SEC Launches Investor.gov, Agency's First-Ever Web Site Devoted Exclusively to Investor Education

The Securities and Exchange Commission today launched its first-ever Web site devoted exclusively to investor education, providing investors with in-depth information and "top tips" on how to invest wisely, plan for the future, and avoid being scammed.

By visiting http://investor.gov/, investors can access information in a user-friendly format that is specifically tailored to their needs. The site includes sections specifically for those just getting started investing, for those saving for a child's education, and for those planning for retirement. It also has a detailed "Seniors Care Package" section for senior citizens and caretakers.

In a welcome video on the new site, SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro [pictured] says, "Investing information is available from thousands of online resources -- some good, some not so good. Through Investor.gov, we are adding our own online voice to provide investors with unbiased and factual investing information."

Chairman Schapiro adds, "You'll find resources that can help you analyze your current holdings or even check the background of a registered financial professional."

Investor.gov also offers a section exclusively in Spanish, targeting the millions of Spanish-speaking investors in the United States. The "En Español" portion presents information about what to do if an investor feels that he or she has been a fraud victim, as well as a Spanish-language podcast explaining the history and functions of the SEC.

The site will be further enhanced with additional investor education resources in the coming weeks and months.

"Investor.gov will help you if you are invested in the market, are considering investing, or care for a relative who has retirement savings," said Lori Schock, Director of the SEC's Office of Investor Education and Advocacy. "Investor.gov provides an extensive collection of investor education materials, tools, calculators, checklists, as well as valuable investor alerts."

Investor.gov is the latest in a series of social media initiatives undertaken by the SEC. On the home page at http://www.sec.gov/index.htm, visitors can sign up to receive information and instant e-mail alerts on more than 80 topics of interest to investors, as well as other market participants.

The agency also reaches investors online through other social media channels, such as Twitter and YouTube:

* Investor Information: www.twitter.com/SEC_Investor_Ed

* News Releases and Alerts: www.twitter.com/SEC_News

* Enforcement Actions: www.twitter.com/SEC_Actions

* Careers at the SEC: www.twitter.com/SEC_Jobs

* YouTube channel: www.YouTube.com/SEC_Views

SOURCE: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
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