The editor of The Dividend Detective explains, "However, we continue to advise caution. Invest only money that you can commit for at least six-months to give you time to ride out unexpected market dips. Meanwhile, we have added four income issues to our various portfolios.

Continue reading Dividend Detective's Favorite Income Ideas

Dividend Detective's Favorite Income Ideas originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"It's time to take some profits and play defense for a while," says Glenn Rogers, adding, "Fortunately, we can hedge our bets by taking some profits and building cash reserves and reinvesting in more defensive securities."

In The Internet Wealh Builder, the advisor suggests, a trio of conservative dividend-focused exchange-traded funds.

He explains, "Everybody I talk to these days is nervous, although for different reasons. Some are nervous because they feel left behind. They sat on the sidelines and missed the incredible rally we've had since March. Now they're afraid they won't have a chance to participate because the market has been refusing to correct.

"Others are nervous because they made a pot of money in the rebound and they're afraid they could lose it all in a replay of last year's meltdown. Meanwhile, there some relatively low-risk ETFs where you could park some money while we see how all this plays out.

Continue reading Defensive bets: A trio of dividend funds

Defensive bets: A trio of dividend funds originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In his The Cash Machine, he looks to Education Realty Trust (NYSE: EDR), a real estate investment trust that provides high-quality student housing throughout the U.S.

Perry explains, "While it's still early to call a bottom for real estate in a number of regions -- especially in commercial properties -- one thing is for sure: Parents will give their right arms to send their kids to great colleges.

"There is a stealth bull market for apartment growth in major college towns, and rents are only going to rise in the years to come as the broader economy rebounds.

Continue reading Education Realty (EDR): Ivy league income

Education Realty (EDR): Ivy league income originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"We think that junk bonds -- bonds rated BB+ or lower by S&P or Ba1 or below by Moody's -- are worth considering as part of a diversified income portfolio." says Carla Pasternak.

In her High Yield Investing, she asks, "If you agree with us that one's person's junk may turn out to be your treasure, how do you invest?" She answers by offers a pair of junk bond fund ideas.

"SPDR Barclays Capital High Yield Bond ETF (NYSE: JNK) has a $2.2 billion portfolio of 140 junk bonds. Its holds junk bonds in only three sectors: industrials (75.8%), utilities (12.16%) and financials (8.72%).

"It pays a monthly distribution comprised entirely of earnings. JNK is best held in a tax-advantaged account as distributions are taxed at your marginal income tax rate.

Continue reading Income expert looks to junk bond bets

Income expert looks to junk bond bets originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Kinder Morgan Energy Partners L.P. (NYSE: KMP) is a paragon of consistency; the stock continues to rise and the company continues to deliver on its expectations," says Jack Adamo.

In his Insiders Plus newsletter, he explains, "The master limited partnership has made great strides in cost controls to compensate for the weak economic environment. When things turn around, it could really take off."

"KMP is one of the largest and most respected pipeline and energy storage LPs in North America. It operates or owns interests in more than 26,000 miles of pipelines and 170 terminals.

Continue reading Kinder Morgan Energy (KMP): 'Paragon of consistency'

Kinder Morgan Energy (KMP): 'Paragon of consistency' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Preferred stock has been much in the news over the past 18 months, primarily as the favorite way for cash-strapped banks to raise new capital," explains Mark Salzinger.

In The Investor's ETF Report, he says, "These unusual securities are popular because they offer high yields and have a higher position in corporate credit structure than common stock." Here, he offers a pair of favored ETFs that invest in preferred shares.

"We caution that preferred stocks also have significant drawbacks that dampen their appeal. Apreferred stock is really more like a fixed-income instrument than an equity security.

Continue reading A preference for yield: Investng in preferreds

A preference for yield: Investng in preferreds originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Think munis are a risky deal?" asks income expert Neil George. In his Stocks that Pay You, he states, "Don't. Instead, buy them now."

However, rather than buying individual bonds, the advisor suggests that investors focus on buying closed-end muni bond funds. Here, he looks at a trio of favorites.

"The muni market isn't for the uninformed or the novice. Unlike the treasury market and much of the corporate market - when it comes to munis - you have to know each bond inside and out before you buy, and keep tabs on it after you buy.

