Investing in hard assets is coming back with a roar. After a long bear market, gold in particular is re-establishing itself as a much-needed safe haven (see p. 10). Silver and platinum follow closely because they’re leveraged to gold moves. The article references safe investing Story: Article Update - Investing in hard assets is coming back with a roar. After a long bear market, gold in particular is re-establishing itself as a much-needed safe haven (see p. 10). Silver and platinum follow closely because they’re leveraged to gold moves.

Many brokers will discourage you from buying them. Newspapers list only a handful, and getting quotes through online services can be tough. But if you can navigate the roadblocks Wall Street throws up, the rewards of preferred stocks are irresistible: big, safe yields, limited volatility and often steady long-term growth. The article references safe investing Story: Income Investing’s Third Way - Many brokers will discourage you from buying them. Newspapers list only a handful, and getting quotes through online services can be tough. But if you can navigate the roadblocks Wall Street throws up, the rewards of preferred stocks are irresistible: big, safe yields, limited volatility and often steady long-term growth.

Once again, the Personal Finance Income Portfolio pointed the way to many safe returns in 2001. Now it’s time to review last year’s performance and move into ’02 on our primary mission: capital preservation and high yields. The article references safe investing Story: Many Safe Returns - Once again, the Personal Finance Income Portfolio pointed the way to many safe returns in 2001. Now it’s time to review last year’s performance and move into ’02 on our primary mission: capital preservation and high yields.

Former Personal Finance editor Richard Band has imparted his brand of conservative contrary investing in his newsletter, Profitable Investing, for 14-plus years. Here are his latest thoughts. The article references safe investing Story: Roundup: Profitable Investing - Former Personal Finance editor Richard Band has imparted his brand of conservative contrary investing in his newsletter, Profitable Investing, for 14-plus years. Here are his latest thoughts.

Shopping for safe utility yields was a winner’s game in the first half of 2002. And while more aggressive companies are showing signs of bottoming, safe yields will be key in the second half as well.

Reliable dividends are the focus of the feature article below, high payout “wires and pipes” utility franchises of the ilk I’ve been adding to the portfolios the past few issues. Note three new additions this month: Income Spotlight NStar, Growth Spotlight Consolidated Water and Growth pick Peoples Energy. The article references safe investing Story: Ride Out the Storm - Shopping for safe utility yields was a winner’s game in the first half of 2002. And while more aggressive companies are showing signs of bottoming, safe yields will be key in the second half as well.

Reliable dividends are the focus of the feature article below, high payout “wires and pipes” utility franchises of the ilk I’ve been adding to the portfolios the past few issues. Note three new additions this month: Income Spotlight NStar, Growth Spotlight Consolidated Water and Growth pick Peoples Energy.

Richard E. Band’s Profitable Investing takes a conservative approach to the market, which is something most investors ought to pay attention to. The current issue is particularly useful as we near the year’s end. Here are some highlights: The article references safe investing Story: ROUNDUP: PROFITABLE INVESTING - Richard E. Band’s Profitable Investing takes a conservative approach to the market, which is something most investors ought to pay attention to. The current issue is particularly useful as we near the year’s end. Here are some highlights:

Generally speaking, investing in emerging markets is riskier than investing in established markets. But during the past couple of years, the U.S. market hasn’t exactly been a cakewalk. The article references safe investing Story: Go East for Profits - Generally speaking, investing in emerging markets is riskier than investing in established markets. But during the past couple of years, the U.S. market hasn’t exactly been a cakewalk.

It used to be that everyone thought the world was flat and that the Earth was the center of the universe. It took years to convince people otherwise as the myopia of the Middle Ages kept them in the dark. It kind of feels the same way with investing outside the U.S.—nobody cares because, supposedly, investing at home is safer. The article references safe investing Story: Break the Mold - It used to be that everyone thought the world was flat and that the Earth was the center of the universe. It took years to convince people otherwise as the myopia of the Middle Ages kept them in the dark. It kind of feels the same way with investing outside the U.S.—nobody cares because, supposedly, investing at home is safer.

Those who’ve been reading my articles for the past several years know that, when it comes to investing, I’m all about getting paid. Getting paid means investing in companies that treat us as they should--as the company owners, not just fodder.
The article references safe investing Story: Weekly Market Commentary - Those who’ve been reading my articles for the past several years know that, when it comes to investing, I’m all about getting paid. Getting paid means investing in companies that treat us as they should--as the company owners, not just fodder.

Profitable Investing editor Richard Band is a former editor of Personal Finance. Here are his latest contrarian comments. The article references safe investing Story: Roundup: Profitable Investing - Profitable Investing editor Richard Band is a former editor of Personal Finance. Here are his latest contrarian comments.

Editor's Note: Welcome to the first issue of Geopolitics & Investing Quarterly . Your feedback is extremely important to us. Please click here to complete a quick, two question survey after you read the report or visit http://www.kci-com.com/gipsurvey . For your convenience, the link will The article references safe investing Story: Geopolitics & Investing: February 2006 - Editor's Note: Welcome to the first issue of Geopolitics & Investing Quarterly . Your feedback is extremely important to us. Please click here to complete a quick, two question survey after you read the report or visit http://www.kci-com.com/gipsurvey . For your convenience, the link will

As one-time editor of Personal Finance in the 1980s and with his 14-year-old Profitable Investing today, Richard Band is a leading proponent of contrary investing, buying what no one else wants, who’s always worth listening to. The article references safe investing Story: Roundup: Richard Band - As one-time editor of Personal Finance in the 1980s and with his 14-year-old Profitable Investing today, Richard Band is a leading proponent of contrary investing, buying what no one else wants, who’s always worth listening to.

While everybody might be going with the safe shot, I’m going with the wood to reach the real green while others are still stuck in the rough. The article references safe investing Story: Give Me The Lumber - While everybody might be going with the safe shot, I’m going with the wood to reach the real green while others are still stuck in the rough.

For most investors, cash yielding less than one percentage point is trash. But bargains are few and far between after the scramble for safe, high yields. The article references safe investing Story: Cashing Out - For most investors, cash yielding less than one percentage point is trash. But bargains are few and far between after the scramble for safe, high yields.

First to drop, first to bounce and all in moderation: Before deregulation, that was how utility stocks traded during market declines. And with stability back in the sector, they’ve returned to their role. The article references safe investing Story: Safe Havens - First to drop, first to bounce and all in moderation: Before deregulation, that was how utility stocks traded during market declines. And with stability back in the sector, they’ve returned to their role.

Sometimes you need to play it safe and sometimes you need to go for broke. We’re nearing the point when it pays to go for broke, at least with part of your portfolio. The article references safe investing Story: Shifting Gears - Sometimes you need to play it safe and sometimes you need to go for broke. We’re nearing the point when it pays to go for broke, at least with part of your portfolio.

Because no investment is entirely safe, you can never eliminate risk. But you can limit exposure by owning a diversified mix of high-quality investments. The article references safe investing Story: Limiting Exposure - Because no investment is entirely safe, you can never eliminate risk. But you can limit exposure by owning a diversified mix of high-quality investments.

Editor’s note: With the volatility in the U.S. markets becoming an accepted norm, Ivan takes further steps to reduce the risk in the Mutual Fund Portfolio.—SL The article references safe investing Story: Playing It Safe - Editor’s note: With the volatility in the U.S. markets becoming an accepted norm, Ivan takes further steps to reduce the risk in the Mutual Fund Portfolio.—SL

With the economy turning, interest rates have most likely seen their bottom. That presents income investors with a dilemma: Only yield plays that offer growth will provide good returns. The article references safe investing Story: Safe Yields in Savvy Places - With the economy turning, interest rates have most likely seen their bottom. That presents income investors with a dilemma: Only yield plays that offer growth will provide good returns.

GDP is a backward-looking indicator. But Friday's report largely backs what I’ve been saying for months: The US recession is easing and will likely end later this quarter or early in the fourth quarter. The article references safe investing Story: Safe Houses - GDP is a backward-looking indicator. But Friday's report largely backs what I’ve been saying for months: The US recession is easing and will likely end later this quarter or early in the fourth quarter.

The focus of the Top 10 Portfolio is sustainable, growing distributions. And the Super Yielding Portfolio is all about trusts with safe, high dividends. I review the lot in this issue. The article references safe investing Story: Top 10 Portfolio - The focus of the Top 10 Portfolio is sustainable, growing distributions. And the Super Yielding Portfolio is all about trusts with safe, high dividends. I review the lot in this issue.

It’s not the one you see; it’s the one you don’t see. That bit of country wisdom applies to markets as well as safe techniques for passing cars on lonely two-lane highways. The article references safe investing Story: Commodities: Why Bigger Is Better - It’s not the one you see; it’s the one you don’t see. That bit of country wisdom applies to markets as well as safe techniques for passing cars on lonely two-lane highways.

While building a successful portfolio on specific values is important, we must also evaluate the risks involved. This issue, I detail which trusts are the safest and which carry a degree of risk. The article references safe investing Story: Safest, Safer, Safe - While building a successful portfolio on specific values is important, we must also evaluate the risks involved. This issue, I detail which trusts are the safest and which carry a degree of risk.

By Elliott H. Gue Before I delve into this week's issue of The Energy Strategist , I'd like to make an announcement of a more personal nature. For about a year I've been hard at work on a new book I co-authored with my colleagues Yiannis Mostrous and Ivan Martchev, The Silk Ro The article references safe investing Story: Playing It Safe - By Elliott H. Gue Before I delve into this week's issue of The Energy Strategist , I'd like to make an announcement of a more personal nature. For about a year I've been hard at work on a new book I co-authored with my colleagues Yiannis Mostrous and Ivan Martchev, The Silk Ro

Altair is in the middle of ThinkEquity’s G5 Summit in San Francisco, and the stock has regained some lost ground, as confidence returns to the markets and investors move out of their safe investment quays back into open water. The article references safe investing Story: Weekly--September 19, 2007 - Altair is in the middle of ThinkEquity’s G5 Summit in San Francisco, and the stock has regained some lost ground, as confidence returns to the markets and investors move out of their safe investment quays back into open water.

The Canadian dollar's recent performance is an indication of two critical economic developments. Its rise coincides with increases in investor confidence and risk appetite. Also, however, and somewhat paradoxically, it's being used as a hedge against inflation in the US--in other words, a type of safe haven. The article references safe investing Story: More Loonie Tunes - The Canadian dollar's recent performance is an indication of two critical economic developments. Its rise coincides with increases in investor confidence and risk appetite. Also, however, and somewhat paradoxically, it's being used as a hedge against inflation in the US--in other words, a type of safe haven.

Playing in the big leagues is all about decision making. Whether lifestyle, training or game time, it’s safe to say the folks in the arena have made choices in all three areas over significant periods of time, the sum of which justifies their participation. The article references safe investing Story: Grilled Turkey - Playing in the big leagues is all about decision making. Whether lifestyle, training or game time, it’s safe to say the folks in the arena have made choices in all three areas over significant periods of time, the sum of which justifies their participation.

Although it’s never prudent to rely on just one indicator, this, in my experience, is a particularly powerful one. The silver market has been in a bull trend for the past five months, and we would have to conclude at this time that the volume spikes registered last week are indicative of a major top. The article references safe investing Story: Precious Metals: A True Safe Haven? - Although it’s never prudent to rely on just one indicator, this, in my experience, is a particularly powerful one. The silver market has been in a bull trend for the past five months, and we would have to conclude at this time that the volume spikes registered last week are indicative of a major top.

Investors who are interested in yields should have exposure to equities. And although the five stocks reviewed below are not as safe as Treasurys, they have solid credit ratings and have been growing their profits and dividends for years. The article references safe investing Story: Big Dividends, Solid Growth -- October 9, 2002 - Investors who are interested in yields should have exposure to equities. And although the five stocks reviewed below are not as safe as Treasurys, they have solid credit ratings and have been growing their profits and dividends for years.

The tragic coal mine accident in Sago, W.Va., ranks as one of the deadliest US mining accidents in the past decade. To put the tragedy into context, 22 miners died in the US in all of 2005 and 28 in 2004; 12 miners perished at Sago alone. The article references safe investing Story: Playing It Safe - The tragic coal mine accident in Sago, W.Va., ranks as one of the deadliest US mining accidents in the past decade. To put the tragedy into context, 22 miners died in the US in all of 2005 and 28 in 2004; 12 miners perished at Sago alone.

How happy are the investors who were prudent enough to diversify some of their funds to safe investments? Most likely, they’re thrilled. Compare, for example, a return of 7 percent year-to-date with the S&P 500’s loss of 18 percent. There are a multitude of compelling reasons why one should continue to hold these kinds of investments. The article references safe investing Story: Article Update - How happy are the investors who were prudent enough to diversify some of their funds to safe investments? Most likely, they’re thrilled. Compare, for example, a return of 7 percent year-to-date with the S&P 500’s loss of 18 percent. There are a multitude of compelling reasons why one should continue to hold these kinds of investments.

The year started on a negative note due to geopolitical fears that are largely extinguished. We’ll have to assess the long-term damage to financial markets several months from now, but a good argument can be made that the risk premium for equities has risen as a reaction to the global events in the first quarter. The article references safe investing Story: Few Safe Havens - The year started on a negative note due to geopolitical fears that are largely extinguished. We’ll have to assess the long-term damage to financial markets several months from now, but a good argument can be made that the risk premium for equities has risen as a reaction to the global events in the first quarter.

High, safe dividends are increasingly scarce in this yield-crazed market. Still ignored by most investors, the preferred stock sector is rife with bargains. And closed-end funds specializing in preferreds are an easy way to buy into their yield-producing power. The article references safe investing Story: Preferred Yields the Fund Way - High, safe dividends are increasingly scarce in this yield-crazed market. Still ignored by most investors, the preferred stock sector is rife with bargains. And closed-end funds specializing in preferreds are an easy way to buy into their yield-producing power.

Big and growing yields, gains from a surging resource-based economy, takeover potential, tax advantages, safe-haven status from potential tax changes to trusts and discounted share prices are each on their own compelling reasons to buy Canadian REITs now. The article references safe investing Story: Prime Canadian Properties - Big and growing yields, gains from a surging resource-based economy, takeover potential, tax advantages, safe-haven status from potential tax changes to trusts and discounted share prices are each on their own compelling reasons to buy Canadian REITs now.

Even in states deregulating electricity and natural gas, running the power lines and pipelines remains a regulated business. Operators enjoy exceptionally steady sales, earnings and dividends. Their stocks, bonds and preferred shares are safe havens as long as these rocky times last. The article references safe investing Story: Con Ed 7.35% Preferred - Even in states deregulating electricity and natural gas, running the power lines and pipelines remains a regulated business. Operators enjoy exceptionally steady sales, earnings and dividends. Their stocks, bonds and preferred shares are safe havens as long as these rocky times last.

Rapid industrialization and exploding populations are increasingly straining the world’s supply of safe drinking water. That’s triggered a bull market in water distribution and treatment stocks during the past few years. One that still has a long way to run: Southwest Water. The article references safe investing Story: Southwest Water - Rapid industrialization and exploding populations are increasingly straining the world’s supply of safe drinking water. That’s triggered a bull market in water distribution and treatment stocks during the past few years. One that still has a long way to run: Southwest Water.

Knowing how the Canadian income trusts you invest in rate and how safe they are will ensure you have an income-generating, successful portfolio. In the feature article, I outline how the Top 10 Portfolio trusts and several others scored. The article references safe investing Story: The Safest Trusts - Knowing how the Canadian income trusts you invest in rate and how safe they are will ensure you have an income-generating, successful portfolio. In the feature article, I outline how the Top 10 Portfolio trusts and several others scored.

Korean National Oil Company’s decision to buy Harvest Energy Trust is curious on many levels. But the difficulty resource-hungry SWFs and SOEs face is that most of the plum assets--productive and located in safe jurisdictions--are already under the control of global resource heavyweights. The article references safe investing Story: Random Harvest - Korean National Oil Company’s decision to buy Harvest Energy Trust is curious on many levels. But the difficulty resource-hungry SWFs and SOEs face is that most of the plum assets--productive and located in safe jurisdictions--are already under the control of global resource heavyweights.

Many investors think common stocks are the only way to make real money in the market. But nothing could be further from the truth—preferred stocks offer an opportunity to profit from a company’s growth while providing safe, secure returns that common shareholders can only dream about. The article references safe investing Story: PREFERRED ROUTE TO PROFITS - Many investors think common stocks are the only way to make real money in the market. But nothing could be further from the truth—preferred stocks offer an opportunity to profit from a company’s growth while providing safe, secure returns that common shareholders can only dream about.

In addition to merger appeal (see below), energy master limited partnerships (LP) pay the highest and fastest growing dividends in the utility universe. However, as Star Gas LP’s suspension of its payout in late October shows, not every LP payout is safe, especially with energy prices so volatile. The article references safe investing Story: Utility Beat - In addition to merger appeal (see below), energy master limited partnerships (LP) pay the highest and fastest growing dividends in the utility universe. However, as Star Gas LP’s suspension of its payout in late October shows, not every LP payout is safe, especially with energy prices so volatile.

Investing isn’t about what was; it’s about what will be. The article references safe investing Story: Marketwatch - Investing isn’t about what was; it’s about what will be.

With stocks trading near multi-year lows, it’s no surprise that gold stocks have started to shine. The Midas metal is a traditional safe haven when times are bad. And with the Federal Reserve pumping loads of liquidity into the economy, inflation should accelerate alongside economic growth; that will put the fire under gold. The article references safe investing Story: Golden Opportunity - With stocks trading near multi-year lows, it’s no surprise that gold stocks have started to shine. The Midas metal is a traditional safe haven when times are bad. And with the Federal Reserve pumping loads of liquidity into the economy, inflation should accelerate alongside economic growth; that will put the fire under gold.

No way is anybody happy about the markets. With a barrel of oil still up around 40 bucks or more, stocks--even of great companies--aren't getting the respect or notice that they deserve. And while the oil and stock markets roll with news of terror attacks in the Middle East, bonds are still locked up in a near-term struggle between being a safe haven and an armageddon for investors. The article references safe investing Story: LOCK, STOCK & BARREL - No way is anybody happy about the markets. With a barrel of oil still up around 40 bucks or more, stocks--even of great companies--aren't getting the respect or notice that they deserve. And while the oil and stock markets roll with news of terror attacks in the Middle East, bonds are still locked up in a near-term struggle between being a safe haven and an armageddon for investors.

Any advisor labeling anything but the shortest-duration, government-backed debt a safe haven after the onslaught of uncertainty unleashed by last week’s action in the US equity markets is the financial industry equivalent of Chip Diller plaintively wailing, "All is well...," as the citizens of Faber rush the homecoming parade route in a Delta-induced frenzy. The article references safe investing Story: Maple Leaf Memo - Any advisor labeling anything but the shortest-duration, government-backed debt a safe haven after the onslaught of uncertainty unleashed by last week’s action in the US equity markets is the financial industry equivalent of Chip Diller plaintively wailing, "All is well...," as the citizens of Faber rush the homecoming parade route in a Delta-induced frenzy.

Editor’s note: The weakening commercial property market is starting to threaten real estate investment trusts’ safe-haven status in the now two-and-a-half year-old bear market. Below, Roger shows why we’re still holding our fantastic five.—SL The article references safe investing Story: Real Values - Editor’s note: The weakening commercial property market is starting to threaten real estate investment trusts’ safe-haven status in the now two-and-a-half year-old bear market. Below, Roger shows why we’re still holding our fantastic five.—SL

There’s only one important question when your investing: Why this? The article references safe investing Story: Marketwatch - There’s only one important question when your investing: Why this?

Investing shouldn’t be this hard. The article references safe investing Story: Marketwatch - Investing shouldn’t be this hard.

The first quarter was a good one for our diversified mix of high-yielding investments. The unweighted average for the Portfolio (excluding cash) was a positive 4.6 percent, while the ultra-safe model allocation of 25 percent stocks and preferreds/40 percent bonds/35 percent money market funds was up 1.9 percent. The article references safe investing Story: A Good Quarter - The first quarter was a good one for our diversified mix of high-yielding investments. The unweighted average for the Portfolio (excluding cash) was a positive 4.6 percent, while the ultra-safe model allocation of 25 percent stocks and preferreds/40 percent bonds/35 percent money market funds was up 1.9 percent.

Investing isn’t just about picking stocks and hoping they’ll pay off. The article references safe investing Story: Marketwatch - Investing isn’t just about picking stocks and hoping they’ll pay off.

When you’re investing in cyclical stocks, be nimble and get your timing right. The article references safe investing Story: THE NEXT CYCLE - When you’re investing in cyclical stocks, be nimble and get your timing right.

Investing isn’t just about getting on board the latest fad. A “can’t-lose” trading system is never that. The article references safe investing Story: Marketwatch - Investing isn’t just about getting on board the latest fad. A “can’t-lose” trading system is never that.

Investing isn’t about looking in your review mirror. It’s about anticipating what’s coming down the road. The article references safe investing Story: Marketwatch - Investing isn’t about looking in your review mirror. It’s about anticipating what’s coming down the road.

Investing is hard work. And we don’t take our business of providing you with our best ideas lightly. The article references safe investing Story: MARKETWATCH - Investing is hard work. And we don’t take our business of providing you with our best ideas lightly.

If you’re investing in mutual funds or hiring an investment advisor, it’s important to know how much and what you’re paying for. The article references safe investing Story: It’s Your Money - If you’re investing in mutual funds or hiring an investment advisor, it’s important to know how much and what you’re paying for.

Keeping it simple is the surest way to win in investing, provided you have the patience to collect. The article references safe investing Story: Buckeye Partners - Keeping it simple is the surest way to win in investing, provided you have the patience to collect.

In good times, it’s natural to seek investments that will grow the fastest. Conversely, tough times like these bring out investors’ impulse to flee to the safest bets. The trouble is, nothing is 100 percent safe under all circumstances. And even pinpointing the highest percentage investments can be a chore when the economy is apparently shrinking and credit markets are still recovering from their deepest freeze in decades. The article references safe investing Story: The Safest Investment - In good times, it’s natural to seek investments that will grow the fastest. Conversely, tough times like these bring out investors’ impulse to flee to the safest bets. The trouble is, nothing is 100 percent safe under all circumstances. And even pinpointing the highest percentage investments can be a chore when the economy is apparently shrinking and credit markets are still recovering from their deepest freeze in decades.

Perhaps one of the most-frustrating myths about investing in the energy patch is that it’s all about predicting the direction of oil and natural gas prices.
The article references safe investing Story: Think Big - Perhaps one of the most-frustrating myths about investing in the energy patch is that it’s all about predicting the direction of oil and natural gas prices.

Whenever brokers come at us with a product that’s supposed to make our investing experience “easier” and more profitable, the immediate response should be, “What’s in it for them?” The article references safe investing Story: Buy The Rifle, Not The Shotgun - Whenever brokers come at us with a product that’s supposed to make our investing experience “easier” and more profitable, the immediate response should be, “What’s in it for them?”

