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WSJ.com: Investing

Investing

Sandra Ward's Picks for Dartboard Contest

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

The Sunday Journal contributor's picks include Tivo, Staples and Corning.

Kodak's Moment of Truth

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Despite claims to the contrary just a couple of months ago, Eastman Kodak now appears headed for bankruptcy court.

Companies Look to Cut 401(k) Fees

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

The rules governing America's most popular retirement vehicle are about to change, and that could mean huge savings for millions of workers building nest eggs for the future.

You Can Overcome Investing Fears

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

While some fears may be justified, financial advisers say you can harm your financial future if you let your worries keep you on the investing sidelines.

Go-Anywhere Funds Haven't Gone Very Far

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

Portfolios that mix global stocks, bonds, currencies and alternative assets are supposed to provide protection in turbulent times, but these go-anywhere funds are down this year.

A Good* Year for the Market

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:49:00 EST

It was a very good year for the stock market in 2011 -- that is, if you exclude those too-big-to-fail banks.

Retirement Plans Will Soon Start Talking Fees

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST

Under a new Labor Department rule, mutual-fund companies and other 401(k) administrators must disclose plan fees to employers and to the workers investing in the plans.

Can Annual Reports Save Lives?

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

Worried about the Congo, the U.S. Congress has turned securities regulators into an international human-rights police force. Will it work?

Advisers Brace for Another Volatile Year

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Mixing It Up: Here's how the outlooks of some investment advisers have changed heading into 2012.

Pick a Stock for Contest

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

Six reader entries will compete against each other and six stocks chosen by tossing darts at stock listings.

Altria's Gains Could Go Up in Smoke

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

The shares look pricey, given some of the risks associated with Altria and its rivals in the tobacco business.

Campaign 2012's Harsh Backdrop

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

Most elections turn on the economy, but that figures to be especially true this time, meaning Obama would seem to face bleak prospects. But he holds some advantages.

Bain, Romney and You: Who Takes on More Risk?

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Mitt Romney has ignited a debate about the social and economic value of private equity. Like many of you, I'm co-founder of a firm that invests in often-distressed assets and looks to fashion them into profitable entities. We call mine Household Inc.

One Cure for Accounting Shenanigans

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Regulators are considering whether to make companies rotate their audit firms to combat conflicts of interest. With companies and audit firms furiously opposed, can term limits work?

Bond Bets Paid Off Last Year

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Target-date funds geared to recent retirees or older workers, because of their bigger bond holdings, generally did better than the stock-heavy funds for younger workers.

In 2011, Nothing Worked Like a 'Dog'

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

It was a banner year for dividend-paying stocks. That meant one of Wall Street's classic strategies, known as the Dogs of the Dow, enjoyed a second consecutive year of success.

Building Your Financial Dream Team

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

With stock markets volatile, tax rates uncertain and estate laws facing review next year, these are challenging times for financial advisers, accountants and lawyers. Are yours making the grade?

Can REITs' Hot Streak Last?

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

These high-yielding stocks that own income-producing properties outpaced the broad market in 2011. But the pickings are decidedly more slim this year.

The Keys to Brokers' Lists

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

For new or small mutual funds, making it onto the menus at major securities firms is a big deal. Here's why some funds make the cut.

'Go-Anywhere' Funds Struggle

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:19:00 EST

They were supposed to be the ultimate weapon for turbulent times. But many have gone nowhere but down.

Apple's Rotten Side Has a Familiar Look

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Think Apple is the antithesis of the cutthroat Wall Street bankers who helped lead the country to an economic crisis? Think again, writes David Weidner.

Does Total Freedom Boost Returns?

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

"Tactical" funds that can jump from asset class to asset class have multiplied since the market turmoil of 2008. The variety of approaches they take can make it tough to evaluate results.

Inside the Fund Turnaround

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST

After a miserable 2011, mutual funds have gotten off to a great start this year—but not for the reason many fund managers are citing.

Make Your Nest Egg Last Longer

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

One adviser's plan for stretching your retirement savings and lowering your taxes involves an unconventional strategy: making simultaneous withdrawals from tax-deferred and taxable accounts—and possibly deferring Social Security payments.

