BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Do Happy Employees Result in Better Stock Returns?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/29/do-happy-employees-result-in-better-stock-returns/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/29/do-happy-employees-result-in-better-stock-returns/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/29/do-happy-employees-result-in-better-stock-returns/#commentsFiled under: ,

"Most of us have probably checked out out the annual lists of companies that are good to work for, but Parnassus Workplace (PARWX) may be the only mutual fund to actually use these lists -- along with their own research on employee-friendliness -- as a basis for a fund portfolio," notes fund expert Walter Frank.

The editor of the MoneyLetter explains, "Jerome Dodson, president of Parnassus Investments and portfolio manager of the fund, states, "I've always felt that companies that treat their employees well do better than those that don't.

"Parnassus is well known as a socially responsible investment shop. And the 'workplace excellence' screen is one more layer on its other socially responsible, financial and valuation screens.

Continue reading Do Happy Employees Result in Better Stock Returns?

Do Happy Employees Result in Better Stock Returns? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bottonline TechnologiesBrocade Communications SystemsCarbo CeramicscorningCoStar Groupebayfeaturedmoneylettermutual fundsparnassus workplaceParnassusWorkplaceparwxRaven Industriessocially-responsible fundssocially-responsible investingsteven halpernSun Hydraulicsthestockadvisors.comwalter frankTue, 29 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Two Funds That Beat 99% of Competitors]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/01/03/two-funds-that-beat-competitors/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/01/03/two-funds-that-beat-competitors/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/01/03/two-funds-that-beat-competitors/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mutual fundsWhen searching for a mutual fund, what do you look for? Obviously, you want solid performance over time. Many funds are flashy but only shine for a year or two then fall by the wayside.

The Wall Street Journal features two no-load funds that have topped their peers. What sets them apart is that they don't follow the crowd. They do intensive research and filter out all but a few holdings. They are not index traders.

Continue reading Two Funds That Beat 99% of Competitors

Two Funds That Beat 99% of Competitors originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bridgeway Ultra Small CompanyBRUSXDavid RaineyFBRFBR Focus FundFBRVXfeaturedinthenewsJohn Montgomerymutual fundsno-load mutual fundsMon, 03 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[For a Quick Read on the U.S. Economy, Review GE]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/03/for-a-quick-read-on-the-u-s-economy-review-ge/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/03/for-a-quick-read-on-the-u-s-economy-review-ge/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/03/for-a-quick-read-on-the-u-s-economy-review-ge/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Economists and public policy professionals, among others who closely follow the economy, often get asked questions at dinner parties about where the U.S. economy is headed.

Many who ask know a great deal about their own line of work, of course, but often don't know much about the U.S. economy's overall performance, and that's not surprising, given our busy, time-pressured lives these days.

One short-hand I offer those who who don't have the time to review the U.S. Federal Reserve's Beige Book data or the U.S. Labor Department's jobs report, is to keep an eye on General Electric Company's (GE) operational performance, and, by extension, its stock performance.

Continue reading For a Quick Read on the U.S. Economy, Review GE

For a Quick Read on the U.S. Economy, Review GE originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredgeneral electricmutual fundsus economyFri, 03 Dec 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Vanguard Lowers the Bar on Admirals]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/19/vanguard-lowers-the-bar-on-admirals/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/19/vanguard-lowers-the-bar-on-admirals/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/19/vanguard-lowers-the-bar-on-admirals/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Vanguard logoBy Dan Wiener

Mutual funds information is released every day, and on October 6, Vanguard launched yet another offensive in the continuing battle over operating expenses and fund minimums, significantly reducing the entry price for a majority of its funds' lower-cost Admiral share class.

Continue reading Vanguard Lowers the Bar on Admirals

Vanguard Lowers the Bar on Admirals originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>admiral sharesMutual fundsvanguardTue, 19 Oct 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Investing in Mergers: The Arbitrage Fund (ARBFX)]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/02/investing-in-mergers-the-arbitrage-fund-arbfx/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/02/investing-in-mergers-the-arbitrage-fund-arbfx/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/02/investing-in-mergers-the-arbitrage-fund-arbfx/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"The Arbitrage Fund (ARBFX) invests in mergers and acquisitions by purchasing the acquired company's stock and typically shorting the acquirer; this strategy yields the 'spread' if and when the deal closes," reports Ian Wyatt.

The editor of The Recovery Letter, explains, "Fund manager John Orrico and his team avoid deals with low probability of closing by following a robust, time-tested model that eliminates hostile takeovers, deals that need to jump regulatory hurdles, and those requiring financing that might be difficult to obtain.

