diversification

The 91-year old company was once the leading diversified industrial company, the product of hundreds of leveraged buyouts in the 1960s and '70s. But its breakup is yet more proof that the conglomerate model makes little sense today. Why? Activist investors have a lot to do with it.

If 80% of professional fund managers underperform the market, how can individuals like you hope to succeed? In a new book, Matthew Schifrin of Forbes hunted down 10 of the best-performing mini-Buffetts over the past decade to get their secrets.

Investing expert Dan Solin hears this question frequently: It's obvious the dollar is going to crash, so what can I do to protect my investments? His answer may surprise you.

Many investors are trying to make themselves feel safer in this uncertain economy by jumping out of stocks, buying bonds or even dabbling in higher risks looking for bigger returns. But that sort of short-term strategy could jeopardize your portfolio.

May 6 reminded investors of the need for diversification to reduce risk to their portfolios. So, how much risk is right for you, what emerging markets are good investments and is gold really a safe haven?

Peer-to-peer lending marketplace Lending Club just announced several new features for investors who use the service which can help them earn an average return of 9.67%. The new features, which went live this morning, make it easier than ever to find the types of loans you want to invest in and...

Retirement mistake #5 is being tempted by exchange-traded funds. I don't understand the fascination with exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The good news is that ETFs track indexes and most ETFS are low cost. The bad news is that they are being misused by retirees and other investors.

Retirement mistake #2 is using a "market beating" broker or adviser. Achieving paltry returns is not easy. After all, historically, the market rises over time. What accounts for dismal investor performance? Trusted "financial experts" who tell you they can pick stocks or mutual funds that will beat...