Janus Net Slumps 42%; Invesco Profit Rises

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Janus Capital's fourth-quarter profit slumped 42% as the asset manager struggled with losses on investments and as investors pulled money out of stock funds. Earnings and assets under management rose at Invesco.

Playing The Election-Year Bounce

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

History suggests investors should bet on a 2012 rally. World events suggest caution is in order.

Remember the Muni-Bond Crash?

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

It's been a full year since Wall Street analyst Meredith Whitney boldly warned of a collapse of the municipal-bond market "within the next 12 months."

The Investing Landscape for 2012 Could Be Rough

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

If you thought 2011 was bumpy, get ready for a lot of uncertainty—from the U.S. presidential election to worries about oil prices.

Keeping Your Money Resolutions

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

When it comes to saving, decide what specifically you want to save for. Then, set up separate pools of money, or "buckets," for each goal.

A Strong Finish, but a Down Year

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Quarterly Monitor: Even after double-digit gains in the fourth quarter, the average U.S.-stock mutual fund returned a negative 2.9% for 2011. International-stock funds did worse, while bond funds did better.

Forecasting the Markets in 2012

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:47:00 EST

Experts are busy telling us how gold or stocks will perform this year, but avoiding them could help you make better investment decisions, says Shefali Anand.

Financial Analysts Dim on '12

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:58:00 EST

About half of analysts surveyed by CFA Institute expect the debt crisis to intensify next year, and less than half consider stocks the asset class of choice.

Money Moves to Make Now, Not at the End of the Year

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST

Contrary to conventional wisdom, there are some regular money moves that are better done at the beginning of the year rather than the end.

IRA Heirs Do's and Don'ts

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

We answer readers' questions about the best ways to get the full value out of an inherited retirement account.

Readers Win in Latest Investment Dartboard Contest

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Caribou Coffee boosts the overall performance of the readers' stock picks over the darts' selections.

It's Time for the 2012 Magic 8-Ball Forecast

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Wherein our columnist consults a cheap plastic toy made in China to divine the future. Will Obama win re-election? "Decidedly so." Will there be a recession? "Maybe."

Stock Picks for Next Dartboard Contest

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Selections from readers include Target and Google, while the darts hit Dick's Sporting Goods and Ralph Lauren.

Suze Orman's Stock Secrets

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

The personal-finance icon has a newsletter guru. Has he exaggerated some of his investing results?

Please Wait, This Column Is Browsing Friends' Updates

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST

Facebook is the quintessential 21st century American success story. But Facebook represents a disturbing trend in U.S. capitalism: genuflection to the diversion industry, writes David Weidner.

Why Jon Corzine Is as Lost as He Seems

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

He's confused, unprepared and so forgetful that it's fair to wonder how he found his way to work in the morning, much less what happened in the final, fateful days of MF Global, writes David Weidner.

Money Funds Draw Cash

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:40:00 EST

Assets in money-market funds rose by $30 million in the week ended Wednesday, as institutional fund inflows more than offset withdrawals from retail funds, according to the Investment Company Institute.

Stocks: Last Year's Winners Are Tanking in 2012

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Here's why the trend could last—and show how to structure your portfolio accordingly.

This Week

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

The news that affected your portfolio.

Investment Funds You Can 'Buy and Forget'

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

Investors are sitting on record amounts of cash, earning nearly nothing in interest. They are simply terrified of holding anything else.

What's Really Driving Your Returns

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

In volatile markets, 'factor investing' can help boost returns and cut fees. Here's what to do.

Why the U.S. May Be Your Best Bet

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

SmartMoney's Jack Hough reports that improving fundamentals, a dollar revival and a manufacturing rebound make the U.S. market a potentially attractive investment.

The Rally That Wouldn't Die

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Treasury bonds have been on a 30-year tear. Whether or not the party can last is beside the point—there are far better places to put your money.

The Truth About Wealth

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

Affluence is becoming a temporary phenomenon. Here's how to dodge the "beta trap" and hold on to what you've got.

How to Play the Five Big 'What Ifs' of 2012

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Investors hate uncertainty, and there are some big questions hanging over the economy right now. Here's what you can do to make money if or when they happen.

