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WSJ.com: Investing

Investing

Activist Fights Draw More Attention

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 23:23:00 EDT

Once reviled on Wall Street, activists are attracting more big investors and growing interest from researchers, while bankers are jockeying for work defending companies against activist plays.

Lower Your Taxes on Social Security Benefits

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EDT

These steps can help reduce the tax bite on your Social Security benefits.

Samsonite Makes a Solid Case for China

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 07:42:00 EDT

Luggage maker Samsonite has a solid China growth story, but its U.S. sales are increasing too, proving there's more than one way to make a buck.

Oil & Gas Producers

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:54:00 EDT

The No. 1 analyst in the category: Craig Weiland of UBS Investment Research.

The Next Hot Emerging Market: the U.S.

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:25:00 EDT

U.S. manufacturing is becoming more competitive than you would think, and China's less, says the investing visionary who coined the term 'emerging markets.'

Planning the Next Phase

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:22:00 EDT

Fancy conferences that focus on retirement planning can help. One tip: Be selective.

Keep Your Portfolio Simple

Thu, 02 May 2013 11:48:00 EDT

Four ways to declutter your investments—while staying diversified.

Spotlight: Third Avenue Value

Sun, 05 May 2013 18:33:00 EDT

A year after Martin Whitman's departure, returns have improved but outflows continue.

Supreme Court Rejects Goldman Sachs Appeal on Mortgage-Backed Securities

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:24:00 EDT

The U.S. Supreme Court refuses to consider an appeal by subsidiaries of Goldman Sachs seeking to derail a class-action lawsuit alleging the company provided false and misleading information about mortgage-backed securities.

Is Apple a Growth Stock, a Value Play—Or Both?

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:02:00 EDT

Once upon a time, Apple stock was as exciting and dynamic as an iPhone. Not anymore.

Staples vs. Durables: What's the Difference?

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EDT

In Translation: Consumer-staples stocks tend to hold up well in tough times; durables tend to outperform when the economy is coming out of a recession.

Are Commodities a Buy?

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:32:00 EDT

Studies have found that over a period of a decade or more, adding a basket of commodities to an investment portfolio can reduce volatility and provide strong protection against inflation.

Financial Briefing Book: March 19

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:13:00 EDT

Financial Briefing Book: March 19

Gleacher Notes 'Serious Decline'

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:37:00 EDT

Gleacher disclosed in a securities filing that it had recently experienced "several adverse events" that resulted in a "serious decline" in its financial results.

What Kind of Investor Are You? Take This Quiz.

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 16:58:00 EDT

We're all subject to emotional and psychological pulls on our finances. Find out the real reasons you invest the way you do.

Is Bond Market This Easy to Beat?

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:29:00 EDT

The Intelligent Investor: How have active bond fund managers beaten their passive counterparts—and what risks are lurking for investors?

How a Pick for a Financial Adviser Can Go Wrong

Sun, 19 May 2013 16:00:00 EDT

New research shows why a mentor who's good for some could be bad for you.

Buying a Piece of Your Financial Adviser

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:46:00 EDT

The Intelligent Investor: A few investors have taken the bold step of investing directly in their adviser's firm. What could possibly go wrong?

In Translation: Fed Doves and Hawks

Sun, 05 May 2013 18:33:00 EDT

Policy makers' attitudes toward inflation determine the category into which they fall.

Industrial Transportation

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:54:00 EDT

The No. 1 analyst in the category: Jon Chappell of Evercore Partners.

Should You Keep Cash in Your Portfolio?

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:20:00 EDT

Besides keeping some in an emergency fund, should the average investor have an allocation to cash and cash equivalents in an investment portfolio? The Experts weigh in.

Bank of China Chief to Oversee Markets

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 05:48:00 EDT

China appointed Xiao Gang, a proponent of financial liberalization, as the new head of the country's top securities regulatory body.

Higher Yields in a Low-Interest World

Sat, 18 May 2013 20:33:00 EDT

To earn yields of 5% or more, investors are turning to more complex fare, such as high-yield corporate bonds, preferred stocks and real-estate investment trusts.

Western Union Could Be in the Money

Sat, 18 May 2013 20:34:00 EDT

Competition in the $466 million consumer money-transfer business is growing, and the industry giant cut prices last fall. The move appears to be paying off.

Great Gold Divide: Which Side Are You On?

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:43:00 EDT

Gold's selloff may have created an opportunity. Why some money managers argue you should have 5% of your portfolio in gold.

Companies Add to Lineups of 'Free' ETFs

Sun, 05 May 2013 18:33:00 EDT

Still, trading commissions are only one cost, so other funds may be more attractive on balance.

'Don't Just Spend It'—Smart Moves for Your Tax Refund

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 00:01:00 EDT

If you do get a check, what should you do with the money? Financial planners point out that many people treat the money as a windfall and spend it. But here are five ideas to make the most of your refund.