Continue reading Investing in Mergers: The Arbitrage Fund (ARBFX)

Investing in Mergers: The Arbitrage Fund (ARBFX) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arbfxarbitragearbitrage fundian wyattmerger fundsmutual fundsrecovery portfoliosteven halpernthestockadvisors.comTue, 02 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Comfort Zone Investing: Should You Invest in China?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/01/23/comfort-zone-investing-should-you-invest-in-china/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/01/23/comfort-zone-investing-should-you-invest-in-china/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/01/23/comfort-zone-investing-should-you-invest-in-china/#commentsFiled under: ,

China is all the rage. It has a booming economy. Investors are intrigued. Some already own stocks in China. But is it a good time to buy into the Chinese dragon, especially if you are new to foreign investing? Let's look at another point in history, at another hot country, and see how that turned out.

The time was not that long ago: late 1970s to early 1980s. There was another major economic tsunami coming from the East. Japan was the biggest fish in the Pacific pond, and it looked preordained to take over the world, starting with the U.S. Japan was the country with all the right economic answers. It had a booming economy while America's was floundering. Companies looked to incorporate "the Japanese way of doing business." It had to be superior since the Japanese economy was flourishing.

Continue reading Comfort Zone Investing: Should You Invest in China?

Comfort Zone Investing: Should You Invest in China? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 23 Jan 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Asian dragonsChinaComfort Zone InvestingComfortZoneInvestingemerging economiesfeaturedJapanMutual fundsSat, 23 Jan 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[KaChing hopes to be the sound of success]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/19/kaching-hopes-to-be-the-sound-of-success/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/19/kaching-hopes-to-be-the-sound-of-success/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/19/kaching-hopes-to-be-the-sound-of-success/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

KaChing! KaChing!

It only makes sense to call a company a sound you like to hear. This is exactly what CEO and co-founder Andy Rachleff must have had in mind. His new company -- kaChing, of course -- is backed by Marc Andreesen (a name often associated with that sound) and Jeff Jordan, the CEO of OpenTable (NASDAQ: OPEN), two guys who usually do a solid job of backing winners. But, they've taken on a challenge by backing a company in the financial services industry.

Continue reading KaChing hopes to be the sound of success

KaChing hopes to be the sound of success originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaplapplefacebookinthenewsiphonejeff jordankachingmarc andreessenmutual fundsopentableopentable.comventure capitalventure fundingwall streetyahooyhooMon, 19 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Eight ways to define the recession]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/12/eight-ways-to-define-the-recession/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/12/eight-ways-to-define-the-recession/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/12/eight-ways-to-define-the-recession/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We've watched stock market numbers bounce around for two years. Unemployment stats have served as unpleasant reminders that, for some, leading indicators haven't translated to reality. We look for so many ways to understand the brutal economic environment with which we've had to contend, and all the choices can make your head spin. So, let's make it simple. Here are eight ways to tack a label onto the financial world in which we live.

1. Lost market value
Total stock market losses from October 2007's top to March 2009's bottom: $11.2 trillion
Total gains in the stock market since the bottom: $4.6 trillion
Lost ground: $6.6 trillion

2. Bad days
Percentage of the 10 worst days in history for the Dow Jones Industrial Average that happened in 2008, by point drops: 60%
Percentage of the 10 worst days in history for the DJIA that happened in 2008, by percentage drops: 30%

3. Mutual funds
Value of mutual fund assets at the end of 2007: $6.5 trillion
... and a year later: $3.7 million
Lost value: $2.8 trillion

But, it got a little better at the end of August 2009: $4.5 trillion (value of assets)

Continue reading Eight ways to define the recession

Eight ways to define the recession originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>djiadow jones industrial averageDowJonesIndustrialAverageeconomic crisisEconomicCrisisfinancial crisisFinancialCrisisgoldhome salesHomeSalesinthenewsmutual fundmutual fundsMutualFundMutualFundsrecessionretailretail salesRetailSalesstock marketStockMarketunemployedunemploymentunemployment rateUnemploymentRateMon, 12 Oct 2009 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Ameriprise scoops up Bank of America unit for $1 billion]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/30/ameriprise-scoops-up-bank-of-america-unit-for-1-billion/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/30/ameriprise-scoops-up-bank-of-america-unit-for-1-billion/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/30/ameriprise-scoops-up-bank-of-america-unit-for-1-billion/#commentsFiled under: ,

To bolster its capital base and get more focus, Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) has been in the process of unloading noncore assets. And, we got the latest deal today; that is, the company has agreed to sell its long-term asset management unit, Columbia Management, to Ameriprise Financial (NYSE: AMP). The price tag comes to roughly $1 billion.

