|
Basic Asset Classes
There are 4 main investment categories, also known as asset classes:
-
Stocks: The riskiest asset class in which you can invest,
stocks represent an ownership or equity position in a corporation.
A stockholder lays claim to a proportionate share in the corporation's
assets and profits and is often paid dividends when the company
makes money. Stock share prices will rise as the corporation
grows and there is greater demand for its stocks. The idea is
to buy stock when the company is still small, hold onto it for
a number of years while the company grows and becomes financially
stronger, and then sell it for a profit once the stock price
has risen as a result of increased demand.
-
Bonds: A conservative and typically guaranteed investment,
a bond is a debt instrument issued for a period of one year
or longer. Bonds raise capital for the issuer by borrowing money
from investors. The federal government, states, cities, corporations
and many other types of institutions sell bonds. With a bond
note, the issuer is basically promising to repay the principal
along with interest on a specified date, also known as the maturity
date.
Mutual Funds: One of the easiest investments you can make, a mutual fund is managed by an investment company that invests money belonging to a large number of shareholders in a selection of various assets--in accordance with its stated objective. Mutual fund shares are purchased and redeemed upon demand, based on the fund's net asset value determined at the end of each trading session. The primary advantage to investing in a mutual fund is that you automatically achieve a diversified portfolio that is managed by professionals whose advice and expertise you might not otherwise be able to afford.
-
Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash equivalents are safe,
short-term, very liquid investments that are, as the name suggests,
equivalents to cash. Cash equivalents are excellent saving vehicles
for short-term goals.
 |
Page
2 of 10: Different Asset Classes |
 |
Copyright © 2007 MsMoney.com. All Rights Reserved.
|
