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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...
How do I Choose an ETF?
There is guessing, there are screening programs, and there are advisors. As you can imagine, looking at the list of over 900 ETFs can give you a big headache. Fortunately, there are screening programs that can help you sort through the mess by giving you many criteria by which to search. You can narrow down the choices to a point where the research about each ETF will become manageable. In the process you will have to determine what is important to you, and what need you’re trying to fill in your portfolio. It can certainly help to bring that information to a financial professional that can help you choose the right ETFs for your situation. 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...
Week (April 15 - 19) in Review: Financial Leaders
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...
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...
Week (March 11 - 14) in Review: Financial Leaders
Dive into this week's vibrant financial market summary, where cryptocurrencies shine with notable gains, while bonds and commodities navigate through turbulence. Witness sectoral shifts with energy on the rise and tech taking a hit. See how consumer trends buoy online retail and global ETFs chart varied economic recoveries. Continue reading...
What is the Coefficient of Variation (CV) and What Does It Tell Us About Data Dispersion?
Dive into the world of statistics with our comprehensive guide on the co-efficient of variation (CV). This pivotal measure helps you understand data dispersion and make informed decisions across numerous fields. Whether you're a financial analyst gauging investment risks or a researcher comparing experimental data, CV is your go-to metric for insightful analysis. With our guide, you'll learn to calculate CV with ease and apply it effectively, ensuring your data speaks volumes. Embrace the power of CV and elevate your analytical prowess to new heights. Continue reading...
Understanding the Key Differences: Gold ETFs vs. Gold Futures?
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...
How to use the Broadening Wedge Descending (Bullish) Pattern in trading
Once the price breaks out from the top pattern boundary, day traders and swing traders should trade with an UP trend. Consider buying a security or a call option at the upward breakout price level. To identify an exit, compute the target price for by adding the height of the pattern to the upward Breakout level. Pattern height is the difference between the highest high and the lowest low. The upward Breakout level is the highest high. Continue reading...
What is the VIX?
VIX is the ticker of the volatility index of the S&P 500. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) Volatility Index projects the volatility of the S&P 500 going forward by creating a composite of the volatility priced-in (implied) on various S&P 500 options. Since it is created using the prices of options, it serves as a gauge of market sentiment, and is often called the "fear gauge" since it will spike when the market plunges. Continue reading...
How to use the Broadening Wedge Ascending (Bullish) Pattern in trading
Once the price breaks out from the top pattern boundary, day traders and swing traders should trade with an UP trend. Consider buying a security or a call option at the upward breakout price/entry point. To identify an exit, compute the target price for this formation by adding the height of the pattern to the upward breakout level. Pattern height is the difference between the breakout price (the highest high within the pattern) and the highest low. Continue reading...
What is the Broadening Wedge Ascending (Bearish) Pattern?
The Broadening Wedge Ascending pattern forms when a security price progressively makes higher highs (1, 3, 5) and higher lows (2, 4), following two widening trend lines. This pattern may form when large investors spread their buying over a period of time. When initial buying occurs, other market participants react to rising price and jump on the bandwagon to participate. Then value investors begin to sell, believing the price has risen too much, which spurs the original large investor to resume buying again. Once these activities stop, the price may break out in either direction. Continue reading...
What is the Broadening Wedge Descending (Bearish) Pattern?
The Broadening Wedge Descending pattern forms when a security price makes lower lows (1, 3, 5) and lower highs (2, 4), forming two downward sloping lines that expand over time (kind of like a pointed down megaphone shape). This pattern may form when large investors spread out their selling over a period of time, and the Breakout can occur in either direction. When the initial selling occurs, other market participants react to falling price and jump on the bandwagon to participate. Then the value investors begin to sell, believing the price has not fallen enough, which spurs the original large investor to resume selling again. 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...
Navigating the Expanding Cleantech Landscape: Discovering Top Stocks
In the contemporary financial landscape, the cleantech sector stands out as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. This sector, encompassing companies from diverse industries like utility, energy, industrial, and technology, is unified by a common theme: the utilization of clean energy. Among the most prominent players in this domain are Tesla (TSLA), First Solar (FSLR), SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG), Canadian Solar (CSIQ), and SunPower Corp (SPWR). This article delves into the financial aspects of these companies, exploring their market capitalization, industry impact, and the overarching market trends influencing their performance. 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...