Demand for high-yielders of quality has been heady since the markets started rallying in March 2009. That’s what spurred the Income Portfolio to a 19.2 percent return last year. Read More

There’s also speculation that the Fed’s withdrawal from the mortgage market is likely to be short-lived. Many still believe that real estate prices have further to fall and will continue to require support. Read More

After 13 months of declines, China’s exports grew 18 percent in December 2009, an encouraging sign for the rest of the world. Read More

Many investors regard small-cap stocks as highly volatile growth plays, but this broad category is far more variegated than this stereotype would suggest. Read More

Utilities stocks lagged the market last year but the sector’s defensive characteristics limited losses at the height of the economic crisis. Operating a recession-proof business, electric utilities weathered the storm with relative ease, as many power companies already had reduced debts and operating risks. Read More

The debate over the US health care system will soon be over. Taking its place will be, among other issues, the matter of the so-called Bush Tax Cuts and their expiration. Read More

US stocks dropped sharply as President Obama proposed plans to limit risky activity on Wall Street. Read More

US stocks fell sharply on mixed bank earnings and healthcare uncertainity. Read More

US stocks gained, pushed up by health care firms as investors bet Republicans could halt reform plans. Read More

The lack of consumer lending has as much to do with consumers’ newfound thrift as it does with bank’s unwillingness to lend money. Bankers might make a convenient scapegoat for politicians looking for someone to blame for the tepid economic recovery, but major economic upheavals have historically left lasting scars on consumers’ psyches. Read More