How to Strike It Big in the New Energy Boom

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST

New profits and investment opportunities are coming from the surge in U.S. gas and oil production. 'America on the verge of near self-sufficiency.'

How to Profit From Stock Buybacks

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

When companies buy back stock, it's not always a buy signal for investors. Here's how to tell which purchases matter.

Getting Clients to Take Action

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Financial advisers try various ways to get people to show up for meetings and do what they have to do.

Gen Y Invests More Than It Thinks

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST

18-to-30-year-olds say they don't feel comfortable about stocks, but that bears little resemblance to how they actually invest.

Enjoy the Super Bowl, Don't Lose the Bet

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

More than 100 million people are expected to watch the Super Bowl on TV, and many of them will have wagered a lot of money on the outcome. We picked up a few betting pointers from professional sports gamblers.

Zynga: IPOs Flummox Investors

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

All this talk of a social-media bubble hasn't been borne out by the performance of social-media stocks.

Romney Problem Is the Bain of Wall Street

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Until now, there hasn't been a national discussion about whether the private-equity industry is a healthy parasite serving the national economic good or simply sucks wealth from our economy to a privileged few, writes David Weidner.

Don't Let Grown Kids Ruin Your Retirement

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Financial advisers are seeing a trend in older baby boomer parents supporting their adult children, even when it means they are taking away from their own financial security.

Is Your Brokerage Account Safe?

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

As the MF Global bankruptcy proceedings drag on, some customers are becoming increasingly doubtful they'll ever get their money back.

Why Value Stocks Are Better Than They Look

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Value trailed growth last year—but that was because they were dragged down by one sector. Here's how to get the best of both categories.

To Reclaim the Envy of the World, Wall Street Must Pay

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

A minimal financial-transaction tax would create new forms of revenue for cash-strapped regulators and gently apply the brakes to trading run amok in the markets, writes David Weidner.

A Safer Way to Gain Exposure to China

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

A handful of high-profile short-sellers say China's economy is headed for a hard landing. But others say the fears are overblown.

How to Profit From Analysts' Tips

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

New research suggests a way for investors to tell which "buys" are worth heeding—and which ones aren't.

Why Small Stocks Could Keep Rallying

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

An improving U.S. economy and healthy profit margins point the way to small-stock outperformance.

Now That's Performance Art

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

Every year at this time, fund managers dump losers and chase winners to pump their own performance. Don't be taken in.

The Road Ahead for Taxes

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

With Washington unlikely to address major tax questions soon, taxpayers are facing a lot of guesswork. Here's what to do now.

What Should You Do With Your 401(k)?

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

New retirees must decide how they want to handle their retirement savings. Keep it in the company plan? Or roll it over into an IRA?

Cliffs Stands to Profit From Emerging-Markets Building Boom

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST

The company has been expanding its mining operations into eastern Canada, western Australia and Brazil, and its push outside the U.S. could help its shares climb as high as $115.

Pick a Stock for Investment Dartboard Contest

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

Six reader entries will compete against each other and six stocks chosen by tossing darts at stock listings.

An Annuity Can Still Make Sense

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:01:00 EST

Despite the current ultralow rates, immediate annuities can still be a good option for retirees who need guaranteed income right now.

Money-Market Funds Fall

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:20:00 EST

Assets in money-market funds fell by $1.89 billion in the week ended Wednesday, as steep withdrawals from institutional funds more than offset inflows to retail funds, according to the Investment Company Institute.

Al Lewis: Occupy Romney!

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry and other Republicans have a beef with Mitt Romney's record as a venture capitalist and private-equity investor. Welcome to the 99%, boys.

Why Tech Stocks Look Better

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

The sector is known for fast growth, but investors looking for safety might find that it offers a surprising amount of that, too.

Are Pension Forecasts Way Too Sunny?

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Public companies, expectations for future stock returns remain stubbornly high—often 12% to 16%. This could eventually take a bite out of their reported earnings.

For Bank Stocks, Smaller Is Better in 2012

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

Big banks might seem cheap, but regional banks are better positioned, say analysts.

