Types of Investments
Type↕ | Risk Level↕ | Return Potential↕ | Liquidity↕ | Minimum↕ | Known For↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stocks (Equities) | Medium-High | 8-12% annually | High | $1+ | Ownership shares in companies; historically the best long-term wealth builder |
Bonds (Fixed Income) | Low-Medium | 3-6% annually | Medium-High | $100+ | Loans to governments or corporations; steady income with lower risk than stocks |
Real Estate | Medium | 7-12% annually | Low | $10,000+ | Physical property investment; generates rental income and long-term appreciation |
Index Funds | Medium | 7-10% annually | High | $1+ | Passive funds tracking market indexes like S&P 500; Warren Buffett's recommendation for most investors |
ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) | Varies | Varies | High | $1+ | Tradeable baskets of assets; combine diversification of funds with stock-like trading |
Mutual Funds | Medium | 5-10% annually | Medium | $500+ | Professionally managed pooled investments; most common in retirement accounts |
Cryptocurrency | Very High | Highly variable | High | $1+ | Digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum; extreme volatility with potential for massive gains or losses |
Savings Accounts / CDs | Very Low | 3-5% annually | High (savings) / Low (CD) | $0 | FDIC-insured bank deposits; safest investment but often loses to inflation |
REITs | Medium | 6-10% annually | High (public) | $100+ | Real estate investment trusts; own property portfolios without being a landlord |
Commodities | High | Variable | High | $100+ | Gold, oil, agricultural products; hedge against inflation and currency devaluation |
Private Equity | High | 15-25% annually | Very Low | $250,000+ | Investing in private companies; high returns but requires long lock-up periods |
Venture Capital | Very High | 20-30%+ (if successful) | Very Low | $100,000+ | Funding startups; most investments fail but one big winner can return the entire fund |
Options | Very High | Unlimited (calls) / Limited (puts) | High | $100+ | Derivative contracts giving the right to buy or sell; powerful for hedging and speculation |
Treasury Securities | Very Low | 3-5% annually | High | $100 | US government debt; considered the safest investment in the world (risk-free rate) |
Angel Investing | Very High | Variable (0x to 100x+) | Very Low | $5,000+ | Early-stage startup investing; requires deal flow and expertise to pick winners |
Free to explore · No signup needed
Related Datasets
More in Business
Types of Bonds
Treasuries, munis, corporates, junk, TIPS, savings - which fixed income wrapper actually pays in the current environment?
US Retirement Accounts
401(k), Roth IRA, SEP, SIMPLE, 403(b), HSA - which tax-advantaged wrapper actually fits your plan?
Stock Exchanges of the World
Stock exchanges around the world by market capitalization.
Biggest Stock Market Crashes
The 15 most devastating stock market crashes in history, from the 1929 Wall Street Crash to the 2022 crypto winter. Covers the decline percentage, duration, and lasting impact of each crash on global markets.
Famous Bankruptcies & Business Collapses
The biggest corporate bankruptcies and collapses in history. From Enron to FTX. Community-ranked.
Venture Capital Firms
The most influential venture capital firms in the world, from legendary Sand Hill Road names to global mega-funds, with their notable portfolio companies.