Columbia is certainly a nice business, with a wide assortment of stock and bond mutual funds. One of its standout funds is the Acorn Fund, whose manager is Charles McQuaid.

Continue reading Ameriprise scoops up Bank of America unit for $1 billion

Ameriprise scoops up Bank of America unit for $1 billion originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Acorn FundAmeripriseAMPBACBank of AmericaCharles McQuaidColumbia Managementinthenewsmutual fundsWed, 30 Sep 2009 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Global water shortages? Buy PHO, a commodity ETF]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/24/global-water-shortages-buy-pho-a-commodity-etf/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/24/global-water-shortages-buy-pho-a-commodity-etf/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/24/global-water-shortages-buy-pho-a-commodity-etf/#commentsFiled under: , ,

One of the most valuable commodities in the world is water -- without it, mankind can't survive. While more than 70% of the Earth's surface is covered by water, but 97% of it is saltwater and only 1% of the remaining 3% is readily available for consumption. Water is becoming scarce, and upcoming water shortages are emerging as the population of the world increases, particularly in emerging markets like China, India, and Mexico.

A great way to include water as part of your portfolio's commodity allocation is by buying an exchange-traded fund (ETF). An ETF is a basket of stocks that allow you to invest in a single asset class, sector, country, or theme with one stock. In one ETF, you'll own not only water utility companies but also related businesses, like those that help build the infrastructure for making water suitable for drinking. You won't have to pick a single stock, rather you can own the most important stocks in the water industry -- worldwide. ETFs are perfect building blocks for building a diversified portfolio using an asset allocation strategy.

Continue reading Global water shortages? Buy PHO, a commodity ETF

Global water shortages? Buy PHO, a commodity ETF originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asset allocationetfsinvestingmutual fundspersonal financeretirementretirement planningvanguardMon, 24 Aug 2009 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Comfort Zone Investing: Starting over ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/22/comfort-zone-investing-starting-over/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/22/comfort-zone-investing-starting-over/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/22/comfort-zone-investing-starting-over/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Most investors got slammed last year, down 50% or more in their investments. Didn't matter if they owned stocks or real estate, they got hammered. Many have to start over. And if they're near retirement, it's scary. Years of patient investing wiped out, gains that were made over a long time disappeared frighteningly fast.

But now it's time to begin fresh, to rebuild. What's the safest way to regain some or all of the losses without suffering another wipeout?

Continue reading Comfort Zone Investing: Starting over

Comfort Zone Investing: Starting over originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 22 Aug 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CavcoComfort Zone InvestingCVCOD.R. HortonDHIETFsexchange-traded fundsfeaturedKB HomeKBHLENLennarLOWLowesMDCmutual fundsNVRPHMPulte HomesTed AllrichThe Online InvestorTOLToll BrothersSat, 22 Aug 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Serious Money: What to do with $25,000]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/13/serious-money-what-to-do-with-25-000/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/13/serious-money-what-to-do-with-25-000/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/13/serious-money-what-to-do-with-25-000/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Money market accounts and certificates of deposit are safe, but they provide very little return on your investment. This fact, and the invigorated stock market, provoked one of my bankers, Dobrinka, at the local Santa Monica Wells Fargo branch, to ask for advice on how I would invest $25,000 if I was just starting out.

This is a common question although the starting point in terms of cash varies. It certainly makes a difference how old the person is, their general knowledge about investing and finance, and the particulars of their financial statement.

Here is what I suggested sticking to regular themes I have written about before and broadly speaking would be a conservative approach emphasizing safety, diversity, liquidity, dividends and the potential for growth far exceeding cash in the mattress or in a money market account. I also think that it is important for beginners to educate themselves so my suggestions include an educational aspect.

Continue reading Serious Money: What to do with $25,000

Serious Money: What to do with $25,000 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BNDBondsfeaturedinvestingJNJjohnson and johnsonJohnsonAndJohnsonMutual fundsMutualFundsOlinOLNSheldon LiberSheldonLiberunited parcelUnitedParcelUPSVTIwells fargoWellsFargoWFCThu, 13 Aug 2009 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[ETF to hedge against portfolio risk: VXX]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/30/etf-to-hedge-against-portfolio-risk-vxx/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/30/etf-to-hedge-against-portfolio-risk-vxx/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/30/etf-to-hedge-against-portfolio-risk-vxx/#commentsAll of a sudden, investors don't seem to have a care in the world. The market is going up and up, and complacency has set in. One way investors measure this complacency is through an index called the "VIX." VIX measures the implied volatility of a basket of options on the S&P 500 index. The more investors are willing to pay for puts and calls, the more there is an implication that they are "nervous."

