Investing

In the financial world, the month of October is synonymous with stock market crashes. So will a massive stock market crash happen this year? You never know. Hopefully we'll get through October (and the rest of this year) but, without a doubt, one is coming at some point. The truth of the matter is that our financial system is even more vulnerable than it was back in 2008 and, as such, many financial experts are warning that the next crash is rapidly approaching and that those on the wrong end of the coming crash are going to be absolutely wiped out. Let’s take a look at some of the financial experts that are predicting really bad things for our financial markets in the months ahead. Words: 1634

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

Transition Therapeutics Inc. (TSX:TTH/NASDAQ:TTHI) is in the process of developing an oral drug that has the potential to address both neuropsychiatric changes and cognitive declines associated with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and stabilize the mood swings of those suffering from Bipolar Disorder (BPD) as well as a drug that plays a role in regulating obesity in those genetically predisposed to Type 2 Diabetes (DM11). With millions of people suffering from such health issues, and costing society billions of dollars in the treatment of same, such new drugs would be most welcome on all fronts. We wish Transition Therapeutics success in their endeavours and hope the development of each of their products come to fruition in rapid fashion. Here is their story to help you decide if its stock should be in your portfolio. Words: 1050

The U.S. may end up having the highest dividend tax rates among the G-10 countries next year [if] the current rates are not extended. [In fact, the rates will double for most and triple for some along with significant increases in capital gains taxes. Below is a comparison of how the current dividend tax rate compares with the other G-10 countries and how it would compare in 2013 should the reduced rate not be extended.] Words: 325

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

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

Gold is known as a solid inflation hedge, and could earn this reputation in 2013 if inflation picks up. Below are three well-known gold bugs (Jim Rogers, Jeremy Grantham and John Paulson) and their bold predictions for investing in gold next year and beyond. Words: 525

Over the past few years, policy leaders worldwide have grown accustomed to kicking the can down the road with each step in this ongoing financial crisis making incremental moves rather than cultivating viable long term solutions. More recent attempts seem to have evolved into simply just trying to kick the can out of the driveway. Now we fear there may not be enough firepower left to simply kick the can over. [Having done so, we are left between the proverbial rock and a hard place.] If lawmakers do nothing, by all accounts we are likely to see a recession. Should lawmakers extend the Bush-era tax cuts, you make no progress towards long term deficit reduction, potentially raising the risk and magnitude of a future financial crisis. [Let me discuss this predicament further and how best to invest in such precarious times.] Words: 1602

I had the pleasure today of attending a presentation by Passport Potash Inc. (TSX.V:PPI & PPRFT:OTCQX) that is "Cultivating Global Growth" in its pursuit of profits. It is an interesting story. Let me share it with you. Words: 560

I believe that the engine of global economic growth for the next five-year period will be China. I firmly also believe that it's not only appropriate, but critical for investors, even those whose focus is trading rather than investing to now take a look at China equities based on long-term investment horizons. [This article does just that with some specific investment suggestions.] Words: 1581