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Investing essentials
Markets and research

How to navigate inflation

Learn what drives inflation, how it’s measured, and ways to diversify portfolios to help hedge the risk it presents for investments.

4 tax-smart steps to help investors build wealth

Navigating the complexities of tax laws and investment strategies can be daunting. However, even small tax adjustments can help enhance your finances over time.

What’s your retirement spending reality?

Everyone has a different idea of their dream retirement. To help you plan for your goals, Morgan Stanley strategists have identified common retirement spending patterns, lifestyles, and potential strategies that may help your nest egg last.

Why you should care about the Fed’s interest rate changes

Interest rate changes ripple through the markets and the economy. Grasping the Fed’s function and how it influences interest rates is crucial for making informed decisions about your savings, borrowing, and investments.

Are You Prepared for Tax Day? A Checklist

The countdown to Tax Day has begun. Here are some strategies to consider as the deadline approaches.

How to break the ice around family finances

Money is one of the trickiest topics to discuss—but avoiding the conversation can be even more problematic. These tips can help start the dialogue with your family.

Four ways investors can act on climate change

Climate change presents risks, but there are ways for investors to take part in positive change.

When Should You Take Social Security?

With interest rates near their highest levels in years , now is the time to reevaluate your estate planning.

How government bonds can help cities manage extreme weather

US state and local governments are increasingly using bonds to raise capital for infrastructure and housing projects that mitigate and protect against extreme weather events. Here’s what it could mean for your portfolio.

Diversifying your portfolio with Medium-Term Corporate Bonds

There are several benefits of diversifying your portfolio with Medium Term Notes or MTNs. Learn more about whether this fixed-income security could make sense for you.

Which IRA could be right for me?

An Individual Retirement Account is a smart, easy way to boost your retirement savings. No matter your financial situation, E*TRADE has an IRA that can help you make progress toward your retirement goals.

Six ways to set yourself up for success in 2025

The new year can be a good time to set yourself up for financial success. These six steps can help get you started.

New options to help simplify your financial life

Suffering from “account sprawl” because you have accounts with many different financial institutions? New options can help.

529 Plans and more: Innovative and effective ways to pay for education

A 529 plan is a great way to invest for future education costs, but there are also other options to raise the funds you need.

Bank CD or high-yield savings account? Here’s how you can choose.

High-yield savings accounts and a Certificate of Deposit account can both help you reach your savings goals. Here’s how to compare the two account types to find the right one for you.

How to avoid the top 5 mistakes investors make in a market sell-off

Learn how to spot—and potentially avoid—common mistakes that some investors make in a market sell-off.

Six money questions to ask your partner before you commit

Thinking of taking the next step with someone special? Head off money headaches by talking about your finances first.

Six steps to creating an emergency fund

We all know we should have money set aside for emergencies. Here’s how to go about it.

Investing in ultra-short bond funds versus money market funds

Investors may turn to money market mutual funds to generate potential earnings on cash needed in a short time frame. Ultra-short bond funds are another investing vehicle that may offer modestly higher yields—but also higher risk. Learn the difference between the two products.

Five ways to bolster your finances amid uncertainty

After a period of robust economic expansion, the U.S. is likely to see weaker growth in the months ahead. 1 Fortunately, there are steps you can take as uncertainty rises. Consider these five preemptive strategies that may help shore up your finances.

How to be smart about debt

Learn how some debt, if managed wisely, can help you build wealth and be a valuable tool. Discover what you should consider when taking on debt.

A simple six-step retirement savings checkup

When market volatility arises, checking in on your retirement plan may make more than just sense.

What to do if you’re off track on your financial goals

Don’t worry if your financial goals look out of reach based on what you’ve saved. There are ways to adjust course that are easier than you may think.

Credit card basics

Learn about the differences between credit and debit cards, the various credit card types, and how to avoid debt that can end up being destructive.

Megatrends: Reshoring supply chains could offer these investment opportunities

Companies across industries have struggled in recent years with breakdowns in the global supply chain, leaving them vulnerable to lost opportunities. As a result, some US companies are considering whether to shift jobs, processes, and sourcing back home. Such “reshoring” efforts may require significant new capital investment and could lead to potential opportunities for investors over the next decade.

How to pay off your student loans

Learn the options for how to pay off debt you took on to pay for school.

A guide to US Treasuries

Treasuries may be a low-risk way to diversify portfolios and can potentially provide stability in times of uncertainty. Learn about the different types, benefits, and risks.

Fall planning for your finances

Learn the six money moves you can make this fall to set yourself up for success in 2024 and beyond. Find tips on investing, taxes, charitable giving, and more.

What are liquid alternative funds?

As investors explore ways to enhance returns and manage risk, liquid alternative funds have emerged as a potential choice. Learn what they are and what to consider before investing.

