Issues
Investors Hate Uncertainty? Poppycock!
To me it is mindboggling we still hear financial commentators and others who should know better utter this inane phrase on a regular basis ... …
My #1 profit play for 2012 …
It’s no secret that I’m calling for major market weakness going into the New Year. Why? Because I don’t believe any of the bailout hype coming out of Europe ... …
3 ETF Trends of 2011 … and 3 Predictions for 2012
Happy New Year! I know 2012 isn’t here just yet, but it’s never too early to get started. Today I’ll give you my top three predictions for next year’s ETF ... …
Building a Strategy for Navigating the Rapidly Changing Euro in 2012
This has been a tumultuous and challenging year for traders. Most are happy to see it go. So as a new year approaches ... …
Gearing up for another great year!
With 2012 right around the corner, I want to talk about some simple steps you can take right now — or in the New Year — to greatly improve your financial life. …
Our Best Collective Wisdom on THE BIG PICTURE
I don’t use ancient Mayan calendars. Nor do I subscribe to Nostradamus. Yet, throughout modern history, if there ever was a year when all the stars were ... …
Merry Christmas from the ECB … and Happy New Year from the Federal Reserve!
The $50 billion in renewed currency swap lines at the beginning of December was a nice stocking stuffer for the euro zone ... …
The most important lesson of 2011!
It’s at times like these, with the year winding down, that I always get contemplative. I like to ponder the last 12 months of market action, and consider what lessons we ... …
HOLDRS Closure Marks the End of an Era
Happy Holidays! I hope everyone has a great time with family and friends. Before the weekend starts, there’s one last business item you may want to settle. So pay ... …
Baltic Banking Crisis Widening; Bank Depositors Cashing Out!
I’m reporting this week from the Eastern front of the euro-zone meltdown, where an unfolding banking and confidence crisis could be signs of ... …
Last-minute investment gifts …
I’m a chronic procrastinator, especially when it comes to getting presents. And since I’m sure you might also find yourself in need of a last-minute gift for ... …
2012: Worse than 2008!
If you think 2008 was a bad year, wait till you see 2012! The world’s largest banks have far less capital, the world’s largest governments have far less bailout power, and each is ... …
Asia Screeches … Dollar Zooms
I find it interesting how complacent many investors still are regarding Asia, China in particular. But I guess if one vests so much time and effort to ... …
Global economy fading fast … and no one’s coming to the rescue this time!
There’s no longer any doubt. It’s not something the bulls can argue against. The global economy is fading fast — from one ... …
Put Cash in Your Wallet with ETF Tax-Loss Harvesting!
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) are wonderful for many reasons. And as year-end approaches, I want to remind you of a key strategy using ETFs — because it can ... …
How to gear up your portfolio for 2012!
2011 has been a challenging year for a lot of investors, amateurs as well as professionals. Buy and hold mutual fund type strategies have simply ... …
Portfolio managers’ year-end pains can be your 2012 gains!
When I was a professional portfolio manager, December was always the most nerve racking month of the year in my office. In fact, while most people were ... …
New Danger of a Systemic Collapse
Some stock investors never seem to learn. They hope and pray for a new government rescue from Washington or Brussels. They wait with bated breath for each ... …
Monti Drives Stake in Euro’s Heart — Sends Italy Down Greece-Paved Road!
As I watched the ECB news conference on Thursday, I kept wondering how the ECB president, Mario Draghi, could have ... …
To print or not to print? That’s the question for the ECB!
If there’s one thing we’ve learned about central banks in the past few years, it’s that they will print money — and then print some more ... …
Why Emerging Market ETFs Belong on Your Watchlist
The year is almost over, and the world’s supposedly “advanced†economies are still falling into chaos. Whether it’s Europe, the U.S., or Japan, the outlook for 2012 looks ... …
The Thirst for Oil Continues … and the U.S. Is Getting Squeezed Out!
Oil prices have been on a wild ride the second half of 2011, and that’s likely to continue for the foreseeable future. A myriad of factors are ... …
Why heating oil looks so hot right now …
Whether they come from Washington or Europe, it seems like news headlines (and rumors) are now influencing the stock market more than ... …
Weiss Ratings downgrades 5 European countries! New euro-zone rescue schemes dead on arrival!
While European leaders scramble to propose new euro-zone rescue schemes in preparation for still another “crunch meeting†this week ... …
Monetary collusion masking a vulnerable Aussie dollar
This week global central banks announced a coordinated effort to inject liquidity into credit markets. From Reuters: “The central banks of ... …
Avalanche of Downgrades Overwhelming Bondholders! What to Do …
Maybe it’s because we got our first genuine “cold†front here in South Florida — dropping the mercury all the way to 53 degrees. But the ... …
Don’t Keep the ETF Leftovers!
