Journal

  • More to Like -- But Some Obstacles, Too

    Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:57:04 ET

    What do I like about this market? Well, I'm delighted with the sharp run-ups we've enjoyed so far this year in Barrick Gold and Covidien. It's nice when Mr. Market rewards you right away for harping -- and harping -- on a couple of favorite stocks! More »

  • Missing in Action: Volume

    Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:56:09 ET

    Technical analysts are grumbling about the stock market's low volume so far in the New Year. They say it's a bearish sign, and maybe it is -- although the sellers certainly didn't move the needle very far today. (The S&P 500 closed down just a fraction of a point.) I'm more concerned about another thing that happens when the number of shares traded shrinks. More »

  • Helicopter Ben Drops the Loot

    Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:18:32 ET

    More free money from the Federal Reserve -- all the way out to late 2014! Sounds like pennies from heaven, and that's how the financial markets took it Wednesday. Today, however, equity investors had second thoughts. The Dow pulled back 22 points, and the broader S&P 500 index by a little over half a percent. More »

Latest Issue

  • February 2012 Issue

    Is it the "End of America," as one well-known prophet of financial doom insists? Or are we on the cusp of a new "American ascendancy," as a leading Wall Street strategist proclaims?  In this month's visit, I'll show you what's right, and what's wrong, about both of these popular points of view. I'll also map out a simple four-point flight plan to help you pilot your portfolio safely through the uncertainty we're facing right now.

    As you'll see, today's markets offer ample opportunities for profit, but only if you first take precautions to avoid losing your shirt!  It's no secret that dividend-rich stocks form a major pillar of our strategy. (I've got four of them for you on p. 3.) However, bonds play a crucial role, too, reducing risk and padding our returns. On p. 4, I'll explain how to blend bonds of different types and maturities so you can profit steadily even as the economy and interest rates zigzag in 2012. More »

Calendar

Ask Richard

Can Government Properties Income Trust (NYSE: GOV) be held in both taxable and tax-sheltered accounts?

The decision whether to buy Government Properties Income Trust (NYSE: GOV), a member of our Total Return Portfolio, inside or outside a retirement account turns on whether you need the dividend income right now. If you don't need the income, you're better off holding GOV in a retirement account. Otherwise, you'll pay taxes on most of the dividend at high "ordinary" rates (the rates you pay on wage or salary income, not the reduced 15% rate on qualified dividends). For a person who needs the income to meet living expenses, it makes sense to hold GOV in a taxable account and accept the tax bite as the dividends get paid. More »

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