Index funds are mutual funds that seek only to mirror the performance of an underlying stock market index — not to outperform it. Millions of investors hold them in their portfolios because they ...

Adam Hayes, Ph.D., CFA, is a financial writer with 15+ years Wall Street experience as a derivatives trader. Besides his extensive derivative trading expertise, Adam is an expert in economics and ...

Carol M. Kopp edits features on a wide range of subjects for Investopedia, including investing, personal finance, retirement planning, taxes, business management, and career development. Gordon Scott ...

Index futures, also referred to as stock index futures or equity index futures, are futures contracts where the buyer and seller agree to buy or sell a stock index at a future price and date. Index ...

In the ever-evolving world of investment, index funds have emerged as a cornerstone for both new and seasoned investors. But ...