There’s More Than One Way…

The stock market is a no-called-strike game. You don't have to swing at everything -you can wait for your pitch. The problem when you're a money manager is that your fans keep yelling, 'Swing, you bum!'
- Warren Buffett at 1999 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting

Sports update: Here we are on December 7th. We still have two undefeated teams in the NFL, although the Saints barely pulled that off against a substantially weaker team. The BCS is all set and unfortunately there were 3 bridesmaids that didn’t get invited to the wedding. It will be nice to see two of the other undefeated teams play at a separate bowl, but if this isn’t just one more reason for a playoff system, I don’t know what is.

Now back to your regularly scheduled programming. The Turnaround Letter by George Putnam, III is a monthly newsletter that uses fundamental analysis to uncover and recommend undervalued companies in the small, mid and large cap space. The December 7th edition discusses the enemy of true fundamental analysis this time of year, “tax-loss selling and portfolio window dressing.” For Putnam’s take on what stocks might get a year-end bounce, go check out this newsletter.

It’s “A Brief Back to the Basics” for The Agri-Food Value View. In this release, publisher Ned W. Schmidt uses a recent argument to provide the ultimate argument. “The global demand for food is growing faster than the supply of food. Higher prices are the only means of resolving that reality.” For a great primer, read this newsletter.

“Christmas Comes Early” at the Action Weekly Global Edition. The jobs report gave a boost to the domestic markets and “supply will be the feature this week with about $150 billion in bills and coupons on the auction block. For more information about this or any of the other equity markets, come see Michael R. Englund’s piece.

It’s interesting how you can find so many ways to be successful investing. Here are three completely different ideas, all of which can be very productive for the right investors. I learn something new each and every day that I dive into these great publications. I’m looking forward to reading the new ones tomorrow.

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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