Back in July, we offered you some picks for weak as well as strong markets. Here’s our current take on those suggestions. The article references safe investing Story: Extreme Investing - Back in July, we offered you some picks for weak as well as strong markets. Here’s our current take on those suggestions.

Investing in municipal bonds is a no-brainer for those in the upper tax brackets, but it’s something for regular investors to consider. The article references safe investing Story: Munis Are Back - April 12, 2006 - Investing in municipal bonds is a no-brainer for those in the upper tax brackets, but it’s something for regular investors to consider.

You can never stop kicking the tires when it comes to investing. Sure, you did it when you bought the stock. You might have even pored through the financials and picked through its business and market conditions. The article references safe investing Story: Know What You Own - You can never stop kicking the tires when it comes to investing. Sure, you did it when you bought the stock. You might have even pored through the financials and picked through its business and market conditions.

Investing is all about commitment. But unlike so many, who become married to stocks—even through the darkest of days—I prefer to be committed to the process instead. The article references safe investing Story: Something Old, New, Borrowed & Blue - Investing is all about commitment. But unlike so many, who become married to stocks—even through the darkest of days—I prefer to be committed to the process instead.

It sounds too good to be true: The elimination of taxes on dividends would mean that our investing philosophy could reap even more, now and in the future. The article references safe investing Story: The Dirt on the Deal - It sounds too good to be true: The elimination of taxes on dividends would mean that our investing philosophy could reap even more, now and in the future.

Investing is about getting to know what’s going on in select markets and industries where a higher level of understanding empowers you to buy and hold the right companies. The article references safe investing Story: Marketwatch - Investing is about getting to know what’s going on in select markets and industries where a higher level of understanding empowers you to buy and hold the right companies.

When you have a winning investing formula, you keep it. But when the investment landscape shifts radically, some tweaking is in order. The article references safe investing Story: High Yields for Dangerous Times - When you have a winning investing formula, you keep it. But when the investment landscape shifts radically, some tweaking is in order.

While growth at any price was the investing zeitgeist of the late 1990s, safety and scrupulous attention to value is today’s modus operandi. The article references safe investing Story: Keep it Simple - While growth at any price was the investing zeitgeist of the late 1990s, safety and scrupulous attention to value is today’s modus operandi.

By now, you’ve heard and read about the basics: The recently signed tax-cut law, among its many goodies, will significantly lower your taxes on investments. The article references safe investing Story: Tax-Smart Investing - By now, you’ve heard and read about the basics: The recently signed tax-cut law, among its many goodies, will significantly lower your taxes on investments.

Increased scrutiny sometimes has inconvenient consequences, as favorite investments are exposed for weaknesses they'd rather not admit. But the rule in investing is always the more disclosure, the better. The article references safe investing Story: Take A Peak - Increased scrutiny sometimes has inconvenient consequences, as favorite investments are exposed for weaknesses they'd rather not admit. But the rule in investing is always the more disclosure, the better.

The investing public hasn’t really caught on yet. But the threat of a global credit crunch spurred by US mortgage mayhem is already diminishing rapidly. The article references safe investing Story: The Next Act - The investing public hasn’t really caught on yet. But the threat of a global credit crunch spurred by US mortgage mayhem is already diminishing rapidly.

April 28, 2004 Up & Up Up seems to be the word for "down" these days. With each and every day's passing we keep getting bits of information and data that shows that we as a nation are producing, consuming and investing more in our economy. And that of c The article references safe investing Story: UP & UP? - April 28, 2004 Up & Up Up seems to be the word for "down" these days. With each and every day's passing we keep getting bits of information and data that shows that we as a nation are producing, consuming and investing more in our economy. And that of c

Understanding taxation issues is critical to successful cross-border investing. Plus, REITs are an attractive alternative to volatile energy trusts. The article references safe investing Story: View From The Top - Understanding taxation issues is critical to successful cross-border investing. Plus, REITs are an attractive alternative to volatile energy trusts.

Selectivity is the key to energy trust investing. Fundamentally sound companies, competent brokerage houses, thorough information services: Choosing wisely is essential. The article references safe investing Story: View From The Top - Selectivity is the key to energy trust investing. Fundamentally sound companies, competent brokerage houses, thorough information services: Choosing wisely is essential.

When you hear the investing for growth pitch, the one word guaranteed to be in there is Asia. The article references safe investing Story: Growth Pays - When you hear the investing for growth pitch, the one word guaranteed to be in there is Asia.

Investing in mutual funds has become a game of inches. Investors who got used to the 15 percent-plus annual returns in the 1990s are a bit confused when they see the market advance in the single digits. The article references safe investing Story: Slight Outperformance - Investing in mutual funds has become a game of inches. Investors who got used to the 15 percent-plus annual returns in the 1990s are a bit confused when they see the market advance in the single digits.

As a general point, it really does pay to be politically agnostic when it comes to investing. We have one simple rule: Follow the money. In a weak environment like this one, Uncle Sam is one of the few players that reliably pay the bills. The article references safe investing Story: Burning Questions - As a general point, it really does pay to be politically agnostic when it comes to investing. We have one simple rule: Follow the money. In a weak environment like this one, Uncle Sam is one of the few players that reliably pay the bills.

With all of the buzz surrounding the next-generation video game consoles from Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo, you may be wondering if there's an investing angle in all this. The article references safe investing Story: Game On! - With all of the buzz surrounding the next-generation video game consoles from Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo, you may be wondering if there's an investing angle in all this.

With chickens coming down with the flu, mad cows and folks looking for ways to eat healthy, there are many investing opportunities to feast upon in the world of food. The article references safe investing Story: Fiscal Feast - With chickens coming down with the flu, mad cows and folks looking for ways to eat healthy, there are many investing opportunities to feast upon in the world of food.

One of the many challenges to investing in tech stocks is getting your arms around the lingo. In the dotcom boom, it was all about optical networking, bandwidth, servers, routers, fiber-optic fogs, etc. The article references safe investing Story: Trials and Tribulations - One of the many challenges to investing in tech stocks is getting your arms around the lingo. In the dotcom boom, it was all about optical networking, bandwidth, servers, routers, fiber-optic fogs, etc.

Scan the shelves of your local bookstore and you’ll notice a myriad of books that revolve around either explaining some piece of financial history or a particular investing strategy. After a while, many start to seem alike. The article references safe investing Story: Holiday Reading - Scan the shelves of your local bookstore and you’ll notice a myriad of books that revolve around either explaining some piece of financial history or a particular investing strategy. After a while, many start to seem alike.

Investing never sleeps. But a new year is always a good time to reflect on your broader strategy and individual holdings. Specifically, you want to ask what you’ve done right, what you did wrong and how you can improve. The article references safe investing Story: A New Year - Investing never sleeps. But a new year is always a good time to reflect on your broader strategy and individual holdings. Specifically, you want to ask what you’ve done right, what you did wrong and how you can improve.

The calendar year has changed, but that doesn’t mean your investments should too. Trends in the markets may notice the calendar, but successful growth investing never checks the date. The article references safe investing Story: Marketwatch - The calendar year has changed, but that doesn’t mean your investments should too. Trends in the markets may notice the calendar, but successful growth investing never checks the date.

AT&T Wireless (NYSE: AWE, 5.24), 17 percent owned by NTT DoCoMo, operates one of the largest digital wireless networks in the U.S. with more than 16 million subscribers. The article references safe investing Story: High-Stakes Investing - AT&T Wireless (NYSE: AWE, 5.24), 17 percent owned by NTT DoCoMo, operates one of the largest digital wireless networks in the U.S. with more than 16 million subscribers.

Investors today are further diversifying their portfolios by investing in art. Growing in popularity with new evolving trends, even wealth managers at major banks and financial institutions are recommending art to their clients. The article references safe investing Story: The Artsy Investor - Investors today are further diversifying their portfolios by investing in art. Growing in popularity with new evolving trends, even wealth managers at major banks and financial institutions are recommending art to their clients.

Very little worked for utility investors during the bust times of 2001 and 2002, but almost everything did last year. Big oils, broken power companies, Canadian and US energy trusts, gas-producing utilities, foreign utilities, pipeline partnerships, preferred stocks, safe “old school” US utilities, BBB-rated utility bonds, water companies and even selected communications stocks and bonds scored gains. And with a week left in 2003, the Utility Forecaster Growth and Income Portfolios were headed for 20 percent-plus returns. The article references safe investing Story: A Very Good Year - Very little worked for utility investors during the bust times of 2001 and 2002, but almost everything did last year. Big oils, broken power companies, Canadian and US energy trusts, gas-producing utilities, foreign utilities, pipeline partnerships, preferred stocks, safe “old school” US utilities, BBB-rated utility bonds, water companies and even selected communications stocks and bonds scored gains. And with a week left in 2003, the Utility Forecaster Growth and Income Portfolios were headed for 20 percent-plus returns.

Rate cycles are a normal part of income investing, but volatile interest rates have been giving many income investors heartburn this year. The article references safe investing Story: Yields That Keep Pace - Rate cycles are a normal part of income investing, but volatile interest rates have been giving many income investors heartburn this year.

This issue, we focus on our two big investing themes. First is stocks that keep paying us piles of cash quarter after quarter. And second is that we diversify our portfolios so we hold the best companies in the world, not just the US. The article references safe investing Story: Marketwatch - This issue, we focus on our two big investing themes. First is stocks that keep paying us piles of cash quarter after quarter. And second is that we diversify our portfolios so we hold the best companies in the world, not just the US.

Many Wall Streeters and market pundits like to use the phrase “buy and hold” when talking about long-term investing. But that really means “hold and hope.” The article references safe investing Story: Making Tough Decisions - Many Wall Streeters and market pundits like to use the phrase “buy and hold” when talking about long-term investing. But that really means “hold and hope.”

Editor’s note: The Chinese have been labeled the exporters of deflation. Don’t buy this simplistic argument. Consider investing in one of the best growth stories of the 21st century.—SL The article references safe investing Story: Wag The Dog - Editor’s note: The Chinese have been labeled the exporters of deflation. Don’t buy this simplistic argument. Consider investing in one of the best growth stories of the 21st century.—SL

Who knew that a decade after the collapse of the Soviet Union we’d be writing about investing in Russia because it’s one of the hottest emerging markets in the world? The article references safe investing Story: Between A Hammer And A Sickle - Who knew that a decade after the collapse of the Soviet Union we’d be writing about investing in Russia because it’s one of the hottest emerging markets in the world?

Editor’s note: Dividend cuts are an unfortunate part of income investing, particularly in a bad market. Below, Roger reviews recent casualty Aquila, and how we’re protecting against future setbacks.—SL The article references safe investing Story: Safety in Unsafe Times - Editor’s note: Dividend cuts are an unfortunate part of income investing, particularly in a bad market. Below, Roger reviews recent casualty Aquila, and how we’re protecting against future setbacks.—SL

The shake up in the petrol markets isn’t a surprise to anyone who’s taken the time to understand the market. As we’ve written since I took over as editor of Personal Finance, investing in petrol isn’t just about making a bet that prices will only go in one direction. The article references safe investing Story: Trust Us - The shake up in the petrol markets isn’t a surprise to anyone who’s taken the time to understand the market. As we’ve written since I took over as editor of Personal Finance, investing in petrol isn’t just about making a bet that prices will only go in one direction.

Two of my Pioneers were quite busy in December, cutting deals, grabbing cash and getting ready for 2007. Unfortunately, some of the news on these two sent prices down more than 10 percent. But this side of the nanotech investing game isn’t for the faint of heart. These little guys are knocking ou The article references safe investing Story: Dynamic Duo - Two of my Pioneers were quite busy in December, cutting deals, grabbing cash and getting ready for 2007. Unfortunately, some of the news on these two sent prices down more than 10 percent. But this side of the nanotech investing game isn’t for the faint of heart. These little guys are knocking ou

By Yiannis G. Mostrous McLean, Va--I’m quite excited about the new theme I’m exploring in my upcoming issue of Geopolitics & Investing Quarterly (GIQ). The report will be hitting your computers as soon as it’s ready. The latest tremor in the markets is the purported increase in inflation The article references safe investing Story: Debating - By Yiannis G. Mostrous McLean, Va--I’m quite excited about the new theme I’m exploring in my upcoming issue of Geopolitics & Investing Quarterly (GIQ). The report will be hitting your computers as soon as it’s ready. The latest tremor in the markets is the purported increase in inflation

It was a leading electronics company, and it had been flying high since its public debut three years earlier, with both profits and stock price soaring. Some investors had scored nearly tenfold gains in just two years. The article references safe investing Story: Vulture Investing - It was a leading electronics company, and it had been flying high since its public debut three years earlier, with both profits and stock price soaring. Some investors had scored nearly tenfold gains in just two years.

Interest rate risk returned to income investing with a vengeance this summer. Happily, the Income Portfolio emerged from the third quarter in positive territory, with the model allocation up 1.0 percent. The article references safe investing Story: When Rates Reverse - Interest rate risk returned to income investing with a vengeance this summer. Happily, the Income Portfolio emerged from the third quarter in positive territory, with the model allocation up 1.0 percent.

Sustainability is the goal; low payout ratio, financial stability and cash flow and revenue growth are the best measures. These criteria are the guideposts for successful royalty and income trust investing. The article references safe investing Story: There's Safety In Growth - Sustainability is the goal; low payout ratio, financial stability and cash flow and revenue growth are the best measures. These criteria are the guideposts for successful royalty and income trust investing.

The way to avoid getting mauled, slashed and slaughtered by a bear market is to abide by my No. 1 rule of investing: Make sure the foundation of your portfolio is rooted in investments you can count on to send regular checks. The article references safe investing Story: Keep the Checks Coming - The way to avoid getting mauled, slashed and slaughtered by a bear market is to abide by my No. 1 rule of investing: Make sure the foundation of your portfolio is rooted in investments you can count on to send regular checks.

Being on the right side of government action is, therefore, absolutely essential to successful investing. In fact, with an unabashedly activist government now ruling both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue, it’s more critical than ever. The article references safe investing Story: Cap-and-Trade: Closer to Fine - Being on the right side of government action is, therefore, absolutely essential to successful investing. In fact, with an unabashedly activist government now ruling both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue, it’s more critical than ever.

By Yiannis G. Mostrous MYKONOS, Greece --I’m currently tucked away on a small but vibrant island in the Aegean Sea. Markets, wars and the other chaos that make up our daily lives seem quite distant. I hope you found the last issue of SRI , a Geopolitics & Investing Special Report, as The article references safe investing Story: Look Out Below - By Yiannis G. Mostrous MYKONOS, Greece --I’m currently tucked away on a small but vibrant island in the Aegean Sea. Markets, wars and the other chaos that make up our daily lives seem quite distant. I hope you found the last issue of SRI , a Geopolitics & Investing Special Report, as

Poor Wall Street: No one’s job is safe as the financial sector continues to go through its most dramatic upheaval since the Great Depression. Meanwhile, the US Congress—hardly a popular institution itself—is heaping scorn on the institution’s alleged “fatcats,” as it debates measures to stanch the global financial panic. Even the Republican candidate for Vice President has put the Street on her enemies list, railing about “corruption” and “predatory practices” throughout last night’s debate.
The article references safe investing Story: What's Next for Wall Street? - Poor Wall Street: No one’s job is safe as the financial sector continues to go through its most dramatic upheaval since the Great Depression. Meanwhile, the US Congress—hardly a popular institution itself—is heaping scorn on the institution’s alleged “fatcats,” as it debates measures to stanch the global financial panic. Even the Republican candidate for Vice President has put the Street on her enemies list, railing about “corruption” and “predatory practices” throughout last night’s debate.

The following originally appeared in my complementary e-zine, Nanotech Investing News.
The article references safe investing Story: Two for Tuesday - The following originally appeared in my complementary e-zine, Nanotech Investing News.

Investing isn’t about faith or religion, although all of us could use a bit more grace. When it comes to gold, buying on the faith that someday it will be worth more just doesn’t cut it for us. The article references safe investing Story: Greater Than Gold - Investing isn’t about faith or religion, although all of us could use a bit more grace. When it comes to gold, buying on the faith that someday it will be worth more just doesn’t cut it for us.

Buying beyond the obvious continues to work for us. Some may call this contrarian investing, but we prefer to call it realistic buying—our stocks make us money. The article references safe investing Story: MARKETWATCH - Buying beyond the obvious continues to work for us. Some may call this contrarian investing, but we prefer to call it realistic buying—our stocks make us money.

John Dessauer has been in the newsletter business for a quarter century, with a focus on global investing. His current thoughts are a bit more bullish than ours. The article references safe investing Story: Roundup: John Dessauer - John Dessauer has been in the newsletter business for a quarter century, with a focus on global investing. His current thoughts are a bit more bullish than ours.

I have a Ph.D. in psychology. But it doesn’t take post-graduate course work to realize the roots of the market’s second-quarter collapse are psychological—the upshot of fear, not hard economic data. The article references safe investing Story: Extreme Investing - I have a Ph.D. in psychology. But it doesn’t take post-graduate course work to realize the roots of the market’s second-quarter collapse are psychological—the upshot of fear, not hard economic data.

Ken Lay, Gary Winnick and unfortunately a growing number of other CEOs of major corporations are being revealed for perhaps what they really are—greedy, self-serving individuals who couldn’t care less about their employees or their customers—let alone their shareholders. The article references safe investing Story: Investing with Ideals - Ken Lay, Gary Winnick and unfortunately a growing number of other CEOs of major corporations are being revealed for perhaps what they really are—greedy, self-serving individuals who couldn’t care less about their employees or their customers—let alone their shareholders.

Defense expenditures, which declined throughout the 1990s, are slated to rise in the 2000s, and one of the major reasons will be energy—our need to ensure access to oil supplies that will be becoming increasingly tight in an increasingly turbulent world. The article references safe investing Story: Big Stick Investing - Defense expenditures, which declined throughout the 1990s, are slated to rise in the 2000s, and one of the major reasons will be energy—our need to ensure access to oil supplies that will be becoming increasingly tight in an increasingly turbulent world.

When investing in the stock and bond markets, there’s a difference between buying a bargain and buying something that’s truly broken. The article references safe investing Story: Beaten Down or Broken Down? - When investing in the stock and bond markets, there’s a difference between buying a bargain and buying something that’s truly broken.

Investing isn’t just about getting on board the latest fad. A “can’t-lose” trading system is never that. The article references safe investing Story: Tempting Takeovers - Investing isn’t just about getting on board the latest fad. A “can’t-lose” trading system is never that.

Ignore the headlines about falling oil prices and weak earnings because that’s already old news. Now is a great time to be investing in the energy patch The article references safe investing Story: Energy Earnings and Expectations - Ignore the headlines about falling oil prices and weak earnings because that’s already old news. Now is a great time to be investing in the energy patch

The article references safe investing Story: Green Investing -

Two of the worst mistakes in investing are to buy and hold when the rest of the market is pounding your stocks or to sell out in the face of adversity—only to miss out on the big rally. The article references safe investing Story: Hold & Hope Or Sell & Suffer - Two of the worst mistakes in investing are to buy and hold when the rest of the market is pounding your stocks or to sell out in the face of adversity—only to miss out on the big rally.

Building positions in good trusts when they trade at good prices is the key to long-term investing success. With prices starting to come off, the chances of being able to do just that are better than they’ve been in some months. The article references safe investing Story: Outlook And Strategy - Building positions in good trusts when they trade at good prices is the key to long-term investing success. With prices starting to come off, the chances of being able to do just that are better than they’ve been in some months.

The argument for investing in solid health care companies is overwhelming. The article references safe investing Story: As Long as You Have Your Health Care - The argument for investing in solid health care companies is overwhelming.

The most powerful stories in fiction, as well as in investing, have always been simple: love, hate and war for the former; demand, supply and basic needs for the latter. And no story fits the bill better than food and agriculture, for which demand is ever present.
The article references safe investing Story: Plunging Resource Supplies and Soaring Profits - The most powerful stories in fiction, as well as in investing, have always been simple: love, hate and war for the former; demand, supply and basic needs for the latter. And no story fits the bill better than food and agriculture, for which demand is ever present.

When investing in the stuff that comes out of the ground, most of us immediately think of petroleum or metals. But if you’re flying to or over the Midwest, the true riches are harvested in the form of grains, beans, cotton and other leafy stuff that makes just as much, if not more, green than the drillers or miners. The article references safe investing Story: Grow It - When investing in the stuff that comes out of the ground, most of us immediately think of petroleum or metals. But if you’re flying to or over the Midwest, the true riches are harvested in the form of grains, beans, cotton and other leafy stuff that makes just as much, if not more, green than the drillers or miners.

There’s another way of capitalizing on great companies--beyond those that trade on the NYSE--while getting paid handsomely along the way . By Neil George It seems that nobody is making money investing in even the best companies. Stocks, as tracked by the biggie indexes, are either down or ba The article references safe investing Story: Stocks Not - There’s another way of capitalizing on great companies--beyond those that trade on the NYSE--while getting paid handsomely along the way . By Neil George It seems that nobody is making money investing in even the best companies. Stocks, as tracked by the biggie indexes, are either down or ba

Successful investing is about having a depth of understanding of the world. And while often eclectic, our reading list continues to expand our understanding, and spurs thoughts and theories that influence our financial advice. The article references safe investing Story: What We're Reading - Successful investing is about having a depth of understanding of the world. And while often eclectic, our reading list continues to expand our understanding, and spurs thoughts and theories that influence our financial advice.

One of the biggest investing challenges is overcoming many theories that have been around so long they’re taken as fact. These sacred cows can do more damage to portfolios than an Enron executive if left unchecked and uncountered. The article references safe investing Story: Sacred Cows - One of the biggest investing challenges is overcoming many theories that have been around so long they’re taken as fact. These sacred cows can do more damage to portfolios than an Enron executive if left unchecked and uncountered.

Japan has to be the least interesting market in the world right now. Nobody I’ve spoken to is interested in investing there, based on the perception that because there are so many opportunities elsewhere, money allocated to Japan is dead money. The article references safe investing Story: Contrarian Buys - Japan has to be the least interesting market in the world right now. Nobody I’ve spoken to is interested in investing there, based on the perception that because there are so many opportunities elsewhere, money allocated to Japan is dead money.

It’s been more than a few years since we first wrote about our core approach to investing in the petrol patch. Others may make a buck or two betting like wildcatters on the short-term fortunes of the usual suspects in the oil business. Yet there’s more room for failure from many of the drillers to even the big integrated oils, especially when oil prices fade when least expected. The article references safe investing Story: Oil and Gas Pay - It’s been more than a few years since we first wrote about our core approach to investing in the petrol patch. Others may make a buck or two betting like wildcatters on the short-term fortunes of the usual suspects in the oil business. Yet there’s more room for failure from many of the drillers to even the big integrated oils, especially when oil prices fade when least expected.

