Investing

We look at this market and we see "too much." Too much divergence, too much complacency, too much embedded downside risk…the list goes on and covers many things. Let's make the rounds and see what we find [and what it means for the immediate well-being of the various stock markets.]

[No wonder you are confused!] Several technical and fundamental indicators have flashed caution to no avail and this has given way to an uncomfortable tension beneath the surface as investors try to find answers while keeping pace with performance. Below are 10 mixed signals about the near-term direction and theme of the markets.

So much analysis we see and hear lately is concerned with whether the stock market is in a bubble or not. The truth of the matter, however, is that bear markets do not begin due to bubble-level valuations being reached and then bursting, but in anticipation of half a dozen mitigating factors as outlined in this article.

There are a number of potential pitfalls out there for the market but, right now, the behavior of the main catalysts for a major correction suggest that there continues to be more right than wrong with the market. Let me explain.

The stock market has topped. It got stretched too high, for too long, and needs to pull back and wash out some diehard bulls and refresh itself before heading any higher. We are now in a bear market that could last anywhere from 3-10 months and the significance of it all is crucial to not only understanding what is going on, but also to protecting and growing your wealth. This article does just that!

Are the general stock markets and precious metals and precious metals equities about to experience a reversal in fortunes? Based upon current evidence, I think so. Here's why.

Some investors are sure we’re heading for a crash because we’ve had such an uninterrupted rise in stocks but these things can last much longer than most people realize. While a crash is never out of the realm of possibilities, just because stocks are up doesn’t mean they have to immediately crash. Eventually they will be right. It’s the timing that gets you on these type of calls.

Many nations and corporations across the world are taking steps to develop alternative energy solutions and the private sector is taking note of this opportunity with investors pouring in their cash. Last year, a staggering $214 billion was invested in renewable energy worldwide and, according to Thomson Reuter’s Lipper unit, alternative energy mutual funds and exchange traded funds returned an impressive average 41.6% over the 12 months through June. If you are interested in investing in alternative energy stocks check out this infographic for more information.

There continues to be an uncanny relationship between a company’s market capitalization and year-to-date returns. The largest 500 stocks in the Russell 3000 are up an average of 8.5% this year, while the smallest 500 are down an average of -6.1%. What is driving this incredibly strong relationship between market cap and return?

Dozens of financial, economic and investment articles are posted on munKNEE.com (Your Key to Making Money!) every month to keep readers abreast of the latest information. Below are introductory paragraphs and links to a selection of articles on how to be a more successful investor that you may have missed. Choose what interests you, consider applying some of the suggestions presented, and hopefully reap the financial gains that result in doing so.