Asset Allocation

The decrease in stock prices over the past weeks has many investors scared that the market is forecasting a dip in the economy. This panic has started to create an environment where enterprising dividend investors could start adding to their positions at cheaper prices. In fact, if stocks keep going lower this would create tremendous opportunities for enterprising dividend investors to scoop up some of the best dividend stocks in the world at fire sale prices. In this article I will explain why the market dip has created a perfect opportunity for dividend investors and specify 11 stocks worth considering. Words: 819

After the volatility in the markets [recently] I decided to take a look at the major indices to see how accurate the "sell in May and go away" [i.e. "buy in on November 1st, and sell out the last trading day of April"] trading philosophy was in protecting investors this year [and] was astounded [to see] that all three indices (the Russell 2000 Value Index, the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrials) had highs on April 29th and have not hit those highs since. With what has happened in the markets lately, however, might it be time to get back into equities? Words: 695

The herd continues to stampede into U.S. Treasury debt of every possible maturity to, theoretically, avoid risk. Yields on AA+ 10-yr bonds can be locked in to yield 2.11% per year and you get your principal back in 10 years. [As we see it, though] the only justification for [such a meagre] return on invested capital must be tied to the belief that a return is better than nothing given the prospects of a future depression. We believe, however, that fighting the Fed and investing like a depression is coming is not the right way to position your portfolio. [Below are 20 suggestions on how to generate in excess of 2.11% returns plus strong appreciation potential with modest risk.] Words: 657

With the United States quickly approaching the deadline for raising the limit on its debt load, squeamish investors are thinking about how they can preserve their hard-earned money. [Let's discuss the alternatives: gold and silver, cash, currencies other than the USD and the VIX.] Words: 683

Many investors believe the market will rise if the economy is growing and sink if it's shrinking but that is the wrong way to think about it. Instead, the real focus should be on whether the economy is growing at a slow pace or a moderate pace. Indeed, with 2% growth, the stock market could steadily fall. Yet with 3% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, the market could surge. The difference between 2% and 3% may not seem like much, but it is. [Let me explain.] Words: 730

I have identified 248 stocks with histories of 10+ years of raising dividends...and ranked the yields and payout ratios of each...to create an average overall rank for each stock. Here are the top 10 on the list. Words: 325

At present the USD is at yet another major inflection point and what it does from here will have direct implications for U.S. investors, not only asset allocation (bonds, stocks, commodities, currencies) but also sector allocation (cyclicals, non-cyclicals). [Let's take a closer look at the situation.] Words: 2102

Can you beat the market by imitating Jim Cramer's favorite stock picks? According to his recent track record the answer is: "Yes, you can!" Let's take a look. Words: 404

While gold is slightly more volatile than the Dow 30, on average, all of the individual components are more volatile than gold and only half are less volatile than silver and platinum. [So much for] the prevailing myth...that they are risky investments due to their volatility. [Let's take a closer look at the specifics.] Words: 250

Many lessons can be gleaned from history and, while no two periods are identically alike, there are often many similarities to learn from. The current period, for example, is often compared to the Great Depression in regards to unprecedented government action as well as with the 1970s in regards to trends in commodities and inflation. [Let's take a closer look.] Words: 1165