Why Italy Looks Cheap

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 15:28:00 EDT

Sure, Italy faces tough economic and political challenges—but its stocks might have fallen too far.

The Best Financial Advice for Young People

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:25:00 EDT

The Experts weigh in on their best tips for young people just starting to make money.

Funding a Family Member's IRA

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 00:01:00 EDT

Contributing to the individual retirement accounts of a spouse, child or grandchild before April 15 can help boost their retirement security and potentially lower your tax bill.

Atlas Air Shares Could Be Soaring

Sun, 12 May 2013 00:01:00 EDT

Changing hands recently at $43 and change, the shares could reach $60 as demand builds for its new fleet of fuel-efficient freighters.

Chiquita Brands—Stock With Appeal

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 00:01:00 EDT

The company is focusing on two core businesses—bananas and packaged salads—a change in strategy that could lift earnings and drive the shares 20% higher in the next year.

Broadcasting & Entertainment

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:54:00 EDT

The No. 1 analyst in category: John Hodulik of UBS Investment Research.

Developing a Taste for Darden Shares

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 00:01:00 EDT

The restaurant company is following a new operating recipe designed to reverse earnings declines. Some analysts say the stock could climb 35% over the next year or two.

Bond ETFs for Investors Worried About Rates

Sun, 05 May 2013 18:33:00 EDT

Blackrock's iShares unit adds more funds that feature a defined maturity.

SAC to Investors: Scrutiny Isn't Over

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:54:00 EDT

SAC President Tom Conheeney told investors that while the recent $616 million insider-trading settlement are "an important step forward," it doesn't mean "everything is cleared up."

Does a Big ETF Drive Gold's Price?

Sun, 05 May 2013 18:33:00 EDT

Some pros cite sales by SPDR Gold in the metal's 2013 decline.

How the Rich Play the Market

Fri, 10 May 2013 19:55:00 EDT

A new study looks at what the rich do with their portfolios. Here's what you can learn from how they make the most of their advantages—and how they mess up.

How Funds Massage Numbers, Legally

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 00:01:00 EDT

Most investors are familiar with the boilerplate disclaimer that past performance does not guarantee future results. Far fewer are aware of how past performance numbers themselves can be misleading.

Internet & Computer Services

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:54:00 EDT

The No. 1 analyst in the category: Jonathan Atkin of RBC Capital Markets.

'Lessons I Wish Mom Had Taught Me'

Sun, 12 May 2013 00:01:00 EDT

One mistake moms (and dads, too) sometimes make is failing to teach their children how to be smart about money. We talked to financial planners to find out one money lesson they didn't learn at home.

Pay Leaps for AOL's Armstrong

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:33:00 EDT

The compensation of AOL CEO Tim Armstrong nearly quadrupled in 2012 to $12.1 million from $3.2 million the year before, but was still short of the $15.2 million he made in 2012.

Blackstone and the 'Vampire Squid' Sell SeaWorld

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 00:01:00 EDT

Friday's opening IPO price of $27 a share valued SeaWorld at about $2.5 billion. The company has more than $1.8 billion in long-term debt. Or as it warned, "We are highly leveraged."

Jobs Report Slows the Raging Bulls

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 00:01:00 EDT

Even before the data were released, many investors who had ridden the rally were saying the market had risen too far, too fast and were bracing for a setback. This week's earnings bring more uncertainty.

U.S. Probes Microsoft Bribery Claims

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:15:00 EDT

Federal regulators are investigating Microsoft's relationship with business partners that allegedly bribed foreign officials in return for software contracts.

Lesson From Buffett: Doubt Yourself

Sun, 05 May 2013 19:11:00 EDT

There was no big news at Berkshire Hathaway's annual meeting but there was one big lesson: When things are right, listen to people who insist you are wrong.

Retirement Plans Need Dusting, Too

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 00:01:00 EDT

It's the perfect time to do some spring cleaning—of your retirement plan.

Can You Get a Refund From a Bad Hedge Fund?

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:08:00 EDT

If the person who sold you a losing investment wasn't properly registered, you might be able to get your money back. Here's how it works.

Big 401(k) Mistakes … and How You Can Avoid Them

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 20:18:00 EDT

Millions of Americans are counting on their 401(k) to fund their golden years. But financial advisers say some people may be making mistakes with their 401(k)s that could hurt them now and cost them precious income in retirement.

Are You Rich Enough for a Family Office?

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:02:00 EDT

A new wave of private firms that cater to clients' every imaginable financial need are increasingly courting the merely wealthy. Here's what they offer.

Here Comes the Slow-Stock Movement

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EDT

Some experts argue that investors deserve special privileges just for sticking around for years on end. Do they?