Continue reading Buy munis: A trio of favorite closed-end funds

Buy munis: A trio of favorite closed-end funds originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In her top-performing Global Investing advisory, Vivian Lewis looks at a lesser-known area of the income market -- non-cumulative preferreds -- explaining these vehicles and offering some favorites.

"Over 20 years ago, Barclays Bank, which is British, invented a new vehicle for raising money in the U.S. market to enhance its capital ratios and finance its growing dollar business.

"They were called non-cumulative preferred shares and were issued at $25/share to pay dividends four times a year just as normal U.S. stocks do. The clear target for these vehicles was U.S. retail investors.

Continue reading 'Royal' income: A look at non-cumulative preferreds

'Royal' income: A look at non-cumulative preferreds originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"As the global economy rebounds late this year or next year, demand for energy will rise again, sending prices of crude and natural gas higher," says growth and income expert Bryan Perry.

In his top-notch The Cash Machine, he explains, "With energy assets cheap by historical standards right now, I want to increase our exposure to LINN Energy LLC (NASDAQ: LINE), a best-in-class inflation hedge."

"Founded in 2003, LINN is an independent oil and gas Master Limited Partnership (MLP) that completed its initial public offering (IPO) in January 2006.

Continue reading LINN Energy (LINN): 'Best in class' inflation hedge

LINN Energy (LINN): 'Best in class' inflation hedge originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 19 May 2009 13:30:00 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.

"Health-care stocks have been volatile of late, as the prospects for significant healthcare reform are impacting the group," notes Chuck Carlson.

In The DRIP Investor, he explains, "Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) has not been immune to the weakness. And while these shares could remain under pressure in the short run, the company's prospects are significantly brighter than the typical health-care stock."

"First, Johnson & Johnson's diversified business portfolio, which includes pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and consumer products, should help to smooth out results and cushion declines in any one area.

Continue reading Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): 'A buy for any portfolio'

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): 'A buy for any portfolio' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Throughout the credit crisis, we've focused on Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, LP (NYSE: KMP) -- and we've not been disappointed," says Keith Fitz-Gerald in The Money Map Report.

"With the economy in the toilet and prices in the hopper, the notion of going 'long' energy right now might seem like a move that will lower our portfolio returns over the long haul. Not true. In fact, now's precisely the time that you want to establish or add to an energy position.

"Energy is not only an ideal hedge against rough markets, but more importantly, as I have noted repeatedly in recent months, one of the most concentrated upside opportunities available today.

Continue reading Kinder Morgan (KMP): Pipeline profits

Kinder Morgan (KMP): Pipeline profits originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a 12-article feature that can be read here: Today's best income ideas.

"Some types of bonds have rarely looked as appealing as they do now compared with other income alternatives," says Philip Springer. In Leeb's Income Performance Letter, the advisor looks at three favorite fixed-income funds -- one invested in mortgages, one in corporates and one in municipal bonds.

"Our top pick among fixed-income funds now is U.S. government-guaranteed, mortgage-backed securities (MBS) issued by government agencies.

Continue reading Income trio: Favorite funds for yield

Income trio: Favorite funds for yield originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a 12-article feature that can be read here: Today's best income ideas.

"The markets are littered with compelling buying opportunities that may be the best we see in a generation," says Keith Fitz-Gerald.

In The Money Map Report, he looks at a trio of income ETFs -- one focused on Treasury inflation protected securities, one invested in muni bonds, and one that buys high yield corporates.

"We are holding three positions in our portfolio which we believe can be bought with new money. First, we suggest iShares Lehman TIPS Bond ETF (NYSE: TIP). The 10 year TIPS' yield is 2.23% versus 2.40% for 10 year Treasuries.

Continue reading TIPs, munis & corporates: ETFs for income

TIPs, munis & corporates: ETFs for income originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

With stock prices near decade lows and fear at generational highs, many market participants are looking for harbors in the storm -- and turning their eye from high risk growth stock opportunities to what are generally more conservative income ideas.

For those looking to broaden their holdings to include yield-generated income, we turned to a dozen leading newsletter advisors who in turn offered a wide variety of income-oriented ETF and fund favorites.

Yes, fixed income holdings have their own risks. But in general, a diversified portfolio -- balanced between stocks and bonds -- has proven a more defensive posture. In addition, the selections in this report are funds and ETFs; as such the investments themselves are diversified among many holdings.

