Click here to answer now!
Dear Investor,
It may be the single most important question you’ll ever answer as an investor: How do YOU know which asset classes are most likely to generate the greatest profits in the months ahead?
How do you decide what percentage of your money should be invested in domestic and foreign stocks?
In gold bullion and other precious metals?
In energy and other natural resources?
In foreign currencies?
In bonds?
Get this one question right and you’ll have an “unfair” advantage over nearly every investor on Wall Street. You will have taken a huge step towards making 2010 a banner year — perhaps one of your best ever.
Look: Everybody knows that a rising tide lifts all boats. Just keep your money in the strongest asset classes and you’ll have a huge tailwind all year long. Even if the individual stocks, bonds and funds you buy within each investment area aren’t home runs, you’re still likely to come out smelling like a rose.
Plus, if you diversify your money across the assets that are most likely to rank #1, #2 and #3 in performance this year, you can invest more in the most promising asset classes, progressively less in the others, for the likelihood of even better overall results.
In short, you can build an intelligently diversified portfolio that helps protect you against losses and also gives you world-beating profit potential.
Please do NOT underestimate the importance of getting this right. If you get it wrong — if you have too much money in the wrong asset class — you’ll be bucking mighty headwinds all year long. Any gains you make in one area could easily be wiped out by losers in another. Worse, if you get stuck with too much money in an asset class that crashes, you could lose 30% to 50% of your money or even more.
So today, I need to know how we can better help you build a truly diversified portfolio that focuses your money on the types of investments most likely to soar in the months ahead.
Just click here and leave a comment to give me your answers to these two, crucial questions:
Question #1: How are YOU deciding whether you’ll invest in (1) domestic and foreign stocks, (2) gold bullion and other precious metals, (3) energy and natural resources, (4) foreign currencies and/or (5) bonds in 2010?
Question #2: How do you know how much of your money to invest in each area?
In the next few days, I’ll check back here frequently and give you my feedback. Then, next week, I’ll send you a follow-up email with my own thoughts on how to build the optimal portfolio for the year ahead.
Good luck and God bless!
Martin
{ 865 comments… read them below or add one }
How much should be put in gold and sliver. Have we seen the peek in gold and sliver prices
As a long time retiree it seems prudent to invest 50% of my funds in Canadian Royalty Trusts, 20% in gold shares, and 30% in the money markets you recommend in your Safe Money Report. Hope you will tell us when to completely divest ourselves from dollar denominated assets. Thank you so much for your help.
I follow general advice for diversification and rebalance annually. I am 59 and retired.
Hi Martin, I have a simple strategy this year mainly thanks to all the inputs and content that I have been reading from you and the team:
1. To you first question and perhaps in reverse order I am completely out of bonds (including the short tenor ones!). All investments this year are earmarked for a) precious metals b) Stocks of Oil producers and c) Agri commodities and producers like Coffee/Sugar
2. I am all in and equally diversified with all 3 above at 33% each.
Wish me luck!
Martin Weiss Reply:
January 14th, 2010 at 10:25 AM
Thank you for your comments, Sandeep. I hope you did not misunderstand my first Money and Markets of the year, “Advance Warning: Danger of bond market collapse!” I was referring strictly to the dangers in long-term Treasuries — not shorter term Treasury bills or notes, and I have since updated the article to clarify. I believe you should continue to have a substantial stash of cash, and the most liquid, highest rated vehicle is still short-term Treasuries or equivalent.
Right now, unless you have a very high tolerance for risk, you may be (a) too heavily invested (b) too concentrated in stocks and (c) too focused on the precious metals and natural resource sectors. You could do very well for a while. But then, if there is a significant setback in resources, you could be very disappointed. I can’t advise you personally. But in general, I feel a portfolio like yours often needs more diversification, more cash, and less risk.
— Martin
Question #1: How are YOU deciding whether you’ll invest in (1) domestic and foreign stocks, **NOPE, NOT NOW!
(2) gold bullion and other precious metals, ** INSTINCT TELLS ME TO LOAD-UP ON CORRECTIONS.
(3) energy and natural resources, ** WHEN OIL DIPS BELOW $60bbl.
(4) foreign currencies and/or (5) bonds in 2010? ** FOREIGN CURRENCIES ONLY IN STABLE COUNTRIES (SWISS) & NO BONDS IN 2010 OR UNTIL WE KNOW IF THE CHARADE IS OVER WITH STIMULUS #2 & #3.
Question #2: How do you know how much of your money to invest in each area? ** INSTINCT NOT TO EXCEED 50% IN ANY ONE AREA.
I would place 25% into gold bullion and other precious metals..
I would place 22.6 domestic and foreign stocks
I would place 22.6 energy and natural resources
I would place 22.6 foreign currencies
Last, 7% allocation for bonds in 2010.
(I don’t necessarily agree with a 1,2,3 strategy here, however, #1 being gold bullion and other precious metals… That being said, I have more confidence in stock, energy & natural resources over any of the foreign currencies with bonds last.) Lee
Martin Weiss Reply:
January 14th, 2010 at 10:26 AM
Lee, I think your approach makes a lot of sense for a couple of reasons: First, your first item is in bullion not stocks. (Mining stocks could be included in item #3). Second, you have money in ALL five of the asset classes. Between those two differences, your scheme is more broadly diversified than most investor portfolios.
Would your 7 percent in bonds be short term or long term? As you can see from my response to Sandeep, that’s a critical issue for bonds, and I’m sorry if I was not more specific about it in my blog post. Perhaps in a future blog, we can focus on that question a bit more.
— Martin
I do my own recearch and follow various financial advice publications
Asset allocation is always difficult. However, I try to stay abreast of as many factors affecting economies and currencies around the world. Such as, production, scarcity, inflation, government policies; government, business and consumer debt; consumer spending, consumer confidence, investor sentiment, money supply, cash chasing investments, and numurous trends around the world. Naturally there are a multitude of different opinions on both sides of every issue and one needs to distill those opinions down to a practical point of view based upon pragmatic, unemotional analysis. This is why your teams analysis of why you recommend a certain investment or asset allocation is more valuable to me than a specific investment recommendation. As you point out above, if one is in the right asset class, one can do very well. If one is in the right asset class plus the right specific investment within that class, one can do very well. My goal is to do well!
Sorry for not answering your question specifically! The reason I didn’t is due to the volumn of information I consider and therefore would take too long.
I follow your recomendations on the monthly Newsletter.
I currently depend on the advice of two separate investment advisors, The Weiss Group and Wells Fargo Securities.
1). Larry Edelson for the next year
2). Need a better sell determination. Flash alert, telephone alert, etc. and target price.
Will there a deflationary preamble to the hyperinflationary scenario that seems to be baked into the cake now? Precter (“Elliotwavw”) and others reason that there is a deflationary preamble to be seen (an “all the markets the same” scenario) as the postponed deleveraging activity comes in a rush. Why do you think that will not happen?
Thanks
Dear Martin,
Thank you so much for asking.
I like keeping things simple in life, and to me understandable.
First, I am totally debtfree, so is my only son and his lovely family, due to me.
We own our homes, all paid with minimum cost in up-keep, spick and span always, though.
When it comes to investing, natural resources including gold are the things we go for since a couple of years, along with BRIC-country investing. On top of it I own substantal holdings in first-class certified teak-plantations.
We also sit on substantial cash in SEK and €.
Do not intend changing anthing, just go along, investing due to this formula, always.
I have been reading your and your associates´ advice now for years, the best there is anywhere, Sir.
Wish you the very best of luck,
Christian
//Christian Samander
It’s simple. The more money the U.S. government prints the more I will invest overseas and the more I will look at comidities.
Question #1: How are YOU deciding whether you’ll invest in (1) domestic and foreign stocks, (2) gold bullion and other precious metals, (3) energy and natural resources, (4) foreign currencies and/or (5) bonds in 2010?
Through regular consultation with my Euro Pacific Capital account manager.
Question #2: How do you know how much of your money to invest in each area?
Based on fundamental analysis of the strength/weakness of the U. S. economy relative to those of other countries and the resulting increases/decreases in the value of different securities and commodities as measured in ounces of gold.
currently-20% in precious metals–10% in currencies (options) against the $$–3o% foreign stocks–40% in foreign banks–norway, australia, brazil, panama, & nz
#1 I don’t know how so I read the indexes and trends for the year and try to make intelligent decisions based on that.
#2 I am not a great risk taker so only 30% of portfolio is in S & I funding and 10% in capital stocks. The rest is in bonds.
Dear Dr. Weiss,
Thanks for the opportunity to interact.
I ran an executive resume service in the Pentagon for 13+ years but I don’t pretend to know how to manage the money I’ve earned. I think the financial superstructure has become so complex and veiled that, other than some essential truths, it’s gotten harder and harder for an “amateur” to truly know what to do. That’s why my wife and I subscribed to your Contrarian portfolio. So my answer to your two questions, without being facetious, is that I depend a great deal on the advice you provide. I find it sensible, sane, and usable. Thank you for it.
Gabe Heilig
I don’t know….I’m only guessing and guessing very unsystematically.
#1. I took advantage of your elite service offer in December hoping that your service would help answer this question.
#2 I am not sure how to allocate investment funds.
I have heard that in metals around 10% of portfolio
I will invest in any or all of them if and only if my technical analysis gives me a buy signal. It doesn’t matter at all what sector they are in. Also I will sell any when my technical analysis says to sell.
I will invest 5% of my total investment cash reserve on each trade giving me at maximum of 20 active trades.
I have no mortgage or other debts. I am keeping 25 % of my capital in cash. I have a small investment in a pharmaceutical firm. I have about 5 % of my assets in ETF puts. I have put the rest of my capital into energy stocks, mostly oil and natural gas, but also geothermal energy and uranium mining. I see no merit in putting money into precious metals since they are notoriously volatile. Energy is much more stable at this time. It also seems underpriced, particularly if inflation heats up.
1/Already invested in physical Gold bullion 3 years ago with 100% return so far and not selling.
2/ Stocks will only be in the Vital “ie: what you can not do without” very soon.Water and Food and energy….
what I do or how i go about investing money is the following . One for every year of your age I invest 1% of assets in Fixed Income . Right now thats ONLY T_BILLS and not over i year in duration . So if i,m 55 years of age then 55 % of my assets are in the above . Next I put 10 15 % in Gold and some other commodities like energy ,silver cooper etc . Next 10 to 15% in Emerging Markets most notably Asia .. and finally 10 to 15% of Assets in selected Companies that have GLOBAL Exposure and pay Higher Dividend yields .Compaines that increase there payouts have great brand recogntion and good balance sheets .Examples Verizon ,Mcdonalds etc .Last but not least I use RE-Balancing and Stop Loss Orders to help manage risks . In 2008 I was down only 8% vs the benchmark -45% and for 2009 I was positive plus 14% . So i,m satisfied and will see what 2010 brings
Hello Martin.
My name is Desiel Vin Pham. Depend on your 2 questions which gave me a lots of thought. In my point of views, i will invest:
30% of my money in energy and natural resources
25% of my money in domestic and foreign stocks
25%of my money in gold bullion and other precious metals
10% in bonds
10% in foreign currencies
Your sincerely
Desiel Vin Pham
I am deeply impressed with your basic approach and analysis (as described in your book in 2009). Currently I am invested in gold via an ETF (PHAU) and intending to icrease my holdings in this and also bullion (via BullionVault in England) to about 5% of the capital I want to invest. I expect to invest in Natural resources to the same extent but I am waiting for the expected downturn in the stock market. Money Week in England advised a downturn was imminent in September 2009 and I invested 5% of my capital in VXX but as you know this was too early (I am holding on for the downturn!). Most of my capital is in cash-as much as possible in National bonds (not tradable gilts).
I am mostly invested in foreign mutual funds or etf’s, precious metals (gold & silver) and energy mutual funds and energy stocks. Also have a couple stocks which are doing OK.
Heaviest investments foreign, then precious metals, then energy, then stocks. Am not invested in currency or bonds. Do not know how much to invest in each. Just decidine with my advisor on what to do.
Preciouws metals and oil.
Martin,
My portfolio consists of gold and silver ETF’s, gold mining stocks, dividend paying stocks, foriegn denominated stocks, bond funds and ETF’s, and emerging market ETF’s and bond funds. I think I am in the right asset classes, but I’m not sure what the optimal mix should be.
WJW
My selection is based upon what I perceive as the trends to profitability. Currently that means a portion (8-10%) is in gold and silver. Another 40% is in ETF’s that focus on foreign investments. Approximately 35% is invested in bonds (short term corporate, TIPS, and a small portion to foreign TIPS). The remaider is invested in Healthcare related ETF’s and individual companies.
I use Weiss Research and Uncommon Wisdom as one source for which classes and timing, as well as other sources.
I use most types, except Bonds and Currencies as investment vehicles.
No particular apportionment for dollar size.
Question #1:
1. I receive most of my best recommendations on domestic and foreign stocks from Claus Vogt and Larry Edelson. I have also made some trades based upon Toni Sagami’s recommendations.
2. Larry has so far been my key resource with respect to Gold and other precious metals.
3. Claus and Larry provide me with most of my recommendations on energy and other natural resources.
4 and 5. I am currently not investing in foreigh currencies and bonds.
Question #2:
Percentages of my portfolio are in part based upon the Contrarian Portfolio and also Larry’s recommendations. I have a few other investments that I had independently investigated prior to subscribing to Weiss.
Martin Weiss Reply:
January 14th, 2010 at 10:29 AM
I’m very glad to hear you are taking good advantage of my and Larry’s teams’ recommendations!
Just to clarify, my team includes Claus and the other Money and Markets editors. Larry’s team is the Uncommon Wisdom editors, including Tony, Sean and Larry himself, of course. We share a similar world view. But needless to say, each team member is an independent thinker and analyst. We don’t tell them what to think. We expect — and welcome — differences of opinion.
Last year, we got many requests from subscribers to provide a master
trader — someone who could review and absorb all the inputs from our analysts and then choose the best investments for a well diversified portfolio. That’s what gave rise to our Million-Dollar Contrarian Portfolio which Claus Vogt heads up, with a very conservative approach and a strong emphasis on capital preservation.
— Martin
For several years now I have been a close follower to the Safe Money Report and Real Wealth Report. I follow closely the recommendations from Martin, Mike and Larry and that is how I decide on the what and where to invest.
I’m certainly no expert in investing.
However, I feel strongly that any government (and certainly the US) can’t print enormous amounts of paper “money” out of thin air without causing massive inflation eventually. (I’m very surprised that it hasn’t already been much greater than it is already.) Consequently I have been using fundamental criteria and technical signals to buy hard commodities such as Gold & Silver ETFs, and mining stocks of gold, silver, copper, aluminum, iron, platinum and palladium, uranium and lithium – as well as oil & Gas producers and a Solar Company. (Several of the stocks are Chinese and Australian companies.)
Plus, the powder keg situation in the Middle East WILL erupt in war and oil disruptions sooner or later, which will drive oil MUCH higher.
Dr. Weiss, i never worried about any of the of this until last years collapse; and i have been trying to play catch up with your help ever since subscribing to your service. right now i am investing in morgans as close to spot as possible, carrying your and larry`s suggestions around in my back pocket since i have never dealt in stock before. one big question i have, with all the current laws and some proposed; should i be investing in your suggested potentials in nondollar denominated funds? ie. australian or new zealand currency or some other? i have an added complication of how to help a parent preserve what they have. in need of more answers before proceeding. God Bless us all and thank you. Ralph
1.I’m primarily domestic stocks wth more influence toward stocks multinational. My foreign exposure is thru ETF in China,India,and Brazil.
2. My current allocation in gold/silver/platinum is approx 30% with mostly gold/gold mining.
3. Energy/natural resources is my dominant holding (about 50%) and includes oil, oil services/drilling,coal,copper, both domestic and foreign.
4. Foreign currency, none
5. Bonds, none , but some short ETF’s
I have stocks in U.S. companies that are heavily involved in selling to China and India, like GE and American Superconductor. I have no way of knowing the exact involvement, but those typically do well. The total picture is very unclear, but I am guessing that this is the way to go. However, I have problems with national security issues, because they are obviously accomodating us for future advantage.
My return last year was 77.9%. The holdings were in Fidelity, FSAGX, FICDX, FSESX and FSNGX. In cash at present, waiting for the market to tank, will re-enter with same funds.
I use a private investment firm to manage assets.
1. 30% 2. 40%, 4. 30%
I invested 80% of my funds in gold bullion coins and some numismatic gold coins when gold was between $350 and $385. I have added proof 1oz American Buffalo coins each year since inception in 2006. I had about $60,000 invested in junior gold stocks before the market collapse in 2008. That is now reduced to about $15,000.
I realize that I have everything invested in one area (gold),even though divided into different forms. But I’m still comfortable with it long term. My only worry is that the gold stocks will go down again with the market in general when that collapse comes again.
The reason I am invested this way is that I understand the gold market and consider other investments outside of this category more risky for me. I have been considering investment in natural gas for the past year but have not done it. Just for your information, my largest stock holding is (KTN) Kootenay Gold on the Toronto Venture Exchange. I try to keep all loose money in Canadian funds rather than US $.
I am using my BMO Harris Private Banking advisor to assist me. I took my own initiatve to buy gold at $754us when you were advising last summer. 100 oz. and holding until it goes to at least $1500. Is this a mistake to hold too long? My portfolio is diversified throughout the world but think I should have more invested in China and India as well as Australia as their mining sector is heavily invested in China.
I don’t know what logic to use to invest in what asset classes. I am scattered, although I pretty much stick with the recommendtions from your team.
I currently have my Million-Dollar Contrarian portfolio (following most of Claus’s recommendations) and have also invested in JAG, GSH, UND, GDX, PG, SH and XLU …mainly because of other recommendations I have received. That’s it.
I need to know more about what percentage in which asset classes and also which stocks are in what asset class.
Martin,
I am currently leaning on the heavy side of commodities, oil, nat gas, coal, gold silver / mining with a smattering of Candian REITS / trusts with about 50% & the other 50% sitting in cash, because I really have no trust in any bonds at the moment.
I would welcome your thoughts please….
1. With my advisor. Emphasis in this order – foreign mutual funds or etf’s, precious metals (mining companies), energy and natural resources, one defense stock.
2. I do not know how much to put in each – just gut feeling.
Well, this is THE question right now, and maybe, forever. Since we are on the verge of the largest inflationary balloon in any of our histories, one needs to choose stocks, bonds, currencies, hard assets, collectibles that will ‘float’ above the inflation sure to come.
We just bought a HUD home for $9000 and rehabbed it. We are not in good shape at the moment with this, but feel that we will come out on top. For the present we will rent the house. We have NO mortgage on it. We may be underwater in our mortgage on our other house so we have accelerated payments so that will be free and clear in a few years. For the rest, we feel at the present time we will take our remaining $100,000
and buy oil and natural gas MLP’s, TBT inverse treasuries, junior gold/silver/copper miners, and a small investment in potash. That’s what we have done with the little we have, and yet, still have two thirds of our money still in cash, which I think is stupid.
Should I now put most of that $65 thousand into Annaly virtual bank or some other high yielding Canadian or US commodity stock? Or what would you smarter folks suggest?
Thanks, I value your recommendation, Edward S. Kernish
(1) 20% DOMESTIC, 20% FOREIGN, 10% GOLD/SILVER, 20% ENERGY/NATURAL RESOURCES, 30% CASH (CD’S )
(2) ?????
(3) WHAT ARE THE TAX IMPLICATIONS OF ETF INVESTING ? ( K-1 TAX FORMS )
Have no earthly idea – which is why I try and read as many opinions as I can.
Bonds – am holding municipal bonds – they are laddered up through 2020 – should I get rid of them now? Some are from Arizona, Lousiana and Texas (figure Texas is pretty safe)?
There will be three portfolios required, not one.
One before the deflation/inflation event, one during the evnet, and one afterwards.
I will be:
25% (both Domestic & Foreign) in Oil (integrated cos, oil svcs & swaps/futures)
25% Emerging Markets (mainly Brazil)
25% Gold (miners & futures)
25% cash – will use to add to positions above during pullbacks
EVERYTHING will be through ETFs. Could also use cash for VERY select individual companies representing e.g. CVX, FCX, PBR and/or BP.
Citidude Chris in Chicago!!!!!
martin, I don’t believe the deflation has ended. I think US. real estate both commercial and residental have more to fall. I think the emergening markets have risen to far to fast. I believe a huge correction is comming. The markets look top heavy. There is to much optimism about china. I think Berneckism may have peaked.George Soros even thinks there is major bloodletting ahead.
Martin, I am flying blind. I have used some of Larrys suggestions, but don’t have a clue as to what I am doing!
I believe safety is not in diversity right now. I believe foreign stocks could do better than anything else though I think it has a lot of tumult to go through. I believe we’re going to see deflation in a hyper inflationary environment. I have a large % of my money in precious metals and stocks that follow the precious metal play. I’m very interested in natural resource and energy stocks though believe we could see a lot of volatility there until a leader emerges. Bonds and foreign currencies are not going to do well as soon as it becomes more clear that it’s not just the US that’s doing this crazy inflationary printing.
All that said then, my bet is pretty heavily into precious metals though I’m watching to see if there’s enough safety to get into some other sectors.
I believe that answers your 2nd question as well.
I have a master spreadsheet. I have the summary tab which divides as follows:
10% Invest With the Best (Warren Buffet, Sam Zell, Tisch Family etc)
25% Real Assets-Inverse $ (UDN, TBT, GLD, SLV, PAGG etc.)
10% Growth (EWZ, EWA, EWC, PIN, FXI, EWS, EWY etc.)
15% Income (MLP’s and high dividend stocks)
10% Absolute Returns Funds like AOFOX
10% Diversified Mutual Fund Portfolio that did over 100% over the last 10 years
10% special situations like Foundation Alliance recommendations and other trades.
10% in trends based on 200-day MA (QLD, SSO DDM in up markets and QID, SDS, DXD in down markets)
Then I have sub-tabs for each segment and the various positions are allocated within the segment. Then I cut and past current prices in a securities list and all of the individual segments are automatically updated. Then I can see if I’m over-allocated to a particular segment and need to do some re-balancing.
How do I decide what percentages? I get many newsletters including several Weiss Research letters and make my own assessment as to the more significant trends for the next 2-3 years.
Martin,
I feel as though we are at a cross road in the US financial system. I plan to increase holdings in gold, silver and foreign currency’s. I plan to also set up a foreign bank account to diversify out of the US$. Please reccomend how and where to set up a foreign bank account that I can keep money in for safety.
Thanks,
Rick
#1 – I follow the advice of Larry Edelson and Tony Sagami
#2 – I diversify my investments in 6 sectors of equal amounts.
First, let me say I have followed you for years, and watched to see if what you reccommended was accurate, and you have been spot on, so, I bought the elite membership to guide my decision making. Also, as a worker in the chemical and silicone industry, (Dow Corning) I have insight to where jobs are going… which is where I want to invest my money. IE: China and the N-11.
As to how I decide how much to put where? I have tried to put aboout 25% in CHina, 25% in Emerging Markets, 25% gold and precious metals and the rest in domestic and energy. I don’t have a great deal of investment money outside of my 401k, but am able to at least get into mutual funds in those areas. Soon, the company will offer ETF’s and I’m looking forward to that.
Thanks for all your knowledgable insight.
Mark N
GOOD LETTER
1) I base my decisions on all categories based on what I read from the various columns that I receive. I also base it on what I read and hear in the news. The overwhelming opinion is that US stocks will be outperformed by foreign stocks, so I’ll probably commit 80% to foreign stocks. I also plan to put a higher amount into commodities (gold and other resources). I’ve read that 10% is a good number for gold, but I’m thinking of going more with 30%, with 20% going towards other natural resources. I don’t plan on putting anything directly into foreign currencies and nothing in bonds.
2) I will use the percentages I mentioned above.
Martin:
I don’t bother to try to “balance” my portfolio. I invest exclusively in PM stocks of all classes: seniors, mid-caps, and micro-caps. I sell and buy calls and, occasionally, puts. I’ve been studying the PM section since 1971 when it became legal to own gold again. I own over 60 PM issues.
I am 70 years old with a good amount of investment capital right now. I have about 10 % in gold and silver ,15% in Exxon drip and 15 % in Yum and the rest in savings.and would welcome any recomendations.
Martin, I am building my portfolio as follows:
Money currently invested: [55-60 % of total]
1/3 Oil companies, US and foreign [now building some natural gas positions]
1/3 Gold and Silver [about even--need to build additional positions--using GLD and SLV. Will add on pull backs.
1/6 other investments, as suggested by your guys. [in and out]
1/6 short etf’s in financials such as skf, dow, etc. [building position in TBT]
Not invested yet cash: approx. 35-40%.
Stategy as follows:
1/3 Precious Metals…80% Gold Bullion 20% Silver Bullion
1/3 Gold stocks
1/3 Diversified Real estate, primarily agriculture land in several jurisdictions
I do not know if you are asking how long………? After loosing $1,000,000. just over one half of my retirement IRA I am very gun shy. I am 70years ol and in good health. so i do not know how long but it is difficult to invest.I am afraid I will just sit and watch opportunities go by..
Rick
We are a married couple over 80 and our net worth is modest, and distributed 70% fixed income and 30% stocks – all domestic, and most are large cap. Many stocks are held is “stock accumulation” plans with these corporations & so aren’t as easily liquid as being in a brokerage acct.
We try to stay up with inflation (TIPS, GNMA, modest gold holdings and the stocks). But we concentrate on safety of principal. With so much invested in fixed income funds, we lost very little principal in the crash of 2008, and our stocks are helping us with growth this year with the fixed incomes producing little income.
However, we could benefit from more guidance specifically addressed to seniors in retirement. That is a category all of your experts seem to neglect.
Any thoughts? How about a periodic set of suggestions for the fully retired in terms of maintaining principal while taking prudent risks?
Martin Weiss Reply:
January 14th, 2010 at 10:30 AM
Bruce, I take to heart your comment that our experts seem to neglect seniors in retirement. If that’s the impression we are giving you, we need to make some VERY important and URGENT changes in the way we present our materials. Several of our analysts — myself, Claus Vogt, Mike Larson and Nilus Mattive — are especially dedicated to helping retirees, and all of us believe wholeheartedly in capital preservation. Perhaps what we need to do more frequently is to zero in more directly on issues related to fixed income portfolios.
Right now, as I expressed in Advance Warning: Danger of bond market collapse, the most important question is: Do you hold long-term bonds? Or more specifically, what is the AVERAGE MATURITY of your fixed income portfolio. I hope it is not very long. Yes, I know that short-term interest rates are terribly low right now. But if you can grin and bear it for just a while longer, I think you’ll be better off moving as much as possible to the short side of the spectrum, where your risk of market price declines is minimal. Later, after long-term rates rise significantly, we will do our best to alert you so you can lock in those higher yields.
— Martin
Martin,
To build the best portfolio possible, I’ve hired the best group of experts I can afford…your team. I have worked over the years to understand more about investing and saving and decided the best way to do so is to follow the advice of Mike, Larry, Sean, Tony, Nilus, Claus, you, et. al! I love having all your professionals send be their best advice along with percentage allocations. Best of all, they help me know when to sell…the hardest thing to get right. I’m glad that they don’t all spout the same thing and they don’t even always agree. That’s where I have to make the hard decision, but how wrong can I be with your great team guiding my way!
I believe that my evalutions for 2010, will be based on shrinking supply and increasing demand and growth potential………….My investment $’s will be as follows: Stocks – 35%…. Metals 10%…. Energy & Natural Resources ….35%…. Currencies….0% Bonds….20%.
I don’t have a lot of money actually only 50K
And given the actual situation I decided to invest 30K (which are my reserves) not to be used in a year or 2 might be more.
I would like to invest this in gold, silver and a small part into swiss francs.
I have very poor knowledge of stocks on how to buy them sell them etc.
And I greatly appreciate your suggestions
Regards,
Dear,
I don’t differentiate anymore. The demand for cash will override all other markets.
They will all go down as long as we are in a deflation. This could take between 1/2 and 2 years to reach THE bottoms.
Thereafter I only see one market as profitable in a hyperinflation environment namely Gold and silver.
Take care, dont be sophisticated, get out of everything except dollar cash.
René
My husband is currently getting out of the stock market with 80% cash that will be converted to the following: 20-50% foreign currencies, 25% precious metals and 25% US dollars (maybe undecided on last 25%) With the continued devaluation of the US dollar and the growing deficit and debt of the US our economic future is questionable. We are following the path of countries like Argentina to bankrupcy. The 11 trillion plus federal debt can never be paid by current or future generations.
Thank you for allowing us to comment. We enjoy your advice and recommendations as well.
Kate
K
Hi Martin, in general, I’m concentrating on gold/silver (30%) and commodities/natural resources (15%). As to percentages of each in the portfolio, it’s not a principled nor scientific approach, but more by the gut an by what cash I have available (I’m WAY over-invested with about 10% cash available). For stocks, I have about 23% in eastern/developing markets. I have no foreign currencies and also only a small holding in TBT. I really have no plan fr choosing, and would greatly appreciate some guidance. Ultimately, I rely alot on your, and your team’s, recommendations.
Hi Martin,
My portfolio is only worth 150K but my investment strategy is ETF’s with concencebtration on emerging amrketes and natural resources and commodities. Both long and short ETF’s since I feel China is in a bubble as well as Brazil ( BRICS) but long term, energy, emerging markets and commodities like oil.
Ron
Martin,
I believe the perfect portolio never quite ever exists. It is a goal, the degree of success is dependent on the amount of management applied in a “Buy and Manage” approach over a “Buy and Hold” wishful thought. So the management of an account is critical. For me it is gaining a feel for the markets by indepth reading, listening, and consistent non-emotional judgements. The investment mix will vary with the economic conditions. To think there is one mix or a mix that addresses every point in time is a disaster. I have abandoned professional advisors who can not adapt/manage/change as the conditions change. My father is an 87 yr old day trader. His positions are many, small, change all the time and rack up profits. From what i see you need to make decisions, do something, not look back and get involved.
I allocate based on looking to invest into cyclical trades.
Using capital protected index based investments that if they are up can be traded out of and bank the profit into the next trading opportunities
I am using Larry’s RWT plan, Tony’s Asia Stock Alerts, and 20 Tillion Reports to do the very things you are talking about.
60% GOLD & OIL & PRECIOUS
20% MM
20% BRIC
I follow the advice of your group of experts in the Contrarian Portfolio, Foundation Alliance, etc. plus a few others and listen to as broad a group of opinions as possible
keeping in mind who is selling something. I do appreciate contrarian advice, but can’t ignore what the government is doing.
Foreign vs. Domestic — I own Royal Dutch Shell and Total. My domestic stocks and funds have large foreign exposure (MCD, HON, JNJ, ABT, PEP, MMM, INTC).
Gold — I follow “Safe Money” and own GLD as well as my own pick (silver) with HL.
Bonds — I follow Wells Fargo Advisors recommended percentage through three bond funds, the ETF “TIP” and a Rydex inverse long bond ETF.
Balance of Portfolio — I follow Wells Fargo Advisors recommendations to overweight telecom, technology and energy and underweight utilities and health care. I am even weight in the other S&P categories. This has provided me with a 40+ percent growth in my portfolio since February, 2009. Your advice got me out of the market in October, 2007 — thank you, thank you!!!
Gold , silver and foreign currencies.
What you do if $700K of out $1.2M of your retirement fund is with one stock holding: Cisco (CSCO)?
I need at least a 5% annual guarantee return on this $1.2M. What you recommend?
I have nearly all my investments in cash. Why? Fear of a double dip recession when the stimulus money is all used up. Fear of a bubble in foreign markets, particularly China. Fear of inflation (I strongly agree that deficit spending now will lead to future inflation. I do disagree with you that fiscal stimulus and deficit spending is unwise–it may be the only thing that has kept the economy from falling completely apart. We can deal with inflation and the deficit once we get things back together). I don’t completely understand the dynamics of your conclusion that commodities and precious metals will continue to rise. It seems like a potential bubble to me, too. That doesn’t leave much else except cash. And since I’m 8 years from retirement (if all goes well) and can stomach low returns until then to preserve capital, it makes no sense to take risks. When inflation looks ready to heat up I’ll probably invest in TIPS.
I mostly rely on your/your staff’s recommendations as I am too busy to get immersed in researching and tracking various investment opportunities. It is not my area of expertise nor life passion, so I put some trust in those whose passion it seems to be and who have some respectable success at doing so.
Dr. Weiss,
We really do not know specifically how to allocate our funds among your delineated categories. However, we are somewhat cautious about investing in foreign stocks and currencies, as well as in US bonds. With the rising political turmoil throughout the world, and the possibility of One World Government, we wonder if investing in gold & precious metals would be the only stable venue. We feel that, for as much as we believe in the Divine origin of our country, our current administration has, and continues to, deviate so much from our Constitution, that we are losing our Choice freedoms, deference and justice. As such, we believe that this country will become even further disdained among other countries of the world. How do we know that other countries will honor US investments in their currencies? Where is the monetary regulation for those foreign investments?
What about annuities? Is it possible that the Obama Administration will take control of ALL investments in private and public holding companies? We have received some inside reports to the effect that this administration will start taking control over monies at banking institutions. Is this possible?
We are looking forward to receiving your reports!
Thank you, as always,
Debbie Malone
Prudent investment in this age of Communism/Socialism/Fascism demands trying to out-manoeuvre whatever political power happens to be in power for the moment. Since both parties are exactly the same one need not worry about choosing the right horse in this race. However, in my opinion, the three first places in this race will be given to diversification, investigation and choosing the right investment strategist for advice.
25% Gold and Silver bullion and coins
25% 2x short ETFs emerging markets and China
25% 2x short ETFs financials, real estate, tech, materials
25% 3x short technology, large caps, energy
Elliott wave and Kondrateiff wave theory suggest the US market is toast. The FED will eventually destroy the dollar trying to fight the next collapse. I will rotate into 2x short bonds and into foreign currency and more gold, as soon as Washington starts making up new rules to limit shorting (again).
Martin,
I’m in Gold shares, coins and energy stocks plus china stocks, one exception is the two whole body scaners manufactures.
Bob
USA stocks-8%, Foreign stocks 12%, Gold & silver-20%,Energy-10%, mortgage-10%,
Annuity ( A rated Co.) 25%, Gold & silver coins-5%, cash & money market-10%.
Make own investment decisions, based on personal research and investment reports such as your teams.
Age 75, married, retired.
The dollar is not going to make any gains in the future, oil will rise, along with precious metals. China is going to kick out butt and the US will see more unemployment in the near future.
GREATEST PROFITS? SAFETY….AU & AG PRECIOUS METALS. ” A STORE OF VALUE” and ENERGY STOCKS…..PBR and XOM
not real sure how to balance my porfol.
Dear Martin,
I did buy from you, your Survival Guide and found it very informative.
I am retired and living on my Social Security and IRA-1.
