Trending
The Best Index Funds and How to Start Investing
Index funds are a low-cost, easy way to build wealth. Here's everything you need to know to get started investing, plus a list of the best index funds to consider.
Learn About
Investing
Explore all of NerdWallet's investing content, including articles on stocks, bonds, funds, investing strategy, brokers and retirement.
Browse Articles
EXPLORE BY:
The Best ETFs and How to Start Investing
ETFs are a popular choice for both beginner and seasoned investors for good reason: they're low-cost and offer instant diversification. Here's how to invest in ETFs, plus some of the best ETFs for closely tracking well-known indexes.
Investment Funds: How They Work and Common Types
Learn more about what investment funds are, how they work, and different types, such as mutual funds and ETFs.
ETF vs. Index Fund: The Key Differences
Exchange-traded funds and index funds are great for new investors and experts alike, but there are a few differences to note before you start investing.
Stock Research: How to Analyze Stocks in 5 Steps (With Video Examples)
Stock research can help you evaluate a company and decide whether it's worth adding to your portfolio. Here are some videos and checklists that can help you get started.
How to Read Stock Charts: Quick-Start Guide
Stock market graphs don’t have to be a mystery. Here’s how to read stock charts for any company.
What To Do When the Stock Market Is Crashing
A stock market crash is marked by a sudden drop in stock prices. You can prepare for a crash (or weather one) by understanding when to hold and when to sell, diversifying your portfolio and talking to an advisor.
What Are Treasury Notes?
Treasury notes are low-risk Treasury securities that mature in two to 10 years.
What Is the 10-Year Treasury Yield?
The 10-year Treasury yield is currently above 4.3%. It is a benchmark for a nearly “risk-free” investment. It has recently been volatile as investors fear a recession on the horizon.
T-bills vs. CDs: Which One Should You Choose Right Now?
The best fixed-income investment for you depends on yield, tax situation and ease-of-use. Here’s what to know about T-bills vs. CDs.
What Is Bitcoin? Definition, Basics & How to Use
Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency, a decentralized form of digital cash that eliminates the need for traditional intermediaries like banks and governments. Bitcoin can be used as a currency or an investment.
Stablecoin Definition: What Are They and How Do They Work?
Stablecoins are built to not fluctuate in price while still giving users the benefits of crypto.
Is Bitcoin a Good Investment?
Bitcoin's seemingly relentless march higher may spark some FOMO, but considering how volatile it is, make sure you understand the risks before investing.
21 High-Dividend ETFs Yielding More Than 2%
High-dividend ETFs offer instant diversification and potential income.
14 Best-Performing and Affordable ESG ETFs for 2026
With more ESG funds available than ever, investors don't have to choose between principles and cost.
7 Best-Performing Gold Stocks For Hedging Against Volatility (September 2026)
Gold stocks provide a potential way for investors to buffer their portfolios from volatility and a falling dollar. Here's a list of the best-performing gold stocks this month.
7 Best Free Stock Screeners of 2026
Stock screeners are a really helpful tool, and using the right one can make researching investments a breeze.
Two Ways to Invest in Anthropic Pre-IPO
You can’t buy Anthropic stock yet because it hasn’t gone public, but it’s moving toward an IPO. In the meantime, there are other ways to get Anthropic exposure.
How to Invest In SpaceX (SPCX) — And How Not To
If you *don’t* want to invest in SpaceX, it may take some effort to avoid it.
How to Make Passive Income: 9 Investment Strategies to Try
Looking for ways to make some extra money this year? We've compiled a list of different investing-based passive income ideas to spark inspiration.
What Is the Average Stock Market Return?
The average stock market return is about 10% per year for nearly the last century, as measured by the S&P 500 index. In some years, the market returns more than that, and in other years it returns less.
Bonds vs. Stocks: A Beginner’s Guide
Stocks and bonds are two investment types. Investing in shares of a company (stocks) offers different risks, returns and behaviors than investing through loans to a corporation or government (bonds).
Author insights
With 250+ articles and 80+ years of combined expertise, our team helps you make confident financial choices. Discover more from NerdWallet's writers and strategists.
Authors Published In
Explore more on Investing
Latest articles
What a Fed Rate Hike Would Mean for Investors and Savers
Inflation data suggests that we'll get at least one rate hike this year. That has interesting implications for bonds and savings accounts.
5 Memory Stocks Surging on High RAM Prices (And 4 ETFs)
Memory stocks like SNDK have surged in the last year due to high RAM prices. Here's what to know about them.
Two Ways to Invest in Anthropic Pre-IPO
You can’t buy Anthropic stock yet because it hasn’t gone public, but it’s moving toward an IPO. In the meantime, there are other ways to get Anthropic exposure.
The New ETF Transaction Fee Popping Up in Some Brokerage Accounts
Fidelity has started charging transaction fees on certain ETFs, and Charles Schwab may soon follow. Now we’re watching to see if these "ETF service fees" could become even more common.
Coast FIRE Is the Internet’s New Favorite Retirement Strategy. Should You Jump on Board?
Learn what makes this FIRE strategy different from the traditional one, plus the pros and cons to consider before you coast.
We Found 19 Well-Diversified ETFs That Pass the 5% Test
Unlike the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, Nasdaq 100 and Russell 3000, these well-diversified index funds have no more than 5% weight in any single stock.
Data: Half of Americans May Benefit From Using Out-of-State 529 Plans
Your state's 529 plan may have some competition.
How to Invest In SpaceX (SPCX) — And How Not To
If you *don’t* want to invest in SpaceX, it may take some effort to avoid it.
12 Best Fidelity Index Funds in 2026
Fidelity pioneered no-fee index funds, but there are also other index funds from the provider that are worth mentioning.
5 Things I’ve Learned in 5 Months of Selling Options
Selling options can be risky, but I took on the risk for the education and amusement of my readers.
What We Know About the Trump IRA Program So Far
TrumpIRA.gov is an online marketplace for retirement accounts due to launch next year. Here's the what we know so far — and what financial advisors think about it.
I’m 25. Here’s How I Got Started Investing
I started investing with a heavy focus on retirement, then branched out. But there were other financial goals I had to think about, too.
Can You Invest in the S&P 500 but Leave Out Some Companies?
The S&P 500 is one of the most popular indexes around, but that doesn’t mean every stock it holds makes sense for your portfolio. If you want to leave some out, you have options.
How War in the Middle East Is Moving Stocks and Oil
Recent clashes between the U.S., Israel and Iran could engulf the Middle East in war, and are already shaking up financial markets. But is trading these events a good idea?
Coinbase Now Offers Stock Trading. But Is That a Good Thing?
Coinbase restocked the pantry, and put the almonds right next to the candy.
7 Highest-Yielding Monthly Dividend ETFs (and Their Pros and Cons)
Monthly dividend ETFs provide a source of frequent payments from a single investment, but they have their downsides.
Where to Buy Gold Bullion in 2026
Two of the brokers we review — and two big-box stores — will ship you gold bullion. But is physical gold worth the hassle?
When to Make IRA Contributions (and Lump Sum vs. DCA)
Should you max out your IRA as soon as possible, or make even contributions throughout the year? Here’s what to know about when to make IRA contributions.
11 SEC-Approved XRP ETFs (Fees and Promotions Included)
The SEC has approved six spot XRP ETFs and four XRP strategy ETFs. Here's what to know about them.
Are We in an AI Bubble? Here’s What 13 Economists Told Us
We asked more than a dozen economists if we're in an AI bubble and got some pretty clear results.