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Who Manages ETFs?
Several large and well-known investment banks and companies are major players in the ETF industry. There are several large investment houses which specialize in managing ETFs such as Barclays, ProShares, Vanguard, and Guggenheim Partners, LLC. ETFs are also managed by investment firms such as Schwab, Credit Suisse, and Eaton Vance. Even New York Life’s Mainstay Investments recently acquired Index IQ. The ETF industry has been growing rapidly in the last 10 years, with more investors choosing to use them, more ETFs on the market, and more investment companies choosing to offer them. Continue reading...
What is Income Per Capita?
Income for an area or country it totaled up and divided by the total population of the area to give us the Income Per Capita statistic. Per capita is Latin for “by head,” and income per capita takes every man, woman, and child into account. Income per capita is a statistic that divides the total amount of income reported in an area by the total population of the area. This shows us how much income, as a resource, is available on average to each person in the area. Continue reading...
Should I Trust an Article Such as “What Are the Best Mutual Funds?”
Probably not, but it might get you thinking in the right direction. The short answer is “no.” The title of such an article should be enough to deter your from it. If such information were widely available, everyone would instantly act on it and nobody would be able to profit. In fact, if such lists are analyzed, almost none of the funds will appear on the next year’s list. That’s too bad, since mutual funds are not meant to be as liquid as stocks and ETFs, but are designed to be held for 3 years or more. Continue reading...
What are Some of the Biggest Bankruptcies in Recent History?
Before Lehman Brothers and Bear Sterns, probably the most well-known and publicized bankruptcy was the infamous Enron scandal. To summarize, Enron executives, fully aware that the company was insolvent, started to sell their stock, while convincing the general public that the stock would continue to rise and the company was prospering (despite actual horrendous losses). As the stock dropped lower and lower, the executives continued to lie to the public, and most people fell into the trap, convinced that the low stock prices were a great opportunity (the stock was going to rebound any day – or so they thought). Continue reading...
What is GDP?
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the production of all industries within a country, to get a picture of how the national economy is doing. GDP is one of the most important number to economists, and it is calculated every quarter. Growth for the current quarter compared to the previous quarter is a good sign. Two consecutive quarters of decline in GDP are an indication of a recession, but it is not the only metric used to make that call. Continue reading...
What is the meaning of "Per Capita"?
Unlock the secrets of economic analysis with "The Significance of Per Capita." Dive into per capita's role in understanding national and global economies. Learn how it differs from median figures, why it's vital for assessing poverty, and explore real-world examples. Discover the power of per capita in shaping informed financial decisions. #Economics #PerCapitaAnalysis Continue reading...
What is Common Stock?
A common stock is the one you’re most familiar with - having a share of ownership in a company. Owning common stock in a company is a vote of confidence that an investor thinks the company will perform well, and grow. Owning common stock also entitles an investor to equity ownership in a corporation, voting rights, and shared participation in a company’s success through dividends and/or capital appreciation. Continue reading...
What does the term "In the Black" mean for companies?
Unravel the mystery behind 'In the Black'! 🖤 Dive deep into its origins, its significance in today's business landscape, and why companies strive for this financial status. Discover the connection between ancient ink practices and modern profitability metrics. 💼✍️📈 #InTheBlackExplained Continue reading...
What is Federal Income Tax?
The Federal Government has established several ways to generate the revenue needed to pay for the operations of government agencies and capital improvements benefiting society. The primary source of these funds is through income taxes, which are assessed based on the earnings of an individual. Federal income taxes are paid by individuals in proportion to their earnings, after reducing the considered earnings by the allowable tax deductions. Continue reading...
What are some Good Books on Investment?
The investing section in your bookstore has shelves packed with titles hoping to earn a five-star rating from you, but not all of these are going to be worth your time. There are thousands and thousands of books written about investments, stocks, Mutual Funds, retirement portfolios, and so on. By the time most of them hit the market, the information in these books has long become irrelevant. The classic treatise on investments is Ben Graham’s “The Intelligent Investor.” Try to avoid books with titles like “12 Steps to Financial Prosperity,” and “How to become a Zillionaire.” Continue reading...
