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 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Call selling hits U.S. Natural Gas Fund as new share creation resumes]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/28/call-selling-hits-u-s-natural-gas-fund-as-new-share-creation-re/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/28/call-selling-hits-u-s-natural-gas-fund-as-new-share-creation-re/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/28/call-selling-hits-u-s-natural-gas-fund-as-new-share-creation-re/#commentsFiled under: ,

The United States Natural Gas Fund LP (NYSE: UNG) resumed issuing new shares Monday, ending a long drought for the exchange-traded fund (ETF). UNG, which tracks price changes in natural gas, hasn't issued new creation baskets (blocks of 10,000 units) since June, thanks in part to newly enacted position limits on the federal and exchange level.

While it's back to business as usual, traders should still proceed with caution when it comes to this commodity-based fund. UNG warned late Friday that its units are still trading at a premium to its net asset value (NAV), which could spell trouble for investors.

Continue reading Call selling hits U.S. Natural Gas Fund as new share creation resumes

Call selling hits U.S. Natural Gas Fund as new share creation resumes originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creation basketsETFexchange-traded fundinthenewsnatural gasoptionstechnical analysisUNGUnited States Natural Gas FundMon, 28 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Inflation worries got you down? Buy TIP, a Treasury Inflation Protected ETF]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/23/inflation-worries-got-you-down-buy-tip-a-treasury-inflation-p/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/23/inflation-worries-got-you-down-buy-tip-a-treasury-inflation-p/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/23/inflation-worries-got-you-down-buy-tip-a-treasury-inflation-p/#commentsFiled under: ,

With ever growing uncertainty whether our economy will face inflation or deflation in the months to come given recent government spending, what is certain is that no one wants to see their fixed income lose purchasing power. Unlike most bonds that pay out a fixed dollar amount in interest, treasury inflation protected bonds (TIPs) pay out a fixed amount over the consumer-price index (CPI), making them a popular choice for investor anticipating the economy to experience inflation. If inflation is higher than projected, the government adds to your principal on a TIP and makes up the difference!

Not only does owning TIPs allow one to keep up with monthly bills that are increasing in step with inflation, they are an important asset class to consider when determining an asset allocation strategy. TIPs enable one to further diversify a portfolio. Bonds are ideal for those not able to stomach much risk and TIPs in particular protect one's fixed income from eroding.

Continue reading Inflation worries got you down? Buy TIP, a Treasury Inflation Protected ETF

Inflation worries got you down? Buy TIP, a Treasury Inflation Protected ETF originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>etfetf investingEtfInvestinginflationinthenewsTIPSTreasury BondsTreasuryBondsWed, 23 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ETFs for water woes]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/22/etfs-for-water-woes/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/22/etfs-for-water-woes/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/22/etfs-for-water-woes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

"While global climate change may be over-politicized, there's no disputing that the issue is real," says Larry Edelson. In his Real Wealth, he looks at two favorite exchange-traded funds that invest in the water sector.

He explains, "Food shortages and the lack of fresh drinking water are likely the most acute and immediate problems. For example, Northwestern India is running out of water, China is raising water prices to curb use and Mexico recently restricted the water supply amid a shortage.

"Domestically, unbridled use of groundwater in Arizona is a potential disaster. The problem is pipelines and canals don't extend far enough to deliver water to everyone. And unrestrained drilling in outlying areas is draining the supply.

Continue reading ETFs for water woes

ETFs for water woes originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cgwetfexchange-traded fundslarry edelsonphoReal WealthTue, 22 Sep 2009 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Portfolio Alert: Watch out for a Fed ease-up on Treasury buying ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/04/portfolio-alert-watch-out-for-a-fed-ease-up-on-treasury-buying/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/04/portfolio-alert-watch-out-for-a-fed-ease-up-on-treasury-buying/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/04/portfolio-alert-watch-out-for-a-fed-ease-up-on-treasury-buying/#commentsFiled under:

The most recent data released from the Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee meetings show that the Fed remains relatively positive, albeit cautious, about an economic recovery in the U.S. This means that the Fed can start planning to wind down some of its debt buying programs including the its current program to purchase $300 billion in Treasury debt.