A week ago we celebrated Thanksgiving in the U.S. I hope you had a great time with your loved ones. Now families from coast to coast are dealing with ... …
Two Pipeline Plays to Heat Up Your Portfolio This Winter!
The U.S. remains dependent on foreign oil supplies from the Middle East. And that relationship has put our economy over an economic ... …
How willing are you to go against the crowd?
The way I see it, the idea of being a “contrarian investor†has gotten all twisted around by the mainstream media. It’s not as simple as just ... …
Contagion spreading FAST! No more time to wait!
The global contagion is spreading so quickly, it could strike the United States before yearend. It’s the same contagion that began over two years ago in Greece ... …
The Japan-China Parallel: Is the Hot Money Already Running from China?
“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.†— Lao Tzu - Most everyone thinks they know where China is headed — that is ... …
European, U.S. Debt Markets Flashing Red!
I don’t know about you. But I think I ate enough turkey yesterday to last me until the New Year! Getting family and friends together, watching football, ... …
Happy Thanksgiving!
Our Money and Markets team is at home today, celebrating the holiday with friends and family. …
Plan Now and Reap a Harvest of Profits in 2012!
When the clock strikes midnight on December 31 this year, many traders, fund managers and individual investors will be glad to ring in the ... …
Three things to check off your list before 2012 …
I think it’s safe to say that this week marks the beginning of the mad holiday rush that will last until we ring in 2012 ... heck, a biker dressed as Santa ... …
Deficit committee FAILS! What will happen next …
Never before in modern history has the U.S. government faced a greater fiscal disaster! And never before has it failed so miserably to confront it! This past weekend, instead of ... …
My Nine Reasons Why the U.S. Dollar May Have Bottomed
It’s always difficult to pinpoint where we are in terms of a trend, whether it’s in stocks, bonds, or other assets. Long-term trends in the ... …
Europe credit markets imploding! Why it matters to YOU!
In this market, it’s easier than ever to be confused. I say that because Wall Street pundits and European technocrats keep telling you that ... …
Does Another Lehman Have Your Money?
One letter can make a huge difference in your portfolio — especially the letters “F†and “N.†For instance, consider the investments called ETF and ETN. In both cases, ET stands for ... …
How Spread Trading Can Cut Your Risks in Volatile Markets
The wild swings we’ve been experiencing in the markets lately are unprecedented. Even seasoned fund managers are left scratching their heads ... …
How my own dad’s portfolio is faring right now …
If you’re a regular reader of this column, you may already know that I’ve been helping my own father invest $100,000 of his retirement money ... …
The Next Two Victims of the Debt Contagion
Rarely in history can we look toward the immediate horizon and see a future event that is virtually certain, very dangerous, and totally underestimated by the ... …
Is a return to the gold standard on the horizon?
I’m not trying to scare you. But here are a few popularized quotes from Jon Maynard Keynes that you should pay attention to ... …
What I Learned about Europe’s Credit Crisis in Germany
Europe is at the heart of the current credit crisis. Developments in Italy, Greece, and the rest of the PIIGS countries are driving the ... …
New Fund Gives You Early Warning of Europe’s Crisis
The fireworks in Europe are just getting started. Leaders and bankers across the Continent are playing the same “extend and pretend†game U.S. bankers have used with ... …
How to Get a One-Up on Wall Street!
The Hippocratic Oath is taken by doctors and other healthcare professionals swearing to practice medicine ethically and promising not to do more harm than good ... …
Answers to your questions on Treasuries, inflation, and a whole lot more …
Last week’s column on I Bonds generated quite a buzz ... so today I’d like to address some of the questions, comments, and other issues ... …
The True Cause of America’s Troubles
Are you wondering why the U.S. economy has now stagnated — despite the largest government stimulus, bailouts, stimulus, and money printing of all time? …
How to Avoid the 6 Traits of Market Fools
Traits we all exhibit at times are what swiftly separates us from our money. And today, I’d like to examine these common traits. …
Whaddaya know? Europe screws it up again!
Two days. Two lousy days. That’s how long the “Bailout Rally†in the euro currency lasted in the wake of last week’s European summit! We shot up from ... …
Sometimes it’s what you DON’T own that boosts your odds of success
It’s easy to get caught up in recent stock market action. Then there are investment advisors who often go to the other extreme, urging their clients to ... …
Coming your way: The end of the oil age! Are you prepared?
It may seem like it should be the opposite, but due to the ongoing global economic debacle and uncertainty right now, opportunities for investment in ... …
Why you should pay attention to today’s I-Bond announcement …
I’ve talked about inflation-protected bonds many times before — including both Treasury-Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) and I-Bonds. And while I don’t believe the former represent compelling bargains at the moment, as I …
What’s your country’s TRUE rating? Here’s the answer …
If you’re among those who think the central bankers and finance ministers of the world really have a clue about how to bail out bankrupt borrowers and end a debt crisis … …
Stronger yuan, higher labor costs, eurozone threaten China’s advantage
Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney said the euro-zone crisis poses the biggest risk to Canada’s economy; and it could take years to fully play out. But that’s one reason why he …
Why I keep hammering on the “hope vs. reality†theme!