How Do I Become a Millionaire?
Even people who only make an average salary (teachers, janitors) can easily become millionaires. Doing so boils down to following a very basic formula: work, save, and invest. Let's look for instance at three different scenarios where a person invests $100/month, $500/month, and $1,000/month (very realistic goals), and let's also assume a reasonable growth rate of 6% per year. For $100/month, it will take you roughly 66 years. For $500/month, it will take you about 40 years, and for $1,000/month, it will take you approximately 30 years. Continue reading...
What Is Unemployment?
Unemployment is a term that holds significant importance in the realm of economics, serving as a critical indicator of the health and vitality of an economy. At its core, unemployment pertains to a situation in which an individual is actively seeking employment but is unable to secure a job. This article delves into the multifaceted concept of unemployment, exploring its various causes, classifications, and methods of measurement. Continue reading...
What Is Economics?
Economics is a branch of social science that plays a pivotal role in understanding how societies allocate their resources to meet their diverse needs and desires. This complex field encompasses a wide range of topics, from individual decision-making to global economic systems. Let's delve into the world of economics by exploring its various dimensions, types, indicators, and systems. At its core, economics revolves around the study of how societies, organizations, and individuals manage limited resources to fulfill their unlimited wants and needs. It addresses the allocation of resources for the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Continue reading...
How can beginners select the right stocks for investment?
Unlock the path to financial success with this beginner's guide to investing in stocks. Learn actionable steps, from leveraging online investment accounts to exploring various investment approaches like robo-advisors. Whether you're a novice or seeking new avenues, take your first step today! Continue reading...
What are some examples of Investment Instruments I can use?
There is a wide variety of investments available for every kind of investor: Stocks, bonds, Mutual Funds, ETFs, Annuities, real estate, private equity, hedge funds, and so on. The vehicles for these investments also vary widely – you can buy stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs, for instance, in a brokerage account at a major custodian, or an IRA or 401(k) offered through a retirement plan. Annuities and other insurance products are often sold directly from the insurance companies, and often times banks offer vehicles and accounts you can use to invest. Continue reading...
What is the Prime Rate
The prime rate is the lowest interest rate that banks will charge on loans at a given time, based on the Federal Funds Rate. Individual banks set their own prime rate, which they may also call their "Reference Rate" or "Base Lending Rate." It is the least they will charge for a loan at a given time, based on the creditworthiness of the customer, and the only clients whose risk of default is low enough to approach the prime rate are very large commercial clients. Continue reading...
What Is Infrastructure?
Infrastructure is a term often thrown around in economic discussions, but what exactly does it mean? In essence, infrastructure refers to the basic systems and services that a country, region, or organization needs to function effectively. These systems range from physical structures like roads and bridges to vital services like healthcare and education. In this article, we will delve deeper into the concept of infrastructure, explore its various types, and highlight its critical importance to society. The term "infrastructure" made its debut in the late 1880s, stemming from the French language where "infra-" means below, and "structure" refers to building. This word aptly encapsulates its meaning, as infrastructure forms the foundation upon which an economy and society are constructed. Continue reading...
What is Income Inequality?
Income inequality is the difference in the average income of the lower/middle class and the upper class. Naturally the high income of very rich people in the country, which constitute a very small percentage of the population, will dwarf the average income of those who are not very rich. The worrisome thing is when the gap between them widens at an accelerating rate and the lower classes are not able to break through to the upper classes. Continue reading...
How Crucial is Sustainability in Today's World?
Sustainability is not a buzzword to be taken lightly. It's a necessary approach, a mindset, and a commitment to ensuring that the world we leave behind is as good as, if not better than, the one we inherited. Embracing sustainability is not just the responsibility of businesses and governments but every individual. Continue reading...
What Is a Company?
A company, in its simplest definition, is a legally recognized entity formed by a group of individuals to engage in business activities, be they commercial or industrial. It serves as the framework through which entrepreneurial ideas are transformed into tangible ventures that drive economic growth. The structure and purpose of a company can vary widely, with different forms of ownership, legal obligations, and operational methodologies. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of what a company truly is, how it functions, and the diverse types it can take. Continue reading...