I bought my first stock in the summer of 1979…  I had just finished my bachelor’s degree. That investment turned out to be a great investment. I was able to make the down payment on my first home, mostly with the profits from that single stock.  Since then, I’ve managed… Read More

On Thursday, June 21, credit-ratings agency Moody’s downgraded the debt of 15 major U.S. banks, including Bank of America (NYSE: BAC), Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) and JP Morgan Chase (NYSE: JPM). Though the move didn’t come as a complete surprise, the credit downgrades could still ultimately crimp… Read More

The hunt is on. With oil prices below $80 per barrel and natural gas prices still at depressed levels, I’ve been heavily researching the best stocks in this sector, hoping to scoop up bargain stocks and ride the next wave of surging energy prices. Last month, I highlighted that energy… Read More

As I recently noted, there is ample reason for investors to use caution right now, so selling winners looks like a sound move. At the same time, we’re also being presented with opportunities to redeploy cash into vastly oversold stocks. I track a wide number of stocks, and a number… Read More

A funny thing happened on the way to disaster… nothing. In fact, nothing has happened on the way to disaster twice now — once in the middle of 2011, and then again in early 2012.  The so-called disaster I’m talking about was the demise of the transportation industry. When things… Read More

One clear theme that has been in place throughout the second quarter: The broader market should make you cautious, while individual stock bargains abound. I’ve been hammering home these seemingly contradicting themes, highlighting the need to keep seeking out entry and exit points for… Read More

It’s no secret the Chinese economy is slowing. A multi-decade boom has perhaps given way to a new phase of more moderate growth. Still, we’re talking about what is likely to be the fastest-growing major economy in the world. Here in the United States,… Read More

There is no question in my mind that the housing market bottom either already in or is very close.  I realize this is a bold statement given the dire condition of the U.S. housing market, however I firmly think this is the case. Savvy… Read More

I have a deal for you. I am willing to lend you funds at around a quarter of a percent for a short term, say a month. I will not raise the rate each time you come back to take out a new loan and I will not interfere with… Read More