munKNEE.com Your Key to Making Money
The vast majority of people who have money saved have it invested in 
the stock market, be it stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs or warrants, and have it “managed” by their financial advisor/planner. Very, very few individuals manage their assets in self-directed accounts either through a full-service brokerage firm or totally on their own via an internet account. As such, very few articles are written for such an audience. This post changes all that with links to some very informative articles on virtually everything you need to know to succeed in today’s marketplace.
So writes Lorimer Wilson, editor of www.munKNEE.com (Your Key to Making Money!) and www.FinancialArticleSummariesToday.com (A site for sore eyes and inquisitive eyes).
If you like what you read below please sign up to receive our 5 times a week “Intelligence Report” containing introductions to every new article posted on the site that day. If you are not inclined to subscribe to newsletters then please “Follow the munKNEE” via Facebook or twitter for direct access to every new article posted.
Without further delay, below are introductory paragraphs and hyperlinks to 60 articles – written by some of the most successful investors and most knowledgeable analysts around – to be found in the Investing section of the munKNEE.com site. You won’t have time to read them all today so make sure you bookmark this page for future reference so you can come back to it again and again as needed.
1. Follow Bob Farrell’s 10 Rules of Investing – or Suffer the Consequences
Individuals are long-term investors only as long as the markets are rising. Despite endless warnings, repeated suggestions and outright recommendations – getting investors to sell, take profits and manage…[their] portfolio risks is nearly a lost cause as long as the markets are rising. Unfortunately, by the time the fear, desperation or panic stages are reached it is far too late to act and I will only be able to say that I warned you [- unless you take the time to read, and study the contents of this article]. Words: 1945; Charts: 10; Tables: 1
2. Apply the Bell Curve to Your Portfolio Asset Diversification – Here’s Why
80% of my investable income is in cash, precious metals and a small number of stocks. That might seem crazy, but the Pareto Principle, Zipf’s Law and the bell curve have convinced me that it’s a waste of time and money to get any more diversified. [Let me explain why that is the case.] Words: 396
3. What You Should Know About the “Dogs of the Dow” Investment Strategy
The “Dogs of the Dow” is a simple and effective strategy that has outperformed the Dow over the last 50 years and generates almost 4% in yield. Here’s how it works. Words: 486
4. Be Careful! Former Investment “Rules” Nolonger Work – Here’s Why
Investment “rules” that were relevant for a century are obsolete. They were based on a world where economies grew, people’s standard of living increased and outcomes tomorrow better than today. Arguably each of these conditions will not hold in the future but if they don’t, neither do the rules of thumb that guided investing last century. These guiding principles developed and worked in a world that that no longer exists but applying them in the future will result in devastating financial outcomes. [Let me explain.] Words: 1261
5. Portfolio “Diversification” Can Kill Your Portfolio Returns – Here’s Why
Most investors don’t know anything more about diversification than you “shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket” [but] spending some time trying to understand the ways you might be shooting yourself in the foot could seriously enhance your portfolio returns and stop catastrophic risk. [There are some advantages to diversification if you REALLY know what you are doing but the shortcomings can go a long way towards killing your portfolio returns. In this article we identify what they are and how best to avoid them.] Words: 1055
6. Warren Buffett: Diversification is Nothing More Than Protection Against Ignorance
NOT putting all your eggs in one basket makes intuitive sense to many investors. Indeed, evidence indicates that putting more eggs in your basket may actually crack your portfolio, not protect it. Words: 515
7. Your Portfolio Isn’t Adequately Diversified Without 7-15% in Precious Metals – Here’s Why
The traditional view of portfolio management is that three asset classes, stocks, bonds and cash, are sufficient to achieve diversification. This view is, quite simply, wrong because over the past 10 years gold, silver and platinum have singularly outperformed virtually all major widely accepted investment indexes. Precious metals should be considered an independent asset class and an allocation to precious metals, as the most uncorrelated asset group, is essential for proper portfolio diversification. [Let me explain.] Words: 2137
8. Frank Holmes: Diversification Among Commodities is Vital – Here’s Why
Diversification among natural resources is vital because there’s always an ebb and flow of commodities, both seasonal and cyclical and, as such, it is important to anticipate these global trends to know how to participate. [Let me explain.] Words: 528