The following originally appeared in my complementary e-zine, Nanotech Investing News.
The article references safe investing Story: Savvy Investors Make Winning Nano Decisions - The following originally appeared in my complementary e-zine, Nanotech Investing News.

The key to investing in Canadian trusts is understanding trading and market patterns. CE's safety ratings system assesses the strength of individual trusts' dividends by monitoring several factors. The article references safe investing Story: Safety Check - The key to investing in Canadian trusts is understanding trading and market patterns. CE's safety ratings system assesses the strength of individual trusts' dividends by monitoring several factors.

NEW IDEA: BUY PSIVIDA (NSDQ: PSDV) UP TO 2.25.

Generally we don’t make it our mission to patrol the biotech world for trading or investing opportunities. But the story on this firm isn’t about some new drug hitting the market or some new nanotechnology that’s about to make news.

The article references safe investing Story: Trade From November 13, 2006 - NEW IDEA: BUY PSIVIDA (NSDQ: PSDV) UP TO 2.25.

Generally we don’t make it our mission to patrol the biotech world for trading or investing opportunities. But the story on this firm isn’t about some new drug hitting the market or some new nanotechnology that’s about to make news.

During the 1990s, Michael Murphy was high priest of New Economy investing. He’s hit some rough patches since and is too optimistic on technology in our view. But his immense knowledge of his chosen industry is always worth tapping into. The article references safe investing Story: Roundup: Michael Murphy - During the 1990s, Michael Murphy was high priest of New Economy investing. He’s hit some rough patches since and is too optimistic on technology in our view. But his immense knowledge of his chosen industry is always worth tapping into.

John Lumbard has been a voice for common sense investing since he launched his investment management firm in 1990. He’s also a long-time friend of PF editor Neil George. The article references safe investing Story: Roundup: John Lumbard - John Lumbard has been a voice for common sense investing since he launched his investment management firm in 1990. He’s also a long-time friend of PF editor Neil George.

I recently spoke with Louis Rukeyser's Mutual Funds (LRMF) newsletter editor Benjamin Shepherd regarding the present state of investing in Asia and the future prospects of the region as an investment destination going forward. The full interview follows:
The article references safe investing Story: Will Asian Economies Survive the Chaos? - I recently spoke with Louis Rukeyser's Mutual Funds (LRMF) newsletter editor Benjamin Shepherd regarding the present state of investing in Asia and the future prospects of the region as an investment destination going forward. The full interview follows:

As my partner, world-renowned nanotech scientist and consultant Tim Harper likes to say, nanotech is to the 21st century what chemistry was to the 20th century. The article references safe investing Story: The Whys and Hows Of Nanotech Investing - As my partner, world-renowned nanotech scientist and consultant Tim Harper likes to say, nanotech is to the 21st century what chemistry was to the 20th century.

The fallout from “Black Tuesday” will be felt for a long time to come. That’s certain to increase the appeal of steady income investing. We suggest using the PF Income Portfolio, which was up 13.2 percent for the 18 months ended June 30 and has outperformed the market by a wide margin since, as a model. The article references safe investing Story: The Income Way - The fallout from “Black Tuesday” will be felt for a long time to come. That’s certain to increase the appeal of steady income investing. We suggest using the PF Income Portfolio, which was up 13.2 percent for the 18 months ended June 30 and has outperformed the market by a wide margin since, as a model.

The real riches in resources aren’t just in stocks By Neil George So far, our Portfolios have been focused on the core of the bond markets--i.e., government bonds. But as we wrote in our special article "Cleared For Takeoff," investing in companies doesn’t mean just buying the stocks. B The article references safe investing Story: Resource Rich - The real riches in resources aren’t just in stocks By Neil George So far, our Portfolios have been focused on the core of the bond markets--i.e., government bonds. But as we wrote in our special article "Cleared For Takeoff," investing in companies doesn’t mean just buying the stocks. B

President Bush’s dividend tax proposal may well change Wall Street. Tax-free dividends would encourage long-term investing at a very tough time. Clean companies that share profits with investors would be rewarded the premium valuations they deserve. The article references safe investing Story: Ducking the Dividend Tax - President Bush’s dividend tax proposal may well change Wall Street. Tax-free dividends would encourage long-term investing at a very tough time. Clean companies that share profits with investors would be rewarded the premium valuations they deserve.

When it comes to our favorite investments, we're all about getting paid. Getting paid means investing in companies that treat us the way we should be treated--as owners, not just fodder. This helps us avoid getting into real trouble that might make us call out for help with the now common ominous phrase, “Houston, we have a problem.” The article references safe investing Story: Pay Me Weekly Commentary - When it comes to our favorite investments, we're all about getting paid. Getting paid means investing in companies that treat us the way we should be treated--as owners, not just fodder. This helps us avoid getting into real trouble that might make us call out for help with the now common ominous phrase, “Houston, we have a problem.”

The Clean Yield is an investment advisory with a 20-year history of successful investing in “socially responsible” companies and shareholder rights activism. Their free newsletter is a tool for money management services. The article references safe investing Story: Roundup: The Clean Yield - The Clean Yield is an investment advisory with a 20-year history of successful investing in “socially responsible” companies and shareholder rights activism. Their free newsletter is a tool for money management services.

Although buying into managed funds usually doesn’t pay as well as actively investing in individual stocks, funds do offer immediate diversification. Below, we outline our favorite Canadian trust fund. The article references safe investing Story: High Yield of the Month: EnerVest Diversified Income Trust - Although buying into managed funds usually doesn’t pay as well as actively investing in individual stocks, funds do offer immediate diversification. Below, we outline our favorite Canadian trust fund.

I’m not incredibly enthusiastic about the a robot-filled battlespace as many defense contractors are, but that doesn’t change the fact that Pentagon brass has been sold on the concept and is investing into this concept in a big way. Unmanned aerial vehicles, robots--you name it. The article references safe investing Story: We SPIE - I’m not incredibly enthusiastic about the a robot-filled battlespace as many defense contractors are, but that doesn’t change the fact that Pentagon brass has been sold on the concept and is investing into this concept in a big way. Unmanned aerial vehicles, robots--you name it.

My impression of the lack of tech representation at a conference clearly geared toward tech is that: There remains relatively little interest in distech investing since the meltdown in 2000, and distech firms haven't made the case with a majority of investors. The article references safe investing Story: Distech Dichotomy - My impression of the lack of tech representation at a conference clearly geared toward tech is that: There remains relatively little interest in distech investing since the meltdown in 2000, and distech firms haven't made the case with a majority of investors.

Six years ago, I gave a keynote speech at the first IBF Nanotechnology Investing Forum (NIF) in Palm Springs, Calif., in which I gave my vision for the future of nanotechnology. My message was simple, “There is not, and there never will be, a nanotechnology industry.”
The article references safe investing Story: Desert Musings - Six years ago, I gave a keynote speech at the first IBF Nanotechnology Investing Forum (NIF) in Palm Springs, Calif., in which I gave my vision for the future of nanotechnology. My message was simple, “There is not, and there never will be, a nanotechnology industry.”

Investing in dividend-paying stocks is, at its core, a long-term enterprise. For one thing, you’ve got to stick around long enough to collect your distributions. The article references safe investing Story: How to Play Dividend Stocks in Today's Market - Investing in dividend-paying stocks is, at its core, a long-term enterprise. For one thing, you’ve got to stick around long enough to collect your distributions.

March 08, 2005 Scary Stuff Investing can be a scary experience, even for a tried and true veteran of the business. Each and every day, any one of countless bits and pieces of stuff can come to the forefront to cause troubles for the stock of The article references safe investing Story: Scary Stuff - March 08, 2005 Scary Stuff Investing can be a scary experience, even for a tried and true veteran of the business. Each and every day, any one of countless bits and pieces of stuff can come to the forefront to cause troubles for the stock of

The Dragon And The Eunuch: Wars, Spies And Profits In 21st Century Asia By Yiannis G. Mostrous The Quiet American is one of the most acclaimed novels of the last fifty years. Written by Graham Greene, the book deals with French colonial Vietnam in the 1950s. The story is that of Fowler, a The article references safe investing Story: The Geopolitics & Investing Quarterly - The Dragon And The Eunuch: Wars, Spies And Profits In 21st Century Asia By Yiannis G. Mostrous The Quiet American is one of the most acclaimed novels of the last fifty years. Written by Graham Greene, the book deals with French colonial Vietnam in the 1950s. The story is that of Fowler, a

As Asia completes its fifth year of global performance domination, investors will be a little more cautious in 2008. This is understandable. It’s time to step back and take a look at the bigger picture and revisit the rationale behind investing in Asia, especially for long-term investors.
The article references safe investing Story: The Silk Road to the Future - As Asia completes its fifth year of global performance domination, investors will be a little more cautious in 2008. This is understandable. It’s time to step back and take a look at the bigger picture and revisit the rationale behind investing in Asia, especially for long-term investors.

When the US economy and markets sneeze, the rest of the world catches a cold: That old investing adage has held for nearly a century, since this country first became dominant on the global scene after World War I. Conventional wisdom is it will hold this time around as well. But based on the numbers we’ve seen thus far, that’s far from certain. The article references safe investing Story: Foreign Exposure - When the US economy and markets sneeze, the rest of the world catches a cold: That old investing adage has held for nearly a century, since this country first became dominant on the global scene after World War I. Conventional wisdom is it will hold this time around as well. But based on the numbers we’ve seen thus far, that’s far from certain.

Welcome to the maiden issue of Real Nanotech Investor . Before we get started with the “what,” it’s important to understand the “why” and “how.” I’ll start with the easy one first: Why invest in nanotech? As my partner, world-renowned nanotech scientist and consultant Tim Harper likes to The article references safe investing Story: Real Nanotech Investing - Welcome to the maiden issue of Real Nanotech Investor . Before we get started with the “what,” it’s important to understand the “why” and “how.” I’ll start with the easy one first: Why invest in nanotech? As my partner, world-renowned nanotech scientist and consultant Tim Harper likes to

By Elliott H. Gue This year has certainly been a profitable one for the energy patch and The Energy Strategist portfolios. As 2005 winds to a close it's an opportune time to reflect and review some of our key calls and investing themes. In this issue, I'll review some of the y The article references safe investing Story: Taking Stock Of 2005 - By Elliott H. Gue This year has certainly been a profitable one for the energy patch and The Energy Strategist portfolios. As 2005 winds to a close it's an opportune time to reflect and review some of our key calls and investing themes. In this issue, I'll review some of the y

The eventual economic recovery is sure to increase demand for energy. As we’ve mentioned before, energy is in chronic short supply. When investing in energy stocks, keep in mind that they’ll have their ups and downs, but the long-term trend is almost certain to be up. The article references safe investing Story: Black Gold Is Back--March 27, 2002 - The eventual economic recovery is sure to increase demand for energy. As we’ve mentioned before, energy is in chronic short supply. When investing in energy stocks, keep in mind that they’ll have their ups and downs, but the long-term trend is almost certain to be up.

With no substantial new electric-generating capacity coming on line and demand for electricity surging, problems in the U.S. power grid are getting more common. The power outages sometimes cost thousands of dollars per hour. But American Power Conversion (NSDQ: APCC, 13.90) solves that problem. The article references safe investing Story: High-Stakes Investing - With no substantial new electric-generating capacity coming on line and demand for electricity surging, problems in the U.S. power grid are getting more common. The power outages sometimes cost thousands of dollars per hour. But American Power Conversion (NSDQ: APCC, 13.90) solves that problem.

NEW TRADES: BUY AMERICAN HOME MORTGAGE (NYSE: AHM) AND NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP (NYSE: NCT)

We've been investing in Thornburg Mortgage in Personal Finance for years and more recently in Bond Desk. Those of you who have been along for the ride know that Thornburg periodically comes under ex The article references safe investing Story: Trade From April 10, 2007 - NEW TRADES: BUY AMERICAN HOME MORTGAGE (NYSE: AHM) AND NEWCASTLE INVESTMENT CORP (NYSE: NCT)

We've been investing in Thornburg Mortgage in Personal Finance for years and more recently in Bond Desk. Those of you who have been along for the ride know that Thornburg periodically comes under ex

October 27, 2004 No Simulation For so many in the financial media, investing is just a big simulation. They take bits and pieces of market news and data and weave stories. These stories, of course, can either have a mission or not. Mission The article references safe investing Story: No Simulation - October 27, 2004 No Simulation For so many in the financial media, investing is just a big simulation. They take bits and pieces of market news and data and weave stories. These stories, of course, can either have a mission or not. Mission

With the approach of the holiday season, and possibly some well-earned vacation, you might have some extra time on your hands to finally pick up those investing titles you’ve been meaning to read. Below we look at four of our favorites, offering something for every taste. If you’re too busy shopping for gifts to read, consider these great books for the investor on your list. The article references safe investing Story: Holiday Reading - With the approach of the holiday season, and possibly some well-earned vacation, you might have some extra time on your hands to finally pick up those investing titles you’ve been meaning to read. Below we look at four of our favorites, offering something for every taste. If you’re too busy shopping for gifts to read, consider these great books for the investor on your list.

By Roger Conrad & Neil George Rate cycles are a normal part of income investing, but volatile interest rates have been giving many income investors heartburn this year. If you don’t ride them out, you’re not going to get income or the wealth that building a cash-generating strategy provides. The article references safe investing Story: Rate Rumbles - By Roger Conrad & Neil George Rate cycles are a normal part of income investing, but volatile interest rates have been giving many income investors heartburn this year. If you don’t ride them out, you’re not going to get income or the wealth that building a cash-generating strategy provides.

It’s been tough to make money investing in the general stock market. With the broad market indexes on their way south, most investors keep seeing red on their quarterly statements while wondering if there’s another place to stow cash that won’t erase net worth, and perhaps even build some. The article references safe investing Story: Be Open to Closed-End Funds - It’s been tough to make money investing in the general stock market. With the broad market indexes on their way south, most investors keep seeing red on their quarterly statements while wondering if there’s another place to stow cash that won’t erase net worth, and perhaps even build some.

Energy has been one of our investment themes for a long time. Given the current geopolitical situation and chronic energy shortages, we continue to view energy as one of the most important economic issues—and investing in energy stocks remains a good decision. The article references safe investing Story: It's Texas Team Time - Energy has been one of our investment themes for a long time. Given the current geopolitical situation and chronic energy shortages, we continue to view energy as one of the most important economic issues—and investing in energy stocks remains a good decision.

When it comes to our favorite investments, we're all about getting paid. Getting paid means investing in companies that treat us the way we should be treated--as owners, not just fodder. This helps us avoid getting into real trouble that might make us call out for help with the now common ominous phrase, “Houston, we have a problem.” The article references safe investing Story: Houston, We Have a Problem - When it comes to our favorite investments, we're all about getting paid. Getting paid means investing in companies that treat us the way we should be treated--as owners, not just fodder. This helps us avoid getting into real trouble that might make us call out for help with the now common ominous phrase, “Houston, we have a problem.”

As long time readers are aware, we don’t change the Personal  Finance Income Portfolio often. For one thing, frequent moves are self-defeating in income investing: You don’t stick around long enough to get the full benefit of dividends and dividend growth, and you get hit with full taxes rather than the preferential 15 percent rate. The article references safe investing Story: Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes - As long time readers are aware, we don’t change the Personal  Finance Income Portfolio often. For one thing, frequent moves are self-defeating in income investing: You don’t stick around long enough to get the full benefit of dividends and dividend growth, and you get hit with full taxes rather than the preferential 15 percent rate.

Crushing debt, over-capacity, soaring government and trade deficits, global political turmoil and an uncertain economy are why I advocate a “big C” conservative investing strategy. Buying financially strong utilities with unregulated businesses surviving the industry turmoil does that while positioning to profit from the likely recovery. The article references safe investing Story: A Quality Recovery - Crushing debt, over-capacity, soaring government and trade deficits, global political turmoil and an uncertain economy are why I advocate a “big C” conservative investing strategy. Buying financially strong utilities with unregulated businesses surviving the industry turmoil does that while positioning to profit from the likely recovery.

There are a lot of trust mutual funds out there, but only some of them deserve your consideration. The basics of trust mutual funds, as well as those funds worth investing in, are highlighted below. The article references safe investing Story: Everybody Into The Pool - There are a lot of trust mutual funds out there, but only some of them deserve your consideration. The basics of trust mutual funds, as well as those funds worth investing in, are highlighted below.

Infrastructure has been a big investing theme with substantial profits. Although the trade has become quite crowded of late, there are still profits to be made for patient, selective investors. The reasons are easy to spot.
The article references safe investing Story: The Big Breakdown - Infrastructure has been a big investing theme with substantial profits. Although the trade has become quite crowded of late, there are still profits to be made for patient, selective investors. The reasons are easy to spot.

China has become the epicenter of investing in Asia. As the country charges ahead, it needs raw materials and energy. Hong Kong remains the main bridge to China, and earlier this year we identified some of the island’s utility companies that will benefit from the mainland’s growth. Here’s our current take. The article references safe investing Story: Powering China -- Feb. 26, 2003 - China has become the epicenter of investing in Asia. As the country charges ahead, it needs raw materials and energy. Hong Kong remains the main bridge to China, and earlier this year we identified some of the island’s utility companies that will benefit from the mainland’s growth. Here’s our current take.

There isn’t much to say about risky stocks in a vicious bear market; they go down faster than the averages, that much is certain. It’s worth reiterating once again that buying High-Stakes recommendations is a risky proposition—you shouldn’t be using a lot of your investing assets in this arena. The article references safe investing Story: High-Stakes Update - There isn’t much to say about risky stocks in a vicious bear market; they go down faster than the averages, that much is certain. It’s worth reiterating once again that buying High-Stakes recommendations is a risky proposition—you shouldn’t be using a lot of your investing assets in this arena.

NEW TRADE IDEA: BUY AGF MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (TORONTO: AFP-U) AND MULTI MANAGER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP I (TORONTO: MMN-U)

We’re all about getting paid. That means investing in companies that treat us as they should, as owners of the companies and not just fodder.

When I took ov The article references safe investing Story: Trade From March 7, 2007 - NEW TRADE IDEA: BUY AGF MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (TORONTO: AFP-U) AND MULTI MANAGER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP I (TORONTO: MMN-U)

We’re all about getting paid. That means investing in companies that treat us as they should, as owners of the companies and not just fodder.

When I took ov

The energy sector continues to be one of our favorite investing themes, and the companies we’re reviewing here have been in the PF portfolios for some time. Absent an unforeseen catastrophe, energy companies will benefit tremendously from the inevitable growth of the U.S. economy, since oil and natural gas-related companies are essential for economic growth. The companies below still have some of the best upside potential in the market. The article references safe investing Story: Article Update - The energy sector continues to be one of our favorite investing themes, and the companies we’re reviewing here have been in the PF portfolios for some time. Absent an unforeseen catastrophe, energy companies will benefit tremendously from the inevitable growth of the U.S. economy, since oil and natural gas-related companies are essential for economic growth. The companies below still have some of the best upside potential in the market.

Some successful traders use fundamental analysis and a careful review of financial accounts to select their positions. Others, who are equally successful, rely solely on charts and technical analysis. But the one characteristic that all great traders share is careful, disciplined risk management. The article references safe investing Story: Stop, Halt, Arretez-vous: Control Your Investing Risks - Some successful traders use fundamental analysis and a careful review of financial accounts to select their positions. Others, who are equally successful, rely solely on charts and technical analysis. But the one characteristic that all great traders share is careful, disciplined risk management.

I’m a glass-half-full guy. I always look for the bright side. And when things look their blackest, my every instinct is to buy, buy, buy. I’ve also been in the investment business long enough to know that things don’t always work out. Many times, where’s there’s smoke, there’s a raging blaze that will scorch anyone who gets too close. Businesses as cash-rich as investing do attract criminals. And you can’t always trust the numbers. The article references safe investing Story: Hotline: Hang in There - I’m a glass-half-full guy. I always look for the bright side. And when things look their blackest, my every instinct is to buy, buy, buy. I’ve also been in the investment business long enough to know that things don’t always work out. Many times, where’s there’s smoke, there’s a raging blaze that will scorch anyone who gets too close. Businesses as cash-rich as investing do attract criminals. And you can’t always trust the numbers.

The following excerpt my book The Silk Road To Riches: How You Can Profit By Investing In Asia’s Newfound Prosperity , discusses gold, the drift to paper currency, and the important distinction between holding gold bullion and owning shares of gold mining stocks. The article references safe investing Story: The Lost Guarantee - The following excerpt my book The Silk Road To Riches: How You Can Profit By Investing In Asia’s Newfound Prosperity , discusses gold, the drift to paper currency, and the important distinction between holding gold bullion and owning shares of gold mining stocks.

Converting now will allow Ag Growth greater access to capital as it pursues an aggressive growth strategy, much of which is focused on expanding its international presence. About two-thirds of the company’s 2008 sales were to US-based customers, a market supported by federal legislation mandating the use of corn-based ethanol in gasoline. But developing countries are also investing more in grain infrastructure. The article references safe investing Story: High-Quality Farm Prospects - Converting now will allow Ag Growth greater access to capital as it pursues an aggressive growth strategy, much of which is focused on expanding its international presence. About two-thirds of the company’s 2008 sales were to US-based customers, a market supported by federal legislation mandating the use of corn-based ethanol in gasoline. But developing countries are also investing more in grain infrastructure.

Inside my subscriber-based service, The Energy Strategist, I recommend a handful of companies that are organized as publicly traded partnerships (PTP); the most common forms of PTP are Master Limited Partnerships (MLP) and limited liability companies (LLC). I’m also co-editor of The Partnership, a newsletter dedicated solely to investing in this group. Here's one stock I currently recommend in both publications.
The article references safe investing Story: Your Guide to Understanding the Hedges - Inside my subscriber-based service, The Energy Strategist, I recommend a handful of companies that are organized as publicly traded partnerships (PTP); the most common forms of PTP are Master Limited Partnerships (MLP) and limited liability companies (LLC). I’m also co-editor of The Partnership, a newsletter dedicated solely to investing in this group. Here's one stock I currently recommend in both publications.

In our book The Silk Road to Riches: How You Can Profit by Investing in Asia's Newfound Prosperity, co-author Elliott Gue analyzed in great detail the future of energy and agricultural resources.  Here’s Elliott’s take on the current situation regarding biofuels, a growth industry of the future. The article references safe investing Story: Biofuel Bonanza - In our book The Silk Road to Riches: How You Can Profit by Investing in Asia's Newfound Prosperity, co-author Elliott Gue analyzed in great detail the future of energy and agricultural resources.  Here’s Elliott’s take on the current situation regarding biofuels, a growth industry of the future.

