Which is better for generating reliable income: an immediate annuity or a bond ladder? The answer depends on your retirement goals. Read More

Investors are fleeing mutual funds for more personalized financial advice. Jim explains why trust is more important than an advisor's past track record of investment performance. Read More

Emerging market equities have outperformed their developed-market peers so far this year. But these stocks still trade at attractive valuations for opportunistic investors who are late to the rally. Read More

At this early stage in the security registration process, SandRidge Mississippian Trust II’s (NYSE: SDR) tax advantages, exposure to oil prices and potential for distribution growth make the stock worthy of consideration. However, much of this depends on the price at which the trust debuts; no stock is a buy at any price. Read More

When attempting to value banks, different rules apply. Why debt and cash are trickier concepts in the bank context. Read More

How will Research in Motion fare after RIM's decision to replace co-CEOs, Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie? Analysts weigh in.  Read More

Australia's Big Four banks are under scrutiny for their exposure to Europe and wholesale funding markets. These concerns are legitimate and overblown. Read More

Last Thursday, I hosted one of my regular Live Chat sessions with readers of The Energy Strategist. Here are my responses to a handful of common questions from subscribers. Read More

Master limited partnerships (MLP) are one of the surest groups for solid growth and sustainable distributions. Read More

Keystone XL--formally the Keystone Gulf Coast Expansion Project--was rejected this week. But it’s on track to come on line in late 2014. Read More