Safe Haven

While the overall stock market has plunged, IBM has remained flat. What's its secret to stability? We take a look under the hood to figure out what makes it a safe-haven stock -- and what elements investors should look for as they seek out others.

It looks like Apple stock is one of the places skittish investors are moving money ahead of a potential U.S. debt default -- at least based on its share price. Apple's shares have risen 2% in the last week as the S&P has lost nearly 3% of its value.

Thanks to the Greek debt crisis and other economic shocks, investors have been rushing into gold all year. Is this just a herd mentality at work, or is it a wise assessment of the economic road that lies ahead?

The weakening stock market has investors fleeing for safe havens, like bonds. But some companies have a lot of cash, high operating margins and stocks with high yields -- far better ones than most bonds currently.

Investors spooked by deflation and a possible double dip could be adding much more risk in buying Treasurys at current prices than they realize. And some shrewd investors have been exiting Treasurys.

With fear about the future and mistrust of government on the rise, more investors are buying gold. But they should tread with caution: Gold bugs pitch the precious metal as a safe economic hedge, but the sellers' shenanigans could cost you a bundle.