Three ways to manage your cash more strategically

Discover the different types of cash accounts and how they serve different purposes. Learn how to use them to help meet your financial goals.

Credit 101: Using credit wisely

Whether you’re applying for a mortgage, purchasing car insurance, or signing up with a new internet provider, you will inevitably be asked about your credit. Understanding and improving your credit score early on in life can help increase your financial freedom and purchasing power in the future.

Five things you may not know about 529s (but should)

They're tax friendly, flexible, and available to anyone. Yet, 529 education savings plans are still underused. Here are five things that parents, grandparents, and anyone hoping to get a leg up on college costs need to know.

Bank CD vs. Brokered CD: Which one is better for me?

CDs are an important part of many investors’ financial planning strategies. But not all CDs are the same. Here’s what you need to know.

Five quick steps to build a budget

Check out these five steps to help make smart spending and saving decisions.

Money market funds: What to know about the low-risk investments

These funds may provide a lower-risk, liquid vehicle for short-term investors.

How to buy a new home while selling your old one

Buying and selling a home at the same time can be a stressful balancing act and put a strain on your finances. Discover five ways to finance a down payment on a new home before selling your existing home.

Protecting elders from financial abuse

Learn how to help protect you or your loved ones from common elder abuse scams.

Smart money moves when traveling abroad

Consider these tips when planning for foreign travel and perhaps save yourself time, money and headaches.

The rise of active ETFs: Four reasons to consider active ETFs

Investors seeking outperformance and targeted allocation can consider actively managed ETFs to help navigate market uncertainty in a tax-efficient manner.

Bonds, interest rates, and inflation

Learn why rising interest rates and inflation present headwinds for bond investors, and how two potential investing strategies may be able to help you manage the risks.

The basics of municipal bonds

Municipal bonds can provide investors with fixed income payments and capital preservation—but it’s their tax advantages that investors are often most curious about. Learn what to consider when investing in municipal bonds.

5 ways to spring-clean your finances

A lot can pile up over a year, or just a season. Here are five tips to help you tidy up, declutter and organize your finances this spring.

Saving and planning for retirement in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond

Help your financial wellness with tips regarding retirement savings through different life stages.

Winning plays for saving while you're young

It’s important to start saving as early as possible. Learn why—plus get tips on how to become a savvy saver.

Will the upcoming 2024 elections spell volatility in the markets?

This year’s election outcome could have a big impact on taxes, Social Security and health-care policy. How can investors like you prepare?

Smart Beta: The middle ground between active and passive investing

Factor-based investing strategies, also known as “smart beta,” track popular stock indices, but offer greater exposure to index constituents with attractive characteristics, or “factors.” Here’s what investors should know.

Why gender lens investing may lead to better returns

Discover how gender lens investing can help enhance your portfolio’s bottom line while also promoting greater workplace diversity and equity.

How to tackle climate change in your portfolio

As the world increasingly transitions to a low-carbon economy, explore how you can pursue your climate action goals alongside your financial objectives.

Protecting your retirement from market volatility

The unpredictability of financial markets can disrupt even the best-laid retirement plans. These five strategies may help investors stay on track.

Gold vs silver: 4 key differences to know

Discover the differences between gold and silver, how to invest in each, and considerations for adding precious metals to portfolios.

Protecting your income from the unexpected

Your ability to earn an income may be one of your most valuable assets, but an accident or unforeseen illness can put that asset at risk. Here’s how to help protect it.

Sidestep social engineering scams

Learn about common social engineering scams you may encounter and ways to help prevent them.

Investing amid rising rates: What to know

After two years of near-zero interest rates, the Federal Reserve’s aggressive policy pivot has changed the market outlook. We break down the effects on bonds, stocks, and portfolios.

What are structured investments?

Structured investments can enhance a traditional stock and bond portfolio to address specific investment objectives within an overall investment plan—but they come with unique features and risks.

Breaking down the types of structured investments

Structured investment products can be divided into four basic categories, each offering features designed for specific objectives.

Money and marriage for LGBT+ couples: What to know

For LGBT+ couples who decide to tie the knot, it’s important to review financial plans and understand the financial impacts of marriage. These tips can help.

A guide to closed-end funds

Learn what closed-end funds are, how they compare to open-end funds, and considerations when investing in them.

Stock market 101

The stock market is the cornerstone of investing. Before getting started, it’s a good idea to get familiar with the basics, including market indexes, the different types of stocks, and the factors that can affect a stock’s market value.

The power of global diversification

For investors, international equities can enhance diversification and offer growth potential. In fact, long-term demographic trends may even favor some non-US markets. Explore the different types of international markets and ways to invest.