9. Asset Allocation: How Sound is the Foundation of Your Portfolio Pyramid?
Regardless of the size of your financial pyramid, without a core-holding foundation, you are building it on sand. Core holdings are for protection, not for profit. They function as insurance against a catastrophe. [Let me explain.] Words: 754
10. “Unlikely” Doesn’t Mean “Never”: “Rare” Events Happen Surprisingly Frequently in the Markets
By definition, rare events should seldom occur [and] applying that understanding to financial markets assumes that all market events follow a normal distribution or, in layman’s terms, a bell-shaped curve. More specifically, the statistics say that 99.7% of all daily movements should fall within three standard deviations of the mean, no more. Well, guess what? New research suggests that they clearly don’t follow such a pattern – that “unlikely” doesn’t mean “never”. [Let me expand on that.] Words: 1079; Charts: 1
Could U.S. Treasuries be the best performing asset class of the next one-two years? It’s quite possible. I am sure this article is bound to stir up controversy, but I’d like to spend some time analyzing several drivers that could buoy bond prices in the coming months. Words: 1053
12. Futures Investing: Should It Be In Your Future?
While there are a number of funds and stocks that can be used to gain exposure to commodities, futures investing has long been the most popular and direct means of establishing a position. [Let’s examine just what futures are, who should use futures and identify the various futures exchanges,] Words: 922
13. Commodity Trading: Which Option Options (if any) Belong in Your Portfolio?
Commodity investing has been around for decades, but it was only recently that their popularity has spread to the general public. It is now generally recommended that investors set aside anywhere from 5% to 10% of their capital for a commodity allocation, as these hard assets generally offer uncorrelated returns essential to diversification. While many investors utilize stocks, ETFs, and futures to obtain their commodity exposure, options contracts can often be a better alternative to not only your commodity holdings, but for the remainder of your portfolio as well [Let me tell you more about options and also why they might/should have a place in your portfolio]. Words: 995
14. What Are Warrants, Options & LEAPS?
Investors are always looking for ways to maximize their gains and warrants, options and LEAPS are a good way to do just that. These investment vehicles are very similar to each other except for issue of time. [Let me explain.] Words: 752
15. Portfolio Down? Apply These Wise Sayings to Successfully Rebuild It
When the stock market reaches extreme levels of distress, the average investor – particularly those who have done their own research and made their own investment decisions – panic at seeing their savings diminish to such an extent. They often start questioning whether they should be making their own decisions and often their reaction is to salvage what is left and sell, sell, and sell some more. [Regretfully, that is not what one should do. Let me explain why that is the case and what you should be doing – NOW.] Words: 380
16. Words of Wisdom From the Most Brilliant Investors Ever
There’s a bewildering amount of advice on how to invest…so it’s worthwhile, especially in today’s volatile markets, to take a look at what has actually worked, as opposed to what people claim works. We’ve collected some of the finest wisdom on markets from the most respected and successful investors, past and present. Words: 865
17. Understanding Systematic Risk, Modern Portfolio Theory and the Efficient Frontier
Risk inherent to the entire market or market segment is referred to as systematic risk and modern portfolio theory says that a blend of investments has the potential to increase overall return for a given level of risk, and/or decrease risk for a given return that the investor is trying to achieve. The expected risk/return relationship is known as the efficient frontier. [If you have a portfolio of investments then you need to fully understand what all this really means and how you can apply it to your portfolio makeup to enhance returns under any circumstances. Let me do just that.] Words: 1325