While the data was just released on Wednesday, the meetings actually took place on August 11th and 12th. But the results still merit scrutiny, especially for investors who may wonder what this could mean for their portfolios. Let's take a look.

Continue reading Portfolio Alert: Watch out for a Fed ease-up on Treasury buying

Portfolio Alert: Watch out for a Fed ease-up on Treasury buying originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>etffeaturedFederal ReserveFederalReserveiefin focusInFocusinvestorsportfoliopsttreasuriesFri, 04 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Closing Bell: Good things really can go wrong ... (AIG, F, MOS, RIMM, WMT)]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/01/closing-bell-good-things-really-can-go-wrong-aig-f-mos-r/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/01/closing-bell-good-things-really-can-go-wrong-aig-f-mos-r/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/01/closing-bell-good-things-really-can-go-wrong-aig-f-mos-r/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

So you finally get to see some growth figures from the ISM and then the market sells off again. We have enjoyed a heck of a run-up and now trading desks are lightening up to boot as we get closer to the 3-day weekend. Today was such a poor result on the market internals that even all the defensive stocks were dropping. Even inverse-leverage ETF's were getting traction again. Bill Gross's bleak outlook probably only added insult to injury today.

Here are today's unofficial closing bell levels:

Dow 9,310.60 -185.68 (-1.96%)
S&P 500 998.04 -22.58 (-2.21%)
Nasdaq 1,968.89 -40.17 (-2.00%)

Top Analyst Upgrades
Top Analyst Downgrades
Top Trader Stocks

Continue reading Closing Bell: Good things really can go wrong ... (AIG, F, MOS, RIMM, WMT)

Closing Bell: Good things really can go wrong ... (AIG, F, MOS, RIMM, WMT) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto salesAutoSalesbill grossBillGrossETFISMMOSTue, 01 Sep 2009 16:00:00 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[Schwab's bad advice about sector investing]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/03/schwabs-bad-advice-about-sector-investing/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/03/schwabs-bad-advice-about-sector-investing/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/03/schwabs-bad-advice-about-sector-investing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

My investment world leads me to deal with many brokers and I am constantly amazed at the bad advice that is so prevalent in the financial industry. I think many brokerage houses remain conflicted, try as they might to be otherwise.

Here is the latest example to reach my doorstep. We have personal assets with Charles Schwab (NASDAQ: SCHW) and they publish an in-house magazine for their clients called "onInvesting". In the summer 2009 issue listed under the heading of "Expert Insight" there is an article titled "How Sector Investing Can Work for You". I could not find a link to the story online. It is written by Brad Sorenson, CFA, director, Sector Analysis, Schwab Center for Financial Research.

Continue reading Schwab's bad advice about sector investing

Schwab's bad advice about sector investing originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicediversificationetfetfsexchangetradedfundsfeaturedinvestingSchwabsector fundsSectorFundsSheldon LiberSheldonLiberWed, 03 Jun 2009 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Serious Money: ETF that's better than cash]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/20/serious-money-etf-thats-better-than-cash/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/20/serious-money-etf-thats-better-than-cash/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/20/serious-money-etf-thats-better-than-cash/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

During the last eight months, with the market bouncing up and down, there have been times when I did not look too smart buying stocks through it all.

Of course I looked the most foolish on March 9, when I wrote the prophetic Nostradamus was a punk! Have we reached bottom? Some folks were commenting that they were staying in cash until the DJIA dropped to 5,000. Today that looks highly improbable, even if the market gives something back over the next few months.

There must be some readers that also have contrarian instincts and made good money this year. This is a reminder to take something off the table. It's time to book some gains. We all did great in 1999 and 2000 only to give it all back and then some. Don't let that happen to you again!

Continue reading Serious Money: ETF that's better than cash

Serious Money: ETF that's better than cash originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 20 May 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bondsETFexchange-traded fundsExchange-tradedFundsfeaturedproftisserious moneySeriousMoneySheldon LiberSheldonLiberVanguardyield investingYieldInvestingWed, 20 May 2009 15:20:00 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[Today's technical outlook: Markets desperately seeking support]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/06/todays-technical-outlook-markets-desperately-seeking-support/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/06/todays-technical-outlook-markets-desperately-seeking-support/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/06/todays-technical-outlook-markets-desperately-seeking-support/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The S&P 500 double-bottom finally collapsed Feb. 27, after holding firm for more than four months. But the strong 800 to 820 support zone gave way several weeks before, led by the Dow Industrials, which cracked its support at 7,940 even before that.

