prudentinvestor

Preview from Europe: All Fools' Day

As usual a great, succinct and witty summary. You state that suspending mark-to-market would allow bankers to "...... run their firms with little or no capital and leverage them to the hilt creating the biggest credit bubble the world has ever known ....".

I was under the impression that this has already come to pass.

The High Dividend Stock Investor's Collapsing Dollar Survival Guide, Part 5

Cliff, I am confused by the prices you quoted as entry points for FTE and TEF, as they are inconsistent with the prices of their ADR's. I've owned both for many years due to their excellent dividends.

I added recently more FTE @22 (for the ADR). You recommend buying it @14/12, which I agree would be a great price, but the 52-week range is 21-36 and I'd be very surprised if it gets down to 14.

You recommend buying TEF @ 14/12, but its 52 week range is 47-93 (for the ADR). I have been looking to expand my holding in it, but frankly I think it is expensive. I would not buy more unless it dropped below $40.

Regarding BP, another issue that I have owned for years and added to recently, I am less confident than you about their dividend, and would not be too surprised if it were reduced if oil continues to slump for a while. I believe the stock price slump suggests that others have similar expectations.

Four Oil Giants to Keep an Eye on - Barron's

I've held XOM for three decades (both as Exxon and as Mobil), and have added to my holdings many times over the years. It is solid and low-risk. It is also pricey, reflecting a flight to safety, so I believe its upside potential is modest from current levels. I also hold other oils, and have added to BP, RDSB, TOT, STO and REP in recent dips. I've held PBR for years, and its done very well, but think its a bit pricey at present.