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.

"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.

"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.

"Investors should not forget that we tend to have the best news at market tops and the worst news at or near the bottoms; that means that a rising tide of bad news is an important part of the bottoming process," explains Keith Fitz-Gerald.

Emphasizing the need for patience in the current environment, the editor of The Money Map Report is maintaining a diversified portfolio including several quality income-oriented positions from Nuveen, PIMCO ad Vanguard. Here's a trio funds for safety and income.

"Nuveen Quality Income Municipal Fund (NYSE: NQU) seeks current income exempt from regular federal income tax. A lot of folks are fleeing munis right now because they're fearful of the credit crisis and an anticipated wave of municipal defaults.

"What makes NQU appealing is that it concentrates substantially all of its assets in a diversified portfolio of AA federal tax-exempt investments, which gives it an added safety cushion. Right now the taxable equivalent distribution rate is 9%.

"And don't forget: Right now it's selling at 7.97% below its net asset value. This gives us a super way to potentially achieve over 16% this year. That's especially appealing given how the markets are behaving lately.

Continue reading 'Money Map' to safe returns: A trio of income funds

'Money Map' to safe returns: A trio of income funds originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"There are signs that the credit logjam that's frozen markets around the world in recent weeks may be breaking," states global expert Keith Fitz-Gerald. In his Money Map Reporter, he suggests that investors begin scaling in to new positions in Templeton Emerging Markets Fund (NYSE: EMF).

The advisor explains, "Assuming historical relationships remain true, Asian markets, followed by South American and European markets -- in that order -- have the most to gain coming out of this crisis.

"The other thing that history shows is that deep corrections tend to turn out to have been spectacular buying opportunities in retrospect, particularly when the credit markets that drive them relax. This is usually about six months prior to recognized recoveries.

"Templeton Emerging Markets Fund is trading at a 12% discount to net asset value and offers a 16.9% yield. Fully 58.2% of its assets are concentrated in and around the Asian region, which is running the highest cash reserves as a percentage of GDP on the planet.

"We plan to scale into a position in Templeton Emerging Markets Fund over the next few months. This not only keeps our overall risk down, but it helps us average in cost effectively."

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.

Time for Templeton? Step into Emerging Markets (EMF) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Natural gas is one of the world's most-sought-after fuels; not only is it cleaner burning and more efficient than traditional fossil fuels, it's also more efficient to transport," says Keith Fitz-Gerald.

In his always-intriguing The Money Map Reporter, he explains, "Our latest featured idea is Bermuda-based Teekay LNG Partners LP (NYSE: TGP), a liquid natural gas shipper which we consider a safe port in any economic storm."

"Many investors don't realize that liquid natural gas (LNG) comes from Indonesia, Malaysia, Qatar and other faraway places - transported by specially designed ships - and that we don't have the industrial capacity to meet modern-day demand.

"Teekay LNG Partners LP is a publicly traded master limited partnership formed by Teekay Corp. (NYSE: TK), a provider of international transportation services for petroleum products.

"The company provides marine transportation services for LNG through a fleet of ships that it owns or operates under various long-term contracts known as 'time charters.' These 15 to 20-year pacts are reached with such major energy companies.

Continue reading Teekay LNG (TGP): Shipping profits in natural gas

Teekay LNG (TGP): Shipping profits in natural gas originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

With gold trading down sharply from its highs, Keith-Fitzerald offers a special report on gold stocks in Money Morning, highlighting three companies that he consider to be the "very best of the best."

"Gold remains a key profit opportunity -- especially if inflation, or even stagflation, is taking hold. It should also help that economic uncertainty is escalating. However, since the economic outlook has grown more uncertain, we've decided to our recommended list down to just three picks:

"The StreetTracks Gold Trust (NYSE: GLD) is an ETF that tracks the price of gold directly, making it the simplest way to invest in the yellow metal via an ETF. And with a market cap approaching $17 billion, this fund has ample liquidity.

"Barrick Gold Corp. (NYSE: ABX) is a Toronto-based company with mostly North American production, as well as properties in South America and Africa, and some copper and zinc add-ons. It has a $38 billion market capitalization, so there's plenty of liquidity.

Continue reading Best of breed in the gold sector

Best of breed in the gold sector originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"A new era could be dawning in Taiwan," says Asia region expert Keith Fitz-Gerald. Here, the editor of The New China Trader looks at an ETF and a mutual fund favorite to benefit from this forecast.

