The Know

Investing insights by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

Investment strategy

 

Stock market returns for 2026: How are the S&P 500, Nasdaq and Dow performing so far?

The S&P 500, Nasdaq and Dow hit several record highs between January and May 2026. So what’s behind the positive performance? And how do the three indexes compare in terms of gains?

Editors' picks

Retirement
At what age can you start collecting Social Security and get the maximum benefit amount?

Top Market Takeaways
When you start taking Social Security can impact your benefits in the long term. Learn how age 62, full retirement age and age 70 affect your check amount, and when delaying may maximize benefits.
By Hilarey Gould|7 min

Investing
Dollar-cost averaging vs. lump-sum investing: Pros, cons and when to use each approach

Wondering if you should invest money all at once or over time? Understanding the difference between dollar-cost averaging and lump-sum investing can help you decide.
By Seth Carlson|8 min

Markets
Is the momentum trade over?

Top Market Takeaways
With momentum dispersion at its widest since 1990, the summer calm could open the door for overlooked sectors. We examine where new leadership may emerge and what it may mean for positioning.
By Kriti Gupta

Get up to $1,000

 

When you open a J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing account, you get a trading experience that puts you in control and up to $1,000 in cash bonus.

Investment strategy

Markets
How interest rates can impact lending strategies

Interest rates can shape savings, investments and borrowing costs, impacting everything from mortgages to short-term loans and overall financial strategy. Learn more here.
By David Winters|6 min

Investing
The types of mutual funds: A guide

Mutual funds are popular investment vehicles. If considering, review the objectives, underlying investments, performance and fees. Understanding the options helps you decide what’s right for you.
By Seth Carlson|6 min

Investing
Money market funds vs. money market accounts: What’s the difference?

Money market funds and money market accounts are similarly named products, but they are very different investment vehicles. Explore how they differ in terms of returns, risks and liquidity so you can decide which one best fits your financial plan.
By Seth Carlson|8 min

Get in The Know with our newsletters

 

Subscribe to stay informed on the latest investing essentials, markets trends and more.

Investment essentials

Investing
How many brokerage accounts can you have?

Brokerage accounts allow you to buy investments like stocks and mutual funds. But can you have multiple brokerage accounts?
By Seth Carlson|5 min

Investing
The History of the Nasdaq

Learn how the Nasdaq was founded, how it came to be known as the exchange of choice for technology stocks and how it continues to  influence global markets.
By Seth Carlson|4 min

Investing
Are brokerage accounts FDIC insured?

Brokerage accounts aren’t FDIC insured, but SIPC offers protection if your brokerage firm fails. Learn how your investments are safeguarded.
By Seth Carlson|4 min

Planning with purpose

Planning
New 529 plan rules for 2026: Key changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Top Market Takeaways
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has expanded the way 529 plans can be utilized, transforming them from traditional college savings plans into more versatile financial planning tools that cover a wide range of educational expenses.
5 min

Markets
What makes the Federal Reserve decide to raise or lower interest rates?

One of the biggest responsibilities of the Federal Reserve is setting monetary policy through the raising and lowering of interest rates. But how does it decide which direction to move? Keep reading.
By Seth Carlson|9 min

Planning
What to do with your year-end bonus in a changing interest rate environment

Even as interest rates change, you can put your year-end bonus to work with a mix of liquidity options that may help you preserve capital and potentially earn income in the short term.
By Angelena Mascilli|8 min
J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

We're now on Instagram @jpmwealth

 

Follow us for more ways to stay informed on investing, markets and financial planning.

Latest videos