Dan Schmidt, Contributing Author at MarketBeat About The Author Dan SchmidtContributing AuthorStocks, Fundamental and Technical Analysis ExperienceDan Schmidt has been a contributing writer for MarketBeat since 2022.Areas of ExpertiseStocks, investing, markets, financial planning, credit cards, debt consolidationEducationPenn State University; Certification in Technical Writing, University of WisconsinPast ExperienceVanguard, Capital One, Benzinga, Fora FinancialLearn About MarketBeat's Editorial Guidelines and Standards PolicyLatest Articles by Dan SchmidtApril 30, 2025 5:03 AM ETWhat Is the Dow Jones? How It Works and Why It MattersDan SchmidtLearn what the Dow Jones Industrial Average is, how it works, and why it matters to investors and the economy. A beginner-friendly guide to the DJIA.NASDAQ:AAPLNYSE:GENASDAQ:INTCRead What Is the Dow Jones? How It Works and Why It MattersApril 29, 2025 5:23 AM ETShould You Ditch Index Funds? Why High-Yield ETFs Might Be BetterDan SchmidtAre index funds the best option for your portfolio? Learn whether high-yield ETFs offer better returns, higher dividends, and stronger diversification.NASDAQ:AMZNNASDAQ:AAPLNYSE:BACRead Should You Ditch Index Funds? Why High-Yield ETFs Might Be BetterApril 25, 2025 5:45 AM ETThe 6 Best Energy Stocks to Buy NowDan SchmidtDiscover the best-performing energy stocks in 2025 so far - from coal to renewables - and which companies are leading the sector right now.NYSE:BEPNYSE:CTRANYSE:GEVRead The 6 Best Energy Stocks to Buy NowApril 22, 2025 10:57 AM ETHow to Invest in Micro-Cap Stocks Like a ProDan SchmidtLearn how to invest in micro-cap stocks, the market’s most volatile equities. Discover their risks, rewards, and top strategies for smart investing.Read How to Invest in Micro-Cap Stocks Like a ProApril 3, 2025 5:20 AM ETBest Gold Stocks in 2025… So FarDan SchmidtDiscover why gold is soaring in 2025 and explore the top 3 gold stocks—Newmont, Rio Tinto, and Barrick Gold—to watch amid market uncertainty.NYSE:GOLDNYSE:RIONYSE:NEMRead Best Gold Stocks in 2025… So FarMarch 18, 2025 7:27 AM ETWhat Is the Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio?Dan SchmidtLearn what the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is, how to calculate it, and how investors use it to assess stock valuation and make informed investment decisions.NASDAQ:NVDANYSE:PGRead What Is the Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio?March 17, 2025 12:52 PM ETCan TikTok Stock Picks Really Make You Rich?Dan SchmidtDo viral stock picks on TikTok lead to real gains, or are they just hype? We investigate whether social media can predict the next big stock boom.NYSE:GMENASDAQ:TSLANYSE:AMCRead Can TikTok Stock Picks Really Make You Rich?February 24, 2025 12:06 PM ETFinding Hidden Gems: Unconventional Penny Stock InvestingDan SchmidtMost investing advice warns against penny stocks due to high volatility and fraud risks. However, contrarian investors see opportunity where others see danger. Read Finding Hidden Gems: Unconventional Penny Stock InvestingFebruary 3, 2025 1:25 PM ETHow to Invest in Small Cap StocksDan SchmidtDiscover how to invest in small-cap stocks with this beginner's guide. Learn strategies, benefits, risks, and how to build a strong portfolio.Read How to Invest in Small Cap StocksJanuary 30, 2025 2:08 PM ETHow Growth Investors Find High-Growth Stocks and Maximize ReturnsDan SchmidtLearn how to identify winning growth stocks with strong revenue, competitive advantages, and scalability. Master growth investing for long-term success.Read How Growth Investors Find High-Growth Stocks and Maximize ReturnsDecember 6, 2024 7:00 AM ET10 Safe Investments with High ReturnsDan SchmidtDiscover 10 safe investment options offering high returns, from high-yield savings to REITs. Learn how to balance safety and growth