Asset Allocation

With both the fiscal cliff and debt ceiling looming, US stocks beginning to trail stocks overseas and the much increased volatility of the US market compared to those outside the United States, it is getting difficult to argue that the United States is still the "safe port" in a storm. Given the changing dynamic, we continue to believe that this is a good time for investors to consider lowering their overweight position in US equities while raising the allocation to international stocks. [I explain my position more fully in this article.] Words: 711

We are inundated daily with a great deal of economic noise and self-serving investment advice so just what is of any real merit? I review 100s of articles every week in my effort to find the "best-of-the-best" for posting on my munKNEE.com site and offer below 10 articles with truly insightful, unbiased analysis, information and advice. Your time (and that of your financial advisor) would be well spent carefully evaluating the content of these articles and possibly implementing some aspects of such advice. Enjoy - and prosper!

The U.S. has reached a Debt to GDP ratio of over 100%. Indeed, at no point in history has the U.S. had this much debt during peacetime - and the fact that we're overspending by this amount at the exact time that other countries are showing signs of shunning US Treasuries is a formula for disaster. With that in mind, it is highly likely that the U.S. will enter at the very minimum a debt crisis and quite possibly a currency crisis during the Obama administration's second term. [Such being the case,] now, more than ever, investors need to get access to high quality guidance and insights [and this article does just that] to help you navigate the markets and protect your wealth. Words: 964

If you believe (as I do) that gold is a solid way to “price” other assets because of its characteristics of being rare and stable in quantity – then the simplest way to profit from this trend is to wait for it to reverse - and when it turns around, sell gold and buy stocks. [Let me explain further.] Words: 431

This article compares the 2012 year-end price forecasts for the S&P 500 from leading research sources with where the index is today, what various statistically generated price probabilities say about the year-end price [and, as such, how we plan to allocate our assets in the interim.] Words: 1445

Screams about how these top-bracket income tax and capital-gains tax increases will ruin the economy by hammering spending and eliminating the incentive to work can be seen for what they are - the whining of people who don't want their taxes to go up [BUT, when it comes to the possible increase in the top tax on dividends they have a point - a BIG point - a VERY big point. Let me explain.] Words: 450

Merrill conducts a periodic survey of US institutional money managers. One area the survey focuses on is a set of questions on the so-called "tail risks", the less probable but potentially devastating events that negatively impact financial asset valuations. Here are the survey results from September and October of this year. Words: 535

As the fiscal cliff is nearing with the end of 2012 in sight and total public debt approaching the debt limit of $16.4 trillion, investors need to seriously start worrying about the U.S. bond market. [Below are 5 trends that support that view.] Words: 599

Could U.S. Treasuries be the best performing asset class of the next one-two years? It's quite possible. I am sure this article is bound to stir up controversy, but I'd like to spend some time analyzing several drivers that could buoy bond prices in the coming months. Words: 1053

Transition Therapeutics Inc. (TSX:TTH/NASDAQ:TTHI) is in the process of developing an oral drug that has the potential to address both neuropsychiatric changes and cognitive declines associated with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and stabilize the mood swings of those suffering from Bipolar Disorder (BPD) as well as a drug that plays a role in regulating obesity in those genetically predisposed to Type 2 Diabetes (DM11). With millions of people suffering from such health issues, and costing society billions of dollars in the treatment of same, such new drugs would be most welcome on all fronts. We wish Transition Therapeutics success in their endeavours and hope the development of each of their products come to fruition in rapid fashion. Here is their story to help you decide if its stock should be in your portfolio. Words: 1050