GaryCCB

SPDR Gold Shares ETF Hits Record High Inventory

I think what RCA (rudeness should not be tolerated - Tommy Lee Jones - "Lonesome Dove") is driving around the block on is that apparently State Street Global Advisors (issuers of GLD) have stretched a lot and purchased a lot of gold in the apparent belief that gold is definitely going to rise significantly. I tend to agree but have my gold stake divided 50% GLD and 50% GDX. GDX reflects mining companies.

SPDR Gold Shares ETF Hits Record High Inventory

I think what RCA (rudeness should not be tolerated - Tommy Lee Jones - "Lonesome Dove") is driving around the block on is that apparently State Street Global Advisors (issuers of GLD) have stretched a lot and purchased a tons of gold in the apparent belief that gold is definitely going to rise significantly. I tend to agree but have my gold stake divided 50% GLD and 50% GDX. GDX reflects mining companies. Gold stake is 20% of my portfolio which is very high for me.

Now's the Time to Buy Bank Stocks

We all do what we feel is right for our investments. Personally, I think it's too cloudy to go swimming. I'm playing it safe right now with lots of cash, a 25% position in TIP and a 5% position in GDX. Just waiting to buy some quality, under-valued gems. But not yet. Too much turmoil now.
Retired guy...

Investors at Risk of Losing Everything

Oh... I forgot the quarter-mile gas lines and the 55 mph speed limit. I hope Obama has those remedies clearly in his racists associating sights. 'Course the South Side of Chicago is testiment to his prowess. Great schools, neighborhoods, medical care, loving neighbors and very low crime rates. Who could ask for more than the quality of life on the Southside? I can't wait...

Investors at Risk of Losing Everything

If you think Obama will fix anything - your delusional. The Democratic Congress has done NOTHING about ANYTHING! Oh wait... They held talks on Scooter Libby and Major League Baseball. Yea, they're attending to our woes!

If Obama gets elected (I'm living in Illinois and he's DONE NOTHING for this state) you can look forward to a politically correct administration accompanied with 12% un-employment, double digit interest rates and lot's of feel-good rhetoric 'bout "helping Americans".

I think we already went down that road with Jimmy Carter. Remember him? You must 'cause he's STILL shooting his fat mouth off all over the world. Oh yea, his Middle-East policy unseated the Shaw of Iran so the religious zealots could (and still do) reign!!!

It's gonna be a wonderful world - if just Obama can get elected!!!

The Week Ahead: Geopolitical Issues Dominate

Is that John Kerry speaking? We haven't even approached the Carter years. 18% interest rates, gas lines, disposing of the dreaded Shah of Iran. Turning the Panama Canal over to the Chinese. 12% unemployment.

Yea, I remember that one. I suspect we may be forced to join the Chinese and drill our own oil off the gulf of Mexico. Jeeze, what's it coming to...

Talking Fixed Income Investing with Ron Ryan

Yes - a very good article. But I still lean to Treasury bond ETFs because they do acquire higher return Treasuries when the rates trend up. And, I always have a mix of foreign bonds just for some diversification. Regarding the TIPs ETF, Cromag, I've got them, but like my bond funds, I diversified with a portion of WIAs which has foreign exposure but less volatility with a higher yield. The TIPs have experienced a volatility of 13.3% in price valuation (high vs. low price in last 12 months) in the last year but WIAs have moved 11.5% in price volatility and have paid a 15% (relative to the yield of each TIP and WIA) higher return (5.7% yield vs. 4.82%).

But I also own some 10 year Treasuries (mature 2010) that look pretty good today. I'm not a bond expert by any stretch, so I liked the read above. I still concentrate 40 - 60 percent equities and that is where the real growth is realized. But 40% bonds & bond funds have certainly smoothed things over the years. I just invest for myself and I'm certainly no expert - but I'm happy with my long-term results.

Portfolio Manager Favors International Asset Allocation

Very interesting. The inverted 2 year verses 10 year treasury returns is a well-known phenomenon but the oil factor is new to me (just a private investor).

Anyone know where the best source for single day oil prices could be found?

Back to 1998: Lessons from the G7 Then and Now

Why are Libs compelled to blame anything wrong with America on Conservatives? Real mystery to me - and I'm no "W" fan. IMHO, this financial unraveling goes back to Carter. Remember the gas lines, double digit inflation and double digit interest rates?

Every admin since has perpetuated the problem. Quite simply, ever and always, growing government is the culprit. And too many (way, way too many) Fat, Dumb & Happy Americans increasingly look to Daddy Government to hand them more.

This will all come to a miserable end because what's left of the Free Market will punish us. You simply can't handcuff Capitalism.

My question is - where the heck does one find safe haven in this coming calamity? Hard assets? A stash under the matress? Loan sharking? (oops that's already being done)

Any ideas?

Barclays Launches a Carry-Trade Currency ETN

I agree. I'm looking for a 3 to 6 month dollar bounce. Wonder how quickly this ETN can move to currancy moves? A pretty volatile arena to play. But I've done well in FXE & FXA in the last year. Looking to buy some UUP soon if it looks right. This (ICI) could be interesting.

The Risk of Missing a Reentry When the Market Turns

Good advice. It seems easy to imagine that getting out completely when things are declining - and then jumping back in when the markets turn - is the thing to do. But my experience has taught me it's very difficult to time a Bull Market. I know I've missed more opportunities to make money by sucking my thumb that by simply being in the game when the 80 yard pass is sucessful.

Having said that, today we have trailing stops (percentage is my favorite type) to protect us to a reasonable degree and conditional buys that are helpful, too.

Finally, asset allocation is something to be considered very carefully in all market conditions. And adjusted, if necessary to reflect uncertainties. 'Nuff said - for me...

The Yield Curve Inverts, Again

And?