I usually avoid discussing politics in these columns, given the odds of getting nasty emails from one side or the other (sometimes both). But it’s election time and we can’t ignore the elephant and the donkey in the room: who’ll be sitting in the White House next year. I believe… Read More

We have to be careful when drawing conclusions about a president’s affect on stock market and the economy. For example, traditionally the pro-business Republican Party is regarded as good for the stock market, while the more regulatory-minded Democratic Party is viewed as an impediment to economic growth. However, no evidence supports those… Read More

A stronger dollar and imposing stockpiles have knocked crude down from its recent peak, but demand growth still favors higher prices. Read More

The stock market is starting to look like it’s ready to fall; buy utilities on dips. Read More

Our favorite utility fixed-income fund offers an attractive payout. Read More

For drugmakers, the best way to pick up steam is to buy smaller companies. Read More

For drugmakers, the best way to pick up steam is to buy smaller companies. Read More

Government biofuel blending mandates are burning refiners’ cash while fattening the profits of ethanol producers. Read More

July is typically a slow month for real estate, but I recently heard a local realtor say she had to hire police officers to control the traffic at an open house last month. National numbers echo this strength. So much for the dog days of summer—at least in the housing… Read More

The U.S. stock market is set for a big move as it lumbers through the traditionally dull “dog days of summer” and traders assess the post Brexit rally world.  The big question is whether a continuation of the current rally can last as the poor earnings season continues and the… Read More