When people talk about investing in the S&P 500, it’s often described as a way to capture the broad performance of the U.S. stock market. After all, the index represents 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. But over the past five decades, research shows that a surprisingly small minority of these companies have driven the majority of the S&P 500’s growth, highlighting the unequal nature of stock market returns.

October has arrived, and financial markets are facing another U.S. federal government shutdown. A shutdown, especially if protracted, can inject extra volatility and uncertainty into markets, but history and current analysis suggest it need not derail long-term investors. Below, we explore the possible impacts and offer practical tips to stay the course without panicking.

In the second quarter of 2025, Americans’ retirement accounts hit new heights. Fidelity Investments reports that the number of people with $1 million or more in their 401(k) plans reached an all-time high of roughly 595,000. At the same time, average balances across 401(k), 403(b), and IRA accounts also rose to record levels.

This week, the U.S. Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points (0.25%), lowering the federal funds target range to 4.00%-4.25%. It’s the Fed’s first rate reduction since December of the previous year. While the move was widely anticipated, its effects ripple across markets in varied and sometimes nuanced ways. Below, we explore what this cut means for investors, sectors, and the macroeconomic outlook.

Planning for retirement is one of the most important financial journeys you will ever take. A solid retirement strategy is not built on a single investment or product, it’s the result of aligning multiple moving parts to create long-term security. While every individual’s needs are unique, there are seven key areas of retirement planning that provide a strong foundation for success.

When markets are unpredictable, investors often focus on diversification across stocks, bonds, and alternatives. But one often overlooked tool for portfolio stability is insurance. Different insurance strategies from annuities to life, medical, property & casualty, and umbrella coverage can act as a hedge against risks that traditional investments cannot.