Continue reading Today's best income ideas: A dozen experts look for yield

Today's best income ideas: A dozen experts look for yield originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"The Congressional Budget Office upped its 2009 fiscal year deficit forecast to $1.2 trillion; add in the stimulus plan, and the deficit could be above $2 trillion," says Tony Sagami.

The editor of The Asia Stock Alert says, "As a result, we believe that the U.S. dollar is in big, big trouble. To protect your portfolio -- or even profit from the falling dollar -- buy Merk Hard Currency Fund (MERKX)."

The advisor explains, "For a long time, we have depended on the confidence and generosity of foreigners, especially the Chinese and Saudi Arabians, to fund our deficit spending lifestyle. Those days, however, are coming to a close.

"With the Federal Reserve Bank cutting its short-term interest rate target to range from 0% to 0.25%, I doubt you'll see overseas investors lining up to buy our next-to-nothing yielding bonds. The U.S. is, unfortunately, a country in trouble and headed for a painful currency devaluation. Inflation is lurking around the corner.

Continue reading Merk Hard Currency (MERKX): Diversify out of dollars

Merk Hard Currency (MERKX): Diversify out of dollars originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Last spring, CEO Leonard Riggio of Barnes & Noble (NYSE: BKS) purchased almost $50 million-worth of his company's stock between $27-29.50; today, it languishes on the remainder table at $17.56," says Mark Skousen.

In his income-oriented speciality service, High Income Alert, the advisor says, "Now, a billionaire has also taken a stake." Here's the advisor's update.

"Barnes & Noble is a worthy addition to our model portfolio. Trading well below the level that the CEO purchased shares, we consider the stock a bargain.

"Barnes & Noble owns the nation's largest chain of bookstores, with 800 stores in 50 states. It also owns one of the Web's most-visited Web sites, bn.com. Between its stores and Web site, Barnes and Noble sells more than 300 million books a year.

Continue reading Barnes & Noble (BKS): Big buyers offer a bullish read

Barnes & Noble (BKS): Big buyers offer a bullish read originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"We are seeing quality names at fire-sale prices, and I think you must take advantage of that," says income expert Nilus Mattive in Dividend Superstars. Here's a trio of favorites.

"Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) recently reported great third-quarter results. The company tripled its profits from the same period a year ago. While last year's results were hurt by a one-time charge, Pfizer is obviously seeing continued demand for most of its drugs.

"I consider the stock dirt cheap, and while there is a slim chance of a dividend reduction, the shares absolutely belong in your long-term income portfolio at this level.

"I feel the same way about General Electric (NYSE: GE). While profits were down 22% this quarter, the company still boasts a AAA credit rating and a very attractive yield. It is a solid long-term income holding.

"Huaneng Power (NYSE: HNP) has been punished along with the rest of China's stocks. But things are going well on the fundamental front. The company increased its power generation 12.7% in the first three quarters of 2008, and revenues gained 36.8% over the same period a year earlier.

"It may post a loss because coal prices remain elevated, but I remain bullish on the company's long-term prospects, and consider it the best dividend-paying Chinese stock to own."

Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com offers a daily look at the latest market commentary and favorite stock picks and investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.

Blue chip dividend stocks on sale: GE, Pfizer & Huaneng originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Like other US Treasuries, Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPs) have virtually no credit risk," explains fund expert Mark Salzinger.

The editor of The No-Load Fund Investor adds, "Unlike other US Treasuries beyond short-term bills, however, TIPs also have no inflation risk." Here, he looks at an EYF based on TIPs.

"Twice a year, TIPs' principal valuis are adjusted upward by the amount of the increase in the Consumer Price Index Urban (CPI-U), thus protecting their holders against increases in inflation.

"The total return of the bond equals its yield plus the change in principal value based on inflation, changes in real interest rates (published interest rates minus inflation) and supply-demand in the market for TIPs.

"TIPs' yields are lower than those of regular Treasury sercurities of similar maturities. That's one of the disadvantages of TIPs.

"The other is that any increase in principal value due to the biannual inflation adjustment gets taxed every year as if it were received income.

Continue reading Fund expert offers tip on TIPs

Fund expert offers tip on TIPs originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.