18. Should Stocks Be the Cornerstone of Your Portfolio?
There is a common notion that stocks, at least if held for a long-time, outperform other assets [and, as such,] should be the cornerstone of any long-term portfolio. [While that is indeed true,] it is best to focus first on how much you are able and willing to lose (i.e. what risk you are able and willing to bear) when determining the optimal allocation for your portfolio. [Only] then [should you] think about what potential investment returns you might be able to capture. [Let me explain.] Words: 1503
19. Motivated Stock Pickers CAN Beat the Market! Here’s How
What hope can there be for motivated stock pickers – no matter how much they sweat and toil – to outperform the low-cost index funds that simply mechanically track the market? Well – in spite of the absurd rise of the Nobel-acclaimed, and highly promoted, Efficient Market Hypothesis that claims that individual investors can’t beat the market – it turns out there is plenty! Just ask Warren Buffett, for one. [Let me explain.] Words: 1574
20. Don’t Invest in Mutual Funds! Here’s Why
The amount of evidence stacking up that…mutual funds…do not provide value for their investors is just staggering…While there are certainly signs that the public’s tolerance of excessive fees and executive pay is falling, the likelihood of significant structural change in the finance industry is still remote. Given such a backdrop the probability remains that investors in funds will, on average, continue to underperform their benchmarks. So what is an investor to do? [Read on!] Words: 830
21. Value Investing: The Practical Application of Benjamin Graham and Warren Buffett’s Principles
While the average amateur investor may be excellent in their own career field, it doesn’t mean they know what to invest in, or how to pick stocks. In fact being very good at your field can give you the false sense that whatever stocks you pick or your broker picks for you must be good, because after all, you picked them and you picked your broker — and you’re smart so, no doubt, those stock prices will go up. Unfortunately, the smart and talented stock-picking neophyte is not investing at all but speculating. Words: 924
22. Insights into the Bond Market and How to Trade Them
Although the stock market is the first place in which many people think to invest, the U.S. Treasury bond markets arguably have the greatest impact on the economy and are watched the world over. Unfortunately, just because they are influential, doesn’t make them any easier to understand, and they can be downright bewildering to the uninitiated. [This article provides you with an excellent understanding of what bonds are, the advantages of owning them and how to go about trading them.] Words: 1325
23. Recognize These 7 Emotions Before You Buy or Sell an Investment
Since there is such a wide range of emotions, it might be helpful for you to do a ‘gut-check’ before you actually buy or sell any type of security. Knowing how you “feel” about investing might turn out to be just as important as knowing what you “know.” Words: 737
One of the hardest things for individual investors to do is to know when to sell a stock. Many times, you might sell simply because a stock has gone up and you’ve made some money. More often than not, though, this is not a great reason to sell [because, as mentioned in the title of this article,] you will never – ever – have a 10-bagger if you sell a stock after a 2-bagger. That being said, what things should one consider before selling? Words: 912
25. 10 Timeless Investment Rules to Survive This Stormy Stock Market
Rules may be meant to be broken, but with investing ignoring the rules can break you – especially now. Investment rules are tailor-made for tough times, allowing you to stick to a plan just when you need it most. Indeed, a rulebook is important in any market climate, but it tends to get tossed when stocks are soaring. That’s why sage investors warn people not to confuse a bull market with brains. Here are 10 rules to survive this stormy stock market. Words: 769
26. Don’t Invest in the Stock Market Without Heeding These “Rules of Trading”
I’m not going to candy coat it for you: making serious money in the stock market is a ton of hard work. It takes patience, savvy, and a certain level of market smarts – and the cold, hard truth is that if you don’t have them, the big boys will drain your portfolio dry. Unfortunately, those are the three areas that most retail investors need to work on the most. Otherwise, they will simply end up in a cat-and-mouse game where they are the mice. Don’t fool yourself for one second into believing that your “due diligence” can be done by watching a show or two on CNBC. It just doesn’t work that way but if there is one voice from the markets that should grab your attention every time you hear it, it belongs to Dennis Gartman, founder and author of The Gartman Letter. He’s sort of a guru’s guru. [Here is] a glimpse into how he views and trades the markets. Words: 106