in your portfolio.NYSE:ANNRead 10 Safe Investments with High ReturnsDecember 5, 2024 7:00 AM ETTop Tax-Efficient Investments to Maximize Your WealthDan SchmidtDiscover top tax-free and tax-advantaged investments, including municipal bonds, Roth IRAs, and HSAs, to grow your wealth while minimizing taxes. Read Top Tax-Efficient Investments to Maximize Your WealthDecember 3, 2024 7:00 AM ETTrending Stocks: How to Spot, Trade, and Profit SafelyDan SchmidtDiscover what trending stocks are, why they're so popular, and how to find the best ones. Perfect for new investors looking to stay ahead in the stock market.NASDAQ:AMCXNYSE:CNASDAQ:METARead Trending Stocks: How to Spot, Trade, and Profit SafelyOctober 21, 2024 7:00 AM ETTop 3 Low-Risk Trading StrategiesDan SchmidtNo investment has zero risk, but some do have lower risks. Learn how to get started with lower-risk investing strategies today with Marketbeat.Read Top 3 Low-Risk Trading StrategiesOctober 3, 2024 1:32 PM ETWhen Is the Best Time to Invest in Mutual Funds?Dan SchmidtThere is no single perfect time to invest in mutual funds. Keep reading to learn more about why time in the market beats timing the market.Read When Is the Best Time to Invest in Mutual Funds?September 24, 2024 7:00 AM ETIs Aggressive Trading Your Path to Quick Profits?Dan SchmidtWant to build an aggressive stock trading strategy? Learn about the risks and methods of aggressive trading in the latest MarketBeat article. Read Is Aggressive Trading Your Path to Quick Profits?September 18, 2024 5:40 PM ETHow Much Can You Make in Stocks in One Month?Dan SchmidtWondering how much you can make from stocks in a month? This article covers what short-term trading is and the risks and rewards that go along with it. Read How Much Can You Make in Stocks in One Month?September 17, 2024 7:00 AM ETHow to Apply Trading Volume Analysis to Stock TradingDan SchmidtLearn how to check the trading volume of a stock and understand its significance in making informed investment decisions. Explore key concepts with MarketBeat.Read How to Apply Trading Volume Analysis to Stock TradingSeptember 13, 2024 7:00 AM ETIndividual Stocks vs. Index Funds: Which Is Right for You?Dan SchmidtDiscover the differences, benefits, and drawbacks of individual stocks and index funds to make the best investment choice for your financial future.Read Individual Stocks vs. Index Funds: Which Is Right for You?August 21, 2024 7:00 AM ETTraditional IRA vs. Roth IRA vs. 401(k): A ComparisonDan SchmidtCompare Roth IRA, 401k, and Traditional IRA: Learn about their benefits, limits, and best uses. Discover more on MarketBeat. Read Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA vs. 401(k): A ComparisonAugust 16, 2024 7:00 AM ETMutual Funds vs Hedge Funds: What's the Difference?Dan SchmidtDiscover the key differences between mutual funds and hedge funds. Learn which is right for you based on investor status, financial goals, and risk tolerance.Read Mutual Funds vs Hedge Funds: What's the Difference?August 14, 2024 7:00 AM ETHow to Invest in Mutual Funds Dan SchmidtLearn how to invest in mutual funds with this comprehensive guide. Achieve your financial goals with smart investing strategies.Read How to Invest in Mutual Funds August 7, 2024 11:50 AM ETWhat Are Bonds? A High-Level OverviewDan SchmidtLearn about bonds: definition, key terms, types, benefits, and risks. Understand how they work, who issues them, and why they are important for investing. Read What Are Bonds? A High-Level OverviewJuly 23, 2024 7:00 AM ETMutual vs. Index Funds: What's the Difference?Dan SchmidtWondering what the difference is between mutual vs. index funds? Find everything you need to know in the latest MarketBeat article. Read Mutual vs. Index Funds: What's the Difference? 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