I’m doubting more and more that the Federal Reserve knows what it’s doing. The central bank had to abruptly reverse course on a planned rate increase in June after the May jobs report came out Friday. It showed a measly 38,000 jobs were added, the lowest monthly jobs gain since… Read More

For investors closely monitoring the stock market, the first Friday of every month is labor day – small “l”. On this day the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases its monthly non-farm payroll report.And last Friday was not a happy labor day.  Last Friday the number came in at 38,000,… Read More

Compressing and storing carbon is technically feasible, if you don’t mind losing money. Read More

Calm waters can be hiding places for big sharks.  This market seems to be in a steady up trend and many investors are looking to relax.  But in our opinion the calm demeanor of the S & P 500 is misleading and complacent investors could be in for a nasty surprise.   And as traders hit the beaches, and the Federal Reserve makes interest rate decisions in the next few days and weeks, the markets are increasingly vulnerable. Read More

Calm waters can be hiding places for big sharks.  This market seems to be in a steady up trend and many investors are looking to relax.  But in our opinion the calm demeanor of the S & P 500 is misleading and complacent investors could be in for a nasty surprise.   And as traders hit the beaches, and the Federal Reserve makes interest rate decisions in the next few days and weeks, the markets are increasingly vulnerable. Read More

During what some thought might be a contentious meeting this week, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) decided to keep its “hands-off” policy. And that might give our Federal Reserve a hand in raising interest rates more quickly this year.With oil prices up nearly 80% from the 13-year… Read More

Utility M&A can offer higher dividend growth, but investors should always scrutinize these deals. Read More

Income investors have come to depend on these serial dividend raisers, but there are still risks that should be considered. Read More

Prices are rising again after two unusually warm winters, and distribution MLPs have already had quite a run.   Read More

Despite the region’s litany of problems, it’s still growing. Read More