The amount of evidence stacking up that…mutual funds…do not provide value for their investors is just staggering…While there are certainly signs that the public’s tolerance of excessive fees and executive pay is falling, the likelihood of significant structural change in the finance industry is still remote. Given such a backdrop the probability remains that investors in funds will, on average, continue to underperform their benchmarks. So what is an investor to do? [Read on!] Words: 830
February 6th, 2012 | Posted in Asset Allocation,Investing | Read More »
Commodities have obvious appeal to active investors looking to generate profits from short-term price movements [but while] the volatility of this asset class is ideal for risk-tolerant individuals who actively monitor their positions…commodities may also have appeal to the long-term, buy-and-hold crowd…These potentially appealing attributes come with plenty of risk, [however, as] the path to commodity exposure is full of potential obstacles and pitfalls that can erode returns and lead to a less-than-optimal investing experience. Here are ten rules of thumb that will help you achieve a more successful experience investing in commodity markets. Words: 2871
January 23rd, 2012 | Posted in Gold/Silver,Investing,Oil and Gas,Other Commodities | Read More »
Late last year the Royal Canadian Mint intoduced an Exchange Traded Receipt (ETR) in another long line of paper-gold investments that are now trading on securities exchanges worldwide. It, like all of the other programs, comes with a slew of fees and risks. [Why not take personal physical possession of your gold or silver, store it in an allocated and secure non-government vault, be able to have any or all of it shipped to you immediately upon request - and for dramatically less than any ETF or ETR? Let me explain how easily it is to do just that.] Words: 1601
January 23rd, 2012 | Posted in Gold/Silver,Investing | Read More »
With continued strong investment demand for physical gold in the face of heightened macro uncertainty and unprecedented, globally-coordinated monetary stimulus and a US dollar that will continue its path lower, the best performing assets at present are gold, emerging market equities denominated in local currencies, and commodity related stocks. [Let me explain why that is the case.] Words: 560
November 8th, 2011 | Posted in Gold/Silver,Investing | Read More »
Constructing a portfolio for the retirement years requires one to focus on portfolio risk or uncertainty while not neglecting return. If the portfolio asset allocation plan is too conservative, the return will not meet lifestyle expectations. Inflation is again on the rise and this needs to be taken into consideration when putting together a retirement oriented portfolio. Below is a combination of index ETFs that project respectable returns while holding down portfolio volatility. Words: 455
October 31st, 2011 | Posted in Investing,Mutual/ETFunds,Personal Finance,Retirement Planning | Read More »
There are many legitimate reasons to trade in gold and its derivatives. Gold has been proven time and time again to be an excellent “safe haven” investment, a holding that will appreciate in value during times of economic uncertainty. As such, gold may offer some valuable hedging and diversification benefits for a long-term portfolio. A number of exchange-traded products offering exposure to gold prices but not all gold ETFs are created equal. Here’s a quick rundown of factors to consider when making an investment in a gold ETF. Words: 1268
October 13th, 2011 | Posted in Investing,Mutual/ETFunds | Read More »
Now that Q4 is underway, investors are scrambling to find the right asset class for this rocky environment. Last quarter wreaked havoc on a number of investments and portfolios alike, as the global economy seems to be on a downward spiral. Given the current environment, various investors have flocked to their favorite safe havens to wait out the storm. Gold is perhaps the most popular safe haven in troubled markets, though its actual use as a metal is relatively low. As such, there has been much speculation over whether or not the metal is overvalued, scaring a number investors out of gold and into another precious metal, silver. Words: 3422
October 7th, 2011 | Posted in Gold/Silver,Investing | Read More »
Recent stock market action has brought the major indexes into at least a correction zone, if not an outright new bear market. So, if this is a new bear market, how can you dodge another bear bite? [I have 4 suggestions on how to do just that. Read on!] Words: 746
August 23rd, 2011 | Posted in Asset Allocation,Investing | Read More »
The past few weeks traders and investors have been completely spooked by the surge of negative news and collapsing stock prices and reading the volume on the GLD exchange traded fund chart gives us a good sense of what the masses are feeling emotionally – fear….Fear is the strongest force in the financial market for moving prices and there are a number of ways to [ascertain the extent of] fear in the market and the more they line up at the same time, the higher the probability of trend reversal in the near future. [Let's take a look at a few such indicators and what they are currently suggesting.] Words: 700
August 21st, 2011 | Posted in Gold/Silver,Investing | Read More »
Exchange-traded mining sector funds (ETFs) are a great way to get involved in this potentially highly profitable business. Let me tell you why, where and how to do so. Words: 795
November 19th, 2010 | Posted in Gold/Silver,Mutual/ETFunds,Other Commodities | Read More »
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