We’ve had one heck of a party on Wall Street in the past few weeks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average shot up from 10,404 on October 4 through 11,891 yesterday ... …
How to Occupy Mall Street with Retailing ETFs
As protesters “occupy†Wall Street, Americans are considering how — or if — they’ll be able to occupy the space under this year’s Christmas tree. Christmas? It’s not ... …
Cold Weather … Hot Profits!
The crisp smell of autumn leaves, the chill in the air, and pumpkins, and turkey and stuffing, are all leading indicators that once again old man winter’s wrath will ... …
Three Basic Technical Analysis Measures I Like …
Last week, I talked about a way to invest in markets without the need for perfect timing. But with all the sharp moves we’ve been witnessing, what if you want to try and ... …
Two Big Days of Reckoning — Oct. 26 and Nov. 23!
Mark your calendar for two historic days that could shake Wall Street to its foundation and change the Western world forever ... The first is Europe’s day of reckoning, postponed to Wednesday, October 26 ... …
Aussie Dollar in a Copper Cauldron!
I keep thinking that any day now the Australian dollar will take a dirt nap. It took one back in mid-2008, falling a stunning 39 percent in just three months in the midst of the ... …
Tread carefully when rumors are flying!
Wall Street has had a serious case of “buy the rumor†lately, with the Dow tacking on more than 1,200 points amid multiple reports of alleged bailout programs ... …
Is Technology Ready to Move Higher?
Now is a rough time for stock market bulls ... and being a bear isn’t much easier. Record daily volatility makes it tough to go either way. I’ve found that sector rotation offers much more opportunity than ... …
Fortune Favors the Brave
Throughout 2011 the markets have been on an incredibly wild ride for investors. And many traders are left scratching their heads as to what to do next in these volatile ... …
A great way to avoid stock market ruin …
As part of our Italian vacation, my family and I visited the ancient Greek ruins of Agrigento, Sicily. And even as we approached the ... …
October 23, 2011: The Next Big Day of Reckoning
This coming Sunday, October 23, will go down in history as one of the most important days of the 21st century. On that day, the leaders of 27 European countries will ... …
Successful Trading Is NOT about Being a Genius
During my currency trading career, three books have had a profound influence on me by dispelling several common beliefs. And perhaps they can help you too. The first was ... …
Chase this rally? No way!
If you didn’t know, read or watch anything before October 4, you’d think we were in the strongest economy and strongest market environment ever! After all, the Dow ... …
The Grand Parade of New ETFs
New exchange-traded funds are launching almost every week. By my count, U.S. investors have access to more than 250 new ETFs and ETNs so far this year ... …
Wake Up … Smell the Profit Potential!
In the world of commodities and resources, the demand for certain key items has increased exponentially as the global appetite for cars, homes, and better food has ... …
The other side of the income equation …
I spend most of my time showing investors new ways to boost their investment income. But I have to tell you that I also love finding new ways to save money, too! So when I ... …
7 Major Advance Warnings
As soon as we see the likelihood of major bankruptcies and defaults, we don’t wait around. We warn you immediately. We know you need time to get your money out of danger. And we also know ... …
The Bank of England falls off the wagon. The pound could be sore in the morning!
Another major central bank opens up the flow of more liquidity. This time it was the Bank of England (BOE). And it was only a matter of time. The UK ... …
Bear market is here! Are you prepared?
I’m convinced more than ever that we are entering a new bear market, and a double-dip recession. Here’s why ... …
Physically-Backed Gold ETFs Provide Convenience
The global economic crisis isn’t getting any better. Yes, we see rallies in various markets, but they’re getting weaker and shorter. The smart money is taking the opportunity to ... …
The Putin Put Trade Is Back On
Over the last several years Russia has seen an incredible influx of investment from all over the world as emerging markets, like China, try to secure its vast resources. The oil and mineral ... …
Five beaten-down European dividend stocks worth looking into …
Soon enough, I’ll be leaving for an Italian vacation with my dad, wife, and daughter. We’ve been planning to do this trip for quite some time now, and it should be a great chance for ... …
A Massive Battle Between Inflation and Deflation!
A massive battle between inflation and deflation is enveloping the globe. And for now at least, deflation is winning. On the side of inflation are those who want to perpetuate the status quo ... …
Are hedge fund managers dumping gold to raise cash?