27. Investor Fear Gauge: What Everyone Should Know About VIX
VIX is the ticker symbol for the volatility index that the Chicago Board Options Exchange created to calculate the implied volatility of options on the S&P 500 index for the next 30 calendar days. The formal name of the VIX is the CBOE Volatility Index [and informally as the investor fear guage]. Below is some introductory material on the VIX offered up in a question and answer format: Words: 915
28. What to Watch For When Considering Companies to Invest In
Investing in the stock market is hard enough. The last thing you need is to find yourself owning a company that has questionable accounting, disclosure or other policies. [Below is] a review of 5 things you should watch out for when investigating companies for a stock investment. Words: 740
29. Market -Timing Pays BIG Dividends for Income Investors – Here’s Why
Many income investors have been taught to believe that “market-timing” is anathema to their investment objectives and/or that it can’t be done successfully… I will argue that this piece of conventional wisdom is false – dangerously false. In a three-part series of essays, I will argue that market-timing needs to be incorporated as a fundamental component of income investing. I will demonstrate why market-timing is important, when it should be applied and how it should be implemented. [Read on!] Words: 1956
30. Yes, You Can Time the Market – Use These Trend Indicators
Remember, the trend is your friend and now you have an arsenal of such indicators to make an extensive and in-depth assessment of whether you should be buying or selling. If ever there was a “cut and save” investment advisory this article is it. Words: 1579
31. Ride the Market Waves With These 6 Momentum Indicators
It is hard to know what to buy or sell let alone just when to prudently do so. Thank goodness there are indicators available that provide information of stock and index movement of a more immediate nature to help you make such important decisions. This article describes the 6 most popular Momentum Indicators. If ever there was a “cut and save” investment advisory this is it! Words: 1234
32. Here’s How to Time the Market!
There are many indicators available that provide information on stock and index movement to help you time the market and make money. Market strength and volatility are two such categories of indicators and a description of six of them are described in this “cut and save” article. Read on! Words: 974
33. Understanding the Patterns, Trends, Indicators and Formations of Technical Analysis
Technical Analysis is the discipline of finding reliable patterns, trends, indicators and formations, mainly in price, for buying and selling assets…To a large degree, technical analysis is a self-fulfilling prophesy [in that] it is effectively an unofficial agreement amongst market participants to impose more order on what would otherwise be more random. The key is to understand which patterns, formations and indicators are widely adhered to, so as to become useful predictors of price action [and this article does just that. Let me explain.] Words: 470
When it comes to valuing stocks, the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is the number one metric for investors that want an instant fix on what the market thinks of a company. [That being said], there are health warnings to heed if you don’t want to be left exposed by its limitations. [Let me explain.] Words: 1101
35. Don’t Invest in the Stock Market Without Reading This Article First
History has shown that investors who stick to disciplined, fundamental-focused strategies give themselves a good chance of beating the market over the long haul and James O’Shaughnessy has compiled data that stretches back to before the Great Depression, back-tested numerous strategies, and has come to some very intriguing conclusions. [Let me share some of them with you.] Words: 1325
36. Size Does Matter: A Look at Market Capitalization and What It Means for Investors
People choose certain stocks for many different reasons: business location; sector strength; product innovation, but some investors choose what to buy based on company size, or market capitalization [believing that size does matter. Yes,] understanding the difference between small-cap, medium-cap and large-cap companies is the first step to making the right choice. [Let me explain.] Words: 600