My IRA-1 is invested in 7 American Funds which is made up of domestic & foreign stocks, gold mines and other metals, energy & other natural resources, foreign currencies and also bonds. I would say that I think that I am pretty well diversified.
All of these funds are dividend paying funds.
Thank you for your concern and information.
Mick*
I am interested on how to do this I don’t have a real good way to do this.
I personally try to watch closely what the FED is doing with interest rates to protect the banks. And then watch the US government spending – deficit and tax provisions and futures. Third watch the US balance of payments and trends in flow of funds between dollars and foreign currencies. These are relatively short term trends. For very long term consider if the world is in a periodic inflationary era or one of the rare deflationary eras. The world entered its 4th major deflationary era around 1995-2000. Since then the FED and USG (and world governments) have been desperately fighting deflation, with so far limited success. But this has made the whole investment situation much different than it was during the 20th century.
Martin Weiss Reply:
January 14th, 2010 at 10:30 AM
John, right on! I don’t agree entirely with your conclusions, but I like your overall approach: Focus on the BIG picture trends, especially inflation vs. deflation. Then, zero in on the shorter term issues, such as the Fed’s interest rate policy. However, the bigger, more practical question is: What do you DO with this information? How do you compile it all, reconcile conflicting trends and then TRANSLATE those conclusions into concrete decisions? I know there’s no easy answer. But I’d appreciate your thoughts.
Regarding deflation, right now it may APPEAR that they are winning the battle. But in reality, all they’re doing is flipping a very dangerous switch to the inflation side. How long the inflation will last remains to be seen. But the fact that inflation is heating up is hard to deny.
— Martin
Martin: First of all, my decisions are greatly influenced by the writings of you and your colleagues.
(1) domestic and foreign stocks – My present stock investments are in narrow-sector ETFs, only. My choices depend heavily on their historical 3-year performance in recovering from the “market dip”. A second factor is whether or not the ETFs hedge against inflation and dollar devaluation. 14% of my total liquid net worth (LNW) is presently in ETFs. I’m probably soon going to move that up to 20%, depending on market stability.
(2) gold bullion and other precious metals – Presently, 20% of my LNW is in precious bullion coins, platinum, gold, and silver. The goal here is growth, plus dollar hedging.
(3) energy and natural resources – When I increase my investment in ETFs, I will look closely at the energy and natural resources sector.
(4) foreign currencies – I do not intend to speculate in currencies.
(5) bonds in 2010 – Because of my age (75), I do not wish a bond ladder to extend beyond 5 years maturity. I’m waiting for yield to advance into the 5%-6% area. I would put up to 15% LNW into bonds.
(6) CDs – I’m presently 28% into CDs,which is too heavy. Will reduce in June, 2010.
(7) Cash – I’m presently 38% in Cash, for market stability reasons. Like many, I’m waiting to see if we have a market “double dip”.
1l Domestic and foreign stocks–30%
2. Gold bullion & other metals–10%
3. Energy —15%
4. Foreign currency–5%
5. Bonds —40%
2. See above
I don’t know how much to invest in each area. However the government does give me clues such as to invest in areas to benefit from inflation, interest rate increases, foreign currencies, international stocks and to minimize holdings of most US stocks.
I have no faith whatsoever in stocks, bonds, fiat currencies, the Federal Reserve, the politicians in D.C. or anyone else who claims to be in charge and have everything under control.
My investments are in precious metals, short-term laddered CDs, cash, food, guns and ammo.
I am a cynical survivorist…not looking to make money…only looking to save my hide and keep my investments close to home and under my control.
I really have no system. I am anxious to hear of a way to invest systematically and rationally. Investing, in the words of John Maynard Keynes, is like a beauty contest in which you do not choose the girl that looks the prettiest to you but the one you think the average judge will pick. I would add that investing poses the additional difficulties that the beauty contest never ends and that the judges are incredibly fickle.
Martin Weiss Reply:
January 14th, 2010 at 10:35 AM
Very well said, Hartmut! I chuckled out loud as I read your eloquent way of interpreting investment decision making. I’d add that, sometimes, investing is reduced to choosing the least ugly contestant. That’s certainly the case with currencies, when nearly all central banks are committing essentially the same blunders — but in varying degrees. And sometimes, as in 2008, it seemed to be true for nearly ALL investments (except inverse ETFs and other instruments to profit from bear markets).
So let’s not forget a very reasonable and rational alternative that all investors have at all times: NOT to invest, or not to invest all your money. There is nothing wrong with that, and it’s actually what we currently recommend for a PORTION of your portfolio today — the portion allocated to cash or equivalent.
Yes, the judges are fickle. Moreover, the judges are sometimes dead wrong. Indeed, it’s precisely when all investors (including the pros) are so overly confident and so completely committed to a particular theory about the market … that the theory is most likely to lead them to big losses.
— Martin
I’m a novice and a blank canvas. I worked for an aircraft manufacturer for 11+ years before being laid off last year. I have a decent 401k from there, although it’s devalued a good bit from its peak. I’m hoping to learn how and where to invest my 401k. When I have a little more understading, I’ll roll it over and manage it myself rather than let people who have never met me do that.
1 from you and other sources I primarily worry about inflation.
Intl 7.2%
Domestic 2.3%
Energy 9%
Natural Resources 8%
Cash 73.5%
Foreign currences and Bonds 0 %
Based on the advice we receive from you and you advisory staff, I have pretty much stayed within the guidelines you have suggested. Since I have a very limited knowledge of foreign currency markets and bonds I have stayed out of those markets. I have currently a balance of approximately 1/3rd of my portfolio in each of the above areas. Any changes you would recommend would be welcome.
Thank you.
I am strong believer in the long cycles of the Dow/Gold ratio. I think the ratio will eventually go back to 1. You only need one ounce of gold to buy one share of the Dow.
The good thing is that when one invests based on this ratio one does not truly have to answer the significant question if we will have to face inflation or deflation in the future. Based on this ration we could see a complete collapse of the stock market where the Dow goes down to 4000 and gold (silver) is considered as one of the only save assets to hold.
On the other hand, in an inflationary environment we could see the dow breaking out to new highs (which will not occur due to a true economic recovery but due to the massive stimulus from the government) where gold and silver (and probably other commodities) will probably go to the moon.
My basic portfolio is go short on the market, long on gold and silver, and SHORT long therm treasuries.
What is very difficult to judge for me is what the USD will do in relation to other currencies like the canadian dollar, Euro in case of a massive downturn in the US equity markets!
1. fidelity investments, H.S. Dent,The Motley Fool. 2. same as #1.
I have pulled out of the Inverse ETF activity as the truth about financial institutions in the US and the amount of money they receive appear to indicate something different. Needless to say I lost a lot (% wise). In the mean time I have been playing in TSE listed resource stocks, poised to hit a home run they have a lot of physical gold and investments in numerous junior oil companies. I would like to know if these industries will be decent plays over the next few years. Over the past 12 months they have been good to me.
1a. I am using a 95/5 split. I am not comfortable that the foreign stocks are as far along in recovery as we are.
1b. I have not entered this market.
1c. I am looking at 35%.
1d. I am not playing at all in this market.
1e. My portfolio is currently split 60% stock to 40% bonds.
2. Majority of my liquid assets are in stocks and bonds.
80% Hawaiian beachfront owned free and clear.
20% U.S. dollar.
1.1, i base my decisions on whether the company is doing business in a growing economy or a stagnating economy. What are politicians doing…
1.2. I invest in precious metals as a hedge against fiat currencies, potential currency crisis, civil unrest
1.3. see 2 above
1.4. I invest in foreign currencies to diversify my us dollar holdings
1.5. i do not own any long term us denominated bonds
2. el erian , rodgers, js kim, uncommon wisdom
1) I think the issue of concern in 2010 is inflation so I will be increasing positions in metals and energy and natural resources and staying away from bonds altogether. I will retain solid US Stocks that are non discretionary in nature and have a larger exposure to foreign currencies.
2) I am not so sure as to the allocation I should have in this regard.
Question 1: I have just recently begun to participate in the Weiss Elite and feel like I’m still in major catch-up mode. I have two other financial advisers with whom I meeting over the next couple of weeks. I feel I am adequately covered by my investments in gold/precious metals and in energy/natural resources. I wonder about currencies (again, I’m a newbie to the area) and will rely on what my advisers tell me, offset by what I read in your publications. I have a decent investment in municipal bonds and have been told that they are not in trouble like Treasuries, Corporates, etc. — but worry about whether that’s true.
Question 2: I have been following the diversification route and using primarily mutual funds to spread my money around. I have recently begun to invest in ETFs, based on your recommendations. But, I have no idea whether the balance I have is appropriate. I would put myself in your Mr. Conservative category of investment, by the way.
I look forward to whatever help you can provide.
I try and buy stocks that are the leaders of their industry that pay reasonable dividens, for example..Intel is my largest holding.
#1
1 – stocks are brought with a personal advisor
2 – friends recommendations on gold bullion, gold stocks
3,4,5 – I am not doing now
#2
Only to diversify
1) I invest in where I get the highest return, either dividend or growth as I am a Senior citizen and probably won’t be investing for long term.
2)I invest a sizeable amount in what I think is best per (1). Currently I have about 20% in gold and silver and I read that is high, but I also do not feel those stocks will go down as much as anything else.
Good Morning,
I’m sticking with the international emerging markets with 10% in gold.
Regards,
Ric Wilson
I pretty much think I should stay out of the stock market ..and I’m not thinking we should be able to trust the government much longer on t-bills. So I am thinking of buying gold and silver and keeping it in a safety deposit box that I can get to when I need to. I have two main concerns..where is a good reliable place to buy silver and gold to stash at home? AND do you think the government will confiscate or give us no good dollars if the decide to take it from us? I feel there is little place for me to put my money and make it work for me right now and I want to be able to use it to buy things if I need to plus it should be going up in value. any answers?
When investing in “countries”; I have chosen the Far East, but I am still only investing in physical commodities like precious metals, food, water, oil, etc. I am not investing in companies that can suceed or fail based on performance.
As far as what %; I have chosen 1/4 precious metals; 1/4 PHYSICAL ownership of gold; and the rest divided between other
commodities.
1. I am investing into sectors that you,Larry, and Tony have been suggesting. I have put 50% of my holdings into foreign, Silver ETFS, Gold ETFS as well as a % of physical gold and silver.
2. Uncommon Wisdoms suggestion on percentages
3. Have not directed any assets to energy
4. Have not directed any assets to foreign currencies
5. No assets in Bonds of any kind to date
1. domestic and foregein stocks 2. engery $ natural Resoures 3. forgein currentcies 4.gold & metals 5.bonds..
Question #1: How are YOU deciding whether you’ll invest in
(1) domestic and foreign stocks — 15% domestic, 30% foreign
(2) gold bullion and other precious metals — 10% GLD
(3) energy and natural resources — 15% PBR and SID, 5% BPT, 5% POT
(4) foreign currencies — 5% WIP, 5% BWX
(5) bonds — 10% TIPS
Question #2: How do you know how much of your money to invest in each area? No specific allocation, just a feeling of future returns. Domestic stocks keeping my shares of apple with a $200 stop loss for a 50% gain.
I am watching the US dollar and hoping it will increase in value. At that time, I plan to add to my gold mining stock, oil, and SGOL. then pray. lol
I can’t believe that our current policy makers will be able to pull the USA out of this current fiasco…we are in too deep IMHO
I feel like a deer in the headlights and am impatient, read too much, and can also see the possibility of a resurgent in rhe stock market…ay least a share of stock is “something” of value as opposed to a greenback.
I already own precious metals-I am looking at energy stocks (ETF?) and a foreign currency. My local broker called yesterday about a municipal bond (30 years). At my age I am not optimistic about this type of bond?
I am looking for investments that will keep up with inflation.
Hello Martin,
Certainly very good questions. I beleive that the first question you need to answer is how much of your assets should be in the market vs in treasuries or treasury only money market. I am still a believer that we still do not have an all clear signal to get fully invested. Once this is decicded, then you can address the other questions. Assuming that the currency is being debased by the government at an accelerated pace from what they have been doing ever since the Fed was created, precious metals make sense. I think it probably makes sense to limit your percentage of precious metals to 10% of your total portfolio. Second, I think it makes a lot of sense to purchase dividend paying stocks that are in good sectors, when you can get in at a good price. Third, I think that you should avoid bonds altogether unless you don’t mind losing your capital. Lastly, it makes sense to focus other investments on energy and have some exposure to the emerging markets through EFTs. However, emerging markets are severly coupled to the US market and do not provide any diversity in a panic.
A lot of what you do depends upon where you sit. i.e. how much time do you have before you need the money. I think a retired person should have 5 to 10 years of safe money that is liquid.
Thanks in Advance
Tony
I have found your advice, and that of those connected with you, to be spot on and candid, easily to understand and without a lot of spin. Much Appreciated. However, I am looking for an investment broker who can make transactions for me, using options and futures and trailing stops, and with an approved target of balance to income, growth and overall risk. I would like to pull all of my assets, including IRAs, together with my wife’s into one manageable account and pay a monthly fee. Do you offer such a service? We have approximately $1 million in liquid assets. If you do not offer this service, why not?
I’m trying to invest in funds that will be hedges in times of inflation which is gold, and also am looking at the PIMCO Return Fund as a hedge against inflation which will drive up interst rates and are invested in TIPS.
1) I AM INVESTING IN 1 OIL AND GAS STOCK,AND 1 GOLD MINING STOCK
(OVER 95% CURRENTLY).
2)INVESTED NEARLY 50% IN EACH OF THOSE STOCKS BASED ON YOUR
2010 FORECAST VIDEO AND YOUR FREE NEWSLETTERS.TONY SAGAMI
RECOMMENDED TO BUY LONG ON CHINA.THEY ARE INVESTING IN GOLD
DUE TO DEVALUATION OF THE AMERICAN DOLLAR AND THEY ARE STILL
BUYING MORE CARS,WHICH WILL RESULT IN MORE OIL AND GAS DEMAND.
I am in all cash and have been since before the late 2007 crash
i am in CDS and fixed income no bonds
planning to to put 5% of my cash in short term VWSTX muni fund until the next leg down of all markets , i will watch share price and sell if it drops over 1%
will invest in fixed income longer term as rates go up and prices go down
plan to buy farm land if drops in price alot
i do not trust stocks but might buy some dividend blue chips if prices drop to bargain bin prices
I’m not sure about the best analyses, indicators, and strategies.
I happen to believe that the biggest problem facing us right now is the decline in available energy resources and that our county’s policies are trying to “fix up” the past, rather than prepare for a low-carbon future (as the Chinese are doing–see Chris Martenson’s latest report). So I am very light on US stocks except for a few income producers (NLY, FPL, BMY). I am expecting rampant inflation, so I am very heavy on GLD (about 1/3rd).
I own FXI, EWZ, EWA as they are up and coming, resource rich countries. I probably should get PIN and the S. Korea ETF’s, but I think I have enough. I have some CPU, (copper), several Chinese consumer stocks (edu, npd, and a maker of video games.) I have a few commodities, SGG, SGOL, and I my largest holding besides gold is BHP. It is a gold miner, it produces lots of scarce metals, it is based in Austrailia, it has contracts with the Chinese, all very important.
How do I make these decisions? Not very scientifically, but I listen to you guys, esp. Larry Edelson and Tony Sagami, I subscribe to Leeb, but my best overall advisor for the big picture is Chris Martenson.
1. have decided since 2007 to not invest in foreign or domestic stocks. Currently have 2.5% in a major and a minor gold company and will leave as is to 2020? Stocks are over priced here and in China. BRIC’s to high, and could come tumbling down.
2. 80% in gold and silver coins in safe deposit boxes, buried on home lot, buried at family farm. Expect gold to go to 5-7k by 2020. Too much fiat money being printed, too much more will be printed with unfunded liabilities here and abroad.
3. 0% but a great second choice to gold and silver
4. .5% in swiss francs. will spend in year or two when we go to Rome/Switzerland
5. Bonds are 0% till I lose my mind. Might reconsider short treasury bonds when/if 10-15%
6.app. 17.5 % in MMarkets. trying to decide now, but gold and silver look like smartest bet for 10 years.
I listen to Larry Edelston, then do my own research within his recommendations.
I really don’t have a methodology when it comes to asset allocation. Unfortunately, I think I follow the crowd too much. I read, and if I read the same thing from a number of different sources I take it as credible. I’d like to learn more in order to make better decisions on my own.
Here is how I’ve invested:
1. As far as domestic stocks go I’m investing mostly in larger companies with international operations. 18%
I have about 8% of the portfolio in foreign stocks .
2. Gold and Silver- 18%
3. Energy and Resources- 6% in stocks and ETF’s recommended by Weiss Research
4. Foreign Currencies- I don’t know much about these markets and therefore do not invest in them.
5. Bonds- 3% in short term
6. Cash 47%
Martin Weiss Reply:
January 14th, 2010 at 10:36 AM
I like your allocation to cash. That, more than anything, establishes your credentials as an independent investor that is NOT following the crowd.
Following the crowd is not ALWAYS a bad thing to do, especially when we are in the middle of a major, long-term trend. It’s mostly when the crowd psychology reaches an extreme — both in terms of exuberance and unanimity of opinion — that you really need to step back and think independently.
But in the 2000s, following the crowd was usually a disaster. And in the 2010s, I think we will see a similar pattern. So continue to strike an independent course, and you should do better than most investors.
— Martin
I live in Hawaii and know the market extremely well. You are looking at least a 70% loss on equity. The US dollar will also suffer with what is going on. Gold is over priced…trippled in a few years like Hawaii realestate. I am in mostly foriegn emerging markets and currencies including Africa. I like a few alternative energy US stocks but waiting on timing since they are still being slaughtered.
Cristan
1. I follow the advice of Claus Vogt (Million $ Contr. Portfolio) most of the time, Nilus M. (dividends) and a few other advisors occasionally.
2. I have been a gold bug for a long time, and I still am.
You convinced me to invest in the Brazil ETF.
I do not invest in bonds.
I depend mainly on Larry, tony ad Martin to get my directions on how I invest. This incudes the the amount of most of my investments. I would appreciate receiving your recommendations on persentages for each group.
I’m too busy to take care of much day-to-day investing well. The biggest part is placed with InvesTech (value bias and high cash when his indicators say market is risky). Next big chunk is with Weber asset mgmt who does wonderfully well in bull markets – but I must impose instructions to raise cash in bear mkts. I run much smaller amount of money and subscribe to you for guidance on metals, energy, natural resources.
1. I follow gut feelings for my investment decisions based on recommendations in Safe Money, Real Wealth Report, Richard Young’s Intelligence Letter, Money and Markets and Uncommon Wisdom (which I really enjoy).
2. I have substantial gold and precious metal investments and look for dips to buy more.
3. I have heavy allocation in energy and natural resources guided a lot by high yields.
4. Only currency held now is Canadian $ ETF.
5. Am probably too light in the bond area but am looking for better balance ahead of market correction.
Martin Weiss Reply:
January 14th, 2010 at 10:37 AM
Nothing wrong with gut feelings! They can sometimes be more in touch with the real world than some of the so-called “sophisticated” black box (blind) models. However, we feel it’s very helpful to have an intelligent model that gives us some guidelines and direction, while still giving us the freedom to use our judgment and, yes, gut feelings as well.
— Martin
I am reallly confused. I hear so many view point. I have some in silver and gold. I have a couple of stocks in china. Most of my funds are in cash or bonds. I do have a portion with Weiss Mgt.
What do I need to do for this mess we are in with the govt.
I have read you and your colleagues coulmns for over 2 years. In May i decided to try your advice after loosing money with stockbrokers for 30 years. I have a new investment advisor with Merril Lynch and he is placing my buys and listens to questions i ask as a result of reading your articles.
I am 65% invested with 35% cash at this time. I hold 20% in gold stocks, a BRIC ETF and a Euro ETF. I am considering buying and having gold in my hands as recommended.
i welcome you comments and continue to read your columns.
Martin,
I use a monthly, weekly, daily, candlestick chart setup. 13EMA average, and MACD histogram (12,26,9) to determine the general trend on the monthly and weekly charts. Entries to be made on the daily chart. Daily chart indicators: 4,9,18 MA, 12,26,9 MACD, 2 day force index, 7 day % R, and combine this with Elder Ray. Seperate chart with 7 day ADX, DMI+, DMI-, for trend strength and change.. Support and resistance noted on all charts as well as Fib retracements values. Use spread chart on the $USD?GLD. Check the momentum and relative strenght on the following sectors: domestic and foreign stock,gold and precious metals,energy and natural resources, foreign currency, and bonds. Go long and short in an ETF of which has the best intermediate term relative strength and momentem. Use trailing stops. And lastly check safe money report to see if I have the right slant on the market….
understand bonds are due for a correction; will hold gold but
may not add much. International vs domestic because of huge
real estate inventory hangover will hold back our markets.
Not brave enough for currencies. Thanks Martin!
I have been reading your advise (Money & Markets) for about a year now and enjoyed learning, but have no idea how to allocate in each area you have listed. Looking forward to wise advice.
Good morning,
1. I diversify between fundamentaly strong/volatile and opportnistic stocks + mutual funds with potential. For now, priorities are Russia, India, small cap in Scandinavian countries.
No currencies, no gold, no bonds in my portfolio yet.
2. appx 5-10 % of total investments for each tool.
Best regards,
Andrei
How do you decide what percentage of your money should be invested in domestic and foreign stocks? Look at the finances of the country concerned – so very few to none in US, UK, Spain, Greece and so forth. Stocks as a whole about 40% max at any one time present and ready to change
In gold bullion and other precious metals? – 6-10% – ask Larry
In energy and other natural resources? about 15%
In foreign currencies? Most
In bonds? what type of bonds are we talking here? Treasuries? US – nil UK nil overall about 30-40% at any one time and ready to change
Need to buy gold. Have to get foreign stocks but perfer US companies with foreign investments. Need good dividends!
Help
Dear Mr. Weiss,
I pretty much leave myself open and don’t make decisions ahead of time hoping to get lucky. I subscribed to Larry Edelson’s Real Wealth and to another one of your bright-eyed bushy-browed young team member, Nilus Mattive I believe his name is, so I’m sitting on solid ground and am waiting for some well-earned, well-won and well paid for $multi-millions to get started on this investing venture.
It’s always Nice to know that you’ll be there to share your knowledge and extensive experience to make the journey a good one!
You and yours have a great week and thanks for sharing.
God Bless, and may we all keep progressing as Americans in this greatest of republics on earth, the United States!
-Alfred Koppel.
I think the only thing that can be counted on in the next few years is volatility. My personal belief is that we will be switching back and forth between market over-reaction on both inflationary concerns and deflationary concerns (possibly several times). Because none of your listed investments is safe from both inflation and deflation (I am sure some will argue this), I will buy whatever is value priced. My plan is based on flexibility, I don’t think anything is a buy now, cash is my current preference, the risk of a 20+% correction in all areas is too great. I will wait until at least a 20% discount (correction) is given on one of your areas of interest (oil, gold, stocks, bonds, etc) and buy a 5 to 10% position. If it drops another 10%, I’ll increase the position another 5 to 10%, repeat. Sell and lock in gains in a similar way closing out of an invesment incrementally, based on moving up stop loss sell price. I would much rather buy and hold for the long run, but I think this would be a mistake for the next several years.
The only sector I feel safe with is gold and silver.
I’m 74, doing my own investments, so I keep 25% to 30% in cash or equivilents, and the rest in closed end funds, some of which are in bonds and others in large cap, world funds. All must pay dividends, and exceed 5%. I will not invest in an individual equity as the old formulas we used to evaluate a company do not hold in todays market.
I usually follow your services advise but also make adjustments according to my own evaluations. My portfolio is a mix…in desending order metals, etf’s, agriculture-food,etc.
I’m 100% physical gold and silver.Why hold FRN’s?
I’m investing in both physical and paper gold. I’ve stayed invested in physical since 2000. I move in and out of paper depending on technical analysis.
–gold- 30% of portfolio
I invest in foreigh currencies (Euro, Aus$ NZ$ swiss).
–foreign currencies 20%
the rest is in cash or select short term positions which I monitor. What has been working for me the last year are ETFs like EWZ, etc.
If you can find a copy, get the book written by Dr. John L. King – published in 1988.
Sorry I don’t have it in front of me right now but I believe the title is: “The coming depression”.
Great book. I got it in 1988 and so far he called the future economic climate right on. He said gold might hit almost $2,000 US per ounce then it will crash, then the depression deepens.
He has already passed away but had his PHD in Economics.
Great book.
Take care
Julie Anderson
Georgetown, Ontario Canada (Halton Hills, Ontario)
Dear Martin;
As 66 year old I may allocate this differently than I would at say age 45. I would put 25% in gold and silver stocks, 20% in oil, 10% in foreign stocks and 45% in short term treasuries. I prefer Central Fund of Canada to gld because gld uses leverage and futures for a fairly large portion of their portfolio and cef only holds the actual metal.
Regards,
Steve
Dear Mr. Weiss,
I don’t share investment ’secrets’, but I am subscribed to two of your team members and know that I am on solid ground. It’s always Nice to know that you’ll be there to share your knowledge and extensive experience to make the journey a good one!
God bless,
Alfred Koppel.
The K-wave dictates what to invest in … in the K-winter only gold and cash are good investments historically. So I stay with gold and gold stocks … GLD, UGL, GDX.
For me the key to direction in today’s market is to look at the policies and direction that this government is taking us. The more I see the more convinced I become that this government is determined to lead us down the path of extreme socialism and, hence, the destruction of capitalism.
Success in the market place will be found in commodities that the world needs to survive. They include food, water, energy and a currency backed by something other tha fiat money.
Of course we would all like to find a safe and adequate return in treasury bonds. Yet, is this possible when our government continues to print money with no end in sight, and
with the possibility of another round of bailouts directed at improving employment while
taxing to death those who produce things in this economy.
Your question couldn’t have come at a better time. I had my Bank CD IRA come due last week. I am in the process of sending this money over to my broker to buy an Australian CD, at 3.46%, expiring 6/11. The bank was going to renew at .85%.
I checked out some other currencies first, then decided this was best. I also have some other investments lining up with your recommendations in “Safe Money Report.”
I had another sum of cash which I would be leaving my niece, who is like a daughter to
me, since I have no natural children of my own. I decided to give it to her now…..gave some to her and her husband last year, according to what is allowed without taxes by the IRS. I am giving them the same amount this year and next….allowing them to buy a nice condo on a lake in the South….where I will be able to come and go to as I please.
Works out for all of us…..and uses up those dollars which will probably be devalued in the near future if I had let them sit in the bank. Thanks for all your keen advice and things to ponder as I try to preserve what I have and also to plan for the future.
I am blessed to be debt free and have my home in good condtion. Also, have some property (land) which I am holding for future income when things turn around.
Martin,
I have allocated my IRA by thirds: 1/3 no-load gold fund 20% physical bullion & 80% mining stocks; 1/3 Silver Wheaton; 1/3 DOG and other shorts on the market. While may losses on shorting the market have off-set some of my large gains on precious metals, this should eventually turn around.
Hugh
Dear Mr. Weiss,
I’ll be investing to make this country constructive again. Probably replicating those now devalued U.S. dollars into stronger currencies and re-investing that into this United States.
Thanks for asking,
Alfred Koppel.
I believe the markets are very fragil and may craCK by March 15th, so
50% cash
15% international until Mr 1 , then 0%
12% gold and metals
14% US stocks until Mr. 1 , then short ETFs
9% bonds until Mr 1 , then 0%
I am retired and have ALL my assets in gold,silver and some cash,physical metal.
Ken.
My investments are very (too) conservative. I have little investments in US stocks and bonds. Only a few thousand in a world wide fund ,a a few thousand in a gold fund fund, and a few thousand in a gold mining stock. Most of my money is in short term US money markets.
For 2010 I expect to be invest in more gold,oil and other basic materials.
I am invested in American companies making money in foreign countries as well as invested in GLD and Oil pipeline MLP, ADM, IBM, YUM. Will probably short S&P tomorrow thru ETF.
I would build the optimal portfolio based on valuation as well as investor tolerance for risk (i.e., loss).
About 85% of our disposable retirement savings is in gold bars and coins and some silver coins. Rest is cash, put options and some mining shares etc.
Martin,
Sorry i forgot to say this. I try to stay diversified in two markets running trailing stops. Also going long and short depending where the strength is at. So then diversification is a function of strength in the intermediate time frame, but my stops are configured in a short time frame. Wait for pullbacks and make the re-entry. Your Safe Money Report save me alot of time trying to figure out where the next move may be. Once again …..thanks Martin……
From what I have seen and heard it would seem prudent to stick with some gold, natural resources, and emerging markets with interest rate hedges such as specialized ETF’s.
I would dearly love to have a couple of US dividend payers as well. Of course, at my advanced age I need to be more conservative than I have been. The national economy does not bode well for the immediate future so I am going back to saving a portion of my retirement income for later purchases.
I listen to the experts like Martin Weiss
Look forward to hearing your predictions.
Greetings Martin
No money in bonds.
I am classified a Senior and am now beginning to channel along that line for investing.
At this time cash flow is considered important. So, I moved some assests over into oil. The actual limited partner ownership in driilling and production. As to a percentage of investable monies — the amt. is considerable, but the monthly check is likewise considerable. My thinking is that as the price of my gasoline and heating costs increase, the rise will be covered by the increase of price in a barrel of oil. Plus the tremendous tax advantages incurred with dealings in the industry.
Other monies are somewhat invested along the lines that your team of advisors have implied and as outlined in “Safe Money”. And just this morning added more money into the Silver arena via the ETF’S
Cheers
Lou
I am risking no more than 5% of my investable assets in the market at this time, as I am expecting a correction. I have spread the investments amoung gold miner ETF’s, silver, two dividend paying blue chip stocks, an oil company, and two chinese stocks. I subscribe to one of your newsletters and then do my own research on what is recommended in the newsletter. This strategy was successful in 2009.
I have a bearish view of domestic stocks, and a typical portfolio is 25% equity (migrating more toward intl), 30% AI (endowment strategy & CTAs), 40% bonds to include international (strategic income funds & municipals), 5% or less cash. In the mix is 5%-10% gold and incidental ownership through various funds. I favor tactical asset allocation funds such as PAUAX. I manage client assets and therefore have prudent man rules that apply.
Mr. Weiss,
Am 66 years old and have only this past October begun to invest, beginning with a the remainder of an inheritance that would be better to increase than spend. This is invested in Schwab Janus Fund and half again as much in one year T-bills. From my monthly SS am purchasing stocks and one EFT, so far, at about a one or two bill limit. Have a small cluster of Motley recommended L.T. stocks [domestic] also with Schwab that am building onto. With this limit a two or three stock purchase is possible. Want to know if an foreign based ETF would be best to add, as the DOW is up one day and the same day the NASDAQ is down and vise versa making the stock balance at zero sometimes. Want build not stay even as you know.
Thank you,
Joseph
I am a relative novice in stock market investing and have zero experience in bonds. Thus I rely very heavily on advice I trust, i.e. almost entirely on the Weiss team through Safe Money, Real Wealth, and Asia Stock Alert. My IRA is primarily based on Safe Money portfolio. We have another account with probably the 25% gold or gold slanted stocks–possibly less, but certainly not more. Otherwise it is decidedly more foreign (Asian) than domestic, and fairly heavy in commodities of various kinds. Our third account is mostly devoted to Foundation Alliance prescribed activities, but recognizing that much of the capital in that account was not being used, we have also invested in some other stocks recommended by the Weiss team, mostly foreign. (However, all our “foreign” stocks are sold on the U S exchanges as we are not with a broker that routinely handles overseas investments.)
I believe, given the market situation, the best allocation will be:
30% US Equities,
30% Muni Bonds
15% gold
15% natural resources
10% cash
I believe , for my situation, I have:
50% Cash
20% Gold (bullion)
20% International stocks
10% US stocks
the us is going down hill the dollar will continue to loose value inflation is inevitable. commodities will increase in price. the far east will be the place to bet on
I have 60 percent of my money in CD’s for now and 40 percent in St. Gaudens. Is lthis okay for now
Martin, I don’t know how to do these two. I am hoping you can advise me. I am still trying to find a discount broker. We need to liquidate 3 month treasury bills and use the money to invest to get some increase. Mardee
MLP’s, foreign based energy and other natural resource stocks, ETF’s Chile, Brazil, China, Africa, agricultural related stocks and ETF, some US energy stocks, gold and silver related investments including bullion stored are the way to go with coming tax increases in US and other economic dampening policies being promulgated by the anti-capital congress.
I’m 35% in Wellsley income, 20% in Gnma, 10% short tem investment grade bond,10% gold and gold stocks, 15% spdr uitilties, 10% split among Canada and Brazil etf I’m reasonably comfortable with this mix. Income is very important right now and to preserve capital from loss.
I have tried to diversify my portfolio with a number of asset classes. I have about 5-10% in gold and silver bullion/coins, 40% in real estate, 5% in currency ETFs, 20% in short term bonds, and 30-35% in stocks – primarily in natural resources and inverse ETFs.
I’m 2/3 gold & metals and 1/3 energy and agricultual commodities. Seem like the lesser of the current (and future) evils.
Martin
In response to your two questions I can only say I invested into the Contrarian portfolio & hope your designates have thought thru there analisees in order to stay clear of the pitfalls you point out –
trusting in your company’s judgement
Steve Gareau
50% in cash
15% in precious metals
25% in Australian stocks.
10% in American stocks
I am now invested in TIAA-CREF. They have continued going going up, even through the last horrors. The original $5,000 investment in 1968 has produced over $175,000.00. I have recently purchased a home, paid in full, and put $1,000.00 into savings each month, on social security. I now have $58,000 in TIAA-CREF, going up about $500.00 a quarter. At 77, I am working full time building a new business.
I am concerned about the dollar collapsing. My doctors tell me I can easily live to about 111. What are my best financial options???
Ellis French
1)I would invest in terms of percentages of overall portfolio. 10%, 20%, etc., I think that there is an assessment of the potential vehicle in terms of percentage. I think that gold is still good so more there. I put more into UNG this time because of the context of a cold winter. I was right!
At this point I’m relying on information from advice sites like yours, David Lynch and the Fractal Gold and Market report, and Mohan’s daily market report. I buy Gold etfs when gold is at 1000, I use Rydex sector funds to invest in and short the S&P, I buy options when the advisers say we’re in for a run up or down. Really it’s been fly by visual flight rules with input from the advice sites.
To decide how to invest is the hardest part. First I read several newsletters which help to a small degree. The I try to research ideas from the newsletters. I have also signed up for Forex trading which is great and the 21 Century Superpower which had a slow start but seems to be doing better at this point. Only problem is that these are expensive programs (at least to us who are small investors). On these programs they tell me how much to invest which is extremely helpful. Also your Weiss Report is very helpful in giving me ideas for investing in overseas stocks which is have a fair percentage of our money in. We have learned about the ETF’s which I feel comfortable investing in.
