The Motley Fool

OCTOBER 28, 2024

And in an ironic twist, the less competitive you are, the better you'll be able to stick with a strategy that can lead you to after-tax returns that beat 98% of professionally managed mutual funds. All you have to do is buy a broad-based index fund and hold it for years. That's why mutual funds charge fees.

Mutual Funds 246

Mutual Funds Funds Taxes Investing 246

The Motley Fool

OCTOBER 30, 2024

Not only did its stock plunge but now investors must also contend with one of the more promising tech growth stories getting derailed by alleged accounting irregularities. Unfortunately for investors, there's only one way to mitigate the potential consequences of such issues. million civil penalty in 2020.

Accounting 246

Accounting Investors Mutual Funds Exchange-Traded Funds 246

The Motley Fool

SEPTEMBER 2, 2024

It's a quirk of stock market mechanics that makes a simple investment strategy far better than the average actively managed mutual fund. While it might be possible for many professional funds to outperform over the short run, it gets harder and harder as time goes on. There's a big drag on active funds' investment returns: fees.

Mutual Funds 246

Mutual Funds Funds Investing Shareholders 246

The Motley Fool

DECEMBER 13, 2023

In October 2022, the Motley Fool surveyed 1,200 Gen Z and millennial investors to see what they were holding in their portfolios. And younger investors showed a clear preference for holding individual stocks rather than mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The results were somewhat surprising.

Assets 245

Assets Mutual Funds Investors Exchange-Traded Funds 245

The Motley Fool

AUGUST 31, 2024

Here are some shocking statistics via a recent report from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation: 21% of investors don't think they pay any kind of fee for investing. 38% of mutual fund investors think they don't pay any mutual fund fees or expenses.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 235

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Mutual Funds Hedge Funds Investing 235

The Motley Fool

DECEMBER 14, 2024

Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR) stock investors got some good news to start their weekends. MicroStrategy operates as an enterprise software company, but most investors likely view it as a play on the price of Bitcoin since the company plows money into buying the cryptocurrency. On Friday at 8 p.m.

Investors 246

Investors Mutual Funds Exchange-Traded Funds Stock Exchanges 246

The Motley Fool

MARCH 19, 2025

And that's mattered more than most investors might imagine. In contrast with too many aggressive investors' portfolios that are often panic-liquidated at the worst possible time, Berkshire's structure allows its holdings to be true "forever" (or as long as is practically merited anyway) positions. That's outperform the S&P 500.

Mutual Funds 244

Mutual Funds Conglomerates Business Development Companies Stakes 244

The Motley Fool

JULY 22, 2024

Mutual fund company Vanguard Group reports that the average workplace-retirement account for clients aged 65 or older is only $272,588, while the median (or midpoint) balance for these folks is a much smaller $88,488. Given that time does most of the heavy lifting for all investors, this is no small detail. This might help.

Mutual Funds 246

Mutual Funds Accounting Funds Stock Market 246

The Motley Fool

JANUARY 17, 2025

They also discuss why individual investors don't have to think in one year increments, finding companies that add real value to the world and how to use the market as a teacher. Seven out of ten positions in actively managed mutual fund are no longer the same by December 31st from the first day of that year.

Investors 130

Investors Mutual Funds Stock Market Stock Market 130

The Motley Fool

JANUARY 30, 2024

More funds flowing into (and out of) an ETF means the shares are more liquid. That provides investors with tighter bid-ask spreads and helps the ETF price track the net asset value of the fund's holdings. If I were to invest in a Bitcoin ETF, it would either be the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund or the iShares Bitcoin Trust.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 246

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Investors Mutual Funds Bidding 246

The Motley Fool

JUNE 22, 2024

In many ways, Berkshire Hathaway is more like a mutual fund than a traditional company. If the way Berkshire Hathaway is run is the most important factor, much like it would be with a mutual fund, then you want to know a little more about CEO Warren Buffett. The key is to believe in the way the company is being run.

Mutual Funds 246

Mutual Funds Conglomerates Finance Financing 246

The Motley Fool

MAY 11, 2024

This year was notably different than past years, however, and that might be enough to keep some investors on the sidelines. In many ways, Berkshire Hathaway is more like a mutual fund than a traditional company. Meanwhile, the mutual-fund-like nature of the stock suggests that there's probably no particular rush to buy.

Mutual Funds 246

Mutual Funds Public Companies Shareholders Funds 246

The Motley Fool

MARCH 28, 2024

Many investors were too nervous to dive in during this stretch, fearing renewed economic weakness was just around the corner. Many investors also feel like they have to check in on these tickers every day. Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF For some investors the idea of owning dividend-paying stocks instead of growth stocks is boring.

