Understanding CPI (Consumer Price Index): A Rookie's Guide Paid Members Public
What Is the Consumer Price Index? The Consumer Price Index, or CPI, is like the ultimate shopping receipt for an entire nation. It tracks the average change in prices that everyday consumers pay for a basket of common goods and services over time. For investors and traders, CPI is one
Understanding GDP (Gross Domestic Product): A Rookie's Guide Paid Members Public
What Is Gross Domestic Product (GDP)? Gross Domestic Product, or GDP, is the total monetary value of all finished goods and services produced within a country's borders during a specific time period, usually a quarter or a year. For investors and traders, GDP is like the ultimate scoreboard
Understanding Options: A Rookie's Guide Paid Members Public
What Are Options? Options are financial contracts that give you the right—but not the obligation—to buy or sell an asset (usually stocks) at a specific price within a certain time period. Think of them as financial reservations or insurance policies on investments. There are two main types: calls
Understanding Corporate Bonds: A Rookie's Guide Paid Members Public
What Are Corporate Bonds? Corporate bonds are loans that you make to companies instead of to governments. When you buy a corporate bond, you're lending money directly to businesses like Apple, Amazon, or your local manufacturing company. In return, they promise to pay you regular interest payments and
Understanding Municipal Bonds (Munis): A Rookie's Guide Paid Members Public
What Are Municipal Bonds? Municipal bonds, affectionately called "munis," are loans that you make to local governments like cities, counties, states, or their agencies. When you buy a municipal bond, you're essentially lending money to build schools, repair bridges, upgrade water systems, or fund other community
Understanding Treasury Bonds (T-Bonds): A Rookie's Guide Paid Members Public
What Are Treasury Bonds? Treasury Bonds, commonly called T-Bonds, are long-term loans you make to the United States government that last from 20 to 30 years. They're like the marathon runners of government securities—in it for the long haul. T-Bonds pay you interest every six months and
Understanding Treasury Notes (T-Notes): A Rookie's Guide Paid Members Public
What Are Treasury Notes? Treasury Notes, commonly called T-Notes, are loans you make to the United States government that last between 2 and 10 years. Unlike their shorter cousin T-Bills, T-Notes pay you interest every six months and then return your original investment (principal) when they mature. "T-Notes are
Understanding Treasury Bills (T-Bills): A Rookie's Guide Paid Members Public
What Are Treasury Bills? Treasury Bills, commonly called T-Bills, are short-term loans you make to the United States government. Unlike typical bonds that pay interest regularly, T-Bills work differently: you buy them for less than their face value and receive the full face value when they mature. "T-Bills are
