MichaelAK

Oversupply Issues Plague Solar Manufacturers

So much for Green Tech Jobs even those are going overseas as a fast rate. We need corporate tax, regulator and labor laws reforms if we are ever going to rebuild our manufacturing base. Heck when the promise of the new Green Manufacturing Revolution goes overseas you have a domestic problem that needs fixing at the Macro Level to correct the inablances in cost.

The Bear Market Still Growling?

Let us not forgot were else is one to put the money. This is another Fed bubble going back into stocks which has helped short term to heal some 401-k, pensions and give financial houses a shot in the arm via trading. What happens when the fed increase interest rates to defend the dollar? Were are you going with almost zero % interest rate. Of course stocks but have to admit I got out of this rally to early and did not put enough to work but at these levels not seeing alot of growth in US to justify such high PE's but were are you going to put your money to hope earn a really return which will give you only 2 choices, stocks and commodities at least from a US perspective.

4 Dividend Stocks to Hedge Against Social Security Failure

2-3% divi is okay for low risk stocks. However, can we say these are low risk for the next 20 years? I agree this is not sufficient for pure dividends. CANROYS, MLP and as one person mention Muni's look as better yield for the next 10 years. Only issue with CANROYS is what happens in 2010 so their is tax change risk to the divi's.


On Aug 25 10:40 AM savvy investor wrote:

> Why invest for 2 to 3 % income in these stockes you chose when you
> can buy munis and get 4% plus and no taxes state or fed to boot???
>
> You push your 4 stocks simply because you own them. For income I
> buy Canadian oil sands stocks and oil/gas transmission stocks that
> pay upwards of 10% income.

PEAK WATER

James,

Great article on the shortage but what is the investment play. I have seen some VC money going into desalination technology to convert salt water into fresh water. Also additional technology has gone into improvement in waste water which is one of the reason the Kansas situation they did not treat the waste or collect the rain water to treat and add back into the Aquifer. I live in 2 place, SF and Chicago and see the difference in water. Chicago area created fast systems to collect and treat water. Especially, rain water. However in SF water comes from Northern Calf mountains and when it rains it all flows into the Bay. No effort to collect or recycle water.

However, what is the investment play for the next 20 years.

Private Equity Releverages with a Vengeance

When we have zero interest rates, money is starting to flow back to riskier investments. So the leveraged M&A could be coming back fast before Uncle Ben raises interest rates. However, I agree this does nothing for the economy and more then likely will be meaning layoffs for the existing employees. Also what are P&G shareholders getting out of this deal, nothing. Better course of action would to spin this drug business out and give shareholders a piece of the action.

Is a Two-Track Economy Emerging from the Rubble?

Yes, the US will looks like Latin America with an elite and political class rulling the country. That is what has happened the last 20 years and will continue. Without major reform of tax, regulation, and government spending we will look more like a banna republic with the top 10% and bottom 10% shifting power with the rest stuck in the middle trying to survive the daily grind to make something. The thing that is catching me about the economy is the slow pace of new start ups and innovation. With this new recovery and market up the IPO market is still struggling and not showing sings of growth with the market rally the past five months. For us to avoid this scenario we need new companies that create new wealth and opportunity.

Thursday Outlook: Commodities, Global Markets

My general question as a investor in the DBA, DBC, DBB due these revert to a closed end fund which seems to be happening to UNG. Very confussed on the impact of the position limits and agree with David Fry that the CFTC and SEC should be more worred about GS and the boys OTC derivative trading then these ETF's. Getting to the point only thing to do is keep cash, gold, silver bullion and keep a small speculative portfolio to follow the boys game.

What's Next for Fannie and Freddie?

Their is not good bank only a bad bank. They should be closed down period and just try to collect what is owed them/us the taxpayers on the outstanding debt. Liquidation is the preferred method. Private charities should be handling any of the previous social mission of these 2 government agencies.

3 Energy MLPs for the Price of One

Uncle Pie,

My issue with Can royalty trust is what is going to happen in 2011? Big issue on tax and distribution and how they can or will be effected. One reason why MLP might be safer until the fallout in Canada and Tax is resolved. One fund not mentioned that I have been accumulating is the Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Partners, TYG. Have a very diversified holdings of MLPs.


On Aug 07 09:26 AM Uncle Pie wrote:

> This writer owns MLPs including EPD, KMP, OKS and EEP in a taxable,
> ie. non-IRA account. If you'd like to own a solid, high yielding
> pipeline company that is NOT an MLP and therefore has no issues with
> K-1s or "incentive distributions" to the general partners which significantly
> dilute the returns to the limited partners (us), take a look at Canada's
> Pembina Pipeline Income Trust PMBIF. The current yield is around
> 10% and in the most recent annual report management opines that they
> expect to maintain the current distribution rate for the next five
> years or so even though Canadian govt requires them to convert from
> an income trust to a corporation in 2011. Pembina transports about
> 1/2 of the oil produced in Alberta, according to their annual report.
> This security may be considered for either an IRA or for a taxable
> account. The author owns some units of PMBIF. Check out the investor
> presentation on the company website and the tax info. for US investors.

GMAC's Q2 loss widens to $3.9B, with revenues falling 22% to $1.03B and loan loss provisions rising 50% Y/Y to $1.16B. GMAC also confirms it's in talks with the Fed over $5.6B in new capital it needs to raise by November to satisfy stress test requirements.

Why was GMAC not included in the GM BK. Still have this overhang and GM should be out of the finance and mortgage business. More bailout money from the taxpayers headed to GM.

Is Palladium a Good Bet?

Hard Asset Investor,

Question is palladium an long term physical accumulation or should we wait for the ETF to trade. Hate to get into future contracts.

Any mining company pure plays to consider for this metal.

Thanks

Michael,

12 Canadian Dividend Stocks

Good start to the discussion but need to address the Canadian Trust from a dividend perspective and the impact of the tax changes. With some trust yielding much higher yields they need to be included in this article or mentioned for investment consideration.

Monster Merger: IBM Buys SPSS for About $1.2 Billion in Cash

If I am a client of SPSS would need to look for alternatives. Just wonder how IBM gets by on anti-trust grounds. Again another tech acq that will fail in 4 years or less.

Bartz on Bing Search Deal: 'Everyone Wants a Real Alternative'

Another crappy tech deal that will only benefit upper management. Shareholders got the shaft at Yahoo, again. If management cannot run the company then liquidated for shareholders. This is what is happening in this deal. Slow death for Yahoo when we should pull the plug on the patient.

Americans Are Saving Like There's No Tomorrow

RJMoran,

You are right with the economy my savings has dramatically increased, but I have paid off debt, except a Personal Line of Credit, keep for emergencies in saving account. I have decreased 401-k, IRA, Annuity, Variable life and kept it more flexible. Plus buying some gold and silver in case of major bank holiday. Next article should be about saving in different currencies.


On Jul 26 04:32 PM RJMoran wrote:

> I only spend money on food! No restaurants, movies, extraneous driving,NO
> shopping of any kind, only food and basic bills... I'm sure I'm
> not the only one living this way!