type of stock that could offer a dividend is a commodity stock. Here are the basics of and benefits to investing in commodity stocks with dividends. Importance of Dividends An investor's main objective is, of course, to bring in a return from the market. This can be done through capital appreciation or through dividends. Capital appreciation depends on many factors, and many of them are beyond control. For example, the share price could go up or down depending on...]]></description><pubDate>March 12, 2010  4:14 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Importance of Being Split Adjusted]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-importance-of-being-split-adjusted.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When a stock quote is split adjusted, the price is established based on considerations of stock splits that have occurred in the past. This means the historical data and current price of the stock reflect the number of outstanding shares. A stock is not actually &quot;split adjusted&quot; itself; rather, the price of the stock and its historical prices have been adjusted to give a clearer picture of the actual growth and profit of the stock over time. Why do Stocks Split? With any publicly traded company, a corporation can increase the number of outstanding shares by splitting those shares....]]></description><pubDate>March  9, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Top Stock Blogs to Monitor]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/top-stock-blogs-to-monitor.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Whether you are a seasoned trader, or new to buying stocks, stock blogs and websites can be a great tool to keep you informed. You can often get advice on hot purchases and up to the minute information on prices and market conditions. There are few stock blogs that are very popular because they are full of information and user friendly terms. Overview of Buying and Selling on-line When a company decides to sell stock, it must file registration statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission and wait 20 days before the auction of the stock. When distributing the...]]></description><pubDate>March  9, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Constant Growth Approximation to Stock Valuation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-constant-growth-approximation-to-stock-valuation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The Gordon Growth Model for stock valuation is commonly called the constant growth approximation. It is a simple formula to estimate the current value of a stock based on potential future payoffs. In this sense, value is not to be confused with price. The price of a stock is simply what a buyer is willing to pay for it, and therefore the price set by the market. The value can be higher or lower than the price, depending on whether the market consideration of value is accurate. Undervalued Stock Every investor is looking for undervalued stock. When a stock...]]></description><pubDate>March  6, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Get Large Gains out of Small-Value Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/get-large-gains-out-of-small-value-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ It is possible to get large gains out of small-value stocks if you do careful research and pick your stocks with care. There are a variety of reasons why smaller stocks are capable of generating large returns, including the growth nature of the stocks behind them, the lower prices they tend to trade at, and the heightened risk associated with them. While there are some drawbacks that should be considered, it is possible to increase your profits through these stocks. What Is a Small-Value Stock? While different definitions exist, small-value stocks tend to refer to small-capitalization (or small-cap) stocks....]]></description><pubDate>March  5, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Trading: Don't Get Stuck Riding a Torpedo Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-trading-dont-get-stuck-riding-a-torpedo-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In the world of stock trading, there is one term that you want to be aware of, that is, the &quot;torpedo stock.&quot; Here are the basics of the torpedo stock and why you want to watch out for them. Torpedo Stock A torpedo stock is one that has fallen greatly in value, in a short amount time. When you look at the stock chart of this particular stock, it looks like a boat that has been hit by a torpedo and is sinking rapidly. When this happens, the stock may not stock plummeting, until it hits bottom and therefore...]]></description><pubDate>March  5, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Basher: The Manipulative Stock Investor]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-basher-the-manipulative-stock-investor.html</link><description><![CDATA[ As a stock investor, you will be exposed to many different lingo terms in the financial industry. One such term that you may hear is the &quot;stock basher.&quot; Here are the basics of the stock basher, and what it could mean to you as an investor. Stock Basher A stock basher is someone who attempts to lower the value of a stock with unscrupulous practices. They could be working alone, or at the request of another party. However, their main goal is to try and lower the price of a stock. This is typically accomplished by spreading lies and...]]></description><pubDate>March  5, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Supernormal Growth Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/supernormal-growth-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In the stock market, a term that you may hear thrown around is &quot;supernormal growth stock.&quot; As an investor, finding this type of stock could pay big dividends financially. Here are the basics of the supernormal growth stock, and what it means to you as an investor. Supernormal Growth Stock The supernormal growth stock is a stock that exhibits higher than average growth, as compared to the rest of the market. This happens when one company significantly outperforms other stocks in the market and provides exceptional growth for investors. Most of the time, this term is reserved for stocks...]]></description><pubDate>March  5, 2010  4:07 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Regional Stock Exchanges]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/regional-stock-exchanges.html</link><description><![CDATA[ As an investor, understanding how stock exchanges work can benefit you immensely, especially when you are looking into long term investment possibilities. While we are all familiar with the New York Stock Exchange, regional stock exchanges are not as commonly known in the investment world. Here are the basics of regional stock exchanges and how they could affect you as an investor. Regional Stock Exchanges A regional stock exchange is any stock exchange that takes place outside of the financial hub of the country. In the United States, the New York Stock Exchange represents the financial hub of the...]]></description><pubDate>March  5, 2010  4:05 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Terms: Stock Ahead]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-terms-stock-ahead.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Learning as many stock terms as possible can help you invest in the market. One term that you need to understand is referred to as &quot;stock ahead.&quot; Here are the basics of what the term &quot;stock ahead&quot; means and how it can affect you as an investor. Timing The term &quot;stock ahead&quot; has everything to do with the timing of orders. When orders come in from investors that want to purchase a security, the brokerage or trader has to try and match that order to someone is willing to sell at a certain price. When two orders come in...]]></description><pubDate>March  5, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Tips for Managing Your Stock Earnings]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-tips-for-managing-your-stock-earnings.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Handling your stock earnings properly can make a huge difference in your financial situation in the future. There are a variety of ways that you could handle stock earnings, and some are better than others. Here are a few tips for managing your stock earnings properly. 1. Consider Taxes One of the most important things to keep in mind when investing in stocks are the taxes that will be incurred. Many investors fail to remember the taxes that they will have to pay and go on about their business without planning ahead. When a gain is realized on a...]]></description><pubDate>March  3, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Indicators for Undervalued Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-indicators-for-undervalued-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ There are several indicators for undervalued stocks that you can use to assist you in the investment process. There are both fundamental and technical indicators of when a stock may be a good value and a good buy. The following four indicators can help you select attractive stocks to add to your portfolio. Fundamental Indicators 1) Price-Earnings-to-Growth Ratio (PEG)&amp;ndash;To calculate the PEG ratio, a stock&amp;rsquo;s price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is divided by the expected growth rate. The P/E ratio is calculated by dividing the stock&amp;rsquo;s price by the company&amp;rsquo;s earnings per share. Adding the growth rate makes the metric more...]]></description><pubDate>March  3, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Reverse Stock Split]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-reverse-stock-split.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The reverse stock split is a corporate action that results in fewer shares outstanding for a publicly traded company. In a reverse stock split, the company declares that, as of the split date, each shareholder of record will have their overall holding shrunk by a set factor and the price increased by the same factor. For example, if you own 100 shares of ABC common equity that is trading at $10 per share and the stock experiences a 2-to-1 reverse stock split, as of the split date you will now own 50 shares of stock. The stock&amp;rsquo;s market price...]]></description><pubDate>March  3, 2010  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Reasoning Behind the Reverse/Forward Stock Split]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-reasoning-behind-the-reverseforward-stock-split.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The reverse/forward stock split is a tactic that is utilized by many companies at some point. It has become a controversial practice in the eyes of many individual stockholders. Here are the basics of the reverse/forward stock split and why companies use it. How it Works The reverse/forward stock split is when a company performs two different stock splits in different directions, one after the other. For example, a company converts 100 shares of company stock into 1 share of stock. Then immediately after that, they transfer that one share back into 100 shares. During the process, anyone that...]]></description><pubDate>March  3, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Importance of the Dividend Payout Ratio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-importance-of-the-dividend-payout-ratio.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The dividend payout ratio (DPR) as an indicator of financial health is often overlooked. By looking at this ratio in both the current quarter and historically, you can get a sense of how the company is performing and whether it is effectively managing its capital and growth. When combined with other indicators, particularly dividend growth and earnings per share, you can make solid judgments about the company that will aid in the investment process. Mechanics of the Dividend Payout Ratio The dividend payout ratio is the percentage of a company&amp;rsquo;s net earnings that the company pays to investors as...]]></description><pubDate>March  3, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Long-Run Stock Advice: Consider &quot;Widow-and-Orphan&quot; Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/long-run-stock-advice-consider-widow-and-orphan-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Getting good stock advice can be difficult because there are many different investment strategies and it seems like everyone has their own, differing, opinion. As a new investor, you may want to consider investing in widow-and-orphan stocks, because this has been a successful strategy for many years. Here are the basics of widow-and-orphan stocks and how they could help you as an investor. Widow-and-Orphan Stocks The term widow-and-orphan stock has been around for many years. Many investors have purchased the stocks successfully as part of a number of different investment strategies. The term widow-and-orphan stock means that the company...]]></description><pubDate>March  2, 2010  4:06 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Suspended Stock Trading and the Unfortunate &quot;Stuckholder&quot;]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/suspended-stock-trading-and-the-unfortunate-stuckholder.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In the world of stock trading, there are a lot of terms that you will have to learn. One such term is referred to as a &quot;stuckholder.