Gold
How Federal Reserve Decisions Affect Gold Prices
Gold often jumps or slides within minutes of a Fed announcement. The link runs through real interest rates, the dollar and expectations. Here is how to read it.
Analysis
Market Analysis & Guides
Explainers on what moves gold, oil and US stocks, written for everyday investors.
Gold
How the Gold Price Is Set, and What Really Moves It
The spot price you see quoted in dollars per troy ounce comes from two big markets. Here is how they work and the handful of forces that push gold up or down.
Oil
WTI vs. Brent: How Oil Prices Work
Two benchmarks set the price of most of the world's crude. Learn what each one measures, why they differ, and the reports traders watch every week.
Oil
How Oil Prices Affect the Stock Market
Rising oil helps energy companies and hurts airlines, but its effect on the whole market depends on why prices are moving. Here is how to tell the difference.
Gold
How to Invest in Gold: 5 Ways Compared
Coins, bars, ETFs, mining stocks or futures. Each way of owning gold has different costs, risks and tax rules. Here is a side-by-side comparison for US investors.
Stocks
S&P 500 Index Funds, Explained for Beginners
An S&P 500 fund lets you own a slice of about 500 large US companies in one purchase. Here is how the index works and what to check before you buy.
Stocks
How to Read a Stock Quote
Bid, ask, volume, market cap, P/E. Every quote screen uses the same dozen fields. Here is what each one tells you, with a worked example.
Borrowing
How Mortgage Rates Are Set, and How to Get a Lower One
The Fed does not set your mortgage rate directly. Bond markets, your credit profile and the loan you choose do. Here is what you can control.
Retirement
401(k) vs. IRA: 2026 Contribution Limits and How to Choose
The IRS raised retirement limits for 2026. Here are the new numbers, the catch-up rules for savers 50 and older, and a simple order for where to put your money.