We should not blame derivatives for the J.P. Morgan loss any more than one would blame an insurance policy when a reckless driver has an accident.

The newly independent firms have enticing dividend yields, but upside potential for their share prices is questionable.

Equal-weighting strategies can hold appeal, but only if you understand the risk you are taking.

The new category's roster contains many intriguing options.

Securities lending to short sellers and others can help mutual funds lower expenses, but it's not without risk.

Natural disasters delayed the recovery in 2011, but we do not see many impediments in 2012.

Target-date funds should use graphics and data to better explain their investments.

Greece's exit from the euro is not a done deal, but the chances of it staying in the common currency are getting slimmer by the day.

The social-networking giant's trove of data on its users is its ace in the hole as the firm races to develop new revenue streams.

With retirement 10 years away, streamlining and adding to bonds are key priorities.

Large-cap U.K. stocks have good exposure to faster-growing emerging markets, have a defensive tilt, and are trading at attractive valuations.

Facebook has a wide economic moat based on its 'social graph,' communications layer, and competitively advantaged platform for brands, application developers, and advertisers.

Plus, DWS talks break down and more.

Recent changes to this fund's portfolio manager structure shows much tinkering going on.

On the to-do list: getting ready for RMDs and taking steps to deploy a huge cash stake.

Rate growth will slow, but should remain a tailwind.

Facebook will be added to the holdings of several of these ETFs soon. Other funds, however, won't be graced with the presence of the social-networking giant for weeks--or months--to come.

A stock-heavy mix makes sense, but too much company stock can spell trouble.

Under margin account rules, brokerages may loan out customer shares to cover other customers' short sales.

A couple seeks guidance on their retirement portfolio's longevity and asset allocation.

Here are two favorite natural-resources funds from opposite sides of the oil patch.

Morningstar Ibbotson research identifies which target-date series have the most- and least-stable glide paths.

With a carefully calibrated withdrawal rate and a well-constructed portfolio, this couple proves you don't need millions to retire.

We're increasingly concerned about their vulnerable balance sheets.

High-yield bonds, REITs, and plain-vanilla dividend payers rank at the top of many lists.

These cheap firms with competitive advantages should help investors ride out the latest shock of volatility from Europe.

Gas prices are falling, credit use is on the rise, and the trade deficit is looking more normal.

Target-maturity bond ETFs are an interesting option for fixed-income investors.

The current stock price assigns almost no value to this top-tier CRO's preclinical services segment.

Inadequate examinations of advisors is a real problem, but it is hard to imagine a less efficient or less fair way to solve it than the proposal in a recent House bill.

The muni market may again be entering a new phase.

College savings just got a lot cheaper and more.

Companies likely to restructure in 2012 as they navigate dire straits.