Robert Precther recently published a list of market myths for his subscribers which I'm sure he won't mind if I review the lessons he voices in his article with you, borrowing from his excellent research to help make the arguments. Recognizing these market myths are critical to your success as an investor. Words: 1266
Read More »Tax Hikes Likely Needed to Tame Deficit? 2 Opposing Views (2K Views)
The United States should consider raising taxes to help bring deficits under control and may need to consider a European-style value-added tax and a carbon or other energy-related tax may become necessary says White House adviser Paul Volcker. Words: 758
Read More »"The Pinch: How Baby-Boomers Took Their Children’s Future and Why They Should Give it Back" – A Book by David Willetts (+2K Views)
Oh the shame of being a baby boomer. What a bunch of shysters we seem to be. We are the most selfish, greedy, job- hogging, pension-grabbing bunch of egomaniacs history has ever seen. Here we are, cackling to ourselves in our overpriced homes and exploiting our political power to shaft the younger generation. We use our demographic throw-weight to skew the welfare system in our favour and above all we are squandering the natural resources of the planet. You know that Goya picture of the giant eating a naked human being? That's us, all right – Saturn devouring his children. Or at least, that is the portrait presented by David Willetts in his new book, "The Pinch-How Baby-Boomers Took Their Children's Future and Why They Should Give it Back". Words: 759
Read More »Here’s the Best Way to Protect Against Inflation AND Deflation (+2K Views)
There are very compelling arguments for both inflation and deflation. The answer will eventually depend on decisions made in Washington and how people react to those decisions. For now, let’s stop fooling ourselves and admit that we don’t know. It is a problem that has to be dealt with and there is no easy medicine. Either path will be painful, but that’s what we get for our two and a half decade debt binge. Words: 1142
Read More »Dividend Growth and Sustainability Crucial in Any High-Yield Stock Selection (2K Views)
I like to hold stocks with different yield/dividend growth characteristics where yields are somewhere between 3% and 5% and dividend growth is in the upper single digits or in the double digits. Words: 671
Read More »Protect Profits and Reduce Risk With These Gold and U.S. Dollar ETFs (+2K Views)
If you believe further political disruptions around the world will likely occur in 2010 and/or 2011 and that we will also likely see inflation begin to rise within the next 12 months then we should see higher gold prices. Furthermore, if the economy falters once again, many investors will sell their common stocks and put their money in gold pushing the price up even further. Words: 779
Read More »Gold is Not a Buy-and-Hold Investment (+2K Views)
If the past 30 years are any indication, gold does not constitute an attractive investment over the long term. Moreover, in times of economic recovery, the return on gold falls well short of the return on the stock market. Words: 1079
Read More »"The Quants: How a New Breed of Math Whizzes Conquered Wall Street and Nearly Destroyed It" – A Book by Scott Patterson (+2K Views)
With the immediacy of today’s NASDAQ close and the timeless power of a Greek tragedy, The Quants is at once a masterpiece of explanatory journalism, a gripping tale of ambition and hubris…and an ominous warning about Wall Street’s future. Words: 624
Read More »Warren Buffett: Diversification is Nothing More Than Protection Against Ignorance (+3K Views)
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
Read More »"Put More Cash in Your Wallet: Turn What You Know into Dough" – A Book by Loral Langemeier (+3K Views)
You too can live comfortably and buy the things you want without worrying about how to stretch your income even further -- you can even pay off your old bills in the process! Get out there and start making money! Words: 911
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