If you are a contrarian investor, the way you read the VIX is: 1) if you buy stocks now you are moving with the momentum of the market; and 2) the market could get really "choppy" soon, and 3) if you wait patiently to buy stocks after fear has returned to the market, you will likely enjoy a substantial gain when volatility returns to the market.

Continue reading ETF to hedge against portfolio risk: VXX

ETF to hedge against portfolio risk: VXX originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>etfinvestment advicemutual fundsThu, 30 Jul 2009 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Is there a Bernie Madoff in your portfolio?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/06/is-there-a-bernie-madoff-in-your-portfolio/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/06/is-there-a-bernie-madoff-in-your-portfolio/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/06/is-there-a-bernie-madoff-in-your-portfolio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As you read stories about victims of the Madoff fraud, aren't you glad that you weren't one of them? Why are you so sure that it will never happen to you? How do you know its not happening to you now?

In academic financial research, there's a concept called "agency risk." Agency risk occurs when someone who is acting as your agent has a set of interests that conflict with yours. In investing, agency risk is rampant because one party can often gain from an action that will cause a loss to the investor without the investor even knowing it! Bernie Madoff was an agent of the investors who hired him to manage their money and he was crooked for years until his scheme ended. But investors face plenty of legal, yet sometimes equally dangerous forms of agency risk. It is important to understand them and find ways to mitigate these risks.

Continue reading Is there a Bernie Madoff in your portfolio?

Is there a Bernie Madoff in your portfolio? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agency riskETFsfeaturedMadoffmutual fundsMon, 06 Jul 2009 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[How do hedge funds differ from mutual funds?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/12/how-do-hedge-funds-differ-from-mutual-funds/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/12/how-do-hedge-funds-differ-from-mutual-funds/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/12/how-do-hedge-funds-differ-from-mutual-funds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative investmentsEric Jacksonfeaturedhedge fundsHedgeFundBlogger.cominvestment fundsmutual fundsRichard Wilsonshort sellingFri, 12 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ETF Portfolios: Is it time to invest in banks? Then buy PJB.]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/04/etf-portfolios-is-it-time-to-invest-in-banks-then-buy-pjb/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/04/etf-portfolios-is-it-time-to-invest-in-banks-then-buy-pjb/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/04/etf-portfolios-is-it-time-to-invest-in-banks-then-buy-pjb/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With President Obama at the helm it seems as though the light might be shining on the economic horizon. If you're of this opinion then now might be a good time to invest some of your hard earned savings in the banking industry.

But what banking firm do you decide to go with? Rather than selecting just one bank, how about hedging your bets by investing in many diverse banks from all over the country? An exchange traded fund (ETF) is a great way to do just that. By investing in the ETF PowerShares Dynamic Banking (PJB) you get shares of several different banks. PJB seeks to replicate the Dynamic Banking Intellidex index and invests at least 90% of assets in common stocks that comprise that index. Among their holdings in the PJB ETF are BancFirst Corporation(NASDAQ GS: BANF) BancFirst's holding company, Capital Federal Financial(NASDAQ GS: CFFN) the holding company for Capitol Federal Savings Bank, and Northern Trust Corporation(NASDAQ GS: NTRS) Northern Trust Company's holding company.


Continue reading ETF Portfolios: Is it time to invest in banks? Then buy PJB.

ETF Portfolios: Is it time to invest in banks? Then buy PJB. originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 04 May 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banfbankscfnetfinthenewsinvestingmutual fundsMutualFundsntrspersonal financePersonalFinancesector etfsSectorEtfsMon, 04 May 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vanguard Dividend (VDIGX): Top pick for US large caps]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/13/vanguard-dividend-vdigx-top-pick-for-us-large-caps/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/13/vanguard-dividend-vdigx-top-pick-for-us-large-caps/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/13/vanguard-dividend-vdigx-top-pick-for-us-large-caps/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

"Our favorite US stock market fund is Vanguard Dividend Growth (VDIGX); in 2008, it lost less than just about any other large-cap fund," says Mark Salzinger in his The No-Load Fund Investor.