Thank you, Laura Krygier
My ECONOMETRIC MODEL indicates we are headed for a world wide ecomomic catastrophy. THe BIS reports the world banks are a quadtrillion in off balnce sheet derivative debt and this is impossible to overcome, and when made public the financial world collapses. The dollar is doomed and we are increasing our holdings in other currencies and precious metals.
To be honest. I don’t know.
I was extra cautious last year and did not participate in the big up move.
You listen to TV and become more confused.
I’m in SMN, ZSL, SRS, TYP, and SKF….I am holding physical gold and silver. I believe the market is overbought and values in all asset classes are way overvalued. I follow both Edelson and Martin and subscribe to EWI, but I think it is time to get short. I also sold all of my China stocks(maybe a bit too early), as I agree with Mr. Jim Chanos. Low market volume has become scary. I think the market will correct huge again later this year. GLTY ALL!
I am collecting information from a number of sources, before I allocate any short term investment and speculative money to the various asset classes. I am aware the 3.5 trillion to be refinanced, the new taxes the US plans, the lack of earnings in US companies, the overbought positions, tell me to avoid USD investments. The Sovereign Debt issues and State bond issues make me concerned about bonds, plus their lack of return with rising interest rates that will have to occur. I see certain foreign stocks should return a lot in 2010, but the US market may crash them, with the panic like 08, since the Euro is in trouble, as well as other currencies are risk assets relative to gold, silver, and other hard commodities. Small caps are dangerous now, with liquidity an issue with 100 institutional’s out I am going more offshore before the door closes. I already have some.
Truthfully, I use advisors, much like yourself. I have you and two others that I depend on for market advice.
Im thinking of opening a Gold account with Gold money and maybe trying etfs like Mercks or GLD, SLV and some kind of other safe money fund. I am wary of hanging on to any inverse etfs too long due to counterparty risk
Cash in hand (CIH)/ no debt generated cash, China and India then Brazil and Canada lead the World as strategic growth developers into the 2010 decade/. Debetors, USA, EURO, GB, JAP. are all lagards waiting for the moves of the growth developers to leverage opportunities for survival. Only the USA has enough world financial clout to control, short-term, it’s destiny with the help of China and the far East that continually buys it’s paper debt. One cannot exist without the other short term or until an extremely valuable energy source is developed to self support the future. The US is the only debtor innovator to have the innovative technology based enterprise change culture needed to succeed through context, strategically with this ‘new energy’. (prior to the present leadership).
#2
Invest 3% to 5% accordingly in each opportunuty once the primary parameters are determined; investments made intoyour 5 options are to be invested into the secondary parameters (opportunities) as determined by market forces, strength of growth, managements proven abilities, cash flow and strength of borrowing, etc..
#1 per your reference 1,2,3,4,5 above
Invest in (3) 30% foreign energy stocks being the emphasis over US, (1) 35% stocks only in companies with over 50% foreign revenue growth, (5) Bonds 20% – short term, 5 yrs or less with high concentration in AAA, AA 3% in investment grade and hedge strategies, (2) 10% silver, slv, and mining stocks diversified other than gold, (4) 5% currencies of India (4%), Swiss (1%). Total 100%. I do use use sector ETF’s, and short ETF’s as hedges.
PS…holding 50% cash…:)
I am following Safemoney and Real Wealth,but do not have clarity of how much to allocate under each category.I attempted to follow your protective strategies in late 2008 and early 2009,but lost money.I became guarded and have kept money in CDs and Treasury Money Markets tho I have a large amount of retirement funds in Principal Annuity.
I am invested 60% in domestic and emerging market equities, 20% in precious metals & commodities, and 20% in short term, intermediate term, and high yield bonds & currencies. I subscribe to approximately twenty financial letters, some value investors, some growth investors, and some contrarian investors. I joined MCP but soon found that this portfolio wasn’t providing me with enough interest and dividends. I am retired and lost a lot of money last year letting a mutual fund manager handle my money.
I need dividend paying equities and bonds for income, precious metals for insurance, and some equities for appreciation. I aim for 7-8% interest
1.Foriegn stocks could be a bubble – mostly US mining stocks
2. 30% bullion – 70 % various mining stocks
3. Energy unpredictable – question buying UNG because negative reports that UNG etf trades nearby futures contract resulting in slippage.
4. none
5. Lost money on TBT – margin requirement change resulting in margin call.
In Taxable accounts 50% short SPY, long 100% MLPs, 25% gold, 25% cash
In tax advantaged accounts 100% short OIL, long 200% BPT
I have thing divided pretty much evenly across the board. But not in US Equities.
Latin America
Japan
Canada
China
Commodities
precious metals (fund)
emerging markets
high yield bond funds (yeilding 8%)
long term bond funds (yielding 5.2% tax free)
Cash
No bonds
10% ftx currency trading . never risking more than 5% pertrade
20 percent commodity trading.
50 percent stock. mainly cash probing the short side with double etfs. and options.
15 bullion planning on doubling from new cash flow
5 cash.
I am retired and live off my Reversible mortgage and S.Seurity..The rest for future is 60% in U.S,Global Gold and Prec Metals fund; and 40% in RS Natural Resources fund. Why are ykou and Larry Eddlson now talkiing about owning Gold Bullion. Thhis has to be stored, insured, etc. That gold fund has being recovering quite nicely this past year. I have always been a no load nutual fund investor and have depended on you, and outfitls Like the late Louois Roukauser (sp) for the financial guidancae as to which fund etc.
here is my answer: you need to diversify and it depend a lot on your age and your risk profile.if your are near retraite you will be more conservative like 50 to 75 in secure
income asset like bond, mutual fund and money market fund and the rest in corporate
securities.if younger ,get more agressive in equities.
then you have to decide now where putting it.i would look right now to put some in cie
that have some china exposure and represent wonderful oppurtunities like pfe ge.
For some risk asset look at citigroup(c).also you have to diversify in different sector
if you dont look at the market all day long.one exposure i will take in ressources
will be halliburton (hal).also look at ford because they made good sale oversea.
put some in gold and silver for protecting your portfolio and for hedging but be careful
to watch the relation that gold have with the us dollar you know.cie in that sector i will suggest will be barrick gold or etf like gld and cef.(central fund).
for the riskiest part and grow i will suggest google and apple .
dont forget to add some option for protecting in a sense your investment.
there i think you have it .
thank for reading.
yvan
Martin,
I use only recommendations in your Safe Money report and MCP alerts. That takes the guess work out of it. I am just too busy earning a living to try and be the expert !
I was just thinking about this the other day . . . I need to figure out how to divy up my retirement portfolio . . .I have not had a plan since the market downturn when I took a lot of money out of play . . . of course, my old diversification doesn’t really make as much sense now in this current economy . . .so, I was planning to do some research on how I might do this for the coming year or two . . .I subscribe to several of the Weiss newsletters (MillionDollar Contrarion, Real World Wealth, Safey Money) but I need to create an overall plan that all of these will fit into in some way . . .thanks for taking on this topic. I need this help too!
Hello Martin, as a subscriber to your services I am very much appreciative as you are a secure guidance in this unsecured world of economics and everything else that we live on.
This is my portfolio now days, and I change it as necessary:
20% emerging markets ETFs, 20% foreign oil & energy, 20% Canadian metal & mining, 20% gold/silver stocks, the rest some 20% I play penny stocks/ under $10 etc.
So far I cant complain, unfortunately I don’t trust the direction our government is taking in our economic world
I came from a country that lived with inflation changes daily (Argentina), and went through Carter’s 18% prime rate, I will appreciate your comments, Thanks for all you are doying, Bill
I basically use three methjods to trade. I have a self-directed IRA in which I swing trade stocks based upon my own criteria utilizing daily charts and fairly close stops. That represents about 10% of my portfolio.
I utilize my 401(k) plan and an aggressive lifestyle fund to get in and out of the market – again utilizing daily market charts and SAR indicators. 60% of my portfolio
I dollar cost average graded gold, Silver and platinum coins. (because I am also a collector) I know Larry would by bars. Gold coins are about 20% of my Portfolio, Patinum 10% and Silver 10%.
Martin Weiss Reply:
January 14th, 2010 at 10:38 AM
Interesting. Personally, I don’t like day trading. But I respect those who can do it successfully and consistently over time. I also don’t rely so heavily on technical analysis, although our analysts certainly use it for timing the market. Finally, I am not a great fan of dollar-cost averaging. For precious metals, however, it has proven to be very successful.
Having said all that, the more important question are: How well have you done with each of these methods? Which do you find is the most productive over time?
— Martin
1) MADISON INVESTMENTS FOR SHORT TERM CORP. BONDS
2) CEF’S FOR DIVS AND SLOW BETA GROWTH AND CERTAIN ETF’S FOR GROWTH-DETERMINED BY SECTOR ROTATION
3) PREF.STOCKS FOR GROWTH AND INCOME
4) BOTH PRECIOUS AND BASE METALS THROUGH ETFS. ALSO HOLD PHYSICAL BULLION.
5) SHORT TERM TRADING BASED ON TECHNICALS.
6) FOREIGN MKTS THROUGH BOTH ETF’S AND CEF’S.
with dubai,greece,italy,spain and a lot of other countries in trouble and maybe even canada that all ready depends on the usa will devalue the loonie to keep doing business the dollar is the place to be.there are too many rumors about the chinese boom,some say the malls are boared up the sky scrapers are empty and the warehouses are full in cchina today.who is right and there is no clear picture in a comunistic country.beware
I decide based on input from Weiss, other financial advisors, and reading various magazines, etc.
I try to spread risk among these investments evenly.
I read and try to follow the advice given in your daily emails and videos plus read everything I can on the economy. I am already substantially invested away from the US dollar. I am working toward generally accepted percentage standards currently at about 17% in gold/silver, 10% in foreign currencies, 15% in cash, and increasing amounts in foreign agriculture and energy.
Answer: Weiss Research Team advice. Not always easy, as you don’t march in lockstep. I don’t pretend that this is perfect and will “save” me, but you’ve been better (make more sense to me and saved me a LOT of money over friends) than either Merrill Lynch, Edward Jones, or even me alone, either day trading or following general independent advice. Ergo. And yes, I do have questions. Ex. Swiss francs? Is that really the best currency with which to hedge, or does diversifying trump jumping around, which is costly?
33% Weiss Treasury Only Money-Market (T-Bills)
15% Allocated to MDContrarian Portfolio
10% Gold Bullion in Safe Deposit Box
10% Allocated to Safe Money Portfolio & Dividend Superstars
14% Cash in Canadian $ in Canada (I’m not Canadian)
8% Swiss Francs at Evergreen Bank
5% Cash in US$
2.5% Allocated to Real Wealth-Larry E.
I’m 35% Wellesley income, 25% gnma bonds, 10% short term investment grade,10% gold etf and gold stocks, 10 utilities etf, 10% Brazil and Canadian etf’s
Martin,
Thank you for asking. I am so new at this I would not even consider telling anyone how I am doing any of it yet.
I very much look forward to your response to these other comments though.
I do not have a current methodology when it comes to asset allocation; I have been following what I set up when I was much younger. Lately I have been reading your reports and trying to adjust as best I can with current situation. Unfortunately, I act slowly as to information I believe is credible and accurate.
Investments: 1) Domestic stocks in large companies including Energy & Natural Resources with dividends and /or international operations – 35%. 2) A fund invested in basically foreign stocks in Europe & Asia – 10%. 3) A Fund invested in Gold and Silver – 5%. 3) Short & intermediate termed Treasury Bonds & Notes – 20%. 4) Short & Intermediate termed Bonds (Domestic and Foreign) -20%. 5) Cash – 10%.
I have no investments because I’m flat broke and have no start up capital. I’m working on changing that, but….in the mean time if I had a portfolio other than the electronic one I watch…I’d use the Kontradieff Wave by Russian Mathematician, Nickolai Kontradieff.
I follow recommendations from Dr. Wise and his team, plus Larry Edelson, Tony Sagami, and Sean Brodrick. I’m new (six months) to taking control of my IRA account. I have little knowledge about the markets.
I’m 28% in Gold, silver, gold mining stocks.
43% in Cash (USD money fund)
27% in Smart Money recommendations other than Gold
2% in Gold mining XRA. XRA has risen so fast so quick (up 48% in just a couple of months) I’m wondering If I should sell?
Thanks for helping educate me,
Mike Mac
I think a large percentage, like 40% should go to commodities. OIL, GOLD and other metals. Another 20% in foreign, liking Brazil better than China. MY CONCERN IS HOW I CAN GET OUT OF DOLLAR DENOMINATED ASSETS AND WHAT EXACTLY FALLS INTO THAT CATEGORY. BE SO KIND AS TO ANSWER THIS FOR ME, AND OTHERS LIKE ME. We read the warnings, yets have no way to follow your advice, when you do not clarify what you mean by “dollar-denominated assets”. TIA> Savvy
Numismatics, Silver & Gold
Norwegian kroner + Swiss francs
Chemicals (+Pharmaceuticals & Drugs)
Agri and wood land
Fishing quotas
I am retired on disability and fully invested in Company 401K with T Rowe Price.
I need to know how to pull my funds into a self directed IRA and than follow your recommendations for distribution.
have some gold,silver;coins5k or so.annunityover100k,afew k of oil stocks.
hopeing to divest into income& gowth. WHAT DO YOU SAY? I’M 65!
I pretty much follow the advise of your team. However, I’m somewhat more in German funds and stocks because I live in Berlin and wonder if Claus Vogt who also lives in Berlin has any advice for German investors. Compared to the USA it seems to me that the scene is quite bare on advice for Germany. He might have a useful task there.
I teach college so I only have mutual funds available, however I have done quite well over the last 10 years because I’m aggressive in my investing approach. Currently:
40% energy fund (Vanguard)
40% precious metals fund (2 different funds)
10% small and mid cap domestic funds
5% Latin American Fund
5% China Fund
I need assistance as to asset alloction (specific amounts) and prioritization of sectors and which stocks/bonds you would recommend buying. Also, would it be wise to invest a specific amount monthly instead of all at once in the areas we are looking at?
1. I have to admit I’m paralyzed for 2010 right now. All your five choices seem dangerous to me right now, as I can’t follow the market daily so I worry about losing everything. I have less than 20 years to retirement and no where near enough saved, so hanging on to what I have now seems the prudent thing to do in the current economic turmoil.
2. I do my own research based on many allocation theories, then tell my financial advisor what I’m thinking, then possibly allow him to convince me otherwise.
I have been following you since I bought your book last year. I have a very small Roth IRA and subscribed to your dividend newsletter to invest that fund by myself without an advisor. I currently have Altria based on those recommedations. I have $100k in a normal IRA which I had my broker move last May to a short/intermediate term U.S. security mutual fund. I’m a little scared to start branching out there, because at this point I’m looking for safety first right now. I also have $100k in my 401K with a limited amount of funds to choose from. The safest according to your book is a stable asset fund, but that’s currently with Bank of America, and I’m worried that if they fail, I’ll lose it. So I went with the Pimco Total Return Bond Fund last May. Now, with your warnings about the possible bond market collapse, I’m scared to leave it there as well, but don’t know what else to do with it. Help!
Thank you for your book, newsletters, and advice for those of us who don’t have enough money yet to hire the ‘big guns’. Last May, I also cashed in my insurance policy and moved my bank accounts out of Chase into a local community bank. Thank you for the peace of mind I have now on that as well.
We’ve been told to invest in precious metals co. stocks and commodities because of danger of national financial collapse. Everything other than physical Gold, Silver are redeemable in FRN’s. Physical Gold and Silver has been and will always be money. What would you want to be holding if financial collapse happens.
I put equal parts in international stiocks, us stocks, bonds, precious metals and hard asset stocks
1. I am trying to stay away from any investments that can be badly hurt by another crash. I like gold and silver, Asian assets including dividend paying mutuals and commodities at this time.
2. 10% precious metals, 50% high dividends, 30% other crash proof investments.
I do commodity price charting to help steer me in the right direction, and try to go with the trend. I also use the Weiss group to help me decide favorable choices. I favor the metals markets as well as the commodities (grains) because I am more familiar with them. The more confidence I have, I invest more in that ETF.
I am 100% in cash at the moment and have been since August 07. If you have any sudgestions that would be appreciated. Peter.
There is no static answer to this question. My approach is to look forward at macroecononic trends and adjust proportions in different investment classes – higher percentages go where greater asset growth is expected and less to investment classes likely to underperform. These proportions are readjusted on a regular basis.
Question #1 – Very little domestic investments. #2 Some money in Gold stocks and bullion. #3 30% in energy and related mining. #4 No currencies. #5 No Bonds.
I have been told not to invest in leveraged ETF’s for an extended holding period (AKA TBT). Please help me with info on this subject. Interest rates have only one way to go and thats up.
Individual bonds – 50%
Commodities including gold and silver – 20 %
Emerging markets – 15 %
Inverse funds – 10%
Cash – 5%
I’m following the recos of your group and am selecting those which seem most appropriate for the 25% of my funds that presently are invested. The balance of my funds are in very safe places.
Hi Martin,
I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, went way out on a limb, borrowed money, and decided to subscribe to your Inner Circle. Am now receiving everything you publish for the rest of my life. I’m confident it will prove to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
I think the secret of investing in 2010 is the need to be nimble. The current ‘Sucker Rally’ could end abruptly before the end of 2010. Right now I am primarily in Gold and Silver mining stocks but will be ready to exit in January 2011 when the current gold cycle peaks.
It is really pretty simple….if the government tells us that something will be okay, I do the exact opposite. They say they will cut energy costs, I invest for higher energy prices. They say the economy will be fine, then I inverse the market. I am staying out of the US markets and am long Asia, South America, and precious metals…..anything to avoid what Congress, the Senate and the administration are doing as they spend us into debt.
Dear Martin
To question one i lesten to uncommon wisdom and question two i just go with the flow.
Thanks
Peter
You forget other assets in Q1, but then I look at the overall state of the world to decide.
Q2: It depends on my net worth, if there is any, of course.
short term I am putting 25 % in coal (canada) , 25 % in natural gas (canadian shale gas) and 25 % in oil exploration (middle east). the remaining 25 % I am putting in a ETF shorting China as I feel the bubble will pop shortly, after that I will take any profits from the ETF and put into gold, silver and copper plays
Your question implies use of a methodology to determine allocation across asset classes. So far, I don’t see any responses that specifically address this. An allocation decision does not a system make.
I can’t honestlly say I have one myself, except to commit assets based on both a mental and emotional decision of where I see things now and for the near future. If nothing else, I’ve learned to be more aware of not losing money as premise number one for 75% of assets. This keeps the emotions in check, so I can make more aggressive and profitable moves with the other 25%. I’m 10-years from retirement so still needing to build that nest-egg.
I know that if there is a good chance feds will increase interest rates get out of bonds. Buy bonds if interest rates will decrease.
I am retired,and as such I invest conservatively. I follow portfolio guidelines and have about 45% in short term fixed income funds, 20% in a long-short hedge fund(used to be a lot smaller percentage, but the fund has significantly outperformed everything else I have), 15% in US large cap funds, 10% in US small cap, and 10% in International equity funds. And I don’t make changes based upon sudden market changes(but I do drink more during those times).
Question #1:
(1) How are YOU deciding whether you’ll invest in domestic and foreign stocks–I follow the Real Wealth Report, Safe Money Investor, Dividend Superstars, and Asia Stock Alert. Before buying any stock, I check out whatever reports can be had on that stock. If they concur with the Uncommon Wisdom Team (UWT), then I buy if I can. I own only two stocks I did not buy as a direct result of a recommendation from UWT (both short term lithium plays (AMLM and LTUM)). That said, my IRAs (Roth and education) are tied up mostly in stock mutual funds. Fidelity Contrafund, Federated Kaufmann, a range of Janus and Vanguard funds, and Fidelity’s gold-based fund. Do I bail out and, if so, into what?
(2) I bought bullion and gold ETFs and gold miners immediately after reading several of the UWT analyses on the market. If Larry and Martin are correct, gold will make me very happy in the next year. I followed Sean Broderick’s recent silver recommendations, as well. Here’s to precious metals.
(3) Still looking for the best energy and oil stock and ETF recommendations from UWT.
(4) Have not yet figured out how to play in this market. Need UWT advice. I did buy UDN on UWT recommendation (shorting the dollar), but so far it has not been a winner.
(5) bonds in 2010? Looking for best UWT plays on taking advantage of this market. Seems very volatile and I need some solid recommendations to be a winner in bonds this year. Unfortuantely, my government-job TSP (my retirement) money is tied up in what is called the “G Fund,” which is invested in government securities. They are short term so I hope I am protected. This is the safest option TSP offers.
Question #2: I try to balance it according to limitations imposed by the nature of my investments. For example, I am stuck with either stock funds or the “G Fund” for TSP. So, I chose the safer “G Fund” after losing a lot of money in 2008. I then allow my Roth and Educaiton IRAs to ride out the stock market. This gives me both bond and stock positions in retirement. Additionally, Fidelity’s Gold Fund, down since I bought it, should come back and represent a solid position in the retirement portfolio. Non-retirement funds, then, are used for individual stock plays done mostly in accordance with UWT recommendations (unfortunately, 90% are down since entering the positions).
Martin/Larry/Sean/Tony/Nilus: I am one of the Weiss Elite subscribers and have trouble with two aspects of the service. First, it is difficult to find what I need sometimes. Would you consider putting out email delivery direct of all reports, recommendations, blog topic starters (like this one) and so forth? I would love to have a single website I could check two or three times each day to get everything I need from both UWT and Money & Markets. Second, is there any way to include the transcript of the short video pieces that are done, usually, by Sean and Tony? I cannot access the videos until evening, so it would help if I could read the transcript when they come out.
I am widely diversified and without looking at the pie chart, I’m well represented in energy, inlcuding alternative (Winslow Fund and wind mostly) and pharmas , big cap with heavy global, some mid and small, heavier overseas of late like China, India and Brazil, some cash, some gold For bonds i have some held for years with good interest and almost all the new are long term a and up rated munis with no AMT and insured. Only one Barclay treasury and about to buy more ultra short to cover losses. I have several sector ETF’s but find they lag indivudual stocks and usually only buy when I am totally ignorant of their sector like biopharma or overseas agri I also have a lot of art which I see as a donation tax loss at this point! and some coins and gold in the safe deposit box
primarily i listen to you larry and the nrest of your staff although i do listen to jim cramer and i follow my own thoughts when somthing seems tomake sense like converting cars and big trucks to natural gas. i also like t boone pickens thoughts on the subject.
I still like Harry Browne’s formula for wealth preservation. (You have to make it first, but that will come from your vocation, not investments.)
1/4 Stocks
1/4 Bonds
1/4 Precious Metals
1/4 Cash
Rebalance annually.
Martin:
I had planned to use the recommendations of Claus in the Million-Dollar Contrarian Portfolio.
Marvin
convert to CDN foreign currencie then invest in gold, energy and natural resources.
I read other people options and then judge. My monies can only spread so far; 1) so I buy foreign countries that raised their interest rates; 2) some junior gold stocks that have a low, price to earnings ratio; and 3) utilities or gas with low debt and some foreign customers. The value of the dollar is going down for a long time, so before our dollars are worthless, have to put monies in companies with a stronger economy.
Gold & Silver Miners
I am looking for more guidance. Currently I have moved ou of total stock market to a mix of (mostly eastern) foreign stocks, ETF’s, gold, etc. while keeping VFIIX, VIPSX, and VFSTX.
Thanks
Right now, based on input from many sources–WEISS plays a heavy roll. We are invested as follows. Operating Cash 10%, Gold,silver miners and other precious metals 10-20%, Other commodities/currencies-0-20%, energy, industrials, materials10-20% International companies 20-30%. US: Primarily technical, materials, energy, and other major large caps5-20%. We stay with ETF’s vs individual stocks to attempt to reduce volatility-with the exception of a small amount ~5% in hard silver/gold.
We go in and out of cash based on our own timing model.
I decide based on input from Weiss, other newsletters, books and articles. I have increased foreign investment and gold while decreasing total stock market.
Thanks
Accumulation (11yr) of Au & Ag bullion 43% (66% from past share profits).
Foreign oil & gas & exploration 22%
PM miners foreign 32%
Cash 3%
Currently dividends of shares are drip reinvested.
Age 71, self directed, and does not avoid up to 12% speculation risk.
Allocation is a residual of over time defined past purchases.
Without major economic failure, purchasing power growth is exceeding inflation at a much greater than overall market rate.
A catastrophic collapse may destroy at least 50% of shares, while still offering protection provided by bullion.
Currently dividends of shares are drip reinvested.
I just took early retirement at 62, and have allocated my assets this way:
50% Cash (all our taxable accounts for next 5 years)
All our Seps and Retirement Accounts:
10% Goldcorp and Junior Gold ETF
10% Dividend Paying high grade domestic stocks
10% Top Rated Chinese Stocks
20% Treasuries and Bond ETFs
I’m still working at age 68. I have invested in two annunities, one a 401 rollover and the other an after tax buy in. Both guarantee a 5% return on your original invested base plus any new profits made during the year which change on your anniversary date. I have also invested in a whole life insurance policy. I have a 401 which I have used for the Million Dollar Contraian recommendations plus those from Safe Money Report and Real Wealth Report. I plan on activating my social security this year – two years after my offical retirement age for which I earned 7%/yr. additional. I have a defined pension plan which I will activate upon retiring, hopefully with 50 years of service for the same company in June 2013. I also have a home on 1&1/2 acres on a river in TN, which has increased in value per my assesment upon refinancing this past April. May do a reverse mortgage later on. Thanks for your analysis!
I will be interested in your views on how to build a portfolio next week
Gold is going down and energy is rising. Are you still saying gold will continue going up.
I am new at this and need your guidance.
James Bullock
I am out of the US $ by owning commodity driven stks/etfs
/etns.plus physical silver and gold.
Favor,water , agricuture, energy and natual resources in that order. Hold 10%+ cash.
Lou
I read a lot of research and publications and try to form my own opinion.
Currently I am still bullish for stocks (TINA, improving results from companies and inventory rebuilding). However, that will likely change in 6 to 12 months.
Invested in agriculture related stocks, gold, junior mining stocks and dividend stocks.
1. 40% Select Foreign Stocks
2. 20 Natural resources
3. 20 Precious metals
4. 20 Other
Hi Martin:I was with you in the early `80`s for awhile. In answer to your questions, 1] I depend largely on advice from you and your group.2]I have to specify that I try to keep the risk level and amounts down because of a current drain on my assetts related to my wife having to be in an Assisted Living facility. I`m hoping, naturallly, to make some money to help pay these expenses but I`m realistic enough to know that this may not happen….. in fact, I may lose some.
Question #1: How are YOU deciding whether you’ll invest in (1) domestic and foreign stocks, (2) gold bullion and other precious metals, (3) energy and natural resources, (4) foreign currencies and/or (5) bonds in 2010?
For me, the How is purely my expectations for the markets and my tendancy towards safety. My view on (1) I’ve invested in both US & Foreign (diversification). (2) Back some time ago I did do some Gold investments but got out as I am one of those that do not believe it has an intrinsic value beyond jewelry & industrial use. It could rise 100%, but it is difficult to rationalise why, and by the same reasoning it could drop 50%and we can’t say why. With this sort of uncertainty I just say no. (3) Energy & Natural Resources are a must, with clearly visible intrinsic value. 37% of my portfolio is in this area. (4/5) haven’t yet done currencies or bonds, but might look at options soon.
Based on my own analysis I use the proportions of Stable/Value stocks 40%, Stable with moderate growth prospects 40%, and 20% in slightly risky stocks with high growth potential.
Regards,
Denis
Martin,
I was letting Schwab do what they thought best with all my money for the last ten years. I am 54 yrs. old. I know next to nothing about investing and was happy with them. I got worried during the crash in 2008 when they said do nothing, sit tight. I started reading on my own and came across your book , The Ultimate Depression Survival Guide, and am in the process of moving everything into the Weiss Treasury Only Fund I established last week. I agree with your thinking but I don’t know where to go from here or how to get there without a broker. Schwab thinks I’m crazy, I don’t know if I should go back to them when I get back into the market. I need a company that thinks like you do. Is there one you can suggest? Thank you for everything, you really opened my eyes about investing.
Martin I do not consider myself experienced enough to forward recomendations however I look forward to all of the advice I can get.
Thank you
Question #1: i have to rely on “experts” in the fields — people whose job it is to study the market and hopefully get different points of view. Which, of course, ends up in a great deal of confusion. I watch my portfolio and question – or sell- the losers.
Question #2: how much is a combination of what I can bear plus what I hear from the same experts.
I follow the general advice of Martin, Mike, Claus, Larry, and other team members. I subscribe to several Money and Markets services.
However, there is much conflicting information and advice on the internet, much fronm reputable sources. Some say the dollar will rise in 2010. Others say it will fall.
Some say that China will continue its economic boom. Others say it is creating bubbles that will soon burst.
Others say the US stock market will continue rising in 2010 as the Fed pumps money into the economy. Others say the stock market is due for a big crash.
Although I am an avid reader and study the markets and the economy, I have to admit that it does get confusing. I would like to feel comfortable with a solid overall strategy.
Since I subscribe to the Safe Money Report, the Real Wealth Report, and the Foundation Alliance, it will be difficult to spend more money for another report.
1.Domestic {canada} gold&silver mining 10%, Canadian &US large companies with dividends Internatioal 10%
2.BRIC stocks 10%
3.Gold and Silver Funds 10% 4.Short term 1 to 3 years US Bonds 10%
5.Canadian Treasuries 30%
6.Cash 10%
With the economic and political directions that this country is heading, prudence dictates a very hard analysis as to any domestic equity that is in or may be considered for the portfolio. My preferences are: precious metals, oil and gas, agriculture, utilities and foreign equities. Allocation percentages should remain flexible.
For the last few years I have been using two publications to decide an allocation – Larry Edelsons (real wealth report) and your ( safe money report ) however now that I am learning only the FAT CATS who can justify the $$$ and get your new { Elite Service } will be getting the first and best advice I may have to change and go to { Euro Pacific Capitol } .
Again big money has the leg up on the rest of us !
20% gold/silver
20% Energy ex US
20% Gold/Silver miners – ex US
20% Emerging Markets – overweight Brazil
20% Short term securities
Whatever you do – if you have bullion – do NOT put it in a safe deposit box. If the bank fails – you cannot get to it until the receiver comes in and takes over. If there really is a meltdown – you might have trouble getting to it at all.
I SHALL TRY AND STAY WITH GOLD FOR 20%OF MY WEALTH INVESTED, THE REMAINDER WITH GOOD OLD FASHIONED MUTUAL FUNDS WITH TEMPLETON AND EATON. WCH
Dear Martin,
I was in your Currency and SafeMoney programs in 2009.Lost money in your early Currency recommendations. Your SafeMoney protective strategy at that time I followed. I acceded to a contrarian position that underwrit your strategies then and which damped my expectations.When stocks began to repair in the latter 2009 in a self- diagnosing way and with limited experience I explored and invested in Stocks(USA), options, ETFs, Gold and Silver all with a limited amount of investment and have lost.I had made money on a Small cap investment but have since lost most of that gain.
I do follow assiduously your reports and agree with your well argued analyses based as they are on authenic and complex data.
I only wish to recover my losses and have limited funds to achieve this, thanking you for this opportunity to answer you.. Best regards.
Assimilating information from various investment advisory sources, and allocating based on composite recommendations.
Hi Martin:
This is what I have done.
1) When the market was at it’s lowest last March, so were my favoite gold stocks
AEM and KGC, so put 20% of my funds into those. Still trying to determine
when to sell these.
2) With the market where it is, I have put 25% into bear funds.
3) Placed another 20% into oil and will leave there until after Israel bombs Iran.
I know that this is rather ghoulish, but it is not my fault they are idiots.
4) I put 20% into natural gas stocks such as UNG as you recommended.
5) I put the rest into speculation stocks such as ETEV which does fuel additives
and various other “penny” stocks which I have monitored over time (never
more than 2000 dollars into any of them).
Thanks…Steve
As with anything else—depends on age,financial circumstances rosk tolerance etc
I personally am diversified withrespect to classes of investments ETFs,high dividend yielding stocks,MLPs ,foreign ETFs particularly Asian
commodity etfs and inverse ETF hedges.I am very active and will rearrange portfolio frequently if necessary in terms of % allocation in each area
We would love to be able to invest as well as your very special and revered father invested. Knowing that is unrealistic, we naturally want to try to do as well as possible. Having lost a great deal between mid 2008 and early 2009, we have yet to make any meaningful recovery with Safe Money or the Contrarian portfolios. The Edelson, Sagami & Broderick team has been very helpful. The easy profits opportunity, since march 2009, is now a historical footnote. Looking forward, “perhaps” (emphasis added) what may do well are: agriculture related; water purification; energy; minerals; resources; base, manufactured, & precious metals; certain commodities; mining; raw and manufactured materials; and those sectors, stocks, ETFs related to the unequivacle needs, desires and trends of the developing nations. At the right time, “shorting” certain indexes and equities could be very worth while. We would love to know a whole lot more specifics about what your new “cycles” forcasts are predicting for both the short and medium term. Our thanks go to you and your staff for all of your, and their, much appreciated efforts.
Great Question; Wish i had a crystal ball. I feel the Chinese market is on a roll and through diligent research there are excellent profits to be made for a while. Silver is way under valued at $20.00 and i would load up on physical 90% & .999 bullion. Gold will rally up and people will be crying the blues for not buying. I dont trust anything as American stock, our days are numbered. If this healthcare bill goes through someone in that sector is gonna get an injection of fake stimulus $$ just like AIG.
We invest in mutual funds, which we prefer to buying stocks. We have funds in Fidelity and T. Rowe Price. Additionally, my wife and I have pensions that we invest in through our respective employers.
We spread our investments over growth stocks, foreign funds, blended assets, bonds- both foreign and domestic bonds, and precious metals. We have about 10% of our assets in metals.
We seek to wisely handle the financial resources that God has given to us.
in years past{10-20) i held 80-90 percent of my retirement plan in u.s. treasury bills due to the experience of 1978-1987. now it is less than 20 percent. the largest balance is in gold, oil, and coal. some of this is in china but too much is in the u.s. i am more concerned about the obama administration’s response to this great recession than the bush administration’s creation of it. i fear the fdic, the fed, insurance companies, and banks are going the way of the savings and loans. this makes me concerned about putting money into real estate as a bottom fisher.
thomas parker
Q1. a-domestic and foreign stocks based on issues of the $
b-energy + nat. resources-growth in Asia +
c-bonds-balance portfolio
Q2 a-35 %
b-20 %
c-25 %
d-cash 20%
I dont know the best sector although I believe probably energy.and then pharmasuitacles. I dont have much to invest at this time. I have only about #35,000 in stocks and will have to sell some of them. I dont know which of them to sell as some gain and some lose every day and I break about even. I am gaining a little at times.