&quot; Here are the basics of the &quot;stuckholder&quot; and how trading can affect you in the market. What is a &quot;Stuckholder&quot;? The term &quot;stuckholder&quot; refers to someone that holds shares of stock that cannot be sold. There are a few reasons why this could occur. You might be a stockholder of a company that is involved with some type of scandal or is on the verge of filing bankruptcy. When this information gets...]]></description><pubDate>March  2, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The &quot;Wealth Effect&quot; and Stock Trading Confidence]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-wealth-effect-and-stock-trading-confidence.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In the world of stock trading, there is a phenomenon known as the wealth effect that comes up periodically. This effect can have a dramatic influence on the market itself and the investors that comprise the market. Here are the basics of the wealth effect and how it affects stock trading. The Wealth Effect The wealth effect is a psychological factor that is experienced by many traders. It takes place when significant gains are realized in their portfolios. For example, during a major bull market many investors make substantial amount of money. When this happens, our confidence level rises...]]></description><pubDate>March  2, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Negative Impact of Ultrafast Stock Trading]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-negative-impact-of-ultrafast-stock-trading.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In recent years, stock trading has evolved from a negotiation between a buyer and a seller to a mostly electronic system. This means any person with a computer can start trading, but it also means those investors with faster computers may see advantages. In particular, Wall Street giants like Goldman Sachs, or well-capitalized hedge funds are able to develop super computers that can execute millions of trades in a split second of time. This can significantly impact how the market behaves on the whole. High Speed Trading Systems High speed trading systems are only possible with the advent of...]]></description><pubDate>March  1, 2010  4:04 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Calculating Your Dividend per Share]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/calculating-your-dividend-per-share.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The dividend per share is the amount you earn periodically for the investment that you made in a company by purchasing its share or stock. A publicly traded, or listed, business corporation earns profit through its business operations. The profit thus earned can either be used for reinvestment purposes or shared among its shareholders. If the company decides to distribute the earned profits, it declares a dividend. Generally, dividends are fixed per share. Hence, a shareholder will receive a dividend that is directly proportional to the number of shares he has of that particular corporation. Dividends are usually paid...]]></description><pubDate>March  1, 2010  4:02 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The &quot;Triple Witching Hour&quot;]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-triple-witching-hour.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The &quot;triple witching hour&quot; refers to the last hour of the trading session on the third Friday in March, June, September and December. This is the last hour of trading before the expiration of three different security types: stock index futures, stock index options and individual stock options. Despite the fact that actual expiration takes place the following day, you cannot trade any of these instruments after the market closes, so when all of them are in play, it is called triple witching. The effect of triple witching is that trading volume tends to spike in futures and the...]]></description><pubDate>February 26, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Average Growth Approximation for Stock Valuation]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-average-growth-approximation-for-stock-valuation.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The average growth approximation used for stock valuation is an important assumption that has a significant impact on a stock&amp;rsquo;s estimated fair value. This approximation is based on multiple factors. Once it is made, you plug it into the dividend discount model to determine what a stock&amp;rsquo;s price should be. If the current trading price is below this number, the stock is said to be undervalued, and you should buy it. If the trading price is above the calculated price, it is overvalued and should be sold. It is important to recognize that is only one of the various...]]></description><pubDate>February 26, 2010  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Does Ultrafast Stock Trading Work?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-does-ultrafast-stock-trading-work.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Ultrafast stock trading is a strategy designed to take advantage of small perceived pricing inefficiencies. The goal is to identify and capture instances of mis-pricing that may persist for only a few seconds. This type of trading is usually based on mathematical models that use complex algorithms. The profit on a given trade is very small-&amp;ndash;often less than one cent per trade. To make up for this small profit margin, these strategies trade very quickly in very high volume. Also known as high frequency trading, this approach usually requires a significant investment in technology. This is because these strategies...]]></description><pubDate>February 25, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Watered Stock?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-a-watered-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[ A watered stock is a resource with an extreme, over exaggeration, of the actual stock value. The term originated with cattle ranchers who would feed their cattle an excessive amount of water to make the cows weigh more. This in essence would secure a larger price for the cattle at the market. A financier name Daniel Drew is credited with introducing this method to the financial market in the 1800's. Today this practice is considered a form of fraud because the buyer made a decision to invest based on a misrepresentation of the value. The recent crisis in the...]]></description><pubDate>February 25, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Ways to Increase Your Stock Earnings]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-ways-to-increase-your-stock-earnings.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Increasing stock earnings is naturally the main priority for investors in the stock market. Here are a few ways that you can increase your stock earnings.&amp;nbsp; 1. Dollar Cost Averaging One popular method to increase the amount of money that you can make from stocks is to use dollar cost averaging. With this strategy, you develop a plan to time when you will invest in the market. You will invest the same amount of money at regular intervals over a long period of time. Sometimes the price of the stock that you are buying will be low, and you...]]></description><pubDate>February 25, 2010  4:29 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Stock Replacement Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-stock-replacement-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ In a nutshell, a stock replacement strategy believes in the replacement of stock with derivatives, such that the profits remain the same in cash terms. However, as with all things derivatives, a stock replacement strategy is not a simple trade and requires a high degree of technical analysis. The underlying assumption in the stock replacement strategy is to minimize losses while maintaining the profits. This is done in a fairly straight forward way. Understand Money Options The delta of these options is close to 1, meaning that the option will increase by $1 for every $1 increase in the...]]></description><pubDate>February 25, 2010  4:27 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Top-Rated Stock Valuation Methods]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/top-rated-stock-valuation-methods.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The process of stock valuation is something that many investors go through on a daily basis. Learning how to value stocks properly could potentially make you a lot of money over the years. Here are the basics of stock valuation and a few methods that you could utilize. Stock Valuation In order to understand the basic methods of stock valuation, you first need to understand what stock valuation is overall. The process of stock valuation is a way to determine when to buy and sell stocks. You can use mathematical formulas and financial information to calculate whether a stock...]]></description><pubDate>February 25, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Keep in the Loop with Stock Blogs]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/keep-in-the-loop-with-stock-blogs.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Keeping up with a stock blog can be a valuable way to gain information about the financial market. If you find a good stock blog, it can teach you a lot of different things that you need to know. Here are some things that you could potentially learn from a stock blog and how it could help you.&amp;nbsp; Stock Trends In the investment world, there is a saying that says &quot;the trend is your friend.&quot; Therefore, if you can find out about trends as they are happening, you can take advantage of them. When you get in on a...]]></description><pubDate>February 25, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Market Advice to Get You Started]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-market-advice-to-get-you-started.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Getting the appropriate stock market advice can make a huge difference when you start out as a trader. Trading in the stock market can be confusing when you first get started and a little guidance can help. Here is some basic stock market advice to get you started. Find a Good Broker The first thing that you need to do is find a good stock broker. You need a company with integrity that has been around for a long time. You need someone that can answer your questions and take care of any problems that you might have. In...]]></description><pubDate>February 25, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Find High-Quality Stock Recommendations Online]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/find-high-quality-stock-recommendations-online.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Finding legitimately good stock recommendations online can be difficult. There are so many stock experts out there that it is hard to know whom to believe. Here are the basics of how to find high-quality stock recommendations online.&amp;nbsp; Well-Known Sources When looking for high-quality stock picks, the well-known companies that have been around for many years are usually the way to go. You can check the &quot;Wall Street Journal,&quot; Bloomberg, and other places that are well-known for their financial advice. This is not to say that newer sources do not know what they are doing, but you can more...]]></description><pubDate>February 25, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Best Resources for Free Stock Recommendations]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-best-resources-for-free-stock-recommendations.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Trying to find good stock recommendations might seem a little challenging at times. With so much information out there, it is hard to know who to listen to. Here are a few of the best resources for free stock recommendations.&amp;nbsp; Stock Newsletter With a stock newsletter, you can get periodic information about the stock market for free. These newsletters are typically written by experts in the industry and leading financial institutions. These newsletters may contain picks of individual companies that look to be on the move. They may also include general advice about sectors or industries that look good....]]></description><pubDate>February 25, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Commission Costs with the Dividend Capture Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/commission-costs-with-the-dividend-capture-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Using the dividend capture strategy with stocks could potentially help you build your portfolio. However, it is not a fool-proof method of investment because one big drawback involves commissions. There are some drawbacks to using this method that you should consider. Commissions When you buy and sell stock, you are going to have to pay someone one way or another. If you have a broker, they are going to get their money from each transaction that you make. Even if you use one of the online discount brokers, you will still have some sort of cost involved.&amp;nbsp; The dividend...]]></description><pubDate>February 23, 2010  4:36 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Costs and Benefits of the Dividend Capture Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/costs-and-benefits-of-the-dividend-capture-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Using the dividend capture strategy has become more and more popular in the stock market today. It is being utilized as a way to boost returns and minimize risk. While it does present you with some benefits, it has a few drawbacks as well. Here are the costs and benefits of the dividend capture strategy.