Mutual Funds 246

Mutual Funds Exchange-Traded Funds Funds Stakes 246

The Motley Fool

MARCH 16, 2024

In fact, the best first pick for any first-time investor is an exceedingly simple one -- just plug into the overall market by stepping into the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSEMKT: SPY). Every investor should understand the importance of diversification. For instance, last year, 60% of large-cap mutual funds offered to U.S.

Mutual Funds 246

Mutual Funds Exchange-Traded Funds Investing Prospects 246

The Motley Fool

DECEMBER 20, 2023

Companies in which you could buy a lot of shares, meanwhile, would likely be higher-risk penny stocks , which is not a space where most investors should be treading. The go-to for that combination is a fund, which is where a lot of investors pool their money together and give it to a financial professional to invest.

Mutual Funds 246

Mutual Funds Funds Investing Exchange-Traded Funds 246

The Motley Fool

MARCH 23, 2024

Mutual fund giant Vanguard has officially crunched the numbers. How you choose to invest this money is up to you, but most work-sponsored 401(k) plans offer a wide array of mutual fund options ranging from growth-seeking funds to value funds to dividend-oriented funds and more.

Mutual Funds 246

Mutual Funds Taxes Investing Accounting 246

The Motley Fool

APRIL 25, 2024

The Vanguard 500 Index ETF (NYSEMKT: VOO) is one of the most popular ETFs (exchange-traded funds) , and for good reason. Vanguard made a name for itself by offering low-cost index mutual funds and later expanded its popular offerings to ETFs. The nice advantage ETFs have over mutual funds is that they allow for intraday trading.

Mutual Funds 246

Mutual Funds Funds Exchange-Traded Funds Portfolios 246

The Motley Fool

SEPTEMBER 22, 2024

Your plan's best-performing fund option might be the simplest one Your 401(k) plan will most likely be administered by a mutual fund company, and more often than not, it will limit your investment options to its proprietary funds. investors trailed the performance of the S&P 500. That's fine.

Mutual Funds 231

Mutual Funds Accounting Funds Stakes 231

The Motley Fool

APRIL 28, 2024

It would have been much better if I had bought a broad-based index fund, like SPDR S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: SPY). Here's why I think beginner investors should do this instead of what I did. Some investors get burned and then turn away from investing, choosing to avoid one of the most powerful tools for building long-term wealth.

Mutual Funds 246

Mutual Funds Funds Investing Exchange-Traded Funds 246

The Motley Fool

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024

That's according to data compiled by mutual fund company and retirement plan administrator Vanguard in its 2023 look at all of its plans' participants. Nevertheless, it needs to be said that time is an investor's top ally. investors actually underperformed the S&P 500 index. It's really more of hard truth.

Mutual Funds 246

Mutual Funds Accounting Investing Active Investors 246

The Motley Fool

DECEMBER 5, 2023

Vanguard is a massive investment management company, offering mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETF), 401(k) plans, and many other financial products and tools. The company's founder, Jack Bogle, popularized low-cost passive investing through index funds. That's all well and good for some investors.

Mutual Funds 246

Mutual Funds Funds Exchange-Traded Funds Assets 246

The Motley Fool

FEBRUARY 24, 2024

With a 401(k), on the other hand, you're generally limited to a bunch of different funds, like mutual funds and index funds. The reason being limited to funds is problematic is twofold. First, when you put money into any given fund, you don't get complete control over your investment.

Mutual Funds 239

Mutual Funds Funds Accounting Assets 239

The Motley Fool

JUNE 19, 2024

One of the drawbacks of 401(k)s, in the eyes of some investors, is that they tend to offer a limited menu of investment choices -- perhaps just a dozen or so mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). You'll need an employer that offers a 401(k) to use a 401(k), but gobs of companies offer them these days.

Accounting 246

Accounting Mutual Funds Taxes Exchange-Traded Funds 246

The Motley Fool

SEPTEMBER 8, 2024

Here's a rundown of three beaten-down S&P 500 dividend stocks you may want to consider scooping up before a bunch of other investors decide to do the same. The stock soared in the wake of a wave of online shopping, but the return of in-person shopping since 2022 has affected investor sentiment.

Mutual Funds 245

Mutual Funds Exchange-Traded Funds Prospects Management Fees 245

The Motley Fool

JUNE 3, 2024

In particular, people with net worths of $1 million or higher tend to have more of their money in the following: Stocks/mutual funds Real estate Business interests Those in the $10,000 and $100,000 tiers invest in those, too, but not nearly as much. He found that nearly half (49%) followed what he coined the "saver-investor" path.