Tax time has rolled around again, and for many investors this time of year can be a hassle. A diversified portfolio provides investors with the best chances for optimizing their investment dollars. And exposure to different sectors of the market and different varieties of investing vehicles is an important hedge. But come April 15, portfolio diversity also forces investors to take a little extra time to make sure they’re realizing the most beneficial tax scenario for their earnings. The article references safe investing Story: Tax Time: REIT Relief - Tax time has rolled around again, and for many investors this time of year can be a hassle. A diversified portfolio provides investors with the best chances for optimizing their investment dollars. And exposure to different sectors of the market and different varieties of investing vehicles is an important hedge. But come April 15, portfolio diversity also forces investors to take a little extra time to make sure they’re realizing the most beneficial tax scenario for their earnings.

The circumstances are always different, but the emotions are the same in bear markets: Despondency, despair and fear that the worst is yet to come. The good news is it’s never as bad you think. But navigating your way through bear markets is as much a part of successful investing as making the most of bull markets. The article references safe investing Story: Eye of the Storm - The circumstances are always different, but the emotions are the same in bear markets: Despondency, despair and fear that the worst is yet to come. The good news is it’s never as bad you think. But navigating your way through bear markets is as much a part of successful investing as making the most of bull markets.

Long-term readers know by now that I’m a co-author of the book The Silk Road To Riches: How You Can Profit By Investing In Asia’s Newfound Prosperity. The main theme of the book is Asia’s emergence as the world’s next economic growth engine. The article references safe investing Story: Buying The Silk Road To Riches - Long-term readers know by now that I’m a co-author of the book The Silk Road To Riches: How You Can Profit By Investing In Asia’s Newfound Prosperity. The main theme of the book is Asia’s emergence as the world’s next economic growth engine.

Along with my colleagues Ivan Martchev and Elliott Gue, I spent a big part of 2005 writing a book, The Silk Road To Riches: How You Can Profit By Investing In Asia’s Newfound Prosperity. It was a very rewarding experience that provided us an opportunity to research one of the most interesting investment themes of our times, Asia’s emergence as the world’s next economic growth engine. The article references safe investing Story: The Silk Road To Riches - Along with my colleagues Ivan Martchev and Elliott Gue, I spent a big part of 2005 writing a book, The Silk Road To Riches: How You Can Profit By Investing In Asia’s Newfound Prosperity. It was a very rewarding experience that provided us an opportunity to research one of the most interesting investment themes of our times, Asia’s emergence as the world’s next economic growth engine.

As we’ve said many times, the riskiest stocks get hit hardest in bear markets. And as explained on multiple occasions, our High-Stakes recommendations are for investors who want to put some risk capital to work, but these aren’t picks to load up on because they carry very high risk. We’re taking the opportunity this issue to sell many of them as we restructure the High-Stakes trading portfolio. There will be more changes to the format coming soon. Actual returns are listed in the closeout table. The article references safe investing Story: High-Stakes Investing: Housecleaning - As we’ve said many times, the riskiest stocks get hit hardest in bear markets. And as explained on multiple occasions, our High-Stakes recommendations are for investors who want to put some risk capital to work, but these aren’t picks to load up on because they carry very high risk. We’re taking the opportunity this issue to sell many of them as we restructure the High-Stakes trading portfolio. There will be more changes to the format coming soon. Actual returns are listed in the closeout table.

In this excerpt from my book The Silk Road To Riches: How You Can Profit By Investing In Asia’s Newfound Prosperity, I highlight the unfolding geopolitical drama and what investors need to keep in mind. Given the latest developments with Iran's nuclear programs, not only is the piece timely but the diplomatic rhetoric and world divisions around Iran's moves nicely support our argument and analysis. The article references safe investing Story: Power Games - In this excerpt from my book The Silk Road To Riches: How You Can Profit By Investing In Asia’s Newfound Prosperity, I highlight the unfolding geopolitical drama and what investors need to keep in mind. Given the latest developments with Iran's nuclear programs, not only is the piece timely but the diplomatic rhetoric and world divisions around Iran's moves nicely support our argument and analysis.

When investing in a private early-stage company, it’s possible to invest at a much lower equity price, albeit with much higher risk. This concept is essentially the backbone of the traditional venture capital industry business model: Invest in a relatively large number of early-stage companies and let the small number of explosive successes balance out the large number of failures. The article references safe investing Story: Where Venture Capital Fits - When investing in a private early-stage company, it’s possible to invest at a much lower equity price, albeit with much higher risk. This concept is essentially the backbone of the traditional venture capital industry business model: Invest in a relatively large number of early-stage companies and let the small number of explosive successes balance out the large number of failures.

Insurance companies make money by writing premiums and investing the premium dollars they receive—the ‘90s was a great time to invest and the years of plenty created a huge excess of capital for the industry. That meant lots of price competition on insurance premiums—insurance companies had plenty of capital to pay out and tried to attract capital by lowering prices. That’s not a recipe for profitability. The article references safe investing Story: Arch Capital - Insurance companies make money by writing premiums and investing the premium dollars they receive—the ‘90s was a great time to invest and the years of plenty created a huge excess of capital for the industry. That meant lots of price competition on insurance premiums—insurance companies had plenty of capital to pay out and tried to attract capital by lowering prices. That’s not a recipe for profitability.

So-called “socially responsible” investing has a mixed track record. On one hand, investors in the handful of mutual funds and managed accounts that exclude polluters, vice industries, practitioners of employee-unfriendly or discriminatory policies and so on have avoided some of this bear market’s biggest pitfalls regarding corporate conduct. On the other, one person’s social good can be another’s unforgivable sin, and being clean doesn’t always equate to solid returns. Here are the views of The Clean Yield. The article references safe investing Story: Roundup: The Clean Yield - So-called “socially responsible” investing has a mixed track record. On one hand, investors in the handful of mutual funds and managed accounts that exclude polluters, vice industries, practitioners of employee-unfriendly or discriminatory policies and so on have avoided some of this bear market’s biggest pitfalls regarding corporate conduct. On the other, one person’s social good can be another’s unforgivable sin, and being clean doesn’t always equate to solid returns. Here are the views of The Clean Yield.

After a couple days at the San Francisco Money Show, where I did a Webcast event on nanotech investing, including my favorite hot stocks, I’m in lovely San Diego for the next few days attending a SPIE Photonic and Optics Conference. Sunday was the first day and here are my initial impressions. I’ll be blogging on At These Levels while I’m here if you want to read the day-to-day goings on. The article references safe investing Story: I SPIE - After a couple days at the San Francisco Money Show, where I did a Webcast event on nanotech investing, including my favorite hot stocks, I’m in lovely San Diego for the next few days attending a SPIE Photonic and Optics Conference. Sunday was the first day and here are my initial impressions. I’ll be blogging on At These Levels while I’m here if you want to read the day-to-day goings on.

•  The Canadian income trust market is undeniably hot—and the marketing arms of financial institutions have surely noted this fact. Numerous new trust mutual funds have debuted during the last six months, many to take advantage of current investor sentiment and to capitalize on Canadian rules governing pension investing. Before you jump into an income trust mutual fund, be aware that, as passive foreign investment companies, the distributions paid by CANADIAN TRUST MUTUAL FUNDS AREN’T QUALIFIED FOR US PURPOSES AND ARE TAXED AT NORMAL RATES, NOT THE LOWER 15 PERCENT RATE. We continue to favor individual trusts for this and many other reasons.   The article references safe investing Story: Advisory - •  The Canadian income trust market is undeniably hot—and the marketing arms of financial institutions have surely noted this fact. Numerous new trust mutual funds have debuted during the last six months, many to take advantage of current investor sentiment and to capitalize on Canadian rules governing pension investing. Before you jump into an income trust mutual fund, be aware that, as passive foreign investment companies, the distributions paid by CANADIAN TRUST MUTUAL FUNDS AREN’T QUALIFIED FOR US PURPOSES AND ARE TAXED AT NORMAL RATES, NOT THE LOWER 15 PERCENT RATE. We continue to favor individual trusts for this and many other reasons.  

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The article references safe investing Story: Growth Engines 33 -

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  The article references safe investing Story: White List -  

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The article references safe investing Story: Growth Engines 46 -

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The article references safe investing Story: Growth Engines 37 -

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The article references safe investing Story: Growth Engines 6 -

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The article references safe investing Story: Growth Engines 28 -

risk-management-in-financial-institution

finance

making-money

stock-exchange

research-mutual-funds

emerging-market-indicator

emerging-market-research-stock

gold-coin-investing

business-investment-opportunity

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international-project-finance

global-economy

emerging-market-mutual-fund

passive-investment-opportunity

mutual-fund-conference

municpal-bonds

emerging-market-country

old-mutual-funds

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emerging-market-funds

worldcom-bonds

savings-bond-interest

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emerging-market-lending

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td-mutual-funds

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gold-mutual-funds

advice-emerging-international-market-stock

emerging-market-index

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investing-in-rental-property

advice-emerging-international-market

savings-bonds-information

emerging-franchising-in-international-market

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trade-bonds

top-rated-mutual-funds

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morning-star-5-star-funds

Many people own substantial IRAs and have the bulk of their investment portfolios in their IRAs. These investors might not realize there are investments that are prohibited from IRAs and others that are allowed but at the expense of tax penalties. The issue of how to invest an IRA is more important in today's climate, because "hard assets" and other nontraditional assets are primarily prohibited or discouraged in IRAs. The article references safe investing Story: Dos and Don'ts of IRA Investing - Many people own substantial IRAs and have the bulk of their investment portfolios in their IRAs. These investors might not realize there are investments that are prohibited from IRAs and others that are allowed but at the expense of tax penalties. The issue of how to invest an IRA is more important in today's climate, because "hard assets" and other nontraditional assets are primarily prohibited or discouraged in IRAs.

Net Asset Value

Over the past several days, our collection of bond investment companies has been much more volatile than normal. With many seeking out alternatives to last month's generally lousy stock market conditions in the US, bond investing is catching on. This is good, as we all would like the stock investors to figure out that bonds can be much more profitable than just clipping coupons. At the same time, in any market with novices involved, it can make for some challenging market conditions.

The trouble: Most stock investors aren't well versed in the bond market. As such, they’ll often make for easy fodder by the more experienced at the bond trading desks. This shouldn't scare you off from bonds; but when conditions become too heady for our own recommended portfolio holdings, we have to be ready to act.

The Morgan Stanley Global Opportunity Fund (US: MGB) has been a great performer over the past few years. With a solid management team that’s been buying and holding a great mix of US and international bonds, our portfolio has been generating an impressive stream of dividends while cashing in on the ongoing positive bond market conditions to grow our capital value.

It’s been doing far too well, actually. The problem: Over the past many days, the fund's stock price has been running up significantly and then was followed by some harrowing up and down days in the trading of the fund’s stock. This would be great if we were traders, but that isn't the point of our Cash Cows.

So while the underlying investments are in great shape, stock investors are buying and selling the fund’s stock and they’re creating troubles for us. As I've mentioned in By George, the company has been moving to disclose its holdings more frequently and with more detail. This is good; but that’s been delayed, only fueling the speculative trading frenzy in the bond fund’s stock.

After being in repeated contact with the company directly, we’re assured there’s nothing wrong with the investment company. Rather, it’s being traded up and down--even shorted and covered with abandon over these past several days. That’s been making for some wild pricing. Wild pricing isn't what we’re interested in when it comes to this company.

So for now, if you haven't already, take a good look at your own holdings and only hold it if you’re watching it daily. For most, it would make sense to take the profits and stand aside for now. We’ll have further information and a final portfolio recommendation shortly, so stay tuned to the Web site, the next mailed issue of Personal Finance and By George. To sign up for By George, go to www.bygeorge.biz.

Neil George,
Editor, Personal Finance and By George. The article references safe investing Story: February 8, 2005 - Net Asset Value

Over the past several days, our collection of bond investment companies has been much more volatile than normal. With many seeking out alternatives to last month's generally lousy stock market conditions in the US, bond investing is catching on. This is good, as we all would like the stock investors to figure out that bonds can be much more profitable than just clipping coupons. At the same time, in any market with novices involved, it can make for some challenging market conditions.

The trouble: Most stock investors aren't well versed in the bond market. As such, they’ll often make for easy fodder by the more experienced at the bond trading desks. This shouldn't scare you off from bonds; but when conditions become too heady for our own recommended portfolio holdings, we have to be ready to act.

The Morgan Stanley Global Opportunity Fund (US: MGB) has been a great performer over the past few years. With a solid management team that’s been buying and holding a great mix of US and international bonds, our portfolio has been generating an impressive stream of dividends while cashing in on the ongoing positive bond market conditions to grow our capital value.

It’s been doing far too well, actually. The problem: Over the past many days, the fund's stock price has been running up significantly and then was followed by some harrowing up and down days in the trading of the fund’s stock. This would be great if we were traders, but that isn't the point of our Cash Cows.

So while the underlying investments are in great shape, stock investors are buying and selling the fund’s stock and they’re creating troubles for us. As I've mentioned in By George, the company has been moving to disclose its holdings more frequently and with more detail. This is good; but that’s been delayed, only fueling the speculative trading frenzy in the bond fund’s stock.

After being in repeated contact with the company directly, we’re assured there’s nothing wrong with the investment company. Rather, it’s being traded up and down--even shorted and covered with abandon over these past several days. That’s been making for some wild pricing. Wild pricing isn't what we’re interested in when it comes to this company.

So for now, if you haven't already, take a good look at your own holdings and only hold it if you’re watching it daily. For most, it would make sense to take the profits and stand aside for now. We’ll have further information and a final portfolio recommendation shortly, so stay tuned to the Web site, the next mailed issue of Personal Finance and By George. To sign up for By George, go to www.bygeorge.biz.

Neil George,
Editor, Personal Finance and By George.

The  Energy Letter

With  concerns about peak oil heightened by growing worldwide demand, skyrocketing  energy costs are impacting budgets from the largest companies down to  individual families. But availing yourself of the investment opportunities  stemming from the worldwide energy crisis can have a positive affect on your  bottom line—provided you invest wisely.

There’s  much more to making money in the energy sector than predicting the direction of  oil and natural gas prices. As with any investment, selectivity is essential:  Just because commodities prices are rising doesn’t mean that every company is a  winner. These decisions, of course, are founded on reliable information and  analysis.

Every  other Friday, Elliott H. Gue breaks down the complexities of the world’s energy  markets in The Energy Letter, a free e-zine that features in-depth  analysis and expert commentary on the latest trends in liquid natural gas  (LNG), tanker companies, coal and uranium mining, offshore and deepwater  drilling, and even alternative and renewable energy.

A  year and a half ago, Elliott’s bullish outlook on uranium prices paid  handsomely for readers who followed his recommendations of junior  uranium-mining companies that the market had overlooked.

Some  of the opportunities and topics that Elliott has recently covered include:

• A  primer on selecting the most profitable driller companies both domestically and  internationally;
 
• The  exciting prospect of drilling in newly-discovered deepwater and unconventional  reserves, such as the Tupi field off Brazil’s  coast and the Bakken Shale in Montana;
 
• How  rising overseas demand, especially among European utilities companies, is  revitalizing US coal producers and related industries; and
 
• The  booming business of building pipeline networks and processing facilities for  natural gas.
  

In  short, The Energy Letter provides readers with the sound market  intelligence and actionable advice that investors need to profit from  developments in the energy markets.

Commodities Trends

A recent article in the Wall Street  Journal noted that if you examine the historical performance of the S&P  500, you find that the stock market is trading at the same level it was nine  years ago. Commodities markets, on the other hand, have been in a bull trend.  But expert timing and sound market intelligence are the keys to riding this  fast-moving bull, especially during volatile times.

Every other Monday, George Kleinman  shares his trading methods and studied insights into the inner-workings of the  commodities markets in his free e-zine, Commodities Trends. A former  member of Merrill Lynch’s renowned “Golden Circle” and founder and president  of Commodity Resource Corp, George has over thirty years experience  analyzing and profiting from these lucrative markets. In each issue, George  surveys the macroeconomic trends affecting different commodities as well as  sector-specific developments, while laying out the specifics of his top plays  from agricultural products to crude oil and precious metals.

In recent articles, George has discussed  the following topics and investment opportunities:

• How to profit from a weakening dollar  without playing the currency market;
 
• The supply and demand dynamics that are  driving the price movements of corn futures, from the rising cost of fertilizer  to increased ethanol production;
 
• Why gold is the premier commodity play  for the most long-term upside potential; and
 
• The complex universe of factors and  events that drove Minneapolis  wheat to the highest price ever paid for a bushel.

So if you’re wondering about the  prospects for soybean futures, or the fundamentals of cotton, cocoa or sugar,  George Kleinman’s Commodities Trends e-zine has the answers along with  diligent research and analysis to back them up.
   

Friday Market Wrapup
 
“None  of us really understands what’s going on with all of these numbers.” –David  Stockman, former director of the Office of Management and Budget
 
The public has long shunned  economic data as too dull and academic, preferring to leave its interpretation  to their financial advisors and focus their attention on the performance of  individual stocks within their portfolios. However, as more and more investors  decide to take their financial futures into their own hands, they also shoulder  the cumbersome task of keeping apprised of the latest economic trends and  developments.
 
Each week government agencies  and industry trade groups issue rafts of data on the health of the economy at  large and the prospects for specific industries or sectors. Needless to say,  sifting through this welter of information can be quite a chore—never mind  piecing together the larger picture and determining its ramifications for your  own investments and bottom line.
 
Thankfully, you no longer need  to cull the financial pages for the latest market developments or economic data  on inflation, employment, manufacturing, consumer confidence and mortgage  activity. In his free e-zine Friday  Market Wrapup, Benjamin Shepherd provides you with a tidy digest of the  week’s most newsworthy events and statistical releases, while analyzing the  markets’ biggest movers and explaining the implications for individual  investors.
 
Wondering what the University of Michigan’s consumer confidence survey,  in conjunction with business inventory data released by the Commerce  Department, reveals about the direction of the economy? What do the Consumer  Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) tell us? Should we take Labor  Department’s latest unemployment statistics at face value, or are there  mitigating circumstances this week? Why will the coming months be a good time  to buy a car, but not to invest in automakers?
 
In each edition of Friday Market Wrapup, Ben breaks down  everything you need to know to stay on top of current trends as well as where  the market may be headed.
 

Emerging Markets Speculator
 
It’s no secret that the US  economy is slowing down, as the fallout from the housing, mortgage and credit  crises has dampened consumer spending and economic prospects in a number of key  sectors and industries. For the growth investor, only one viable option remains:  invest abroad, especially in the emerging markets poised to power the world  economy, or consign your portfolio to mediocre returns.
 
Consider India, China,  Russia, Brazil and a  host of other Asian, Latin American and Eastern European countries whose  economies are developing at a frenetic pace. They're the next wave of growth  markets. Although in the long-run most of these markets will deliver capital  gains dwarfing those of more developed economies (while also providing great  dividends), in the short-term many will be volatile. In order to profit, you  need a guide, someone to help you uncover the big trends while avoiding the  pitfalls.
 
Every other Thursday, Yiannis Mostrous—the coauthor of The Silk Road To  Riches: How You Can Profit By Investing In Asia's Newfound Prosperity—spotlights  the hottest sectors in the world’s emerging markets in Emerging Markets Speculator, a  free e-zine that delves into the intricacies of an increasingly complex and  interconnected global economy and the incredible investment opportunities  therein.
 
With your free subscription to Emerging Markets Speculator, you’ll learn:

• How  Chinese demand for commodities such as oil, gas, metals, minerals and farm  products—especially potash—has helped to insulate Canada’s economy against downturn;
 
• How  the Russian economy will continue to outperform other emerging markets,  especially now that Dmitry Medvedev is slated to succeed Vladimir Putin;
 
• How  to take advantage of the boom in Chinese infrastructure development, including  which companies to invest and how to buy these shares locally (as opposed to  over-the-counter); and
 
• How  rising demand for coal in China  and India has boosted  prospects for US  coal producer.

Maple Leaf Memo
 
Many US investors often overlook  the money making opportunities that are emerging in Canada, a country with an  abundance of in-demand commodities such as oil, gas, metals, minerals and farm  products—not to mention the prevalence of cash-rich “income trusts,” whose high  dividends and yields are the perfect antidote to the slowing US economy.
 
Of course, the Canadian market  is not without its own turbulence; certain industries and sectors are more  exposed to US economic woes than others and not every Canadian income trust is  a winner. As with any investment opportunity, selectivity and an understanding  of key economic, political and regulatory developments are essential to  choosing the best trusts for your portfolio.
 
Each week in their free e-zine, Maple  Leaf Memo, Roger Conrad and associate editor David Dittman—two of the  leading US  authorities on Canadian income trusts—examine the latest market trends north of  the border and their implications for individual investors.
 
When changes to Canada’s tax  laws threatened to cripple the profitability of these investment vehicles and  skittish investors jumped ship, Roger and David pored over these new  regulations and correctly determined that, if anything, many of these trusts  were poised for explosive growth. Maple Leaf Memo subscribers have  continued to reap the benefits of this research-intensive, forward-looking  approach to analyzing Canadian market conditions.
 
Some of the topics and opportunities  that Roger and David have covered include:

• The Bank of Canada’s latest  monetary policy decisions, and how a stronger loonie has affected profits at  some of the larger income trusts;
 
• The relationship between global  grain inventories, rising consumer demand and the incredible growth prospects  for Canadian potash, an important agricultural fertilizer;
 
• TransForce Income Fund’s decision to  convert from an income trust back to a corporation;
 
• NAFTA, the Energy Independence and Security Act  of 2007 and the potential threat to development of the Canadian oil sands; and
 
• The latest political developments  north of the border in the run-up to the 2008 Canadian federal election, and  their implications for the taxation of income trusts.

Nanotech Investing News
   
Cientifica, the world’s  largest nanotech consultancy company, recently projected that the total market  for nanotechnology-enabled drug delivery will rise to $220 billion by 2015 from  $3 billion today. About 1,500 companies worldwide have announced nanotechnology  research plans, and sales of nanotech products have already increased 2037% in  the past two years.
 
But not every breakthrough  trumpeted by the nascent nanotech sector is worth investing in; just because a  scientific advancement reaches the consciousness of the mainstream media  doesn’t mean it has a commercial application or the pioneering company is  necessarily investment-worthy. Hasty investors often buy into the hype of the  “next big thing” and end up with massive losses on microscopic technology.
 
The Nanotech Investing News is a free e-zine penned by GS Early that features expert analysis and sound  market intelligence to help you separate science from science fiction and  actual profits from fictional profits. Gregg has over 15-years experience  uncovering lucrative investments in high tech industries and avails himself of  all his contacts and resources to identify which opportunities— from green tech  to medical nanotech—are best positioned for growth.
 
