A recession is never far from most investors’ minds. Understanding risks such as slowing growth when investing is essential. It is why I advocate that beginning investors have at least a cursory knowledge about the direction of the economy.
Learn how the Fed plays a meaningful role. Its actions may impact the financial markets. To arm me, I always sift through economic and financial data, accessing various sources daily.
Diversification is the best way to reduce your risk. Don’t put all of your savings into investments. Keep some of your cash portions into high yield savings accounts.
Your retirement accounts are tax-advantaged, which are different than your taxable investment accounts. You can lessen your taxes for investment accounts by using a buy-hold strategy.
Holding stocks for at least one year and one day, investors pay taxes at the 20% capital gains rate. The capital gains rate is more tax-efficient than the ordinary tax rate for short-term trading.
Like any investor, I want to understand the general economic outlook and potential problems on the horizon like a recession, rising interest rates, and consumer spending.
The Fed influences our economy, our borrowing rates, our investments. They communicate with the public and add their voice of reason when threats to our financial system.