It’s been nearly 80 years since economists Benjamin Graham and David Dodd wrote their investing bible Security Analysis. Their book established a framework for value investors like Warren Buffett and David Dreman to make their fortunes. Graham and Dodd’s whole approach was based on one simple premise:… Read More

As impressive as the stock market looked when it is was rising ever higher in 2009 and 2010, recent trading action has been even more impressive. Sure, the S&P 500 has gone nowhere for the past six weeks, but it has hung in there despite a series of shocks that… Read More

With each passing week, there is a little more progress in Washington as a bi-partisan group of legislators seeks to find a middle ground solution to our fiscal morass. Just this week, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Peter Peterson, a retired billionaire who is spending a chunk of his fortune… Read More

The era of very low inflation seems to be coming to an end. Food prices started to perk up in 2010, oil prices are on the rise now and, before long, a wide range of companies may need to push up their prices to account for their own rising costs. This can end in one of two ways: with higher — but still manageable — inflation, or it could trigger a vicious cycle of rising inflation expectations that create even greater inflationary pressures. It’s not just about food, oil… Read More

The era of very low inflation seems to be coming to an end. Food prices started to perk up in 2010, oil prices are on the rise now and, before long, a wide range of companies may need to push up their prices to account for their own rising costs. This can end in one of two ways: with higher — but still manageable — inflation, or it could trigger a vicious cycle of rising inflation expectations that create even greater inflationary pressures. It’s not just about food, oil and other raw materials, either. There’s a also a macro-economic concern: if the United States starts to struggle to find buyers for its debt, it will need to offer far higher bond yields, the dollar would come under pressure and imports into the U.S. would be subject to major inflation pressures. Right now, this doomsday scenario is no sure thing. And it would take several years of pressure to really put inflation on the boil. But you need to start thinking about it now, gradually adjusting your investment exposure as any… Read More

I spent a number of years as a freelance writer. And I have to admit, there were some benefits in being my own boss. I definitely prefer a pair of jeans to a pair of pantyhose. Also, slipping out to the grocery store during the day cut… Read More

The acquisition of wealth is paramount to our financial futures. Most Americans have historically depended on home ownership for accumulation of wealth, the recent crisis notwithstanding. But most people don’t realize that there’s a better way. One of the greatest… Read More

My dad worked all the time when I was a kid. But early on Saturday mornings, he’d wake me while it was still dark and take me to the office with him. And about once a month, we’d slip away to the farm where he grew up… Read More

The stock market has seen plenty of ups and downs in the past 25 years. Through it all, hedge fund Baupost Group’s Seth Klarman has managed to stay on the right side of the ledger, racking up an average annual gain of about 20%. Read More

Working for StreetAuthority, I do a lot of different things. In the course of a day, I may be writing an article… discussing potential picks with our staff… researching the next investing hotspot… even going over Stock of the Month article ideas with my colleagues. Read More

I look forward to every earnings season. It’s a time when companies on my watch list may stumble, placing them squarely into value territory. As long as the long-term investment thesis is intact, you’ve got a rare chance to step in when shares are 20%, 30% or even… Read More