WSJ.com: Investing
Investing
What's Really Driving Your Returns
Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST
In volatile markets, 'factor investing' can help boost returns and cut fees. Here's what to do.
Keeping Your Money Resolutions
Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
When it comes to saving, decide what specifically you want to save for. Then, set up separate pools of money, or "buckets," for each goal.
Signs of Hope for Stock Investors
Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST
Healthy retail sales, lower jobless claims and reduced interest in gold are among a handful of promising signals.
Secrets of the 401(k) Millionaires
Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
What are these retirement savers doing that others aren't? They have constant participation and high contribution rates in their employer-sponsored retirement plans.
Apple's Rotten Side Has a Familiar Look
Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Think Apple is the antithesis of the cutthroat Wall Street bankers who helped lead the country to an economic crisis? Think again, writes David Weidner.
Hovnanian Faces More Tough Times
Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
The big home builder, with operations in 17 states, looks to be headed for a severe cash crunch.
Bain, Romney and You: Who Takes on More Risk?
Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Mitt Romney has ignited a debate about the social and economic value of private equity. Like many of you, I'm co-founder of a firm that invests in often-distressed assets and looks to fashion them into profitable entities. We call mine Household Inc.
Money Moves to Make Now, Not at the End of the Year
Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST
Contrary to conventional wisdom, there are some regular money moves that are better done at the beginning of the year rather than the end.
What to Do With 529-Plan Leftovers
Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST
If you haven't used all the money in your college savings plan, don't just cash it in. You have other options.
Gen Y Invests More Than It Thinks
Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST
18-to-30-year-olds say they don't feel comfortable about stocks, but that bears little resemblance to how they actually invest.
Holiday Wishes for Big Fishes
Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST
Al offers holiday greetings to the overpaid executives who have helped make the economy such a wintry hell.
How to Profit From Analysts' Tips
Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
New research suggests a way for investors to tell which "buys" are worth heeding—and which ones aren't.
Dividend Stocks Aren't the New Bonds
Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:51:43 EST
You can get generous yields…but also considerable risk. Consider using stocks as just one element in a diversified income portfolio.
Not All ETFs Are Tax-Smart
Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Here's how exchange-traded funds can help investors hold off Uncle Sam—or can trip them up.
It's Time for the 2012 Magic 8-Ball Forecast
Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Wherein our columnist consults a cheap plastic toy made in China to divine the future. Will Obama win re-election? "Decidedly so." Will there be a recession? "Maybe."
Oil Partnerships Keep Rolling
Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST
A quirky and complex investment class called master limited partnerships has been one of the market's best performers of late.
Remember the Muni-Bond Crash?
Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST
It's been a full year since Wall Street analyst Meredith Whitney boldly warned of a collapse of the municipal-bond market "within the next 12 months."
Enjoy the Super Bowl, Don't Lose the Bet
Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
More than 100 million people are expected to watch the Super Bowl on TV, and many of them will have wagered a lot of money on the outcome. We picked up a few betting pointers from professional sports gamblers.
Al Lewis: Occupy Romney!
Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry and other Republicans have a beef with Mitt Romney's record as a venture capitalist and private-equity investor. Welcome to the 99%, boys.
Bond Bets Paid Off Last Year
Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Target-date funds geared to recent retirees or older workers, because of their bigger bond holdings, generally did better than the stock-heavy funds for younger workers.
In 2011, Nothing Worked Like a 'Dog'
Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
It was a banner year for dividend-paying stocks. That meant one of Wall Street's classic strategies, known as the Dogs of the Dow, enjoyed a second consecutive year of success.
Readers Win in Latest Investment Dartboard Contest
Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Caribou Coffee boosts the overall performance of the readers' stock picks over the darts' selections.
Please Wait, This Column Is Browsing Friends' Updates
Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST
Facebook is the quintessential 21st century American success story. But Facebook represents a disturbing trend in U.S. capitalism: genuflection to the diversion industry, writes David Weidner.
Suze Orman's Stock Secrets
Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
The personal-finance icon has a newsletter guru. Has he exaggerated some of his investing results?
Getting Clients to Take Action
Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Financial advisers try various ways to get people to show up for meetings and do what they have to do.