Hedge Funds 246

Hedge Funds Mutual Funds Investing Venture Capital 246

The Motley Fool

APRIL 22, 2024

The emergence of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has opened up a new avenue for investors to enter the cryptocurrency market without the complexities of managing crypto wallets and navigating exchanges. The only options were some mutual funds that are balanced based on your risk tolerance and projected retirement date.

Mutual Funds 245

Mutual Funds Exchange-Traded Funds Accounting Taxes 245

The Motley Fool

MAY 11, 2024

investors are collecting today from the S&P 500 index. And yet investors looking for down-and-out stocks with high yields will still like what Realty Income (NYSE: O) , Franklin Resources (NYSE: BEN) , and Hormel Foods (NYSE: HRL) have to offer. That notably includes exchange-traded funds and so-called alternative investments.

Mutual Funds 243

Mutual Funds Exchange-Traded Funds Asset Management Assets 243

The Motley Fool

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

It may also not be your optimal way of building wealth anyway, if the subpar stock-picking performance of most mutual fund managers is any indication. In Standard & Poor's most recent update of its ongoing monitoring of all large-cap mutual funds available to U.S. Where to invest $1,000 right now?

Mutual Funds 219

Mutual Funds Investing Exchange-Traded Funds Hedge Funds 219

The Motley Fool

APRIL 27, 2024

That sounds a bit like an actively managed mutual fund , which pools investors' cash so it can buy a portfolio of companies on their behalf. It isn't a perfect analogy, but it is close enough and probably how most investors should view the company.

Mutual Funds 241

Mutual Funds Public Companies Portfolios Returns 241

The Motley Fool

SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

There's a far better way to go about it and the first step begins with focusing on the right type of investment; in this case, a single Vanguard index fund. Here's how I should have started when I was a beginner investor. The Vanguard Balanced Index Fund is the foundation you need to learn What should I have done? bond market.

Mutual Funds 246

Mutual Funds Funds Investing Exchange-Traded Funds 246

The Motley Fool

JANUARY 10, 2024

It's easy to see why a yield-hungry investor might want to learn more about AGNC. But there's still a small group of investors that don't fit the common mold. The problem with AGNC Investment To get the big news out early, most investors won't want to buy or hold AGNC Investment. And they are certainly nothing like a landlord.

Mutual Funds 243

Mutual Funds Investing Collateral Pension Funds 243

The Motley Fool

SEPTEMBER 27, 2024

Minimize your investment fees Most 401(k)s give you a choice between a variety of mutual funds or index funds your employer chooses. Most mutual funds charge expense ratios , which are listed as percentages in your prospectus. However, your personal contributions are always yours to keep.

Mutual Funds 244

Mutual Funds Accounting Assets Taxes 244

The Motley Fool

FEBRUARY 11, 2024

Comparing your retirement nest egg to another investor's savings isn't always a meaningful -- or even fair -- exercise. Average 401(k) balance for 55 to 64 year olds Mutual fund company Vanguard crunches the numbers every year using data from its own clients. investor stands. That's admittedly easier said than done.

Mutual Funds 238

Mutual Funds Accounting Taxes Funds 238

The Motley Fool

JUNE 28, 2024

So, how could you be an investor in Nvidia without even realizing it? Well, if you own shares of an S&P 500 index fund, such as the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: VOO) , the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: SPY) , or the Vanguard 500 Index Investor (NASDAQMUTFUND: VFINX) , you're a (small) co-owner of Nvidia.

Mutual Funds 236

Mutual Funds Exchange-Traded Funds Pension Funds Shareholders 236

The Motley Fool

MAY 29, 2024

Mutual funds update their price at the end of each market day, and they come with extra layers of tax reporting, too. The Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF is a top choice for many investors because it offers comprehensive exposure to the entire U.S. One of the main advantages of ETFs is their ability to trade like a stock.

Exchange-Traded Funds 245

Exchange-Traded Funds Mutual Funds Investing Stock Exchanges 245

The Motley Fool

AUGUST 20, 2024

Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) will buy and sell stocks right after each rebalancing announcement, keeping their investment portfolios equally fresh -- with no extra effort required by the funds' shareholders. Every month, this hypothetical investor puts $200 into a fund tracking the S&P 500 index.

Mutual Funds 237

Mutual Funds Exchange-Traded Funds Funds Return On Investment 237

Private Equity Wire

MARCH 13, 2025

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has raised concerns about the growing vulnerability of the private credit sector to liquidity mismatches, particularly as it increasingly draws capital from retail investors, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Mutual Funds 45

Mutual Funds Investors Banks Assets 45