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What are SPDRs?
SPDRs (Spiders) are index ETF shares that track the S&P 500, or could refer to other similar ETFs tracking other indices. The SPDR is the longest standing ETF (exchange traded fund), and has existed since 1993. Unlike index mutual funds that track the S&P, ETFs can trade intraday, can be sold short, and bought on margin. There are other SPDR ETFs that are spin-offs, and using “SPDRs” in the plural might refer to these as well. SPDRs are managed by State Street Global Advisors, and the S&P 500 SPDR is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol SPY. Continue reading...
If I Want to Establish a SIMPLE IRA, Do I Have to Establish One for All Employees of My Business?
In general, the answer is “Yes,” but there are a few exceptions. If you decide to establish a SIMPLE IRA, every eligible employee must be offered a SIMPLE IRA account. An employee is eligible if they have earned $5,000 in compensation during any two previous years, and are expected to earn $5,000 the current year. If an employee is unwilling to participate, the employer must open up a SIMPLE IRA on behalf of the employee. Continue reading...
How Can I Establish a Money Purchase/Profit Sharing Plan?
Like other qualified plans, these need a written plan document and investments to fund. A written plan document must be established and distributed to all employees notifying them of the plan and of all pertinent details, in language they can understand. Plans must be established by December 31 of the year for which contributions will be made, and, since the contributions come from the employer for both of these, the employer has at least 8 months of the following year to meet funding requirements. Continue reading...
What Kinds of Social Security Benefits Exist?
Social Security benefits are streams of income available for retired workers, their spouses, children and dependents, and survivors. It provides insurance against longevity, disability, and, to some extent, the death of the primary contributor. Social Security benefits are available to a worker and their dependents if the worker has triggered eligibility, which usually calculated as earning over $5,040 for 10 years, but is modified if the worker dies or is disabled at a young age. Benefits can be paid to multiple people within a household (and an ex-spouse) based on one worker’s contributions to the system, up to a Maximum Family Limit, which is somewhere between 150-180% of a worker’s full benefit amount. Continue reading...
How Does Social Security Work?
Social Security uses mandatory payroll taxes to grow trust funds that are used to pay income to retirees and other qualifying persons. Any surplus that is collected in a given year and not paid out is used to purchase Treasury Bonds, which pay a guaranteed rate of interest to the trusts and allows the government to use this surplus money in the meantime. When you receive your paycheck, you’ll see a deduction for FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act), which is a “combined payroll tax” for both Social Security and Medicare. Continue reading...
What Does the SPY ETF, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, Contain?
Ever wondered about the allure of the SPY ETF? Dive into the legacy of this pioneering fund, its ties to the S&P 500 Index, and its impact on the investment landscape. Discover the nuances that set it apart and why it remains a cornerstone for investors navigating the U.S. equity market Continue reading...
What are the key differences between VFIAX and SPY, and how do they compare as investment options?
📈 Exploring VFIAX vs. SPY: Which is Your Ideal Investment? Discover the cost-efficiency battle between VFIAX & SPY, from fees to performance. VFIAX's rock-bottom expense ratio gives it an edge, but SPY offers tax advantages. Tailor your investment choice to your goals! 💼💰 #Investing #VFIAX #SPY Continue reading...
Week (April 15 - 19) in Review: Financial Leaders
Explore this week's dynamic financial market movements with Tickeron's comprehensive review. From the significant gains in inverse ETFs reflecting bearish sentiments to the notable declines in cryptocurrencies and tech sectors, understand the shifts driving current market trends. Dive into sector-specific analyses and global ETF performances to better navigate your investment strategies in these volatile times. Continue reading...
Week (March 18 - 22) in Review: Financial Leaders
Dive into the heart of recent market dynamics with our latest analysis covering March 18-22. Witness the contrasting landscapes as commodities and certain indexes celebrate gains, while the cryptocurrency sphere navigates through turbulence. Continue reading...
Mutual Fund vs. ETF: What's the Difference?
Investors often navigate the complexities of financial markets, seeking diversification and growth potential. Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) stand as two vehicles offering such opportunities, yet they possess distinct differences that influence their behavior and appeal. Continue reading...
