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Investing in Energy MLP funds

"In this low-rate environment, master limited partnerships (MLP) have attracted a great deal of investor attention which, in turn, piques the interest of asset managers," says Benjamin Shepard.

The contributing editor to Personal Finance explains, "Three new MLP-focused funds have launched this year, and several more are in the works that will track specific segments of the market.

"Here, we look at the JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN (AMJ), the UBS E-TRACS Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index (MLPI) and the UBS E-TRACS 2x Leveraged Long Alerian MLP nfrastructure Index (MLPL).

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CHXX: Investing in China's infrastructure

"China's GDP grew a massive 11.9% in the first quarter of 2010.; a major contributor to that rapid growth was the nation's huge stimulus program, that was dispersed much more quickly the US version," says Benjamin Shepard.

The editor of the newly-launched Global ETF Profits explains, "What's more, the monies stayed in China, boosting Chinese businesses.

"A big chunk of the stimulus was spending on infrastructure improvement. It's estimated that infrastructure spending in China contributed as much as 3% to 5% to this quarter's GDP growth; and that number is likely to hold through coming quarters.

Continue reading CHXX: Investing in China's infrastructure

Kraft, United Natural & Hain Celestial: Organic gains

"The organic food industry is surprisingly resilient in an economic downturn," explains Benjamin Shepard, contributing editor with Personal Finance.

He adds, "Mainstream retailers and your corner grocer have been embracing the trend, devoting an ever-growing amount of shelf space to organic foods." Here's a trio of favorites.

"What was essentially a nascent industry in 1997 with $3.6 billion in sales has exploded to a behemoth with almost $14 billion in sales in 2006, according to the Organic Trade Association.

"And barring a major economic disaster worse than we've seen thus far, the industry looks set to continue double-digit growth well into the next decade.

"That's not to say there aren't potential troubles ahead as commodity prices continue to soar. Organic farming techniques tend to be more cost intensive--ironically enough--and transport costs continue to swell.

"But so far the industry has been able to pass the bulk of the higher costs onto consumers, and although sales volumes have dropped off and profits are down, those consumers are as dedicated as ever.

Continue reading Kraft, United Natural & Hain Celestial: Organic gains

Seven ways to play the airline sector

"There are several ways to play the airline industry without buying the airlines themselves." explains Benjamin Shepard, a research editor for Personal Finance. Here, he looks seven stocks that are poised to profit as the sector "gets its wings again."

Hexcel Corp. (NYSE: HXL), he notes, is the largest producer of woven carbon-fiber sheets, which are extremely important for both Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner, as well as for the new Airbus A380. He rates thes tock a buy up to 25.

Aircastle (NYSE: AYR) and Genesis Lease (NYSE: GLS) are both aircraft leasing companies and publicly traded partnerships, and both are holdings in the Personal Finance model portfolio. He notes, "As airlines continue their recovery and passenger volume rises, older planes must be replaced and new planes added to the fleets."

Both partnerships, he notes, are based in Ireland and lease to both passenger airlines and cargo companies around the world. He says, ""Aircastle and Genesis are excellent bets on the continued growth of air travel and pay dividends of around 6% and 8%, respectively."

Continue reading Seven ways to play the airline sector

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IndexesChangePrice
DJIA-89.2312,801.23
NASDAQ-23.352,903.88
S&P 500-9.311,342.64

Last updated: February 12, 2012: 05:13 AM

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