- Tax Lien Investing vs. Tax Deed Investing
Investing in tax liens and tax deeds offers a profitable way to diversify through real estate. While both involve unpaid property tax debt, they differ in structure and benefits. Choosing between them—or investing in both—depends on your goals and risk tolerance. Understanding their distinctions is essential before proceeding. A financial advisor can help you decide… read more…
- How to Invest in Mexico
Mexico is the largest trading partner of the U.S. and it has boasted a top-15 largest economy in the world in recent years. In Latin America, it’s the second-largest economy, with only Brazil ahead of it. Mexico is still considered an emerging market by most even given its strong economic position among world economies. There are… read more…
- How to Invest in Africa
With nearly a third of the world’s mineral resources, significant energy reserves, abundant arable land and the fastest growing population of any continent, Africa represents a special opportunity for investors seeking exposure to under-developed economies. However, unstable national governments and frequent military conflicts, among other variables, help to make Africa an especially risky place to… read more…
- Investors Who Want to Beat Inflation Watch This Index
Inflation causes prices of goods and services to increase over time. This increase causes money to have less purchasing power in the future than it does today. It also threatens investment portfolios. Thus, investors seek to beat inflation with higher returns in order to reach their goals. The federal government provides numerous reports that investors… read more…
- This Options Strategy Bakes in Risk Protection
A married put is an options trading strategy in which investors hold both a put contract for a stock and shares of the stock itself. By marrying the two together, the investor builds in some downside protection. Sometimes referred to as protective puts, married puts are typically used as a bullish hedge. If you’re interested… read more…
- Data Center REITs: A Guide for Investors
Many investors find real estate investment trusts (REITs) to be a solid investment choice. These companies can provide passive income and long-term growth, without the typical requirements of owning property. One subset of this real estate investment sector has led the charge above others in recent years, and that’s because demand for data centers is at… read more…
- How to Invest in Gold Futures
Gold and other precious metals are an excellent way to diversify your portfolio. Adding securities that are non-correlated to the more common stocks, bonds and funds smooths out the fluctuations of the market. They also potentially increase returns and reduce… read more…
- Real Estate: What’s Tax-Lien Investing?
Tax-lien investing allows you to gain exposure to real estate in your portfolio without having to own or maintain a physical property. When you invest in tax liens, you’re making an investment in a debt that’s owed by a property… read more…
- How to Invest in Japan
The Japanese economy is the third-largest in the world, trailing only the United States and China. A market that size is one that many investors, understandably, don’t want to ignore. Here’s an overview of the Japanese stock market, as well as its investments, risks and requirements. Consider working with a financial advisor as you explore… read more…
- Healthcare REITs: A Guide for Investors
Whether we’re talking about acute medical care or long-term assistance, healthcare is one industry that has a tendency to remain in-demand through all market cycles. Healthcare REITs are one way for investors to diversify their portfolios while also capitalizing on this necessary sector. Here’s a look at what healthcare REITs are and how this investment could… read more…
- Industrial REITs: A Guide for Investors
For investors looking to diversify their portfolio, industrial REITs provide one possible option. These securities allow investors to buy into certain types of commercial real estate without requiring significant capital investment or hands-on management. Here’s a look at what industrial REITs are, how they can benefit investors and what to keep in mind before adding… read more…
- Residential REITs: A Guide for Investors
Whether you’re looking to diversify an investment portfolio, create passive income or simply want to invest in real estate without added hassle, real estate investment trusts (REITs) are often worth a look. Residential REITs may be right for investors looking to invest in residential property rather than commercial buildings, and include a variety of property… read more…
- How to Invest in Canada
Canada is a wealthy, stable country that’s one of the major trading partners of the U.S. and among the top countries in global trade. Its gross domestic product (GDP) is about $1.6 trillion as of 2021, and its economy has strong service industry and natural resource components. It has a stable monetary policy, aiming for… read more…
- How to Invest in Farmland
Farmland as an alternative investment is a potentially profitable way to diversify your portfolio and minimize risk. Returns on owning farmland, or investing in one of several farming-adjacent sectors, don’t necessarily move with the traditional market. Instead, the land itself can increase in value, you can receive rental or lease payments, own a farm REIT… read more…
- Inside Money Market Funds: How They Work
Money market funds are comprised of a number of highly liquid assets that together form what is called the money market, a vast exchange that is used daily by governments, businesses and financial institutions, as well as retail investors. Each… read more…
- Understanding How Unit Trusts (UTs) Work
A unit trust is an investment that’s usually good for beginning investors. It’s similar to, but not the same as, a mutual fund. Unit trusts pass profits directly to investors instead of reinvesting them in the fund. A unit trust is not to be confused with a unit investment trust, although the two are very… read more…
- BlackRock Says Consider These Alternatives to Gold to Hedge Inflation
The rising price of goods and services has been one of the inescapable realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inflation hit 5.4% in June, a level not seen in the U.S. for nearly 13 years, and remained there in September. Whether today’s inflationary environment is a result of supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19, government stimulus or… read more…
- Three Types of REITs (and How to Invest in Them)
When it comes to building a strong portfolio, there are many different investment vehicles to choose from. One such vehicle is the REIT, which allows investors to put their money into real estate-based assets without the risk and hassle of individually owning a property. There are a few different types of REITS to choose from, however.… read more…
- Money Market Funds: A Guide for Investors
Money market funds are mutual funds that invest in high-quality short-term debts from governments, banks and corporations. They are different from the money market accounts you open at a bank. Money market funds are actually mutual funds that are baskets… read more…
- What Is a Pure Play Company?
Pure play stocks represent publicly traded companies that focus on a single line of business. While other companies may diversify their business operations, pure play companies focus on selling a single product or service. So what does this mean when… read more…
- Here’s Why Big Banks Are Going All In On Crypto: Should You Follow Suit?
It’s no secret that cryptocurrencies are an extremely popular asset class. They’re also a cultural phenomenon that has changed the way many retail investors save and plan for the future. In the past, big Wall Street firms haven’t paid much… read more…
- The Pandemic Didn’t Kill Strip Malls – It’s Time to Invest in Them
In a world dominated by Amazon and e-commerce, commercial real estate may not seem like a promising asset class for investors. But brick-and-mortar retail isn’t dead — and neither is commercial real estate as a portfolio staple. In fact, a notably old-school type of retail is getting some positive attention from investors — strip malls.… read more…
- You Need to Know This About Growth Investing Strategies
Growth investing is a strategy that centers on choosing stocks and similar investments that have significant growth potential. A portfolio that’s growth-focused may include stocks, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other securities. The goal of growth investing is to… read more…
- You Need to Know This About Investing in China
As the world’s largest country by population and second-largest by gross domestic product, China represents a major investment opportunity. The country has the biggest retail market and Chinese buyers consume more automobiles and smart phones than any other. However, investing in China carries significant risks, including its incomplete transition from a centrally planned economy to… read more…
- Here’s How to Invest in Wine
You’re likely familiar with the usual range of traditional investments like stocks, bonds and fixed-income securities. While these options suffice for many investors, many investors also add alternative investments to their portfolios. As a result, combined alternative assets under management hit an all-time high in 2020 – $7.4 trillion. Faced with the unpredictable stock market, you… read more…