Articles

You've come to the right place to find Merrill insights, expert advice and the latest research on a variety of topics.

Select a topic of interest:

The BullPen

Timely insights to help stay ahead of the curve

Portfolio Strategies

What dividend stocks can offer

A key element of most portfolios, they can be particularly useful when markets are volatile

May 1, 2026

Portfolio Strategies

A step-by-step guide to building your portfolio

Whether you’re just starting out or already invested, this disciplined approach can help you design a personalized portfolio tailored to your specific financial goals

Today's Markets

Geopolitical volatility: defense, energy and metals

Why a focus on security—touching infrastructure, supply chains and critical minerals—sits at the center of today’s fragmented global landscape, and what it means for long-term investors

February 9, 2026

Financial Planning

The not-so-empty nest: How to help adult kids achieve financial liftoff

When your children turn to you for financial support — and a roof over their heads — these tips can help you give them the tools they need to move forward on their own

Financial Planning

How should taxes factor into your investment decisions?

Answering these 5 questions can help you make informed decisions - and potentially lower your tax bill

Additional Resources

Corporations & Institutions

Media & Journalists

Form CRS & Other Resources

Investment and insurance products:

Are Not FDIC Insured	Are Not Bank Guaranteed	May Lose Value
Are Not deposits	Are Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency	Are Not a Condition to Any Banking Service or Activity

Investing involves risk. There is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Asset allocation, rebalancing and diversification do not guarantee against risk in broadly declining markets.

Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.

This material is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or investment strategy. Merrill offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory and other services. Additional information is available in our Client Relationship Summary.

This material does not take into account a client’s particular investment objectives, financial situations, or needs and is not intended as a recommendation, offer, or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or investment strategy. Merrill offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory and other services. There are important differences between brokerage and investment advisory services, including the type of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and the rights and obligations of the parties. It is important to understand the differences, particularly when determining which service or services to select. For more information about these services and their differences, speak with your Merrill financial advisor.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

The Chief Investment Office (CIO) provides thought leadership on wealth management, investment strategy and global markets; portfolio management solutions; due diligence; and solutions oversight and data analytics. CIO viewpoints are developed for Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., (“Bank of America”) and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S” or “Merrill”), a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

Insurance and annuity products are offered through Merrill Lynch Life Agency Inc., a licensed insurance agency and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

Trust, fiduciary and investment management services, including assets managed by the Specialty Asset Management team, are provided by Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”), and its agents.

Bank of America Private Bank is a division of Bank of America, N.A.

U.S. Trust Company of Delaware is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A. and affiliated banks, Members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.