&amp;nbsp; The Strategy The idea behind the dividend capture strategy is simple. This involves an investor that purchases a stock shortly before the dividend is paid out to the shareholders. Then after the dividend is paid, they sell the stock and do it again with...]]></description><pubDate>February 23, 2010  4:34 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Reinvesting Dividends for Long-Term Gain]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/reinvesting-dividends-for-long-term-gain.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Here are the basics of reinvesting dividends for long-term gain. How it Works Reinvesting dividends is a fairly simple process once you get the basics. You start out by purchasing shares of a dividend stock. This type of stock is just like any other shares of stock except that the company pays out a dividend regularly. They could pay out a dividend once a month, once a quarter or annually. A dividend is just part of the profit that a company made during a given period. Dividends are not required of corporations, but many pay them as signs of...]]></description><pubDate>February 23, 2010  4:32 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why invest in Monthly Dividend Stocks?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-invest-in-monthly-dividend-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ &amp;nbsp; Investing in monthly dividend stocks could be a great investment strategy for your portfolio. Most people have heard of companies that pay dividends quarterly, but paying a dividend every month is not as common. Here are the basics of monthly dividend stocks and why you might want to invest in a company that uses this method.&amp;nbsp; Who Issues Monthly Dividend Stocks? Most companies that issue monthly dividend stocks are not your typical companies that are represented by stock. Most of the companies that do this are holding companies, REITs, trusts, or closed end funds. Therefore, they are companies...]]></description><pubDate>February 23, 2010  4:30 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Benefits of Monthly Dividend Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-benefits-of-monthly-dividend-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in monthly dividend stocks has increased in popularity over the years. Many are familiar with stocks that pay a dividend every quarter, but monthly dividends are new to many investors. Here are some of the benefits of investing in monthly dividend stocks.&amp;nbsp; More Frequent Payments The vast majority of dividend stocks pay out once a year or once a quarter. When you get a monthly dividend stock, you will, of course, be receiving 8 more payments a year than if you received quarterly dividends. If you are trying to create a residual source of income, this can be...]]></description><pubDate>February 23, 2010  4:28 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Helpful Resources for Learning Stock Market Fundamentals]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-helpful-resources-for-learning-stock-market-fundamentals.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Learning stock market fundamentals is critical for those that want to start investing in the market. Before you put your money into the market, you want to make sure that you know the basics. Here are a few great and helpful resources for learning stock market fundamentals. 1. Trading Books One of the first places that you should go to learn about stock market fundamentals are by reading books that are available on the subject. Over the years, many classics have been written about how to trade in the stock market and they offer valuable insight. Some of the...]]></description><pubDate>February 23, 2010  4:26 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Very Basic Guide to Stock Market Fundamentals]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-very-basic-guide-to-stock-market-fundamentals.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Learning stock market fundamentals is critical before you get involved in the market. The stock market represents one of the most amazing opportunities for people to create wealth. However, without the proper knowledge, it can swallow you up in an instant. Here are some of the basics of the stock market and how it works. What is Stock? In order to understand the stock market, you first need to understand exactly what a share of stock is. You might be wondering exactly where your money is going when you invest in stock. In reality, you are actually providing your...]]></description><pubDate>February 23, 2010  4:25 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Don't Get Caught Off Guard by the Ex-Dividend Date]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dont-get-caught-off-guard-by-the-ex-dividend-date.html</link><description><![CDATA[ When trading stocks, it is important not to get caught off guard by the ex-dividend date. This is the date after which new owners of record will not receive a dividend payment because the transfer of ownership will not be completed in time. This is an important date because it affects how a stock trades as well as who will receive the dividend payment that has been declared by the company. The Mechanics of Dividends When a company declares a dividend, there are several important dates that impact the price action and the payment of that dividend. The terms...]]></description><pubDate>February 23, 2010  4:23 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Important Tips for Dividend Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-important-tips-for-dividend-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ The process of dividend investing&amp;nbsp;can prove to be very beneficial for you and your portfolio. Properly investing can increase your portfolio and provide you with a residual source of income. Here are a few important tips to keep in mind when investing in dividends.&amp;nbsp; 1. Do Not Forget Taxes In most cases, the dividends that you receive from your stock investments will be taxable. Even if you reinvest the dividends, you will be subject to taxes on the money from the dividends. You will have to count it as income in the year in which you received it. It...]]></description><pubDate>February 23, 2010  4:21 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Day-Trading Producing Losses? Consider Dividend Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/day-trading-producing-losses-consider-dividend-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Dividend investing&amp;nbsp;has been a viable strategy for a number of years, but many people still overlook it. The majority of people like to day-trade and usually end up losing money. If this sounds familiar, you may want to consider dividend investing as a primary strategy for your portfolio. The concept of dividend investing is quite simple. You buy shares of stock in a company that pays out dividends to its investors. Instead of selling the stock when it goes up, you hold it in hopes of collecting the dividend. This can provide you with a steady stream of income...]]></description><pubDate>February 23, 2010  4:19 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Learn to Identify the Best Dividend Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/learn-to-identify-the-best-dividend-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Picking the best dividend stocks in the market can provide you with a steady stream of income over the long term. Trying to decide between all of the dividend stocks can sometimes seem difficult, though. Here are the basics of how to identify some of the best dividend stocks on the market.&amp;nbsp; Dividend History If you are investing in dividend stocks specifically for the dividend payment, you want to make sure that you look at the history of the dividend issued by the companies. You want to find a company that has traditionally remained committed to offering a dividend....]]></description><pubDate>February 23, 2010  4:17 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Companies Determine Stock Dividends]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-companies-determine-stock-dividends.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Companies determine stock dividends in a number of ways. Some of the important factors include how much was earned, what the company has paid in the past, future cash needs and the message the company wishes to send to the market. Each of these plays a role that you should consider. Dividends are paid out of a company&amp;rsquo;s earnings. The amount that the company earns in a given year or quarter, therefore, is of central importance in determining how much to pay investors. The company must weigh its income against future needs to determine how much of its earnings...]]></description><pubDate>February 23, 2010  4:15 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Stock Dividends]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-stock-dividends.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Understanding what stock dividends are can be valuable information to you as an investor. Stock dividends have the ability to transform your portfolio and bring you a great return on your investment. Here are the basics of what stock dividends are and how they can help you as an investor. What Are Dividends? Stock dividends are a payment that is made from a corporation to the shareholders of the corporation. Many companies engage in this practice regularly. The money to pay the dividends comes from part of the profit of the company. All of the profit for the company...]]></description><pubDate>February 23, 2010  4:13 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Gauge Your Investment Using Stock Dividend History]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/gauge-your-investment-using-stock-dividend-history.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Some believe that you can gauge your investment using stock dividend history. Under this approach, you consider the breadth of a stock&amp;rsquo;s dividend history, looking for certain characteristics. A stock with a long history that has remained stable, not missing payments or decreasing the amount, is considered favorable. You also would ideally see a regular history of increasing dividend payments, particularly relative to stock price. As much as you want to see a steady dividend amount, you prefer to see a steady dividend-payout ratio. The dividend-payout ratio is the annual dividend amount divided by the earnings. When this amount...]]></description><pubDate>February 23, 2010  4:11 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Benefits of Dividend Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-benefits-of-dividend-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Purchasing dividend stocks is a popular strategy for many investors. Not every stock pays dividends, the most popular dividend stocks, however, are the ones that do pay out. Here are a few benefits that come with investing in dividend stocks. 1. Steady Income Stream The biggest advantage of buying stocks that pay dividends is that you get a regular stream of income. Some stocks pay dividends quarterly and some pay monthly. Even if it amounts to a small amount per stock, the more shares that you buy over the years, the larger your dividend payments become. Before long, you...]]></description><pubDate>February 23, 2010  4:09 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tax Implications of Stock Dividends]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/tax-implications-of-stock-dividends.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in dividend stocks is&amp;nbsp;one method of investment that should be&amp;nbsp;considered when building a portfolio. Buying stocks that issue a dividend can present you with several advantages as an investor. However, there are some tax implications that you will have to consider before investing. Dividend Taxation A dividend is a payment that is made from a corporation's profits to the shareholders of that corporation. Many corporations issue these payments as a way to share the wealth with the investors in the company. Many investors choose to buy stocks of corporations that regularly pay dividends because this presents them with...]]></description><pubDate>February 22, 2010  4:54 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Develop a Steady Income Flow with Dividend Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/develop-a-steady-income-flow-with-dividend-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Investing in dividend stocks is a popular investment method with many investors. Dividend stocks represent a unique opportunity within the stock market as a whole. Here are the basics of dividend stocks and how to use them to your advantage.&amp;nbsp; What Are Dividend Stocks? A dividend stock is a stock that pays back part of the profits from the company to the shareholders. When you own a dividend stock, you still have ownership rights to the company just like you would with any other stock. However, with this type of stock, you also get a payment from the company...]]></description><pubDate>February 22, 2010  4:50 AM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Should You Invest In The Stock Market?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-should-you-invest-in-the-stock-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[ Why invest in the stock market? The stock market provides the greatest opportunity for an investor to grow their money.&amp;nbsp;Even in tough financial times where many investors experienced significant losses, the time to invest is now, when prices are low.&amp;nbsp;There are tremendous values that exist in the stock market. What Many Investors Do Many investors have a follow the herd mentality when it comes to investing.