The world of nanotechnology and  disruptive technologies is constantly evolving, but here are some of the topics  that have appeared in Nanotech Investing News: 

• The  feasibility of commercializing recent breakthroughs in thin film solar and  printable photovoltaic (PV) cells using nanorods or nanotubes, and the best  investments in existing solar companies who already have saleable products and  contracts in place;
 
• Investment  opportunities that are emerging from advances modern microscopy, as an  increasing number of companies are relying on cutting-edge microscopes to  observe and manipulate matter at a smaller and smaller scale; and
 
• The  latest developments in electricity-generating insulation and how various  industries are already deploying this technology.

Pay Me Weekly:
 
Before joining KCI Communications, Neil J. George  worked as an international bond trader, mutual fund manager and the chief  economist for several major financial institutions. Neil’s many years at the  highest levels of Wall Street and Fleet Street taught him how the game is  played—and in this system, the deck is solidly stacked against the individual  investor.
 
Since exchanging Wall Street for  Main Street  in 1997, Neil has dedicated himself to helping individual investors understand  recent world and market events as well as how these developments affect their  portfolios. Accordingly, Neil’s investment philosophy focuses on companies,  bonds and partnerships that treat shareholders as owners by paying regular dividends. 
 
In his free e-zine Pay Me  Weekly, Neil elaborates on this philosophy, using his keen understanding of  global financial markets to identify the best ways to invest in companies whose  shares will not only increase in value but will also pay a handsome dividend to  keep you flush with cash.
 
Readers of Pay Me Weekly will gain an understanding of which types of investments will perform best in  the current market conditions. Recent articles have highlighted the following  opportunities: 

• The  strong performance of bonds, despite the current market turbulence, and Neil’s  favorite closed-end bond funds for individual investors seeking to fortify  their portfolios by investing in the best government and corporate bonds;
 
• The case for investing in the burgeoning water treatment  sector for both defense in the near term as well as for long-haul growth;
 
• Finding undervalued, dividend-paying companies in the  battered rural telecom sector; and
 
• The  advantages of investing in so-called “mini bonds” such as trust preferred securities  (TRUPs) and public income notes (PINE), which trade like stocks on the New York  Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Utility & Income
 
Utilities  represent some of the highest yielding stocks on the market today, providing  essential services that consumers cannot do without (an attractive quality  during an economic downturn) but also undergoing a great deal of innovation and  growth.

The  Energy Information Administration projects that US demand for electricity will  grow by 30 percent, requiring massive spending to upgrades to our country’s  aging transmission system and introduce green energy sources that will reduce  our reliance on coal. Telecommunications firms as well as water treatment and  natural gas companies are also strong plays for income-minded investors.

Of  course, although there is opportunity in utilities and related sectors, the  upheaval caused by continuing innovation and rapidly increasing demand for  energy, connectivity and “green” technologies could result in some shortsighted  investment decisions by both utilities companies and individual investors.

Arriving  4 to 6 times each month, Roger Conrad’s free Utility & Income e-zine  identifies the top-yielding utility stocks and Canadian income trusts that will  continue to generate reliable income regardless of the broader economy—after  all, when money is tight everyone pays their electricity and heating bills.  Roger’s penchant for diligent research, coupled with his time-proven income  investing strategies, has helped his readers achieve double-digit returns since  he first began the newsletter in 1987.

Here are a handful of the topics that Roger has covered in Utility & Income: 

• How  to profit from the “negawatts” movement by investing in companies that provide  broadband over powerlines (BPL) and firms that produce “smart meters” designed  to improve efficiency and control energy waste;
 
• The  big winners and losers among both national and rural telecommunications firms;  and
 
• The  prospects for natural gas producers, as energy utilities seek a cleaner  alternative to coal-fueled plants.

The article references safe investing Story: Free Ezines -

The  Energy Letter

With  concerns about peak oil heightened by growing worldwide demand, skyrocketing  energy costs are impacting budgets from the largest companies down to  individual families. But availing yourself of the investment opportunities  stemming from the worldwide energy crisis can have a positive affect on your  bottom line—provided you invest wisely.

There’s  much more to making money in the energy sector than predicting the direction of  oil and natural gas prices. As with any investment, selectivity is essential:  Just because commodities prices are rising doesn’t mean that every company is a  winner. These decisions, of course, are founded on reliable information and  analysis.

Every  other Friday, Elliott H. Gue breaks down the complexities of the world’s energy  markets in The Energy Letter, a free e-zine that features in-depth  analysis and expert commentary on the latest trends in liquid natural gas  (LNG), tanker companies, coal and uranium mining, offshore and deepwater  drilling, and even alternative and renewable energy.

A  year and a half ago, Elliott’s bullish outlook on uranium prices paid  handsomely for readers who followed his recommendations of junior  uranium-mining companies that the market had overlooked.

Some  of the opportunities and topics that Elliott has recently covered include:

• A  primer on selecting the most profitable driller companies both domestically and  internationally;
 
• The  exciting prospect of drilling in newly-discovered deepwater and unconventional  reserves, such as the Tupi field off Brazil’s  coast and the Bakken Shale in Montana;
 
• How  rising overseas demand, especially among European utilities companies, is  revitalizing US coal producers and related industries; and
 
• The  booming business of building pipeline networks and processing facilities for  natural gas.
  

In  short, The Energy Letter provides readers with the sound market  intelligence and actionable advice that investors need to profit from  developments in the energy markets.

Commodities Trends

A recent article in the Wall Street  Journal noted that if you examine the historical performance of the S&P  500, you find that the stock market is trading at the same level it was nine  years ago. Commodities markets, on the other hand, have been in a bull trend.  But expert timing and sound market intelligence are the keys to riding this  fast-moving bull, especially during volatile times.

Every other Monday, George Kleinman  shares his trading methods and studied insights into the inner-workings of the  commodities markets in his free e-zine, Commodities Trends. A former  member of Merrill Lynch’s renowned “Golden Circle” and founder and president  of Commodity Resource Corp, George has over thirty years experience  analyzing and profiting from these lucrative markets. In each issue, George  surveys the macroeconomic trends affecting different commodities as well as  sector-specific developments, while laying out the specifics of his top plays  from agricultural products to crude oil and precious metals.

In recent articles, George has discussed  the following topics and investment opportunities:

• How to profit from a weakening dollar  without playing the currency market;
 
• The supply and demand dynamics that are  driving the price movements of corn futures, from the rising cost of fertilizer  to increased ethanol production;
 
• Why gold is the premier commodity play  for the most long-term upside potential; and
 
• The complex universe of factors and  events that drove Minneapolis  wheat to the highest price ever paid for a bushel.

So if you’re wondering about the  prospects for soybean futures, or the fundamentals of cotton, cocoa or sugar,  George Kleinman’s Commodities Trends e-zine has the answers along with  diligent research and analysis to back them up.
   

Friday Market Wrapup
 
“None  of us really understands what’s going on with all of these numbers.” –David  Stockman, former director of the Office of Management and Budget
 
The public has long shunned  economic data as too dull and academic, preferring to leave its interpretation  to their financial advisors and focus their attention on the performance of  individual stocks within their portfolios. However, as more and more investors  decide to take their financial futures into their own hands, they also shoulder  the cumbersome task of keeping apprised of the latest economic trends and  developments.
 
Each week government agencies  and industry trade groups issue rafts of data on the health of the economy at  large and the prospects for specific industries or sectors. Needless to say,  sifting through this welter of information can be quite a chore—never mind  piecing together the larger picture and determining its ramifications for your  own investments and bottom line.
 
Thankfully, you no longer need  to cull the financial pages for the latest market developments or economic data  on inflation, employment, manufacturing, consumer confidence and mortgage  activity. In his free e-zine Friday  Market Wrapup, Benjamin Shepherd provides you with a tidy digest of the  week’s most newsworthy events and statistical releases, while analyzing the  markets’ biggest movers and explaining the implications for individual  investors.
 
Wondering what the University of Michigan’s consumer confidence survey,  in conjunction with business inventory data released by the Commerce  Department, reveals about the direction of the economy? What do the Consumer  Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) tell us? Should we take Labor  Department’s latest unemployment statistics at face value, or are there  mitigating circumstances this week? Why will the coming months be a good time  to buy a car, but not to invest in automakers?
 
In each edition of Friday Market Wrapup, Ben breaks down  everything you need to know to stay on top of current trends as well as where  the market may be headed.
 

Emerging Markets Speculator
 
It’s no secret that the US  economy is slowing down, as the fallout from the housing, mortgage and credit  crises has dampened consumer spending and economic prospects in a number of key  sectors and industries. For the growth investor, only one viable option remains:  invest abroad, especially in the emerging markets poised to power the world  economy, or consign your portfolio to mediocre returns.
 
Consider India, China,  Russia, Brazil and a  host of other Asian, Latin American and Eastern European countries whose  economies are developing at a frenetic pace. They're the next wave of growth  markets. Although in the long-run most of these markets will deliver capital  gains dwarfing those of more developed economies (while also providing great  dividends), in the short-term many will be volatile. In order to profit, you  need a guide, someone to help you uncover the big trends while avoiding the  pitfalls.
 
Every other Thursday, Yiannis Mostrous—the coauthor of The Silk Road To  Riches: How You Can Profit By Investing In Asia's Newfound Prosperity—spotlights  the hottest sectors in the world’s emerging markets in Emerging Markets Speculator, a  free e-zine that delves into the intricacies of an increasingly complex and  interconnected global economy and the incredible investment opportunities  therein.
 
With your free subscription to Emerging Markets Speculator, you’ll learn:

• How  Chinese demand for commodities such as oil, gas, metals, minerals and farm  products—especially potash—has helped to insulate Canada’s economy against downturn;
 
• How  the Russian economy will continue to outperform other emerging markets,  especially now that Dmitry Medvedev is slated to succeed Vladimir Putin;
 
• How  to take advantage of the boom in Chinese infrastructure development, including  which companies to invest and how to buy these shares locally (as opposed to  over-the-counter); and
 
• How  rising demand for coal in China  and India has boosted  prospects for US  coal producer.

Maple Leaf Memo
 
Many US investors often overlook  the money making opportunities that are emerging in Canada, a country with an  abundance of in-demand commodities such as oil, gas, metals, minerals and farm  products—not to mention the prevalence of cash-rich “income trusts,” whose high  dividends and yields are the perfect antidote to the slowing US economy.
 
Of course, the Canadian market  is not without its own turbulence; certain industries and sectors are more  exposed to US economic woes than others and not every Canadian income trust is  a winner. As with any investment opportunity, selectivity and an understanding  of key economic, political and regulatory developments are essential to  choosing the best trusts for your portfolio.
 
Each week in their free e-zine, Maple  Leaf Memo, Roger Conrad and associate editor David Dittman—two of the  leading US  authorities on Canadian income trusts—examine the latest market trends north of  the border and their implications for individual investors.
 
When changes to Canada’s tax  laws threatened to cripple the profitability of these investment vehicles and  skittish investors jumped ship, Roger and David pored over these new  regulations and correctly determined that, if anything, many of these trusts  were poised for explosive growth. Maple Leaf Memo subscribers have  continued to reap the benefits of this research-intensive, forward-looking  approach to analyzing Canadian market conditions.
 
Some of the topics and opportunities  that Roger and David have covered include:

• The Bank of Canada’s latest  monetary policy decisions, and how a stronger loonie has affected profits at  some of the larger income trusts;
 
• The relationship between global  grain inventories, rising consumer demand and the incredible growth prospects  for Canadian potash, an important agricultural fertilizer;
 
• TransForce Income Fund’s decision to  convert from an income trust back to a corporation;
 
• NAFTA, the Energy Independence and Security Act  of 2007 and the potential threat to development of the Canadian oil sands; and
 
• The latest political developments  north of the border in the run-up to the 2008 Canadian federal election, and  their implications for the taxation of income trusts.

Nanotech Investing News
   
Cientifica, the world’s  largest nanotech consultancy company, recently projected that the total market  for nanotechnology-enabled drug delivery will rise to $220 billion by 2015 from  $3 billion today. About 1,500 companies worldwide have announced nanotechnology  research plans, and sales of nanotech products have already increased 2037% in  the past two years.
 
But not every breakthrough  trumpeted by the nascent nanotech sector is worth investing in; just because a  scientific advancement reaches the consciousness of the mainstream media  doesn’t mean it has a commercial application or the pioneering company is  necessarily investment-worthy. Hasty investors often buy into the hype of the  “next big thing” and end up with massive losses on microscopic technology.
 
The Nanotech Investing News is a free e-zine penned by GS Early that features expert analysis and sound  market intelligence to help you separate science from science fiction and  actual profits from fictional profits. Gregg has over 15-years experience  uncovering lucrative investments in high tech industries and avails himself of  all his contacts and resources to identify which opportunities— from green tech  to medical nanotech—are best positioned for growth.
 
The world of nanotechnology and  disruptive technologies is constantly evolving, but here are some of the topics  that have appeared in Nanotech Investing News: 

• The  feasibility of commercializing recent breakthroughs in thin film solar and  printable photovoltaic (PV) cells using nanorods or nanotubes, and the best  investments in existing solar companies who already have saleable products and  contracts in place;
 
• Investment  opportunities that are emerging from advances modern microscopy, as an  increasing number of companies are relying on cutting-edge microscopes to  observe and manipulate matter at a smaller and smaller scale; and
 
• The  latest developments in electricity-generating insulation and how various  industries are already deploying this technology.

Pay Me Weekly:
 
Before joining KCI Communications, Neil J. George  worked as an international bond trader, mutual fund manager and the chief  economist for several major financial institutions. Neil’s many years at the  highest levels of Wall Street and Fleet Street taught him how the game is  played—and in this system, the deck is solidly stacked against the individual  investor.
 
Since exchanging Wall Street for  Main Street  in 1997, Neil has dedicated himself to helping individual investors understand  recent world and market events as well as how these developments affect their  portfolios. Accordingly, Neil’s investment philosophy focuses on companies,  bonds and partnerships that treat shareholders as owners by paying regular dividends. 
 
In his free e-zine Pay Me  Weekly, Neil elaborates on this philosophy, using his keen understanding of  global financial markets to identify the best ways to invest in companies whose  shares will not only increase in value but will also pay a handsome dividend to  keep you flush with cash.
 
Readers of Pay Me Weekly will gain an understanding of which types of investments will perform best in  the current market conditions. Recent articles have highlighted the following  opportunities: 

• The  strong performance of bonds, despite the current market turbulence, and Neil’s  favorite closed-end bond funds for individual investors seeking to fortify  their portfolios by investing in the best government and corporate bonds;
 
• The case for investing in the burgeoning water treatment  sector for both defense in the near term as well as for long-haul growth;
 
• Finding undervalued, dividend-paying companies in the  battered rural telecom sector; and
 
• The  advantages of investing in so-called “mini bonds” such as trust preferred securities  (TRUPs) and public income notes (PINE), which trade like stocks on the New York  Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Utility & Income
 
Utilities  represent some of the highest yielding stocks on the market today, providing  essential services that consumers cannot do without (an attractive quality  during an economic downturn) but also undergoing a great deal of innovation and  growth.

The  Energy Information Administration projects that US demand for electricity will  grow by 30 percent, requiring massive spending to upgrades to our country’s  aging transmission system and introduce green energy sources that will reduce  our reliance on coal. Telecommunications firms as well as water treatment and  natural gas companies are also strong plays for income-minded investors.

Of  course, although there is opportunity in utilities and related sectors, the  upheaval caused by continuing innovation and rapidly increasing demand for  energy, connectivity and “green” technologies could result in some shortsighted  investment decisions by both utilities companies and individual investors.

Arriving  4 to 6 times each month, Roger Conrad’s free Utility & Income e-zine  identifies the top-yielding utility stocks and Canadian income trusts that will  continue to generate reliable income regardless of the broader economy—after  all, when money is tight everyone pays their electricity and heating bills.  Roger’s penchant for diligent research, coupled with his time-proven income  investing strategies, has helped his readers achieve double-digit returns since  he first began the newsletter in 1987.

Here are a handful of the topics that Roger has covered in Utility & Income: 

• How  to profit from the “negawatts” movement by investing in companies that provide  broadband over powerlines (BPL) and firms that produce “smart meters” designed  to improve efficiency and control energy waste;
 
• The  big winners and losers among both national and rural telecommunications firms;  and
 
• The  prospects for natural gas producers, as energy utilities seek a cleaner  alternative to coal-fueled plants.

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Contact the Editor | Blog | RSS Feed

Personal Finance:

One of the country’s most widely read investment newsletters, Personal Finance is an indispensable resource for the individual investor, featuring expert analysis of market activity and economic trends as well as detailed advice on how to profit from these developments. Twice a month, Editor Neil George shares his insights into the world’s markets, while highlighting the best stocks for growth and income and explaining the rationale behind these selections. The performance of our portfolio recommendations are constantly monitored by a team of dedicated analysts who post regular updates on the publication’s website (www.pfnewsletter.com)—whether the outlook for a particular stock is positive or negative, readers know exactly where they stand and how they should act to maximize returns.

In addition to Neil’s recommendations and commentary, Personal Finance subscribers enjoy and profit from wide-ranging coverage of financial markets penned by some of the industry’s most respected analysts. Roger Conrad weighs in with his take on high-yielding Canadian income trusts and utilities stocks; Gue writes about the latest developments and hottest plays in the energy sector, from oil drillers to liquid natural gas companies; Yiannis Mostrous examines exciting investments in emerging markets such as China and India; and executive editor GS Early identifies and analyzes winning companies in the world of nanotech and disruptive technologies.

Recent issues of Personal Finance have included stories on the following topics and opportunities:

• The advantages of purchasing Income Deposits Securities (IDS), Income Participation Securities (IPS), Enhanced Income Securities and other so-called hybrid shares that consist of a common stock component and a debt component;
• Coal producers and shippers that are in the best position to capitalize on rising European demand;
• The most lucrative plays in national and rural telecoms; and
• Stress-tested Canadian income trusts that not only pay high dividends, but will also weather the current economic downturn.

 

Utility Forecaster:

For over twenty years, Roger Conrad’s Utility Forecaster has provided subscribers with in-depth coverage and expert analysis of investment opportunities in electric, water, natural gas and telecommunication utilities. Each issue examines key macroeconomic and regulatory developments that drive utilities’ performance and share prices, while closely scrutinizing the growth potential of individual companies. In addition to Roger’s valuable commentary, the monthly newsletter features portfolios chockfull of the best plays for both income- and growth-minded investors as well as the rationale behind these selections.

The highlight of Utilities Forecaster is undoubtedly Roger’s proprietary rating system, which gauges the safety of each utility’s dividend as well as each firm’s strengths and weaknesses. Utilities have experienced their fair share of ups and downs over the years, from the current boom to the nadir of five years ago when The Dow Jones Utility Average plummeted 60 percent in just two years. With Roger’s “How They Rate” table, which includes over 200 utilities and related companies (such as crude oil producers), readers can quickly evaluate a particular firm’s prospects and determine whether to buy, sell or hold the stock.

Recent issues of Utility Forecaster have examined the following topics and opportunities:

• Which natural gas producers are best positioned to take advantage of rising demand as utilities companies erect more and more gas-powered electric plants in an effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions;
• Why Arizona and New York State regulators are severely limiting utility rate increases and which companies will be most affected;
• Why the telecommunications industry is in better shape than its share prices indicate and which national and rural telephone companies are poised for profits;
• Investment opportunities arising from the burgeoning “negawatts” movement;
• Choosing the best limited partnerships in the energy infrastructure field; and
• Why US recession worries aren’t necessarily a death knell for renewable energy companies, and which ones are the best bargains.

Not only do utilities and companies in satellite industries tend to weather economic downturns better than firms in other sectors, but with demand for connectivity and energy expected to grow exponentially over the next few decades, the best firms in these sectors will generate huge profits. From nuclear and renewable energy companies, to telecommunications and foreign utilities, Roger Conrad’s Utility Forecaster supplies the sound analysis and market intelligence that forms the basis of all good investment decisions.

Roger Conrad’s Canadian Edge:

Roger Conrad’s Canadian Edge focuses exclusively on the world of high-yielding Canadian income and royalty trusts, a business structure that allows companies to pay the vast majority of their earnings to shareholders in the form of dividends and return on capital—without paying taxes. Although Canada first authorized the trust structure in 1986 to attract investors to energy-exploration firms—a backbone of the country’s economy—businesses in a wide range of sectors, from real estate to telecommunications, now enjoy its considerable benefits.
In each monthly issue of Canadian Edge, Roger provides readers not only with sample portfolios that are tailored to meet the objectives of conservative and aggressive investors, but also a “How They Rate Table” that tracks the performance of the best Canadian income and royalty trusts for American investors. This comprehensive database supplements each company’s vital statistics with Roger’s proprietary safety ratings as well as actionable advice.
But these tables provide investors with only so much of an edge. Every issue also includes Roger’s penetrating analyses of recent regulatory and economic trends that might influence the performance of Canadian trusts in general, those operating within certain sectors or industries, and even individual companies. Regular columns focus specifically on the growth prospects for oil and gas trusts, while another monthly feature addresses key political and regulatory developments. Subscribers are also kept apprised of any breaking news through updates posted on the publication’s website. (Potential subscribers should consult the subscribers’ guide to get a better understanding of the publication’s scope).
With the help of associate editor David Dittman, Roger has established Canadian Edge as the premier source of information on prospective changes to the Canadian tax code (slated for 2011) and their ramifications for investors.
Recent topics and opportunities featured in Roger Conrad’s Canadian Edge include:

• How Canadian income trusts have fared since Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced prospective changes to the tax code, and why investors shouldn’t necessarily panic about their implementation in 2011;
• Which specific income trusts are best positioned to succeed when their tax burden increases in 2011 and which companies have the most exposure;
• The market’s reaction to Trinidad Drilling and TransForce Income Fund’s decision to switch from trusts to corporations and the implications for the likelihood and timing of further conversions;
• Why a slowing US economy no longer translates into sagging crude oil prices, and which oil-producing Canadian trusts are likely to reap the benefits; and
• Why natural gas prices have shrugged off their two-year slump, and the long-term growth prospects for natural gas producers as electric utilities increasingly turn to gas-fired plants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Energy Strategist:

Energy markets are notoriously fickle, subject to geopolitical developments as well as macroeconomic trends, technological advances and the discovery and production of new reserves. Whether at the pump or in the news, the economic and environmental realities of the world’s insatiable demand for energy are never far from our consciousness. But profiting from rising commodities prices requires sound market intelligence as well as a keen understanding of the forces at play in these markets.
Published twice each month, The Energy Strategist features Elliott Gue’s expert take on the latest developments in the world’s energy markets and, more importantly, the opportunities therein for individual investors. From traditional energy sources like coal, crude oil and natural gas to nuclear power and renewable energy, Elliott explains the dynamics of each sector as well as the companies best positioned to take advantage of emerging trends. Each issue also tracks the performance of sample portfolios designed to meet the objectives of both conservative and aggressive investors.
Elliott has addressed the following topics and opportunities at length in recent issues of The Energy Strategist:

• Why the UK’s success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through natural gas-powered electric plants bodes well for US utilities, which face the prospect of transitioning away from coal-fired plants as a carbon tax or carbon trading scheme become more likely;
• Which companies will benefit from rising US and UK demand for natural gas;
• Why nuclear energy is again emerging as a viable means to meet growing demand for power, and which junior uranium companies may be poised for extraordinary growth in the coming years;
• Why Elliott remains bullish on biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel, and the best plays in this sector for individual investors;
• The prospects for deepwater drilling off the coast of Brazil, why the country will likely eclipse Venezuela in terms of oil production and which companies stand to benefit from the recent discoveries in the Tupi and Carioca fields; and
• Investment opportunities in oil and gas companies that are using unconventional production methods to extract these resources from the Barnett Shale play and the Alberta oil sands.