Advisers Brace for Another Volatile Year
Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Mixing It Up: Here's how the outlooks of some investment advisers have changed heading into 2012.
Is the Golden Age Ending?
Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
The price of gold bullion is off its high, and gold ETFs may speed the decline.
Battle Over a Broker's Duty Reaches a Standstill
Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
It may not be a household word, but the battle over your broker's "fiduciary" role has moved in a new direction—away, some say, from a lot of clients' best interests.
Teachers' 403(b) Plans See Big Changes
Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
These retirement programs are becoming more like corporate 401(k) plans as school districts respond to revised rules.
Professor's Advice: It's Best to Be Bored
Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST
David Snowball, creator of the Mutual Fund Observer website, says exciting investments can be hazardous. Among mutual funds, he suggests promising new offerings and overlooked gems.
How to Play the Next American Oil Boom
Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Energy profits are booming—and investors with an appetite for risk might want to drill deep into the sector to find smaller companies sitting on U.S. oil-shale riches.
Romney Problem Is the Bain of Wall Street
Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Until now, there hasn't been a national discussion about whether the private-equity industry is a healthy parasite serving the national economic good or simply sucks wealth from our economy to a privileged few, writes David Weidner.
Mutual Fund Fees on Display
Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST
How to figure out whether you are overpaying for actively managed funds.
How to Strike It Big in the New Energy Boom
Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST
New profits and investment opportunities are coming from the surge in U.S. gas and oil production. 'America on the verge of near self-sufficiency.'
Retirement Plans Will Soon Start Talking Fees
Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST
Under a new Labor Department rule, mutual-fund companies and other 401(k) administrators must disclose plan fees to employers and to the workers investing in the plans.
Ways to Bet on a Rebound in Europe
Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST
The outlook is cloudy, but stocks look fairly cheap. One option: index ETFs dominated by multinationals.
'Go-Anywhere' Funds Struggle
Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:19:00 EST
They were supposed to be the ultimate weapon for turbulent times. But many have gone nowhere but down.
Money-Market Funds Fall
Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:20:00 EST
Assets in money-market funds fell by $1.89 billion in the week ended Wednesday, as steep withdrawals from institutional funds more than offset inflows to retail funds, according to the Investment Company Institute.
How to Play the Five Big 'What Ifs' of 2012
Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Investors hate uncertainty, and there are some big questions hanging over the economy right now. Here's what you can do to make money if or when they happen.
Go-Anywhere Funds Haven't Gone Very Far
Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST
Portfolios that mix global stocks, bonds, currencies and alternative assets are supposed to provide protection in turbulent times, but these go-anywhere funds are down this year.
Campaign 2012's Harsh Backdrop
Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST
Most elections turn on the economy, but that figures to be especially true this time, meaning Obama would seem to face bleak prospects. But he holds some advantages.
This Week
Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST
The news that affected your portfolio.
Inside the Fund Turnaround
Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST
After a miserable 2011, mutual funds have gotten off to a great start this year—but not for the reason many fund managers are citing.
Forecasting the Markets in 2012
Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:47:00 EST
Experts are busy telling us how gold or stocks will perform this year, but avoiding them could help you make better investment decisions, says Shefali Anand.
How to Dodge Last-Minute Tax Traps
Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST
Racing to meet year-end deadlines for charitable and personal gifts and investment tax planning? Read this first.
The Rally That Wouldn't Die
Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Treasury bonds have been on a 30-year tear. Whether or not the party can last is beside the point—there are far better places to put your money.
Stocks: Is It Time to Buy Europe?
Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Don't look now, but European stocks are on the rise—and this time the rally might have legs.
Will New Tools Help Small Shareholders Topple Giants?
Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
The unending struggle between the managers who control America's corporations and the investors who own them is about to become more interesting. It might even become a fairer fight.
How Much Is Facebook Worth?
Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
How small investors can get exposure to the social-networking giant before its IPO.
Now That's Performance Art
Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST
Every year at this time, fund managers dump losers and chase winners to pump their own performance. Don't be taken in.
Bill Gross...and Fund Fees
Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST
Fund Fiend: Other firms are likely to feel pressure to follow Pimco into low-cost ETFs.