A New Era for Do-It-Yourself Investing

Sun, 05 May 2013 18:33:00 EDT

Many investors want to call the shots—while turning to tools and people for help as needed.

The Next James Dimon

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 22:30:00 EDT

With J.P. Morgan Chase CEO James Dimon's star on the wane, who will step up to the role of financial industry spokesman?

Some Insurers Turn Away Variable-Annuity Money

Sun, 05 May 2013 18:33:00 EDT

Some insurers are telling owners of annuities they can no longer add money to older contracts with the richest guarantees.

Meet Your Adviser. Just Not in Person.

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 16:58:00 EDT

More investors are parking their assets with online trading and mutual-fund companies, possibly taking some business away from brokerages and registered investment advisory firms, according to a survey.

Lifelines for Investors on Their Own

Sun, 12 May 2013 00:01:00 EDT

Brokers and on-load fund companies have been expanding their investment advisory services for 'mass affluent' investors.

Phillips 66 Signs Pacts for Shale Crude Oil

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:21:00 EDT

Enbridge Energy Partners, Targa Resources Partners and Magellan Midstream Partners will provide transportation services to bring an additional 100,000 barrels a day of domestically produced oil to Phillips 66's refineries.

Don't Pay High Fees for Index Funds

Fri, 03 May 2013 18:05:00 EDT

Some fund companies have found a way to keep their fees exorbitant. Here are the traps—and how to avoid them.

How to Save More For Retirement Without Trying

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 19:08:00 EDT

When people want to save but can't bring themselves to do it, their retirement funds need to do the saving for them. But designing 401(k) plans that can pull off this trick is harder than it sounds.

Wall Street for Dummies

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 21:43:00 EDT

Writing on the Wall: If you thought you knew Wall Street, well, think again. You don't. Wall Street continues to confound even the people who've worked in the industry for decades, writes David Weidner.

Social Security Solutions

Sun, 19 May 2013 16:00:00 EDT

Ask Encore: How to navigate spousal benefits, health coverage and Roth IRAs.

Managers Trek to Omaha in a Crush of Buffett Fans

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 19:18:00 EDT

Face time with Warren Buffett is harder to come by at Berkshire Hathaway's annual meeting, but investors still find inspiration and plenty of shopping.

Utilities

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:54:00 EDT

The No. 1 analyst in the category: Angie Storozynski of Macquarie Capital (USA).

How Investing Dimes Can Beat Dollars

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 00:01:00 EDT

Although history suggests you might do better diving into the market with a lump sum, dollar-cost averaging has a lot of appeal these days.

The Financial Benefits of Moving Back Home

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 00:01:00 EDT

College graduates can use a return to the family nest as an opportunity to focus on paying off debt and start a savings plan for both the short and long term.

Colleges Dangle Tuition Deals

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 23:04:00 EDT

Liberal-arts schools are adjusting their marketing to attract students with cash-back deals and free classes and semesters.

Cyprus Is Drowning in an EU Spoon

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 05:16:00 EDT

U.S. bank bailouts have been criticized or their excess, uneven distribution and preservation of a status quo that shortchanges the little guy in favor of "stability of the financial system." But to say the euro zone has bungled the crisis in Cyprus is an insult to bungling.

Investment Quiz That Could Steer You Wrong

Fri, 03 May 2013 18:13:00 EDT

Can you count on your financial adviser to tell you how much risk is right for you?

Promising New Funds From Old Hands

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EDT

These four mutual funds have beaten their peers in their short lifetimes and are run by pros with lots of experience.

Stock, Bond Markets Can't Both Be Right

Sat, 18 May 2013 20:34:00 EDT

The stock market is expecting a massive new economic boom while the bond market sees the economy remaining in a funk. They can't both be right, but they can be wrong, writes Brett Arends.

Has Cash Been Holding Your Stock Fund Back?

Sun, 05 May 2013 18:33:00 EDT

Cash can eat into returns when the market is rising, but it could be a big plus when stock prices sag.

S&P 500 Must Rally 25% to Hit High

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:16:00 EDT

Commentary: The next 10 years may disappoint.

The Cold Truth About Emotional Investing

Thu, 02 May 2013 15:58:00 EDT

New research shows that even the pros invest more from the heart than from logic.

Facebook Still Looks Overpriced

Sat, 18 May 2013 16:58:33 EDT

In order to support its current stock price, Facebook needs to grow a lot faster, according to a new analysis.

Darts Top Readers in Final Print Investment Dartboard Contest

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 00:01:00 EDT

Among the readers, Orange County Register reader Terry Applebaum won with his pick of Tesla Motors.

Retailers: Food & Drug

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:54:00 EDT

The No. 1 analyst in the category: Sean Naughton of Piper Jaffray.

