"We are adding Artisan Opportunistic Growth (ARTRX), which we consider a 'new opportunity,' for long-term ivvestors, to our Best Buys portfolios," explains Mark Salzinger.

The mutual fund specialist and editor of The No-Load Fund Investor explains, "Launched lst September, the fund fits neatly into one of our key strategies for maximizing risk-adjusted returns: It's a new, small and flexible fund from experienced, highly successful managers.

"This new fund is managed by Andrew Stephens, James Hamel and Shayne John-the same trio of managers who guide Artisan Mid Cap to excellent long-term results.

Continue reading Artisan (ARTRX): An 'opportunistic' best buy

Artisan (ARTRX): An 'opportunistic' best buy originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Has your broker repeatedly sold you on the "safe" investment vehicle, the mutual fund? Investing in a wide variety of prominent companies, with solid, long-term track records, mutual funds have been an easy-to-understand and popular investment choice for decades.

Mutual funds are hugely diversified, holding large stakes in recognizable names such as Google (NASDAQ: GOOG), Citigroup (NYSE: C), Walmart (NYSE: WMT), Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX), General Electric (NYSE: GE), Bank of America (NYSE: BAC), and Fannie Mae (NYSE: FNM).

Continue reading How do hedge funds differ from mutual funds?

How do hedge funds differ from mutual funds? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Despite a 46% gain since adding iShares MSCI Brazil (NYSE: EWZ) to his portfolio, global expert Keith Fitz-Gerald still sees upside potential. Here's the latest from Money Map Reporter.

"History tells us that the best gains come to those who have the courage to buy undervalued companies in the face of extreme pessimism - and that sounds a lot like right now. So while we may not be at the very bottom, we are nonetheless pretty darn close.

Continue reading Money Map points to Brazil

Money Map points to Brazil originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Mary Anne and Pamela Aden are among the advisory world's top authorities on metals and resources.

In a recent Q&A session, the editors of The Aden Forecast answer the most common questions that they are asked by readers as to the current state and future outlook for the precious metals markets.

In addition, the sisters answer what they say is the most frequent question they receive: "What is the best way to buy gold." Here, they offer a review of five strategies for investing in gold, including their top picks among stocks, closed-end funds and ETFs.

Continue reading How to invest in gold: Q&A with the Adens

How to invest in gold: Q&A with the Adens originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 29 May 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a 12-article feature on the best bets for investing in China. To see all the other recommendations in this special report, click here.

"When reviewing a list of top-performing ETFs over the past few months, it's not hard to discern a pattern; if a fund has China somewhere in the name, odds are good that it has screamed to the top of the charts," says Paul Tracy.

In The ETF Authority, he adds, "It seems the China growth story is now back on track." Here, he looks at the Templeton Dragon Fund (NYSE: TDF), run by Mark Mobius, a "protege of the legendary Sir John Templeton."

Continue reading Templeton Dragon (TDF): Investing with Mark Mobius

Templeton Dragon (TDF): Investing with Mark Mobius originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 10 May 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a 12-article feature on the best bets for investing in China. To see all the other recommendations in this special report, click here.

"The Greater China region covers an area which encompasses Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau and is home to over 4,100 companies," says Nick Lanyi.

In his High Yield International, he suggests, "Research in this part of the world can be difficult for U.S. investors (who don't even speak Mandarin) to separate the good from the bad. That where The China Fund (NYSE: CHN) comes in."

Continue reading China Fund (CHN): Assessing China from within

China Fund (CHN): Assessing China from within originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 09 May 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Investors have fared well in US Treasuries, the top-performing asset class in 2008 with returns approaching 6.8%; but for new money Treasuries seem less compelling given the current paltry yields," says Benjamin Shepard.

In Personal Finance, explains, "To capture higher yields while taking advantage of the security of government debt, we're adding Fidelity Ginnie Mae (FGMNX) to our bond holdings."

"Government debt still makes sense from a safety standpoint, particularly if you're able to realize higher yields. Debt issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) is the way to do that.

Continue reading Government backing boosts Ginnie Mae fund

Government backing boosts Ginnie Mae fund originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 05 May 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Duff & Phelps Utility & Corporate Bond Trust (NYSE: DUC) owns a nice blend of corporates, utility, and mortgage-backed securities," notes income expert Bryan Perry in his growth & income oriented Cash Machine advisory.

"These types of securities are getting more attention with the notion of an economic recovery occurring late this year, implying a higher demand for power and thus a rebound in the utility sector as a whole.

"If investors can lock in a 7.5% yield through this senior debt holder of major global utilities, then you can rest assured that the monthly dividend, which was raised this month, is secure.

Continue reading Utility returns from Cash Machine

Utility returns from Cash Machine originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 01 May 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Resource-rich, politically stable and increasingly prosperous, Chile is an attractive play on commodities and growing wealth in emerging markets," explains Mark Salzinger, editor of The Investor's ETF Report.

Chile is also a favorite investment position of Nicholas Vardy, editor of The Global Bull Market Alert, who notes, "Thanks to its fiscal prudence, its lack of a domestic housing bubble, and its sizeable wealth reserves, Chile has weathered the current global economic meltdown better than most countries."

Here, the two advisors assess the longer-term opportunity in iShares MSCI Chile (NYSE: ECH), an exchange-traded fund.

Continue reading Hot prospects for Chile (ECH)

Hot prospects for Chile (ECH) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 01 May 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a seven article report -- Food for thought: Best bets in food & beverage stocks.