The breakdown hit a plateau at the Dow 7,390 area, which also marked the market's low on Nov. 21. After several days of indecision, sellers drove stocks to new lows and the Dow headed for lower ground. So where do we go from here?

Continue reading Today's technical outlook: Markets desperately seeking support

Today's technical outlook: Markets desperately seeking support originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>djiaetfexchangetradedfundss and p 500sam collinsSamCollinsSAndP500Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ETF Stocks: Can you beat SPY? How to benchmark your performance]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/13/etf-stocks-can-you-beat-spy-how-to-benchmark-your-performanc/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/13/etf-stocks-can-you-beat-spy-how-to-benchmark-your-performanc/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/13/etf-stocks-can-you-beat-spy-how-to-benchmark-your-performanc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

If you are picking stocks for your own portfolio, then you are competing against all of the smart stock pickers in the world. In fact, when you're buying or selling, there's someone on the other side betting against you.

While it may be fun, this may not be profitable in that you may end up underperforming the stock market as a whole. In fact, there's a greater than 50% chance, you're losing money by picking stocks.

Continue reading ETF Stocks: Can you beat SPY? How to benchmark your performance

ETF Stocks: Can you beat SPY? How to benchmark your performance originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cvxetffeaturedgejnjjpmlarge capLargeCapmarketridersmsftpfepgtwmtxomFri, 13 Feb 2009 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[ETF Stocks: Use BDH for a play on broadband technologies]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/13/etf-stocks-use-bdh-for-a-play-on-broadband-technologies/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/13/etf-stocks-use-bdh-for-a-play-on-broadband-technologies/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/13/etf-stocks-use-bdh-for-a-play-on-broadband-technologies/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

topgoldThe old adage to new investors has always been to invest in something that you use or believe in. Right now, you're probably reading this online and there's a good chance you got online through a broadband connection, so why not invest in the companies that continue to supply equipment for the growth of the broadband revolution?

The exchange-traded fund (ETF) Broadband HOLDRs (NYSE: BDH) is a great way to invest in the broadband industry without having to select one company. BDH consists of about 22 companies that develop, manufacture and market products and services that facilitate the transmission of data, video and voice more quickly and efficiently than traditional telephone line communications.

Continue reading ETF Stocks: Use BDH for a play on broadband technologies

ETF Stocks: Use BDH for a play on broadband technologies originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BDHbroadbandetfFri, 13 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chip sales fall 22% in December]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/11/chip-sales-fall-22-in-december/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/11/chip-sales-fall-22-in-december/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/11/chip-sales-fall-22-in-december/#commentsFiled under: ,

Last week, the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) announced that worldwide semiconductor sales dropped to $17.4 billion from $22.3 billion in December, a drop of 22%. Compared to November, December's sales were 16.6% lower. For comparison, November 2007 chip sales fell only 10%.

SIA President George Scalise noted that weakened demand for automotive products, personal computers, cell phones, and corporate information technology products. However, Scalise said the largest revenue declines were "in the memory sector where price pressure more than offset significant growth in total bit shipments."

Continue reading Chip sales fall 22% in December

Chip sales fall 22% in December originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>etfexchange traded fundsExchangeTradedFundsinthenewssalessales dataSalesDatasemiconductorSMHWed, 11 Feb 2009 08:45:00 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[ETF Funds: Hedge your home heating bills with UNG]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/29/etf-funds-hedge-your-home-heating-bills-with-ung/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/29/etf-funds-hedge-your-home-heating-bills-with-ung/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/29/etf-funds-hedge-your-home-heating-bills-with-ung/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Here's an idea if you are worried about your heating bills this winter. The price of natural gas is crashing. The price decreases last week continued a down trend that's gone on for six months. Why? The economic downturn slows demand for gas and many companies are announcing layoffs and closing plants around the country. Reduced prices for natural gas are also a result of growing capacity in the U.S. because of increases in production at new fields. Natural gas prices are at multi-year lows falling from 65% from more than $13.31 per MMBtu (the way gas is measured) in July 2008 to under $5 -- the lowest since October 13, 2006.

