Investing

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

While many of us don't like making price predictions, and certainly ones accompanied by a specific date, it's hard to ignore the correlation between the U.S. monetary base and the gold price. That correlation says we'll see $2,300 gold by January 2014 - and $2,500 by the end of 2014. [Let me explain.] Words: 567

...Gold is about to undergo a profit-taking event...as a result of the USD beginning a rally, probably beginning today. I'm looking for the dollar index to test the downward sloping 200 day moving average [see chart below] before rolling over and continuing the secular trend. This should drive gold down into a final intermediate degree bottom around $1694 or so before testing the all-time highs at or slightly above $1900 sometime before the end of the year. [Let me explain why that is most likely going to happen.] Words: 401