It’s a popular notion when the financial winds are blowing unfavorably: Money is being printed uncontrollably … inflation is the only option … fiat currencies are doomed. The thing is, if you’re buying into this idea, you’re mostly perpetuating a misconception. Actually, inflation isn’t as simple and certain as it’s cracked up to be. Until the global economy recently got tossed on its rear end, prices were rising in most every part of the world. The focus, of course, was on the cost of energy, food and various other raw materials. Central banks in a position to stand firm on monetary policy did so at all costs. Inflation was the real threat. But did that idea get turned around in the blink of an eye or what? Prices for natural resources have ...

The credit virus just keeps spreading, and with each new outbreak of disease, various government agencies are forced to respond. The government is now talking about allowing insurance companies to get their hands on billions in bailout money. Here's an excerpt from the Washington Post:"The Treasury Department is working on ways to broaden its $700 billion bank rescue program to help insurance companies that are a critical backstop to a wide range of deals, bond issues and leasing arrangements, sources familiar with the matter said."Treasury is worried that insurance companies, many of which report earnings next week, could face similar fates as American International Group as the credit crisis worsens, triggering a new wave of problems for the financial markets. AIG nearly collapsed last month when it was overwhelmed by losses from real estate investments and derivatives, requiring massive government loans of more than $123

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If you had all the money in the world, where would you invest it?

For sovereign wealth funds (SWFs), the answer is commercial real estate. These mega funds are homing in on the sector right now, according to emerging markets expert Irwin Greenstein.

We keep hearing about the real-estate meltdown. But as of the end of September, REITs have been up about 2% for the year -- a far cry from the wreckage of other markets.

First, the good news: From June 2007 through September 2008 (i.e., during the credit crisis) Income CEF payouts per share were virtually unchanged. From June 2008 through September 2008, payouts rose slightly— 29 funds raised their payouts and 17 lowered them. Your portfolio spending money should be higher than it was a year ago.

Brokerage firm monthly statements are designed to promote either fear or greed, depending on the current market environment. Nowhere on your statement can you find numbers that report your net investment, your total working capital, or your true asset allocation. Current and projected income numbers are given little attention, and monthly withdrawals are treated like losses of principal.

Income portfolios are reported upon using the same format as growth portfolios, and too much analysis is required to determine if the income production is either safe or adequate …

Yes, to the tune of 6.1%. How do McCain and Obama react? Real Clear Politics reports that both wasted no time in “blasting out statements.” Here’s a taste, but read the whole article. Obama: …Today’s jobs report is a reminder of what’s at stake in this election ‘ John McCain showed last night that he is intent on continuing the economic policies that just this year have caused the American economy to lose 605,000 jobs…. McCain: …I promised last night, I will fight for those that lost their jobs, savings, and real estate investments. Some Americans have been left behind in the changing economy, and it often seems your government hasn’t even noticed… When our economy is hurting, the last thing we should do is raise taxes as Barack Obama plans to do and has done…

In the natural resources exploration and development game, the process of discovering natural resources usually requires long months of exploration and development. Exploration tracts are generally large and picked over, dictating months of research and application of new technology to find positive results. Every once in a while, however, a company hits pay dirt on its first effort. If an investor pays close attention to the natural resources market, they may come across a company that has gotten lucky with a quick and profitable find.

Emvelco Inc., a recently formed (2008) oil and gas company, works to explore and exploit gas and oil deposits primarily in West Texas. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Davy Crockett Gas Company, the company has had tremendous success with its first gas well (in a joint venture with Vortex Ocean One.) In addition to its gas activities, the company also owns and manages real estate

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Lifestyle International Holdings Ltd. has published its 2008 interim report, which says that by June 30, 2008, the company had realized net profits of HKD606 million, a year-on-year increase of 41.9%. The growth of the company's profit was attributed to the increase of its same-store sales and its real estate investments in mainland China, which brought [...]

Real estate investing is not nearly as complicated, financially burdensome, or time consuming as you might think. In fact, Its easy to add raw land, shopping centers, apartment complexes, and private homes to your portfolio without brokers, bankers, attorneys, and handymen on your payroll. Even better, the zero overhead approach allows you to blend your real estate investments into your securities portfolio for ease of management, income monitoring, diversification, and analysis.

I know you think that the entire real estate market is in a shambles, and that it is far too dangerous to get involved now, what with all the nasty uncertainty that has decimated property values. But where did the real damage take place, and why? Without having mega millions to work with, or a line of credit that goes around the block, you can have positions in various forms of Real

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