Insights

Here is a chart from the Tax Policy Center listing the candidates' views on taxes. I have edited the format slightly but not the data. Click to Open 2012 Republican Candidates Policy on Taxes Tax Policy Center website:...

Since 2000 gold has moved higher almost regardless of what stocks did. Last summer that changed as investors and traders sold gold in order to meet margin calls on stocks and so gold moved in the same direction as stocks since July. Now it seems gold has gone back to...

After a steady climb since late December, the rally appears to have run out of steam, at least temporarily. There was moderate selling throughout the day yesterday and we will have more at the open today, based on disappointment over the GDP report on US economic...

What't the best place to invest for income with rates so low? One good place is closed end funds investing in municipal bonds. I like several, NZF for example. What they do is to buy long term municipal bonds paying, say 5% federally tax free interest and then borrow...

The price of natural gas has virtually collapsed the last few years mainly due to massive new supply unlocked by new drilling techniques such as hydrofracking. Look at the chart of UNG, which attempts to track the price of natural gas. Natural gas is a commodity, not...

US stocks have been up 12 of the last 14 days. The volume has been low, with plenty of doubters, including individuals who have been pulling money out of stock funds for some time. The pace of the advance is also slowing. That implies either a flat or down market for...

Stocks, commodities and gold are up again today, oil and bonds are lower. Recent US economic news has been better than expected and that helps a lot. The unemployment report yesterday was very good and manufacturing numbers were also. Throw in better home building...

Oh, to be in Greece - land of gorgeous islands, quaint fishing villages, centuries of history and culture . . ! It is also the developed country with the worst financial problem. Over the weekend, maybe announcing as early as today, an agreement is being worked out...

Gold is up 6% so far this year. The WSJ had an interesting article today (p. C-4) that the Chinese have really ramped up their gold buying. Part of that is for gifits for Chines New Year, due Jan 23. But, the simplicity of gold is appealing to them. Third, inflation...

Sorry, I have been reloading all my software and data after a major upgrade late last week. It's a new year but the same old problems with Greece. While Greece is a small country with a small economy, the total debt - government, corporate and private adds up to more...