How should you handle a stock market crash?

Stock market crashes are unavoidable, and a fear-driven reaction to a temporary slump isn't a good reason to dump an investment. In general, the best investment strategy during a stock market crash is to do nothing.

What is market capitalization?

Market capitalization — or market cap — measures a company’s value based on the number of stock shares it has issued and the price at which investors are willing to buy them. Market cap is used as a measure of how valuable a company is.

How do you make money in stocks?

The key to making money in stocks is remaining in the stock market — in other words, staying invested over the long term rather than selling due to market volatility. Your length of “time in the market” is the best predictor of your total performance.

Stocks

Learn what the stock market is and how it works. From growth stocks to trading options, we break down what investors need to know about stock investing.

The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments.

Stock market news

Stock Market Outlook: November 2024

by Sam Taube

In our November stock market outlook, we're considering what investors might wake up to the day after the election. Plus, the high risks and rewards of 0DTE options trading, key dates this month and more.

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Investing during a bear market

If you’re investing during a bear market or a volatile period, it can feel a little scary because you don’t know whether things will continue to go down, or how soon trends might turn around. In this video, NerdWallet's Andy Rosen explains dollar-cost averaging – one smart strategy you could consider.