Investing 101
There are many investment options available. To get started, here are a few questions to ask:
- What type of financial investment is it? For example, a mutual fund or an ETF?
- What fees might be charged?
- How is it managed?
- Is it environmentally friendly?
- How are the investments taxed?
The costs associated with having professionals manage your money vary*, but generally fall into these categories:
- Investment Management Fee
- Operating Expenses
- Sales Tax
- Financial Planning & Advice
*The costs associated with a particular fund can be found in its prospectus.
Some stocks act like fixed income investments – learn more in The Case for Dividend-Paying Stocks
There are bonds that can be converted into stocks – learn more in 5 Things to Know About Convertible Bonds
Managed Solutions
Alternative investments tend to behave differently from traditional equity, fixed income or cash investments. These are assets that aren’t traditional stocks or bonds and are used depending on investment objectives.
Learn more about alternative funds:
What's the Alternative? »
Alternative Strategies »
20 "Alternative" Definitions »
What is Private Credit? »
A balanced fund holds both equity and fixed income securities. These funds can be split between stocks and bonds depending on preference. This strategy aims to seek a balance between growth and preserving capital.
Learn more about Balanced funds:
Equities (also known as shares or stocks) represent ownership in a company. By owning a stake in a company, your investments can grow if the company does well – or shrink if the company struggles.
Learn more about how equity funds are managed:
Fundamental vs Quantitative Investing »
Key Terms for Global Investing »
The Case for Dividend-Paying Stocks »
What is Factor-Based Investing? »
Why Go Global »
A fixed income security is one where the issuer must make payments on a schedule, the most common type being a bond. This investment type may stabilize overall portfolio volatility, preserve capital control risk and generate income.
Learn more about Fixed Income funds:
4 Facts About Fixed Income »
5 Things to Know About Convertible Bonds »
Effective Fixed-Income Diversification Matters »
Impact of an Interest-Rate Rise »
Understand Interest-Rate Risk »
Sustainable investing or responsible investing refers to investment strategies that aim to create long-term value for investors while also contributing to a better environment, healthier communities and good corporate governance practices.
Learn more about sustainable investing:
What is Sustainable Investing? »
The ABCs of ESG »
Sustainability Matters.... »