investment company institute

If tax rates rise -- and experts say they will -- a way to grow your money tax-free starts looking mighty good. Meet the Roth IRA.

More ominous developments on the darkening retirement front: The total value of Americans' retirement assets stood at $17 trillion at the end of September -- a drop of 7.5% from the record high of $18.4 trillion recorded on June 30, 2011.

As ETFs absorb more money and attract more scrutiny, an independent trade organization may be necessary for their operators, both to market the popular new products and to educate consumers and advisers about their possible risks.