United States Natural Gas (NYSE: UNG) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that reflects the price of natural gas in the United States. UNG attempts to mirror the performance, net expenses, of natural gas at the Henry Hub, Louisiana.

Continue reading ETF Funds: Hedge your home heating bills with UNG

ETF Funds: Hedge your home heating bills with UNG originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>energyenergy pricesEnergyPricesetfheatingnatural gasNaturalGasoilUNGUnited States Natural GasUnitedStatesNaturalGasThu, 29 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's technical outlook: Market may rally big]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/26/todays-technical-outlook-market-may-rally-big/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/26/todays-technical-outlook-market-may-rally-big/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/26/todays-technical-outlook-market-may-rally-big/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The major indices continue to test their November lows, with the Dow making an intraday penetration that -- had it stuck -- would no doubt have led to an immediate test of the bear market lows.

But, again, the markets held above the fragile support line at Dow 8,000 and the S&P 500's support zone at 800-820.

How long this support will hold is anybody's guess, but Friday's reversal from a crushing opening was impressive despite its lack of convincing volume.

With all of our internal indicators grossly oversold and sentiment clearly bearish, the market should rally from its current support.

For that reason, traders should grab their favorite long 2x exchange-traded fund (ETF) and, despite the risk, go for a trade that could result in a profit from a 400- to 500-point advance in the Dow.

2x ETFs target two-times the daily return of the underlying index. My favorite trade for today is the Ultra QQQ ProShares (NYSE: QLD).

However, the market does not always accommodate our most ardent wish, so despite the likelihood of a rally, traders must set stop-loss orders under last week's lows or take on an enormous risk of loss.

A daily close under the intraday lows of last week would most certainly lead to a test of the November low and could even lead to a general market rout.

So, be careful out there and only risk what you can afford to lose.

Sam Collins is a contributor to OptionsZone.com.

Today's technical outlook: Market may rally big originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>etfexchange traded fundsqldsam collinsSamCollinsUltra QQQ ProSharesUltraQqqProsharesMon, 26 Jan 2009 09:30:00 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.

Continue reading Go Green with Low Cost ETF Funds: EVX

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.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>environmentetfetfsfeesgo green obamaGoGreenObamamutual fundsMutualFundsFri, 23 Jan 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Stock Picks '09: ProShares UltraShort Financials (SKF)]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/11/top-stock-picks-09-proshares-ultrashort-financials-skf/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/11/top-stock-picks-09-proshares-ultrashort-financials-skf/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/11/top-stock-picks-09-proshares-ultrashort-financials-skf/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This post is part of a special annual report -- Top Stock Picks '09 -- in which TheStockAdvisors.com asked 75 leading newsletter advisors to select their favorite investment for the new year.

"The great stock pick for 2009 is not a stock -- it is a high risk, extremely volatile ETF," says short-selling expert Michael Shulman, whose work is designed for sophisticated investors.

In his ChangeWave Shorts advisory, he explains, "The Proshares UltraShort Financials (NYSE: SKF) is an inverse double ETF; in other words it moves twice as much -- and in the opposite direction -- from the Dow Jones Financial Index."

The advisor explains, "When the Dow Jones Financial Index goes down 1%, this ETF goes up 2%. High risk, high reward, very high volatility.

"The range in 2008 was $87-$304. You have been warned -- but please, keep reading, because even if you don't buy this ETF, consider my suggestion a warning not to buy financial stocks in 2009.

