bluesmoke

GM's Phony Bailout Repayment

You are absolutely right. A total PR spin and nothing else.

Weekly Recap: Is the U.S. Going Bankrupt?

When you're dealing with huge sums of pretend money regarding bankrupt countries, there's no telling where this will end. Gold's return to prominence is long overdue.

All Investment Roads Lead to Commodities

Excellent analysis. Although I agree with your observations there remains one big wild card - is China really doing as well as they say they are? Granted, they have plenty of stimulus money to keep the party going for quite some time. But if China were to implode, all bets on commodities would be in question.

The Best and Worst International ETFs in 2009

Good analysis. Thanks.

How to Play Buffett's Big Bet on America

As the price of oil rises, I suspect you will see the trucking industry switch over to natural gas.

Buffett's BNI Purchase: Bearish Bet on the Economy?

He also paid a 30% premium to the market price. That tells me he definitely sees the promise in commodities for the long term. Great move.

The Problem with Being Wealthy

I've often wondered how the rich manage large amounts of cash. One of the main obstacles is the 250k cap on FDIC accounts.

With an over-leveraged economy, falling real estate prices, a weakening dollar, failing banks, ponzi schemes, and new taxes on the horizon, that leaves a lot of room to get kicked in the shorts.

Next Time, Let Goldman Fail

Amen to that. The incestuous relationship between GS and the financial arm of the government has gotten way too cozy.

When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get an Apple

I think another reason Macs are becoming popular - by hooking so many of the next generation on itunes & the iphone, they have developed brand loyalty. Once you realize how easy and dependable they are to use, why take a chance on something else?

The Big Picture

Fitz, another good article.

I have some friends visiting from England. They've been driving diesel vehicles for years and get upwards of 50+ mpg. Diesels can also "turn the clock" three times. That means the odometer resets 3 times! No problems starting in cold weather either. When they asked me the other day why the US hasn't shifted their energy policy in this (or any) direction that is more constructive, I don't have an answer. It's a very sad reflection of a schizophrenic energy policy controlled by special interests. Instead of forward thinking, everything is ass-backwards.

Why I'm Skeptical About Asset Allocation

I'm no expert, and maybe that weighs in my favor. The main problem I have with inflation-linked bonds, (and I am assuming you are talking about TIPS here), is the distorted yardstick by which the US government measures inflation. Several other factors like a falling dollar come into play as well. So although you may not consider commodities an asset class, energy stocks, MLP's, Royalty Trusts, and other securities that rise in value when the dollar falls, AND generate income, are a much more accurate reflection of the true state of the economy. Plus, many of these are based in foreign currencies. Besides, putting all or a majority of your assets in a dollar based portfolio is limiting diversification.

The Inflation / Deflation Forces Battles On

Very good article. You've have laid out both sides in terms that are easy to understand. I believe you are correct in your assumptions as well. Thanks.

Treasuries Rally as Riskier Assets Begin Showing Signs of Topping

I suspect you are right. However, as a long term investor one shouldn't try to time the market. That is a fool's game.

Diversification Isn't What It Used to Be

The old adage of having the proportion of bonds correlated to your age is a good one, yet many have never heard of it. (ie, if you are 50 years old, your portfolio should be invested 50% in bonds).

It's a brave new world. I have taken a few other steps - roughly 3-5% gold, and another 10% in monthly fixed income stocks, or mlp's. Looking at the current deficit, as the nation ages I believe income from a variety of sources will become more & more important.

Steve Jobs Returns to the Stage with Some Big Numbers to Share

What a great company. Steve Jobs, welcome back!