Ken Stephens

MarketReview author profile

Ken Stephens

Editor-in-Chief

Active

Ken Stephens has spent decades following financial markets from both sides of the screen: as an individual investor and through work connected with the investment-banking industry. That breadth informs the way he approaches MarketReview’s coverage of investing, trading and the institutions that influence asset prices.

He is less interested in repeating the market’s conventional wisdom than in examining what supports it. When a familiar explanation is offered for a rally, a sell-off or a shift in policy, Ken looks for the assumptions underneath it, the evidence that confirms or weakens it and the risks that may be overlooked. His writing often connects the choices facing individual investors with the larger forces at work in financial institutions and markets.

As Editor-in-Chief, Ken sets editorial priorities and helps shape how MarketReview explains complex financial subjects. He also contributes directly to articles on investment strategy, market analysis and trading, with an emphasis on clear reasoning, honest uncertainty and conclusions that can withstand closer scrutiny.

Areas of coverage

  • Investing
  • Trading
  • Financial markets
  • Market analysis
  • Federal Reserve
  • Commodities
  • ETFs

Published work

Latest work by Ken Stephens

News, analysis and evergreen financial guides credited to this author.

Guide

Retail Banks

Retail banks provide the deposit, payment, lending and other financial services households use every day, while managing the funding, liquidity and risks behind those services.

Read more
Guide

The History of Banking

Banking evolved from ancient systems of deposits and credit into regulated institutions that move payments, extend credit and support modern financial systems.

Read more
Guide

Retail/Secured/Prepaid Credit Cards

Retail, secured and prepaid cards serve different purposes, so understanding how each works can help you compare costs, credit effects and protections before choosing one.

Read more
Guide

Visa Credit Cards

Visa is the payment network behind many credit cards, while the issuing bank sets the account's rates, fees, rewards, credit limit, and borrowing terms.

Read more
Guide

MasterCard Credit Cards

Mastercard is the payment network behind many credit cards, but the bank that issues your card controls the credit line, pricing, rewards and most account decisions.

Read more
Guide

Discover Credit Cards

Discover combines card issuing with its own payment network, offering cash back, miles, student and secured options under Capital One ownership.

Read more
Guide

American Express Credit Cards

American Express combines card issuing, payment-network operations and merchant relationships in a way that differs from most major card brands, so choosing an Amex card requires looking beyond rewards alone.

Read more
Guide

Credit Cards

Credit cards can differ widely in fees, APRs, rewards, introductory offers and long-term value. Use MarketReview’s rankings, detailed reviews, comparison tools and calculators to research your options and…

Read more
Guide

Commodities

Commodities link the physical economy to financial markets, covering energy, metals, agricultural goods and other standardized raw materials. This page explains in practical terms how cash and futures…

Read more