Reading through some of the comments I realize I have not done a very good job of analyzing the allocation of my investments and will immediately undertake the task. Many different portfolios allocations are mentioned in the various comments and based on my age (70) I will make some judgements about what allocations are right for me and then see about reallocating my positions. Hopefully some of your thoughts and suggestions will provide some additional insights into my expectations for the next few years. I am willing to invest a portion of my portfolio based on a long term view but because of my expectations for continued and perhaps increased volatile markets I will gear most of the portfolio a five to seven year time frame .. with annual adjustments or when significant turns in the market occur.
Martin Weiss Reply:
January 14th, 2010 at 10:38 AM
Bob, needless to say, there is no such thing as the Holy Grail of Investing. And the primary reason, as you imply, is that each investor has different goals. I’m only seven years behind you in age, and I, too, am more inclined to a longer term, conservative approach with less in-and-out trading. I respect, however, those that are able to trade more frequently with consistent success.
— Martin
I see certain fundamentals as paramount in making my investment choices:
1. The OCC Quarterly Chart on the Largest 25 Bank Derivative Holdings, derivative investments it shows are almost $200 trillion. Add to that Goldman Sachs with $40 trillion, plus many other companies. It is estimated the wealth of every economy in the world added together is about $97 trillion. William Black, Attorney and professor, who was a director of the equivalent of the FDIC during the S&L bankruptcies says these financial industry derivative type investments are highly illegal, fraudulent; that these banks are bankrupt; that they need to hire 5 times more FBI agents and attorneys to prosecute this in court. That there are legally prescribed ways to deal with these banks’ managements. I think the government must indict them and require them to cooperate with their entirely new management replacements; then prosecute and get possibly $60 trillion money and assets back. This ain’t hay!!! Black says these frauds are much worse in type than Madoff, and the amount of money involved is gigantic. Obama was elected in great part for economic change he represented because of his advisors like Paul Volker and what Obama promised. After he was elected Obama committed political fraud by dumping these advisors, and appointing Geithner and cronies who were those people most instrumental in establishing and carrying forward these fraudulent activities. Geithner’s plan is to have the crook bankers keep the good assets, and the public insure and pay for their fraudulent worthless paper forever and ever amen, for which they were paid likely over $60 trillion in fraudulenty earned commissions and bonuses.
2. The stock market can also be manipulated by derivative traders trading millions of shares of a company, and they don’t even take possession of the shares or own them: i.e. what happened to Overstock.com. I think it can also be manipulated by these trillionaire crooks who have benefited from likely $60 trillion in banking derivative investments, at the expense of shareholders, pension funds, and the US public.
3. The above lead me out of the US dollar. I think there may likely be another credit freeze, this time with no quick dollar fixes. I think the FDIC will go broke, or the dollar barely worth the paper it is printed on. I worry about even the best stock brokerages going broke because of the aforementioned. I also worry about major computer mix ups. On TV I saw where holders of old Wells Fargo CDs that were issued before Wells owned them, but later purchased the banks that issued them, were denied payment or their ownership; because Wells told them the writers of these CDs changed ownership so much they had no records of them. I like the idea of investing directly with major companies that do their business internationally, with good book values, good PE ratios, and plenty of cash. I like GLD that purchases gold bouillon with your investment money whose share value is equal to approximately 1/10 the price of an ounce of gold. My mother lived through the “Great” (compared to what we would have now) Depression and when she died there were the stock certificates in the safe, such as the Bell companies.
4. I rely on you, Martin Weiss, as my most informed and reliable economic guru (and I graduated from university in Bus Ad and took graduate courses in economics and have written papers). I want to thank you, as well as my thanking you many times as I already have done, by highly recommending you to give advice to individual investors and to groups of investors.
(Miss) Adrian Zolkover
20% in clean, renewable energy resources.
15% in stable foreign economy.
40% in several high-interest accounts with small banks, kept for retirement.
25% in what your gut tells your is guaranteed.
Martin, you will understand this, I’m like a kid from the streets of Brasilia eager and hungry to learn and change my life by following my gut instincts. I’m hungry but with pocket change only but, I’m also very patient. My pocket change can only buy crumbs and YOURS have been very tasty. Presently I’m on 50% Energy Resources and 40% on Infrastructure Construction. My pocket change has nearly doubled in 40 days and I do my homework on your suggestions plus I read any article published by the Street ONLY on what I’m interested in. Right now is Gold, Silver, Copper and Alternative fuels. I would love to dive in currency exchange to build some quick capital. Bonds, bah humbug!.. Bob
gold and silver miners 25% Ag 10% tech 8% no oil yet but want it 30% cash
Investible assets: 1/2 with aim of modest growth & preservation of purchase power, 1/4-liquidity for college funding over next five years, 1/4 LT (15 years) growth.
I am retired with defined pension and SS so my small portfolio is not too critical to my future. I am 20% in various gold and silver, about 50% cash, with the rest in an eclectic group that I think has a future – Apple, ETF’s:
PHO, DBA, IBB, also: GE, ISIS, ERF. I may get some Google and more Apple if they go down. I have been a Safe Money and Real Wealth Subscriber on and off for many years, but am now most interested in my Dividend Superstar subscription, and will invest a large part of my cash in those stocks plus some commodities. I believe that the world will increasingly be awash in very competitive manufacturing, so investments in the commodities they all need will work out well and may do better than the manufacturers themselves. Innovators like Apple, and those that deal with future problems like the PHO, and IBB companies will do well no matter what happens, so basically I am interested in getting dividends now plus appreciation from innovators.
One through five……
#1 commodities..precious metals.
#2 energy
#3 foreign stocks ETFs China, India, Brazil
#4 high grade corporate bonds w/ foreign exposure
#5 treasuries
Diversified investment in that order
Dr Weiss, my portfolio changes on a daily,weekly basis !!!
The asset class I try to trade in is those that will go up
or down… Right now I’m shorting the major indices, Gold,
and going long the Dollar !!!
I got trapped into shorting a up trending market last spring
and learned once again that paying someone else to do
thinking does not work for me. I do much better than Wall
Street when I do my own thinking !!!
I am using my feelings of distrust of currency. I am putting my money into gold and antiques/art. Hopefully, these will surrvive the future turbulance. Gerry
I follow a combination of Larry Edelson’s model portfolio recommendations in Real Wealth and your’s in Safe Money with a few omissions depending on my reactions to my own research. I have found that my IRA is not large enough to justify paying the large (to me) fees for your specialized publications.
By the way, I seem to stay nicely in the electronic green. Thank you both very much.
Currently I have 26% in gold-related holdings, 14% in a variety of natural resources, 4% in the dollar UDN, and 50% cash in Schwab’s short term treasury only money market fund. I am watching you and Larry for buy recs for China and Brazil and wonder why I don’t hold more already than I do. Maybe I missed something.
Thank you again for the fascinating background and other information I find in your monthly newsletters, and in Money and Markets and Uncommon Wisdom. Please do continue to remember people like me, of somewhat modest means, who are interested and motivated to keep what we have from dwindling away – and hopefully, to build it up even in these strange times. You are doing good work.
Martin Weiss Reply:
January 14th, 2010 at 10:39 AM
Jeanette, you share my mother’s name, and I will respond as I would to her: You seem to be doing just fine without our more specialized publications. So don’t feel bad if you don’t get them. Most (but not all) are designed for investors seeking significantly higher returns and willing to accept the additional risk that implies. Regarding Brazil and China, we have been — and will be — recommending them. But if you don’t own any now, that’s OK. Wait for our next recommendation.
— Martin
Martin:
I starting reading Money and Markets about a year ago. I have subscribed to Larry Eldelson’s Real Wealth Report and Nilus Mattice’s Dividend Superstars. So far, I have been happy with their reco’s, but have only starting to buy their stock recomendations since October of last year—–I wish I had started sooner. I am a small investor who was recently burned by poor advice to the tune of over $200,000 with the market meltdown. I had about one million in the market at one time. Right now I have 13% in gas and oil,7% in commodities,15% in utilities,2.9% in health care 7.6% in staples and 55% in cash plus $35,000 in a vanguard bond fund symbol BND. I must receive about 2-3 solicitations for investments every week. The real problem is, Who do you trust ???? So far I have been plesantly surprised by your group of investment advisor’s. I learn a lot more about markets from you folk’s then anyone else,although you do toot your own horn,s on occasion, but in a sincere way. I am not invested in any foreign markets nor do I have any gold shares. Keep up the good work and I would be interested in your general allocation reco’s. Thank’s again for your time. Tom Tishler
gold / silver .. gold /silver /uranium stocks also oil /gas stocks through Canadian MLP’s very little cash /no debt dollar is toast sooner or later. rick
Dear Martin, I have 40% in stocks of which is split 7/33% in international/large cap and from Larry Edelson’s RWR, probably looking for higher percentage international, more specifically, commodities. Cash is 1/3 total …. hedge funds total 10.5% with 10 ozs. gold bars and 21 ozs. Gld Etf ….. bonds are mixed short term, long/intermediate and multi-sector fixed that totals 30%. Hold some reservations about government confiscation of hard assets even considering the 28% capital gains tax. They privatize profits but socialize debts … While we are no longer on the Gold standard do you feel they might? With Ben’s propensity to print whenever, and central banks diversifiying, is this a double play on Gold? Is it why Gold the Fed is holding in New York is only valued at $44.00/oz.? I doubt the people of this Republic would be as naive as they were in 1933 …. I do not feel this government wants mass resistance or an escalation of domestic violence that confiscation surely would trigger and they probably will get anyway, if unemployment rises to Depression-era numbers!
With only 100k in one IRA money market fund I am nervous about how to diversify and hopefully, be at least ahead through 2010. I am always reading the forcasts, and frankly it’s very scary. I would love some good advice. I have been reading your Safe Money Report since the beginning of ‘09 and would love to follow your reccommendations, but feel that I don’t have enough to risk. Can you help?
How about fixed index annuities? Is this a safe bet without the gamble for the 58 year old semi retiree?
Brazil has a strong economy and currency , but a Bear is a Bear . It ( EWZ) dropped like a rock in 2008 . Chart reading ability helps a lot for gold and silver too . I like Canada , but I don’t trade currencies , but FXC was tempting below 80 cents on the Looney . I trade their oil trusts for capital gains as well as distributions .
How much do I invest ? It never hurts to have a cash cushion , and this has at times hurt me financially , but it has helped me psychologically . Other questions , if any , I don’t remember .
During Hilary’s second 6 year term , pay was increased 3 times for Secretary of State . Under article 1 section 6 of our Constitution , she cannot legally hold the office .
This is how much I trust Congress and the dollar .
physical gold–and mostly cash. just a few speclative gold junior stocks. and a few core dividend paying stocks I have had for many years.
Based on the bullish trend in commodities and the flight to safety based on excessive stimulus (running the printing presses) an allocation of 20% in precious metals / mining stocks makes sense to me. An additional 10% in oil & gas related investments to take advantage of the growing demand for oil from the emerging markets.
With the Asian economies growing at such a robust rate with a growing internal consumer demand, I believe 25% should be in Asian ETFs and the Australian dollar.
30% of investment capital should be in large cap, dividend paying, U.S. companies with more than 50% of their revenue from exports to other countries.
15% in cash to keep for opportunities and safety
As a long time subscriber of a couple of your publications and few others over the
years I have a method of overlapping confirmations. I have put two years worth of living
expenses into a Weiss Treasury Only Fund and secured a out of the country residence.
10% in physical precious metals
20% in oil or related companies domestic and foreign
30% in off shore physical holdings
50% in gold, silver, uranium, trusts and stocks.
I will be holding firm until I see policies and direction change.
I follow your advice.
Blue chip dividends, gold and silver and short term treasuries.
Tough Question…I guess it should be based on one’s assumptions for 2010 and maybe 2011…
My assumptions change at least weekly, based on the news/forecast I am reading; as an example:
Will the USA remain able to finance all the issues we finance? We are so far in debt now, that most of our ’spare’ cash will soon go to paying off some of our debt, with little/nothing left over for the ‘programs’ now in place…This argues for investments overseas in one form or another, or perhaps commodities.
Will we have serious inflation? I think we already are having it, if one loks atfood prices, prices for imported goods,(due to a weakening $$). Does this argue for investing in commodities or stocks which might benefit by inflation (what are they?)
Are we at the beginning of a fairly long depression, which will cause another big decline in the stock market? Our currency gets weaker, China, India, Brazil and others get stronger and we must buy from them with weak $$. Our unemployment levels are surprisingly high, and getting worse. Unemployed people can’t buy much, softening the consumer goods market, as well as the hosing market which is already ina steep decline.
Banks, many of which we the people now own, are borrowing from the Gov’t at almost Zero, and where they have the guts to loan, are loaning at high rates, or are investing in overseas securities; and are doing very well thank you. Should we invest here?
I have no simple answer to any of the above and am hoping I can find someone who has a track record which is both credible and positive, so I can follow their lead.
At age 77 I am 2% invested in fidelity gold fund.
3% in gold and silver coins
95% in American Century t-bill fund, Series EE & I-bonds and bank CD’s.
Completely out of debt, not having ever tapped my nest egg and liveing on a lake on SS and a small pension—Life is good, Don
On stocks I have always been no more than 30% in forgein until this years now I am at least 50% or more.
In precious metals, commoditites and energy currently at 40%
I do not intest in currencies.
I track most of Fidelity’s funds, with my own system involving several measures of momentum. Currently, I have about 30-35% in gold, precious metals, and gold mining.
The balance is in various types of natural resources and commodity funds, several FarEast/Pacific funds, and about 10% in US closed-end dividend-paying funds. Each of the latter 70% are in approximately equal relatively small amounts, all in ETFs. I avoid currencies and bonds.
e
inflation is coming and the only way to protect your investments is to diversify into assets that do well in that environment
1/ Gold bullion and other precious metals–40 % 2/energy and natural resources–35% 3/ 30-day treasury notes–25%
Nobody knows how much to invest anywhere; I pretty much follow your advice, and read a good deal about the economic situation from Simon Johnson’s blog and other well-informed places.
Have been following world economic problems since 1970 and arranged
my investments as follows: in priority 1. Precious metals, 2. natural resources. (oils,metals,agriculture etc.) 3 Foreign Bonds, 4 Domestic
equities, the lowest percentage
I am totally green! I have never bought stock before, don’t know how to go about it.
I plan to begin by small purhcases $5k. I favor foreign minerals, etc. The Chinese electrification
program sound like a good investment.
If I could get a start by someone who knows the ropes, I hopefully can take it from there.
Any help to get started on the riight foot will be greatly appreciated, I mean, how to go about
getting started.
I am a WW2 Veteran an not a “doddering Old foggie”. I am alert and ready to get going in
the stock market.
Thanks,
Kenneth H. Hickman, La Place, La.70068 (22 miles West of New Orleans.
Hi Martin,
Since 1999 when I lost 1/3 of my investments (had too much concentration in one stock) I’m not sure how to do the asset allocation -NEED your help
I never invested in bonds — and I hear that it’s not the time to do it now either?
I’m looking forward to your comments and advice.
Thank you,
Lea
In gold bullion and other precious metals? 50%. As the dollar tanks and foriegn investors, governments, and Central Banks buy less and less at the Monthly Treasury Auctions; the U.S. Goverment and the Fed will be forced to admit the country is essentially “Bankrupt”. The world economic collaspe that follows will make precious metals skyrocket.
In energy and other natural resources? 40%. Some form of “Cap and Trade” will past this year as part of the Progressives stated agenda for wealth redistribution. Over 50% of our electrical power comes from coal fired steam generator plants. The environmentalist wants these plants shut down and retrofitted to an alternant energy source; however, the retrofiting will take, at a minimum, several years to complete. Obama has said, “When Cap and Trade Legislation is passed, the cost of electricity will necessarily SKYROCKET”. I have discovered that when he lays out some idiotic agenda, it has a tendency to happen.
In foreign currencies? 10%. Only AUD or SF.
In bonds? 0%. Bonds (Government and Corporate) are going in the toilet in 2010 or early 2011.
I’m looking at real estate as mainstay. I am considering some precious metals.
the answer to #1 is energy and natural resources. I never put more than 10% into any stock. I try to stay well diversified however I do not own any bonds or treasuries. I would prefer gold etf and with all stocks I have a 25% stop loss. I do have exposure to foreign investments such as bric type funds.
At my age (75), my wife and I have felt safest in Mutual Bond Funds…..But now, with inflation staring us in the face, we believe anything we do BETTER be short-term (1 year)….we’ve toyed with gold, but believe that, too will be volatile in the near future…..Guess we better stick to one-year bond funds……….
Hi Martin,
Thanks for the request to submit to your blogg page.I’m a avid follower of you, your team,and your subs Claus and Larry. I also have other webpages that I read to get a balanced view.
I do my own investing on my research which I preen from a mountain of information.
Martin I reside in Kalgoorlie ,the Gold Capital of Australia.
Martin I did invest in foreign stock markets in the past but got burnt badly by two rogue brokers in the US so the answer is no to foreign stocks but have invested heavily in our domestic market.
Yes I am bullish on gold and have been for the past five years but I don’t own any phyical gold or paper gold.I prefer to invest in junior mining companies with premium locations,there is more upside with discoveries or takeovers by larger companies.The junior explorers are world wide.For eg PRU…Africa,RED5….Philipinnes.
Look to purchase realestate overseas,commercial and domestic property.I’m currently scanning your country for likely targets.Our Aussie dollar is at 92 cents US and will only get stronger I believe.You have had the sub-prime morgage crash and now you are in the early stages of prime morgage crash and the commercial property values in the US are in decline also.
Buy in doom sell in boom.
Martin our realestate market in Aust is overpriced and bargins are overseas.
I buy into energy stocks,oil ,natural gas and uranium in premier locations.Aust companies that explore or mine for uraniun in Namibia (Africa)are a prime example..
I’m sorry Martin, I don’t do Bonds or foreign currencies.Wide open for Gov intervention and manipulation I believe.
Now to what percentages for each sector is entirely up to the individual.But the old saying don’t put all your eggs in the one basket is a good yardstick.
Cheers from Oz,
Ziggy
Dear Martin: Thank you for all the interesting information. I had lost almost all my IRA money before. I will be 70 1/2 this year and have decided to take what I have left and close my IRA. The old saying ” Im retired and living on a fixed income” is very true. The small amount left will help. Thanks again. Bette
I am currently about 25% invested in gold and gold/silver mining stocks, 25% in cash or equivalents (mostly Treasury money market funds), 5% in foreign energy stocks, 17% in U.S. energy stocks, 13% in junk and foreign bonds and savings I-bonds, and REIT preferreds (about half the bond holdings are in TBT, the short long-term T-bond ETF), 2% in other U.S. stocks, 8% in Dow and S&P short ETF’s, 1% in a commodities (grains) ETN. I am also short call options against many of the positions in my portfolio, as a partial hedge (call values equal about -2% of portfolio value).
Agree with a couple of other comments that I would appreciate asset allocation advice (both where to invest and percentage of total portfolio) geared to the retiree or very soon to be retired person. Safety is key to most such persons, who usually need at least some income from investments, but do not want to take much risk with existing principal. Obviously, we retirees have no way of replacing lost principal other than perhaps drastically reducing our living standard which is not prefered, I assure you. We do own a substantial number of dividend paying stocks, albeit small numbers of each with one exception, and have been very happy with our choices there. It seems that when we take a little risk, we frequently, but not always, get burned— maybe we are just lousy investors.
staying diversified…equities, bonds, metals etc.
I HAVE OIL,COAL,GAS, ETF GOLDAND OTHER ETS, GOLD MINES ,CANADIAN TRUSTS ,THREE MONTH TREAS. ,AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES AND A COMMERCIAL FARM , WATER INVESTMENTS PLUS MLP’S, ELECTRIC STOCKS,ONE A TRUST ONE OIL/GAS STORK IS IN TAKE-OVER AS IS A TELECOME STOCK. HAVE TWO STOCKS IN CHAPTER 11 ,AND CASH, WHAT ELSE CAN I SAY OR DO! I RELIGOUSLY FOLLOW YOUR ADVICE IN “SAFE MONEY REPORTS”.
Avoid long term bonds. Avoid paper obligations including ETNs. Choose producers of essential goods and services with broad markets and strong moats. Avoid economies with strong statist direction.
At this time I believe bonds, utilities, and natural resources are going to be the big winners in 2010 because China and other emerging economies need all the natural resources they can get their hands on for internal growth. They are like the U.S. 100 years ago. And, they love all of the toys we love because they make and see what we buy. Also, China has many new products that are available to the rest of the world that saves energy and we can not have them because our gov’t will keep these products out due to big business and unions. Also, it looks like bonds will take off because will will have a new growth in the years ahead and companies will need new dollars.
Use weiss/larry/dent plus few others to help formulate strategy/make asset allocation decisions.
Always been conservative like to minimize risk…..like small companies well rated banks corporate debt when 50 cents in the dollar like to have number bets on fat tail black swan type events as I feel risk reward is often not valued correctly.
Presently (also last 18mths or more) cash bank med term deposits(Rabo/CBA) 40%, gold silver shares 40% energy/agric related shares 20% all essentially in AUS dollars. Own home and property growing timber no debt retired live from investments.
Expect major correction in sharemarket in 2010 so are reducing share exposure will take some direct gold silver exposure through perth mint. Bank deposit rates up to 7% for one year deposits which is attractive. Just bought some corporate debt for around 50 cents in the dollar however few opportunities here unlike 6 to 12 months ago.
Remains an excellent investment environment with good opportunities but also one with unexpected outcomes and events.
I am a retiree and I rely on the published suggested proportions,both for types and for percentages. I do feel the need of advice for any modification of these lists as I am often not convinced of their validity.
I don’t presently have an answer to either of the questions. At the moment I am disinclined to invest in any bonds, but perhaps am short sighted. I do have to decide within the next month or so, as I now have cash and S&P index fund. I need to move out of both.
I am putting all my new 403-b contributions into CREF Global Equities. This is divided roughly evenly between US stocks and stocks from the rest of the world. I have about 8% of my accumulations in a pair of International mutual funds, International Equity TRERX and International Equity Index TRIEX, which are almost exclusively European stocks. I am not adding to these. I have almost $1.6 million in TIAA Traditional Annuity which I cannot conveniently move. This TIAA Annuity is likely a good deflation hedge, but not good in case of inflation.
I usually make a rule to never invest in anything that does not pay a dividend. However, I follow a lot of the recomendations in Safe Money, real wealth report, & Dividend Superstars. Currently I have a 26% cash position plus dividend paying stocks,reits,world bonds, gold & erergy trusts & tips ranging from 10 to 20 % in each.
I know that diversification HAS BEEN an accepted method of investing. Some years back there was an individual that proffered the concept of “putting all your eggs in one basket” and watching the hell out of that basket. Over the years when I diversified, I’d see some stocks go up and I’d think how smart I was and others go down and then I’d chastise myself and watched the totals stay relatively stable. Now I have you to tell me the strong areas, and as long as the TREND is up I’m staying with the stocks in that area. You have convinced me to stay away from bonds and I have and have been happy. You give me the areas that have and uptrend/downtrend, and my charts and me will do OKay.
Ten % of my nett worth is in gold and silver. $300K in gold coin in a safety deposit box here in Wellington NZ and $300K in silver at the Perth Mint in Australia in their pool account,unallocated.Shares, some gold mining stocks, (producers) No foreign currency accounts except an Australian one.
Well it’s a jungle out there and I can only determine allocation by digesting info from advisors in whom I have some faith. At present I am thinking of a portfolio of Foreign/multinational stocks (20%), Domestic stocks (5%), Energy & Natural Resources (15%), Gold and Precious Metals (20%), Currencies (15%), Foreign bonds, I Bonds, S/T Corporate and US Dollars (25%).
10% metals,10% energy,10% foreign hard curr.10%emerging market bonds
and 50% LEAPS (shorting the S&P 500)
If the Dow crashes sometime in 2010 as I think it will, it will take precious metals down with it (just check out what happened in 2008). It will also force investors into the safe haven of long-term Treasuries thus making TBT and similar anti-bond ETF’s a losing proposition. So if gold, silver, and long-term Treasuries are all suspect, what do you do? Once the Dow begins to slip, you buy inverse ETF’s on the Dow and individual sectors like financials, technology etc. and hold them until the Dow falls to somewhere in the vicinity of 5,000. Only at that point will it be wise to buy either precious metals or ETF’s (like TBT) that go up when Treasuries go down. In the long run both gold and TBT are certain to be buys ….but you can lose your shirt if you jump the gun and buy before the Dow begins its descent.
I have a short list of people that I respect and listen to, including you, Dent, Rogers, etc.
I believe the US is declining in many respects and other areas of the world are working harder like we did in the past.
My allocation is not yet as refined as I want, but I try to stay diversified as I invest increasingly in other countries, mining, energy, etc. Need to get some into gold/silver and other comm’s.
Watch for a large potential global downturn, but don’t miss the moves up.
With the economy the way it is and Washington on a spending spree like never before, I’m sticking with gold, silver, and other commodities, as well as foreign stocks. I’m still debating how much money should be in each sector and analyzing segments. Right now I’d say 40-50% is in gold, silver, and commodities with the rest in foreign ETFs. I’m still young, so I can sit back and take the risk with foreign markets. Although I don’t think the U.S. market is the place to be anymore, and I’m worried about inflation.
Thanks for all your great work,
Glenn
I favour precious metals and natural resources as the dollar and the UK pound is likely to continue to devalue I feel.
I have gold bullion and coins on hold….energy stocks also
Dear Martin,
I enjoy following the forecasts from your Weiss Group divisions, including the “Uncommon Wisdom” Camp and your Weiss Capital Management Camp. I have clearly picked up a big difference in current investment philosophies between both divisions. Larry Edelson and Uncommon Wisdom follow the Cycles Institute (I do as well) and are focused on the inflation trade this year, while your WCM group is focused on the deflation trade and thus Treasury Bonds as a safe haven for a potential major stock market correction. Well, I have been looking at markets very very closely for over 13 years and while the Uncommon Wisdom team may be right long term about inflation, I am in the deflation camp with your WCM group for intermediate term (ie. 6-9months etc.) I do NOT see a bond market crash yet. That would be absolutely terrible for the economy at this time. What I do see is a major stock market correction beginning (Rhyming with Depression Stock Cycles) and capital will flow right into Treasures just like it did in 4Q 2008. That would be excellent for the bond market and quite frankly this economy at this stage of our economic crisis. It would take the pressure off the world Gov’ts printing and borrowing efforts, for stalling or muting any hyperinflation at this time. Remember, the BOND MARKET IS 3-4 TIMES AS BIG AS THE STOCK MARKET. Thus, we absolutely cannot afford a bond market crash, so one way or another, I see the stock market being sacrificed short to intermediate term. Then maybe towards summer and fall, the stock market will bottom and the bond market will fall just like in early 2009….So, based on all the data I see, stocks are topping as wel speak. I would do the following (short/intermediate term)
20% Cash
10% Short Fund (add to as stocks correct)
50% Treasuries (Weighted 20% short, 30% intermediate, 50% long term)
20% Gold/Silver (Historical Core Positions Only, No Gold Stocks)
The above would have to then be reevaluated when stock market correction ends and bond markets top..most likely later this year….
10% gold and silver
20% currency and foreign bonds
30 foreign equities
20 domestic with yields
20 oil gas commodities
I HAVE CONTARIAN AND FOUNDATION AND WEISS MEMBERSHIP
ETC
I LIKE HARD ASSETS AND DIVIDENDS
I have already been burnt twice trying to pick a market top and buy out of the money call options on ultra short etfs. My favorite remains PFX. I’ll try once more, but these markets just keep going up like some kind of self-perpetuating fungus–making short plays risky and disheartening.
About gold and other precious metals, the government is going to confiscate them soon as an emergency measure anyway (as they threaten people’s confidence in paper money and paper money investments), so I don’t believe in “investing” in them.
I have about 20%of my portfolio in gold and silver ETF shares. The rest is in oil, precious metals, and energy stocks including natural gas stocks I also have some in global opportunity stocks like BOE and one virtual financial services stock HTF.
I have one industrial stock RPM which pays over 4% dividend. I also have two LLP’s, Kinder Morgan and EPD which pay good dividends.
Currently I’m invested at 80% T-notes, 10% equities & 10% cash. While fairly conservative, I’m looking at 5 to 10 years down the road. This year I’m not expecting much of a real “boom”, if you will. Thus my equity holdings tend to be blue chips that pay good dividends but have good p.e. ratios — e.g. Chevron.
About the only metals I like are the industrial variety, such as palladium because it has no jewlery application (parenthically, a very strange industry to take into account for some of the other metals).
The material sector I’m still in is the ETF that you folks, if I’m not mistaken, recommended, XLB. (Yeah, I know all about Alcoa in it, but it still didn’t kill me.) Part of the preference for this is that rather than play commodities in some fashion, some sort of fabrication and supply line is established in each of the holdings.
As far as foreign investment, I tend to be far more hesitant. Consider the great strength shown by Germany, but so terribly tied to the Euro. That’s not to say that an equity that is commonly traded on the US exchange is off my radar, such as Unilever or Chicago Bridge & Iron. I have held both in the past, but right now I don’t.
I’m not nearly as fond of China as alot of folks are due to the definite lack of transperancy. I see the trend lines, but wonder how much of that is produced by fiat. It’s not that I think they’re being neferious, but if you can’t find the value base you’re investing on faith.
Bonds are a poor investment right now I believe. I consider them similar to marriage — very easy and inexpensive to get into, but when they go bad (and invariably bad-to-the-bone) so very difficult and expensive to get out of. Or so I think.
If you’re wondering about my T-notes, they’re the “over-night” variety. A vestiment from my previous vocation. Also a situation that I could bail-out with a simple phone call if it was necessary. But for now, they just keep compounding, making me quite a happy cowboy.
I see the future as, to use a technical term, “pretty darn good”, yet I hastily add that the short run looks pretty tough. The trick I’m trying to strike is to stay viable, yet picking up dividend rich blue chips, and other thing that pay dividends, is a nice feeling until some of the carnage gets moved away.
Thanks for asking.
Dear Martin,
Like you I have traveled the world and lived in or traveled through over 40 countries. I base much of my investment decisions on accumulated knowledge and experience of the ever changing political and global marketplace and the continuing research I do daily.
At the top of my list I value the broad, informed, insightful and world-wide perspective that you, Claus, Mike, Sean, Larry, Bryan, Tony and others bring to me regularly.
My investment decisions and percentage allocations come from a combined alignment of my head and gut, with a strong emphasis on self preservation through diversification. Only when I feel a convincing internal “Go Ahead” do I move into an investment position and move out quickly when new conditions or information places that investment in doubt.
I am currently invested in Silver, Gold, Oil, Cash, Energy Services, and other world demand commodities plus Web “Domain” names and positive income subdivision real estate.
Based on the current devaluating of the Dollar and the long term demographics of world population growth and rising standards of living; with more than a billion people moving up to middle income consumer spending, I value selected rising demand and limited supply commodities.
Thank you Martin; and your Dad; for establishing and continuing your outstanding Safe Money Report; and for your in-depth research, experience, knowledge and most of all your truly honest sincerity in bringing such quality information to me and so many others on a nearly daily basis.
It has made a very positive impact on my life,
Dr. Spencer William Brown
I
Martin Weiss Reply:
January 14th, 2010 at 10:40 AM
Dr. Brown, thank YOU VERY much for your loyalty and your comments! You may have actually traveled to more countries than I have, although I’ve lost count. In most of my years, rather than traveling around as much as you, I have spent a lot of time living in foreign countries — especially Brazil and Japan.
I think you’re on the right track in terms of your investment decision making — a balance between head and gut. What we all need, however, is a solid model to use — not as a straightjacket that confines us, but as benchmark and safety blanket that give us the freedom to take chances with a higher-than-average probability of success.
— Martin
In my opinion the only way that we can recover the amount $’s of taxpayer money is through higher taxes or inflation. I have chosen to choose inflation and foreign markets to concentrate. I insist on earnings that are growing with the EY @ 150% against the 10 year treasury. I also insist on a growth rate twice the PE. A P/S ratio under 1 and a stock that pays a dividend that is well covered.
Do not put more than 3% to 5% in any single position. 50% rock solid dividend payers, 30% growth, 10% in rocket stocks.
I am looking for godd ETF’s in gold and silver
I wish I knew the answer. I am looking, looking and looking. Trouble is this ‘08-’09 crash has wiped out a large share of my money. On top of that I lost my job. I had moved some of my money to foreign securities thinking that would be safe before the Oct ‘08 fall of the DOW, but they too lost even more than the US market. Thank god it has come back quite a ways this year, but I worry for the second dip. Should I cash out the US holdings while they are high, and when will/have we reached the high? Then hold cash to buy on the dip? Trouble is if I hold too long I miss out on dividends to support me. What to do?
After more year’s than I care to remember with not much success in the Market, I’ve given over to the expert’s.
I utilize the Million-Dollar Contrarian Portfolio and World Currency Alert plus gold. So far so good.
iam 50% invested in royal trust co. that pay 12% monthly dividens but will have to change to a corporate co.this year 25% invested in dividen paying mutuals that are heavily invested in oil and canadian banks. 25% in canadain bonds that are heavy in government interest bearing bonds (canadian and provicial gov ) thank you, i know this is all canadian but would like your guidance anyway. russell bowers
Martin, right now I have 80% in CDs and 20% in precious metals mining stocks and physical silver bullion Liberty coins, the rest as time passes will go to energy such as nuclear, oil, nat gas, solar and/or wind. The Cds are in an IRA and I would like to take distributions in a way so my tax will be the least per year, but definately get out of the IRAs. So far the precious metals stocks have doubled in value in less than a year.
Tore
Hi Martin,
I am 90% invested spread out between 4 juniors which are in various stages of entering production. Two are oil plays, one is gold, and one is a copper/iron/gold play.
All stocks (although some trade on the amex) are linked to the Canadian dollar.
I have no interest in bonds at this time, and expect to be moving 50% of my holdings into cash before the end of the 2nd quarter
1. From Safe Money Report and Money and Markets
2. Same because you get suggestions on a portfolio of a certain size.
I am a 76 year old Canadian and to answer your question I am 50% in precious metals, bullion, producing mines and others with proven reserves. If you include Uranium as an “energy” stock along with oil and natural gas this is a 40% portion. The balance is in term deposits to cover me if the rest of my portfolio collapses. Doubtful I’ll be on welfare any time soon. Ernie.
I read and get opinions, but my principal help comes from you, Larry, and Nilus. I’m placing about 30% in gold and silver; 20% in commodities — food, oil, etc; 20% in domestic dividend producing industry leaders; and about 30% in foreign investments, primarily etf’s in China, India, South Korea, and Brazil. I’ll also keep 20% of my total portfolio in cash or BIL.
[1] 20% in gold & silver
[2] 20% in oil & energy
[3] 20% in Brazil oil co. and the economy
[4] 20% in good income seocks
[5] 20% in cash
Forgot to add that aside from GLD Etfs it is all Canadian.