&amp;nbsp;They invest based on &amp;ldquo;hot tips&amp;rdquo; that they get from a neighbor or colleague or chase returns of stocks that did well a year ago.&amp;nbsp;The axiom &amp;ldquo;buy low, sell high&amp;rdquo; always seems to end...]]></description><pubDate>October 21, 2009  1:27 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Exchange: The Role Of Speculative Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-exchange-the-role-of-speculative-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[Speculation is a&amp;nbsp; stock exchange investing strategy. The strategy involves purchasing stocks at a time when they are not popular or when the stock or bond being purchased does is not immediately paying dividends. The investor believes, or speculates, that the investment will grow in the future.Investment vs. SpeculationInvestment, unlike speculation, has a reasonable promise of return of at least the principal sum. Most investments also carry a reasonable promise of some dividend, usually because the stock is already paying a dividend. While all stock or bond purchases, including investments, may seem &amp;quot;speculative,&amp;quot; the term speculation only applies to those...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Creating A Stock Investment Company? The Legal Implications]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/creating-a-stock-investment-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[Creating a stock investment company can be a task filled with multiple complications.&amp;nbsp; It requires a massive understanding of all the legal applications involved. Stock investment companies are generally described as companies that engage in investing securities. The fact that investment companies are handling large amounts of money and are controlling their investors stakes there are many rules and regulations set in place to govern the practices of these companies. The Stock GameGetting involved in the buying and selling of stocks and bonds and all types of securities is a major risk. Not only are you risking both the moneys...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Investment: Training Your Instinct For The Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-investment-training-your-instinct-for-the-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[If you&amp;rsquo;re thinking of making a living off of the stock market, either through direct investments or by working as a stock broker, it is important to take the time for stock investment training of some kind. Nobody working with the stock market, not even the best of investors, meet the stock market with success over night without some sort of training.Investment ClassesThere are many outlets for taking various classes on the stock market. For the leisurely investor, or those who are saving every penny for the stock market, there are online websites that offer free investment classes to cover...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Selectively Choosing Your Stock Investment Seminars]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/selectively-choosing-your-stock-investment-seminars.html</link><description><![CDATA[A stock investment seminar can benefit individual investors as well as large firms looking to train associates.&amp;nbsp; Seminars are full of stock investing advice on what has worked in the past as well as what has not worked.&amp;nbsp; They can be aimed at concentrating your funds on a certain company or broadcasting funds over a broader field such as investing in a stock index.Choosing the Wrong SeminarSome investment seminars are just a way for seminar sales people to earn money. They lure investors in with promises of doubling or tripling investments within no time at all. These are the seminars...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Picking A Risk-Free Stock Investment]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/picking-a-risk-free-stock-investment.html</link><description><![CDATA[Picking a risk-free stock investment is not possible because all stock investment carry a degree of risk. At the very least, the decision to make an investment means that you have foregone an opportunity to use the money for another purpose. This is known as opportunity cost, which is a form of risk taken by an investor.If you choose to invest in bonds, your risks are lower than investing in stocks but you are subject to the credit and default risk of the issuer. Certain types of stocks carry more risks than others. For example, utility stocks, which pay high...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Predicting Market Moves Of &quot;Shares Investor In Aggregate&quot;]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/predicting-market-moves-of-shares-investor-in-aggregate.html</link><description><![CDATA[A shares investor in aggregate uses multiple or linked accounts to determine the way in which the market will move. This process, which uses different types of mutual funds within a family of funds, is used to help an investor select a investments that are designed to meet a stated investment goal or yield a desired rate of return.Asset allocation and diversification seeks to maximize profits for an investor while minimizing the risks associated with investing. Although it is possible to reduce losses in an investment, it is not possible to eliminate the associated risks. Balancing shares between funds and...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Should The Common Man Realistically Invest In Companies?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/should-the-common-man-realistically-invest-in-companies.html</link><description><![CDATA[It requires a high degree of financial and industry knowledge to successfully invest in companies directly. You will need financial knowledge to effectively read the companies financial statements and projections. You will also need industry knowledge to recognize whether the business plan you are viewing has a good chance of success in its given industry. The following criteria will give you an idea of what you need to know in order to make&amp;nbsp;a discerning investment.Financial KnowledgeYou should be comfortable with the following concepts in order to understand the financials of a potential direct investment into a company: Read and analyze&amp;nbsp;financial...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Business Models Do Direct Investment Companies Choose?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-business-models-do-direct-investment-companies-choose.html</link><description><![CDATA[Direct investment companies offer their stock directly to investors without the use of a broker. In most cases, this is offered to partial owners or share holders who work for the company and receive stock as part of a compensation package. Direct investments companies tend to follow a few similar trends in their business models.Private CompaniesMost direct investment companies are privately held. Publicly traded companies are subject to regulation by the SEC and other financial authorities, which typically require a licensed broker overseas the exchange of shares. Mutual funds, hedge funds or private equity groups with monies in excess of...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Organizing Stock Investment Information To Learn From It]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/organizing-stock-investment-information-to-learn-from-it.html</link><description><![CDATA[There is a wealth of &amp;nbsp;stock investment information available that makes it difficult for the common investor to process everything. The information ranges from types of stocks to various theoretical stock strategies. Therefore, if you expect to learn anything at all about how the stock market works and how best to invest, it is important to find a logical way of organizing stock information.What Are Stock Indices?Essentially, a stock index is a statistical measurement that depicts the changes in a portfolio. Generally, if the price of an index changes, it represents a proportional change in the price of those stocks...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Additional Risk Factors In Small Cap Stock Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/additional-risk-factors-in-small-cap-stock-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[Small cap stock investing is the investing of stocks which are capitalized at $300 million to $2 billion on a listed stock exchange. Small cap traders and investors face higher than average risks for the following reasons: Lack of liquidity Lack of news coverage Lower requirements for stock listingLiquidityWithout proper liquidity a stock is subject to gaping prices that can be very adverse to traders. Less liquidity means wider price spreads that are an added cost. Also, trading firms can control the float that is traded, manipulating the price too easily.Less news coverageMany people base their investing and trading decisions...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How To Invest In The Penny Stock Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-in-the-penny-stock-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[Once you learn the basics of how to invest in stocks, you may wish to consider investing in penny stocks. A penny stock may be defined as any stock with a share price of under $5. Stocks trading on the pink sheets are also referred to as penny stock. Although the share price of penny stock may seem fairly attractive, you may wish to arm yourself with appropriate knowledge before venturing into trading penny stocks. Here are a few tips:Understand the RisksNormally penny stocks are very risky to trade in. Since their prices are so low so even a minor...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Invest In The Share Market As A Beginner]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/invest-in-the-share-market-as-a-beginner.html</link><description><![CDATA[Choosing to invest in share market provides you with an opportunity to earn good investment returns, relative to the risk of loss. This opportunity presents itself to all types of investors, from the most seasoned to the beginner. Understanding how to invest in the share or stock market takes time but with practice, you will build the necessary experience and knowledge to increase your returns and minimize your risks.All investing involves risks regardless of your level of investment experience. As a beginning investor, you should invest time in learning about investment principles and make a plan as to the amount...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Theoretical Background To Investing Shares And Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-theoretical-background-to-investing-shares-and-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[Investing in shares of stocks provide companies with equity necessary to expand their businesses and grow the economy. The theory behind investing in shares and stock is based largely on the principles of supply and demand. A company&amp;rsquo;s stock price is influenced by the demands of the shareholders and investors who determine the capitalization or value of the company.Issuing SharesWhen a company organizes, it authorizes a number of shares for the company. A portion of these authorized shares is offered to the public in an offering in order to obtain needed capital. The portion of authorized shares that are offered...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing Books Recommended by Successful Investors]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-market-investing-books-recommended-by-successful-investors.html</link><description><![CDATA[Stock market investing books are good whether you are a just learning about the stock market, or if you have been involved with it for years. There are books for everyone. We will list a few below for you to possibly get started with.&amp;ldquo;The Intelligent Investor&amp;rdquo; by Ben GrahamThis book is recommended by Warren Buffet, who has traded in stocks for a very long time and is a well-known success story. Buffet was mentored by the author himself and followed his principles on his way to success. This book was a world-wide success and still remains a book with some...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How To Invest Shares With Low Capital Funds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-shares-with-low-capital-funds.html</link><description><![CDATA[This article is a discussion of how to invest in shares of low capital funds. A low capital fund is one that is typically in start-up phase or has been in business for a relatively short time. Investing shares in low capital funds gives you an opportunity to grow your investment in the fund as it increases in value.Here are a few steps to consider when investing in low capital funds. You should recognize that investing in any fund involves degrees of risk including the possibility of the loss of your investment due to market conditions. A low capital fund...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Learn How To Invest In The Stock Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/learn-how-to-invest-in-the-stock-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[Making a foreign market investment can prove to be safe and profitable for many investors. Most investment professionals are part of a diversified investment strategy. There are many legitimate foreign companies doing business in the United States who offer tremendous value to U.S. investors.Unfortunately, there are scam artists and other individuals who prey on the vulnerabilities of some investors. They tend to offer investment deals that promise high returns or mention no money down. They are also traced to Ponzi schemes designed to pay out initially but leave you with no money after the source of new funds dry up.Responsibilities...