Access http://www.tiaa-ref.org/pubs/html/inv_
today/comparing_assets.html After completing the readings, answer the following questions:

• In your own words, what is an asset class?
• What are the distinguishing features of the asset class known as equities? Explain one important advantage and one important disadvantage of investing in equities. Compare and contrast three different kinds of equity investments.
• What are the distinguishing features of the asset class known as fixed-income investments? Explain one important advantage and one important disadvantage of investing in fixed-income securities. Compare and contrast three different kinds of fixed-income securities.
• What are the distinguishing features of the asset class known as real estate investments? Explain one important advantage and one important disadvantage of investing in real estate investments. Compare and contrast two different kinds of real estate investments.
• What are the distinguishing features of the asset class known as money market investments? Explain one important advantage and one important disadvantage of investing in fixed-income investments.
• If you were investing at the present time, would you put most of your money in cash equivalents, bonds (or bond mutual funds), or stocks (or stock mutual funds)?