Financial Advice as a Second Career

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Adviser Alert: Some brokerages show interest in hiring older workers, especially those with sales instincts and contacts, recruiters say. Plus, other news for brokers, wealth managers and their clients.

Holiday Wishes for Big Fishes

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

Al offers holiday greetings to the overpaid executives who have helped make the economy such a wintry hell.

Oil Partnerships Keep Rolling

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:11:29 EST

A quirky and complex investment class called master limited partnerships has been one of the market's best performers of late.

Teachers' 403(b) Plans See Big Changes

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

These retirement programs are becoming more like corporate 401(k) plans as school districts respond to revised rules.

Is the Golden Age Ending?

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

The price of gold bullion is off its high, and gold ETFs may speed the decline.

Data Crunchers Disagree on Withdrawals

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

For the first 11 months of 2011, investors pulled somewhere between $71 billion and $115 billion from U.S.-stock mutual funds, according to four widely followed tallies. Here's why the numbers differ.

Tools to Help You Sift Through All Those ETFs

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

Investing pros say the best way to make sure a new ETF is right for your portfolio is to do your own screens, and online tools can help.

Will the IRA Charity Rule Be Extended?

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

A provision allowing people age 70½ or older to transfer as much as $100,000 a year directly from an IRA to qualified charities, without triggering taxable income, is likely to be resurrected. But no one knows for sure.

Not All ETFs Are Tax-Smart

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Here's how exchange-traded funds can help investors hold off Uncle Sam—or can trip them up.

Secrets of the 401(k) Millionaires

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

What are these retirement savers doing that others aren't? They have constant participation and high contribution rates in their employer-sponsored retirement plans.

Stocks: Is It Time to Buy Europe?

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Don't look now, but European stocks are on the rise—and this time the rally might have legs.

Mutual Fund Fees on Display

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

How to figure out whether you are overpaying for actively managed funds.

Facebook and the St. Petersburg Paradox

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:49:12 EST

Investors thinking about Facebook should consider a mathematical riddle that shows how growth stocks can get overvalued so easily.

Battle Over a Broker's Duty Reaches a Standstill

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

It may not be a household word, but the battle over your broker's "fiduciary" role has moved in a new direction—away, some say, from a lot of clients' best interests.

Signs of Hope for Stock Investors

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

Healthy retail sales, lower jobless claims and reduced interest in gold are among a handful of promising signals.

Feds Disclose New 401(k) Rules

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:29:00 EST

The Labor Department has issued long-awaited rules on the disclosure of fees that retirement-plan participants pay.

Refinancing: Is It Time to Act?

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:13:39 EST

Mortgage rates have been hovering at historic lows for months, but some homeowners are waiting for even better deals. That could be a mistake.

How to Play the Next American Oil Boom

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Energy profits are booming—and investors with an appetite for risk might want to drill deep into the sector to find smaller companies sitting on U.S. oil-shale riches.

Hovnanian Faces More Tough Times

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

The big home builder, with operations in 17 states, looks to be headed for a severe cash crunch.

An Unusual Fund Is No. 1 for 2011

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

Winners' Circle: The top stock fund in our quarterly contest is a Pimco fund whose equity holdings are mainly index derivatives and whose managers focus on picking fixed-income securities.

Pimco Remains King of Inflow

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:28:00 EST

Pacific Investment Management lured more cash than any of its rivals last year even as its flagship Total Return Fund, the world's biggest bond fund, suffered its first ever calendar-year net outflow.

How to Dodge Last-Minute Tax Traps

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

Racing to meet year-end deadlines for charitable and personal gifts and investment tax planning? Read this first.

How Much Is Facebook Worth?

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

How small investors can get exposure to the social-networking giant before its IPO.

You Don't Have to Be Rich to Build Wealth

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

You can get started with low-cost mutual funds that don't require huge initial investments either.

Will New Tools Help Small Shareholders Topple Giants?

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:01:00 EST

The unending struggle between the managers who control America's corporations and the investors who own them is about to become more interesting. It might even become a fairer fight.

A High-Rate Deadline Looms

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:01:00 EST

After Dec. 31, the Treasury Department is cutting in half the amount of inflation-adjusted savings bonds you can buy. Here's why you should act soon.