In addition to in-depth articles and analysis, subscribers to The Energy Strategist

The Yield Letter:

When the market is booming and it seems like everyone is making money, it’s easy to dismiss bonds and bond funds as boring and inefficient investments. This outlook is somewhat naïve and shortsighted. Regardless of market conditions, bonds form the cornerstone of any successful portfolio for one simple reason: When markets and economies enter a prolonged skid, these investments continue to pay a steady, reliable income.
In his first career as an international bond trader and investment banker, Neil George worked bond desks in London, Vienna and the US. As Chief Economist, Neil helped Mark Twain Bank in St. Louis become the most innovative bank in America when he traded international bonds and pioneered bringing overseas investments to American investors. And now he brings his expert recommendations and analysis to the individual investor with The Yield Letter, a semimonthly newsletter dedicated to uncovering the best bonds, bond funds and what Neil calls mini-bonds—Income Deposits Securities (IDS), Income Participation Securities (IPS), Enhanced Income Securities (EIS) and other so-called hybrid shares that consist of a common stock component and a debt component. In short, The Yield Letter focuses on the investment vehicles that will pay you regularly in all economic climates.
Recent subjects and opportunities that Neil has covered include: can also access breaking updates on Elliott’s recommendations through the publication’s website.

• Why mini-bonds, packaged corporate bonds that trade on major exchanges, are an excellent choice for individual investors—not only do these hybrid shares trade at reasonable sums, but the debt component also provide an extra level of dividend protection;
• The factors that drive the value of municipal bonds, and which characteristics should drive investors away;
• Which bond funds feature portfolios that are sufficiently diversified and in the right sectors to warrant investment; and
• Which bonds and related investments will continue to thrive as the US economy slows down and more and more investors turn to bonds.

The Silk Road Investor:

The trade routes that comprised Eurasia's fabled Silk Road served as a point for cultural and economic exchange from the time of the Han Dynasty onward, enriching the merchants and explorers who traveled its paths. Today’s Silk Road offers forward-looking investors the same lucrative opportunities, and pitfalls, as its predecessor. Emerging markets from Eastern Europe to the China Sea are increasingly driving global growth as these nations begin to flex their economic muscles; still, even seasoned investors need a compass to navigate this modern Silk Road—profitable investments abound from Russia to Japan, but so do dead ends.
Every week in his online newsletter The Silk Road Investor, Yiannis Mostrous guides you through the countries and sectors that offer the greatest growth potential, while highlighting the best long-term holdings for your portfolios. In addition to Yiannis’ expert recommendations and commentary, subscribers can also keep apprised of any breaking news through updates on the publication’s website.
Recent topics and opportunities that Yiannis has discussed at length include:

• The challenge of extricating the Japanese economy from its deflation trap and why the longer-term picture for the Japanese markets is much brighter than many pundits suggest;
• Why improved relations between the governments in Taipei and Beijing are essential to Taiwan’s economic growth, and the potential for a thaw now that Ma Ying-jeou, the leader of the pro-China Kuomintang (KMT) party, was elected president of Taiwan;
• Which companies are best positioned to profit from China’s boom in infrastructure spending, for instance the US$170 million that the government plans to invest in extending and upgrading the country’s rail system; and
• Why long-term investors should invest in Russian stocks in every weakness, and which sectors and companies are the best bets for your portfolio.

The Real Nanotech Investor:

The stuff of science fiction is quickly becoming more science than fiction. The Real Nanotech Investor focuses on companies—both large and small—which are making the most out of the scientific breakthroughs that are hurtling nanotechnology and disruptive technologies forward
However, there’s a lot more to investing in these nascent sectors than simply picking the companies with the coolest or most advanced ideas; sound investment decisions rely on an understanding not only of the science itself, but also the feasibility of its commercial applications and a sober appraisal of the company’s business acumen.
Remember, cutting edge technology does not sell itself. Instead of relying on grandiose marketing claims, serious investors search out companies that have a clear strategy for to profit from their technology and the business relationships to make this plan a reality.
Accordingly, the goal of the Real Nanotech Investor is to enable subscribers to separate science from science fiction and actual profits from fictional profits by providing them with timely news and independent analysis. Editor GS Early has over 15 years of experience uncovering lucrative investments in high tech industries, while Time Magazine described coeditor Tim Harper as “the face of European nanotechnology” in recognition of his scientific and entrepreneurial achievements.
The world of nanotechnology and disruptive technologies is constantly evolving, but here are some of the topics that have appeared in The Real Nanotech Investor:

• The feasibility of commercializing recent breakthroughs in thin film solar and printable photovoltaic (PV) cells using nanorods or nanotubes, and the best investments in existing solar companies who already have saleable products and contracts in place;
• Investment opportunities that are emerging from advances modern microscopy, as an increasing number of companies are relying on cutting-edge microscopes to observe and manipulate matter at a smaller and smaller scale;
• The latest developments in electricity-generating insulation, and how various industries are already deploying this technology; and
• How to take advantage of the Defense and Homeland Security Departments’ increasing interest in unmanned vehicles and Intelligence/Surveillance/Reconnaissance (ISR) systems.

Vital Resource Investor:

Vital Resource Investor, an online newsletter edited by Roger Conrad and Yiannis Mostrous, focuses on the complex supply and demand factors driving the bull market in natural resources, with a special emphasis on the influence of emerging markets such as Brazil, Russia, India and China. The extraordinary growth occurring in these countries is an investment opportunity in and of itself, but this feverish expansion requires a great deal of fuel—the same vital resources that have been the lifeblood of developed economies for the past century. That is, crude oil for transporting raw materials, consumer goods and the consumers who purchase these products; foodstuffs, such as corn and rice, to feed the swelling ranks of urban middleclass and clean water to slake their thirst and irrigate the fields; coal, natural gas and other energy commodities to meet rising demand for electricity; fertilizers to maximize agricultural yields, as more and more arable land is slated for development; and copper, aluminum and steel for infrastructure and manufacturing.
With emerging economies increasing global demand for these essential commodities, lucrative opportunities abound for the savvy investor. In each article, Roger and Yionnis survey the best ways to profit from a wide range of companies selling the most important products in the world, while the portfolio tracks the performance of the duo’s recommended stocks.
Here are some of the topics and investments that have appeared in The Vital Resource Investor:

• The global repercussions of the US mandate to boost ethanol production, and the best plays in agrochemicals, crop protection and bioengineered seeds to take advantage of tightening food supplies;
• The reasons behind the world’s rising demand for water, and which water treatment and water recycling companies are poised for long-term growth;
• Which copper producers stand to boost output over the next five years to profit from declining copper inventories and China’s rapid urbanization and infrastructure investment (last year the country accounted for 23 percent of copper demand);
• How the flooding of Queensland’s Bowen Basin in Australia, the world’s largest source of high-quality export coal, substantially raised coal prices and the investment opportunities therein; and
• The industrial applications of the little-known metal Molybdenum, and which producers are best positioned to reap the benefits of rising demand.

The article references safe investing Story: Newsletters -

Personal Finance:

One of the country’s most widely read investment newsletters, Personal Finance is an indispensable resource for the individual investor, featuring expert analysis of market activity and economic trends as well as detailed advice on how to profit from these developments. Twice a month, Editor Neil George shares his insights into the world’s markets, while highlighting the best stocks for growth and income and explaining the rationale behind these selections. The performance of our portfolio recommendations are constantly monitored by a team of dedicated analysts who post regular updates on the publication’s website (www.pfnewsletter.com)—whether the outlook for a particular stock is positive or negative, readers know exactly where they stand and how they should act to maximize returns.

In addition to Neil’s recommendations and commentary, Personal Finance subscribers enjoy and profit from wide-ranging coverage of financial markets penned by some of the industry’s most respected analysts. Roger Conrad weighs in with his take on high-yielding Canadian income trusts and utilities stocks; Gue writes about the latest developments and hottest plays in the energy sector, from oil drillers to liquid natural gas companies; Yiannis Mostrous examines exciting investments in emerging markets such as China and India; and executive editor GS Early identifies and analyzes winning companies in the world of nanotech and disruptive technologies.

Recent issues of Personal Finance have included stories on the following topics and opportunities:

• The advantages of purchasing Income Deposits Securities (IDS), Income Participation Securities (IPS), Enhanced Income Securities and other so-called hybrid shares that consist of a common stock component and a debt component;
• Coal producers and shippers that are in the best position to capitalize on rising European demand;
• The most lucrative plays in national and rural telecoms; and
• Stress-tested Canadian income trusts that not only pay high dividends, but will also weather the current economic downturn.

 

Utility Forecaster:

For over twenty years, Roger Conrad’s Utility Forecaster has provided subscribers with in-depth coverage and expert analysis of investment opportunities in electric, water, natural gas and telecommunication utilities. Each issue examines key macroeconomic and regulatory developments that drive utilities’ performance and share prices, while closely scrutinizing the growth potential of individual companies. In addition to Roger’s valuable commentary, the monthly newsletter features portfolios chockfull of the best plays for both income- and growth-minded investors as well as the rationale behind these selections.

The highlight of Utilities Forecaster is undoubtedly Roger’s proprietary rating system, which gauges the safety of each utility’s dividend as well as each firm’s strengths and weaknesses. Utilities have experienced their fair share of ups and downs over the years, from the current boom to the nadir of five years ago when The Dow Jones Utility Average plummeted 60 percent in just two years. With Roger’s “How They Rate” table, which includes over 200 utilities and related companies (such as crude oil producers), readers can quickly evaluate a particular firm’s prospects and determine whether to buy, sell or hold the stock.

Recent issues of Utility Forecaster have examined the following topics and opportunities:

• Which natural gas producers are best positioned to take advantage of rising demand as utilities companies erect more and more gas-powered electric plants in an effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions;
• Why Arizona and New York State regulators are severely limiting utility rate increases and which companies will be most affected;
• Why the telecommunications industry is in better shape than its share prices indicate and which national and rural telephone companies are poised for profits;
• Investment opportunities arising from the burgeoning “negawatts” movement;
• Choosing the best limited partnerships in the energy infrastructure field; and
• Why US recession worries aren’t necessarily a death knell for renewable energy companies, and which ones are the best bargains.

Not only do utilities and companies in satellite industries tend to weather economic downturns better than firms in other sectors, but with demand for connectivity and energy expected to grow exponentially over the next few decades, the best firms in these sectors will generate huge profits. From nuclear and renewable energy companies, to telecommunications and foreign utilities, Roger Conrad’s Utility Forecaster supplies the sound analysis and market intelligence that forms the basis of all good investment decisions.

Roger Conrad’s Canadian Edge:

Roger Conrad’s Canadian Edge focuses exclusively on the world of high-yielding Canadian income and royalty trusts, a business structure that allows companies to pay the vast majority of their earnings to shareholders in the form of dividends and return on capital—without paying taxes. Although Canada first authorized the trust structure in 1986 to attract investors to energy-exploration firms—a backbone of the country’s economy—businesses in a wide range of sectors, from real estate to telecommunications, now enjoy its considerable benefits.
In each monthly issue of Canadian Edge, Roger provides readers not only with sample portfolios that are tailored to meet the objectives of conservative and aggressive investors, but also a “How They Rate Table” that tracks the performance of the best Canadian income and royalty trusts for American investors. This comprehensive database supplements each company’s vital statistics with Roger’s proprietary safety ratings as well as actionable advice.
But these tables provide investors with only so much of an edge. Every issue also includes Roger’s penetrating analyses of recent regulatory and economic trends that might influence the performance of Canadian trusts in general, those operating within certain sectors or industries, and even individual companies. Regular columns focus specifically on the growth prospects for oil and gas trusts, while another monthly feature addresses key political and regulatory developments. Subscribers are also kept apprised of any breaking news through updates posted on the publication’s website. (Potential subscribers should consult the subscribers’ guide to get a better understanding of the publication’s scope).
With the help of associate editor David Dittman, Roger has established Canadian Edge as the premier source of information on prospective changes to the Canadian tax code (slated for 2011) and their ramifications for investors.
Recent topics and opportunities featured in Roger Conrad’s Canadian Edge include:

• How Canadian income trusts have fared since Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced prospective changes to the tax code, and why investors shouldn’t necessarily panic about their implementation in 2011;
• Which specific income trusts are best positioned to succeed when their tax burden increases in 2011 and which companies have the most exposure;
• The market’s reaction to Trinidad Drilling and TransForce Income Fund’s decision to switch from trusts to corporations and the implications for the likelihood and timing of further conversions;
• Why a slowing US economy no longer translates into sagging crude oil prices, and which oil-producing Canadian trusts are likely to reap the benefits; and
• Why natural gas prices have shrugged off their two-year slump, and the long-term growth prospects for natural gas producers as electric utilities increasingly turn to gas-fired plants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Energy Strategist:

Energy markets are notoriously fickle, subject to geopolitical developments as well as macroeconomic trends, technological advances and the discovery and production of new reserves. Whether at the pump or in the news, the economic and environmental realities of the world’s insatiable demand for energy are never far from our consciousness. But profiting from rising commodities prices requires sound market intelligence as well as a keen understanding of the forces at play in these markets.
Published twice each month, The Energy Strategist features Elliott Gue’s expert take on the latest developments in the world’s energy markets and, more importantly, the opportunities therein for individual investors. From traditional energy sources like coal, crude oil and natural gas to nuclear power and renewable energy, Elliott explains the dynamics of each sector as well as the companies best positioned to take advantage of emerging trends. Each issue also tracks the performance of sample portfolios designed to meet the objectives of both conservative and aggressive investors.
Elliott has addressed the following topics and opportunities at length in recent issues of The Energy Strategist:

• Why the UK’s success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through natural gas-powered electric plants bodes well for US utilities, which face the prospect of transitioning away from coal-fired plants as a carbon tax or carbon trading scheme become more likely;
• Which companies will benefit from rising US and UK demand for natural gas;
• Why nuclear energy is again emerging as a viable means to meet growing demand for power, and which junior uranium companies may be poised for extraordinary growth in the coming years;
• Why Elliott remains bullish on biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel, and the best plays in this sector for individual investors;
• The prospects for deepwater drilling off the coast of Brazil, why the country will likely eclipse Venezuela in terms of oil production and which companies stand to benefit from the recent discoveries in the Tupi and Carioca fields; and
• Investment opportunities in oil and gas companies that are using unconventional production methods to extract these resources from the Barnett Shale play and the Alberta oil sands.

In addition to in-depth articles and analysis, subscribers to The Energy Strategist

The Yield Letter:

When the market is booming and it seems like everyone is making money, it’s easy to dismiss bonds and bond funds as boring and inefficient investments. This outlook is somewhat naïve and shortsighted. Regardless of market conditions, bonds form the cornerstone of any successful portfolio for one simple reason: When markets and economies enter a prolonged skid, these investments continue to pay a steady, reliable income.
In his first career as an international bond trader and investment banker, Neil George worked bond desks in London, Vienna and the US. As Chief Economist, Neil helped Mark Twain Bank in St. Louis become the most innovative bank in America when he traded international bonds and pioneered bringing overseas investments to American investors. And now he brings his expert recommendations and analysis to the individual investor with The Yield Letter, a semimonthly newsletter dedicated to uncovering the best bonds, bond funds and what Neil calls mini-bonds—Income Deposits Securities (IDS), Income Participation Securities (IPS), Enhanced Income Securities (EIS) and other so-called hybrid shares that consist of a common stock component and a debt component. In short, The Yield Letter focuses on the investment vehicles that will pay you regularly in all economic climates.
Recent subjects and opportunities that Neil has covered include: can also access breaking updates on Elliott’s recommendations through the publication’s website.

• Why mini-bonds, packaged corporate bonds that trade on major exchanges, are an excellent choice for individual investors—not only do these hybrid shares trade at reasonable sums, but the debt component also provide an extra level of dividend protection;
• The factors that drive the value of municipal bonds, and which characteristics should drive investors away;
• Which bond funds feature portfolios that are sufficiently diversified and in the right sectors to warrant investment; and
• Which bonds and related investments will continue to thrive as the US economy slows down and more and more investors turn to bonds.

The Silk Road Investor:

The trade routes that comprised Eurasia's fabled Silk Road served as a point for cultural and economic exchange from the time of the Han Dynasty onward, enriching the merchants and explorers who traveled its paths. Today’s Silk Road offers forward-looking investors the same lucrative opportunities, and pitfalls, as its predecessor. Emerging markets from Eastern Europe to the China Sea are increasingly driving global growth as these nations begin to flex their economic muscles; still, even seasoned investors need a compass to navigate this modern Silk Road—profitable investments abound from Russia to Japan, but so do dead ends.
Every week in his online newsletter The Silk Road Investor, Yiannis Mostrous guides you through the countries and sectors that offer the greatest growth potential, while highlighting the best long-term holdings for your portfolios. In addition to Yiannis’ expert recommendations and commentary, subscribers can also keep apprised of any breaking news through updates on the publication’s website.
Recent topics and opportunities that Yiannis has discussed at length include:

• The challenge of extricating the Japanese economy from its deflation trap and why the longer-term picture for the Japanese markets is much brighter than many pundits suggest;
• Why improved relations between the governments in Taipei and Beijing are essential to Taiwan’s economic growth, and the potential for a thaw now that Ma Ying-jeou, the leader of the pro-China Kuomintang (KMT) party, was elected president of Taiwan;
• Which companies are best positioned to profit from China’s boom in infrastructure spending, for instance the US$170 million that the government plans to invest in extending and upgrading the country’s rail system; and
• Why long-term investors should invest in Russian stocks in every weakness, and which sectors and companies are the best bets for your portfolio.

The Real Nanotech Investor:

The stuff of science fiction is quickly becoming more science than fiction. The Real Nanotech Investor focuses on companies—both large and small—which are making the most out of the scientific breakthroughs that are hurtling nanotechnology and disruptive technologies forward
However, there’s a lot more to investing in these nascent sectors than simply picking the companies with the coolest or most advanced ideas; sound investment decisions rely on an understanding not only of the science itself, but also the feasibility of its commercial applications and a sober appraisal of the company’s business acumen.
Remember, cutting edge technology does not sell itself. Instead of relying on grandiose marketing claims, serious investors search out companies that have a clear strategy for to profit from their technology and the business relationships to make this plan a reality.
Accordingly, the goal of the Real Nanotech Investor is to enable subscribers to separate science from science fiction and actual profits from fictional profits by providing them with timely news and independent analysis. Editor GS Early has over 15 years of experience uncovering lucrative investments in high tech industries, while Time Magazine described coeditor Tim Harper as “the face of European nanotechnology” in recognition of his scientific and entrepreneurial achievements.
The world of nanotechnology and disruptive technologies is constantly evolving, but here are some of the topics that have appeared in The Real Nanotech Investor:

• The feasibility of commercializing recent breakthroughs in thin film solar and printable photovoltaic (PV) cells using nanorods or nanotubes, and the best investments in existing solar companies who already have saleable products and contracts in place;
• Investment opportunities that are emerging from advances modern microscopy, as an increasing number of companies are relying on cutting-edge microscopes to observe and manipulate matter at a smaller and smaller scale;
• The latest developments in electricity-generating insulation, and how various industries are already deploying this technology; and
• How to take advantage of the Defense and Homeland Security Departments’ increasing interest in unmanned vehicles and Intelligence/Surveillance/Reconnaissance (ISR) systems.

Vital Resource Investor:

Vital Resource Investor, an online newsletter edited by Roger Conrad and Yiannis Mostrous, focuses on the complex supply and demand factors driving the bull market in natural resources, with a special emphasis on the influence of emerging markets such as Brazil, Russia, India and China. The extraordinary growth occurring in these countries is an investment opportunity in and of itself, but this feverish expansion requires a great deal of fuel—the same vital resources that have been the lifeblood of developed economies for the past century. That is, crude oil for transporting raw materials, consumer goods and the consumers who purchase these products; foodstuffs, such as corn and rice, to feed the swelling ranks of urban middleclass and clean water to slake their thirst and irrigate the fields; coal, natural gas and other energy commodities to meet rising demand for electricity; fertilizers to maximize agricultural yields, as more and more arable land is slated for development; and copper, aluminum and steel for infrastructure and manufacturing.
With emerging economies increasing global demand for these essential commodities, lucrative opportunities abound for the savvy investor. In each article, Roger and Yionnis survey the best ways to profit from a wide range of companies selling the most important products in the world, while the portfolio tracks the performance of the duo’s recommended stocks.
Here are some of the topics and investments that have appeared in The Vital Resource Investor:

• The global repercussions of the US mandate to boost ethanol production, and the best plays in agrochemicals, crop protection and bioengineered seeds to take advantage of tightening food supplies;
• The reasons behind the world’s rising demand for water, and which water treatment and water recycling companies are poised for long-term growth;
• Which copper producers stand to boost output over the next five years to profit from declining copper inventories and China’s rapid urbanization and infrastructure investment (last year the country accounted for 23 percent of copper demand);
• How the flooding of Queensland’s Bowen Basin in Australia, the world’s largest source of high-quality export coal, substantially raised coal prices and the investment opportunities therein; and
• The industrial applications of the little-known metal Molybdenum, and which producers are best positioned to reap the benefits of rising demand.

