In the long run, the changes being demanded in the Mideast may prove to be a cornerstone of further global economic growth and political stability. More immediately, though, the uprisings are likely to create exactly the type of uncertainty that investors dread.
There's a frenzy of stock buying going on now, because no one wants to be left out of the stock market recovery. But all those who are betting on short-term gains are engaged in what I call "wrong ball investing." Here's how to keep your eye on the right ball.
The climbing yield on the 10-year Treasury note -- now 3.70%, a nine-month high -- can mean bad things for economic growth and stock prices. But not yet, if market guru Jeffrey Kleintop is right. He says the 10-year Treasury needs to be higher than 5% before it hurts stocks.
U.S. equities have piled on way-above-average returns in the last five months. But what can investors expect over the next few years? The charts show some patterns, and they hint that returns could revert to a longer-term, lower average -- but what might that be?
U.S. companies added $26.5 billion to dividend payments in 2010 -- a far cry from 2009's $42.4 billion decline -- and analysts predict an even better year for dividends in 2011, a windfall to investors that could lift equity markets higher.
Now, even over-the-top bears like bond giant Pimco are doing a bullish about-face, and that makes it tougher for fund managers to keep avoiding the stock market. If they start returning to a historical stock allocation, that could further boost equity prices.
The biggest question many investors have about President Obama's compromise tax cut deal is how it will benefit the economy. But so far, there is little agreement on Wall Street about what the stimulative effects of the deal will be.
Companies have record amounts of cash to spend: $1.9 trillion. How can they put it to the best use to keep stock markets booming?
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.
As 2010 draws to a close, it looks like 2011 is likely to be another wild year for the stock market. Fear not: Here are some tips from T. Rowe Price portfolio managers on how careful investors can take advantage of drops and rebounds in the coming year.
Stocks don't move in a straight line, and a relatively light week of earnings reports and economic data should give the market a much-needed break after the major indexes have run up to two-year highs. But long-term, the direction still looks upward [VIDEO].
The far-sighted ones are looking beyond the election and Fed and seeing a robust global manufacturing rebound and impressive corporate earnings. These strong fundamentals are finally overcoming risk aversion -- and could set the stage for an equity rally.
The six-week rally will be tested in the next few days by the much-anticipated midterm election and the Fed policy statement. And if that weren't enough to make things interesting on Tuesday and Wednesday, October's jobs report is slated for Friday.
Solid quarterly earnings and anticipation of more stimulus from the Fed have helped lift the Dow by 400 points over the past two weeks. However, another boost is coming from individuals who've begun moving money from bonds to equities.
Stocks kicked off the final quarter of the year with moderate gains Friday as more encouraging data on consumer spending, consumer sentiment and auto sales were partly offset by a slowdown in manufacturing activity.