Understanding the stock market

Learn a little more about the stock market, investment terms, and concepts.

We created these short videos to help you understand how the stock market works—and how it can work for your retirement plan.

Each video explains concepts about the stock market and investing in about 5 minutes.  

Image representing stock movement	Watch the video

Explore the stock market 101: How it works, why it’s important, and how it impacts you. 

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Images representing the three asset classes Watch the video

Simplify financial jargon like risk and diversification and learn the lingo you need to know.  

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Illustration representing funds Watch the video

Start learning how to invest for your future and discover the difference between active and passive investing strategies. 

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Illustration representing market cycles Watch the video

Discover how – and why – investments rise and fall 

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Illustration showing the difference between account types Watch the video

Investments don’t have to stop working when you do. Explore topics such as target date funds and asset allocation.

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Do you know what kind of investor you are?

It’s important to know how you feel about risk and how involved you want to be in choosing how you want to invest your savings.

Try the investor strategy worksheet

A few good reads

How does investing work? The basics

You’d like to start investing, but you’re not quite sure how to begin? Let’s go through some of the essentials, so you can get started investing in your retirement savings.
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How to avoid five common investing mistakes

Here are five common investing mistakes to be aware of—and to avoid when planning for your retirement.
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What is market volatility?

It’s normal to feel nervous about market volatility and wonder what you should do about it. We can help you understand what it is and what you can do.
Read the viewpoint