The swift sell-off in gold surprised many, as it seemed a foregone conclusion that this gold game was so easy. “Oh yeah, $2,000 gold and beyond is slam dunk ... …
Hunt for European bailout enters “Theatre of the Absurd†territory!
The fumbling around for a “solution†to the European debt crisis continued this week. And frankly, we’re entering “Theater of the Absurd†territory! What does that mean for you? Simple ... …
The Difference between Cheap Price and Good Value
“Calling the bottom†is one of the hardest tasks most investors ever face. A wrong choice can devastate your portfolio. We all fantasize about “bottom-fishing.†Usually it happens in hindsight. We hear on TV ... …
Commodities Down, but Far from Out!
Over the last decade commodity prices have been surging at a breathtaking rate, except perhaps for the end of 2008 and into early 2009, when we saw a significant correction. Even so, the vast ... …
Investors Should Really Be Finding Safety in Dividends
It’s amazing, but people just keep flocking to 10-year Treasuries for “safety!†In fact, as the recent stock market sell-off really got going, the yield on these U.S. government bonds hit 1.6714 percent … …
12 Giant U.S. Banks Vulnerable to Disaster!
Imagine this scenario ... The largest economy in the world is on the brink of a financial meltdown that could make the debt debacle of 2008 seem small by comparison. Its giant banks are buried in ... …
The Flight to Safety Intensifies!
I noticed copper and the Australian dollar were both getting crushed on Monday. And gold — while not tumbling as fast as, say copper — is also seeing its fair share of selling this week. But ... …
Bernanke’s “twist†falls flat! Dow plummets! What to do …
Folks, I’ve been warning you repeatedly — for the last several months — to get defensive. I’ve urged you to sell most of your stocks, dump risky bonds, eliminate your ... …
Europe’s Safe Havens Are History
Like I told you last month, European unity was always an illusion. Now the crisis is entering a new and more ominous phase. What about Greece? Whether you call it “default†or something else, the facts ... …
Going for the Gold
The rising price of gold is hardly breaking news; after all it’s been on a parabolic climb for the last several years. However, even though it’s had a meteoric rise, I think we ... …
Three More Little-Known Facts about Social Security …
Last week’s column on how Washington’s latest jobs plan could further impact our already-ailing Social Security program got a lot of great comments from readers. For example, here's what ... …
Transcript: Emergency Global Forum: Will This Debt Crisis Be Worse Than 2008? (Edited, as needed, for clarity)
We stand on the threshold of one of the most dramatic financial disasters of our lifetime: The default of the oldest democracy in the history of ... …
Warning Flags: Gold … and Emerging Currencies
Two Thursdays ago President Obama threw a crack at South Korea: “... while they’re adding teachers in places like South Korea, we’re laying them off in droves. It’s unfair to ... …
As Go the Credit Markets, So Go Stocks!
I have a simple rule I follow when it comes to investing in markets like these: As go the credit markets, so go stocks! Or stated another way, if you spend all your time watching ... …
How to Invest in Private Equity Like a Billionaire!
You’ve heard the story before: The rich get richer while the rest of us try to keep up. In theory, the U.S. is a land of democracy and equal opportunity — but somehow it doesn't ... …
European Disunion
The massive differences between the various nations in the European Union have always been apparent. But now as the euro zone is literally crumbling in front of us, the depth of that divide has become ... …
“We’ll fix the economy by stealing more from your retirement!â€
If you read my column with any regularity, you have a good idea of where I stand on the Social Security program. But in a nutshell: I believe the way in which it was initially constructed — and, more importantly, continually expanded over ... …
2008 All Over Again?! Or Worse
Years ago, Dad and I often talked about the circular nature of history — the Crash of ’29 and the Crash of ’87 ... the Florida land boom of the ’20s and the real estate bubbles of later years ... the bank failures of the Great Depression and the bank failures of the 1980s ... …
The Most Important Rule of Currency Trading
There is so much talk out there about what moves currencies. Granted, at any point in time it could be anything ... news, geopolitics, economics, earthquakes ... on and on ad infinitum. But I want to step back a bit from the news and hot trade ... …
The Shocking Case for Dow 7,000!
How far can we fall? How ugly are things going to get? How likely is a 2008-style meltdown? I have a two-word answer for you: Dow 7,000! That’s an incredibly likely downside target. So today, I’m going to lay out my shocking case for a ... …
Ten TIPS to Tip Inflation in Your Favor
Ben Bernanke keeps saying the Federal Reserve will do “everything it can†to encourage economic growth. But his first two “quantitative easing†programs were no help for average Americans. They were very beneficial for Wall Street, though, so the big banks ... …
Acceptance Is the Key to Profits in the Energy Markets
The world keeps turning, and the resources keep getting used up. It’s really quite simple. Despite that fact, the “experts†continue the debates over Peak Oil, and for that matter, peak food, and peak everything else ... …
