The level of complacency in world financial markets is downright astounding - even stupid - and only an eventual thundering crash of the system will bring the madness to an end.

I put almost all of my eggs in one basket - precious metals, energy and agriculture - with the bulk being in precious metals 10 years ago. These investments are diversified only in that they span physical, geography and company size. What I did has stood the test of time and, I expect, will hold me in good stead whatever happens in the years to come. Let me explain why I thought it was a good idea back then and still think it is today.

Recently, the National Football League (NFL) announced it was giving up its non-profit status. This is a much-coveted designation because it exempts the entity from taxation but, as it turns out, the NFL will also gain considerable advantages. Here are four.

A bill that would make gold & silver legal tender in Texas passed the House of Representatives unanimously last week in a move towards reintroducing precious metals into the everyday lives of the citizens of Texas if they so choose.

Staying ahead of inflation is hard enough but even trying to tread water, to stay even with inflation, becomes extremely difficult when you have the lead weight of inflation taxes around your neck, pulling you down.

There is a common notion that stocks, at least if held for a long-time, outperform other assets [and, as such,] should be the cornerstone of any long-term portfolio. [While that is indeed true,] it is best to focus first on how much you are able and willing to lose (i.e. what risk you are able and willing to bear) when determining the optimal allocation for your portfolio. [Only] then [should you] think about what potential investment returns you might be able to capture. [Let me explain.] Words: 1503

Even seasoned U.S. investors can make basic (and wrong) assumptions and generalizations when it comes to investing internationally. Here are a few common traps that investors tend to fall into when they start looking outside their own country’s borders.

Numbers don’t lie. You’re either making money or you’re losing money. Sometimes you get lucky. Sometimes you make incredibly careless errors that could cost you dearly. There’s no better meritocratic environment. So, do you possess the characteristics of what it takes to become a successful trader? Here are 10.

Don’t ever take financial headlines at face value. They seldom tell the whole (or true) story - and you definitely shouldn’t rely solely on insiders to govern your investment decisions. They’re just as unreliable.

Bill Ackman, founder of Pershing Square Capital Management, believes the following books are essential financial reading. Enjoy the summer! Words: 235