Two months ago, panic-stricken municipal bond investors were fleeing for the exits. The muni market was roi fears that issuers would default and bond insurers… Read More

Question: Why are so many companies suspending or cutting their dividends lately, and what can I do to protect myself from this trend? My problem is not just which securities to avoid, but what about the ones I already own? Answer: This question is on just about… Read More

Pop quiz: Who’s the most credit-worthy borrower in the world?      Seven U.S. companies have “AAA” credit ratings, the highest available from Standard & Poor’s. Among these titans of industry are such names as Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway.      But one… Read More

Nobody likes to see daily bloodletting in the market. But look on the bright side. While these downturns can be frightening, think how different investing would be without them. In a perfectly efficient market, we could never buy a stock at a discount, or sell one at a premium —… Read More