The Road Ahead for Taxes
Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
With Washington unlikely to address major tax questions soon, taxpayers are facing a lot of guesswork. Here's what to do now.
Will the IRA Charity Rule Be Extended?
Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
A provision allowing people age 70½ or older to transfer as much as $100,000 a year directly from an IRA to qualified charities, without triggering taxable income, is likely to be resurrected. But no one knows for sure.
Why Value Stocks Are Better Than They Look
Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Value trailed growth last year—but that was because they were dragged down by one sector. Here's how to get the best of both categories.
To Reclaim the Envy of the World, Wall Street Must Pay
Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
A minimal financial-transaction tax would create new forms of revenue for cash-strapped regulators and gently apply the brakes to trading run amok in the markets, writes David Weidner.
Itchy Investors Ramp Up the Risk
Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST
With interest rates stuck near zero, conservative investors face a tough choice: move into riskier investments or continue coming up short from low-risk investments.
A Strong Finish, but a Down Year
Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Quarterly Monitor: Even after double-digit gains in the fourth quarter, the average U.S.-stock mutual fund returned a negative 2.9% for 2011. International-stock funds did worse, while bond funds did better.
Are Pension Forecasts Way Too Sunny?
Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Public companies, expectations for future stock returns remain stubbornly high—often 12% to 16%. This could eventually take a bite out of their reported earnings.
Feds Disclose New 401(k) Rules
Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:29:00 EST
The Labor Department has issued long-awaited rules on the disclosure of fees that retirement-plan participants pay.
Why Tech Stocks Look Better
Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
The sector is known for fast growth, but investors looking for safety might find that it offers a surprising amount of that, too.
Pick a Stock for Investment Dartboard Contest
Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST
Six reader entries will compete against each other and six stocks chosen by tossing darts at stock listings.
Risk-Parity Funds Redefine 'Balance'
Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST
A new group of allocation funds are based on the view that there is something fundamentally wrong with the classic 60-40 stocks-to-bonds mix.
A High-Rate Deadline Looms
Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST
After Dec. 31, the Treasury Department is cutting in half the amount of inflation-adjusted savings bonds you can buy. Here's why you should act soon.
Companies Look to Cut 401(k) Fees
Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
The rules governing America's most popular retirement vehicle are about to change, and that could mean huge savings for millions of workers building nest eggs for the future.
Playing The Election-Year Bounce
Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST
History suggests investors should bet on a 2012 rally. World events suggest caution is in order.
Goodbye to Market Timing
Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:05:12 EST
Mixing It Up: The father-and-son team behind Merriman Inc. were once big proponents of market timing. No more. Here the firm shares a model buy-and-hold portfolio.
You Don't Have to Be Rich to Build Wealth
Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
You can get started with low-cost mutual funds that don't require huge initial investments either.
For Bank Stocks, Smaller Is Better in 2012
Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST
Big banks might seem cheap, but regional banks are better positioned, say analysts.
Financial Advice as a Second Career
Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Adviser Alert: Some brokerages show interest in hiring older workers, especially those with sales instincts and contacts, recruiters say. Plus, other news for brokers, wealth managers and their clients.
Pimco Remains King of Inflow
Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:28:00 EST
Pacific Investment Management lured more cash than any of its rivals last year even as its flagship Total Return Fund, the world's biggest bond fund, suffered its first ever calendar-year net outflow.
How to Profit From Stock Buybacks
Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
When companies buy back stock, it's not always a buy signal for investors. Here's how to tell which purchases matter.
Stocks: Last Year's Winners Are Tanking in 2012
Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Here's why the trend could last—and show how to structure your portfolio accordingly.
Is Your Brokerage Account Safe?
Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST
As the MF Global bankruptcy proceedings drag on, some customers are becoming increasingly doubtful they'll ever get their money back.
Why the U.S. May Be Your Best Bet
Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
SmartMoney's Jack Hough reports that improving fundamentals, a dollar revival and a manufacturing rebound make the U.S. market a potentially attractive investment.
Cliffs Stands to Profit From Emerging-Markets Building Boom
Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST
The company has been expanding its mining operations into eastern Canada, western Australia and Brazil, and its push outside the U.S. could help its shares climb as high as $115.
