The Australian Edge Portfolio lost 1.3% in U.S. dollar terms during 2014. This includes performance for positions that were closed and opened during the year for the timeframe they were held in the Portfolio. The S&P/Australian Securities Exchange 200 Index was down 2% in U.S. dollar terms from Dec. 31,… Read More

Confession: I’m one of those guys who avoids regular doctor visits.I realize that at my age—I turned 44 this month—this is a foolish choice, even though I swim three times a week and run on the days I don’t get to the pool. There’s just no beating the care you… Read More

Australian stocks had a pretty good year in 2014, unless you were sitting in a country that had a very good year. The benchmark S&P/Australian Securities Exchange 200 Index posted a total return in local currency terms of 5.6%, which is exactly what the standard world stock benchmark, the MSCI… Read More

Australia’s economy is forging ahead, despite the downturn in commodity prices. While the slump in iron ore, oil and other commodity prices will slow Australia’s growth rate in 2015, there is a silver lining: A weaker Australian dollar (the “aussie”) will benefit a large swath of the country’s non-mining sector. Read More

It seems logical that a transport company like Toll Holdings Ltd. would see a big boost to its bottom line from the oil-price plunge. Investors appear to think so. In the last six months, Toll shares have risen around 12% on the Australian Securities Exchange, compared with a 3% decline… Read More

“Growth at a reasonable price” is the Holy Grail of successful long-term investing. This month’s Best Buys offer that and sustainable income as well. Read More

Canada is going through a rocky patch, but don’t let short-term troubles color your view of the long-term value of Canada to your portfolio. Successful investors think in terms of years, not quarters.Consider Canada’s record. Nearly five years ago we described Canada as “The Northern Tiger,” and we showed Canada… Read More

There’s no such thing as a “do-over” in this business of investing. But you can--you must--learn from mistakes. Read More

Last month one Canadian E&P cut its dividend. This month payouts from 10 more E&Ps succumbed to lower oil prices. Read More

The crude oil question pervades the Canadian economy. There are obvious negative implications and potential positive outcomes as well. Read More