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dividend Stock Investing To Recession-Proof Your Portfolio]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dividend-stock-investing-to-recession-proof-your-portfolio.html</link><description><![CDATA[In a &amp;nbsp;recession, dividend stocks investing goes up. Stocks with a good history of dividend payments can become very enticing to yield-hungry buyers. Stocks such as these are well suited for people who are willing to invest, in order to get a return with little risk.&amp;nbsp;Even when stocks are up, these still do typically well.&amp;nbsp;This is because the yield of your investment goes up with the dividend and which then makes the share price higher.Understanding the S&amp;amp;P 500The S&amp;amp;P 500 is a value index that was officially published in 1957. It tracks the prices of 500 commonly traded stocks in...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing Tips for a Great Depression]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-market-investing-tips-for-a-great-depression.html</link><description><![CDATA[For tough economical times stock market investing tips can either make or break you. Even recessionary periods can bring forward investment opportunism with limited downsides. Unfortunately, these opportunities can be difficult to find in an economic slump.Stock ScreenerSeveral investors take full benefit of software program services. The software programs help them select stocks based on a list of variables. In order to filter stocks given specific selection criteria, investors use the screener tool which provides a detailed listing of stock basics. A stock screener involves a detailed screening with numerous factors and predefined screens. It uses a sophisticated mathematical system...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Steps To Evaluating A Stock Investing Tip]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-steps-to-evaluating-a-stock-investing-tip.html</link><description><![CDATA[Whether you&amp;rsquo;re new to stocks and somebody has given you a new stock investing tip, or you&amp;rsquo;re a stock investment veteran, it is important to research and evaluate the stock before committing to purchasing it. Here are a few tips to evaluating your stock before purchase.Understand Financial RatiosTake a look at similar companies in the same industry. Seeing where a company is at compared to its peers will help tell you how worth it the price if the stock is.Company Earnings and ResearchKeep an eye on the earnings for a stock as well, as earnings are what drive stock prices....]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Investing - The Basics Of The Equities Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-investing-the-basics-of-the-equities-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[The equity market, commonly referred to as the stock market, is where company stocks are bought and sold.&amp;nbsp; For investors, participating in the equity market represents an attractive opportunity to build wealth because historically, stocks have provided the greatest rates of return compared to other asset classes.Trading stocks is a critical component of the economy and its ability to grow over time. It gives:Investors the opportunity to own part of a company and reap the financial rewards associated with company growthInvestors voting privileges in certain company mattersCompanies a means of raising capital for expansion, research and equipmentSince many factors influence...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 Steps to Evaluating an Investment Company]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/3-steps-to-evaluating-an-investment-company.html</link><description><![CDATA[Choosing the right investment company for your money can be a rather daunting task. If you happen to be in the middle of an economic recession, the choice becomes only more difficult and stressful. The key is to find a private investment company that not only works for you but can also put your mind at ease about risking your hard-earned money. Luckily, there is a common process known as the 3-Ps that is used to evaluate whether a company is able to produce profitable results on a regular basis.1. PhilosophyConsider the general beliefs of a given investment company. The...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Investing - the Search for Growth Potential]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-investing-the-search-for-growth-potential.html</link><description><![CDATA[Growth stock investing is an investment strategy that is based on the theory that a company&amp;rsquo;s growth in earnings and revenue will translate directly to a growth in stock prices and profits.Growth Versus ValueThe idea is that the current price of the stock, despite being priced more than it&amp;rsquo;s value, is worth it based on increased future growth. This is a direct contrast to the Value Strategy, in which investors look for stocks currently priced at less than their current value.How To Grow StockA high growth stock investor is interested primarily in growth stock companies. Growth stock companies are those...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Investing 101: Safeguarding Profits]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-investing-101-safeguarding-profits.html</link><description><![CDATA[If you are brand new to stock investment and anxious not to lose your money, you may be in need of a course in Stock Investing 101. One of the biggest concerns, especially for first time investors, is how to safeguard their profits once they are made. In order to safeguard your profits, there are a few things you need to know about how the market works.Profit Investment ManagementThe first thing you often want to do in order to safeguard your money is to keep from putting all your eggs in one investment basket. Consider multiple stocks in multiple fields,...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Successful Stock Investment Clubs That Accept Beginners]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/successful-stock-investing-clubs-that-accept-beginners.html</link><description><![CDATA[Stock investment clubs are a good way for small investors to learn about investing and the stock market. These clubs are formed with the purpose of pooling resources necessary to make stock purchases. They are conceptually similar to investment companies such as mutual funds with a chief difference. Investment clubs have a smaller number of investors who are involved and they meet periodically to actively monitor the portfolio and make investment decisions.Finding a Successful ClubSuccessful stock investment clubs tend to be well established and maintain a fixed membership. It may be difficult for a beginning investor to enter these clubs....]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Investing System: 2Tips For Maximization]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-investing-system.html</link><description><![CDATA[A stock investing system is used by investors to maximize profit potential and minimize risk. These systems have different names such as program trading, Forex and other similar terms. They are designed to assist an investor by providing information and setting up parameters for trading.The stock market changes in value constantly during the course of the trading day. Daily trading highs can immediately eliminated by adverse economic news that is broadcasted on the trading floor. These changes can have an impact on your gains without a system in place that can react to market changes and take the appropriate action.It...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Top Stock Investment Picks By Top Investors]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/top-stock-investment-picks-by-top-investors.html</link><description><![CDATA[All &amp;nbsp;investors are looking for the elusive top stock investment. In order to find the top stocks to buy, it is necessary to seek outside sources of information.Companies and WebsitesThere are many companies and websites that will offer top stock picks, free of charge. For example, MSN Money lists stock tips online, allowing you to choose top rated stocks depending on multiple categories, such as overall rating or investment style.Seek Out AdviceBe sure to seek out professionals that demonstrate an excellent track record of success. And, never forget that &amp;nbsp;it is up to you to choose whether the advice is...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Common Recommendations For Expanding Your Stock Investment Education]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/common-recommendations-for-expanding-your-stock-investment-education.html</link><description><![CDATA[If you are thinking about becoming a stock broker, it is important that you know what your options are for stock investment education. In today&amp;rsquo;s world, there are more possibilities than ever for learning what you need to make a living off the stock market.Formal EducationThe classic method, of course, is to pay for some sort of formal education. If you can afford the time and money, check your area for local business schools that offer programs in stock broker education. Having a full degree in stock market education can help you land a job with a firm of stock...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Learn to Invest in Stock Using Instructional Games]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/learn-to-invest-in-stock-using-instructional-games.html</link><description><![CDATA[One good way to learn to invest in stock is to use stock instructional games. These games are developed to allow potential investors the opportunity to invest in stocks without taking the risk associated with novice players putting real money into the market.These games are not only valuable to the beginning investor, however. Otheres with more experience still want the advantages of &amp;ldquo;paper trading,&amp;rdquo; or practice trading, before they commit money to a new strategy or new company.Currently, these games are often available in on-line versions, which increases their speed and usefulness considerably.Non-Threatening RealityThis non-threatening version of reality allows players...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Stock Investing Guide for Day Traders]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-stock-investing-guide-for-day-traders.html</link><description><![CDATA[If you are thinking about venturing into stock day trading, you may want to go through this brief stock investing guide to help you understand day trading, and plan the strategies that can help you make the most of your investment. Looking For The Right StocksSince day trading focuses on short term movements and the ability to buy and sell with a very short notice, you should focus on stocks that have a volatile price fluctuations, and high trading volumes. These stocks allow for liquidity and ease of buying and selling. Be sure to have analysis charts and graphs readily...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Preventing Losses: Beginner Stock Market Investing Methods]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/preventing-losses-beginner-stock-market-investing-methods.html</link><description><![CDATA[A beginner, in stock market investing, is looking to learn how best to make money and minimize their exposure to loss. It is possible to achieve investment returns over a sustained period of time, but a beginner must first understand that all investing involves risk. There are no guarantees that an investment strategy pursued by any investor will produce results.&amp;nbsp; An investor who has an appreciation for the possibility of loss is in a better position to maximize their returns.DiversificationOne method that every stock market investor should employ is diversification.&amp;nbsp; Structuring an investment portfolio that is balanced between different types...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding the Impact of Online Stock Market Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-the-impact-of-online-stock-market-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[Many investors use online stock market investing as a way to manage their portfolios and build wealth. Many brokerage firms are set up almost exclusively as online brokerage houses. The firms allow investors the ability to trade their accounts in real time.&amp;nbsp; This is usually done without the assistance of a broker and trading can take place at almost any time of the day.Access to the MarketOnline stock market investing permits access to the markets for smaller investors and non-professionals.&amp;nbsp; The software and programs that has been created by online trading firms makes it easier to track trends in the...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing for Beginners]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-market-investing-for-beginners.html</link><description><![CDATA[Stock market investing involves investing money in stocks to generate a profit. Because of all the variables involved, stock market investing is an inherently risky pursuit with many pitfalls and no real guarantees.&amp;nbsp; This is particularly evident during the down times. In order to find success, stock market investors need to understand how the stock market works.How Stock Market WorksA stock market is essentially an auction market where different companies sell shares, or stocks. The stocks are bought and sold to the highest bidder. Companies sell their shares to raise money quickly. By buying a stock, the investor buys a...