Continue reading Top Stock Picks '09: ProShares UltraShort Financials (SKF)

Top Stock Picks '09: ProShares UltraShort Financials (SKF) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banking stocksbear etfbear market investingchangewave shortsdownside investingETFfinancial stocksmarket riskMichael ShulmanProshares UltraShort FinancialsProsharesUltrashortFinancialsshort sellingskfsteven halpernthestockadvisors.comSun, 11 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sell your marginal stocks and upgrade with DIA - an ETF betting on America]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/18/sell-your-marginal-stocks-and-upgrade-with-dia-an-etf-betting/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/18/sell-your-marginal-stocks-and-upgrade-with-dia-an-etf-betting/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/18/sell-your-marginal-stocks-and-upgrade-with-dia-an-etf-betting/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's never been a good idea to bet against America. And nothing is better than America's diamonds, so you can't help but love the companies that comprise DIAMONDS Trust, Series 1 (NYSE: DIA) exchange-traded fund (ETF). DIA is one of the first ETFs ever created and indexes the Dow Jones Industrial Average. These are the best companies in America -- good, solid producers.

Valuations have been crushed across the board in 2008, and many money managers that I know who have owned more speculative small cap companies, are looking at the stocks in the Dow Jones that are trading at historically low multiples and "trading up" in the quality of their companies. Do you have $10,000 in a few marginal small cap companies? Sell them all and buy DIA -- you might get a safer ride if the market continues to fall, while preserving nearly all of the upside.

During the last 12 months, DIA has paid about $3 of dividends. Based upon an $87 price, this is about a 3.4% yield and you still have all the upside -- remember a few months ago the Dow was at $135.

Examples of the well-known and respected companies in DIA include 3M Company (NYSE: MMM), Boeing Company (NYSE: BA), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), McDonald's Corp. (NYSE: MCD), and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) among many other famous brands. These brands are consistent performers and even in times of economic crisis, will probably still draw huge numbers of customers to their products.

Why pay a large cap money manager to stock pick among the Dow Jones? DIA only charges 0.14% to own all the companies through this ETF whereas a traditional money manager would charge you much 1% - 2% to invest in the same companies, thus taking most of your dividend away in fees.

Continue reading Sell your marginal stocks and upgrade with DIA - an ETF betting on America

Sell your marginal stocks and upgrade with DIA - an ETF betting on America originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diamondsdow jonesDowJonesetfetf portfolioEtfPortfolioetfsThu, 18 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sector ETFs: Build a Strong Foundation with XHB]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/15/sector-etfs-build-a-strong-foundation-with-xhb/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/15/sector-etfs-build-a-strong-foundation-with-xhb/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/15/sector-etfs-build-a-strong-foundation-with-xhb/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The homebuilder's market has been hit pretty hard in the last 2 years by the resounding pop of the housing market, but at some point, they're due for a turn of fortune. If you're a strong believer in the recovery of the housing market and feel that the future for homebuilders appears bright, or at least brighter than it's been in the last few years, then here's an easy and efficient way to invest in the homebuilder's market.

SPDR S&P Homebuilders (NYSE: XHB) is an exchange traded fund (ETF) that seeks to replicate the performance of an index derived from the homebuilding segment of the U.S. total market composite index before expenses. Meaning, it's a way for you to invest in homebuilders and companies that support home building, across the board rather than trying to pick and choose a single company to hedge your bets with.

With an investment in XHB you'll get shares of noted representatives from that field such as Home Depot (NYSE: HD) and Lowes (NYSE: LOW), two well-known leaders in the home improvement retail field, Ethan Allen Interiors Inc. (NYSE: ETH) a home furnishing staple, Centex Corporation (NYSE: CTX) a homebuilding giant, and Leggett & Platt Inc. (NYSE: LEG) who produces components and products used worldwide in the creation of homes and furnishings. An obvious reach into every area of the homebuilding market, using some of the most trusted companies around.

Its anyone's guess when XHB will rise, but since the beginning of 2007, XHB has lost about 67% of its value.

For only a 0.35% fee the fund tracks the total return and performance of the S&P Homebuilders Select Industry index and derives the strongest basket of holdings. You'd pay up about 3-5 times that amount to have a money manager at a mutual fund provide the same results. Review the incredible diversity of XHP by examining its top 10 holdings listed below.

Continue reading Sector ETFs: Build a Strong Foundation with XHB

Sector ETFs: Build a Strong Foundation with XHB originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>etfetfsfinancial advisorFinancialAdvisorhomebuildersinvestment advisorInvestmentAdvisorsector etfsSectorEtfsMon, 15 Dec 2008 18:50:00 EST