Does Total Freedom Boost Returns?
Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
"Tactical" funds that can jump from asset class to asset class have multiplied since the market turmoil of 2008. The variety of approaches they take can make it tough to evaluate results.
Can REITs' Hot Streak Last?
Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
These high-yielding stocks that own income-producing properties outpaced the broad market in 2011. But the pickings are decidedly more slim this year.
A Good* Year for the Market
Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:49:00 EST
It was a very good year for the stock market in 2011 -- that is, if you exclude those too-big-to-fail banks.
An Unusual Fund Is No. 1 for 2011
Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Winners' Circle: The top stock fund in our quarterly contest is a Pimco fund whose equity holdings are mainly index derivatives and whose managers focus on picking fixed-income securities.
A Low-Cost Choice for Muni Income
Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST
Spotlight: A fund that offers a low-cost option for investing in munis, whose yields remain higher than on some other bonds, such as U.S. Treasurys.
Don't Let Grown Kids Ruin Your Retirement
Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Financial advisers are seeing a trend in older baby boomer parents supporting their adult children, even when it means they are taking away from their own financial security.
Stock Picks for Next Dartboard Contest
Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Selections from readers include Target and Google, while the darts hit Dick's Sporting Goods and Ralph Lauren.
An Annuity Can Still Make Sense
Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST
Despite the current ultralow rates, immediate annuities can still be a good option for retirees who need guaranteed income right now.
The Keys to Brokers' Lists
Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
For new or small mutual funds, making it onto the menus at major securities firms is a big deal. Here's why some funds make the cut.
Altria's Gains Could Go Up in Smoke
Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
The shares look pricey, given some of the risks associated with Altria and its rivals in the tobacco business.
The Scramble for Catchy ETF Tickers
Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:48:50 EST
With many tickers already taken and others reserved for future products, finding a symbol that's both available and memorable isn't as easy as it sounds.
Are Bank Stocks 'Responsible'?
Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST
The Occupy movement would shun the biggest financial institutions. Few of the 'socially responsible' funds do that.
Sandra Ward's Picks for Dartboard Contest
Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
The Sunday Journal contributor's picks include Tivo, Staples and Corning.
Janus Net Slumps 42%; Invesco Profit Rises
Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Janus Capital's fourth-quarter profit slumped 42% as the asset manager struggled with losses on investments and as investors pulled money out of stock funds. Earnings and assets under management rose at Invesco.
Kodak's Moment of Truth
Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Despite claims to the contrary just a couple of months ago, Eastman Kodak now appears headed for bankruptcy court.
The Investing Landscape for 2012 Could Be Rough
Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
If you thought 2011 was bumpy, get ready for a lot of uncertainty—from the U.S. presidential election to worries about oil prices.
Data Crunchers Disagree on Withdrawals
Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
For the first 11 months of 2011, investors pulled somewhere between $71 billion and $115 billion from U.S.-stock mutual funds, according to four widely followed tallies. Here's why the numbers differ.
You Can Overcome Investing Fears
Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST
While some fears may be justified, financial advisers say you can harm your financial future if you let your worries keep you on the investing sidelines.
What Should You Do With Your 401(k)?
Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
New retirees must decide how they want to handle their retirement savings. Keep it in the company plan? Or roll it over into an IRA?
One Cure for Accounting Shenanigans
Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST
Regulators are considering whether to make companies rotate their audit firms to combat conflicts of interest. With companies and audit firms furiously opposed, can term limits work?
IRA Heirs Do's and Don'ts
Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST
We answer readers' questions about the best ways to get the full value out of an inherited retirement account.
Make Your Nest Egg Last Longer
Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST
One adviser's plan for stretching your retirement savings and lowering your taxes involves an unconventional strategy: making simultaneous withdrawals from tax-deferred and taxable accounts—and possibly deferring Social Security payments.
Facebook and the St. Petersburg Paradox
Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST
Investors thinking about Facebook should consider a mathematical riddle that shows how growth stocks can get overvalued so easily.
Building Your Financial Dream Team
Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST
With stock markets volatile, tax rates uncertain and estate laws facing review next year, these are challenging times for financial advisers, accountants and lawyers. Are yours making the grade?