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing Advice for Quick Returns]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-market-investing-advice-for-quick-returns.html</link><description><![CDATA[There are sources available with stock market investing advice for quick returns. All advice is not good advice and should be considered carefully.&amp;nbsp; Legitimate versus Fraudulent AdviceIt is important to recognize that some strategies are based on legitimate techniques, while others may be fraudulent. The ability to make quick returns in the stock market requires discipline, focus, and the willingness to accept a certain level of profit. This can be difficult for some investors and should not be seen as a suitable approach to investing for everyone. Investing in the market involves risks, including the possibility of losing the entire...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is Wall Street's Preferred Stock Investment Strategy?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-is-wall-street-s-preferred-stock-investment-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[Many are searching for the stock investment strategy that the experts use. They sometimes assume that if they could discover the best strategy used most often by Wall Street investors or big investing houses that they will be successful in the market.No Magic BulletDespite this desire for the single best investment strategy, investors generally come to realize that there is not single strategy that works all of the time for everyone.There are many different kinds of strategies for choosing stock and for choosing mutual fund companies in which to invest. Some involve analyzing the companies and choosing the ones with...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Stock Investing Crash Course - 4 Essential Tips]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-stock-investing-crash-course-4-essential-tips.html</link><description><![CDATA[You don&amp;rsquo;t need a formal stock investing course to benefit from the handsome returns that stock investing can lead to. Even people without professional education in business or finance have been extremely successful in unlocking value from this opportunity. Although investing in the stock market offers great potential, there is a significant downside to it as well. While stock market investments are always open to risks based on investment decisions, lack of knowledge about the stock-investing world can also lead to losses. For new and budding investors there are a few basic aspects that they should know about the stock...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Market Investment Research: Making Informed, Smart Decisions]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/-stock-market-investment-research.html</link><description><![CDATA[Stock market investment research is used by professional investors and investment managers are part of their analysis of a stocks potential. Research provides information about a company&amp;rsquo;s financial forecast, management team, business prospects and financial results. This information is important to know when determining whether to purchase a stock or sell it.A well-informed investor understands the importance of stock research and uses this information in their daily investing decisions. All investors should understand the process for researching information on the companies that they choose to invest in and use the information to make well-informed investing decisions.Step 1: Read a Business...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Is A Value Investing Stock Strategy Employed?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-is-a-value-investing-stock-strategy-employed.html</link><description><![CDATA[Using value investing for stock portfolios involves choosing companies that trade below their book value. These companies pay dividends and have a low price relative to earnings or P/E ratio. A value investing stock strategy looks for companies that are long-term in their outlook and provide good value for an investor&amp;rsquo;s stock portfolio.Value versus Growth InvestingValue investing differs from growth investing in that a value investing strategy relies on fundamental analysis to determine which companies provide the best long-term value. These companies tend to be established or mature companies that make every day consumer products such as cars, soap and...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Creating a Stock Market Investment Strategy]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/creating-a-stock-market-investment-strategy.html</link><description><![CDATA[Having a sound stock market investment strategy is a key element in achieving sustainable returns from the stock market. Investing in the stock market has become very popular because online trading has put the power of stock investment into the hands of the consumer with a computer, and a brokerage account. However, as is the case with any opportunity, stock investing comes bundled with some inherent risks that need to be understood:Identify Your PreferencesBefore venturing into stock market investments, you need to be very clear on the amount of capital that you want to work with. Be aware of your...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Internet Stock Investing - Recognizing Value In I-Business Models]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/internet-stock-investing-recognizing-value-in-i-business-models.html</link><description><![CDATA[Internet stock investing is becoming more popular as more businesses are adopting an internet based business model. Referred to as I-Business, it provides a way for business to take advantage of virtual business opportunities.A company that operates in an I-Business environment has advantages over companies that work in a physical location. A look at their financial statements show savings on certain expenses such as office leases, furniture and equipment. These savings translate into increased profits and more value for shareholders.Types of I-BusinessesTechnology companies such as web designers and web hosting services can operate more easily as I-Businesses given their ability...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Stocks to Invest in for Quick Returns]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/what-stocks-to-invest-in-for-quick-returns.html</link><description><![CDATA[The best stocks to invest in for quick returns are usually non-directional in nature. Event driven scenarios are prime examples of this type of quick return strategy as they can only be taken advantage of during the short period of adjustment that follows.Investing Quickly, Returning QuicklyMergers, corporate restructuring and bankruptcy can each produce a temporary inflation or deflation of the value of a company&amp;rsquo;s stock while the market attempts to adjust too and evaluate the new developments. Such temporary fluctuations require quick reactions because the resulting storm they generate will not last long. At the same time, these swift pricing...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Assess Changing Dividend Payments - Stock Investing Decision Making]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/assess-changing-dividend-payments-stock-investing-decision-making.html</link><description><![CDATA[There are strategies available for dividend stock investing that provide value to an investor and helps to grow their investment portfolio. Investing in companies that pay high and consistent dividends is the mark of a value investor.&amp;nbsp; Using dividends as a way to increase your portfolio&amp;rsquo;s value is one way to use that value to your benefit.Receiving DividendsMany investors receive dividends in the form of cash when declared by a company. The company will issue a check for the amount of the declared dividend for which the investor will receive a tax statement at the end of the year and...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Is Penny Stock Investing Approached By Professionals?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-is-penny-stock-investing-approached-by-professionals.html</link><description><![CDATA[Many investment firms and their brokers have discouraged penny stock investing. A penny stock is one that trades for less than $5 a share and are generally considered bad prospects for future growth or value. These stocks are typically of companies that are in reorganization or have experienced financial difficulty. However, a company whose stock trades below $5 may have some hidden potential and their share price may represent an undervalue relative to its book value.Penny StocksPenny stocks have been touted by certain investment and brokerage houses that have been subject to fraud investigations and other scrutiny. Known as boiler...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Market Investing Basics: A General Perspective]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-market-investing-basics.html</link><description><![CDATA[Stock market investing basics involves understanding how investing works. As an investor, your investment goals and objectives drive the decisions you make when buying and selling stock. This decision is influenced by a variety of factors. It is important to know and understand the factors involved in order to minimize your exposure to risk and maximize your potential profit.Understanding RiskInvesting involves risks. Depending on the type of investing that you do, your stocks can be subject to any of the following risks: Market risk: the risk that the market price will fall making the stock significantly less than your purchase...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Survey of Stock Trading and Investing Strategies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/a-survey-of-stock-trading-and-investing-strategies.html</link><description><![CDATA[The purpose of employing stock trading and investing strategies is either an attempt to take advantage of fluctuating market conditions or merely to avoid them altogether. The fact that any strategy is susceptible to the effects of large market swings inspires investors to seek strategies that not only yield profits, but that also offer some form of protection from a volatile market.Directional InvestingDirectional investing is employed by those who believe they will be able to accurately predict the movement of the price on a security. If they believe that the price of a stock is about to rise, they buy...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing and Stock Market Advice for Risk Takers]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-and-stock-market-advice-for-risk-takers.html</link><description><![CDATA[Most of the investing and stock market advice aimed at risk takers consists of four basic elements. If you are comfortable taking risks in trading, then these four basic pieces of advice should help protect your portfolio against substantial losses by providing you with methods that can counterbalance the risks taken. They are to diversify, avoid the pitfalls of euphoria, only take goal-oriented risks and determine acceptable losses at the outset.Diversify, Diversify, DiversifyWhile this is not earth shattering or surprising advice, it is absolutely necessary in order to create an all-weather portfolio that can stand the tests of a volatile...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Best Stocks To Invest In During Boom Times]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-best-stocks-to-invest-in-during-boom-times.html</link><description><![CDATA[Before attempting to select the best stocks to invest in during boomtimes, it is necessary to understand what a &amp;ldquo;boom&amp;rdquo; is comprised of and what sort of conditions it creates in the market.&amp;nbsp; The repercussions of such conditions are far reaching and, if properly taken advantage of, can result in an excellent appreciation of an investors&amp;rsquo; purchased shares.Boom TimesSimply put, boom times are characterized by such circumstances as high employment rates, a growth in gross domestic production, and a stable economy, to name a few. Given these conditions, the observant investor will notice two things of particular importance. First, high...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Investing Advice Based on Technical Analysis Strategies]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-investing-advice-based-on-technical-analysis-strategies.html</link><description><![CDATA[Often stock investing advice is based on technical analysis. This form of market analysis is a different approach from fundamental analysis, which is the common type of market analysis.The Technical ApproachThe technical approach to stock investing advice is taken by &amp;ldquo;chartists&amp;rdquo; or technicians, who make stock selections looking at detailed charts that are created by analyzing the activity of the market in the past, including stock prices and the volume traded.They use this information of past prices and stock movement, as well as other indicators, to make an educated guess about where the cost of stock will go in the...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Important Guidelines in Stock Trading and Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/4-important-guidelines-in-stock-trading-and-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[With all of the shifts and changes in the stock market, stock trading investing has become a popular method for individuals who are able and willing to take the risks and enjoy the excitement of day trading. Before delving into this volatile and exciting way of earning money and increasing wealth, it is important to understand some basic important guidelines.Guideline #1 &amp;ndash; Understand the RisksThe simple fact is, if you cannot afford the risk, then you probably cannot afford to play the game. Day trading in the stock market is not for the faint of heart or the risk-adverse. While...