37. Extreme Investing: Do Leveraged ETFs Belong in Your Portfolio?
Some analysts and commentators are warning that this year (2012) could match or surpass the dire conditions experienced in 2008 with the promise of more turbulence from the Eurozone, further political wrangles over dealing with the U.S. budget deficit and a potential host of problems in emerging market countries such as a possible Chinese banking and real estate crash. [While you] should fear plummeting stock markets, ¦there are actually some interesting ways to play the downside or hedge your portfolio. [Let me explain.] Words: 990
38. I’m Hooked on Dividends! Here’s Why
Dividends aren’t just for Warren Buffett and retirees. Dividends have the power to support your goals of becoming independently wealthy. Here are 3 reasons why. Words: 586
39. Should Technical Analysis Be Ignored? We Think So? Here’s Why
The Web is crawling with technical analysis (TA), [and,] given its popularity, [begs the questions as to whether or not there] really is something to it. [Based on our research,] the short answer is no, not really, at least not in developed markets like the US or the UK. Furthermore, most of the popular TA indicators that are bandied around are nonsense jargon and should be ignored as useless noise. [Let us explain our position.] Words: 2143
40. Steer Clear of These 10 Most Dangerous Investing Mistakes – Here’s How
Protect your money by steering clear of these 10 most dangerous investing mistakes. Words: 716
41. 6 Things to Know About Buying on Margin & 3 Risks of Doing So
Buying on margin can mean potentially higher returns – but it can also lead to large losses very fast. [This article outlines 6 things to know about buying on margin and 3 key risks of doing so.] Words: 848
42. Here’s What You Need to Know About Short Selling a Stock
You can make money short selling a stock if its price goes down – but if its price goes up, your losses could be unlimited. [This short article outlines the theory behind short selling and what you need to know before doing so.] Words: 333
43. Gold & Silver Warrants: What are They? Why Own Them? How are They Bought & Sold?
With all the interest in physical gold, silver and other commodities these days, and the large/mid-cap companies who mine the metals and the juniors who are exploring for them, it begs the question: “Why is no one writing about the merits of investing in the long-term warrants associated with a few of those companies?” Merits? Absolutely! Here is a primer on virtually all that you need to know about warrants and how to invest in them for major profits. Words: 3278
44. Index Funds are a MUST in Every Long-Term Investment Portfolio – Here’s why
The average annual equity return for individual investors has been 60-65% less ( 6-7 percentage points less), over a twenty year period, than the performance of the indices that everyone assumes reflect investor returns! In spite of such a dramatic under-performance that fact is being ignored because it is not useful to academics or investment companies – but I would think it is of interest to YOU! Words: 729
45. All Gold and Silver ETFs are NOT Created Equal! Here’s the Best
Whole oceans of ink have been spilled detailing the good and not-so-good points of the closed-end fund CEF (Central Fund of Canada) and the twin ETF’s GLD (SPDR Gold Trust) and SLV (iShares Silver Trust) funds. My goal here is to distill the salient points down to the fewest words possible to help make your due diligence task somewhat less…well…tasking. [Let’s go!] Words: 650
46. Surprise! A Close Look at GLD Reveals What it IS and is NOT
The most common misunderstandings regarding the primary gold ETF, SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:GLD) is that it buys and sells gold. That is not the case. It is just a paper asset. It is not a way to buy gold and have someone else store your holdings for you. It is just an innovative way to “own gold.” [Below I outline more of just what GLD is and is not:] Words: 1470
47. All Gold & Silver ETFs Are NOT the Same: a Lease vs. Own Comparison
I have always been leery of the two big exchange traded funds, SLV and GLD, because they lease the gold and silver that they sell you. I much prefer the ETFs SGOL, CEF, PSVL and PHYS which actually own the gold and silver they sell you and store it for you segregated vaults. Words: 717
48. Before Buying a Gold-related ETF Check Out These Alternatives
There are many legitimate reasons to trade in gold and its derivatives. Gold has been proven time and time again to be an excellent “safe haven” investment, a holding that will appreciate in value during times of economic uncertainty. As such, gold may offer some valuable hedging and diversification benefits for a long-term portfolio. A number of exchange-traded products offering exposure to gold prices but not all gold ETFs are created equal. Here’s a quick rundown of factors to consider when making an investment in a gold ETF. Words: 1268