"In 2008, Vanguard Dividend Growth lost 25.6%, vs. 37.1% for the S&P500 Index. Over the longer term, manager Donald Kilbride has proven his mettle with good stock picks and nimble application of his strategy.

"He looks for stocks with histories of rising dividend payouts along with the wherewithal and intention to continue increasing dividends into the future. Plus, he likes to buy these stocks when they appear relatively inexpensive.

Continue reading Vanguard Dividend (VDIGX): Top pick for US large caps

Vanguard Dividend (VDIGX): Top pick for US large caps originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best income fundsBestIncomeFundsdividend fundsdonald kilbrideDonaldKilbridehigh yield stocksHighYieldStocksincome fundsIncomeFundsmark salizingerMarkSalizingermutual fundsMutualFundsno load fund investorNoLoadFundInvestorthestockadvisors.comvanguard dividend growthvanguard fundsVanguardDividendGrowthVanguardFundsvdigxFri, 13 Feb 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Who needs 7,770 mutual funds?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/07/who-needs-7-770-mutual-funds/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/07/who-needs-7-770-mutual-funds/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/07/who-needs-7-770-mutual-funds/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Once there were two mutual funds. Now look how many. So goes capitalism. Create a product people need or, through a massive advertising campaign, suddenly discover they want, make a ton of money off that product and suddenly you have imitators. Suddenly, there are three mutual funds, four, five until today there are over 7,000. The mutual fund like everything else "free market" capitalism produces has become a commodity, bought and sold like grain.

How do you make money off a commodity? Either become the low-cost producer or find a way to differentiate yourself. The commoditization process always means profit margins get squeezed because if you won't offer your mutual funds for a low price someone down the block or in India or China will. And then you will be forced out of business. The birth of Vanguard's low-cost S&P 500 index fund in 1976 marked the ultimate commoditizing moment in the history of mutual funds.

Continue reading Who needs 7,770 mutual funds?

Who needs 7,770 mutual funds? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commoditiescreative destructionFideltyInvestment Company Act of 1940Madoffmutual fundsVanuguardSat, 07 Feb 2009 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[A defensive investment: Biotechnology ETFs]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/07/a-defensive-investment-biotechnology-etfs/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/07/a-defensive-investment-biotechnology-etfs/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/07/a-defensive-investment-biotechnology-etfs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

One of the buzzwords that is currently in vogue in the investment community is biotechnology. This is a broad-based field that covers technological applications in any biological system, meaning humans, animals, agriculture, and medicines. This is a booming science and the investment field offers many opportunities for wealth accumulation.

If you don't want to spend countless hours trying to understand not just financials, but scientific and technical jargon that biotech companies harbor, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) may be the better choice for investing in the biotechnology industry.

An ETF is similar to buying a share of a company, but instead of getting one particular company you're investing in a bundle of companies within a particular field or specialty. It's a great way to invest in something you believe in while still hedging your bets and having a bit of diversity.

Continue reading A defensive investment: Biotechnology ETFs

A defensive investment: Biotechnology ETFs originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ABIAFFXALKSBIIBBiotech HOLDRsbiotechnologyCRADNAetfetfsFBTGENZGILDIBBinvestment advicemutual fundsNASDAQ Biotechnology IndexPBESEPRSHPGYXBISat, 07 Feb 2009 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Go Green with Low Cost ETF Funds: EVX]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/23/go-green-with-low-cost-etf-funds-evx/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/23/go-green-with-low-cost-etf-funds-evx/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/23/go-green-with-low-cost-etf-funds-evx/#commentsFiled under:

The color for this age is definitely green as eco-consciousness is sweeping the country. For those of you who are worried about the environment and doing your share to save this planet in the future, how about letting the green movement make you earn more green.

Making the right choices for the environment seems to finally have taken hold and with the new Obama administration it should only pick up speed. If you see the value in investing in environmental services you can divest your funds by selecting an exchange traded fund (ETF). Exchange traded funds let you purchase stocks in a particular field but within that stock you own several different companies.

One environmental services ETF that may be worth researching is Market Vectors Environmental Services ETF (NYSE: EVX). EVX uses its investments to replicate the price and yield performance of the AMEX Environmental Service index. Some of their holdings include Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE: WMI) who provides integrated waste serviced in the U.S. and internationally, American Ecology Corporation (Nasdaq: ECOL) who uses subsidiaries to provide hazardous waste collection and management, and Calgon Carbon Corporation (NYSE: CCC) who works to purify water and air in the United States and internationally.

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Go Green with Low Cost ETF Funds: EVX originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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