An investment professional was stimulated by yesterday's post Chasing Value: Granny Said, 'It Has Turned into One Big Casino'. She suggested an alternative investment for granny that is simpler and perhaps advantageous for older investors seeking fixed income. Such investors should consider the iShares S&P U.S. Preferred Stock Index (PFF) exchange traded fund for its high yield and simplicity.

While this investment vehicle would not work for my particular "granny" due to her unique circumstances, it might be ideal for many others.

Continue reading Chasing Value: Here's How to Get a 6.76% Yield

Chasing Value: Here's How to Get a 6.76% Yield originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"The government will likely do whatever it takes to breathe life back into the banking sector," says Bryan Perry. In The 25% Cash Machine the growth & income specialist eyes iShares S&P US Preferred Stock (NYSE: PFF).

"One of the hottest themes of 2009 for big-cap money managers is to take a stake in high-yielding preferred stocks in companies backed by the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

"Preferred stocks were smoked with the credit markets in the latter part of 2008, to a point where the definition of 'capitulation' was rewritten for all time. But investors are still attracted to preferreds because yields are near double digits, and famed investors like Warren Buffett are also investing their money there.

Continue reading Income expert prefers preferred ETF

Income expert prefers preferred ETF originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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.

"Right now we need to start doing what Uncle Sam is doing -- buying preferred shares of solid banks," says Neil George in By George. Here's a look at First Banks 8.15% preferred A (NYSE: FBS-A).

"The major response to the credit and market bubble's popping is of course the Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP.

"The legislation authorizes the U.S. Treasury to be able to spend taxpayer funds on pretty much anything deemed to be helpful at getting the economy and markets working again.

"Over the coming years -- hundreds of billions of dollars have been allocated with more available initially and ostensibly to buy up troubled loans and other credit assets of banks.

"That was the plan -- but as it's been put to work after Congress authorized it -- the Treasury has begun to buy not troubled loans -- but ownership interests in banks as well as now insurance companies and other financials.

Continue reading Top Stock Picks '09: First Banks (FBS.A)

Top Stock Picks '09: First Banks (FBS.A) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

With treasury yields well below 4%, and even decent corporate paper not yielding much better, the question I keep hearing from my elderly clients who live off of their investment income is where are they going to get the income needed to meet their expenses. Thrown into the mix that, in four years million and millions of baby boomers are set to retire, so they will also need to start adjusting their portfolios to be more income oriented. I anticipate that we will see continued demand for high-rated bonds and, as such, I can't imagine that we will see yields back above 6% on good corporates.

What to do? The answer to that question is more involved than this space permits, but take a look at preferred stock to help supplement income. My buddy, Zack Miller had a nice post about this a while back. The problem with preferred stocks is that it's hard to get information on each issue and the terms of the issue. Also, liquidity can be an issue. That's why I like the POWERSHARES ETF TRUST (AMEX: PGF). The ETF is well diversified as it holds about 28 issues. More important is that it is yielding a shade under 7%. With preferreds having been slammed over the last few months, there may be some opportunity for some capital gains as well.

Living off fixed income? Check out preferred stocks.

Aaron Katsman is the lead Portfolio Manager and Managing Director of America Israel Investment Associates, LC. and Senior Editor of IsraelNewsletter.com. DISCLOSURE: Writer has a position and is long PGF. He has no positions in any stock mentioned as of 1/27/08

The search for income for retirees originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 27 Jan 2008 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.