[A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] [G] [H] [I] [J] [K] [L] [M] [N] [O] [P] [Q] [R] [S] [T] [U] [V] [W] [Y] [Z]   A   advance-decline line - A ratio of the number of stocks advancing in price versus the number declining in price over a period of time. It's an indicator of general market direction that's considered positive if advancing issues outnumber declining issues. aggressive growth mutual fund - A fund with an investment objective of rapid growth of capital. They usually invest in small stocks that invest in a single industry, or that use riskier investment techniques such as leveraging and short selling. alpha - Measure of an investment's total return that considers its price volatility, or beta, and the expected performance of the market. It's based on average annual percentage returns relative to the broad market. The term is most often used in reference to mutual funds. American Depositary Receipts (ADR) - A receipt for the shares of a foreign corporation held in the vault of a U.S. bank that entitles the shareholder to all dividends and capital gains. Instead of purchasing actual shares of a foreign stock in a foreign market, investors can buy shares in the U.S. in the form of ADRs. They are also referred to as American Depositary Shares (ADS). appreciation - The increase in the value of an asset such as a stock, bond, commodity or real estate as determined by corresponding markets. arbitrage - Profiting from price discrepancies when the same security, currency or commodity is purchased in one market and immediately resold in another. A trader who does this is an arbitrageur. ask price - Price at which a security or commodity is offered for sale. Also the per-share price at which mutual fund shares are offered to the public, usually the net asset value per share plus any sales charges. assets - Everything a company or person owns or is owed. capital assets - include long-term assets, those that will last longer than one year. Fixed assets are often considered part of these. current assets - include cash, short-term investments, accounts receivable, unused raw materials and inventories of finished but unsold products. fixed assets - include buildings, equipment and land. intangible assets - include patents and goodwill. at the money - An option is "at the money" if the strike price of the option is equal to the market price of the underlying security. B   balance sheet - A financial report showing the status of a company's assets, liabilities, and owners' equity. A balance sheet is only a snapshot of a company at one particular time and must be compared with prior balance sheets. basis point - The smallest measure used in quoting yields on bonds and notes. One basis point is 0.01 percent of yield. One hundred basis points equal 1 percentage point. bear market - A prolonged period of falling prices. A bear market in stocks is usually brought on by the anticipation of declining economic activity or serious inflation. A bear market in bonds is usually caused by rising interest rates. bellwether bond - A bond whose yield is used to gauge price trends in the overall bond market. Usually the 30-year Treasury bond. beta - A measure of the historical volatility of an investment against an independent index. The S&P 500 is assigned a beta of 1.00. Investments with betas above 1.00 are more volatile than the S&P 500; those with betas below 1.00 are less volatile. bid and ask - Bid is the highest price a prospective buyer is prepared to pay at a particular time for a given security. Ask is the lowest price acceptable to a prospective seller of the same security. bid-ask spread - Difference between what brokers pay for a security (bid price) and what they charge investors for the same security (ask price). Individual investors buy at the ask price and sell at the bid price. Big Board - The New York Stock Exchange. blue chip - A common stock of a nationally known company that has a long record of profit growth, dividend payment and a reputation for quality management, products and services. bond - Debt certificate issued by a government or corporation. Usually states the amount of the loan, interest to be paid, repayment time and collateral pledged if the debt cannot be repaid. Generally, a debt security issued with more than 10 years to maturity is a bond. Debt certificates with shorter maturities are notes. long bond - Shorthand for a 30-year Treasury bond. junk bond - Bond with a speculative credit rating. They have a greater risk of default and therefore pay higher yields than other bonds. convertible bond - Bond that may be exchanged for a specific amount of stock in the company that issued it. municipal bond (muni)- Bond issued by a state, county, city, town or territory or an authorized agency for one of these government units. Also called muni bonds or munis, these bonds are exempt from federal income tax. They may also be free of state and local taxes if held by someone living in the issuing area. zero-coupon bond - Bond that sells at a discount to face value, pays no current interest and matures at face value. book value - The value of a business' net assets as shown on its balance sheet. Also the net worth of a business (difference between total assets and total liabilities). broker - Person who acts as an intermediary between a buyer and a seller, usually charging a commission. bull market - A prolonged rise in the prices of stocks, bonds or commodities. Bull markets last at least a few months and are characterized by high trading volume. C   capital gain - capital loss Profit or loss on an investment when it is sold. capital growth - An increase in the market value of securities. cash flow - An analysis of all the changes that affect a company's cash account during an accounting period. This usually includes all changes in operations, investments and financing. More cash coming in than going out is known as positive cash flow. Cash flow directly relates to a company's ability to pay dividends. closed-end fund - A type of mutual fund that has a fixed number of shares, usually traded on a stock exchange. Unlike open-end funds, closed-end funds don't issue and redeem shares on a continuous basis. Closed-end funds often sell at a discount to net asset value in order to retain shareholders. Compare with open-end fund. commercial paper - Short-term or corporate debt with maturities ranging from two to 270 days. commodities - Bulk goods such as grains, metals, oil, gas, foods, or other industrial goods traded on a commodities exchange. conglomerate - A corporation composed of diversified companies in a variety of businesses. Consumer Price Index (CPI) - This measures changes in consumer prices, as determined by a monthly survey of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. CPI components include housing costs, food, transportation, and electricity. Also known as the cost of living index. contrarian - An investor who does the opposite of what most investors are doing at any particular time. correction - A short-term sharp price decline occurring during a long-term uptrend. covered call option - writing A short call option position in which the seller (writer) owns the number of shares of the underlying stock represented by his option contracts. current ratio - Current assets divided by current liabilities. A popular rule of thumb is for this ratio to be 1 or better. If it's less than 1, then liabilities outnumber assets. cyclical stock - A stock that rises quickly when the economy turns up and falls quickly when the economy turns down. Examples are housing, autos and paper. Non-cyclical companies such as food and drug companies are not as affected by economic changes. D   debenture - A general debt obligation backed only by the issuer's promise to repay the debt. debt-equity ratio - Total liabilities divided by total shareholders' equity. This shows to what extent the company can pay creditors' claims in the event of liquidation. default - Failure of a debtor to make timely payments of interest and principal. deflation - A decline in the prices of goods and services. depreciation - A decrease in the value of property through wear, deterioration or obsolescence, which can be written off against earnings. discount - The percentage below net asset value at which shares sell. discount rate - The interest rate the Federal Reserve charges member banks for loans, using government securities as collateral. This provides a floor on interest rates, since banks set their loan rates above the discount rate. Falling interest rates usually give the stock market a boost. Rising rates usually hurt the stock market. dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) - The practice of a dividend-paying organization, such as a company or mutual fund, automatically reinvesting the payable dividend into additional shares of that organization. dividend yield - A stock's dividend divided by its share price. dollar cost averaging - Purchasing securities at periodic intervals, e.g. once a month, with fixed dollar amounts regardless of market fluctuations. The investor does not intend to purchase an equal number of shares each time. Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) - A 30-stock blue chip index of some of the biggest corporations in America. downside risk - The chance of an investment losing value. downtick - When a security is sold at a price below that of the preceding sale. downturn - Shift of an economic or stock market cycle from rising to falling. E   earnings per share (EPS) - A portion of a company's profit allocated to each outstanding share of common stock. earnings - Same as net income, i.e., the company's total earnings, reflecting revenues adjusted for costs of doing business, depreciation, interest, taxes and other expenses. EBITDA - Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. This number helps determine how much the company's earnings are growing before subtracting for things like debt service payments and tax write-offs. exercise - To implement the right under which the buyer (holder) of an option is entitled to buy (in the case of a call) or sell (in the case of a put) the underlying security. exercise price - See strike price. expense ratio - A mutual fund's operating expenses, expressed as a percentage of its average net assets. The lower the expense ratio, the larger the distribution of gross income to shareholders. expiration date - The last day on which an option may be exercised. For stocks it is the third Friday of the expiration month of the option. F   face value - Value of a bond, note, mortgage or other security as shown on the certificate. federal funds rate - Interest rate charged by banks with excess reserves at a Federal Reserve district bank, to banks needing overnight loans to meet reserve requirements. The federal funds rate is the most sensitive indicator of the direction of interest rates, as it is set daily by the market. free cash flow - The excess money available to a company after subtracting its capital spending. A company with excess cash can expand and grow without taking on more debt, and in slow cycles there is plenty of cash to pay creditors. A strong free cash flow is a sign of a solid company. free cash flow yield - A measure of how high the stock's dividend yield would be if the company used all its excess cash to pay dividends. To determine a company's free cash flow yield you should subtract capital spending from cash flow, then divide the result by the stock's current share price. fundamental analysis - Analysis of the balance sheet and income statements of companies in order to forecast their future stock price. Investors try to determine whether a stock price is overvalued or undervalued relative to a company's strength. See also technical analysis. futures contract - An agreement to buy or sell a specific amount of a commodity or financial instrument at a particular price on a future date. G   gross domestic product (GDP) - The total value of a nation's annual output of goods and services. It is calculated quarterly by the Department of Commerce. gross profit - The difference between the selling price of an item or service and the expenses directly attributed to it, such as the costs of labor, overhead and raw materials. H   hard money investments - Usually investments in precious metal bullion, bullion certificates and bullion coins, particularly of gold and silver. hedgers - The individuals and firms that make purchases and sales in the futures market solely for the purpose of establishing a new price level—weeks or months in advance—for something they later intend to buy or sell in the cash market. hedging - Strategy used to offset investment risk. A perfect hedge is one that eliminates the possibility of a future gain or loss. I   illiquid - Not readily convertible into cash. in the money - A call option is in the money if the strike price is less than the market price of the underlying security. A put option is in the money if the strike price is greater than the market price of the underlying security. income statement - Financial statement showing all a company's sources of earnings and expenses, both cash and non-cash. index fund - A mutual fund that invests in a collection of securities intended to match that of a broad-based index, such as the S&P 500. inflation - An increase in the prices of goods and services. Often measured by the Consumer Price Index and the Producer Price Index. infrastructure - An economy's basic facilities, e.g., roads, airports, water supplies, schools and universities, medical services, etc. initial public offering (IPO) - a corporation's first offering of stock to the public. insider - A person with access to information before it's announced to the public. Usually the term refers to officers and directors of companies. insolvent - Unable to pay debts when they are due. interest rates - Long-term interest rates are considered to be the yields of debt instrument with maturities of more than one year. The U.S. Treasury's 30-year bond is the benchmark for long-term rates. Short-term rates are considered to be the yields on bills or certificates of deposit (CDs) with maturities of less than one year. Yields of 90-day Treasury bills are the benchmark for short-term interest rates. intrinsic value - The dollar difference between the strike price of an option and the market price of the stock, if the option is profitable. If the strike price is at or below the stock's price, no intrinsic value exists. See also time value. investment grade - Term used to describe bonds suitable for investment by conservative investors. J   junk bond - A bond with a credit rating of BB or lower. Junk bonds are also known as high-yield bonds. K   key indicators - Well-known major stock indexes, averages or economic figures. L   lagging indicator - A statistic on the economy that rises or falls after economic growth has risen or fallen. leading indicator - A statistic that anticipates trends in the economy. leverage - Use of borrowed assets to enhance the return on an investment. liabilities - All claims against a corporation. These include accounts payable, wages and salaries due but not paid, dividends declared payable, taxes payable, and long-term or fixed obligations such as bonds or loans. limit order - Order to buy a security up to a specific price. A broker will only trade the securities within the price restriction. load - A sales charge imposed by mutual funds that charge fees. They include front-end loads, or fees charged on the initial purchase of fund shares, and back-end loads, which are charged at the time of sale. long - To go long or take a long position is to purchase a stock, bond or commodity for investment or speculation. See also short. long bond - A bond that matures in more than ten years. long-term debt - Borrowed money with more than a year until payment must be made. long-term gain & long-term loss - Profit or loss on securities or capital when the time between buying and selling is longer than six months. M   M1 - A major component of money supply. M1 includes all currency in circulation, bank demand deposits, NOW and ATS savings accounts, credit union share drafts, and non-bank travelers checks. M2 - A major component of money supply. M2 includes all of M1 plus overnight repurchase agreements issued by commercial banks, overnight eurodollars, savings accounts, time deposits under $100,000, and money-market mutual fund shares. macroeconomics - Analysis of a nation's economy as a whole. margin - The amount an investor deposits with a broker when borrowing from the broker to buy securities, or short sell securities. See also short selling. Margin requirements are usually 50 percent of the amount borrowed on stock transactions, and less for futures or commodities trades. Margin in futures trading is solely a deposit of good faith money that can be drawn on by your brokerage firm to cover losses that you may incur in the course of futures trading. margin call - The demand that a customer deposit enough cash or securities to bring a margin account up to the minimum maintenance requirement. If a customer fails to respond, securities in the account will be liquidated. market capitalization - Total value of outstanding shares of stock. market price - Last reported price at which a security was sold on an exchange. market timing - Decisions on when to buy or sell securities in light of fundamental, psychological and/or technical factors. maturity date - Date on which the principal amount of a note, draft, acceptance, bond, or other debt instrument becomes due and payable. microeconomics - Study of behavior of basic economic units such as companies, industries or households. minimum initial purchase - The smallest investment amount a mutual fund will accept to establish a new account. minimum maintenance - Amount of money that must be kept in brokerage customers' margin accounts. Margin investing allows the investor to use leverage to increase profits, but the government and individual brokerage firms set minimum levels of equity that must be maintained. For stocks, the investor must put up 50 percent of the value of the security; for futures contracts the requirement is much less, which increases potential risk as well as reward. If the trade goes against the investor he or she may face a margin call. money market fund - A type of mutual fund that seeks to maintain a constant net asset value of $1.00 by investing in short-term, very safe securities sold in the money market. These include Treasury bills, certificates of deposit and commercial paper. money supply - Total stock of money in the economy. Different measures include M1, M2, M3 and L, with M1 being the most specific and L the broadest. mortgage-backed security - A security that returns principal and interest to shareholders, as payments are received on the underlying mortgages. They usually consist of home mortgages packaged into pools by the following government-guaranteed corporations: the Government National Mortgage Assn. (Ginnie Mae), the Federal National Mortgage Assn. (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. (Freddie Mac). moving average - Average of security or commodity prices constructed on a period as short as a few days or as long as several years and showing trends for the latest interval. mutual fund - An investment company that combines the money of many people and invests it in a variety of securities. Investors get portfolio diversification and professional management. N   Nasdaq - Formerly stood for the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation system, now a word in its own right. Owned and operated by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), Nasdaq is a computerized system that provides brokers with trade information for securities traded over the counter (OTC). national debt - Debt owed by the federal government and composed of such debt obligations as Treasury bills, Treasury notes and Treasury bonds. net asset value (NAV) - The current market value of a mutual fund's share. net income - The amount left after taxes have been paid. net profit - The amount remaining after all taxes and expenses have been deducted. net worth - The total value of a company or person after all long- and short-term debts are deducted. For a corporation, net worth is also called stockholders' equity or net assets. no-load fund - A mutual fund that sells its shares directly to investors without a sales charge. O   odd lot - A securities trade made for less than the normal trading unit. In stock trades, any purchase of less than 100 shares is considered to be an odd lot. When purchasing an odd lot of shares you generally have to pay a higher commission, usually 1/8 of a point higher in price. offer - Price at which someone who owns a security offers to sell it. Also called the ask price. open interest - The number of outstanding option contracts in the exchange market or in a particular class or series. open-end fund - A mutual fund that continually sells new shares to investors and redeems shares on demand to shareholders. Compare with closed-end fund. operating expenses - The normal costs that a mutual fund incurs in conducting business, such as the expenses associated with maintaining offices, staff, and equipment. These costs are paid from the fund's assets before any earnings are distributed. operating margin - Derived by adding together net profit before taxes, interest and depreciation, and dividing that number by net sales. It's the difference between a company's revenues and the related costs and expenses, excluding income derived from sources other than its core business and before income deductions. Operating margin is considered a better indicator of management skill and operating efficiency than profit margin, because it tells you how well the core business is doing. options - The right to buy or sell the underlying asset at a specified period. If the option is not exercised it will expire worthless. call option gives the holder the right to buy blocks of securities or commodities within a specified time at an agreed-upon price. put option gives the holder the right to sell blocks of securities or commodities within a specified time at an agreed-upon price. out of the money - A call option is out of the money if the strike price is greater than the market price of the underlying security. A put option is out of the money if the strike price is less than the market price of the underlying security. overbought & oversold - Description of a security or a market that has experienced an unexpectedly sharp rise or fall in price and is thus vulnerable to a price drop (correction) or a price rise. overvalued - Description of a stock whose current price isn't justified by its earnings outlook or price-to-earnings ratio (P/E). P   par value - Equal to the face value of a security. payout - Often used to mean dividend. PEG ratio - Price/earnings to growth ratio. Derived by dividing a company's P/E by its five-year expected earnings growth rate. A PEG under 1 suggests a company is undervalued relative to its growth rate, while a number above 1 suggests it's overvalued. point - For bonds, the percentage change in the face value of a bond. A change of 1 percent is a move of 1 point. For stocks, a change of $1 in the market price of a stock. If a stock rises two points, it has risen $2 a share. portfolio - Combined holding of more than one stock, bond, commodity or other investment. premium - For stocks, the amount by which a stock's price exceeds that of comparable stocks. For bonds, the amount by which a bond sells above its face or par value. For options, the price of an option contract that the buyer (holder) of the option pays to the option seller (writer) for the rights conveyed by the option contract. present value - Value today of a future payment discounted at an appropriate compound interest or discount rate. price-to-free cash flow ratio - This measures how much you pay for the cash a company has to offer its shareholders and debt holders, after accounting for capital costs, i.e. expenses needed to maintain its facilities. Free cash flow differs from cash flow in that the former subtracts required capital expenditures from the basic cash flow number. price-to-cash flow ratio - The share price divided by the cash flow per share. It measures how much you pay for the actual cash the company generated over the past 12 months. Cash flow is basically a company's earnings plus its non-cash expenses. price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) - The price of a share of stock divided by earnings per share for a 12-month period. It tells investors how much they are paying for a company's earning power. The higher the P/E, the more investors are paying and the more earnings growth they expect. price-to-sales ratio - The share price divided by the sales per share. This ratio measures how much you pay for the sales a company generates. prime rate - The lowest interest rate charged for loans. Producer Price Index (PPI) - Measure of change in wholesale prices are released monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. profit margin - Gross profit (i.e., net sales minus the cost of goods sold) divided by net sales. Unlike operating margin, profit margin takes into account extraneous things that affect profits, such as a company's stock investments or its debt service payments. program trading - Institutional buying of stocks in a program or index on which options and futures trade. Such trading can sometimes, by its sheer volume, increase market volatility. projection - Estimate of future performance made by economists, corporate planners and credit and securities analysts. prospectus - The document that describes a mutual fund, such as its investment objectives, policies, services and fees. It contains information required by the Securities and Exchange Commission. pure play - A company that is virtually devoted to one line of business. Q   quick ratio - This is a company's cash and accounts receivable divided by current liabilities. It specifically excludes inventory value, since inventory may not be easy to sell for cash. The quick ratio indicates how easily a company can meet its interest payments with liquid assets. quotation - Highest bid and lowest offer (asked) price now available on a security or commodity. R   rally - A rise in the price of a security or market after a period of decline or lateral movement. recession - At least two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth as measured by GDP. return - Profit or gain on an investment. return on assets (ROA) - A company's net profit after taxes divided by its total assets. It indicates how successful management is in utilizing assets in making profits. return on equity (ROE) - Earnings divided by shareholders' equity. revenue - The amount of money a company takes in, including interest earned and receipts from sales, services provided, rents and royalties. reverse split - See split. rollover - Movement of funds from one investment to another. Or, in the case of futures, rolling money from one contract into a further out contract. round lot - A generally accepted unit of trading on a securities exchange, usually 100 shares for stocks and $1,000 or $5,000 for bonds. Russell 2000 - An index of small-capitalization stocks. S   sales - The money a company receives for the goods and services it sells. The figure may also include rent or royalties. short - When an investor borrows a stock from a broker in a margin account, then immediately sells the stock. While waiting for the price to fall the investor pays the broker interest on the amount of the stock that was borrowed. After the stock falls in price the investor will then purchase the stock and return it to the broker, thus closing out the short sale. The investor earns the difference between the purchase and sale price. This is a way to profit in a market where stock prices are declining. speculators - Individuals and firms who seek to profit from anticipated increases of decreases in futures prices. In so doing, they help provide the risk capital needed to facilitate hedging. split - An increase in a corporation's number of outstanding shares of stock without any change in equity or market value at the time of the split. spot market - Commodities market in which goods are sold for cash and delivered immediately. spot price - Current delivery price of a commodity traded in the spot market. spreads - Plays on differences between prices of various securities or futures and options contracts. Investors are betting that the price differences will either widen or narrow. Standard & Poor's 500 - The market value-weighted index showing the change in the market value of stocks. The index is composed of 400 industrial companies, 60 utilities and transportation stocks, and 40 financial issues. It represents about 80 percent of the market value of all issues traded on the New York Stock Exchange. stock - An ownership interest in a company or corporation represented by shares that are a claim on the issuers' earnings and assets. stop/loss - A customer order to a broker to sell an investment if its price falls below a predetermined level. It is used to protect profits that have been made or prevent further losses if the investment value drops. street name - Describes securities held in the name of a broker or third party instead of the customer. strike price - The price at which the underlying stock or commodity may be purchased (call) or sold (put) over a specified period. Also referred to as exercise price. T   target price - Price a stock is expected to reach within a specified period of time. technical analysis - Research into the demand and supply for securities and commodities based on trading activity and price study. Technical analysts identify and project price trends. See also fundamental analysis. tick - Upward or downward movement in a securities price. For stocks, usually 1/8 or 1/16 of a dollar. time value - With an option or warrant, the value put on the time before an investment matures. Usually, the longer the time to maturity, the higher the time value. See also intrinsic value. trading range - Range between the highest and lowest prices at which a security or a market has traded for a given time period. trailing earnings - The most recent actual earnings results, often for the past 12 months. U   uncovered call options - A short call option position in which the seller (writer) does not own the shares of underlying stock represented by his option contracts. uncovered put options - A short put option position in which the seller (writer) does not have a corresponding short stock position or has not deposited, in a cash account, cash or cash equivalents equal to the exercise value of the put. undervalued - Security selling below its true market value. This term is used subjectively. unit - Minimum amount of stocks, bonds, commodities or other securities accepted for trading on an exchange. upside potential - Amount of upward price movement an investor or analyst expects in a particular stock, bond or commodity. uptick - When a security is sold at a higher price than it was on the previous trade. uptrend - A consistent and continuous upward price movement for an investment. V   value investing - An investment style whereby the investor attempts to buy underpriced stocks. volatility - The relative degree to which price changes in an investment can occur. The greater this rate of change, the more volatile the investment or market. volume - Total amount of an investment traded in a particular period of time. W   warrant - Type of security, usually issued with a bond or preferred stock that entitles shareholder to buy a certain amount of common stock at a specified time. writer - The seller of an option contract. Y   yield - The annual rate of return on an investment, as paid in dividends or interest. It is obtained by dividing the 13-month dividend or interest payment by the investment's price. yield curve - A graph depicting yields of securities, such as bonds, that have differing maturities. Normally, short-term interest rates are lower than long-term interest rates. If short-term rates are higher than long-term rates, it's called an inverted yield curve. yield to maturity - The annual rate of return earned by a bond if held to maturity. Z   zero-coupon bond - Bond that sells at a discount to face value, pays no current interest and matures at face value.

