Discover effective investment strategies in 2024 with Fidelity Funds. This guide covers account types, fund options, trading platforms, and expert tips to optimize your financial growth. Fidelity's extensive resources and zero-commission trading make it an excellent choice for investors of all levels seeking secure, diversified investments tailored to their goals.
Building a secure financial future requires strategic investing. With numerous platforms available, choosing the ideal partner can be overwhelming. Fidelity Investments stands out as a reliable choice, serving over 50 million clients with expert guidance and diverse investment options. Renowned for its risk management tools and broad fund selections, understanding Fidelity’s offerings and applying professional tips can help you optimize your investments and achieve your financial goals.
Key Benefits
Opening a Fidelity account provides several advantages, such as:
1. Professional support and educational tools
Fidelity offers top-notch customer service, including physical branches and 24/7 online support via phone, email, and chat. Their Online Learning Center uses machine learning to personalize educational content based on individual investing habits.
Wide Range of Investment Options
Fidelity offers a variety of funds suitable for all investors, including retirees. Notable options include:
IRAs
Retirement accounts managed through Fidelity enable individuals, including seniors, to organize their savings either independently or with guidance. These include:
Roth IRA: Contributions made with after-tax dollars grow tax-free, and withdrawals are tax-free under certain conditions. Contributions can be withdrawn anytime without penalties.
Traditional IRA: Contributions are tax-deductible, allowing for tax-deferred growth, which is beneficial for many seniors.
Rollover IRA: Moves funds from previous employer plans into an IRA without tax penalties, preserving tax advantages.
Mutual Funds
Fidelity is known for its extensive mutual fund offerings, including zero-transaction-fee funds like Fidelity Zero index funds, which have no expense ratios or minimum investments, reducing costs significantly. The Fidelity Total Bond Fund (FTBFX) is popular for investing primarily in high-quality bonds, ensuring steady income and diversification.
Additional Investment Opportunities
Besides mutual funds and IRAs, Fidelity enables trading in stocks, bonds, ETFs, forex, and digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Investors can purchase fractional shares for high-priced stocks and invest in international markets via ADRs (American Depository Receipts).
No-Commission Trading
Fidelity provides $0 commission trades on online U.S. stock, ETF, and options transactions. Index funds with no expense ratios are also available, though some mutual funds may require minimum investments. Fidelity advisors can assist in selecting the best options for your goals.
Interest on Idle Funds
Uninvested cash is automatically allocated into money market funds offering competitive yields averaging around 4.97%, subject to market changes.
Advanced Trading Platforms
Fidelity offers two highly-rated platforms:
Fidelity.com: An intuitive website suited for both beginners and experienced traders, providing easy access to investments and learning resources.
Active Trader Pro: A customizable desktop platform with advanced tools for analysis, order management, and access to IPOs, ideal for seasoned traders.
Investment Tips with Fidelity
To begin investing confidently, consider these strategies:
Define your goals, such as retirement or wealth accumulation, before investing.
Select the right account—brokerage, 401(k), or IRA—that aligns with your objectives.
Review your financial health, including income and expenses, to determine your investment capacity.
If unsure, consult professionals. Fidelity’s robo-advisor, Fidelity Go®, offers personalized investment plans and manages portfolios with expert guidance.