My TARP Glass is Half…

He that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing. - Benjamin Franklin

Can anybody remember when the times were not hard and money not scarce?
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

According to reports released today, the American taxpayers have lost $61 billion on the bailouts of AIG, Chrysler and General Motors. While the auto companies have tried to figure out where they went wrong and how the foreign automakers have beaten them like a pack mule, AIG still walks with the scarlet letter on its chest. One can’t help but remember the stories about the luxurious spa trip that many high producers and executives went on just days after the company was given the bailout funds.

On this same note, Bank of America has paid back its TARP funds and Citi has announced it will use a stock offering to repay theirs. Say what you will about the financial institutions, at least money has been made here. The same report on AIG stated that $19.5 billion has been made off of the banks. That still leaves the country in the hole considerably. There’s always Vegas…

The Quiet Investor is a monthly publication that uses a combination of technical and fundamental analysis to find smaller unknown companies with above average capital appreciation. Written by John Gay, the most recent issue gives updates on some of the stocks discussed in previous editions as well as a profile on the company Misonix (MSON).

The Financial Commentator came out with a special update in which Jim Welsh talks about the tight range the S&P has been trading in. Like Art Cashin the other day, he also sees a resistance level in the 1,115-1,117 range. There is also commentary and a trading strategy using the Russell 2000.

Jeff Stone continues to fly Under the Radar with his daily newsletter. Based out of Asia, this newsletter is released before the domestic markets open. Today, Stone provides market and stock specific commentary and also lists new stock offerings.

Short and sweet today folks. As the holiday season rolls in, remember your corporate parties are coming (like mine tomorrow evening). Please remember to be safe and no dancing on the tables until AFTER the boss has left!!!

For more information, go to http://www.zepinvest.com.

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The Day After...

Don't marry for money. You can borrow it cheaper.
- Scotts Proverb

The world of bonds can be as dangerous as the equity markets, especially for those who choose to play a game they don’t know the rules to. If the “average” rates a five for knowledge on the equity markets (just play along), that same average investor would rate a two on fixed income.

These people would argue that bonds just aren’t as exciting or have the same rewards and dangers of the equity markets. I’m sure there’s a room full of bond traders in Chicago, and many others around the world who would disagree with that. Fixed income can be just as “sexy” as its counterpart for the right people who know what they are doing. With some insight from some of these experts, you might just be able to learn something today…

At Action Weekly!, written by Michael R. Englund, you will receive updates and commentary on the bond markets, as well as equities, the dollar and a region by region breakdown. His November 16th edition titled “Holiday Doldrums Approaching,” states that the “bond market ran another gauntlet of supply…without the help of the Fed.”

The Financial Commentator by E. James Welsh is a monthly publication that gives insight to the Fed, monetary policy, the economy as well as the financial markets. His most recent edition, dated October 18, 2009, he states that “the high yield bond market often mirrors the stock market. If the stock market undergoes the correction I expect, high yield bonds will also sell off.” For information on the dollar and gold, check this one out also.

Systems and Forecasts by Marvin Appel is a weekly publication that focuses on stock and bond strategies using funds and ETFs. While his November 16th edition focused on the new highs inn the stock market, he also mentioned that high yield bond funds are on a two week rally and investment grade bonds have “jumped across the board.” His next release will be November 19th.

There are three more opportunities for you to help your portfolio. Tomorrow we’ll take a look at commodities, options and futures. As always, comments, questions, ideas and rants are always welcome.

For more information, go to http://www.zepinvest.com.

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