A quick guide to market caps

A company’s market capitalization, or its market value, can help investors decide if the stock is a good fit for their portfolio. Learn how to calculate a market cap and the features of different market caps.

Breaking down the consumer staples sector

The consumer staples sector consists of goods that are constantly in demand, offering an option for investors seeking to incorporate a defensive strategy into their portfolios.

Breaking down the utilities sector

The utilities sector represents resources that are always in demand (think: water, gas), and it’s typically used as a defensive play in a portfolio. We break down characteristics of the utilities sector and key investing considerations.

Green bond basics: What to know before investing

Green bonds give fixed income investors a way to incorporate environmental and social causes into their portfolio strategies. We dig into what green bonds are, how they’ve started to gain traction, and what to consider before investing.

Why some investors are turning to Japan

A rise in Japan’s nominal GDP after a long period of flatlining could create opportunities.

Understanding bitcoin ETPs

Discover everything you need to know about Bitcoin ETPs at E*TRADE. Learn the basics of bitcoin ETPs, how to invest, and the benefits and risks.

Will mortgage rates go down in 2025?

Mortgage rates are forecast to drop over time, but affordability likely won’t return to pre-pandemic levels. Here’s what to expect.

Megatrends: The latest AI and tech investment opportunities may be in global defense

Rising technology innovation coupled with global defense initiatives could unlock hundreds of billions more in spending, benefiting a variety of economic sectors. Where can investors find opportunities?

2025 Bond market outlook: Four sectors to watch

The first half of 2025 could be a compelling period for bonds. Here’s what investors should know and what to watch as the year unfolds.

The 7 political trends investors should watch now

Here’s how the top policy changes coming out of Washington in 2025 may impact your investments.

How to invest in the innovations behind our health and longevity

Revolutionary ways to prevent and treat disease can add decades to people’s lives. Here’s what investors should know about the opportunities in the longevity theme.

Outlook: Three trends shaping the next decade of sustainable investing

New investment strategies, demand for resources and more stringent regulations are shaping the next decade of sustainable investing.

3 ways to help your teenager find mental health support

With teens and young adults facing a mental health crisis, “stigma” is often blamed for young people’s reluctance to reach out for help. However, recent research finds other barriers—and steps to help overcome them.

How investors can prepare for Trump’s first 100 days

With the election “Red sweep” leaving the Republican party in control of the White House, Senate and House of Representatives, the stage is set for what could be a highly consequential first 100 days of Trump’s second term.

2025 Investment Outlook: Get ready to pivot

A stable global economy is likely to benefit equity and fixed-income markets, though increased uncertainty around U.S. tariffs and immigration policy could jeopardize markets’ recent gains.

2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth may be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China’s underperformance restrains emerging markets.

What the Trump Victory Means for Markets

Discover how tax cuts, tariffs and deregulation could shape markets and impact your investments over President Trump’s second term.

Election 2024: What do the markets say?

Certain economic indicators and stock market trends have historically forecasted which U.S. presidential candidate is likely to prevail. Here’s what investors should know.

How should investors think about long term bitcoin returns?

As several new bitcoin exchange-traded funds become available, how should investors expect bitcoin to perform in the coming decade? Here’s a framework to consider.

Megatrends: Powering a new automation age

Aging populations and lower technology costs are propelling companies to invest more in productivity-boosting automation. What could this mean for investors?

Health care innovation yields new opportunities for investors

Advances in technology and innovation have led to new breakthroughs in health care. Here’s a look at three areas of opportunity for long-term investors.

Rethinking the 60/40 portfolio

The classic portfolio of 60% stocks and 40% bonds may no longer provide the same level of returns it has delivered previously, but it may still be appropriate for some investors. Here’s why.

How to build wealth: 4 lessons from Hispanic-Latino investors

We explore the barriers and opportunities facing Hispanic-Latino investors when it comes to building wealth to provide insight for investors of all backgrounds.

How might post-election tax policy affect the economy, the stock market and your portfolio?

As the 2024 U.S. election nears, potential tax-policy changes could affect your portfolio and finances. Here are key questions answered.

New Democratic Ticket, Same Market Outlook

Despite a recent shakeup in the U.S. presidential election, change at the top of the Democratic ticket may have little impact for investors.

What stocks might come out ahead after the Magnificent 7?

As the “Magnificent 7” stocks’ momentum fades, a broader swath of the market has advanced. What stocks might come out ahead?

4 ways to stay cybersafe on vacation

Help protect yourself on your next trip with these cybersecurity tips.

2024 Global economic midyear outlook: A divergent recovery

Global growth should stay steady at just over 3% in 2024 and 2025, though volatility will remain as a pickup in growth around the world contrasts with a slowdown in the U.S.