"While there were many reasons we recommended investing in Taiwan, perhaps the single most important was the potential for Taiwan to assume its role as 'China's real beneficiary.'

"We have been reasoning that President-elect Ma Ying-jeou would be far more interested in working with China than antagonizing it, as his predecessor did. We have also suggested that he would 'get on it' sooner rather than later by making relations with China a top priority.

"Indeed, Vice President-elect, Vincent Siew has already 'unofficially' met with Chinese President Hu Jintao on the sidelines at the Boao Forum for Asia. While it's too early to pass judgment, it could set the stage for a new era based on the friendly nature of the meeting according to observers.

"It could also set the stage for a longer-term pan-Asian economic boom. That would be great for the region but especially China and Taiwan, which have had bone-chillingly cold relations for years.

"For China, a fresh start is important because it would allow Beijing to demonstrate peaceful intentions at a time when Tibet and the Summer Olympics have become a lightning rod for all things Chinese.

"For Taiwan, a thawing would lead to new economic development and, we think, previously unheard of levels of business interaction. It would also potentially carry huge trade volumes and stability into the surrounding countries.

"And that's why we reiterate that you buy iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF (ASE: EWT) as well as U.S. Investors China Regional Opportunity Fund (USCOX)."

Each day, Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com offers the latest market commentary and favorite investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.

'New China' sees new era for Taiwan originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 09 May 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"We are looking for companies that are expanding rapidly in international markets, sporting respectable yields, and offer solid management and a history of big results," says Keith Fitz-Gerald.

In his Money Map Reporter, he says, "There are a few gems out there. And one such company is Celanese Corp. (NYSE: CE).

"Celanese is the world's largest supplier of acetyl products, including acetic acid and vinyl acetate. What's important to understand is that CE makes 'building block' chemicals based on acetate.

"These chemicals are in almost every household in the world. It specializes in making acid products that others use to create things like plastics, cigarette filters, emulsions, alcohols, acetate products and even food ingredients.

"Not only is CE the world's largest supplier of this specialized material; it also enjoys a huge competitive advantage, based on lower production costs and economies of scale. In fact, 95% of CE's products are number one or number two in their respective markets.

Continue reading Celanese (CE): A chemical 'gem'

Celanese (CE): A chemical 'gem' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Harvest Energy Trust (NYSE: HTE) is exactly what we love - a company with incredible upside and hefty 'dividends' that's being ignored byWall Street," says Keith Fitz-Gerald.

The editor of Money Morning explains, "But the stock is not being ignored by the company's executives. In fact, insiders are buying like crazy. And while this by itself doesn't guarantee higher prices, it's an important indicator of things to come, especially when oil prices are destined to increase in the coming years.

"Harvest Energy is located in Calgary and functions as a Canadian royalty trust, which means its profits are funneled back to investors in the form of 'distributions.' Harvest engages in the exploration, development, production, and sale of petroleum, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in western Canada.

"And the best part is, it's been tamped down in the last two quarters. You see, management has reduced its distribution by 21%, citing volatile energy prices and the new tax rules set to take effect in Canada in 2012. It also carries a lot of debt after having consolidated purchases of other oil and gas trusts and large private producers over the last two years. The company also purchased a refinery complex - and that didn't come cheap.

"Now here's where things get really good: Plain and simple, Harvest is sitting on oil - a lot of it. Large multi-million barrel reserves, with an estimated 9.3 years of proven and probable reserves using conventional extraction techniques. It's also sitting on over 1 billion barrels of untapped oil sands.

Continue reading Harvesting gains from Harvest Energy (HTE)

Harvesting gains from Harvest Energy (HTE) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 12 Feb 2008 08:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

For 25 years, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, has surveyed the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is one of 100+ ideas in the Best Stocks for 2008 report.

"For more conservative investors, my favorite idea for 2008 is First Horizon National Corp. (NYSE: FHN), the Tennessee-based holding company for First Tennessee Bank," says Keith Fitz-Gerald, editor of Money Morning.

"Its banks feature all the offerings you might expect from a good regional bank: Savings, checking, mortgages, investment banking, and brokerage services. It's not exactly an innovative idea -- minimize risks and maximize profits.

