First it was the "BRICs." Now it's the "CIVETS." In fact, the CIVETS are the "new" BRICs: Expect some of the CIVETS economies (Colombia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, Turkey and South Africa) to be among the world's hottest markets in the decade to come. They have the potential to generate the same kind of windfall wealth as the BRIC markets of Brazil, Russia, India and China did over the last 10 years - but only if you pick the right markets at the right time. So let's figure that out right now. Email this Print...

For decades, investors with an interest in Latin America were essentially limited to two choices: Invest in countries that were moderately badly run; or invest in countries that were truly dreadfully run. Most recently, it's been the "dreadfully run" group that seems to be attracting new members: Bolivia, Ecuador and Nicaragua have subscribed to the economic and political doctrines of Hugo Chavez's Venezuela. However, two elections this year have created a new category of Latin American country - the "truly well run" class - and installed the first two members: Chile and Colombia. As investors, we should rejoice, make them part of our portfolio, and keep an eagle eye out for other countries that may join this promising new category - the "good guys."...

Occidental Petroleum (NYSE: OXY): The Industry-Changing Oil And Gas Company You Haven’t Heard Of by Tony Daltorio, Investment U Research Monday, January 18, 2010 While the financial world gushes about oil and gas on practically a daily basis, it seems to have completely forgotten about California-based Occidental Petroleum (NYSE: OXY), despite how the company made the biggest oil find in California in 35 years last July. Then again, Occidental kept most of the details to itself, saying only that it had discovered 150 – 250 million gross barrels of oil equivalent reserves in Kern County, California. It wouldn’t even specify the techniques it used. Despite its puzzling shyness on the subject, this quiet company might hold more significance than outsiders know. Some analysts believe the field might hold between 1 – 2 billion barrels of oil equivalent… and that Occidental could usher in the start ...