Sebastian Schmitt

How to Invest in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): A Complete Guide for Indian Investors TL;DR: Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) allow you to invest in income-generating real estate without buying physical property. In India, you can invest in REITs through stock exchanges with as little as ₹10,000-15,000. They offer regular dividends, diversification, and professional … Read more

What Moves the S&P 500? Key Drivers Explained TL;DR: The S&P 500 is influenced by economic indicators (like GDP and inflation), corporate earnings, Federal Reserve policies, geopolitical events, and investor sentiment. Understanding these drivers helps investors anticipate market trends and make strategic decisions. As an investor, I often get asked: what really moves the S&P … Read more

Top ESG Stocks in the US for Sustainable Investing TL;DR: Investing in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) stocks allows you to align your portfolio with sustainability goals while aiming for financial returns. Top US ESG stocks include companies like NextEra Energy, Microsoft, and Salesforce, known for strong environmental policies, social responsibility, and ethical governance. This … Read more

How the US Dollar Affects Your Investments TL;DR: The US dollar’s strength or weakness directly impacts your investments—whether in stocks, mutual funds, gold, or international assets. A strong dollar can hurt export-oriented companies and emerging markets but benefit importers and dollar-denominated debt holders. For Indian investors, currency fluctuations influence returns from US stocks, foreign funds, … Read more

Introduction to Municipal Bonds for US Tax-Efficient Investing TL;DR: Municipal bonds (munis) are debt securities issued by state and local governments in the US to fund public projects. Their interest is often exempt from federal income tax and sometimes state and local taxes, making them attractive for tax-efficient investing, especially for investors in higher tax … Read more

US Inflation Trends and Their Impact on Investments TL;DR: US inflation has seen significant fluctuations, impacting investment returns and purchasing power. Key strategies include diversifying into inflation-resistant assets like real estate, TIPS, and commodities, while avoiding long-term fixed-income traps. Staying informed and adjusting your portfolio proactively is crucial for safeguarding wealth. As an investor, I’ve … Read more

Best Financial Advisors in the US: How to Choose One TL;DR: Choosing the best financial advisor in the US involves checking credentials like CFP or CFA, understanding fee structures (fee-only vs. commission-based), assessing services offered, and ensuring a fiduciary duty. Always interview multiple advisors, verify their background, and align their expertise with your financial goals—whether … Read more

The Rise of Retail Investing in the US: Trends in 2024 TL;DR: Retail investing in the US continues to surge in 2024, driven by technology, younger demographics, and accessible platforms. Key trends include the use of AI and social media, fractional shares, ESG investing, and regulatory evolution. While opportunities abound, education and caution remain vital … Read more

How to Use Options Trading Safely as a US Retail Investor TL;DR: Options trading can be profitable but risky. To trade safely, start by educating yourself, use risk management strategies like position sizing and stop-losses, avoid complex strategies initially, and only trade with money you can afford to lose. Always have a clear plan and … Read more

Understanding P/E Ratios for US Stock Investors TL;DR: The Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio is a key valuation metric used by investors to assess if a stock is overvalued or undervalued. It compares a company’s share price to its earnings per share (EPS). A high P/E may indicate growth expectations, while a low P/E might suggest undervaluation … Read more