50% srocks mostly oil energy;internet no bank or financial
20 % gold
25%cash
5% volatile stocks
1. Research
2. Typically based on risk factors.
I only want to preserve wealth through this difficult transition for next two years. Difficult meaning volatility and fear of quick change in values and trends. People like you say “dollar down” which I agree with over time, but hate to divest myself of the dollar too fast when equities or emerging markets can crash, and give me a better time to get out of dollar than right now.
I am mostly concerned with dollar value, inflation, or value of foreign currencies relative to dollar. My goal is to diversify out of the dollar enough to balance winners and losers, and I’m staying mostly in flexible cash US $, and into relatively flexible mutual funds that use foreign bonds, and also currency CD’s through Everbank, and 10%+ gold. Just don’t want to lose wealth!
The way I am trying to evaluate is to stay online on blogs, read Agora, Zero Hedge, Weiss, Faber, Steve Keen, etc.
I think that gold and silver will be good investment with silver being the best.Foreign currencies should increase in value.I will not invest in US stocks except for gold and silver
Dr. Weiss: I subscribe to Larry Edelson’s Real Wealth Newsletter and have purchased positions in GammonGold, GDX, PHO, CGW, JOYG, PBT, NRP, GLD, XLE and will add more if I get brave enough. I am 80 years old. Wanted to take all of your Newsletters, but knew I could not keep up with everything, so decided to stick with Mr. Edelson and do the best I can with the helpful information he provides along with comments from your outstanding emails. A professional money management firm, Century Management, lost a great deal of our IRA Account funds by buying stocks with no stop loss orders. We are gun shy now and perhaps too heavy into what cash is left.
Thanks for the help you and Larry Edelson provide! Hope we can all dodge the poor government management bullet coming our way.
Sincerely, Arlin R. Johnson
there seems to be a lot of money leaving Treasuries & bonds & looking for a place to land. I have stayed w a mix of equities, bonds, & cash since last fall of 09, despite the “crash” and have enjoyed the ride up by not heeding warnings of impending doom. However, with earnings season once again upon us, we may get a dose of reality in basic economics, & I also know that what goes up can also go down. I have probably 50% now in cash (making virtually no return, like .01, am tempted to move some of that cash into a mix of US & Internat’l stocks, & some commodities. I do not like bonds outlook long-term, but they seem ok for the near term.
Simple answer is I do not know. If I did last year I would have invested in U.S. Stocks.
For 2010 I am presently 80% in cash, waiting to put 25% in gold upon correction to $600 level.
I am going to put 25% in forign stock again upon correction.
The rest I am going to use to play in the U.S. market as I believe there are still some good returns to be made.
Hi Martin and associates,
I really need your help. I am a 60 year old woman who has adopted two special needs children. I am single and lost most of my money in a divorce and move to Oregon. I only have 60K in my retirement, precious little. It is in an all cash position at ETrade. I am so scared of losing what little I have that I have not invested in anything..I like Gold but what fund? What about a gold mining company? I think energy would be good but which one? I am lost, will you help me. Also I fear for this country and have thought about moving out of the country. I think you live at times in Brazil.
Why did you opt to go there? I need to learn Spanish I guess. This governmental administration is horrible. What should I do?
I read all I can, and try to stay up on moving Sectors and re-think my positions every 90 days..I presently have invested 1) 35% 2) 25% 3) 25% and keep 15% in cash for a quick buy or special oppertunity if and when it occurs…Thanks Martin for your input and services, I really like “Uncommon Wisdom” it’s GREAT !!!
I use 50 day and 200 moving avg. in all asset classes on a monthly basis out to 8 months to block sideways price action noise and define trends. Volatility and risk/reward ratio defines my asset allocation size. Generally non-US and hard assets are not shocked by politics, taxes or litagation. Central banks raising % attrack money flow, go where your treated well.
I try to keep abrest of what is happening in the markets and rely upon your & your staff’s comments.
First of all, please know that I am nearly 77 years old. Current income is my prime motive.
I limit any one investment to about 10 of the total.
I maintain about 5% in cash.
About 40% is in IBD market leaders with about 20% foreign, the balance domestic.
About 20% in US treasuries.
The remaining 35% is invested in high dividend paying enery stocks, ETF, & REIT.
Utilities: 25%
Natural Resources 25%
Precious Metals 50%
I consider recommendations and reasoning articulated behind recommendations of respected advisors like you Martin, and others and try to synsethize that into a plan.
20% Cash
20% Gold & Silver ETFs and select Stocks
20% Oil & Gas Stocks
20% Quality Income Stocks
20% Foreign Stocks
I am interested in MLPs and other dividend paying solid stocks. These would be primarily in Enery and Precious Metals.
10% Gold
10% Energy
20% Foreign Stocks
20% Domestic Stocks
10% Bonds
30% Cash
Mainly from Safe Money reports and my own research
10 % gold and silver bullion
10% cash
30 % Au & Ag mining stocks
20% energy , rare earth, oil/gas stocks
20% BRIC stocks and/or commodities
20 TIPS or other such stocks
My broker at MorganStanley sdmith Barney ask me the question about my finances and my wishes. Based on my age over 80 and being a conservative investor he directs my allowances by percentages when I am giving him a buy order. I choose the advice from your Safe Money and Money Map Report because they recommend a Portfolio Allocation. With their help I choose approximately my allocation for Safe & Balance 40%, Global Income 20%, Energy & Resources 30%, Rocket Riders 10%. My broker warns me when I like to go to far overboard.
I use 10 ETF’s based on Mebane Faber’s book and time these based on a 50 day and 200 day exponential moving average cross-over.
Hello Martin. Iam holding fire because I think things are going to get very bad for most of the leading economies. Derek.
25% precious metals (bars and coins)
25% energy (solar, oil and gas, domestic and other)
25% gold and silver stocks
25% mix of auto, health care, tech that is part American and part Chinese for the most part
I am invested on some gold stocks and food stocks. I am very much holding fire as well.
I’m 100 not buying any assets at this time. I am 100 per cent short the Nasdaz100 index.
Dear Sir,
I think “Call Option Spreads” of ETF’s in the leading Industry groups and sectors with 10% trailing stops is a good strategy for our enonomic situation.
Thanks for your service,
ob P.
I just watch selected ETFs to decide how much money to deploy and where to deploy it. My money has no time limit. I ride the sector as long as profitable then move to another area or sit with cash. The weight of cash is dependent upon how I interprete the market (s).
Going into 2010 I expect to rebalance from my current allocation which is 60% high yield bonds, 15% gold etf and gold stocks, 15% emerging markets and 10% stock and commodity focused.
Suggestions on the best mix for 2010 would be most helpful, in the meantime I generally agree on an approach with my financial advisor and implement it.
20% Gold, silver, platinum
40% foreign stocks
20% energy
10% agriculture
30% Cash
for the past 4 years I have followed the same strategy. allocations are only approximations as I quite often sell and substiture assets.
precious metals including bullion, etf’s and coinage, both gold and silver —25%
energy mixed roughly between oil and natgas roughly half and half——–25%
mixed bag of etf’s worldwide mostly emerging nations ——–25%
selections de jour based on trading opportunities including 2x in etf’s both
ultra and short ————————————————————25%
I rely heavily on Weiss and a couple of old friends as backboards
For asset allocation decisions I use advice from several sources such as John Bogle’s books, the AAII, Morningstar and Vanguard.
I really enjoy joining the elite weiss service recently – have always been gold bug Doug Casey fan since influenced by my elders. I don’t pretend to know what the best allocation may be – however have loaded up on a number safe money, dividend superstar reco’s lately in my personal taxable trading account. I have not touched any ETF’s after hearing the tax story esp on precious metal related and some disappointments in actual results to index but tracking the TBT and SLV. However I would say I am weighted 50% natural resources, 5% physical gold-silver, 25% foreign stocks (mostly Asia) and the remainder in cash.
My issue is that the bulk of my retirement fund is still loaded in a 401K with limited specific mutual funds (just can’t say no to a company match) – luckily I only took a 20% hit in the recent big market sell off by moving to conservative income funds – then positioned to gain it back during the technical recovery. However I think a few of us may be limited by the 401K choices and hope that in your discussion you may outline some strategy to position these type of retirement vehicles correctly for the upcoming markets.
Martin,
Currently I am invested in:
Oil, coal, Wellington Natural resource fund 20 %.
Gld ETF, 7 Gold mining stocks,Presious Metals Resource fund 25 %.
Foreign ETF-India,China,Taiwan & Brazil 10%.
Domestic Stocks Pepsi, Fdo3%.
Contra Dollar 7%.
Cash 30%.
I wast to move 15 % more of my cash to gold and Natural Resource stocks is that wise.
Robert
At the present I am self-directing my investments, which are primarily in mutual funds and fixed income investments. I do not own individual stocks or ETF’s, but would be open to investing in the right mix of ETF’s. I do not know how much of my investments that need to be in each asset class.
No bonds, not even foreign
70% emerging markets
15%materials
5% energy
10% gold
Hello Martin – for 2010, I think some of the best peforming stocks should be gold, silver, platinum, iron ore, coal, oil & gas (based on demand from growing economies like China & India, money-printing by central banks, etc.). I am very concerned about one or more of the following: the potential for stagflation, deflation followed by inflation; countries defaulting because of huge debts; rising interest rates; geopolitical issues such as Iran, North Korea, etc. as they could cause a long & deep fall in stock markets worldwide. Please would you comment on the probability and timing of this happening in 2010. Thank you.
Projecting asset allocations is gambling in the worst sense in that all assets are now strongly and corruptly influenced by politics. The purchasing power of the USD is the biggest gamble and since most precious metals and natural resources are mostly priced in USDs that are manipulated (debased) by US politics. If the financial services, mortgage, health, education, auto, energy and other industries are manipulated by corrupt US politics which are unpredictable and arbitrary, all assets values are somewhat arbitrary and corrupted. With uncertain but certainly higher and arbitrary taxes on different asset investments in the future, it is difficult to factor in tax cost to investments. If taxes can be made retroactive by Congress, with permission of the suspreme count, we have lost our freedom and the right to private property. If you are not a reckless gambler, you must invest ulter short term or sit on cash and constantly revaluate asset allocation on an almost daily basis and trade the short term trends. This takes a lot of time and energy which only the unemployed have. People with real jobs must accept being robbed by government and the financial services industry.
Hi Dr. Weiss
How do I decide? I read a lot of advice from people who know a lot more than I do. I have subscribed to your newsletter service for maybe 20 years or more. You are my #1 source and then some by other writers I respect such as Bill Bonner, Jim Rogers and others. I am retired now and I really don’t want to jump in and out of investments. Currently I have no bonds–don’t want any. I have maybe 30% still in US Treasury Bill funds. I have a gold stock mutual fund and a resource fund. I have maybe 30% in physical gold (bought in between $350-$450). I have some foreign currency CD’s in stable countries (such as Norway) or in resource nations such as Australia and Canada. No Euro states or the UK. It is easy to see that internationals are having their problems also (Greece, Italy etc). I have severe doubts of the viability of the dollar as I agree with your analysis that the government is trashing it.
In one sense I believe investing today is an incredible gamble because governments (US and others) play such a role in manipulating everything.
I need to know when to get out.
I use the Weiss information and others, including Harry Dent and my personal money manager.
For the first time in my life I am investing in gold. I am also investing in emerging markets as I am convinced they have much more growth potential than the US.
And the rest, over ten sectors hold until you reach a profit of 25% then sell or sell 7%
Minimum profit, and start again.
Utilities 10%
I subscribe to two Australian investment newsletters, one of which focuses on individual stock situations , and the other focuses on recommending portfolios of companies in various sectors, e.g. gold sector, energy sector, etc. I invest mainly in equities and cash. I don’t know enough about bond or currency trading to get involved, and I find direct real estate investment too expensive, too troublesome and inflexible. I recently subscribed to the Foundation Alliance, but couldn’t do much with it because I couldn’t find a cost effective way to trade the US markets from here in Australia. I enjoy reading Money and Markets very much. All the best, Karl May
I plan to keep most of my portfolio in gold, gold miners and natural resourses.
Pipe line companies also.
Hi Martin,
I read Money and Markets, Safe Money Report and Larry’s Real Wealth Report. I love your data, and how you analyze it. This year, as you have said many times over, – I’m investing in commodities, oil, gold, China, India, Brazil, the declining dollar and possible collapse of long term bonds. Nothing in the S&P 500, and nothing in the Dow. 40% is in China mutual Funds – the rest in ETF’s and Mutual Funds – evenly dispersed. From your columns, I’m not sure when inflation will hit us, but I’m fairly convinced now that it will, and it will be harsh.
I have one question for you to answer – When the bond market sours, and interest rates rise, will the Dow and S & P also fall? If so, how will China, India and Brazil do? Should we be taking protective measures as this begins to happen? What are those measures?
Thanks,
Steve
Question#1: I have great difficulty deciding in all these areas, but have invested in mutual funds with 8 or 9 proven managers. They make my “wise investment decisions”! They’re heavily positioned in natual resources mostly in Canada & hold almost no U.S. equities or any “financials” exposure. I have to hope I’ve chosen my managers wisely.
Qestion#2: I honestly don’t know how much to invest in each area. eg. in our funds, I’ve 28% in bullion, 14% precious metal stocks, but have no idea if I’ve too much or too little! I’ve <1% allocated to Emerging Markets funds (which maybe should be 5-10%). When do I put my “still to invest 6% cash” to work? Knowing the answers to these strategic timing & allocation qestions is a huge dilemma for me!
Dear Martin,
As a 64 year old who like many people lost upwards of 35 % of our savings. I took aaway all my investing input from Wall St and have listened to your group and several other outside contrarians/viewwrs of Wall St and there stupid upside down g’estimates. So based on many peoples commnets before me, I have listened and taken note of yours and the others advice(s) as follows:
10% cash so I can respond if I feel I must cover myself
25% gold/slver…..done well and much better than the advisors from Wall St
30% rare earth, commodities, energy-Oil/Gas
10% two RR companies UNP and NB…doing OK
10% ETFs mixed
10% overseas fixed dividend and precious metal funds
5% index precious metal fund (Barclays)
Keep up the good work and lets beat the Wall St morons who still have not seen the writting on the wall or maybe don’t care through there continued arrogance…thinkding they are too big to fail and know more than your group dose or even the others I read/subscribe too….you are all fair and realistic in your outlooks.
Sincerely,
Geoff. Nashua NH
30% asisa/emerging stocks, 30% domestic ( co stock purchase/401k choices, 15% gold/silver, 10% wnwegy, 5 % utility, 10% cash holdback/ opportunity
How decided? Lot of reading and can reallyonly be called my best guess on the info available
Use good profitable busineses that are essential ie;Utilities. Canadian oil and gas trusts or converted trusts and MLP’s that are under contract(shipping, pipelines) that are paying good dividends and have the money to continue.
I manage my own account with the help and advice from Safe Money Report the Million Dollar Contrarian along with a few others.
My perspective is that resource stocks and commodities are what’s going be the next boom. I am waiting for China to come in and by up the small mining and oil/natural gas concerns. It is difficult to invest in countries that do not provide accounting guarantees and have no historic ethical underpinnings. This makes Western Europe, Australia and Brazil optimum areas but with Western Europe printing fiat money and the smaller Euro nations set to default, Australia and Brazil along with the Nordic countries alone seem to be implementing sound fiscal policy.
“No” to bonds
“Yes” to oil, gold, silver, copper
“Yes” to Brazilian Real and Ausie Dollar; Nordic countries to hamstrung to the US market
Very selective on any stocks in China, India or Russia – no ETFs here
Don’t know if I am flawed in my logic, but I can’t make an inverse dollar play (sentimental?).
Thanks for taking the front line for us and making some sense of the mess.
20% Domestic
20% Foreign
10% Gold
10% Energy
10% Foreign Currencies
30% Short Term Bond Funds foreign & domestic
The only bonds I am holding are mature munis that I inherited that are paying 5.25% tax free and holding asset value well.
I think precious metals, energy and commodities in companies with long production life and low production cost provide inflation protection.
Companies with cost-saving technology in information and healthcare services that show growing and consistent profitablity make sense for the growth part of my portfolio.
For centuries gold has always been the source of demand for exchange of goods. I got interested in gold when it was as low as $375/oz and made my first purchase when it rose to $410/oz. During that time silver and gold was riding the waves and while I was still in the work force I bought small amounts of silver and gold. I had invested in a silver mining co. “SUNSHINE MINES” They unfortunately went belly up waiting for silver to become in demand which it took a few years to finally come through. I lost my investment and walked away with the gold and silver I purchased from them. Silver bullion was $ 5/oz plus and the silver eagle was $7.00/oz. Since I have been out of the work force now for seventeen years, I ended my investing desires and watch the economy sink to a new low without any high hopes of recovering to normal status. I was not an informed investor and made my purchase based on my salary in percentage of 20 % in gold, 10% in silver, the balance
for active daily living expense, say 20% of that balance in savings account.
I find your information and your staff interesting how other people with experience make decisions with an economy bucking against the waves. I have learned a lot from you and your staff daily information. The work you all put into this information boggles the mind. As a retired engineer, the graphs do save a lot of words and visually understanding for anyone to make decision.
Hello Martin,
I have 12% in GOLD
50% in ETF’s EWZ,FXI,PIN RSX ,PGJ.EWY
25% in US stocks VZ,T,USP,and EXC
13% in Canada trust PGH
Most of my advise comes from Safe Money Report and Uncommon Wisdom and a little of my own research.
I am now 68 years young so my allocations are different now. We have 15% in domestic dividend very large companies, 20% in gold Bullian and gold stocks, 10% in other precious resources, 0% in foreign currencies [ so far ], 25% in high yield and corporate bonds and 20% in liquid cash ie 6 month T Bills.
I am retired and draw money from a tax shelrered retirement income. It has been in an interest bearing account. With the low interest being paid today, I need to roll it over into better investments. I am 83 years old and of a sound mine. Please recommend something that will be better for me. Thanks
10-15% Nat Gas.
20% Trust Preferreds on JPM, PNC & WF
45% Cash
25% Media (I have several legacy positions, CMCSK & Liberty Media, DTV, VOD and VZ)
I have 50% of my investment in gold & silver 50% farm land.
My question is this it appears someone is moving the market with much money after hours.
Is it possible for them to move the market after hours an leave us with an empty account?
have 4 gold stocks,gld,2 silver,and 2 oil stocks
Martin. I make my investment decisions based on my 43 years of investment experience, reading and viewing TV programs focused on economic and investment issues, plus reading e-mail and Internet columns including, of course, Uncommon Wisdom and Money and Markets. In addition, I counsel regularly with my no-fee financial advisor who is rated consistently among the top 20 on Fortune’s annual list. Nevertheless, I’m still very, very concerned about this coming year and am seeking wise guidance regarding asset allocation and stock selection. Thanks very much for all your help and wisdom.
I decide what to invest in based on elliott wave & astrology. I use deep in the money options & leaps with little or no premium. I take a postion so delta works in my favour when Iam wrong I lose less money point for point then I make when Iam right because premium expands when the market moves in my direction. If the DNA markers are present for a possible crash i.e., hindenburg omen,price pattern,planetary alignment I will buy out of the money puts & or leaps on the SPX & or SPY. Right Now Iam short gold with gld Jan 80 puts based on price pattern. Iam looking for a possible C wave down of an abc flat that started from the 2008 high. Will take money off the table when price pattern indicates. I never use news to decide when to buy or sell & use only what I see with my own eyes in the charts & the ststistics regarding planetary alignment. I have zero faith & will only play the market with a strong commitment to reason when I have an edge.
I always make sure I have a positive cash flow from money from GICs above what I spend & put @ risk on the table. Even though I play the game only when I have an edge I never risk more then 2% @ any time on the table.
I follow your Mr Conservative’s portfolio in Safe Money Report, tempered somewhat by Don McAlvany’s monthly Intelligence Advisor. Right now I have 50% gold coins, 10% silver coins, and 40% short term Treasuries. I throw away all the other financial advice that comes my way.
Hello Martin
I am 57 and lost just about all my 401k. I could not get 3 years out of my 401k .Dont trust banks Keep no cash there .My money is on silver 60% and gold 10%,More silver than gold .I pray to God I am right .I would invest 10% into something else (IF)I knew where to put it and could trust the word of that person .I read as much as I can .I dont trust any body to hold any thing, so I own and hold my own physical silver and gold ,(NO paper )I get news letter’s from Ted Butler .Investment Rarities plus your’s and orthers.I think There is money to be made in lithom Batterys, solar Energy and wind .I belive your advise would be Very helpful.
Thank you
Best Regards
Joe B.
I retired in July 2009 and my wife retires this coming July.
The bulk of our money is in three separate retirement accounts. I try to allocate on the basis of what the Fed is doing on interest rates. I’m hesitant regarding foreign securities because of the threat of terrorism, but do have gold, silver, oil, and a small amount of inverse U.S. bear market currency.
My favorite “advisers” include Martin Weiss, Larry Edelson, Warren Buffett, James Cramer, Larry Kudlow. Plus anyone who has anything to say about investing that I haven’t run across before.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Today I am in Florida today, where I have a condo unit, and I am interested in not only US real estate, but the state of the economy here.
However, the majority of my assets are in Canada and I think your neighbors to the north have a great currency advantage.
I read with interest your Money and Markets emails, as well as the Uncommon Wisdom ones.
My recommendation would be to have most of your assets invested outside the US, and certainly not in US dollars if you can avoid it. For those that trade online the Canadian Stock Echange is available, as are many Canadian ETFs. Thus I can follow many of your recommendations for investing in China and the rest of Asia, in gold, resources, etc. and yet be in Canadian dollars and avoid the headwind from a declining US dollar.
Thus I think your recommendations are excellent but could be improved by recommending ETFs in other non-US currencies, like the Canadian dollar. Sean and Larry has done this for some resource stocks.
Thanks for the good work,
Gerald Ratzer
Emeritus Professor.
Above post should have said premium expands when market moves agaist me. Lower delta when market moves against me higher when moves in my direction. Will sell position before expires
Hi Martin,
Although I agree with the notion of general long term direction towards hyper-inflation, hence the increased value of the commodities, there are two points that are not properly explored, in order to do a deterministic asset allocation:
A)-There are potential geo-political conflicts and eruptions that could significantly change the current global economic dynamics notably Iran, Indo-Pakistan, Israel-Arab…and several others. The impact of these possible events on the global economic dynamics are both immense and sudden. One possible major impact could be bolstering the US$ while creating severe economic disruptions in China, Japan and Europe. Therefore in my asset allocation I put additional emphasis on oil, precious metals and agricultural products with an aggregate of % 35-50.
B)- The continued deterioration of “ORDER” in this country and the world demands new strategies which increase the probability of economic success despite the extreme volatility and unpredictability of the global markets. Therefore the remaining % 50-65
should be in highly liquid form, i.e. invested opportunistically in quality stocks that had exhibited robustness in volatile and un-clement environments.
I cannot visualize the evolution of global financial markets without active involvement of USA, first because of Her historical major contributions to the world’s science and technology which have been the engines of wealth generation, and second, Her military
might and power which could control and alter the events refered to in A) above. The current eclipse which has faded the luster of this country will not change Her long term global leadership. I firmly believe in a single global currency, but despite the common opinion it will only be realized when spearheaded by the USA.
Sincerely,
FH
30% Asia Pacific
20% India
10% Australasia Property
10 Top Tech
10% Green
10% Gold
10% Oil
I also have large amounts in cd,s and annuitys with B ratings
I follow mainly RWR, to which I subscribe, and your online newsletters, which are excellent. Your readers and bloggers (above) have provided many useful asset allocation models and it would be superfluous to add mine here.
However, Martin, I would very much like to have your own personal viewpoint as to what proportion of a portfolio can or should safely (that is the keyword here) be put into gold/energy/materials/nat resources right now, for a retired person wanting to counteract the continued decline of the USD. Into China at this time? And into bonds and GNMA funds? (We are frequently told that 50% of a retiree’s portfolio should be in fixed income…))
Thanks for your help, Martin.
I try to follow your “Mr Conservative” Model Portfolio in your Safe Money Report. I also read and follow Don McAlvany monthly Intelligence Advisor. I throw away every other piece of financial advice that comes my way. Right now I have 50% gold coins, 10% silver coins, and 40% short term treasuries
I follow you advice for Mr Conservative
20% Inverse Rydex index funds
40% Energy and energy Services
10% Precious metals
10 Commodities
20 Cash
Great Idea ,If you can help ,Please do .I need all the help I can get .
Thank you
Joe B.
I have about 25% in various forms of gold (paper and physical). The rest is being placed in annuities that follow the largest 50 Euro stocks. My principal and earned interested our guarantied along with a minimum of 8% interest/year (max ~27%). All of it is being rolled over into a Roth IRA. As Asian versions of this annuity are rolled out, I plan to transfer some of the funds into it. I’m retired.
I am 66 years old, first action is to use the guide that take your age away from 100, which is 36. Invest 66 % in cash; or cash like instruments. I would probably a third of this in fixed deposits as they pay about 6% in Australia, a third in corporate hybrids which will yield about 8% and the remaining third in EFT’s related to foreign currencies.
Of the remaining 36%, would invest, a third in gold shares and energy shares, ahird in Australia shares and a third in foreign shares, mostly in Asia.
foreign developed, 15%
foreign emerging, 5%
domestic equities, 20%
domestic fixed income, 45%
foreign fixed income, 2%
commodities, 2%
real estate, 6%
cash, 5%
January 12, 2010
This how I stand now:
Gold and Silver 20%
Real Estate SFR 30%
Cash 50%
Leveraged 33%
1 Bank stock 200 Shares
vicrosa: Retired, born: 4/7/1928
Martin,
I am very heavily invested in Commodities ~2/3s (silver and silver mining the most, followed by gold mining and energy shares mostly natural gas and uranium, and lastly some Ag ETFs) The only domestic stocks I own are energy/commodity related. I own emerging market foreign stocks ~1/3 in Ag/food products, medical and transportation sectors. I am short domestic real estate and US bonds. I am however very concerned about a possible double dip recession / depression. If Uncle Sam has trouble selling US Bonds only another major market selloff helps rectify the issue; that could be engineered by the current administration or in concert with other nations to solve the problem. Once again it knocks down the savers/investors and redistributes socialist wealth. I love my country and have served for over 37 years in her armed forces BUT I am very concerned about her current course.
First Martin your approach is wonderful.
I believe in people thinking like Celente, Peter Shift, Roussini, Jim Rogers and your advise Martin.
Thus the economy is going down the drain. We are in the actual process in selecting the % of diversification in more details.
Gold, silver 30%
Index funds in agricultures(coffe, weath, corn etc…) looking for good product like maybe MOO(market vectors agribusiness etc..??) 30%
Looking for funds who will invest in land, real estate 25%
cash 10%
5% don’t know
We are very concern about the economy. We are Canadian and are in deep trouble also.
Thanks
All investment decisions are taken by an Investment Advisor at my bank.
Monthly fianancial information breaks down the amount of foreign investment
I’m active Forex trader, so from my point of view it all depends on how active person is or wants tobe. Most people, however, are more passive investors, so here is how I see a “perfect” portfolio:
30% domestick stockcs,
20% foreign stocks,
20% mid term, blue chip corporate bonds,
20% commodities
10% government bonds, money market funds or CD’s.
I follow your daily financial e-mails along with those of other entities who are generally contrarian in nature. I purchased and read your book “The Ultimate Depression Survival Guide” as well as the books “Crash Proof” by Peter Schiff, “Conquer the Crash” by Robert Prechter, and “Fiscal Hangover” by Keith Fitzgerald. I try to assimilate and distill all of this information to attempt to figure out the investment sectors that are likely to benefit from what I perceive to be the most likely course of world events and trends.
It seems likely to me that due to the irresponsible financial and economic policies of some Western governments, our U.S. government in particular, that domestically focused stocks are not the place to be in the near and medium-term future. Also, due to the unprecedented mountain of unrepayable debt that our U.S. government is incurring, it seems likely to me that we are in for major inflation, major depression, or perhaps one followed by the other. Consequently, I have invested in some physical gold, some gold and gold mining ETF’s (about 8%), some currency and country specific ETF’s in commodity rich countries, China ETF’s, and mutual funds, and stocks ex-US (about 25%). Material stocks and ETF’s comprise (about 6%). I also have a significant portion (about 35%) in cash, to attempt to hedge against the possibility of significant deflation.
I am retired and my wife and I are entirely debt free. Nevertheless, we need a continuing source of income to cover the cost of daily living expenses, as well as offset the declining value of the U.S. dollar. Consequently, I also have a significant portion of our portfolio invested in monthly dividend ETF’s (primarily international and global), MLP’s and oil trusts (about 7%). The remainder is in U.S. stocks and bonds, including federal and state tax free muni-bonds.
As market opportunities appear, I currently intend to increase my holdings in gold, materials, monthly dividend ETF’s, MLP’s and oil trusts, and decrease my holdings in U.S. stocks, corporate, government and muni bonds. Because the buy-sell spread is so great, I am disinclined to sell my corporate, U.S. and muni bonds, but rather simply not replace them as they mature.
1. The only domestic stocks I am investing in are income producing with strong dividends. (VZ, DTE) I am underinvested in foreign stocks, at this time. Just unsure which country will be the one to invest in.
2. I have been in gold (gld) for many years, per Larrys advise. I sell when high & buy when gold falls.
3.I have canadian oil trusts,(ERF,PGH,PVX,PWE.) American oil trusts( EEP & ETP) & DVn,KMP and ATW. Mostly I want income while I wait for the next uptick in Oil.
4.I am invested in the Federated Goblal Global fund (psafx)
5. I have no bonds. All cash is in short term Treasuries.
Question 2
At present I have 57% of my portfolio in cash in short term treasuries.
The largest amount of my investments are in oil or oil transfer companies.
Electric utilites are the next largest.
I have always had an aversion for investing in all catagories.
Being 72 and handling my investment myself, I have been burned on the bubbles and have no plans to do it again.
I believe that inflation is just around the corner, thanks to the actions of Washington. Since we seem to be having a very slow recovery, I think the only safe place is in oil any utilitys.
Foreign stocks- investing in etfs, Brazil, India and China-20%
Domestic- mutual funds – 20.%
Gold- gold mining stocks in Canada – 10.%
commodities- invested in producing oil wells- 30.%
Cash- 20%
watching silver for a pull back- 1/2 of cash if bought
I consider the volatility of the investments and my tolerance for expected large versus small shifts in prices. At this time I like to have 25% in higher risk/reward investments, 25% in high income energy plays and the remaining 50% in stocks and ETFs that I believe are in solid industries/sectors.
Please focus upon the portfolio that will address the needs of people who are within a five year retirement age!Fous should beondividnd inocme as well as safety.
Many thanks -
You may be saving America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I follow Larry Edelson’s model portfolio recommendations in Real Wealth and your’s in Safe Money and Money and Markets
I have joined Weiss Elite and also subscribe to Stephen Leeb’s “The Complete Invester” newsletter. I use these 2 sources to make many recommended purchases into my portfolio; especially when recommendations from both sources converge.
On mining & petroleum stocks – whether foreign or local, I decide on the stocks based on 1) the integrity of the asset; 2) the long term potential of the asset relative to the world market demand and; 3) people managing thoses assets. I gather from your previous newsletters that there are many appropriate ways to assess the potential stocks and I would like to know this.
I plan to commoditize at least 10% of my wealth, some of it in leveraged commodities futures, including crude and natural gas, platinum, copper, and the like. These would be short term positions… day trading, not long term. I am almost being forced into this to hedge against the uncertainties in my business of energy exploration, and the looming threat of inflationary pressure resulting from current central banking policy of the so-called free world.
I am cautious for 2010 because of the “Unemployment Issues”.
As a 76 year old, my goal is preservation with some growth.
2008 is just a blank in my memory! (still have a pain in my gut)
My current portfolio:
50% Bonds/Bond Funds (Pimco)
8% Gold and Silver mining stocks
8% Oil, Wind, Solar
12% US Equities
12% International Funds
5% Speculative Equities (for fun)
5% Cash
Good luck to all!
I use your Safe Money Report to make these decisions.
Thanks for asking.
There is no real correct answer. Long term the US worker is in trouble because wages will decrease to get closer to the low wage countries. In aaddition it does not matter where companies are based but who they sell to. Therefore I would invest about 25% in companies selling to consummers in China, India, Brazil and othyer developing countries, 20 percent in naturl resources like gold, silver (more in silver), palladium and others because these are limited, 15 percent in industrial equipment companies which sell globally, 20 percent in developing country health care because they will be growing fast and 20 percent in non US bonds because our interest rates will go up. I will however not stick to these percentages because of short term market moves.
With the insane quantative easing (printing dollars 24/7) I think you have to be in areas that will increase in value with inflation. We may get a short term but rather mild deflationary event, but nothing like Oct/Nov ‘08. Having said that, we may not at all. With the extreme and excessive dollar printing that is happening, inflation is absolutely and definitively baked in the cake. Hyperinflation is a possibility as well. You need to be in gold and silver, base metals, uranium, oil and gas, and agriculture. Get out of any and all bonds any more than 1 year in duration. There’s actually a little more interest in silver right now than gold, but by all means buy both. I have about 82% gold & silver stocks, some gold bullion, 2 oil stocks, one of which is an income trust, 3 uranium junior stocks, an agriculture ETF, and I’m also shorting the long bond with TBT, the inverse long bond ETF.
Gold, GLD, 50%
Virtual Banking, NLY, 30%
Oil, BPT, 29%
cash 1%
I’m still not clear how best to move my dollar denomonated funds into other currencys, to keep them safe from the dropping dollars value.
Number one being in canada and hold junior gold stocks, awaiting a miner minor pull back due a short term rise for the us dollar. Also expect to be short the market from June with the census over and the start of the baby boomers retiring plus the onset of increasing taxes and interest rates,resetting of 5 year morgages failure of the us to understand their economics system has failed without rectifying it history will be able to apportion blame .
i am investing in all 5 areas you mentioned. 20% in precious metals mainly gold & silver but not sure about percentages in the other areas. i have 25% in a bond index, which I’m concerned about, and 10% in a treasury money market. 10% cash and the balance of 35% in the other area you mentioned. Most of my information comes from your company or other reading.
I follow and evaluate opinions provided by various advisors posted in the web. Combined with insigths and foresigth, I make decisions on what sector & how much to invest. Right now I am heavy weight on PM- all gold stocks (60%). 35% is in telecom, & 5% in speculative stocks. I am starting to invest on emerging markets thru a mutual funds – current 401K contributions & onwards.