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Should you Buy Stocks Now?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/should-you-buy-stocks-now.html</link><description><![CDATA[There are two schools of thought on the notion of whether it's wise to even consider investing in the stock market at this time of economic upheaval and uncertainty. Some economists indeed suggest that now is the perfect time to invest in stocks. Others contend that you should sell all of your stocks, take whatever money you've got and head for the hills. But, if you pause to give careful consideration to each of those notions and the reasons behind them, you'll probably come to the conclusion that they both have at least some merit. As the situation stands today,...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bear Market Investing Tips]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/bear-market-investing-tips.html</link><description><![CDATA[Since stock markets tend to be fairly cyclical, a savvy investor should be aware of what strategies to employ for ensuring the best returns from bear market investing. A Bullish trend is inevitably followed by a bearish market and vice a versa. Analyzed properly, bearish market not only gives investors a good time to re-invest and minimize their losses, but also offers investment opportunities in the form of short selling the products. Since most blue chip stocks are trading at relative lows in comparison to their average of the past couple of years, it opens an investment window for investors...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Identifying Good Stocks to Invest In: Beginners' Tactics]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/identifying-good-stocks-to-invest-in-beginners-tactics.html</link><description><![CDATA[Identifying good stocks to invest in is a matter of tracking the relevant external conditions, the trends and the internal workings of the company or companies in question. Seen in concert, each of these factors will have a decisive effect on the value of any given company&amp;rsquo;s stock. Moreover, as an inexperienced investor, you should familiarize yourself with the differences between day trading and long-term investing.Know Your AssetsBecause stocks merely represent the claims that an investor has on a company&amp;rsquo;s assets, you should know what external conditions might affect the value of those particular assets. External conditions are factors occurring...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Invest in Stock Opposed to Anything Else?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-invest-in-stock-opposed-to-anything-else.html</link><description><![CDATA[Why invest in stocks as opposed to any other investment vehicle? You&amp;rsquo;re not alone in asking this question. Consumers are seeking more options to make their money work for them, instead of sitting at the bank, earning a nominal interest rate. They are looking for investment opportunities, in hopes of multiplying their savings. Stocks can earn high yields and really make your money work. Low Capital RequiredUnlike investing in a property market, in which you will need a lot of money to enter, and is primarily meant for bigger players, the stock market is open to all types of investors,...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Investing Advice for Beginners]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-investing-advice-for-beginners.html</link><description><![CDATA[Having the right stock investing advice can really go a long way in helping you stay afloat in the world of investing, especially if you are just a beginner. Here are some top tips in terms of stock investing advice for beginners and how you can employ them to meet your needs.&amp;nbsp; Keeping Things SimpleKeeping things simple involves the process of steering clear of things that are harmful to your success such as day trading, or trying to predict those things that cannot be predicted. Instead, you should aim to keep your focus on the companies with a good reserve...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Buy A Share: Market Investment For Ownership Privileges]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/buy-a-share-market-investment-for-ownership-privileges.html</link><description><![CDATA[Buying a share of stock in a share market investment gives you the rights to ownership of a company. Stock represents a percentage share of ownership for an individual and others who buy stock and allows them to participate in certain decisions regarding the management of the company.Authorizing SharesWhen a company if formed, they will fix a number of shares, by which they can eventually sell. These shares are the authorized shares of the company and remain in the company&amp;rsquo;s treasury. When a company goes public, some of the authorized shares are issued as part of the offering, making them...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[10 Essential Stock Investing Books]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/10-essential-stock-investing-books.html</link><description><![CDATA[Building a library of essential stock investing books can help you become a better investor. Having a good library can help you investing is a smart decision and good investment in itself and this list can help get you started.&amp;nbsp;The Top 10 ListSome of the best stock investing books are on the market today and they can help educate you with valuable information on becoming an investor.&amp;nbsp; Here is a list of the top ten investment books you should read. &amp;quot;One Up on Wall Street&amp;quot;This is a good book to read for the beginner. Peter Lynch, a mutual fund manager,...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[How To Invest In A Turbulent Stock Market]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/how-to-invest-in-a-turbulent-stock-market.html</link><description><![CDATA[Knowing how to invest in stock markets requires special skills for profits. There are many risks involved with stock market investments and, while these risks cannot be eliminated altogether, they can certainly be mitigated through appropriate measures. Navigating the stock market in turbulent times requires a different approach and tactics. There are some key factors that you should be aware of before moving your investments into turbulent stock markets:Remind Yourself That Markets Always Operate in CyclesStock markets operate in a cyclical fashion. Although there are factors such as the economic and political climates that affect market sentiment, depressed markets tend...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[8 Habits Of Highly Successful Stock Investors]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/8-habits-of-highly-successful-stock-investors.html</link><description><![CDATA[Knowing the habits of the successful stock investor may help you in your investment strategy. Information, learning about your investments, setting your strategy, and not wavering from your rules are essential to becoming a highly effective stock investor.8 habits that effective stock investors: Invest for yourselfLearning how to invest your money can save on high fees and commission products. It will also prevent theft or incompetence. When you learn to invest for yourself, you are in control of your assets. The first step in knowing how to invest for yourself is knowing your trading style and personality. Be thriftyMany stock...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why do Stock Prices Move?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-do-stock-prices-move.html</link><description><![CDATA[It's a fairly straightforward connection to make that stock prices are somehow related to a company's earnings. But exactly what makes stock prices move, and how? It's important to understand the answers to these questions so that you can develop a reliable investment strategy. The fact is that a stock's price rises or falls based on changes in the market's perception of the stock's future earnings and the confidence (or lack thereof) investors have that those earnings will be achieved. If stock prices reacted solely based on a company's meeting or missing its earnings goals, then a company that missed...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRIPs)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dividend-reinvestment-plans.html</link><description><![CDATA[If you've read the article Dividends and Dividend Investing, you probably agree that the process seems to make good sense. But as is the case with so many investment instruments, you're may also be wondering what to do if you're just starting out and don't have a huge chunk of money, or you've been saving for years but still don't have the $50,000 to $100,000 that's generally recommended to open a brokerage account for a diversified portfolio of individual stocks. After all, everyone has to begin somewhere. How can you grow your wealth without already having considerable wealth to get...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Derivatives - Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/derivatives.html</link><description><![CDATA[A derivative is a financial instrument which is derived, or developed from, from an underlying asset. Its main use is to either remove risk from or take on risk of a particular market position. Instead of trading the actual asset itself, counter parties execute an agreement to exchange money or some other consideration at a future point in time based upon the underlying asset. A common example of this operation is a futures contract, which is nothing more than an agreement to buy, sell or trade the underlying asset (or a cash flow from that asset) at a specific future...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding a Stock's Beta]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/understanding-a-stocks-beta.html</link><description><![CDATA[A stock's beta is a comparative measure of how the stock performs relative to the market as a whole. The basic premise is that a rising market generally tends to boost most stock values with it, while a falling market is apt to lower them. The beta is a calculated method of determining just how close the correlation between the two is. To begin with, the market itself has been assigned a beta value of 1; in other words, its movement is exactly equal to itself (a 1:1 ratio).&amp;nbsp;Stocks may have a beta value of less than, equal to or...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Do We Buy Stocks?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/why-do-we-buy-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[Why do so many investors choose to risk their money in the stock market? There are many other investment vehicles out there, including real estate, precious metals, rare artwork and the like, all vying for every investment dollar. Yet investing in stocks offers a number of advantages. Among them are the relatively low commission costs, the ease with which they can be safeguarded, the transparency of the market (meaning that market prices can quickly and readily be determined), the speed at which securities can be bought and sold, and most certainly, their track record. Over the long term, investing in...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Forward and Futures Contracts - Part 1: Forward Contracts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forward-and-futures-contracts.html</link><description><![CDATA[Part 1: Forward ContractsA forward contract is a private contract between a buyer and a seller in which the buyer agrees to buy and the seller agrees to sell a specific quantity of a certain security or commodity (known as the underlying instrument) at the price specified in the contract. The difference between a forward contract and most other sales contracts is that with the forward contract, the delivery and payment of the underlying instrument occurs at a specified future date instead of immediately. Let&amp;rsquo;s take a look at an example. Before a wheat farmer plants his crop, he executes...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Dividends and Splits]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stock-dividends-and-splits.html</link><description><![CDATA[On occasion companies choose to conserve their useable cash by paying their shareholders with stock dividends, which, as the name implies, are dividends that are distributed in the form of company stock. The organization recapitalizes its earnings and issues new shares, which has no effect on its total assets and liabilities. Stock dividends are usually expressed as a percentage of the number of shares that the company has outstanding. For example, if a company that has 100,000 shares of outstanding stock issues a 10 percent stock dividend, the total number of shares outstanding would be increased to 110,000.Shareholders who receive...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Convertible Securities]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/convertible-securities.html</link><description><![CDATA[Convertibles are hybrid securities; in other words, they combine the characteristics of two different types of investment instruments. Hybrids are found in two basic forms: convertible bonds and convertible preferred stock. These bonds and preferred stock can be exchanged for (or, converted to) a specified number of the issuing company's common stock shares at the option of the convertible holder. There are also other less-common types of combination securities, such as payment in kinds (PIKs) and hybrid convertibles, to name a few. Each of these different types of securities has conversion options or relationships to other types of securities or...