49. What Does a “Troy” Ounce of Gold Mean? What Does 18 or 24 “Karat” Gold Mean?
When the price of gold is mentioned as costing “x dollars per troy ounce” do you fully appreciate the signifance of the term “troy”? When looking to buy gold jewellery do you fully understand what the difference is between an item that is 10 “karat” gold and another item stamped 18 “karat” gold (other than that it is much more expensive)? Let me explain. Words: 587
50. New Junior Silver Miners/Explorers ETF Hanging Tough – Check It Out
As with most small cap sectors, someone approaching silver juniors faces a lack of good information and massive company-specific risk that cries out for either months of in-depth research or immediate diversification….Madison NJ Pure Funds hopes to solve that problem by offering instant exposure to 26 names with the introduction of their PureFunds ISE Junior Silver Small Cap Miners Explorers ETF (SILJ). Words: 290; Table: 1
For those new to the metals space, knowing where to go to buy or sell physival gold for a fair price is difficult. That’s where APMEX, formerly known as American Precious Metals Exchange, enters the scene. APMEX has become a favorite among precious metals buyers and sellers for a few key reasons noted below.
52. Which Should I Own – Physical Gold or a Gold ETF?
There are many tools available to buy gold, which is the bedrock of any portfolio. These include coins, bars, futures contracts, certificates, options, and what has recently perhaps become the most popular instrument of all, the gold exchange-traded fund – the so-called ETF – but which of these many tools is the right one for you?
The question of how much gold or silver one should hold is a common one. The answer is usually expressed in terms of portfolio percentages, as in 10 – 20% of one’s investments. Such an answer is without basis. Why is 15%, for example, any better than 100% or 0%?
54. 20 Reasons Why a Significant % of Your Investment Portfolio Should Be In Silver
I believe that silver could go to $60 per troy ounce by the end of 2014….I also believe silver will be the best single investment of this decade. The following article is focused on why I think you should seriously consider having a significant percentage of your investment portfolio in silver. Words: 1600
55. Here’s An Easy Way to Identify Gold & Gold Miner Market Tops and Bottoms
It’s amazing! Every day I learn something new. I have just come across a very powerful tool that identifies market tops and bottoms in both the gold price and the gold mining industry valuation. Let me share it with you. Words: 352; Charts: 4
56. Gold, Silver, Your IRA – and a FREE Silver Coin Offer
Many investors are concerned about what will happen to the future of their 401K, IRA, or other tax-sheltered account and, as such, are looking for safe-havens for their long term savings and retirement money. Fortunately for gold/silver buyers, there is good news. Current rules allow investors to…actually own physical gold/silver coins (or bars) in your retirement accounts. [Let’s take a look at] how it works. Words: 1022
57. Can I Invest in Physical Gold & Silver in My IRA?
I have an IRA. How can I invest in gold and silver? It is quite easy! Yes, I am talking about actual physical gold and silver, not “paper” gold, or certificates, or paper promises. Words: 621
58. Americans: Which Gold/Silver Bullion Assets are Permitted in Your IRA?
Some physical gold, silver, platinum and palladium bullion assets, in addition to traditional paper assets, can be part of your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or Roth account and they can be bought and sold with no tax consequence until you move money out of the account. [This short articles reveals just what bullion assets can, and cannot, be included.] Words: 573
Math class seemed pointless back in the day, but it turns out all those confusing equations are quite useful….We’ve rounded up 11 math equations that can be used every single day. Write them down, whip out your pencil, and prepare to budget like a genius.
60. How Does Your Financial Advisor Measure Up to These 20 Criteria?
Below is a summary of the criteria I would want to find in an Investment Advisor. It is a demanding “wish list” so if you know of such an individual please let me know. Words: 640
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