Court Rejects Goldman Appeal on Mortgage Suit

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:12:00 EDT

The U.S. Supreme Court refused to consider an appeal by subsidiaries of Goldman Sachs that sought to derail a lawsuit alleging it provided false and misleading information about mortgage-backed securities.

Beware of Index Funds That Aren't

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 19:51:00 EDT

New kinds of index funds are far from passive, and charge fees several times those of traditional index funds.

A 401(k) Defense Against Rising Rates

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 09:46:00 EDT

'Stable value' accounts are likely to fare better than bond funds when interest rates head up again.

Blended Funds Keep You Steady

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 00:01:00 EDT

Investors in so-called asset-allocation funds have less impulse to jump in and out of the market.

Advising the Young: Good for Them–and the Advisers

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 16:58:00 EDT

Many advisers overlook young investors. They are making a big mistake, says financial adviser Rich Hilow.

Telecommunications Equipment

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:54:00 EDT

The No. 1 analyst in the category: James Moorman of S&P Capital IQ.

Sell Some Stock If Retirement Is Near

Mon, 06 May 2013 13:01:00 EDT

Mixing It Up: With stock indexes strong, investors should sell some winners to build cash, this adviser says.

J.P. Morgan, Trustee for MF Global Reach Pact

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 23:03:00 EDT

J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. has reached a settlement that will return an estimated $546 million to MF Global Holdings Ltd. customers, likely bringing an end to a major chapter in customers' effort to recover money from the securities firm's 2011 collapse.

Debbie Downers on Wall Street

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 20:48:00 EDT

Writing on the Wall: Whatever happened to the Debbie Downer character on "Saturday Night Live"? Apparently, Debbie left the show and joined a bank. How else to explain the sad-sack tone from the leaders of the four biggest U.S. banking companies after earnings announcements.

Protecting Your Portfolio From a Downturn

Sat, 11 May 2013 15:14:21 EDT

Funds that perform well during bear markets—but not necessarily bull markets—also do better in the future, new research shows.

Investors Play Defense With 'Boring' Bull-Market Leaders

Sun, 05 May 2013 00:01:00 EDT

The big winners this year are so-called defensive stocks—household name blue chips that tend to have steady earnings in almost any kind of economy.

How an Upstart Fund Beat Its Daddy

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:06:00 EDT

Pimco's Total Return ETF, just over one year old, has creamed the firm's older and much bigger Total Return mutual fund—even though both funds ostensibly follow the same strategy.

Structured Products Are More Available, but Awfully Confusing

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 16:58:00 EDT

Investors may find it hard to understand the risks in these complex investments.

Pay Off That Mortgage Now!

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:23:00 EDT

Repaying a mortgage early offers, in essence, a risk-free return in the form of the interest saved.

Are Your Assets Safe—No Matter What?

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:54:00 EDT

Investors have always assumed that stocks and funds held at a 'custodial' institution are protected—even if it goes bust. New research is challenging that assumption.

Calling All Hedge-Fund Investors!

Fri, 10 May 2013 23:39:30 EDT

Hedge funds will soon be able to advertise directly to individual investors. Here's what to expect.

Family's Stake in Times Co. Falls

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:24:00 EDT

The Ochs-Sulzberger family's total shareholding in New York Times Co. fell to 13% in 2012 from 15% the year before.

The Secret Behind Morningstar's Success

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:54:00 EDT

Morningstar Inc. had more first-place analysts than any other firm.

Will Interest Rates Ever Rise?

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:21:00 EDT

In anticipation of rising rates, investors are piling money into short-term-bond mutual funds and ETFs. But they might be taking on other, more worrisome, risks.

Target-Date Funds Post Strong Gains, But

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 00:01:00 EDT

S&P's gains boosted three-year track records of target-date funds for retirement. But the next stock-market setback is likely to knock those records down again.

Citi Settles Case for $730 Million

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 22:47:00 EDT

Citigroup agreed to pay $730 million to settle claims that it misled investors in more than four dozen bond and preferred-stock offerings over more than two years.

Stuffed on Food Stocks? Try the Alternatives.

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 00:01:00 EDT

Food companies are slow growers, yet the group now trades at an average of 19 times current-year earnings forecasts. That's more expensive than Google

Credit Unions Step Up College Lending

Sat, 18 May 2013 20:34:00 EDT

Student loans from credit unions can be among the least-expensive options. But interest rates vary substantially, from around 2.75% to 9.3%.

Lessons Investors Can Learn from Warren Buffett

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 16:02:00 EDT

The Experts—an exclusive group of industry and thought leaders—discuss the lessons to be learned from the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway.

Funds to Fine-Tune Technology Exposure

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:41:00 EDT

These four ETFs and funds focus on areas of tech and communications where analysts see rapid growth.