gold
7 Alternatives to Investing in the Stock Market
The stock market is a great investment if you have a long time horizon. But should you stick with stocks once you retire? Most financial advisers recommend cutting back on equities as you get older -- but that money has to go somewhere productive. Here are seven investment alternatives.
Stocks Sink After Republicans Cancel Budget Vote
Stocks fell sharply after House Republicans called off a vote on tax rates and left federal budget talks in disarray 10 days before sweeping tax increases and government spending cuts take effect.
529 College Savings Plans: The Good, the Bad and the Unranked
Morningstar has published its annual analysis of America's best and worst 529 college savings plans, and while there are good options out there, a lot depends on where you live. If you have kids -- and higher-education-related hopes for them -- here's what you need to know.
Gold Tops the List of the Fourth Quarter's Likely Winners
Most commodities rallied in the third quarter, but can they hold on to their advance? Read on, and find out which ones still have legs to dance their way higher, and which are poised to take a tumble. The short answer to that from analysts is that gold and oil are likely to advance, while grains and sugar are among those that probably won't, but there will be a lot of different factors to consider.
What a Return to the Gold Standard Would Mean for You
This week, the GOP is considering a bold plan to transform the U.S. economy: a return to the gold standard. Most economists are highly skeptical about what it would do to the economy. But how it would impact the average taxpayer? Here's a look at what it means -- and how it would affect you.
Forget Gold: Titanium Will Be the Metal With the Midas Touch
Gold has long been viewed as a safe play for troubled times, but it's looking somewhat tarnished as an investment lately, as are most metals. But one incredibly useful element has the potential to buck that trend: titanium.
Investing Error: Don't Use Stocks as an Inflation Hedge
You%u2019ve heard it so often you can probably repeat it in your sleep: Equities are the best protection against inflation. But academic research establishes clearly that it just isn't so: Stocks aren't a good hedge against inflation at all, particularly high inflation.
Why More People May Sell Their Gold for Cash
More people have been selling their gold jewelry in the past year, many to cover expenses, others to just to take advantage of record high prices. Prices have dipped a bit from their recent highs, but expect more people to sell in the months ahead, and expect the prices to rise again.
How to Protect Yourself From Investing Scams
On the one hand, the volatile stock market has some investors looking for "safety." On the other, stock market losses have led some to desperately seek fat returns elsewhere. Either way, you could wind up in trouble, because scam artists are ready to prey on the desires of both.
Get Cash for Your Gold Without Being Cheated
Gold prices are up again, and floating near an all-time high: That means bad news for the overall economy, but good news if you have unwanted jewelry and want to cash in. But be careful: It's also a good time to get cheated. DailyFinance explains how to get the best price for your gold.
10 Smart Places to Invest In Case the U.S. Defaults
The odds that the U.S. will default on its debt increase each day, and even if a short-term deal is reached, the ratings agencies may downgrade U.S. debt anyway. If that happens, turmoil could roil the markets. So where can the smart money flee for safety? 24/7 Wall St. offers 10 safe options.
Buying Bullion: Are Gold Coins Worth the Money?
With gold trading at around $1,600 an ounce, this most precious of metals seems to many like a smart investment. And if you have a television, you've doubtless seen ads encouraging you to buy physical gold. But think twice: Owning bullion can be more trouble than it's worth, and alternatives exist.
The Financial Landscape: Dollar Losing Favor, Economy Losing Steam
The long term isn't looking good for the greenback: Central bank managers don't see it keeping its status as the world's reserve currency. The short term's not looking so hot for the U.S. economy either: Housing prices are down another 4% year over year, and confidence is falling.