Iwill base my investments on your recommendations in The Safe money Report.
martin, I am 62 and my goal is not to be poor. I don’t desire to be rich, so I am somewhat risk adverse. My portfolio is currently 30% stock, 5% MM and 65% bonds. My goal is to increase my stock to 35-40%. I think that gold is a bad investment. Try to take the gold to the bank or Walmart. My stocks are international ETF: emerging markets and, Australia, Canada, Switzerland about 30%, US is 70% with it split among small cap, large cap, materials, energy, basic needs and technology sectors. I am using ETF’s mainly from Vanguard. The bonds I have are laddered over the next 7 years. 10% of the bonds are long 10-15 yrs. I keep stops of 8% on the stocks. I don’t own any individual stocks.
I have put about 10% into Silver/Gold mix of coins and bars. Also about 20% in to PFE (Income) Pharma, about 20% into ERF (Income) Oil, and about 20% into CV (Income) Utility. The remaining 20% is invested in Vanguard Precious Metals, and Oil funds (Non Income-IRA-Growth).
I have a speculating account with about 50K that I trade. I have been trading Precious Metals ETFs and Oil ETF. The ratios seem to be working. Wish I had the same ratios when the market downturned and I lost mucho as I was not tracking on a dayly basis.
I am not currently directly invested in foreigh stocks except the Vanguard Mutual Funds. I wouldn’t touch foreign bonds with a ten foot pole. Regardless of the country, seems like risky business these days.
I buy silver (SLV) and bars on dips and have been accumulating.
diversify. US stocks 30%; foreign 20%; gold 5%; bonds 40%; reits 5%. I am semi-retired.
Thanks!
I pulled completely out of the market in November 2009 and am not sure what to do with my money at this point. As of now it sits in a money market account at my broker (Schwab). I have been reading your book Ultimate Depression Survival Guide and am wondering if I should put it all in short term Treasuries. I am 50 and looking to retire in about 14 years. I still have some time but really need to play catch up but…..this economy has me spooked. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Gratefully yours.
no more than 7to9% in asset class i chose mainly american stocks no gold, do not know anything about foreign crrrency and have no bonds
We are approaching 50 and have approx. 75% of our money in the forex market, 10% in junk silver and 10% in savings in a local community bank. We live in a semi-rural area in sw VA, we recently put our ‘hobby farm’ on the market. When it sells, we’ll net $75-$100k. Prices have not fallen much here though it often takes longer to sell. Our intent is to downsize and build a small, off-grid home (with small mortgage). We do not have credit card debt. Would like to transition more money into silver/junk silver and other worthy investments.
Mainly gold, some silver (particularly coins for barter) with gold mining stock (I like GG) will help your estate maintain value. For stocks to maintain value and pay some dividends, uranium miners, water related stocks, service companies for oil and gas companies and for purely speculative plays maybe some Brazilian companies. Stay away from speculation or possession of currencies. Short selected banks and construction companies.
At the conclusion of todays market, my portfolio breaks down like this:
(100% options)
Precious metals, 42%
Oil related, 21%
Brazil, 26%
Cash, 10%
Dear Martin,
I look to you and your group of experts for a baseline in each area you report on (which I value highly). Also, I follow historical trends and current projections from a few other sources covering economics, societal, and governmental outlooks. Being a member of the rapidly vanishing Great Depression and WWII population (whose concerns are often shorter term and more conservative) the investment goals go like this: 1. Preservation of capital, 2. A worthwhile return vs. inflation, 3. Simplicity of execution, 4. Disposal plans for non performers.
5. Flexible category %’s based on demand for products & services. We are now the victims of 2 very bad decisions: Off shoreing of American jobs; and “debt escape” via printing press money. (Even Congress wasn’t told who got the TAXPAYER money.) Declining morality standards are not helping either, and should be a major National priority.
As long as trends are upward bound, lately I have been keeping most ETF’s on a 100 dSMA. I feel the World economy is in a bubble situation and most sectors are parabolic. Therefore I set my “stops” weekly as the ETF rises. Also I add to each ETF accordingly.
Taxable:
PRPFX 25% ….very tax efficient…great history
BSV 25% …. similar to VBISX..good record
AOK 25% …. iSHARES .. 25% stocks
CASH 25%
I.R.A.:
GLD 40% … great record for 5 yrs
VNQ 10% … Vanguard real estate
VOE 20% … Vanguard midcap value
VWO 10% … Vanguard emerging mkts
EWZ 10% … Brazil ETF
Remember: set your “stops” and look out below!!!
I really don’t know. That is why I depend on you.
Martin,
Actually I am sitting on mostly cash. I joined your newsletters last fall to help me decide on what to do in the future.
Sorry…. I left out:
UNG 10% in IRA
Which ETF’s did the best in the first few weeks after the March bottom? IDX, RSX, PIN EWZ and FXI. Through the end of 2009 they also had some of the biggest gains during that time period. If you devided your investment account amongst those five, you’ve realized huge gains for 2009!
#1__Last March I decided to invest in large USA companies that also have foreign exposure. I have no investment in Gold or precious metals. I picked several coal stocks, natural gas and utility stocks with dividends, as well as 2 foreign oil producers expecting a return to higher energy usage as the economy recovers and China grows. I have no investment in currencies, but monitor the value of the dollar vs. commodities. I have never understood how to make money in bonds, even though I need to learn.
2__I diversify among my investments with amounts based on the perceived outlook for the next year. Stable, large companies may get more while speculative stocks get less.
Hi Martin:
I’ve shorted the S&P, financials, real estate, gold, silver and the euro with small stakes. The rest is in dollars that will surely appreciate as people seek its safety when the next leg down takes hold!
Recently I am mostly following Claus’ recommendations for your million dollar portfolio. I try to have some cash on hand to follow the new recommendations. In some cases I already had what he was recommending, for instance GLD. Since I am not fond of odd numbers of shares, I usually round up a little or down a little so the percentage is not exactly what he recommends. I often put in limit orders so I don’t necessarily get the stock on the day he sends out the recommendation and sometime the stock goes up a bit or down a bit. So be it.
I have been retired for a number of years and was 70 when I retired.
I am a retired senior( 76) & living comfortably on a budget with 1.1 mil in total assets. But having been burned i have 50 % in CDS paying ave of 4 %.the balance is split between 8 MLP stocks, Canadian trusts, Oil co including Petrobas,Chevron,conoco, suncor,etc, also in Brazil ( (Vale), China (TAO), 2 % gold, and just started commodities with Power shares Base metals (DBB). Am currently thinking of switching some Cd $ towards more Commodity etfs , Do you have suggestions Thank you
Hello Martin, I’m a novice investor of 5 years experience, retired ( 76 this year ) living off rental income from residential property. My stockmarket investing is a “serious” hobby which I enjoy provided I’m not loosing money! I therefore tend to err on the side of caution .
It doesn’t matter whether it is domestic or foreign. What matters is how it shapes up as a reasonable risk.
1. Precious metals as actual metals, ETFs, & mining stocks—60%…Reasonably safe
2 Energy and other resources eg. natural gas and oil……35%
3 Odds and Sods ! Stocks I fancy as a gamble, usually penny stocks……5% *
4 Too volatile.
5 Dull and unexciting!
Biggest disappointment was taking a £7,000 profit when 8months later I could have made nearly £700,000!
I will be waiting for Mr Weiss’s opinion on how much to have in various assets. However, I think it best to have some precious metal, some precious metal stocks, other commodity stocks like oil, agriculture, etc., a sizable amount of cash in US dollars to buy more of the above on dips, and possibly some foreign currency in commodity producing countries. The problem is we don’t know if we will see high inflation, or another stock market crash, so best to hedge against both.
Historically I have held most of my money in Real Estate and done extremely well over the last 5 -7 years in Australia. However now feel Australian real estate is overvalued as historically the climb in prices Nationally has been primarily due to credit availability.
Have now liquidated 70% holding and setting up balanced investment portfolio. Your information is very helpful in my planning and inclined to go as follows
Cash will be king in next few years in order to snap up opportunities should the global market take a double dip suggest Short term cash 20%. Fixed longer term 20%
Precious Metals – Physical, Stocks 20%
BRIC ETF’s – 10%
Quality Australian Shares with Dividends – 20%
Domestic or International Energy stocks – 10%
Thanks for the opportunity to contribute. I look forward to your recommendations.
STEVE
I’ve been retired for 20 years now. My only wish is to protect what I have now and also to protect against collapsing dollars and ecomony in general.I am heavily in US Treasury bills, about 15% in gold bullions and gold stocks,
5% in silver, and 10% in commodities. I have seriously been concerned as to my heavy investment in US Treasury bills relative to devaluation of dollars. I have been a serious reader of your publications.
Evaluatiion of value of investments into catagories you mention is not something my brokerage accounts are set up to do.
Even if a set up seperate accounts with these headings it would be dificult to decide case by case which category or catagories a stock might fit in.
As money becomes available because of income or sale I look to add either foreign or basic materials stock and thereby reducing my domestic holdings.
However I am concerned about the tax consequences. So far I have been permitted to take credit for foreign taxes deducted from dividends. However it seems after a certain amount of foreign dividends and taxes Alternative Minimum Tax comes into play.
Also when it comes to planning what about changes in US tax law that will happen next year?
I made a considerable amount of money from 2000-2007 with gold coins and gold stocks because I started buying when gold was at $ 280 oz. I also started shorting the market a little at a time in 2006 and liquidated all my shorts in Nov. 2008. Again , I was LUCKY enough to to make large profits. Now I am completely invested in 3 & 6 month T-bills that don´t pay squat, but I don´t really care. All the markets in my opinion are too unpredictable and risky right now and it will be very easy to lose money in gold, bonds or stocks. Mr. Weiss was predicting the end of the world all through 2009 and look what happened. There will probably be some major collapse over the next year or 2 or 3 in bonds and or stocks, but NOBODY can really predict when exactly it will happen or what will collapse. I feel that if I´m patient to wait on the sidelines and have liquid cash available, I will make up many times over any opportunity profits I pass up now. Most times when really big buying opportunities arise in the markets, most people are locked into investments with big losses and can´t take advantage. I think in this environment, patience will pay big dividends. This position is a lot easier for me because I presently live in South America and my daily life and expenses are in a foreign currency that has appreciated considerably over the last 6 or 7 years against the dollar. I wish everyone GOOD LUCK in 2010 !!!
1. I have three principal sources that guide my investment strategy and asset allocation: a) Weiss’ SMR and Edelson’s RWR; b) a subset of the Porter Stansberry group newsletters; and c) my own judgement based on (a), (b), and other miscellaneous information I absorb. The third category, my personal judgement, is essential to ensure that I invest in entities that let me sleep at night.
2. My asset allocation is not for everyone. I am recently retired, but do not expect to draw on my savings and investments for living expenses for at least the next six years. I currently have roughly 15% in rare (collector) coins, 35% in gold and gold shares, 5% in US equities (principally VZ, EXC), 5% international equities, 10% in US equity and USD shorts, and 30% cash. I sell off gold as the price rises and buy on corrections, so I’m a bit heavier than optimum now. I want to put more cash to work in some safe, conservative, income and growth opportunities, but am hesitant to make a major commitment because I think the market is very fragile and unpredictable now. In other words, I don’t see attractive low-risk opportunities outside of resources and commodities.
In my opinion, we are near the end of a strong bull run inside a long term bear market. I am heavily in cash, a little in gold stocks, and short, long term treasury bonds. Once we have begun a correction, I expect the US dollar to strengthen for the rest of the year. I love oil & gas stocks but feel they will get crunched if we have a big pull-back. I also like utilities but higher rates may do them in. So I am waiting for a better entry point.
1. My breakdown is as follows:
7% foreign stocks including precious metal mining stocks.
3% gold & special metal mutual fund.
41% emerging market mutual fund (PEMFX).
39% foreign bond fund (TAHYX).
10% cash.
2. The first two category investments and amounts were recommended by various investment services. I selected the last two investments from a “locked-in” flexible premium annuity based on investment advisor predictions regarding sectors as well as previous and year-to-date performance when I made my choices earlier this year.
Since I only have about $25,000 I cannot break it up too much or all my profits will go for commissions. I do not invest in currencies, bonds, or options as I do not feel they are safe investments. I buy natural resource stocks and some ETF’s. I generally put about $1500 in each purchase. Ocassionally, I get an Asian investment if its available on an American exchange. Since I’m not investing in many categories, each category is a large amount of my portfolio. I don’t keep much uninvested because the market has been too good. For my uninvested funds, is it better to have it in an FDIC insured bank or kept by the brokerage which claims to be federally insured. They allow me to choose, but they do not sell Money Market Funds.
I mainly use recommendations from Safe Money Report, Larry Edelson, Sean Broderick, Nilus Matiff and Tony Sagami. I also use some inputs from a few other respected investment newsletters. Based upon what these newsletters tell me, and from I read on my own, I have selected a blend of both Domestic and Foreign stocks. I also have GLD and some mining stocks as well as SLV. I also have oil and gas Royalty trusts. I am not doing and bonds nor any currency at this time.
As for question 2, I check weekly on how my portfolio is doing and make any adjustments that may be needed in order to maximize gains and reduce losses.
I invest for income. My holdings are about 40% foreign and 60% domestic. Currently I own 1 K-Rand, it was gift about 15 years ago. My current holdings are heavily into energy and natural resources, VALE TCK PCU PWE PGH NRP ERF. I also tend toward owning some stocks that get the recources and oil to market like TRMD FRO NAT DSX EXL. I have never owned any forieign currency and oly a limited amount in some Tax Free California Bonds. I read with great interest your reports and look forward to the foreign out looks. At the present time I ame getting nervous about the Middle East.
I read Value LIne, the WallStreet Journal. business Week, your news letter, and other sources like Ameritrade’s Minyonville. Then I think over all I have read, plus books like “Too Big to Fail etc. Then I sit down with my calculator and work out various percentages. Then I put the calculations aside for a week and do them again. After that I am usually ready to make any moves I think necessary. I also include Investors business Daily weekly edition in my information gathering. I do not use any advice from “financial planners”, n obody loves my money like I do and knows my special circumstances
Dear Martin:
Actually I don’t Know, may be I need to know how to start first.
Thanks.
In good economic times, investing is complicated because there are so many good investment choices; but in bad economic times, there are only a few safe places to put your money so diversifying your portfolio is relatively easy. My current portfolio allocations are as follows:
- Cash ….. 7%
- Foreign Bank CDs ….. 21% (Australia, New Zealand, Norway, BRIC)
- Stocks ….. 42%
- Bullion Coins ….. 17% (70% gold & 30% Platinum)
- Numismatic Coins ….. 12% (popular gold coins only, MS-64 or better)
My stock portfolio is structured as follows:
- Capital Preservation = Gold Trusts
- Income = Oil Royalty Trusts & Utilities (Brazil, Canada, U.S.)
- Growth = Country specific index ETFs, gold mines, oil, copper, steel, minerals,
potash, agricultural ETFs
At this juncture, interest rates can only go up so I have no bond investments.
The second question was “how do you know how much of your money to invest in each
area?”. I don’t think that there is any single correct answer to that question. I am retired so I own some income stocks. But I also realize that in order to maintain and increase my net worth in these dangerous economic times, I need to have a substantial investment in medium and low risk growth stocks.
I have some investment in gold, and intend to hold it for awhile.
Since I am retired, I am looking for a fairly safe investment with a dividend higher than 5%. And, I am so disgusted with Obama and his Communists, I would like to invest in Brazil—not the USA. Finding a reasonable investment in Brazil is now my problem.
Dividend paying stocks with large option volumes. Sell short term puts and covered calls that are related to the dividend paying stocks.
I’m all over the place. Mostly in emergeing markets, large cap us stocks, two oil stocks and cash.
For the most part I follow your advise as given in your Safe Money Newslette and your Super Dividends newsletter. I am also invested in your Building Wealth portfolio.
Aloha
Frank
I’ve just spoken with my banker about rolling a 401 into a IRA then decideing where to invest. I’m leaning toward energy but dont want to keep all my eggs in one basket,maybe you can give me some advice?
I have 15% in bullion/some numismatics;25% cash; 20% commodities;10% foreign curr;10%domestic /foreign stocks ; 10% gold stocks; remaining Larry’s options, etc.
I reside in Western Australia. Whilst your advice is excellent I would rather keep my assets here in Australia & in property, cash & gold/shares. The US$ is a worry for gold here as golds incremental advantage is eroded by the US$ decline. If the US$ does decline by 50% gold’s value will have to double at least for us to just “keep our heads above water”. Our Banks are strong & unless I can be convinced otherwise I am keeping a substancial amount in cash.
Should I be looking at ETF’s, which I don’t understand ?
We are oil and gas producers and so have a lot of stocks in our own oil wells. We bought low in the last 45 years and are now reaping good dividends because of the price of oil. Also with the returns on the oil we are now able to fund our retirement after the down years of the past 25 years. We are invested in Index Funds with Vanguard across all sectors. Some foreign Index, not a high percentage. We total 60% stocks and 40% bonds of all types. We do not believe that Gold is a good commodity to own. We have some cash that we are trying to figure out where to stash it.
70% Gold via ETF’s and physical, 1.5% Silver ETF
12% Energy mainly Pipeline MLP’s, but also individual Oil Company Stocks
Cash 4.5% Australian Dollars FXA, 2.5% US $
8% Non-Cyclicals Food, Tobacco, Drink Companies
1.5% Foreign ETF’s covering Brazil, India, Far East
10% in precious metals/currency both bullion and etfs (GLD, GDX) plus UDN and GCC, maximixe IRA ($6,000/yr) 50/50 foreign stocks/bonds, my individual stock portfolio is relatively equal weighted between consumer stables, consumer discrestionary, oil/energy, health, information tech, transportation, utilities, financials, industrials (including natural resources) real estate/other. Within each sector I diversify with a mix of foreign/intl, global, domestic with 70% being global/foreign; further 80/10/10 large cap/mid cap/sm cap. Recently I’ve added more positions in micro cap Chinese stocks – keeping the exposure limited to less than 5%. The foundation of my portfolio is in DRIPs. My basic premise is to cover a lot of bases with quality companies and ETFs, buying what is out of favor or on a pullback. I’m in my mid 50’s and getting a late start but luckily started buying heavy during the recent crash. I really have learned alot from your newsletters and also really enjoy doing my own analysis and tracking – my engineering background has helped me keep to a plan and downplay the emotional aspects.
I AM SEMI RETIRED, BUT, OWN A INCOME PROPERTY..ABOUT TO REBALANCE MY IRA’S AND ROTHS. Need to have balanced approach ,but, i am risk taker!!!!
Hi Martin,
20% in silver.
20% in physical gold bars
59.999999% in cash.
.0000001% in food and basic necessities such as TP, detergents, trashbags, etc.
I’ve only recently started investing (if you can even call holding silver and gold investing) and I am a total neophyte in investing.
I live in Japan and it’s one of the countries people are saying that will default sometime soon. This country is infested with political and financial problems, has no natural resource, and has tons of earthquake to boot. I figure no matter what, given the situation, I’ll need food and water and other basic necessities so I’ve stocked up 18 months worth of necessities for 2 people. I doubt that’s considered an investment in this forum. LOL
I’m still learning and trying to find an entry point in investing but for the time being, the Foundation Alliance recommendations sounds goods.
Lastly, I’d like to learn about investing in farm land and hydrology / companies involved in water supply in the Far East.
Physical precious metals would be highest on my list – around 40%. About one-third gold and two-thirds Silver.
Next would be Gold and Silver mining stocks. Only those with the best pure exposure to gold and silver prices. About 30% here.
The remaining 30% would go into energy, natural resource, and agricultural stocks or ETF’s. I’d put emphasis on Chinese energy and natural resource stocks. Maybe some domestic natural gas stocks – which can pay nice dividends.
Areas I’d avoid: Bonds, domestic manufacturing, and any industry that is dependent on gov’t subsidies to be profitable (such as green energy).
LOOKING AT SOME GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES TO INCLUDE.
I have been a subscriber to safe money for many tears and Larry Edelson’s uncommon wisdom for many years. I follow your investment recommendations in the sectors you generally recommend. Due to my age ( I’m) 80) I don’t invest in overseas markets. I’ve done OK.
The question #1 for me is not a question at all because diversification is a normal part of investment portfolio, so the most important is Q#2. I keep in physical gold a little bit more than you recomended for very simple reason – who the heck knows how high our taxes gonna be in, say 2015? Assuming you make $100K with GLD. So, give 20 to 50% to Unkle Sam. With physical gold it is not a problem.
-5% short term T-bonds
-25% commodities and energy
-15% foreign markets
-25% cash
-5% US stocks
-5% miscelaneous
I like to find stocks that have good value, good safety and good timing. I look at the price of the stock over a 6month to one year period and compare the price trend to the moving average. I also like stocks that pay good dividends. I also invest in gold, silver, precious metal, gas and oil ETFs and contra ETFs. I havent invested in bullion or bond funds.
I have been retired for 20 years and have through the years made some rather
poor investments. Now, my approach is rather simple. I believe I am ready for either
extreme. Fifty percent of my funds is in short term T-Bills and cash. The other fifty
percent is in a gold mutual fund and gold coins. This will probably not make me much but it appears safe.
Gold Bullion 20%
Silver Bullion 50%
Select Resource Stocks Oil, Gold 20% eg: Suncor, Connacher, Petroliera, First Majestic
Specific Canadian Junior Explorers partnered with a Major (Speculative) Knight Minerals and Donner Metals 10%
Hi Martin,
My IRA is in various Vanguard Funds that are diversified between stocks and bonds. Majority is in stocks. I only hope I’m doing this right, but I feel very uncomfortable and not sure what is right anymore.
Patricia
Martin:
First I determine the time frame
Second i designate what I will need in the next few years
Third I work hard on asset allocations and divesification.
Four I try to avoid big brookers like M. Lynch who have robed me before.
For the income I will need in the next four to five years I buy a mix of Corporate AAA bonds and High yield bonds. There are thousands of those in foreign companies (Brasil, Mexico) they pay a coupon 3 or 4% above .inflation on a monthly or quarterly basis.
For the income I will need 5 or more year ahead I Invest in Indexes, like Taiwan, Brasil, India and Mexico. I also invest in several ETF`S related to Food comodities and in the last couple of years I have investes in GLD and Silver funds.
US companies with a strong revenue base in different countries are safe, they pay dividends and obtain a natural hedge for their income is generated in different currencies.
I have to thank you sincerely I started reading The Safe Money report a little over eight years ago. Just by reading you and your very professional team I have avoided several risky investments recommended by brokers. To me is mandatory to read all your comunications on a daily basis, so I am always one step ahead of brokers.
What I still can not do is options I am affraid of them.
All the best
This is about what I would think …
Cash in Short term T-bills
Precious Metals – Physical, Stocks 20%
BRIC ETF’s – 10%
Domestic or International Energy stocks – 5%
I depend on my financial advisor, who I have been working with since 2004, and several newsletters, such as yours, to provide me with a balance of perspectives in helping me decide the best current or future allocation plan. Since investments are dynamic, not static, it is good to keep an ear to the rail, your eyes on the horizon and your wits about you. We as a nation are broke, and the world too, but have not yet surrendered to that reality, look up, not out, for wisdom in handling finances. No amount of money will prevent the inevitable. Can we be deceived? If our hope depends on man to save us than we need look no further than Madoff to determine if a hope in man is well founded. Who or what can we trust? Look on any US denominated currency for that answer.
40% precious metals
40% cash
20% other stocks
I generally read your fundamental commments first. Next I look at your recommendations in “Safe Money Report. Then if I locate any support for them in the Seeking Alpha authors, I’ll look at the financials. If any look real good, I may 25 to 50 shares.
I deside by listening and reading the Weiss Groups news letters and Uncommon Wisdom reports, especially Larry Edelson and Sean Brodrick’s Advice. Than if I have the funds I will pray about what to do than invest.
Question #1: How are YOU deciding whether you’ll invest in (1) domestic and foreign stocks, (2) gold bullion and other precious metals, (3) energy and natural resources, (4) foreign currencies and/or (5) bonds in 2010?
Ans. Directions from the MCP and general consensus of various resources.
Question #2: How do you know how much of your money to invest in each area?
Ans. General understanding of which areas will be strongest with possible allocation of 50%, 30%, and 20% in the three hottest in order of priority.
The optimal portfolio depends on time frames; risk tolerance; current cash flow needs and other assets already held. This will vary case by case, however in my case, I am avoiding most US stocks, all long and medium term bonds (due to interest rate risk) and taking a more heavily weighted position in hard assets and stable currencies. I am not feeling very good abut the us dollar or the country’s future inflation or currency prospects.
Break down: Short term and liquid assets 20-25%; gold& silver 15% commodities15%;short term convertibles and high yield bonds15%; international stocks and emerging markets 25%.;domestic USA stocks 5-10%
That is the approximate portfolio I am working towards now. This is rough draft and I look forward to your suggestions and recommended mix.
Thanks,
john
I invest independently. Have followed you for years before following your advise. One advisor, outside Weiss, recommended investing for inflation when 30 yr Treasury bonds yield are above 4.69%. So, I’ve moved a bit more out of cash, which is currently 50% and into US and international stocks. Am comptemplating emerging markets stock investment for a larger portion of my portfolio than in the past. I use Safe Money, Sean and Larry’s recommendations and Claus Vogt’s and then do my own research, in addition. From there, I make investments. Last year wasn’t great for my portfolio, but 2006 and 2007 were good years and I came out unscathed from 2008. Reading through some of the responses, setting stop loss orders is a wise precaution I’ll need to implement.
I am bullish on silver.
I like equal %’s of Gold & Silver Bullion, Numismatic Gold Coins, Cash & Foreign Currency.
I lost “0″ in last Stock crash.
Dear Doctor Weiss,
Having been working (near retirement), commuting four hours a day and not having too much money to invest, for instance , with Weiss Research, i just follow your and your contributors’ (Uncommon Wisdom) advice in the best possible way.
Any detailed instruction or any help with investments would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Henryka Marta Klik
I am 77 YRS. of age-retired for 10 yrs.Basically out of domestic stocks.Heavy in a world-oriented commodities fund[10%]Also in oil funds[10%]Insured municipal boud fund[10%]Physical Gold[10%] Iras and annuity-cash[60%]Inside a brokerage acct.I also have an inverse Dollar fund.Inside an IRA,I also trade in AND out of it’s prec.metals fund netting over $65,000 since 1995.Please delete this information.
I like ETFs so the majority of our investments are in these vehicles with a few stocks thrown in for “flavor.” We are heavily weighted toward foreign markets with a strong sector of Gold. Also, I’m experimenting with inverse T-bond ETFs. I have really appreciated all the educational articles I’ve read, courtesy of Money and Markets. Being a novice investor (under a year), I am soaking up all the knowledge I can get. Really enjoyed Martin Weiss’ book on How to Survive a Depression. This past year I’ve been fortunate to have received an 18% return on our money. In 2010, I hope to do even better, notwithstanding a volatile market environment.
I have approximately 50% in physical gold .silver and platinum. The rest I have scattered about in natural resources, energy, reits, CANADIAN Bonds and Canadian equities.
My husband and I are nearing retirement so we need to invest with caution, however, we aren’t afraid to take a little risk to go for better returns. Thanks to your warning two years ago, we pulled out of the market just in time. It saved our main portfolio from a large loss, however, we did lose a little in other investments. We currently have 15% in a foreign emerging market fund, 30% in energy, 25% in precious metals, 15% in VanGuard Capital Value fund which has given us a nice return so far. The remainder is in a health stock and money market. I plan to speculate on a couple stocks in shipping, gas, or silver by the end of January–waiting for a dip. We do not have bonds.
I appreciate the wisdom and recommendations from the entire Weiss group–I think you guys are on the right track.
I am 85 and long retired.
Currently 53% in cash and short term bond funds; 19% in gold and related; balance in stocks, stock ETFs and stock mutual funds, predominantly domestic.
Moving gradually from cash, short term bond funds and domestic stock securities to more commodities and foreign (mainly far east and BRIC) securities; mainly following recommendations by Larry Edelson, Claus Vogt and Ron Rowland.
Hi Martin:
I’m actually a very risk adverse “investor” since I’m now over 60 and way past my “peak” earning years…I also need to supplement my income, since I presently only work part-time.
So most of my investments are in TNotes and CDs all of which “mature” within the next 1-3 years. After that it’s going to be a real “challenge” to decide what to do.
The rest is currently in energy and gold mutual funds, a hard currency fund, and a bear fund:
FSENX
GLD
GOLDX
MERKX
GRZZX
My fears are that the dollar is heading South and ditto for the stock market some time this year. Martin I only wish to preserve what’s left of what I have, and that’s it!!
I’m a fairly conservitive invester. I am canadian, so most of my investments are in canada, some in the usa, and sum in china. The only money I use to buy stocks, is spare money. My investments, include gold stocks, energy stocks, farm equipment, and a few reits. At the present time, my goal is to buy good safe dividend paying stocks. I read your letters faithfully. keep up the good work.
Martin,
In answer to your questions, it is the reasons I subscribed to Safe Money and the Million Dollar Contrarian Portfolio. To know when to be in, what to be in, and when to get out. Investing is risky. I’m seeking a higher degree of safety with these services.
Split the money, If I had any, evenly between all 5 catagories.
I used Fidelity Funds 50% international, 50% Domestic (Select Fund and Growth Fund)
I follow your Safe Money Report.
You have presented with very challenging and unique questions which requires thought process and clarity.
I have always taken time to save for rainy day and many areas of purchase, as my eye catches, such as stamps, plates etc..etc
Lost over half of my converted 401K into IRA following retirement three years ago and 2008 while I was in overseas got me a rude of awakening. Previously I have focused on Special Dividends and seen gain vaporized but quickly changed course and gained all back. This experience helped me to build confidence (may be over confidence for a while) but was unaware of what was forthcoming.
I have subscribe to Money Map, True Wealth and various others to gain knowledge and do my own investing. All I did in the past 25 years – putting all my money into company 401K until we were allowed to make a choice to various funds. Prior to retirement I rolled majority of my company stocks into other equities and ETF’s.
I have Three Portfolios: One for trading, One for Income (MLP etc..) and Other for Long Term (Vanguard Funds) also maintain Cash Position 10% or as needed.
Categories are: Domestic and International Equities, Natural Resources and Metals
Subcategories: Biotechnology, pharmaceutical, health care and consumer durables
Percent allocated: 4-6% on each equities
Stop -Loss at: 15% (currently or amount as deems necessary)
Trailing Stops: Monitor on a daily basis and take profit/s to invest in others as necessary following my research.
My Long Term portfolio is in with Vanguard Funds and in ten categories (removed bond this year) and rotate each year in January
I have maintained physical purchase of Gold since 1970 and Silver plus Platinum (Bar, Coins etc) and last two years I have added substantial amount of Silver 100 OZ bars and also Buffalo Coins/series since year of issue.
I have investments in foreign country and maintain a brokerage account since 1989. recovered 96% of losses now and all those years dividends have paid for the cost and now I am over 180% or more gain on those I hold. I plan to keep them for years to come and sell some when I visit the country or for travel expenses. I also buy currencies of that country my wife and i travel en route and put away.
Finally, I have learned that: if life is a classroom then life’s lessons is my teacher. No more that kind of losses as I have experienced like others. I have to be be in charge of the course of action I take and be responsible for consequences. It was my fault that- I failed to watch the market and ignored the signs while I was abroad.
Thanks for your questions.
I enjoy and learned a lot from attending your telecast and all of the members input that is provided for us.
Thanks again.
I invest according to the direction of the market using the Elliott Wave principal as interpreted by Steve Hochberg and Bob Prechter. They keep one constantly tuned to each market direction whether up or down for the Dow, the S&P 500, the Nasdac, Bonds, the Dollar, the Euro, Gold, and Silver.
Single family rental units 51%
Cellular Towers to lease 25%
Gold & Silver 10%
A few selected Gold & Oil Stocks 3%
Municiapal & Corporate bonds 11%
I am adding to the bond funds any availalbe cash- They have returned over 30% in 7 months- Will begin to move out in about 6 months +/-
Adding to real eatate holdings when i can steal a property
Adding major leases the Towers because of the growing need for capacity with 3 & 4G phones.
Guns & Ammo are also a good investment but mostly for insurance.
I read what you and your colleagues sent. You and your are the best in the market analysis. Thank you.
It would be great to have few more recommendation.
Gold and silver. Most commodities in general as long as the US government continues to print dollars.
I first eliminate classes. Banking(Wall Street style) Pharmacuticals & Health care are corrupted industries living off Washington influence so I avoid these.
Since I’m primarily a commodities trader and I’ve been there for the past 30 depression type years I belive most commodities (especially oil) will have the most 5-10 year upside potential.
I will evaluate that philosopy as things progress.
I am a novice investor – I am just playing follow the leader and hoping for the best
I have been doing this asset allocation diversification for long time. it is proved that such portfolio is the best in good times as well as bad times. in addition to this basic asset allocation, I have also allocated small amount of funds for special opportunities to improve the profitability. Weiss research’s special note on investment opportunity such as the ones from IIS on JYHW and AENY are two recent excellent examples.
I do appreciate Weiss research’s effort to look into all prospects of profit opportunity, to screen the opportunity so as to help her subscribers make money. this makes Weiss research differentiated from other financial advisers services. this is why I recommend Weiss research to my friends.
I feel I need to weigh heavily on gold and metal commodities, conservatively foreign investments in utilities and agricultural commodities.
Martin:
Like the group write ups and vision
12 % in GLD and SLV
3% in currencies (Merks and other)
5% in oil and gas
5% in USA companies with Global reach
5% in dividend producing stocks (average 4.5%)
20 % Starting a managed muni portfolio (average 5 years) a bit scared about it but could benefit from a tax free income, base.
The rest
50 % sitting in usa $ cash and not happy about it. Will be looking into foreign bonds preferably with foreign currency interest, but not sure that’s the best for an out of dollar exposure.
Your input would be appreciated.
First, Martin I would like to thank you very much for making your newsletter and website THE SAFE MONEY REPORT so reasonable in cost and so valuable in information. I am not a wealthy person and have no inheritance coming. I therefore must use caution in my investments and stops to prevent major losses. I am very upset that the SEC allows after and before hours trading but stops during this time are useless. If we are on a world stage then why not leave the market open 24 hours a day 7 days a week and allow all orders to function normally. Lets face it, computers are dong the job anyway. That said, I use only very simple moving averages to invest. I buy when the 20 day moving average crosses above the 50 day moving average and sell when it crosses below. IF they both cross below the 100 day moving averge I stay out of that market until they move back above. I watch the rate of change in various sectors to determine where to invest. This used to be very hard but now with ETF’s it is easy. If DIA is moving up at only .01% per week and XLE is moving up at .05% then I will move to XLE until my moving averages say to stop. This way I don’t listen to the news and noise and my portfolio spends more time in the black than in the red. Keep up the good work Martin we all appreciate it very much.
I am 54 yrs. of age and would like to retire within the next couple of years. I am bullish on oil and gas. I also think that an inflation proof asset like real estate ( rentals,not bare land for liquidity ) is the place to keep a good part of your nestegg.