The article references safe investing Story: Investment Glossary -

[A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] [G] [H] [I] [J] [K] [L] [M] [N] [O] [P] [Q] [R] [S] [T] [U] [V] [W] [Y] [Z]   A   advance-decline line - A ratio of the number of stocks advancing in price versus the number declining in price over a period of time. It's an indicator of general market direction that's considered positive if advancing issues outnumber declining issues. aggressive growth mutual fund - A fund with an investment objective of rapid growth of capital. They usually invest in small stocks that invest in a single industry, or that use riskier investment techniques such as leveraging and short selling. alpha - Measure of an investment's total return that considers its price volatility, or beta, and the expected performance of the market. It's based on average annual percentage returns relative to the broad market. The term is most often used in reference to mutual funds. American Depositary Receipts (ADR) - A receipt for the shares of a foreign corporation held in the vault of a U.S. bank that entitles the shareholder to all dividends and capital gains. Instead of purchasing actual shares of a foreign stock in a foreign market, investors can buy shares in the U.S. in the form of ADRs. They are also referred to as American Depositary Shares (ADS). appreciation - The increase in the value of an asset such as a stock, bond, commodity or real estate as determined by corresponding markets. arbitrage - Profiting from price discrepancies when the same security, currency or commodity is purchased in one market and immediately resold in another. A trader who does this is an arbitrageur. ask price - Price at which a security or commodity is offered for sale. Also the per-share price at which mutual fund shares are offered to the public, usually the net asset value per share plus any sales charges. assets - Everything a company or person owns or is owed. capital assets - include long-term assets, those that will last longer than one year. Fixed assets are often considered part of these. current assets - include cash, short-term investments, accounts receivable, unused raw materials and inventories of finished but unsold products. fixed assets - include buildings, equipment and land. intangible assets - include patents and goodwill. at the money - An option is "at the money" if the strike price of the option is equal to the market price of the underlying security. B   balance sheet - A financial report showing the status of a company's assets, liabilities, and owners' equity. A balance sheet is only a snapshot of a company at one particular time and must be compared with prior balance sheets. basis point - The smallest measure used in quoting yields on bonds and notes. One basis point is 0.01 percent of yield. One hundred basis points equal 1 percentage point. bear market - A prolonged period of falling prices. A bear market in stocks is usually brought on by the anticipation of declining economic activity or serious inflation. A bear market in bonds is usually caused by rising interest rates. bellwether bond - A bond whose yield is used to gauge price trends in the overall bond market. Usually the 30-year Treasury bond. beta - A measure of the historical volatility of an investment against an independent index. The S&P 500 is assigned a beta of 1.00. Investments with betas above 1.00 are more volatile than the S&P 500; those with betas below 1.00 are less volatile. bid and ask - Bid is the highest price a prospective buyer is prepared to pay at a particular time for a given security. Ask is the lowest price acceptable to a prospective seller of the same security. bid-ask spread - Difference between what brokers pay for a security (bid price) and what they charge investors for the same security (ask price). Individual investors buy at the ask price and sell at the bid price. Big Board - The New York Stock Exchange. blue chip - A common stock of a nationally known company that has a long record of profit growth, dividend payment and a reputation for quality management, products and services. bond - Debt certificate issued by a government or corporation. Usually states the amount of the loan, interest to be paid, repayment time and collateral pledged if the debt cannot be repaid. Generally, a debt security issued with more than 10 years to maturity is a bond. Debt certificates with shorter maturities are notes. long bond - Shorthand for a 30-year Treasury bond. junk bond - Bond with a speculative credit rating. They have a greater risk of default and therefore pay higher yields than other bonds. convertible bond - Bond that may be exchanged for a specific amount of stock in the company that issued it. municipal bond (muni)- Bond issued by a state, county, city, town or territory or an authorized agency for one of these government units. Also called muni bonds or munis, these bonds are exempt from federal income tax. They may also be free of state and local taxes if held by someone living in the issuing area. zero-coupon bond - Bond that sells at a discount to face value, pays no current interest and matures at face value. book value - The value of a business' net assets as shown on its balance sheet. Also the net worth of a business (difference between total assets and total liabilities). broker - Person who acts as an intermediary between a buyer and a seller, usually charging a commission. bull market - A prolonged rise in the prices of stocks, bonds or commodities. Bull markets last at least a few months and are characterized by high trading volume. C   capital gain - capital loss Profit or loss on an investment when it is sold. capital growth - An increase in the market value of securities. cash flow - An analysis of all the changes that affect a company's cash account during an accounting period. This usually includes all changes in operations, investments and financing. More cash coming in than going out is known as positive cash flow. Cash flow directly relates to a company's ability to pay dividends. closed-end fund - A type of mutual fund that has a fixed number of shares, usually traded on a stock exchange. Unlike open-end funds, closed-end funds don't issue and redeem shares on a continuous basis. Closed-end funds often sell at a discount to net asset value in order to retain shareholders. Compare with open-end fund. commercial paper - Short-term or corporate debt with maturities ranging from two to 270 days. commodities - Bulk goods such as grains, metals, oil, gas, foods, or other industrial goods traded on a commodities exchange. conglomerate - A corporation composed of diversified companies in a variety of businesses. Consumer Price Index (CPI) - This measures changes in consumer prices, as determined by a monthly survey of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. CPI components include housing costs, food, transportation, and electricity. Also known as the cost of living index. contrarian - An investor who does the opposite of what most investors are doing at any particular time. correction - A short-term sharp price decline occurring during a long-term uptrend. covered call option - writing A short call option position in which the seller (writer) owns the number of shares of the underlying stock represented by his option contracts. current ratio - Current assets divided by current liabilities. A popular rule of thumb is for this ratio to be 1 or better. If it's less than 1, then liabilities outnumber assets. cyclical stock - A stock that rises quickly when the economy turns up and falls quickly when the economy turns down. Examples are housing, autos and paper. Non-cyclical companies such as food and drug companies are not as affected by economic changes. D   debenture - A general debt obligation backed only by the issuer's promise to repay the debt. debt-equity ratio - Total liabilities divided by total shareholders' equity. This shows to what extent the company can pay creditors' claims in the event of liquidation. default - Failure of a debtor to make timely payments of interest and principal. deflation - A decline in the prices of goods and services. depreciation - A decrease in the value of property through wear, deterioration or obsolescence, which can be written off against earnings. discount - The percentage below net asset value at which shares sell. discount rate - The interest rate the Federal Reserve charges member banks for loans, using government securities as collateral. This provides a floor on interest rates, since banks set their loan rates above the discount rate. Falling interest rates usually give the stock market a boost. Rising rates usually hurt the stock market. dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) - The practice of a dividend-paying organization, such as a company or mutual fund, automatically reinvesting the payable dividend into additional shares of that organization. dividend yield - A stock's dividend divided by its share price. dollar cost averaging - Purchasing securities at periodic intervals, e.g. once a month, with fixed dollar amounts regardless of market fluctuations. The investor does not intend to purchase an equal number of shares each time. Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) - A 30-stock blue chip index of some of the biggest corporations in America. downside risk - The chance of an investment losing value. downtick - When a security is sold at a price below that of the preceding sale. downturn - Shift of an economic or stock market cycle from rising to falling. E   earnings per share (EPS) - A portion of a company's profit allocated to each outstanding share of common stock. earnings - Same as net income, i.e., the company's total earnings, reflecting revenues adjusted for costs of doing business, depreciation, interest, taxes and other expenses. EBITDA - Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. This number helps determine how much the company's earnings are growing before subtracting for things like debt service payments and tax write-offs. exercise - To implement the right under which the buyer (holder) of an option is entitled to buy (in the case of a call) or sell (in the case of a put) the underlying security. exercise price - See strike price. expense ratio - A mutual fund's operating expenses, expressed as a percentage of its average net assets. The lower the expense ratio, the larger the distribution of gross income to shareholders. expiration date - The last day on which an option may be exercised. For stocks it is the third Friday of the expiration month of the option. F   face value - Value of a bond, note, mortgage or other security as shown on the certificate. federal funds rate - Interest rate charged by banks with excess reserves at a Federal Reserve district bank, to banks needing overnight loans to meet reserve requirements. The federal funds rate is the most sensitive indicator of the direction of interest rates, as it is set daily by the market. free cash flow - The excess money available to a company after subtracting its capital spending. A company with excess cash can expand and grow without taking on more debt, and in slow cycles there is plenty of cash to pay creditors. A strong free cash flow is a sign of a solid company. free cash flow yield - A measure of how high the stock's dividend yield would be if the company used all its excess cash to pay dividends. To determine a company's free cash flow yield you should subtract capital spending from cash flow, then divide the result by the stock's current share price. fundamental analysis - Analysis of the balance sheet and income statements of companies in order to forecast their future stock price. Investors try to determine whether a stock price is overvalued or undervalued relative to a company's strength. See also technical analysis. futures contract - An agreement to buy or sell a specific amount of a commodity or financial instrument at a particular price on a future date. G   gross domestic product (GDP) - The total value of a nation's annual output of goods and services. It is calculated quarterly by the Department of Commerce. gross profit - The difference between the selling price of an item or service and the expenses directly attributed to it, such as the costs of labor, overhead and raw materials. H   hard money investments - Usually investments in precious metal bullion, bullion certificates and bullion coins, particularly of gold and silver. hedgers - The individuals and firms that make purchases and sales in the futures market solely for the purpose of establishing a new price level—weeks or months in advance—for something they later intend to buy or sell in the cash market. hedging - Strategy used to offset investment risk. A perfect hedge is one that eliminates the possibility of a future gain or loss. I   illiquid - Not readily convertible into cash. in the money - A call option is in the money if the strike price is less than the market price of the underlying security. A put option is in the money if the strike price is greater than the market price of the underlying security. income statement - Financial statement showing all a company's sources of earnings and expenses, both cash and non-cash. index fund - A mutual fund that invests in a collection of securities intended to match that of a broad-based index, such as the S&P 500. inflation - An increase in the prices of goods and services. Often measured by the Consumer Price Index and the Producer Price Index. infrastructure - An economy's basic facilities, e.g., roads, airports, water supplies, schools and universities, medical services, etc. initial public offering (IPO) - a corporation's first offering of stock to the public. insider - A person with access to information before it's announced to the public. Usually the term refers to officers and directors of companies. insolvent - Unable to pay debts when they are due. interest rates - Long-term interest rates are considered to be the yields of debt instrument with maturities of more than one year. The U.S. Treasury's 30-year bond is the benchmark for long-term rates. Short-term rates are considered to be the yields on bills or certificates of deposit (CDs) with maturities of less than one year. Yields of 90-day Treasury bills are the benchmark for short-term interest rates. intrinsic value - The dollar difference between the strike price of an option and the market price of the stock, if the option is profitable. If the strike price is at or below the stock's price, no intrinsic value exists. See also time value. investment grade - Term used to describe bonds suitable for investment by conservative investors. J   junk bond - A bond with a credit rating of BB or lower. Junk bonds are also known as high-yield bonds. K   key indicators - Well-known major stock indexes, averages or economic figures. L   lagging indicator - A statistic on the economy that rises or falls after economic growth has risen or fallen. leading indicator - A statistic that anticipates trends in the economy. leverage - Use of borrowed assets to enhance the return on an investment. liabilities - All claims against a corporation. These include accounts payable, wages and salaries due but not paid, dividends declared payable, taxes payable, and long-term or fixed obligations such as bonds or loans. limit order - Order to buy a security up to a specific price. A broker will only trade the securities within the price restriction. load - A sales charge imposed by mutual funds that charge fees. They include front-end loads, or fees charged on the initial purchase of fund shares, and back-end loads, which are charged at the time of sale. long - To go long or take a long position is to purchase a stock, bond or commodity for investment or speculation. See also short. long bond - A bond that matures in more than ten years. long-term debt - Borrowed money with more than a year until payment must be made. long-term gain & long-term loss - Profit or loss on securities or capital when the time between buying and selling is longer than six months. M   M1 - A major component of money supply. M1 includes all currency in circulation, bank demand deposits, NOW and ATS savings accounts, credit union share drafts, and non-bank travelers checks. M2 - A major component of money supply. M2 includes all of M1 plus overnight repurchase agreements issued by commercial banks, overnight eurodollars, savings accounts, time deposits under $100,000, and money-market mutual fund shares. macroeconomics - Analysis of a nation's economy as a whole. margin - The amount an investor deposits with a broker when borrowing from the broker to buy securities, or short sell securities. See also short selling. Margin requirements are usually 50 percent of the amount borrowed on stock transactions, and less for futures or commodities trades. Margin in futures trading is solely a deposit of good faith money that can be drawn on by your brokerage firm to cover losses that you may incur in the course of futures trading. margin call - The demand that a customer deposit enough cash or securities to bring a margin account up to the minimum maintenance requirement. If a customer fails to respond, securities in the account will be liquidated. market capitalization - Total value of outstanding shares of stock. market price - Last reported price at which a security was sold on an exchange. market timing - Decisions on when to buy or sell securities in light of fundamental, psychological and/or technical factors. maturity date - Date on which the principal amount of a note, draft, acceptance, bond, or other debt instrument becomes due and payable. microeconomics - Study of behavior of basic economic units such as companies, industries or households. minimum initial purchase - The smallest investment amount a mutual fund will accept to establish a new account. minimum maintenance - Amount of money that must be kept in brokerage customers' margin accounts. Margin investing allows the investor to use leverage to increase profits, but the government and individual brokerage firms set minimum levels of equity that must be maintained. For stocks, the investor must put up 50 percent of the value of the security; for futures contracts the requirement is much less, which increases potential risk as well as reward. If the trade goes against the investor he or she may face a margin call. money market fund - A type of mutual fund that seeks to maintain a constant net asset value of $1.00 by investing in short-term, very safe securities sold in the money market. These include Treasury bills, certificates of deposit and commercial paper. money supply - Total stock of money in the economy. Different measures include M1, M2, M3 and L, with M1 being the most specific and L the broadest. mortgage-backed security - A security that returns principal and interest to shareholders, as payments are received on the underlying mortgages. They usually consist of home mortgages packaged into pools by the following government-guaranteed corporations: the Government National Mortgage Assn. (Ginnie Mae), the Federal National Mortgage Assn. (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. (Freddie Mac). moving average - Average of security or commodity prices constructed on a period as short as a few days or as long as several years and showing trends for the latest interval. mutual fund - An investment company that combines the money of many people and invests it in a variety of securities. Investors get portfolio diversification and professional management. N   Nasdaq - Formerly stood for the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation system, now a word in its own right. Owned and operated by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), Nasdaq is a computerized system that provides brokers with trade information for securities traded over the counter (OTC). national debt - Debt owed by the federal government and composed of such debt obligations as Treasury bills, Treasury notes and Treasury bonds. net asset value (NAV) - The current market value of a mutual fund's share. net income - The amount left after taxes have been paid. net profit - The amount remaining after all taxes and expenses have been deducted. net worth - The total value of a company or person after all long- and short-term debts are deducted. For a corporation, net worth is also called stockholders' equity or net assets. no-load fund - A mutual fund that sells its shares directly to investors without a sales charge. O   odd lot - A securities trade made for less than the normal trading unit. In stock trades, any purchase of less than 100 shares is considered to be an odd lot. When purchasing an odd lot of shares you generally have to pay a higher commission, usually 1/8 of a point higher in price. offer - Price at which someone who owns a security offers to sell it. Also called the ask price. open interest - The number of outstanding option contracts in the exchange market or in a particular class or series. open-end fund - A mutual fund that continually sells new shares to investors and redeems shares on demand to shareholders. Compare with closed-end fund. operating expenses - The normal costs that a mutual fund incurs in conducting business, such as the expenses associated with maintaining offices, staff, and equipment. These costs are paid from the fund's assets before any earnings are distributed. operating margin - Derived by adding together net profit before taxes, interest and depreciation, and dividing that number by net sales. It's the difference between a company's revenues and the related costs and expenses, excluding income derived from sources other than its core business and before income deductions. Operating margin is considered a better indicator of management skill and operating efficiency than profit margin, because it tells you how well the core business is doing. options - The right to buy or sell the underlying asset at a specified period. If the option is not exercised it will expire worthless. call option gives the holder the right to buy blocks of securities or commodities within a specified time at an agreed-upon price. put option gives the holder the right to sell blocks of securities or commodities within a specified time at an agreed-upon price. out of the money - A call option is out of the money if the strike price is greater than the market price of the underlying security. A put option is out of the money if the strike price is less than the market price of the underlying security. overbought & oversold - Description of a security or a market that has experienced an unexpectedly sharp rise or fall in price and is thus vulnerable to a price drop (correction) or a price rise. overvalued - Description of a stock whose current price isn't justified by its earnings outlook or price-to-earnings ratio (P/E). P   par value - Equal to the face value of a security. payout - Often used to mean dividend. PEG ratio - Price/earnings to growth ratio. Derived by dividing a company's P/E by its five-year expected earnings growth rate. A PEG under 1 suggests a company is undervalued relative to its growth rate, while a number above 1 suggests it's overvalued. point - For bonds, the percentage change in the face value of a bond. A change of 1 percent is a move of 1 point. For stocks, a change of $1 in the market price of a stock. If a stock rises two points, it has risen $2 a share. portfolio - Combined holding of more than one stock, bond, commodity or other investment. premium - For stocks, the amount by which a stock's price exceeds that of comparable stocks. For bonds, the amount by which a bond sells above its face or par value. For options, the price of an option contract that the buyer (holder) of the option pays to the option seller (writer) for the rights conveyed by the option contract. present value - Value today of a future payment discounted at an appropriate compound interest or discount rate. price-to-free cash flow ratio - This measures how much you pay for the cash a company has to offer its shareholders and debt holders, after accounting for capital costs, i.e. expenses needed to maintain its facilities. Free cash flow differs from cash flow in that the former subtracts required capital expenditures from the basic cash flow number. price-to-cash flow ratio - The share price divided by the cash flow per share. It measures how much you pay for the actual cash the company generated over the past 12 months. Cash flow is basically a company's earnings plus its non-cash expenses. price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) - The price of a share of stock divided by earnings per share for a 12-month period. It tells investors how much they are paying for a company's earning power. The higher the P/E, the more investors are paying and the more earnings growth they expect. price-to-sales ratio - The share price divided by the sales per share. This ratio measures how much you pay for the sales a company generates. prime rate - The lowest interest rate charged for loans. Producer Price Index (PPI) - Measure of change in wholesale prices are released monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. profit margin - Gross profit (i.e., net sales minus the cost of goods sold) divided by net sales. Unlike operating margin, profit margin takes into account extraneous things that affect profits, such as a company's stock investments or its debt service payments. program trading - Institutional buying of stocks in a program or index on which options and futures trade. Such trading can sometimes, by its sheer volume, increase market volatility. projection - Estimate of future performance made by economists, corporate planners and credit and securities analysts. prospectus - The document that describes a mutual fund, such as its investment objectives, policies, services and fees. It contains information required by the Securities and Exchange Commission. pure play - A company that is virtually devoted to one line of business. Q   quick ratio - This is a company's cash and accounts receivable divided by current liabilities. It specifically excludes inventory value, since inventory may not be easy to sell for cash. The quick ratio indicates how easily a company can meet its interest payments with liquid assets. quotation - Highest bid and lowest offer (asked) price now available on a security or commodity. R   rally - A rise in the price of a security or market after a period of decline or lateral movement. recession - At least two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth as measured by GDP. return - Profit or gain on an investment. return on assets (ROA) - A company's net profit after taxes divided by its total assets. It indicates how successful management is in utilizing assets in making profits. return on equity (ROE) - Earnings divided by shareholders' equity. revenue - The amount of money a company takes in, including interest earned and receipts from sales, services provided, rents and royalties. reverse split - See split. rollover - Movement of funds from one investment to another. Or, in the case of futures, rolling money from one contract into a further out contract. round lot - A generally accepted unit of trading on a securities exchange, usually 100 shares for stocks and $1,000 or $5,000 for bonds. Russell 2000 - An index of small-capitalization stocks. S   sales - The money a company receives for the goods and services it sells. The figure may also include rent or royalties. short - When an investor borrows a stock from a broker in a margin account, then immediately sells the stock. While waiting for the price to fall the investor pays the broker interest on the amount of the stock that was borrowed. After the stock falls in price the investor will then purchase the stock and return it to the broker, thus closing out the short sale. The investor earns the difference between the purchase and sale price. This is a way to profit in a market where stock prices are declining. speculators - Individuals and firms who seek to profit from anticipated increases of decreases in futures prices. In so doing, they help provide the risk capital needed to facilitate hedging. split - An increase in a corporation's number of outstanding shares of stock without any change in equity or market value at the time of the split. spot market - Commodities market in which goods are sold for cash and delivered immediately. spot price - Current delivery price of a commodity traded in the spot market. spreads - Plays on differences between prices of various securities or futures and options contracts. Investors are betting that the price differences will either widen or narrow. Standard & Poor's 500 - The market value-weighted index showing the change in the market value of stocks. The index is composed of 400 industrial companies, 60 utilities and transportation stocks, and 40 financial issues. It represents about 80 percent of the market value of all issues traded on the New York Stock Exchange. stock - An ownership interest in a company or corporation represented by shares that are a claim on the issuers' earnings and assets. stop/loss - A customer order to a broker to sell an investment if its price falls below a predetermined level. It is used to protect profits that have been made or prevent further losses if the investment value drops. street name - Describes securities held in the name of a broker or third party instead of the customer. strike price - The price at which the underlying stock or commodity may be purchased (call) or sold (put) over a specified period. Also referred to as exercise price. T   target price - Price a stock is expected to reach within a specified period of time. technical analysis - Research into the demand and supply for securities and commodities based on trading activity and price study. Technical analysts identify and project price trends. See also fundamental analysis. tick - Upward or downward movement in a securities price. For stocks, usually 1/8 or 1/16 of a dollar. time value - With an option or warrant, the value put on the time before an investment matures. Usually, the longer the time to maturity, the higher the time value. See also intrinsic value. trading range - Range between the highest and lowest prices at which a security or a market has traded for a given time period. trailing earnings - The most recent actual earnings results, often for the past 12 months. U   uncovered call options - A short call option position in which the seller (writer) does not own the shares of underlying stock represented by his option contracts. uncovered put options - A short put option position in which the seller (writer) does not have a corresponding short stock position or has not deposited, in a cash account, cash or cash equivalents equal to the exercise value of the put. undervalued - Security selling below its true market value. This term is used subjectively. unit - Minimum amount of stocks, bonds, commodities or other securities accepted for trading on an exchange. upside potential - Amount of upward price movement an investor or analyst expects in a particular stock, bond or commodity. uptick - When a security is sold at a higher price than it was on the previous trade. uptrend - A consistent and continuous upward price movement for an investment. V   value investing - An investment style whereby the investor attempts to buy underpriced stocks. volatility - The relative degr