What does Ticker Mean?
A ticker symbol is an abbreviation used to uniquely identify publicly traded shares of a particular stock or security on whatever market it trades on. Stocks are usually represented by a combination of letters (typically 3-4), ETFs are generally identified with 3 letters, and mutual funds often have 5-letter combinations that end in the letter “X”, but they can also be alphanumeric. A ticker can consist of a combination of letters, numbers, and sometimes (but not often) both. Continue reading...
What is a Bar Chart in Technical Analysis and How is it Used?
Bar charts are more than mere visuals; they're a key to unlocking the mysteries of market dynamics. Serving as a cornerstone in technical analysis, these charts encapsulate essential data points, offering insights into price action, trends, and potential reversals. Whether you're a novice trader or a seasoned investor, understanding bar charts is crucial for making informed decisions. This guide offers a deep dive into the world of bar charts, from their basic structure to their interpretation and real-world application. Join us as we unravel the power and potential of bar charts in the ever-evolving financial landscape. Continue reading...
FAQ: What should I do if I'm not receiving Buy/Sell Daily Signal Alerts?
How Should I Invest my First Thousand Dollars Saved?
If you already have an emergency fund, you should put your $1,000 into a brokerage account and buy an ETF. Keep it simple – buy an ETF that corresponds to the S&P 500, and leave your money there for as long as possible. What Should My First Savings Vehicle Be? Should I Trust an Article Such as “Five Best Ways To Invest For Income?” Continue reading...
What Does the Volatility Index Tell Us About Market Sentiment?
In the dynamic world of finance, understanding market sentiment is a critical skill for investors. A valuable tool for gauging this sentiment is the Volatility Index (VIX), created and tracked by the Chicago Board of Options Exchange (CBOE). The VIX, often referred to as the "fear gauge," measures the implied volatility of S&P 500 Index options. In this article, we will delve into how the VIX serves as a contrary market indicator, how it reflects institutional sentiment, and why comprehending the VIX can help investors make informed decisions, particularly when it comes to long and short puts. Continue reading...
FAQ: Trader’s Dashboard
Which ETFs Are Ideal for Contrarian Investors Anticipating a Summer Fade?
Wall Street surged ahead in June. The S&P 500 Index registered its best return for the month since 1955 – adding 6.9% – while its industrials counterpart, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), logged a 7.2% gain to record its most impressive June since 1938. Last month's stellar performance even prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to take some credit for the buoyant stock market. "Stock Market is heading for one of the best months (June) in the history of our Country. Thank you Mr. President!," he tweeted. Continue reading...
What does the term "Active Trading" mean?
Active trading, as the name suggests, is a strategy that revolves around swift buying and selling of financial securities with the goal of capitalizing on short-term price movements. This approach stands in stark contrast to the "buy and hold" philosophy often associated with long-term investing. In this article, we delve into the core concepts, strategies, and an example of active trading. Continue reading...
What is an ETF? Definition
ETFs are very popular and useful investment vehicles that offer affordable diversification and professional portfolio management. An ETF is a basket of securities that is designed to ‘mimic’ the performance of an index, sector, or category of securities. For example, the ETF with ticker SPY is designed to track the performance of the S&P 500, and the company that creates the ETF (in this case Barclays iShares) builds the ETF simply by purchasing the 500 stocks in the S&P 500. Investors can purchase shares of the ETF as a means of gaining instant access to all 500 stocks in the S&P 500, thus tracking its performance. Continue reading...
Is Day-Trading Gold ETFs: What Are the Top Tips?
Gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are among the most straightforward and accessible ways to trade gold. These financial instruments have garnered significant popularity due to their liquidity and the fact that they don't have expiration dates like gold futures. Additionally, they offer investors the flexibility to trade gold's price movements or opt for ETFs related to gold producers. For day traders, gold ETFs provide a host of opportunities to capitalize on price fluctuations. In this article, we'll delve into some top tips for day-trading gold ETFs and explore the key factors to consider. Continue reading...