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Forward and Futures Contracts - Part 2: Futures Contracts]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/forward-and-futures-contracts-pt2.html</link><description><![CDATA[Part 2: Futures ContractsThe first article of this series illustrated the basics of forward contracts. In this article we will discuss futures contracts and the differences between the two. A futures contract, unlike the privately-traded forward contract, is publicly traded. As with the forward, each futures contract is for the purchase or sale of a loan, currency or commodity with actual delivery scheduled to occur at some time in the future. While the concept behind both forwards and futures contracts is the same -- namely, providing a way for buyers and sellers to lock in a price today for transactions...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Purchasing Stocks Directly]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/purchasing-stocks-directly.html</link><description><![CDATA[There are currently hundreds of companies that offer direct stock-purchasing plans. Also known as no-load stocks, most of them are available from large, established and well-known companies. Investors interested in purchasing stock directly from one of these companies can call a toll-free number and request information and an application. After evaluating the data, the investor can open an account by depositing at least the minimum amount required with the company (most companies offer small minimums, between $100 and $500; although some are as low as $50 or even $25). Once the account is opened, automatic debits can be set up...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Guaranteed Investment Contracts (GICs)]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/guaranteed-investment-contracts.html</link><description><![CDATA[Guaranteed investment contracts are similar to certificates of deposit that can be purchased at banks; however, they are sold by insurance companies. Like money market funds, they're very safe investments; and like all investments that are considered to be &amp;quot;very safe&amp;quot;, they won't make you very much money. Also known by other names &amp;ndash; fixed-income fund, stable value fund, capital-preservation fund, or guaranteed fund, for example -- they generally pay interest from one- to five years. Like CDs, a GIC's value remains stable, not fluctuating up and down the way stock and bond prices might. When the GIC's term ends,...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Options]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/options.html</link><description><![CDATA[Options are contracts under which the buyer obtains from the seller the right, but not the obligation, to buy (or call) or sell (put) a predetermined amount of stock shares at a preset price for a predetermined period of time. Options are derivative investment instruments, which means that they're derived (or, developed) from an underlying asset. In the world of financial investments, stock options serve a variety of purposes. They can be used as a means of leverage (by controlling many more shares than could be bought for cash), for the protection of profits or the prevention of losses on...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stock Picking for Beginners]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stockpicking-for-beginners.html</link><description><![CDATA[Generally, there are five basic methods that the investing public uses to identify and purchase the stocks they buy. This is not to imply that any particular investor employs more than one or two of these techniques (which can be either very good or very bad, depending on which end of the list you're talking about). Here's a quick examination of each process, beginning with the most ludicrous and progressing all the way to the most insightful.5. Darts. This is the lowest, the least highly-regarded, and likely the most-used process down through the history of the stock market. How does...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dividends and Dividend Investing]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dividends-and-dividend-investing.html</link><description><![CDATA[A dividend is a profit distribution paid by a company to its shareholders. The profits may originate from normal company operations or from the organization's investment activities. The company's board of directors determines and declares cash dividends periodically – typically on a quarterly, semiannual, or annual basis. They can be paid to shareholders in the form of cash or as additional shares of company stock, though stock dividends are usually only issued when the board wants to reinvest cash profits to fuel future company growth.The shares of stock that an investor buys represent equity (or ownership) in the issuing company....]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cash Equivalents]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/cash-equivalents.html</link><description><![CDATA[Cash equivalents are any investment that can easily be turned into cash (without losing much, if any, in the conversion process due to fees, etc.) Any fixed-income investment that matures in less than one year is considered a cash equivalent. This can include Treasury bills, one-year (or less) certificates of deposit (CDs) or guaranteed investment contracts (GICs), and money market accounts or mutual funds. Conventional investment wisdom states that you should generally have about ten percent of your portfolio in cash or cash equivalents, for the following four reasons: 1) you'll have a source of funds to handle any unforeseen...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Investing in Your Employer's Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/investing-in-your-employer-s-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[As an employee, you could simultaneously be in both the best and worst positions to analyze the financial prospects of the company you work for. Ideally, you're in the best position to know whether your products or services are selling well, whether or not you're reaching performance goals in terms of revenues and profits, and whether upper management has a strong vision for the future. If you can use this knowledge when evaluating your company's stock, it's likely that you'll a make good, fundamentally sound decision. On the other hand, it's not at all unusual for employees to lose their...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dividend Stocks – Yes or No?]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/dividend-stocks-yes-or-no.html</link><description><![CDATA[If you ever find yourself in a room full of investors and you feel like having a little fun, here's something that you can try: initiate a discussion about the wisdom (or lack thereof) of choosing and buying stocks based on whether or not they pay dividends. All you really need do is start it, then just step back and watch the fireworks. This is one of the best and most sure-fire ways of creating an argument among equity investors under the sun. Some of them will not even consider a stock offering that doesn't pay dividends; others flatly refuse...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Types of Orders]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/types-of-orders.html</link><description><![CDATA[To accomplish the objective of a trade, you must use the proper order. A market order may be appropriate in some situations, a limit order in others, and stop orders can be used in a variety of situations. It's therefore important to understand the different types of orders and know when to use each one.A market order is an order to buy or sell a stock at the current price being offered by the market. That does not mean, however, that the order will be filled at the price you're quoted. Market orders are filled on a first-come-first-served basis, and...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Preferred Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/preferred-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[Preferred stock is a specific type of stock which has very different characteristics from common stock. Like common stock, proceeds from the sale of preferred stock are recorded by the company on its balance sheet as equity; or, an ownership interest. For all practical purposes, however, investors consider preferred stocks to be another type of debt security; specifically, one which normally pays a fixed return in the form of quarterly dividends instead of semi-annual interest payments, as some bonds do. Because preferred stocks are, in fact, equity instruments, they have three important differences from bonds. First, they are junior to...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Types of Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/types-of-stocks.html</link><description><![CDATA[There are many different types of stocks in which you&amp;nbsp;can&amp;nbsp;invest based upon your financial position, your appetite for risk and your investment goals. In order to determine in which type to invest, you first have to&amp;nbsp;determine what you want the stock to do for you. Do you plan to hold the security long term, or are you a day trader? Are you looking for capital gains in your investments, or is income your main objective? How you answer these questions will give you a good idea of which type of stock you should be considering for your portfolio. A company&amp;#8217;s...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Common Stock - Types of Common Stocks]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/common-stock-pt2.html</link><description><![CDATA[Part 2: Types of Common StocksIn Part 1 of Common Stock, we saw that stock represents an equity share, or ownership, in a company. We also discussed some of the advantages and disadvantages of owning common stock. Let&amp;rsquo;s continue by looking at the various types of common stock that are available: Blue chips - Blue chips refers to the stock offerings of the country&amp;rsquo;s largest and most prestigious companies. Due to their already large size and market share, these companies sometimes don&amp;rsquo;t have the potential for further substantial internal growth. On the other hand, they won&amp;rsquo;t be going out of...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Shorting Stock]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/shorting-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[Most investors focus their attention on finding stocks that will go up in value. However, it&amp;rsquo;s just as possible to make money from stocks whose values are declining. In order to profit from this circumstance, investors perform what&amp;rsquo;s called &amp;ldquo;shorting&amp;rdquo; stock. Shorting a stock means to sell shares which an investor doesn&amp;rsquo;t own, but has temporarily borrowed. The investor&amp;rsquo;s hope is to borrow the shares of stock, sell them at a high price, wait for the price to fall, buy them back at the lower price, return the borrowed shares to their original owner, and pocket the profit. The profit,...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Basics of Stocks and Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/the-basics-of-stocks-and-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[Stocks and bonds are two of the most common investment securities available. They, along with mutual funds, are generally considered to be staples of a well-diversified, solid investment portfolio. We will attempt in this article to focus on the basics of stocks and bonds. Let&amp;rsquo;s begin with a look at bonds. A bond is actually an IOU, an acknowledgment by the issuer that money has been borrowed and is to be paid to the holder of the bond at a specified rate over a predetermined period of time. The price paid (or, the amount loaned) for a new bond is...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Common Stock - Advantages and Disadvantages]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/common-stock.html</link><description><![CDATA[Part 1: Advantages and DisadvantagesEvery share of common stock represents a proportional ownership, or equity, in a company. If a company has only one share of common stock and an investor owns it, the investor owns the entire company and is entitled to one hundred percent of the company&amp;rsquo;s profits. If a company has 100,000 shares of common stock and an investor owns one of them, then the investor owns 1/100,000th of the company, and as such, has an interest in 1/100,000th of the company&amp;rsquo;s profits. Common stock has a number of advantages which make it a desirable investment vehicle,...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:20 PM</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stocks &amp; Bonds]]></title><link>http://www.finweb.com/investing/stocks-bonds.html</link><description><![CDATA[By far, stocks and bonds are two of the most prolific types of securities available on the market. They are basic staples of both small and large investors the world over. But with a myriad of other choices at hand, why do so many investors choose to place their money into these particular instruments? Among the numerous reasons, certainly at or near the top of many lists (whether admitted or not) is that their basic concepts are fairly easy to understand. A stock certificate gets you partial ownership in a company and provides a return on the price you paid...]]></description><pubDate>October 20, 2009  6:19 PM</pubDate></item></rss>
