Asset Allocation

Many investors believe the market will rise if the economy is growing and sink if it's shrinking but that is the wrong way to think about it. Instead, the real focus should be on whether the economy is growing at a slow pace or a moderate pace. Indeed, with 2% growth, the stock market could steadily fall. Yet with 3% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, the market could surge. The difference between 2% and 3% may not seem like much, but it is. [Let me explain.] Words: 730

I have identified 248 stocks with histories of 10+ years of raising dividends...and ranked the yields and payout ratios of each...to create an average overall rank for each stock. Here are the top 10 on the list. Words: 325

At present the USD is at yet another major inflection point and what it does from here will have direct implications for U.S. investors, not only asset allocation (bonds, stocks, commodities, currencies) but also sector allocation (cyclicals, non-cyclicals). [Let's take a closer look at the situation.] Words: 2102

Can you beat the market by imitating Jim Cramer's favorite stock picks? According to his recent track record the answer is: "Yes, you can!" Let's take a look. Words: 404

While gold is slightly more volatile than the Dow 30, on average, all of the individual components are more volatile than gold and only half are less volatile than silver and platinum. [So much for] the prevailing myth...that they are risky investments due to their volatility. [Let's take a closer look at the specifics.] Words: 250

Many lessons can be gleaned from history and, while no two periods are identically alike, there are often many similarities to learn from. The current period, for example, is often compared to the Great Depression in regards to unprecedented government action as well as with the 1970s in regards to trends in commodities and inflation. [Let's take a closer look.] Words: 1165

Inflation is the big ‘sword of Damocles´ hanging over our heads and the higher interest rates that may arrive with it over time. We believe that one of three scenarios is probable in the months and years ahead and in this article we provide a summary of these scenarios and give a brief glimpse into the respective investments/asset classes that we consider most suitable in each scenario. Words: 1331

The Dow:Gold ratio is defined as the ratio of the price of the Dow Jones Industrial Average divided by the price of gold [or] how many ounces of gold it takes to buy the 30-stock Dow. The current Dow:Gold ratio of 8.5 is up 21.1% from its 17-year March 6, 2009 low of 7.0 and 81% below its 1999 peak of 44.77. [What does the future hold? Higher gold prices, lower stock prices or vice versa?] Words: 400

The world of warrants is the best kept investment secret around. No one seems to realize that long-term (LT) gold and silver warrants were up 140% and 92%, respectively, in 2009 and 2010 in U. S. dollar terms. Investment and financial writers go on and on about gold being such a great investment these days but gold was up "only" 24% and 30%, respectively, during the same time frame. Isn't it time investors, analysts and commentators conveyed the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth when it comes to investing in gold bullion and gold-related securities? This article will do just that! Words: 1164

The S&P 500 has rebounded about 100% in 100 weeks. What crisis? What new normal? The economy is recovering and happy times are back again. Old normal is back. Stocks for the long run! Permabears be damned! The permabulls are back! Rates are low, core inflation is low. It's Goldilocks time! [Hold on, though. That's only half the picture and the other half does not paint such a rosy picture. Let me explain.] Words: 959