Asset Allocation

It seems clear that there are a number of investors who have gained confidence in the global economy and are seeking to capture the growth opportunities taking place around the world. With the European crisis comfortably in the rear view mirror and global central banks taking the position that they will continue their easing policies, investors have taken their foot off the brake and have begun to accelerate....We see more sunshine and less stormy weather ahead [and explain why that is the case in this article]. Words: 695; Charts: 3

The "Dogs of the Dow" is a simple and effective strategy that has outperformed the Dow over the last 50 years and generates almost 4% in yield. Here’s how it works. Words: 486

As Winston Churchill once said: “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty” and in that vain I challenge all readers to fight off the negativity, see long-term opportunity in global equity markets and, most importantly, remain invested. Your future self may thank you. Words: 732; Charts: 6

Like Warren Buffett I don't believe that investors should diversify very much. As long as I feel comfortable with a sector or a particular stock, I don't have a problem with over-exposing myself to it. My style...[may be] more aggressive than most...[but,] as far as I'm concerned, there is no such thing as speculation, just risk reward calculations. The only question is how much risk you want to undertake to earn the yield or appreciation you are hoping for so, [and to that end, each of my top 6 picks for 2013 - according to me myself and I - include] a scale of 1 to 10 for the risks associated with each and a second number for the possible appreciation the stock could yield during the year. Here are my top picks for 2013. Words: 1180

Dr. Marc Faber, the author and publisher of the "Gloom Boom And Doom" report is one of the most well-read economists out there. I am of the opinion that his suggestions and investment advice are more realistic than any other economist or analyst we hear and read regularly. The summary of Dr. Faber's latest monthly report suggests that he views 2013 as a year of capital preservation. In other words, Dr. Faber is not very bullish on risky asset classes for 2013. This article discusses Dr. Faber's views and the reasons to remain cautious in 2013. Words: 1494; Charts: 3; Tables: 1

If you traded and invested in 2012 and came out okay, then you are to be commended, [because] this was a tough one no matter what the index statistics say. Nerve-wracking doesn't even come close as a descriptor. [In fact,] we were Riverdancing on a frozen-over pond with steel-tipped boots and ice sharks swimming below the cracking surface just waiting for us to fall through - and those ice sharks had some kind of weird fish syphilis. Words: 1511

The world is hurdling toward what seems to be certain economic collapse so, if your expectations are similar to mine, then you should be exploring ways to prepare for something that eventually will become an economic dark age. Investment performance is always relevant and it has never been more important than in these difficult economic times - nor has it ever been more difficult. Markets have already changed and are getting worse...As the economy worsens, market movements [like the two 50% declines we have seen since 2000] are likely to become more pronounced [and, as such,] it behooves anyone with exposure to the stock market to understand what is happening and [take action to] protect themselves against further 50%, and possibly larger, downsides. [This article outlines how best to do just that.] Words: 1491; Charts: 2; Tables: 1

When I first considered a high-yield investing strategy, my goal was to devise a portfolio that yielded between 6% and 8% annually. To be sure, that's a worthy starting point. Years from now, however, I expect to own a portfolio that yields 25%, 50% and even 100% on the cost basis of many of the investments in that portfolio. [You, too, can achieve the same return on investment for your portfolio. Here's how.] Words: 636

Many...commentaries by people referred to as 'gurus' or 'experts'...often don't state the assumptions that underlie the opinions they express leaving the reader...to take at face value what is said based on 'assumed expertise'. I suggest you exercise caution and not blithely accept the views of 'experts' without first understanding their underlying assumptions and then satisfying yourself that those assumptions both make sense and are internally consistent with the views and opinions the 'experts' express, and the advice they give. Let me explain more fully below.

Bond Guru and DoubleLine Capital Co-Founder Jeff Gundlach... predicts that there is a "financial catastrophe coming." Here is an overview of what Gundlach sees coming, and 3 steps investors can take to prepare for, and profit from his predictions. Words: 910