Trading foreign currencies is a smart option for investors looking to diversify -- and one that not many years ago, was restricted to big money investors. Now, it's available to the general public -- with a social networking twist.
If you think a stock will fall, you can still profit on it -- by shorting it: Just sell shares you've "borrowed," then buy them later, ideally at a lower price. But it can be risky. Here are 5 companies you might be tempted to bet that way against -- and shouldn't.
With analysts expecting the stock market to rally, investors are feeling bullish. But are they too bullish? High investor confidence has often signaled a market turn for the worse in the past. Other indicators also show cause for caution.
If you're tired of watching your stocks go up and down without making any firm gains, consider a contrarian investment strategy. It's riskier, but the payoff can be big. Contrarian fund manager Don Hodges offers three stock picks for 2011.