Dangers of Dividend Funds

Dividend funds are currently very popular with investors.

In many parts of the world, interest rate yields are quite low on a historical basis. To enhance returns, fixed income investors have turned to riskier investments that may offer higher yields. Such as dividends on preferred shares or dividend paying common shares.

As well, general equity investors are turning to perceived “safer” equity investments. Common shares in large, dividend paying companies. Shares that provide capital gains potential over time, but are back-stopped by a (hopefully) steady stream of dividend income.

Sounds like a good strategy to me. But there are always risks when investing.

Here are a few things to consider when assessing dividend funds (or dividend paying shares).  (more…)

In the U.S., the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index (S&P 500) is up 12.6% year to date 2012.

That is the good news. The bad?

Your mutual fund is likely not meeting or exceeding this benchmark.

Why the underperformance against investment benchmarks?  (more…)

Investing in growth stocks normally requires a growth premium to be paid.

The growth premium reflects the above average expected growth rates in the company’s earnings. So you better be sure that the company earnings continue to grow over time.

There are a few areas of quantitive analysis to help assess future growth prospects.  (more…)

I have written a bit about value investing lately. Mainly in the context of Warren Buffett and Benjamin Graham, two staunch advocates of value investing.

But there is also growth investing. A slightly different approach to investment analysis.

Today we will show a little love for those who wish to acquire growth stocks(more…)

Top 10 Best Things About Mutual Funds

Started reading Morningstar’s “Fund Spy” last night.

A gift from the nice folks at Morningstar, so thanks.

In it, Morningstar produces a chart with the top 10 best things about mutual funds.

An interesting list.  (more…)

Apple First Quarter Results

Apple released its first quarter 2012 results last week.

Interesting stuff.

Yes, the results were impressive, but that was not the most fascinating part.  (more…)

As discussed in Saskatchewan Economic Success, natural resources are a key driver for the province’s current economic success.

Learning about Saskatchewan’s natural resources is important for many different people and for multiple reasons.

And not just for those living in Saskatchewan. Or only the natural resource sectors.  (more…)

Each year seems to bring an ever increasing number of new exchange traded funds (ETFs).

2011 was no exception.

Some say many of the new ETFs are not necessary, but I like the increase.  (more…)

A November 2011 survey of financial professionals predicts a somber outlook for 2012.

Each year, a worldwide sample of Chartered Financial Analysts (CFAs) are invited to participate in a Global Market Sentiment Survey. As the title suggests, the survey looks at “market sentiment, performance, and market integrity issues in 2012.”

The survey also provides predictions on growth in the global finance profession.

The report makes for interesting reading.

Although I did not participate in this years survey, I share many of the findings.  (more…)

Top Stock Picks for 2012

Everyone wants to know the best stocks to invest in for 2012.

I know I do.

So what are the top stock picks for next year?

I am just a single person tooling away in the tundra of Western Canada, so who am I to choose.

Instead, I shall bring you the absolutely best 10 stocks for 2012 courtesy of the professionals who do this for a living. As such, these 10 must be the top performing picks over the next 12 months.

No thanks needed. I am just trying to help you succeed in wealth creation.  (more…)

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