"But let's face it, it's a tried-and-true strategy that most US banks have abandoned as they chase after the (allegedly) big profits that subprime-backed debt, leveraged buyouts and other similarly esoteric investments appeared to promise.

"Yes, FHN really over-extended itself in the credit markets and recently announced a loss of $14.2 million. More losses may be coming. And its ultra-high dividend yield off 7.93% may be in jeopardy. Nonetheless, we think the stock's beating was overdone.

Continue reading Best Stocks for 2008: Bank on 'tried and true' with First Horizon (FHN)

Best Stocks for 2008: Bank on 'tried and true' with First Horizon (FHN) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

For 25 years, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, has surveyed the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is one of 100+ ideas in the Best Stocks for 2008 report.

"In a perverse twist of irony, more adventurous investors could choose Citigroup (NYSE: C), which is my speculative favorite for 2008," says Keith Fitz-Gerald, editor of Money Morning.

"I recognize that you might be thinking that I've completely lost my mind. But I believe this is an opportunity to buy into one of the world's fastest growing and best run financial companies at a bargain basement price.

"First, what's causing Citi's current angst is related to a breakdown of risk management -- not the deterioration of operations. The company remains globally diversified, and many portions of its business still reflect double-digit growth rates, particularly when it comes to China and Eastern Europe.

"In my view, Citi is now trading for a pittance. In fact, it's just barely seven times earnings and eight times 2008 earnings. Yet if you add up the growth prospects and current valuations, the company reflects a value that could be as high as $60 or more a share.

Continue reading Best Stocks for 2008: Contrary call on Citigroup (C)

Best Stocks for 2008: Contrary call on Citigroup (C) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Each year Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, surveys the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is part of his 24th annual Top Picks Report.

Rentech (ASE: RTK) is the favorite speculative idea from Keith Fitz-Gerald, editor of The Skeptical Investor.

The advisor and money manager explains, "Rentech, a $600 million company, offers a fair shot at decreasing our dependence on foreign oil in a time frame that makes it almost immediately relevant. This is significant because it represents the first widely applicable technology I've seen work at price points that make it practical.

"Rentech, however, has a patented technology that can convert coal to oil, gasoline, or even aviation fuel at a paltry $35 a barrel. Not only is this far cheaper, but with oil now settling in the $50 to $60 range, it's going to be a lot more profitable, too. It's also an area that is being largely ignored, which, of course, makes it appealing to me.

"Most people think coal is dirty, stinky, and causes cancer. And they're right! But, there's also enough of it here in the U.S. to supply our anticipated energy needs for the next 250 years. This makes it more appealing, usable, and even convertible than all other alternative energy sources combined when viewed in the context of our energy continuum.

Continue reading Top Picks 2007: Fitz-Gerald sees Rentech cleaning up with clean coal

Top Picks 2007: Fitz-Gerald sees Rentech cleaning up with clean coal originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

While tensions in Iraq grab most of the military headlines, the geopolitical threat posed by North Korea remains ever-present. And with its dominant role in missile systems, no company comes to mind more readily than Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) as advisors and analysts assess these risks.

Indeed, Keith Fitz-Gerald, editor of The Skeptical Investor, sees this leader in missile defense as a "stellar choice" to protect one's long-term portfolio. Although involved in everything from "military radios to aircraft and satellite communications systems", the advisor is most attracted to the stock due to the firm's Phalanx weapons system, which he describes as a "super-high-speed close-in weapons defense system used aboard our naval vessels."

He says, "the Phalanx basically throws up a wall of lead and can track hundreds of targets simultaneously while prioritizing their threat level automatically." Fitz-Gerald notes that its Phalanx system is so quick and efficient that it could "actually shoot down an outbound missile if it had to."

These systems, he believes, are increasingly important due to North Korea. He says, "Raytheon has particular expertise in target identification, tracking and destruction-particularly when it comes to missiles and other weapons that some nut job like Kim Jong-Il or other rogue nations could try to rain down on our troops and allies in the future."

Meanwhile, the advisor views Raytheon as a conservative large cap stock, well suited to the current market and a worthy addition to his "Compound Growth Monsters" portfolio. And while he generally prefers a dividend higher than Raytheon's 1.9% yield, he concludes, "Given the extraordinary role this company is playing in our defense and the size of the defense contracts that are likely to come its way, I'm willing to make an exception."

Raytheon: Portfolio Defense from Missile Defense originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 30 Nov 2006 17:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.