1)Canadian value stock fund- will get out soon and move more to oil and gas parnerships
2)real estate limited partnership in Texas and Arizona
3)oil and gas limited partnerships
Hi Dr. Weiss,
I have 15% in Gold Stocks, 15% in China Stocks, 15% in Brazil Stocks, 15% Emerging Markets, and 25% in a Bond Fund which consist of 30% US Treasuries, 40% Foreign Bonds and 30% in Corporate Bonds. The rest in cash. I have no money invested in US Stocks due to crash in 2008 and my lack of confidence in our Federal Government and Banking System. Prior to the 2008 crash, each and every CEO that was in charge of a bank or financial institution that led to the crash in 2008, “LIED!” about their stability and finances. Each and everyone mislead the investor and had no interest in the well being of this country. When the US Banking system is sound again and our government officials start serving the people of this country and not themselves then, I will consider US Stocks. However, if those Banks want to pass out another round of Bonus checks, it WILL NOT come from the money I invested.
I follow your advice on sectors and stocks, but prefer to invest more heavily on gold and TBT shares to offset exposure to interest rates as I have some mortgage.
I plan to diversify investment through the use of ETFs, especially China, Brazil, India and Taiwan.
I also plan to follow suggestions on specific high liquidity stocks and play long term options on them.
Thank you for the kind attention.
Tony
(1) domestic and foreign stocks, (2) gold bullion and other precious metals, (3) energy and natural resources, (4) foreign currencies and/or (5) bonds in 2010?
1. Gold
2. Foreign stocks
3. Energy stocks
In answer to both your questions. I invest according to the information and recomendations I receive from you. Thank you. Margaret
I allocate based on my cash flow for bonds, oil and gas, commodities, reits and utilities.
I prefer hard asssets paying dividends but use preferreds on financials and reits.
I hold some gold and silver assets , but figure all hard assets rise with inflation.
I hold 10-20% of investments in foriegn assets or US companies with foriegn exposure.
I keep five years worth of cash liquid, so I can ride the storms or take advantage
of trading opportunities. My investment money is all in IRAs so options are out. I carry very
little debt, pay all credit on time and have about 25% of my net worth in real estate
(home, 55+ condo, and recreational/timber land).
In answer to your question. I invest according to the information and recomendations I receive from you. Thank you .Margaret
Martin – - -
My current allocation is 15% MDP, 4% Foundation for Cycles, 10% Real Wealth, gold and natural resources, 61% cash, 3% red hot commodiities, 1% alternative energy, 6% concentrated investment and other. I probably need some help in overall allocation, and this allocation is just sort of the way it worked out. I went to cash in my pension plan, since I feel that I don’t have enough control over investments in this uncertain environment.
My economic forecast is a little different from the consensus, for sure, and yours, as well. I think we will have a good quarter or two. The growth will cause the price of oil to get high enough to throw the economy back into recession (it may be there already); the downturn will mitigate the increase in interest rates. Before the downturn, the US recovery will spark a short run increase in the dollar, which will cause the carry trade to unwind violently, which will cause a dramatic decline in the dollar. MZM, which is currently flat to falling, will continue to be soft, which will guarantee a short-lived recovery. If there is going to be inflation, it will be in response to a near-term deflation storm. The underlying driver is peak oil, which I think occurred in 2008. The deflation storm will cause the price of oil to collapse yet again, virtually guaranteeing a repeat of the cycle should the economy start to recover again.
I won’t invest more than 60% total, since I’m 74 do not NEED more more money, but can’t afford to loose what I have. Mostly (40%) in foreign country ETF’s, India, Australia, Indonisia, Taiwan, S.Korea, Indonesia, Austria, BRIC, or Chile. Then 10% in Em. markets ETF’s.
The remaining 10% in either financial ETF (XLF) and/or Materials and/or energy.
Gold too unpredictable for me. When things get really good and hot, I might invest an additional 10%. (to be Announced)
Herbert J. Everstijn
Based on reading of several news sources (IBD and newsletters such as yours), I attempt to invest within general parameters of diversification via ETF’s and sector funds but also deviating to acknowledge where the greatest prospects of growth/appreciation are possible. Ie., recognizing that several foreign countries have greater economic growth and consequent stock appreciation than US companies (Latin America, China etc). I tend to emphasize oil, gas, metals, and natural resource stocks because of their equity appreciation due to world demand and limited supply. I have invested in only a nominal amount of Bonds and fixed income assets (10-20%) primarily because of their limited income and a possible inate lack of believe that they provide true diversity in bad times as well. To counter the lack of diversity, I attempt to protect holdings with stop losses and following advice again of letters such as yours.
10% gold bullion
50% t-bills
40% emerging market,commodities,global tech,natural resources,currencies
What amount should be in Brazil?
Should we consider alternative energy, biotech?
Thanks Martin
I tend to follow your advice since you saved my butt in 2000.
Also listen to Ray Luchia show along with Bloomberg and Squak Box in the morning.
My portfolio is in a trust with a bank. I am fearful of this economy and our government. We have pared down equities, have bonds, municipal, corporate, and two government issues. No foreign stocks or gold.
Here is my take on your questions:
Stocks 50% split 25% in Foreign and 15% in Domestic. Reason is that Stocks still offer the best possibility of appreciationn in 2010 and foreign more so than domestic. Energy stocks at 10% within the above (Solar, Lithium, Gas and oil)
Gold at 10%: in the uncertainty as now exists, this seems prudent
Foreign Currency : Nil
Bonds: $40% split half and half between foreign and domestic
Vibhay Sinha
Here is my take on your questions:
Stocks 50% because of the best possibility of appreciation. Split is 25% foreign and 15% Domestic and another 10% in energy (solar, lithium, gas and oil, split half and half between domestic and foreign)
Gold/precious trecious metals 10%:Reason is hard assets and inflation protection
Foreign currency: Nil. I am not betting against the dollar and this investment is not advisable given the Chinese scenario of fixed rate
Bonds :40% split half and half between foreign and domestic but avoiding treasuries.
I would like to see what your final recommendation is.
Vibhay Sinha
Hi Martin,
1) I try to allocate my portfolio to suggested models. Sometimes I adjust as well. It’s a work in progress.
2) I invest as much as I can in my retirement plans. Now I’m ready to take the leap into the non-retirement investments for the first time (i.e., non 401K, 403b, IRA, etc.).
I’m looking for guidance.
Thanks very much, Rob
I primarily make my decisions based on recommendations by you and others with the Safe Money Report and with Alex Green and others with the Oxford Club. My portfolio is diversified approximately as follows: Domestic stocks: 30%; Foreign stocks/ETFs (Brazil, China, Taiwan, Chile, the Philipeans): 30%; Mid term Corporate Bonds: 5%; Commodities (Gold & Silver ETFs): 15%; and 20% in CDs, Money Market funds and Government Bonds.
I have been waiting weeks to hear your advice and comments. I do not know how to gauge the percent of each investment. IO have asked you many times to call me when iI answer4ed your request to have a portfolio reviewed. I am a multimm. Would love to hear from you.
Martin,
Thanks to you and Mike, we sold our summer home as recommended in mid 2006. Perhaps the single best investment advice we have experienced. The money rests in Vanguard GNMA which has yielded over 5% ever since. Upon your advice we basically exited the equities purchasing short term treasuries complemented with other high quality bonds and some gold. Again, thanks to you, we have showed a profit each and every year. We believe that a modest profit beats any type of loss.
Our realocation for 2010 will be to follow Safe Money, Dividend Superstars and Real Wealth reports to the extent of beginning a dividend stock portfolio with the intent to dollar cost average in, and adding recommedations by you, Mike, Larry and Nilus. Our goal, minimize risk but attempt to purchase equities that return reasonable dividends with solid balance sheets in sectors that have made it through 2002 and 2008 with good results and some mutual funds and ETF”S as required to participate in the BRIC block.
Our goal regarding allocation, 80% bonds, somewhat under 5% gold, 15% domestic and foreign with emphasis on energy and natural resources.
Thanks again for leading us through the current debacle, which we believe is not over until the overweight lady sings, meaning the current administrations atrocious spending is stopped and a new administrations fiscal prudence is in place.
Thanks again for you groups excellent research and thorough explanations!
I’m 83 and much as I’d like to relax with mostly bonds for income, I don’t dare. This economy is too dangerous to trust. I think the best thing is to fight it. I’m 50 % in foreign stocks, maybe I should be more. I can’t tell yet. Fundamentals are fine but as an old technition I check out the charts to get the facts as to what is really happening. Fundamentals are always 6 months late. I stick with the best sectors then industries. Wish I had a better access to foreign stocks that I could buy through the NY Stock Exchange. Dealing with 2 brokerage houses, like one a foreign and one domestic brokerage, is too distracting. ETFs are great but fundamentals are very hard, if possible, to get. Happy New Year.
My broker keeps a tab in my stock allocation by percentage and warns me when I am tempted to go above the conservative line that I choose for our old age. My daily portfolio statement gives me the percentage information of each investment. It changes daily.
At present my portfolio is in
60% cash
5%Mutual fund half in Global Equity Income & Strategic Equity Income fund.
15% Gld, SLV, Precsious metals, Mines & Swiss Currency
2% Agriculture 1/2 U.S. & 1/2 China
3% high yield Income producing equities
15% Energy & Natural Resources
NO BONDS
Martin,
As a Weiss Elite member I am following the 2010 recommendations of all your
Weiss family members as presented at your New Years Web Conference and the
follow up advise in each of the newsletters. I use a 50-40-10 approach with 50%
High Income investments, 40% Stocks with good divendends, and 10% Commodities.
I am really enjoying my Weiss Elite membership and look forward to many years of
successful and fun times with the Weiss investment family. May the Lord Bless and
Keep all of you safe.
A Loyal Fan,
Dennis
The investments must be broken down by ones situation as opposed to their selections based only on growth. I am retired with no pension. My portfolio is based entirely on dividends and distributions. My asset allocation is as follows; stocks 100% cash 0. My securities are 77% invested in equities and 9% are considered fixed income although they are high yielding preferred REITs. 14% unclassified but dividend payers. Of my investments I have about 35% in closed end funds and 25% in oil and gas. The balance is in high yielding common stocks with the exception of 3% in gold. The gold will not help me generate cash until I swap it for income. I keep writing in the money call options but the price drops and I still owm the shares
I do not have confidence in the stock market direction therefore I always edge.
Hello Martin,
I greatly respect you and your fellow investment experts’ opinions and research. Since the ‘08 debaucle however, I have been more of a day/ swing trader through the use of technical analysis. The sectors in which I am most comfortable, are: natural resources, ie. coal, potash, oil, and natural gas ; some precious metals… physical and otherwise, some real estate properties, some limited partnerships, etc. Areas that would be particularly beneficial for me/ my portfolio, would be options trading ( currently studying them), Forex trading and more foreign/Bric countries’ investments.
Thank you very much Martin& Co. for your first class service… your integrity, your obvious concern and compassion for others, and of course, for your ‘uncommon wisdom’!
I am following the advice in your newletter. 20% gold with several stocks that are paying good dividend. 60% cash or Treasury bills. Generally the return has not been much to be happy about but the principle is still there and growing some.
Currently 50% physical gold coins, 25% Real Estate (cheap low maintaince home+raw land), 25% cash. Looking to pick up some low end rual rentals below $25K. Most of last years sock gains are from the stimilus package. To close to the 52 week highs to go there. When the dollar dumps so will stocks & so will energy. When America and Europe colapse, so will energy demand along with 1/2 half of the worlds comsumer economy. China has the most exposure and Brazil has the least because they grow their own fuel. When the consumer economy fails, so will commdities. That’s when America defaults on China debt causing China to sieze all US assets. There is no bottom bounce here. Stimilus money is not an option because were almost 100% of GDP on payments by then. Those countries with the most debt will be pushing for a one world currency on a 1 to 1 ratio. Those who are holding US debt will have plenty of toilet paper. No currency or digital dollar is safe. If you have to play, short the market and roll it over into defense stocks. “O” And make sure you buy the new book Weiss- Survival Guide. Compared to several other books at the bookstore this weekend; it’s by far the best.
Davy
Steve, this is a question that is extremely difficult to give the exact strategy on. Presently, I’ve placed most of my faith into Larry Edelson’s advice and strategies, and are splitting my investments into gold and oil and gas. Any solid advice from you is appreciated.
I can see why you are asking this question, Martin. After reading many of these comments and answers, it seems there is a lot of ‘fog of war’ going on with people’s money and all the more reason we ALL need some really expert ‘insider’ insight from yourself and your team, as you are fully dedicated 24/7 to the cyclical and daily movement and projections of this volatile world market. As for myself, what I have is very basic in that I have bullion and numismatic gold, some, and a much smaller portion of silver coin, and cash, and some company stock, not publicly owned, and my wife has some mutual funds. Not a great sum all together, but we have some discretionary cash we need to place so very carefully with your help. Thank you for going on the attack in starting the year! Looking forward to simplifying this ‘fog of war’ in the financial landscape with your and your teams ever so needed help.
How to build a portfolio: and how much to put into each segment?
How much risk do I want to take?
What is the current economic conditions?
What is the best mix based on my age and my long term needs?
Stocks can be less risky with stops in place. ETF’s of stocks seem less volitile compared to individual stocks and they are easier to trade than mutual funds. Bonds can stabilize a portfolio, but if interest rates go up, Bond principle will drop unless I am owning individual bonds. Most of my bonds are laddered 2-7 yrs quality corp. With the economic pressure on communities, I am avoiding muni bonds. I haven’t bought an individual bond in over 6 months, the interest rates are horrible.
Gold and Silver are so heavily invested now they are likely “overbought” and currently scare me. Stocks for the long term seem to make sense in this current environment, but I am afraid of their unexpected volitility so I would limit my exposure to 35%-40% stocks. Cash is not paying anything, so I am keeping it at a low 5-10%. The Vanguard ETF bnd is intermediate term, but I also have a 2% stop on that.
I don’t know what to do so I am doing nothing. I am trying to learn from your information.
I am knew to the ETF concept, having read your most recent book. I am also a new Elite member. Though I have been a long term investor, diversification is an area I need help in. I’m looking forward to your comments on this subject, Martin. Right now I am 20% precious metals ETF’s, 60% mutual funds, 20% individual stocks. Looking forward to your advice!
I am up in Canada where the money machines cannot print as fast as yours in the US…I am 30% Canadian financials, 20% in telcos (which I am reducing by half), 20% in gold stocks (which have a silver exposure) and the remainder in oil/material equities. I enjoy the triumvirate of Tony, Larry and Sean but have not made the leap beyond NAmerica to invest. The US is a foreign market for me, and I look to the interlisted companies for my US exposure.
I don’t know the answers to any of those questions. I’d like to learn.
GOLD, GOLD AND MORE GOLD!
I lost my job in March 2009 and rollover 401 into IRA, so this is all my saved money after working for 15yr. As of now it sits in a money market account in Vanguard . I am 58 and completely lost, not sure what to do with my savings.I will appreciate your help, any suggestions.I am still out of work and have no other investments.
I am retired and will turn 63 this year. I have been dabbing in the penny stock market for several years now. Nothing big. I diversified 10% of my annuity and lost over half of that. A friend and I have been watching your predictions with interest. This year we decided to subscribe and depend on your advice.
I usully buy only domestic stocks (Israel)
and also ETF on commodities
it is difficult for follow foreign stocks
but always open to professionel advices
thank-you
Dear Martin,
I have no idea. Need your advise.
thank you.
2010 Plan
Domestic/Foreign 40%
Gold bullion/Metals 20%
Energy?N. Resources 25%
Foreign Currencies 5%
Bonds 10%
Hi
As I live in New Zealand I tend to invest in Australia/NZ. 80% of my portfolio is in stocks.
Some cash in Australian currency.
approx 30-32% in gold .
5% physical gold
approx 30-32% in commodities: mainly blue chip and Aussie stocks
remaining stocks % “others” are at the most are 5% in agriculture/medical/couple of penny stocks
I use and paid registered australian website advisors/silver investors/hotcopper sites. Read a lot as I dont know how to use tools /charts/and a friend who invests who reads up before investing to learn about company business plan/The CEO and Directors experience good mgt history/earnings and share ratios for good measure. I am dubious investing in other markets as their is so much out their thats really advertising and just plain overwhelming to read and believe. I would like to invest in silver stocks and other EFT shares international but it is so volatile!
Another issue is learning when to sell! Long term and forget about them or try and maximise gains is something Im trying to learn.
Question 1: Part 1: Of the amount I have in stocks, I maintain a 50/50 split in domestic and foreign with biases to small and mid cap in domestic, Asia ex Japan and Latin American in the foreign. Part 2: GLD is approx. 6% of my portfolio, but all new purchases will dollar cost average into coins. Part 3: Energy, I prefer the “picks and shovels,” i.e. MLP pipelines and royalty trusts. As for natural resources, am looking to re-establish a position in agriculture when the sector comes down out of the stratosphere. Part 4: Currencies are not on my radar screen at the moment as there is too much disparity between what they should be doing and what they actually are doing. Part 5: Bonds have traditionally been 50% of my portfolio. I am down to 10% emerging market for the currency diversity and 10% high yield which I look to close out if the spreads narrow any further or if defaults begin to spike. I firmly believe they are about once again become “certificates of confiscation,” especially anything issued by my bankrupt Uncle Sam.
Question 2: I have no specific weightings for 2010, as it depends on the bargains the market offers. I could be 100% cash as early as the second quarter. When our own government’s figures are so unreliable and the laws and policies change at the drop of a hat, how can anyone make a realistic valuation of anything. As the U.S. is technically insolvent now, everything else is basically musical chairs.
20% gld
15% various energy stocks/funds
nada in foreign currencies-don’t feel knowledgeable
15% hi yield corp bonds
40% tips
5% short term treasuries
5% cash and a couple of covered calls
My disttribution is controlled personally after research,continuous input from financial people, and several services like safe money. 15% in guaranteed 6% guaranteed growth annuity with Transavanian insurance.10% gold,silver,bullion and stocks.15%oil and gas,utilities,natural resoures.60% in real estate. Residential and Commercial.
Hi,
I am a foreign investor and not a very experienced one at that.
However I have learned from experience not “to put all my eggs in one basket.”
My Portfolio is split into two ie. local and Foreign.
Two thirds of my investments are invested locally (for income and tax purposes) and the balance is invested offshore.
My local investments are allocated, 30% mining and minerals, 10% oil and 50% in “blue chip,” companies with a consistent dividend history and good growth. The remaining balance of 10% is invested in property holding companies (buildings 7yrs old or less, stable tenants and good management with less than 30% gearing)
For my foreign investments (NYSE) I hold 35% gold, 20% Pharma. (blue chip) 10% Value, 5% inverse ETF’s, and 30% in currencies – Us$ and Br.Stg.
My only problem is the currency holdings, as I am not sure of any currency at present and feel that I would be better off holding Brazilian Real, Yen and Aus$.
Firstly- In order to stand a decent chance of making money through Investing I watch very little TV. This frees up an enormous amount of free time to study the masters including Dr. Weiss and the members of his team. Regretfully I have to say that 87% of my total assets are held abroad in Australia as they have a strong economy and a reasonably secure and honest goverment. I have approx 30% in precious metals -split between shares & physical ownership. 40 % is in property ownership, and the rest is in shares of emerging market countries as in Brazil/India/Chile. I keep enough cash on hand in Canadian dollars and gold /silver coins in case the worst comes to pass- and my family and I have to get out in a hurry.
Naren Mohatta 01.13.09
I have retired about two years ago . Currently, I am invested about 85% in equities (mutual funds and ETFs). Plan to re balance as follows:
Equities:50%. Use INVERSE ETFs as per “Safe Money Report” as a hedge.
Debt: 20% US. Dollars. Use Inverse ETFs as and when required to protect against falling dollar, as per “Safe Money Report”
Gold: 10%
Commodities: 10%
Cash: 10%
Naren Mohatta, Mumbai, India
1) All of the above, and then some other asset classes, I will invest (or stay invested in) in 2010.
a) In devising a portfolio, I’m looking for uncorrelated asset classes.
b) I reinvest dividends.
c) I have a 6-month emergency fund MM account, so the money I put into volatile investments is not the money I have to use to pay this month’s bills.
2) I have no hard and fast rules here. I’m somewhat constrained by the investment choices allowed in my 401(k) plan and the amount I can put into other tax-advantaged plans. I don’t claim to have a “perfect portfolio,” but I’m trying by diversifying beyond (mostly foriegn) stocks and (a few muni) bonds, with 3-5% each of TIPs, foreign bonds, REITs, a broad commodities fund, and currency baskets.
25, single, childless, employed, and renting
Stocks in Latin America and Mexico 20 per cent
Stocks in Asia 15 per cent South Korea and China
Stocks in U.S.A. 20 per cent, (energy, natural resources, quickie buys)
Precious Metals 20 per cent, mainly silver and specialty metals. Oil drilling and Gas would be
10 percent.
15% cash
I am learning and read articles on all aspect of investments that are appreciable. Coin collection, comic collection, antique mirrors and lamps. Options intrigues me also commodities so I am learning and will start this year to be an active learner. Thanks for this opportunity.
Priyta
Last March I invested 20% in various bank shares – which is showing about 55% profit including dividends I have set stop losses at -12% in case there is another banking crisis such as increased regulation!
protected from tax in ISAs I have invested in various funds: in china, brazil, india, russia and other “emerging” markets I have %50 currently showing 73% profit. I have 10% in Japan +3%, 10% in european special situations +15% and 10% in a general special situations fund +26%.
I have property that I am holding onto for at least another 5 years!
I see no point of cash apart from day 2 day and emergancy funding. It looks like bank rates will stay low for at least another year
The two questions are intertwined and can’t really be separated. Different asset classes present various risk/reward potential at different points in time. For example, I’ve got nothing in bonds now because – as you also write – global interest rates have nowhere to go but up. The actual “partition” is based on periodic analysis of my own taking into account opinions of analysts with track record of being correct and having professional integrity; Weiss Research is one such service. I also use a 30% ceiling for any single asset class and maintain 25% minimum in cash and equivalents; at this stage, cash is substantially more in view of perceived high risk.
I don’t know. I listen to people who know the market better than me and try to spread my risks as much as possible.
In any case even the best analysts get it wrong so who am I to advise others.
Hello Martin,
My strategy takes into account a number of simple factors.
1st: the sector I pick is Energy.
2nd: track GDP in India and China (6-8% of 2 billion people is a lot of growth)
3rd: Transition from old transportation into new transportation (bike or donkey to Nano Tata car)
no insult intended
4th: the rate of increase of disposable income with in the lower to middle classes
5th: Oil production worldwide (flow rate/day) vs. consumption
6th: stick with large caps
7th: monitor the governments and their actions/ policies in these countries.
Because of the sharp rise in stockmarkets I would allocate 50 % liquidtity , 30% China and 20% Gold
Correction:
I am a new subscriber eager to learn. I am 61 lost everything in the real estate blow-off
and declared bankruptcy. Starting over with a sense of urgency, have had parkinson’s for 12 years. I am NOT sure where to start. I have a very small ira and am not sure given my age and situation whether to convert to a roth and then add to it. My goal is every couple of months to buy a few shares with whatever I have saved over that period.
Speaking to your quest knowing which of the classes of investments would be the most
valuable. I also share Enno Seago’s questions in his comment above. Are there resources in your group that I can access to speed up laying my investment knowledge foundation.
Tim M. from Ohio: For the past two years I’ve had way too much cash – all cash + c.ds (3years ago, I got 5%+ on jumbo C.D.s) Recently, I have bot $40m of 24kt. gold coins – American buffalos and ‘roos. Then, I’ve purchased about $30. m of small cap stocks in silver mining SVM SLV AENY GPR REXX etc. Now, I’m looking at another $25m in China stocks – including PHO – China Marine – CHH- and General Steel, No bonds for me, thankyou. Now I’m looking at Lumber and Biomass. Next, I’m going to put $15-20m in the Brazil stocks you spoke of. At least I’ve begun ! Thankyou, Tim
Hi Martin
first I must say I enjoy reading your info so thank you.
1 foreign and dom stocks –I just accumulate these on a value basis and hold. Most likely 10% of our total
2 Gold etc– this is too scary for us and not for our cautious style I guess. Some linked to funds though 5%
3 energy etc– dont know about this sector 0%
4 Currencies– we enjoy this sector and would say maybe 30% tied up in different currencies plus deals with swiiss banks 30%
5 Bonds– Some bond funds but want to throw more in but dont know which one.
6 we sit on a lot of cash being v cautious.
Since I started doing sincere saving, I started learing the process of investment, of the class, of the discipline etc from books like One Up on the Wall Street and Intelligent Invesotor of Peter Lynch and Benjamin Graham respective legendary of investment.
Attending few local seminar program, reading the various online letters like Sir Martin Weiss and The Tycoon Report from US other than local from my country India.
All my success credit goes to this avenues and man.
Question 1- I use advisories like yours to be informed of the probable conditions ahead in domestic and foreign markets. Most often I select from among your recommendations; sometimes I add some of those I know a great deal about.
Question 2 – Based on the best information I have, I guess what areas are likely to produce the best results. Those areas receive a larger proportion of my investment.
Sometimes this has helped, often it has not.
I have been investing since Spring 2005; this is my first year with your group. Good luck to us all.
I have about 20 percent of my investments in a government Thrift savings Account. Up until early 2007 I had all of this invested in US stocks which was doing well. Based on a number of expert opinions I reduced my US stocks by 40 percent and put the money in foreign stocks. For the first year this looked like a mistake, but as the recovery kicked in it began to look better. The better performance of foreign stocks has out performed the poorer performance of the US stocks and the two accounts nearly equal what I had before. I probably would have done better with more in foreign stocks, but the whole thing is handled by the government and there is no way to look over what stocks (US or foreign) they have purchased. I believe I could do better if I had more control. Your opinion on this?
I’m invested in junior gold mining companies, major oil companies, and will buy a China ETF and an agriculture ETF.
I’m also investigating how best to profit from the longterm decline of the US dollar.
I believe gold is the best asset for whatever happens in the next 1-3 years.
Since I am relatively young (36), debt free, I own my house etc. I belive that I can afford to take on some risks and also have the luxury to invest long term.
1. domestic (for me Hungarian stocks) and foreign stocks – currently 40% of my portfolio.
In Hungary I have invested in geothermal energy because it should provide cheap energy for years to come and is currently very attractively priced.
Concerning foreign stocks I have mostly invested in Chinese and US stocks because
i) I belive that China is like the US at the end of the 20th century and also that yuan is greatly undervalued
ii) there are some great US based companies selling their goods across the globe and have great growth opportunities primarily in Asia and Latin America.
2. gold bullion and other precious metals – I am worried that central banks (primarily the FED, European, Chinese and Japanes central banks) will not be able to withdraw the excess funds from the markets causing inflation therefore I have put 10% of my investable assets into gold and silver.
3. energy and natural resources – I have 30% of my portfolio invested in this area because everyone needs and will need energy and natural resources. Since many of these are not renewable and the demand for them is growing year after year I believe that energy and natural resources will greatly appreciate over the years.
4. foreign currencies (for me home currency is HUF) – I have exposures to foreign currencies through my investments in foreign stocks, gold and natural resources.
5. bonds – I have 20% of my portfolio in bonds (I see this essentially as cash) so that I can act whenever I believe that there is a buying opportunity be it a stock, gold or natural resource. The reason I have invested into bonds is that the Hungarian goverment has issued government bonds paying inflation + 6% pa interest (currently this means around 10%).
Hi Martin,
Being a novice investor from Australia I look foward with interest to your recommendations.
When 85% of the Stock Markets are controlled by 15% of investors how do us minnows have any hope?
I look at anything to do with or coming out of Wall Street with scepticism?
Forget currencies as they are too easily manipulated by a chosen few?
My thoughts are to invest locally in selective Australian mining stocks especially Uranium, Lithium and Mineral Sands producers. As nuclear power for energy and battery powered vehicles will be the way of the future .
It depends upon one’s age and risk tolerance, and what I already have in my portfolio. For me personally, I take the ‘tickers’ your staff recommends, track them on paper, analyze the company, turn many down, and when the price is good I jump in on ones I like. I got in on gold per Larry Edelson’s reco years ago, and I’ve hung onto it, so I’m not going to put anymore in gold. When the stock market went down in the spring of ‘09 I got in on a very good deal ($46.90) of P&G stock. I’m now scouting UPS and others, waiting for the next big dip in the market
If I went with foreign stocks, I would stick to something like EWZ.
I’ve learned to keep it simple. I use one of your earlier books ( The Ultimate SafeMoney Guide, page 99) to critque the balance sheet of a company. Your staff should use that all the time as one of many checks before they put out a recommendation. I admit I don’t know much about asset classes, other countries and the like. I wish I did, but apparently I’m doing well enough with the way I’m doing things now. My biggest problem is I have much retirement cash sitting on the sidelines in fixed vehicles. I have bonds I’m tracking, and I’m thinking of putting it in the short term government bonds you reco. At my age, I’m going to keep it short in bonds and (hopefully) what you say about the bond market will come true, then I will invest long term. I’m probably not doing as well as the pros, but I’m doing much much better than when I had my money with various ‘financial planners’ around town, so I rolled my money over to one of those discount do it yourself brokers, use your staff’s advice (sometimes) and otherwise I love to read your staff’s stuff just because I’m very, very interested it all of it. It’s like a passion or a hobby of mine, but I draw a line between what I read and what I’ll actually do. For example, I’m not going to run and join every service you put out there all the time. And I’m not a high enough roller to have money to do all that playing around and risk taking you all are apparently fond of.
I do want to say ‘thank you, thank you’ for the many warnings you put out on XXX bank, and also tell you my recent experience with them. It was bad. Since ‘the street’ had downgraded them and I also noticed they received TARP money, I decided to roll my retirement money out of there and put it with my other institution. What a nightmare. First, the clerk thought I wanted my retirement money WITHDRAWN so she tried to get me to sign paperwork to that effect. I refused. I told her I wanted it TRANSFERRED as a NON TAXABLE event Thank goodness I knew that much-I’m not of the right age yet! She had already done the electronic work so she had to call to undo it. I asked her title (CSR) and quckly realized she didn’t have the qualifications to do the transaction. I think she was filling in for someone. That was only the start. My retirement money disappeared from the bank account (about 10K) and my other instituion and I were tracking it, waiting for it to re-surface. After two weeks it never showed up so I had to take action. I went back to XXX bank and they wanted ME to get some kind of bond from MY (and hubbys) insurance company, and also sign this bogus paperwork starting with “I PURCHASED checks” and ending with “I CANNOT SUE THEM” so I refused to sign. As a matter of fact, I swear that initally, and very casually, she was trying to get me to sign it blank, which she denied (bank manager at this point). She did admit she personally sent the checks out. She refused to stop order on them because I refused to sign. She did make a quick call and get the requirement dropped where I was supposed to get a bond from my insurance company. I had to be on the phone all the time with my mom, who is in a business that transfers retirement money all the time, and I had to drag my poor husband into the bank because they refused to do anything. My money was just sitting out there in the snail mail somewhere, no UPS or FEDEX tracking number or even a postal tracking number. My mom told me her company would ALWAYS send money out with a tracking #, and if delivery failed it was a matter of course to stop payment and cut a new check without all the fanfare. Talk about me having to micromanage! Anyway, my husband told the manager he would call the police :). He also went downtown to the main branch and quizzed them about this paperwork I was supposed to sign off on. That branch pulled the same form out! The lady said no one ever challenges it. I wrote my reasons for not signing it – e.g. I never had the (first set of) checks in my possession, I could not control the stopping of them or the monitoring of them etc etc, so I should not be made responsible for them. They were ’sending my note to their legal dept’. Meanwhile, I got online and got the steps to file a complaint with a government agency. That was a nightmare in itself, but the first step was to file a formal complaint with the bank and ask for 30 days written response. Well, just getting the box office for that was hard. The bank phone system kept bouncing me around. I finally got a person because I just kept pressing numbers. I got the formal complaint address, sent it via a tracking number with signature request. That was probably about 3 weeks ago and I never recieved notice that the bank got my letter. I think they just blew it off. Anyway, in the middle of all this, and TWO days before I was having extended family over for Xmas, the bank called. They decided they would just cut me new checks – no explanation- made out to my destination institution FBO me, and I would have to pick them up and run them across town myself. I think what happened was, the day before there was a big article in our local Sunday paper about how XXX bank had apparently been accused of flipping real estate down in Florida (do you know of this?) and I think this local (sports?) family is suing or whatever. Something to do with condos years and the flipping was a 24 hr deal and some huge jump in price. Anyway, I don’t know if the bank suddenly decided they’d had enough bad publicity or they got my letter of formal complaint or what, but I got my checks. The BAD thing was, I was in the middle of cleaning house, getting Xmas plates out, getting last minute food prep, and I had to go buy a gift certificate that one of my out- of- town relatives wanted me to get for another local family member. It was a local restaurant so they didn’t know how to get it. I also work PT as a night nurse, and I have a dog and a family. I was so busy, but I took those checks and ran them across town and planned my whole trip out to catch the restaurant gift certificate and the grocery store and the instituion. I know some husbands think we wives just waste our time doing silly things but if only they knew how hard it can be. I love managing my own money however and I really loved how my husband stepped in for me and on the bank. So there’s a viewpoint your probably not going to see every day! I was very fortunate to not only have my husband step in, but to have a mother who ( in her late 70s) is still sharp and very detail oriented and knows that money transfer / 401k rollover business very well from the clerical standpoint. She even told me they once had a check for 100k for a customer and it got lost! She said it was isolated to the FEDEX truck – it had fallen off the shelf of the truck. They were able to get this far because of the tracking sytem. Her company does NOT make the customer come in and sign their rights away to cut a new check. Nor do they leave it for the destination instution and / or the customer to ’sweat it out’ and track the money themselves.
I’ll give you a clue as to my bank and where abouts. It’s a regional bank. It used to be a ‘blue ribbon’ bank. I’m up here in the Midwest with my rather big city (about 2 million in the greater area) sitting just North of a major river.
My mom is in Indiana and her boss is a born again Christain type. Between him and her, they run a tight ship in their office. She helped me understand how things “should” have been done via my bank which enabled me to ask the right questions and make the right moves. I still couldn’t have done with without the husband getting angry, and perhaps I got lucky with the timing of the Sunday paper expose of the bank.
Most of my assets are in gold and silver stocks, GLD & SLV, MLPs in gas pipelines, Au & Ag bullion & coins, a Gold Mutual fund, Oil stocks (STO & GPOR), Water stocks, 2 Chinese stocks, 2 Brazilian stocks, a few penny biotech stocks, uranium stock (CCJ), and 25% cash.
No Bonds. One rental home with flush tennants.
A Bank Stock (STI) in a trust (this one makes me nervous). Hedge Funds in the trust which have done poorly and two of these funds have the gate closed.
At the moment investing in non us stocks is a priority as witholding taxes in the US are crippling as opposed to european or asiatic stocks.
I have not ventured into gold or metals. now looking at Rosnet for Russian oil exposure and a couple of Chinese stocks.