2024 Midyear investment outlook: Steady growth boosts stocks and bonds

Amid a backdrop of steady growth, declining inflation and interest rate cuts, investors may look to corporate credit and agency mortgage-backed securities for opportunity as well as European and Japanese equities.

Megatrends: How to Invest in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Boom

Artificial intelligence is set to become a $3 trillion industry in the next several years. Where can investors find potential opportunities?

Are obesity drugs a game changer for investors?

The global market for the blockbuster drugs could increase by 15-fold over the next five years as their benefits expand beyond weight loss, with expected implications for consumer goods and longevity.

Mid-year bond market outlook: Three sectors to watch

Potential rate cuts and a return to contrasting performance for stocks and bonds could mean an attractive environment for fixed income in 2024.

Three long-term trends investors may want to consider

Longevity, decarbonization and technology disruption could provide long-term investment opportunities.

5 unexpected investment ideas

Consider these five investing ideas where we think the market may be missing the full picture.

Why mega-cap tech stocks’ dominance is a risk to investors

Investing in the S&P 500 today may mean overexposure to a handful of mega-cap tech stocks known as “the Magnificent 7.”

The bright side of higher interest rates

The era of ultra-low interest rates has passed. But smart investors may find that is not such a bad thing.

How to invest as American productivity surges

The coming years could bring stronger economic growth, greater business productivity, and a new set of stock market winners. How can investors position themselves now to benefit?

2024 Investment Outlook: Threading the needle

Navigating the market during times of global conflict can be challenging. Here’s what investors should know to help safeguard your portfolio.

2024 Global Macroeconomic Outlook: Central Banks Look for ‘Just Right’ on Rates

Navigating the market during times of global conflict can be challenging. Here’s what investors should know to help safeguard your portfolio.

Will war in Ukraine, Israel and the Middle East impact financial markets?

Navigating the market during times of global conflict can be challenging. Here’s what investors should know to help safeguard your portfolio.

What investors need to know about breakthroughs in AI, healthcare, and brain implants

The development of human-machine interfaces is taking a leap forward. Learn what it means for investors.

India’s impending economic boom

India is on track to become the world’s third largest economy by 2027, surpassing Japan and Germany, and have the third largest stock market by 2030, thanks to global trends and key investments the country has made in technology and energy.

Why investors shouldn’t be fooled by the latest market rebound

Many pundits are bullish on stocks, but there may be evidence that investors need to prepare for a less rosy scenario.

Should investors safeguard their portfolios from surging national debt?

Should investors be concerned about the surging national debt? Wealth Management’s Lisa Shalett shares three risks to watch and what it could mean for your portfolio.

Three potential risks to the US economy in 2024

The economy’s resilience is keeping investors bullish on US stocks. It may be time to prepare for a less favorable scenario.

Investing through the energy transition

Increasing demand and significant cost reductions have changed the clean energy landscape. Learn how decarbonization efforts may present long-term opportunities for investors.

Nuclear fusion: Still a long road from breakthrough to viability

The recent breakthrough in nuclear fusion represents a remarkable advancement in the development of a potentially radical decarbonization technology. But nuclear fusion technologies will need to advance much further before they can be relied upon as a source of abundant, sustainable energy.

Megatrends: Driving the adoption of electric vehicles

Investors can gear up for a long-term shift in automotive trends, as electric vehicles are expected to account for 90% of auto sales by 2050.

Demystifying DeFi

Here’s what investors may want to know about the nascent technology that surrounds decentralized finance, and the investing landscape.

Why net zero is a net positive for banks

Large global banks have an opportunity to develop new ‘green’ sources of revenue tied to everything from carbon trading to helping finance the estimated $50 trillion needed to achieve Net Zero by 2050.

Megatrends: Opportunities on the front lines of cybersecurity

The cybersecurity sector is rapidly growing and developing new ways to guard against sophisticated attacks. How can investors participate in this long-term opportunity?

Why municipal bonds are emerging as a key ESG investment

Learn why municipal bonds align with ESG principles that could make a positive impact and why these securities may be undervalued.

Here’s why e-commerce growth can stay stronger for longer

Global e-commerce stocks surged during the early days of Covid-19 but have since slumped. Despite overall slowing economic activity, key trends suggest e-commerce still has room to grow. What it means for economies, industries, and investors.

What to know about India’s economy and stock market

India’s GDP has increased 11-fold, and its equity market cap has grown by 30-fold over the past three decades. Discover what’s behind the country’s economic growth and the unique characteristics of its stock market.

A deep dive on the water crisis

The gap between the world’s renewable supply of water and demand is expected to be 40% by 2030, bringing a new urgency to addressing water scarcity. Morgan Stanley’s Sustainable Research Team does a deep dive on the causes, implications, and solutions.

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