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Invest

  • You have many options for investing.
  • Investments should work together to help you accomplish your financial goals.

Types of investments

Part of the investment planning process is making investment choices that fit your investment strategy. Multiple investment types can work together to help you accomplish your financial goals. We’re dedicated to providing you a wide range of investment products and services to help you meet them.

As an investor, you have many options. Common types of investments include:

call out Part of the investment planning process is making investment choices that fit your investment strategy. end call out

Stocks

An investment giving you partial ownership in a company based on the number of shares you purchase. Stock prices often fluctuate more in the short term but may perform well over time.

Bonds

An investment that functions as a loan to a government or institution in return for regular interest payments. Bonds can provide more stability than stocks although bonds have historically provided lower returns than stocks.

Mutual funds

A fund allowing you to pool your money with others in a professionally managed portfolio. Mutual funds may offer diversification through stocks, bonds, and other investment types or a combination of each.1

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)

A basket of securities traded throughout the day — just like individual stocks — on a national stock exchange. Like mutual funds, you purchase shares of an overall fund rather than individual investments.2

Infographic stating that your basket of investments could include a mix of stocks, bonds, and cash alternatives.

Annuities

A contract between you and an insurance company requiring the insurer to make payments to you, either immediately or in the future. You purchase the annuity for a guaranteed income stream.3

Brokered certificates of deposit (CDs)

Brokered CDs are CDs issued by banks, purchased in bulk by securities firms, and sold to clients. Investors do not receive physical certificates for their brokered CDs but instead receive a periodic account statement detailing their CD holdings.

Contact a Financial Advisor to learn more about the types of investments to consider for your portfolio.

Next steps

  • Understand the variety of investments available.
  • Talk with your Financial Advisor about investment choices.

Wells Fargo Advisors and its affiliates do not provide legal or tax advice.

1Returns and principal value of a mutual fund will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

2ETFs seek investment results that, before expenses, generally correspond to the price and yield of a particular index. There is no assurance that the price and yield performance of the index can be fully matched.

3Variable annuities are long-term investments appropriate for retirement funding and are subject to market fluctuations and investment risk. Guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Guarantees apply to minimum income from an annuity; they do not guarantee an investment return or the safety of the underlying funds.