Utility stocks and ETFs are boring, no doubt about that. But as is usually the case, the yields typically are above those of most other companies. Other income-oriented ETFs offer even higher yields, but utility ETFs make up for that with low levels of relative risk (Betas). The Utility SPDR Select ETF (XLU) checks all

The late Dr. Martin Zweig, my former boss and mentor with whom I worked with for nearly 20 years, is largely credited for coining the phrase “Don’t fight the Fed.”  In his 1970 book Winning on Wall Street he talks about the importance of monetary policy to stock market returns, particularly the trend in interest

The investment management industry is on a constant lookout for signals regarding the direction of the market. Signals and screening for them is a constant endeavour and it has its benefits and pitfalls. Signals are best when you have an edge, or at least a perceived edge. Screening is as good as the criteria you

As interest rates remain mired at generational lows, it’s more challenging than ever for those who need income to find it without taking undue risk. There will be many occasions when the market appears to be offering a “free lunch,” high yield without high risk. Closer examination will reveal many of these situations to be

It’s a market of stocks. This is important to keep in mind in a world where everyone seems to be laser focused on the main market averages. How many times over the past few weeks have we heard about the 2,000+ point plus moves in the Dow (I won’t get started on quoting the Dow

Way back in the 1990s, when the “buy and hold” crowd was beginning to accumulate evidence that the most successful investors effectively buy stocks and head to the beach, the idea of “if you missed the 10 best days” in the market started gaining traction in marketing materials.  What it amounts to is that, depending