"We're bullish on Juan Valdez," jests Eric Roseman, who sees an opportunity in an ETN (exchange-traded note) based on coffee prices. Here's the latest from his top-notch The Commodity Trend Alert.

"For individual commodities, supply and demand fundamentals are not ubiquitous and you really have to dig deep to find the best upside speculations. I think our time has arrived to bet on coffee.

Continue reading A cup of JO: Invest in coffee with an ETN

A cup of JO: Invest in coffee with an ETN originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 25 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Inflation protected bonds hold an interesting hybridized place among Fidelity's bond fund lineup," says Jim Lowell in his Fidelity Investor. Here's the fund advisor's look at Fidelity Inflation-Protected Bond Fund (FINPX).

"When fear of recession (and fear while in recession) hold the upper hand, they behave more like longer-term Treasuries.

"When fear of inflation rises, and long term Treasuries go into a tailspin, these bonds benefit from their inflation protected top spin. "Right now, after the strongest general market rally since the Great Depression, things feel less gloomy (even though they still look relatively dicey).

Continue reading Inflation protection from Fidelity

Inflation protection from Fidelity originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"It's time to invest in Hong Kong, which is the gateway to China," says Mark Skousen, who looks to the iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF (NYSE: EWH).

In his High Income Alert, the leading advisor explains, "While China's stock markets are wild, illiquid and unregulated, the Hong Kong market is among the freest and most transparent in the world."

"iShares Hong Kong, an exchange-traded fund, replicates the performance of the Hong Kong market. And I like the outlook here, as Hong Kong is home to many of the premier companies in the region.

Continue reading iShares Hong Kong (EWH): 'Gateway to China'

iShares Hong Kong (EWH): 'Gateway to China' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Given President Obama's meeting last weekend with Latin American leaders, a look at Latin America-related mutual funds seemed particularly timely. As such we turn to fund expert Mark Salzinger.

The editor of No-Load Fund Investor explains, "The best way for mutual fund investors to add exposure to Brazilian stocks is through Fidelity Latin America (FLATX) or T. Rowe Price Latin America (PRLAX)." Here's his review of the two mutual funds.

"Both funds have solid records and new managers, but each has substantial experience and is backed by deep research teams.

Continue reading Favorite funds for investing in Latin America

Favorite funds for investing in Latin America originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Study says sin stocks are a better investment originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Founded in 1958, ASA Ltd. (NYSE: ASA) is a boutique investment management firm that specializes in precious metals stocks," notes Nathan Slaughter.

The editor of The ETF Authority explains, "Among actively-managed funds in this niche, ASA has earned a best-in-class reputation." Here's his review.

"The portfolio only holds about 20 stocks, but shareholders will have a stake in most of the industry's heaviest hitters. The list represents major players from South Africa to Latin America.

Continue reading ASA Ltd. (ASA): 'Best in class' in precious metals

ASA Ltd. (ASA): 'Best in class' in precious metals originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Socially responsible funds still drawing dollars

Socially responsible funds still drawing dollars originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"We have been recommending iShares MSCI Brazil (ASE: EWZ) in our speculative portfolio," says mutual fund and ETF expert Mark Salzinger.

In The Investor's ETF Report, he adds, "But we now think Brazil's solid long-term economic fundamentals and the ETF's 'scompelling valuation and well-positioned companies offer exceptional return potential as a portion of some investors'core portfolios, too."

"Brazil's stock market was assailed on all sides in 2008, when EWZ declined by about 55%. Robust gains in the previous five years had priced Brazil's stocks dearly, and investors'decreased tolerance for any perceived risk saw them abandon emerging markets stocks in droves.

Continue reading ETF expert looks to Brazil

ETF expert looks to Brazil originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a special report, Global advisors look to China.

"In my view, there is no sign of a sustainable rally in the US stock market on the horizon," says Glenn Rogers, asking, "So, against that gloomy backdrop, what's an investor to do?"

The contributing editor to Gordon Pape's Internet Wealth Builder suggests, "One area that looks interesting to me right now is China." Here, he highlights a trio of exchange-traded funds invested in the China market.

"The Chinese government is unencumbered by highly-paid bankers and fractious two-party politics so they have been able to move quickly to stimulate their economy and are generally well-positioned to come out of this downturn in good shape.

Continue reading Three favorite ETFs for investing in China

Three favorite ETFs for investing in China originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a special report, Global advisors look to China.

"SPDR S&P China (NYSE: GXC) is our favorite ETF among more speculative contrarian ideas," fund expert Mark Salzinger.

In The Investor's ETF Report, he explains, "Worries over China's economic growth in the face of global recession savaged Chinese stocks in 2008; GXC fell 48.8% from admittedly stratospheric valuations. Now, though, GXC trades at a price/earnings ratio of only 10.7.

Continue reading SPDR S&P China (GXC): Best buy among contrarian ETFs

SPDR S&P China (GXC): Best buy among contrarian ETFs originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 29 Mar 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

With its own economic stimulus program in place, a relatively stable banking system, and a stock market that has been resilient in recent months, numerous leading global investment advisors are looking bullishly towards China.

From technology to power, and from individual stocks to ETFs, and from Hong Kong to Taiwan to mainland China, we turn to seven leading advisors for their favorite ways for US investors to take a stake in Asia.

Continue reading Global advisors look to China: 10 picks from seven pros

Global advisors look to China: 10 picks from seven pros originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.