I have used dividend return histories and properties/projects research along with my background as a geologist to place my limited funds in energy CanRoys, Domestic royalty trust and MLP’s as well as junior mining/exploration and oil & gas stocks. Some have been losers as to the stocks but I am slightly ahead. However, my Trusts and mlp’s are up nicely and doing well at the moment. I know I am somewhat at the mercy of the commodities market. I do not trust funds based primarily on domestic entities. Nor do I feel that international is all that safe. I feel/sense that the worst has not yet occurred and am doing my utmost, within my budget, to educate myself and to figure out the key signals which may indicate the coming major negative correction which I believe may hit this year. Then I will sell off at least half and buy cheap when the market begins its rebound. Simple strategy from a simple guy!
Retirement is 5 yrs out and I’m saving everything I can, liked your book.. Thanks Steve
1. For stocks, both US and foreign, I look for dividends, p/e, price high and low history.
2. For gold and prec. metals, interest rates and inflation.
3. For natural resources, inflation information ( not necessarily the “official” numbers).
4. For foreign currencies, I look for yield and what the US dollar is doing.
5. For bonds, I look at interest rates.
How much of each? I guess. Right now my guesses are 10% each for stocks, precious metals, natural resources. 0% for foreign currencies and bonds. The rest, 70%, in short term paper.
China, India, and Brazil
Gold Silver & copper
Dollars demize
food Index
Have little confidence in the U. S. market.
I don’t think people today have any choice but to be in precious metals to some degree even if it is only as insurance against the continued currency devaluation . Our government is like a person on drugs !
I have a well diversified portfolio. 33% equities, mainly defensive stocks like BP and Glaxo Smith Kline, 15% in rare stamps with a guaranteed 5% increase over three years, 15% in very fine wine which has increased on average by 10% in the last year, 15% in gold ETFs and the remainder in bonds at 6% guaranteed by the UK government
I have restructured my client portfolios about 4 months ago, who have 85% of their money invested in resources of which about 40% is in gold mining companies.
No financials or bonds.
I am a canadian and not worrying about foreign currencies.
I hold the majority of my holdings in Real Estate as that is my area of expertise but have recently started to diversify more.
70% Real Estate
10% Energy
10% Precious metals
10% Cash
I am invested as follows: 1) precious metals — 80% oil & energy–15%
Currencies –5% I have $20,000 reserve funds
I have shifted many investments away from US stocks to International Blue Chip companies that sell worldwide or are very dominant in BRIC countries. I have also shifted to BRIC and China, Materials/Commodities and Precious Metals.
40% Int’l, 15% Emerginging Markets, 10% Materials, 15% Precious Metals, 10% BRIC, 10% China
I do my research online, with my broker, with websites like yours. I spend about 20 to 25 hours per week doing research and DONOT use advice from all one source. I think that there are many extremists with dogmatic Bear or Bull perspectives but the reality is usually somewhere in the middle so do your homework and stay current.
I am 1 year away from retirement. Right now my portfolio is 100% cash, treasuries and bonds. It has been that way for 1 1/2 years. Yes, I missed the big run up since last march, but I didn’t lose anything either. I am getting ready to slightly modify my portfolio to the following: 25% in cash and EE Bonds – 35% in Bond Index Fund – 15% in Hi Yield Bond Fund – (this 75% is not changing) – this next 25% is going from cash to invetments: 5% in Gold/Silver – 5% in Natural Resources – 5% in Energy – 5% in Asian Equities – 5% in Asian Debt I have been a subscriber for many years. I don’t follow Safe Money recommendations to the “T”, but I follow the drift. I recently sold BGEIX, which I bought on your recommendation about 7 years ago? Gold was $275 at the time. I made more than 5 times my money. THANKS! As you can see, I’m currently quite conservative. I wasn’t always that way, but after a few burns, you learn to be far more cautious. Looking forward to your thoughts for the year. My summary = 25% CASH, 50% BONDS, 25% STOCKS
What am I investing in?
Gold. Silver.
I invest in Brasil, Canada and China (0% in USA). For sectors: 25% in gold mining companies (Barrick, Yamana, Nova Gold ans Osisko), 20% in oil (mainly Petrobras), 15% in infrastructure construction, 20% in basic consumption (groceries, pharmacies, agriculture and education) and 20% in others. No bonds. I’m retired with a nice governemental pension plan. My returns on investments were: -13% in 2008 and +51% in 2009.
Personally, I am expecting a significant retracement to begin in the global equity markets early in 2010, due mainly to the stark realization that a lage portion of the U.S. and global equity maket run-up sine March ‘09 is purely a fed-induced monetarry ‘fix’. Most folks realize this is the case, and at some point the music will stop and there won’t be enough exits to accomodate the rush for the doors.. Therefore, at this point I feel precious metals are the safe-haven play, along with short term treasuries and cash. When the anticipated correction event happens, there will be a much better opportunity to invest at in energy, agriculture and even water equities in emerging markets at bargain prices. If one considers the massive ‘boomer’ demographic shift in the U.S., it is obvious that at least for the next generation, domestic ‘growth’ will remain static at best… and prudent investigation dictates a much more treacherous ‘growth’ curve domestically.
Dear Martin,
I follow your Safe Money Report 99% of the time. I am 80 years old and you have saved my retirement nest egg. As others lost half of their savings I did not lose more than 5% and since 2008, I have more than made that up. I would like to know why you do not alot more money to overseas investing in your Safe Money Report? I have a few ETF’s in that area. I can’t thank you enough for saving my retirement fund.
God bless.
Mr. Weiss;
I don’t really have what I would call “a formal investment plan” although I probably should establish one. The current strategy I use is to read all the online advice I can find, make a list of all the investments that are recommended and then begin to look for reasons not to invest in them. Those with the fewest reasons to avoid I invest in.
I use an online investment company to make my investments. They have an excellent research tool to give me information about the companies I am considering investigating in.
I am constantly searching for a better, more scientific way to structure my investment strategy. I have looked at a lot of programs currently being offered. Thus far I have not found a better way.
Here in South Africa I have decided to stay with local shares only. Some banking. Insurance companies, gold and platinum mining shares.
Then gold bullion we are buying in from the countries around us at bargain basement prices. I wish you had clients who would want to help us as we can source many pounds of gold ( in fact tons ) per month.
We are also investing and trading in diamonds as well
Hey, guys . . . you worry to much, just don’t invest say your money any way you want
Dear Mr. Weiss,
I have no criteria for deciding between foreign of domestic stocks. I have been buying some foreign stocks lately, mostly in accordance with your recommendations. I wish I had some guidance about this. Concerning gold and precious metals I have tried to follow guidance in the Safe Money Report. Concerning energy and natural resources I have invested in some oil and gas and a little bit of coal, but I have no guidance to follow concerning what portion of my portfolio that should be. Regarding coal in particular, it seems to me that the coal industry is especially vulnerable to backlash from environmental regulation and that some coal investments are likely to be more so than others. It would be helpful to have guidance about this subject. I wish I had more information about timber, ferous materials, fertilizer, and water. Regarding foreign currencies, it seems to me that all nations are in the process of inflating their currencies and so foreign currencies may be a loosing investment vehicle no matter which currency I may be invested in. Regarding bonds I stay away from mid-term and long-term bonds.
My comments are UK biased but here goes :
Domestic position weak but UK Blue Chips with overseas earnings should remain steady. No investment at all in UK Gilts. Focus of investment upon opportunities
with a global basis with strong bias towards fund managers with top track records
of maintaining growth. 65% non UK investment but wary of possible China bubble.
Gold investing is similar to currency trading and the fluctuations make it only a small
portfolio holding. Silver with industrial use seems better value than gold.
Natural Resources seem a good short term bet. Eco Energy as well as oil and gas
has considerable upwards potential but will fluctuate.
FX trading is highly speculative and best left to experts. Any gain I make will be luck!
Bond outlook still seems good for 2010 and I watch for prospects for base rate rises
which seem unlikely ( to any significant extent in 2010 ) I subscribe to gradual but regular reduction in Quality Bond holdings in 2010.
Equity Income Funds which are popular in the UK suffer from a lack of variety in
fund managers strategy ( selection of top performing stocks limited choice ) and
there seems a place for alternative income strategies which are not based mainly upon Bonds.
I see a real need to limit risk by restricting investment % even if this means the ‘great opportunity ‘ investment is limited.
I would like to get myself positioned for the coming ruination of our economy by the current administration!
I was fortunate enough to buy real estate before the bubble and half my assets are in real estate, which even now with the decline is worth more than double what I paid. So far, I’m ok there. I was ultra conserative and kept the other half in cd’s. I’m now taken 100K and invested in the stock market, just since September. I’ve chosen a variety, pulled off of various recommendations from all of your services. I don’t know what percentage I need or how much money to allocate to any one sector. I read that the number one rule in the stock market is to make money. Rule number two is to not forget rule number one. I don’t day trade, but I do grab my gains if the stock starts a steep dive. That’s may not be the way to do it, but since September, I’ve made 12,000 on my 100k and that beats the heck out of my cds. If your recommendations continue on the same track, I will gradually move the rest of my cds into stocks. I couldn’t be more pleased with your service, although I’m very concerned about the value of my dollar whether in cash or stocks. The question in the back of my mind, is what happens if the whole economy collapses. How best to protect my assests.
most of my asset value is in investment property, which is “taking a bath” . I’d like to get out and diversify into hard assets and other investments with some stability. Taxation on my land has more than tripled in one year, so I need to part with some of these “investments”.
I think there are too many uncertaincies to invest in foreign markets or currencies right now. I think american rescource companies are the place to be becaust there is going to be more and more push for energy independence. Gold is for safety. bonds are for liquidity. Basically I think we need to be liquid because the world is changing so rapidly,. One needs to be ready to respond. I decide based on what find out from the media and my own sense of whats going on.
Thank you for your letters. Mike
I subscribe to the COET and have been successful with Mike’s advice to date.
I have funds in a TIPS through American Century. I plan as several CD’s with unacceptable renewal rates come due to move the funds into EFT’s. as recommended by Mike. I have not taken the plunge into gold bullion. I am somewhat uncomfortable with holding the metal myself for reasons that I do not undrstand
short term investments 1-18 months
cash-majority of assets, some t-bills
inverse funds including inverse junk bond funds
top quality corporate bonds-sell as soon as interest rates begin to rise
long term-
oil stocks
gold and gold mining stocks after prices fall
international money funds, out of the dollar
Since I’m retired (69) trying my best to preserve my assets, I plan to continue to place my assets as follows:
1. 50% in an Alliance Indexed Annuity due to expire in 2015 with 50 % placed in a one year “CD”, and 50% in the NASDEC. This annuity will not lose money even if the NASDEC falls. I will be able to take out 10% without penalty in late March so I will have some dollars to reinvest in a Brazilian ETF. Inia ETF and other growing economies
2. 15% Money in a 5 year CD at 5% interest, expires in 2013
3. 25% in home with no mortage
4. Remainder in gold/precious metals Mutual Fund, reverse ETF on dollar, China ETF, and Agricultural Commodies ETF.
I fully expect that there will be a financial emergency called by Obama and even perhaps a terrorist national emergency. I do have survival food, etc. In additon gold bullion coins and junk silver. I expect 2010 to be a VERY DANGEROUS year for our Constitutional Republic politically and economically
Dear Martin,
I am retired. Why do you not publish a report for the retired or near retirement? We need it badly! You could call it Safe Money
Retirement Report. I follow your conservative profolio in Safe Money Report but would like it to relate more to the retired. I hope you will consider such a report. The baby boomers are coming and will want investment advise. Thanks
I AM INVESTING IN GOLD, SILVER AND FOREIGN CURRENCIES.I AM GOING TO INVEST ADDITIONAL FUNDS IN SILVER BULLION.
Thanks for your concern. I have divided my assets the following way and rebalance the start of each New Year. My horizon is the next 6-10 yrs before retirement.
20% US stocks, Foreign stocks 25% Bonds, CS’s and Cash 35%, Energy and commoditites 10% and 10% in a fixed annuity.
Question #1: How are YOU deciding whether you’ll invest in (1) domestic and foreign stocks, (2) gold bullion and other precious metals, (3) energy and natural resources, (4) foreign currencies and/or (5) bonds in 2010?
STOCKS: Mostly foreign emerging market and global commodity mutual funds (FIdelity)
GOLD: None, I think it has run it’s course for now UNLESS inflation appears
ENERGY: Good idea
CURRENCIES: not a good idea to speculate, but if I did, I would look to Brazil
BONDS: Pimco bond funds (but not Hi-yield)
Question #2: How do you know how much of your money to invest in each area?
I strike a balance, not all eggs in one basket and do not gamble the nest egg (Age 62, retired).
I’m a firm believer in natural energy (wind and solar), but don’t know what portion of my small amount of investment funds to put where. I know oil is big now as well as gold and precious metals. I believe natural resources are a good investment, but require feedback as to what are the best places to make investments. China looms large on our horizon and if we continue to invest there, are we investing in our own demise?
I rely on mostly your articles and my own feelings. I listen to the people I talk to on a daily basis. I personally don’t see the ecomony getting better in the near future. My estimate is another 2 to 3 years out. I live in Arizona and as you know we have over built out here in a big way. With that being said I am not exposed to other areas around the country. I see China as an area to invest in however in time I see them as having troubles too. For the next year I feel that there are oppertunities there. I am a believer in gold stocks especially mines. I own 3 at the moment and i have a speculitive investment in a company by the name of Freegold ticker FGOVF. I have read about them and if there is any gold or other minerals on the land they have the mining rights to I think there is a fortune to be made. I would appreciate your thoughts on this investment. I only have about $4000.00 invested with them or about 2% of my IRA. Your thoughts? Other that what I have written I enjoy my readings from your firm every morning.
Art Joachim
Hi Martin,
I’m 59, Swiss and retirree in 2007 ! From 2008 I got a big lesson, and now I’m a
contrarian investor. I read a lot, and I use the Weiss information too. I make my
own decision without listen to any bank-specialist.
They want just to see You buying what they want, with a lot of bla……. !
Now , I keep most of the money in cash, and I sell OPTION to make a steady incom !
Of course it’s not for everyone, but for me it works Until yet !
Thanks
Fernando
75% Australian shares : 50% mining – spread – iron, gold, zinc, nickel; 20% energy; 10% food; 10% banks and insurance; 10% retail.
25% US shares based on your Weiss Elite emails and mail: 20% mining – gold, minerals; 40% energy; 30% food and water; 10 supply and transport.
don’t know enough about bonds and other investments to go there;
i keep around 30% of my total moneys in cash.
I am investing mostly in dividend stocks at this time.
Martin, my friend,
All of you’re answers can be prefaced as a “Best Guesstimate” —Ideally what I would like from you and you’re people is the following; ( Assuming my entire portfolio is 100% including; What % invested, What & % in short term “T” Bills etc:)
1) Based on above: What % in “Gold & All other Precious Metals” (also a secondary further breakdown would be ideal re: percentages in gold, silver, copper, etc. ?
2) Based on above: What percentage in “Energy, vs other Nat. Resources ?
3) In order of priority: What Coutries are best to invest in, also prioritized: What type of investments in each country ?
4) What to “Stay Away From” in each Country
5) Guesstimated Overall Time Chart showing “Likely” Productive Periods over a period of time, encompassing all of the above.
A tall order and a borderline miracle to execute accurately: “Howsomever”; The Weiss Group Input is by-far better than the guesstimates of us “out- here”
In truth, we all know that we must go with the best input we can muster, regardless.
——Many thanks for allowing me to bend you’re ear. —Looking foward to shaking your hand at the show. Best & God bless, Anthony Montalbano
I have my life savings invested with ameriprise and a financial advisor who is very young and I consider inexperienced. Over the year it has only gained @200.00 although I know the market is poor right now. I had a little over 200,000 before the crash and lost half with good advisor. This is my life savings (I worked as a registered nurse at Washington Hospital center in DC for years) and this is wall street has done to me and all the just average Americans who have done nothing wrong. Can you help me regain some of my losses?
Of course, it is impossible to know exactly what the best allocation is at this time. So the best strategy is to do some of each. And some of them can be done with the same investment (e.g. foreign currency and bonds can overlap by putting funds into foreign currency denominated bonds). And then you weight them according to a variety of criteria including your best guess on risk/reward as well as whether you are a trader or long term investor. And I distinguish between my investible assets vs my other assets (e.g. my house). So for my investible assets I, as a long term investor, look at something like: 40% domestic stocks and hedge funds, 20% in GO tax exempt bonds that I hold to maturity, 10% in foreign stock, 10% in foreign bonds, 10% in TIPS, 10% in gold and other precious metals. Energy and natural resources are in the various stock portfolios and make up maybe 25% of those portfolios. This overall mix hedges me against the $ and inflation risks but doesn’t commit everything to just those strategies.
I do not know!!!!!
I look at the fundamental economics: people are losing jobs, the manufacuring base of US is missing in action, the government is totally out of control with spending, the financial base is destroyed, and with our missive for wars, we will continue to fail. The answer: Gold/Silver/Platinum as a base of investment. This can be half in physical and half in stocks or ETF’s. This event could be either the end of the US or the FED…. one will lose. I am for ending the FED which is a corrupt creature adverse to our Constitution. Only when we get back to a Gold/Silver base for money will we perhaps return to the great nation this was intended to be.
Martin, very challenging questions!
I bailed out of the markets at S&P 500 at 1140. Now I must jump back in. I am very late. Therefore, your questions are foremost on my mind.
My approach is to subscribe to 5-6 advisors with model portfolios. I allocate my IRA to the advisors and they pick the ETFs and Stocks.
My goal is to make 2% / year net of fees, taxes and inflation. That requires a large allocation to equities.
From what I have read, I guess that the ideal portfolio would be:
1. 20% US value stocks (light on financials and real estate for now)
2. 40% foreign blend stocks (w/ very low weight on Europe).
3. 15% in commodities and commodities producers.
4. 20% bonds (some TIP, but not long treasuries) (half in foreign debt) mostly in solid AAA companies.
5. 5% cash so I can move as necessary.
If the VIX gets above 35, get ready to bail out again. I never will buy a mutual fund if the VIX is above 20. I cannot get out fast enough when (not if) the next crash comes.
I do not have to make a “killing”, just a steady income. I do not need an “optimal” portfolio, just a “good enough” portfolio.
I am currently shopping for new advisors. I am looking at several of your team.
God bless,
Dave
I divide the portfolio equally between broad asset classes: domestic stocks, international stocks, bonds, commodities and real estate and use the relationship between the price and the 50 day and 200 day moving averages to decide whether a given asset class should be invested or in cash. I am interested in learning to take long term cycles into account also.
How about putting the money under my mattress? At this point, I won’t go near the stock market and I don’t think gold is a good idea either. I put my money in CD with bank, Fixed Annuity with Insurance Company and an IRA. I thought mixing it up might help preserve my beginning balance…
ST BONDS 10%
HI YLD & PFDS 30%
ENERGY MLPs 10%
RE & NR STOCK 10%
HI YLD STOCK 20%
CURRENCY 2%
GOLD, SILVER
& G/S STOCK 18%
In process of adjusting to: Stocks (25%), Metals (15%0,Energy & resources (15%), Foreilgn Currency (0%), Bonds both foreign & domestic (35%) balance in cash.
Looking forward to your recommendations. Using a lot of ETFs and dividend stocks.
I had read many years ago that 5% of my portfolio should be in gold and silver. I’m currently close to that including bullion coins and gold etf.
Martin. Please correct two errors in my previous submission. Here is the corrected copy:
Irwin Silberman 01.12.10 at 5:33 PM
Martin. I make my investment decisions based on my 43 years of investment experience, reading and viewing TV programs focused on economic and investment issues, plus reading e-mail and Internet columns including, of course, Uncommon Wisdom and Money and Markets. In addition, I counsel regularly with my portfolio value-based, fee-for-service financial advisor who is rated among the top 20 on Barron’s annual list. Nevertheless, I’m still very, very concerned about this coming year and am seeking wise guidance regarding asset allocation and stock selection. Thanks very much for all your help and wisdom.
55 yrs old, retired, sold my business this year, after coming the best year in our history because of where I think the country is headed. Small business is going to get hammered.
I get many various investing news services,( wiess, contrarian, currency information) and then choose what I think is the best info for me to use. Most of the time they are in sync with one another.
15-25% in hard assets – gold, silver
25% in foreign cd’s – Norway, Astralian, Brazil, NZ, Canada
15% energy related investments – international
10% speculative
10% India/China investments
25% usable land
What not to do
-divested most of our dollar related investments
-got out of consumer debt
Hello Martin,
I would put 20% into all five of the investments. It makes a safty package of equal
portions, well diversified to cover all areas in uncertian times and markets.
Thank You,
Larry
Investments: metals, energy, ETFs foreign countries.
Determining allocation is difficult. I read several newsletters and attempt to sift our the most reasonable course.
Dear Mr. Weiss, Presently I am mostly cash. Small percent in silver and stocks. I read your book recently and entered silver @ its peak, not sure if now is a good time for more precious metals? I’m watching for opportunities & guidance. There’s more opinions than sand on the beach! Where do we go to review all the various investment catagories? How about Foreign? I don’t know where to go without having an investment broker! (which by the way is where I’ve always lost money) I’m looking forward to your thoughts on all this. Thanks, Dave
Holding actual gold does not seem practical. If I am truly holding as an investment/hedge then I must consider it’s ability to dispose of in short time. I perfer ETF’s and gold Mining Stock for this purpose.
I’m 62 and retired at 55. I got hit by the market downturn in 1987 and swore I’d never let it happen again. I was, therefore, out of the markets after collecting some nice gains before the downturns after the internet bubble burst and more recently after the financial bubble burst. Given the continuing uncertainty over the economy and the dollar, I’m still holding about 60% short -term cash and notes. Of the 40% I have invested, I’m avoiding American stocks and bonds and have the funds equallly divided between foreign currency and stocks (mostly China, India and Brazil) and commodities (one-fourth agricultural, three-fourths precious metals).
I’m probably too slow to get back into the markets, but then again, I’m not trying to make up for 50% losses in my portfolio, either.
In the current enviornment, how do we define optimal and what kind of time line are we abel to ascribe to it?
Perhaps it would serve the investor to call their portfoilo “A Functional Portfolio”
Lets just say that you have $100,000.00 to invest and you don’t owe any money on a home or have any auto payments. This will be only a rough estimate.
About $45,000.00 on the B.R.I.C. countries and others.
Maybe $5000.00 to $8000.00 on something along the lines of AMSC and OPTT. It seems that Obama along with other countries are putting money into this area and I don’t know why none of you even mention this particular area.
About $10,000.00 on mining stocks
On GLD and SLV $10,000.00 split at 60/40.
About $10,000.00 on dividend stocks
About $3000.00 to $5000.00 in emergency cash put somewhere like, in the cellar or under the dog house.
About $10,000.00 in Gold Eagles with some in 1/4 and 1/10th ounce and $5000.00 in a variety of silver, dimes, quarters and U.S Silver Eagles.
These last two may sound a bit comical to a few out there, but not to those who had relatives that served in the U.S. military during W.W. 2 or had the opportunity to talk to some who had lived those days in some of the eastern European countries.
I feel that this could be a good plan with some fine tuning from the staff at Weiss Research.
I do not have a certain percentage invested in any one market,because,markets move to fast.Take China,listen to all the talk about investing in natural resources because China is on a buying spree of natural resources and their real estate is growing by leaps and bounds.The people I know in China have told me a bubble is forming and China will tighten their money polices.End result, if China tightens,the bubble will pop,and the popping will be heard around the world.Money moves to fast to invest a percentage in any one market.Everyone ‘BETTER’ work hard to protect their money at ‘ALL TIMES.’
I have been with you for a long time. You have save me my lifes saving at a difficult time by reading your news letter.
I am in a different time in my life and can’t afford to lose what I have but keep what I’ve got. I still need to invest but wisely. I need income.
I think you are wonderful. Respectfully yours Connie. P.S. I love your team, very down to earth.
Hi Martin:
I am following Larry Edelsen’s Real wealth advice for gold.
50% in gold bullion[not paper]
50% in bonds
Since I purchased gold 2 years ago, I have earned approximately 28% per year, I’m happy with that return and will probably reduce my bond portfolio and purchase additional gold.
The optimal allocation for 2010 seEMS SHORT equities , long on gold and bullion , short govt treasuries anD interest rate structures and long commodities . Optimal allocation :
1. 20% gold etf , bullion and gold mining cos
2. 20% commmodity etfs + commodity pure plays
3. 20% equity mainly bluechips
4. 20% OPTIONS & FUTURES ESPECIALLY SHORTING THE INDEX AND INVERSE RATE etFS
5. 20% CASH AND CASH EQUVTS.
REASONS:
1. WITH DOLLAR GOING TO TAILSPIN , COMMODITES AND GOLD WILL GO UP . aLSO COMMODITIES ARE ON UPWARD CYCLE AFTER LONG DEPRESSION AS OUTPUT PICKS UP.
2. bLUECHIP STOCKS WILL RECOVER FASTER AFTER ANY RECESSION AND MAINLY TO BE CHOSEN ON EARNINGS GROWTH, LOW DEBT , HIGH rOCE AND HIGH MARGIN OF SAFETY
3. BOND YIELDS WILL FALL AS INTEREST RATE RISES SO INVERSE ETFS AND ALSO PUT OPTIONS ON SELECT STOCKS WHICH ARE INTEREST RATE DEPENDENT AND IMPORT SENSITIVE .
4. HARD CASH TO TAKE CARE OF EXPENSES.
we are72 have 200000 in savings. 50000 in a world bond tgbax, 6000 in tips, 6000 in fpgcx, 3000 ung. 80000 plus in the market. the rest in cash losing value each day. you can see I NEED HELP/// JAMES
I am 85 % invested in Canadian energy , reits and investment trusts with average dividend payout of 8.75 % . Also have purchased 2000 American Eagles and silver maple leaf 1 oz. coins @ 19.40 each. Have approx. $5000. of U S coins pre 1964 . Am I too conservative or not diversified enough?
Hi Martin,
Owing to peak oil, I invest mainly in oil exploration stocks – the group of companies in the Falklands, and Gulf Keystone in Iraq’s Kurdistan – I am also looking at buying some gold mining stocks.
Thanks for your help,
Peter
For the last several years, I have been making investment allocations based on the articles, comments, suggestions provided by your team – you, Sean, Tony, Larry, Nilus, and Claus come to mind. It’s pretty simplistic – I read the information and have a gut reaction – positive, negative, or neutral. Not very sophisticated but I’m pleased with the advice and the results.
I am heavily invested in energy stocks but looking for long term moves up, even if there are short term dips. Whether in 6 months or 10 years demand will outpace supply I believe and prices must go up. Beware USO stock which is a scam and does not match oil prices as it should. Also some in gold, Brazil, China ETFs, Asian and Latin Am ETFs. No US domestic stocks. Some alternative energy interest.
I am concerned we could be in another bubble and that stocks will come down significantly. For that reason I am holding off from real estate investing and have money in cash.
Rule #1–look for companies that make money
Rule #2–avoid companies that lose money regardless of their praises by others
Rule #3–look for domestic companies with large international presence and foreign companies with outstanding potential
Rule #4–hedge everything with dividends producers and a mutual with bullion and mining stocks.
Rule #5–check it daily and check it daily and check it daily. Don’t wait for a complete collapse to get out.
Hi Martin:
Those are excellent questions I wish I had some good answers.
The way I decide where to put my money at the present time is by listening and reading articles of people I am beginning to trust. After being blind sided by the so called experts I have taken over much more control of my portfolio. Right now I am primarily invested in domestic Canadian stocks but most of their projects are outside of Canada (China, Africa, Peru, Australia, U.S.). At the present I am about: 25% precious metals, 25% natural resources, and 50 % cash. Right now I do not have any energy stocks, nor do I have investments in foreign currencies or bonds.
Looking forward to what you have to say.
May you and your readers enjoy a Blessed New Year.
I am very confused on the correct allocation.
I HAVE DEPOSITED MY INVESTMENT MONIES AS FOLLOWS…….40% CHINA AND INDIA….35% LATIN AMERICA BRIC COUNTRIES…….5% PRECIOUS METALS AND MINERALS…………….15 % EMERGING COUNTRIES…..5% CANADA ..AND OIL AND ENERGY FUNDS AGAIN…WHICH I BELIEVE WILL BE COMING BACK VERY SHORTLY………NIL TO DOMESTIC STOCKS OR ANYTHINHG ELSE IN THE US……
Hi Martin,
The main determinant for me as I allocate resources during 2010 is the U.S. money supply albeit money supply creation is not restricted to just the U.S. central bank. As the direction of money supply during many consecutive years and particularly the last two is up (i.e., expansionary monetary aggregates) and given health care will likely pass along with other socialist programs during the course of 2010, it seems that precious metals, energy, and most commodities are a lock for outperformance versus other asset classes as inflation finds its way back into the vernacular of the media.
Hence, while I have no specific percentages, I am primarily allocated between these three sectors. U.S. treasuries are probably the best asset class to short during 2010, so a small percentage of speculative capital will be positioned to take advantage of that debacle and juice my overall returns. Natural gas will likely be one of the best performing assets over the next one to three years though, because of high volatility, any investments in that arena will be minimal. Exact percentage allocations are a pure crap shoot as there are no certainties in the investment world. There is no magic elixir for investment success. One can only play the probabilities which are largely subjective. As James Dines says, “If one wants perfection, go read a resume.”
I maintain a conservative broad approach for the IRA and follow the 1MM$ cont fund recommendations for areas of investment althouth I have not invested in several of the individual stocks. I do not put more than 10% of the portfolio in any one area and currenty use ETF’s in precious and commodity metals and conservative stocks with a some individual stocks and a high yield domestic and foreign bond ETF. I am not doing as well as I think I should be in this market and remain very concerned for late 2010 impacts on the finanical markets. I consider your groups information to be the test for comparison of my finanical advisor recommendations. I frequently use your groups information to “guide” my finanical advisor into areas that I do and do not want to be invested in. I maintain just over a 1MM$ IRA and 1/2 MM$ investment in farm land for the long term safest investment. I am 67 years old, retired engineer with a reasonable retirement income from engineering consulting, no debts and hope to not withdraw $’s from my IRA until the mandatory rules comes into play. So I am looking for investments to grow the IRA and prepare for a cash flow from the IRA in a few years.
I am only following what you recommend in the Safe Money Report. I buy everything you recommend, so should I pick a sector and only invest in that sector/asset class?
Thanks for advice,
James
We’re stuck in banking stocks and hope to get out soon.
I am limited to our companies current portfolio of investment offered thru our 401K plan. I don’t know what is the best way to move forward with investments. Get out of the 401K or what? What can I roll it into without a penalty? Current age 50. No other investments on my own as of now. No time for the day traders scene either.
So, I just can give my personal opinion:
Wanting to spend not too much time on the issue, putting a good share in precious metals and lock them away is a good choice. Then, I am going too make some “speculative” investements in energy suppliers or gold mines as being suggested by your experts, such as Mr. Voigt, Mr. Edelson or Mr. Larson. When you see the second wave of the crash coming, of course, I think then I should sell the stocks?
Investing in Brasil or China seems not so good, as I would rely 100% on counsel on this issue. I don’t know any other source of information – where can I get the unemployment estimation of Brasil, or any econimic index – after all I have to make the decision on my own and i want to know what (and why) I am doing.
Hello Dr. Weiss and associates!
I don’t have a lot of money to invest compared to most of your customers. When I inherited some money from my mom in 2009, I paid off all but my house (not enough to do that), did some house repair–like a new roof and fence, painting, put in a big vege garden, etc. Then I opened my account with Edward Jones and invested in the following: Florida Power and Light $ 1469 (30.7 shares); China Nepstar Chain Drugstores $1236 (210 sh); Family Dollar Stores $1509 (51.2 sh); Home Depot $1999 (84.3 sh); IShares Silver Trust $895 (60 shares); Itt industries $1958 (43.1 sh); Powershares Db Multi-sector $509 (18 sh); Powershares Etf Water Resource $742 (47.2 sh); Spdr Gold Tr Gold Shs $696 (7 shares); Veolia Environment Spons ADR $555 17 sh), Verizon Communications $488 (15 sh) Canadian National Railway $509 (9 sh), Enerplus Res Fd Tr Ut Ser G $485 (18 sh); Ishares Xinhau China 25 Index $501 (10 sh). Also I still have Proshares Short QQQ and Proshares Short S & P 500 Etf. When I went in and said “Sell those two”, my broker said that I didn’t have that much invested, and to hold on to them as a hedge, so I did. I invested a total of $15,500 with Edward Jones, and the current total ending value (including the inverse Etfs) is $16, 297.61. I am investing with my primary goal of making dividends, since I am 59 years old with not a lot of money comparitively speaking. I also have physical gold and silver in my safe deposit box. I follow your info on bank strength closely, and already have switched my savings account x 2. I also used your Capital Multiples to choose Edward Jones, and chose for that and the fact that they are set up more for the small investor like me. Most of my above investments with Ed J are garnered from your and your collegues newsletters, but a few were suggested by my broker. There are a few I’ve read about from your various publications that I decline to invest in due to my personal ethics :gees, may Mom cause a bolt of lightning to bop my head if I invest in that! (even tho they would make me money–for instance, tobacco companies, since my mom died of the accumulated effects of 60 years of smoking!) I even made income on 2 of my dividend stocks that lost per-share value in. I expect there to be some up and down in the stock values so I just hold most of these since I bought most for the long haul. I made about $ 419 income in 2009 which I just leave with Ed J to be reinvested. Some of that was offset by my inverse loss, but I still came out slightly ahead. I’m staying away from bonds right now and away from financials. The single one thing I invested most in is the physical silver and gold, and is not included in the Ed J, since I did it myself. I continue to learn and will invest as the money and opportunities come along from what I learn from all of you at Weiss Research. Thank you! Also, my broker REALLY enjoys talking to me, as I am more informed than most of his clients! We agree on many things, but not necessarily all things, but we enjoy talking investments and money management:)
Hi Martin – currently out of the mkt but would look at (gold – 5%) ( Exxon – 20%) (ETF’s in Brazil – 40%) (Liquid, cash & Cd’s 25%) (small cap stocks in various countries 10%)
(1) Domestic & Foreign Stocks:Domestic utilities EXC,PPl,AEP good divs.and drips Foreign,PWE,AAV,PGH-canadian-nice divs LFC,CHL,CHNG- China plays ENI,ELP,PBR-Latin plays BHP-Aussie (2)Gold &Metals: was 10% now 15% moving toward 20% Bullion: acquiring silver from Dealer who is Retiring. I also own HL,SLV,SVM,& most recently OSKFF.PK,JINFF.PK thought I’d try some penny stocks.Energy & Natural Resources:I have a Deferred Comp. Plan that only allows Mutual Funds,no stocks,so I continue my diversafication with Foreign-India ETGIX,MINDX,-China OBCHX,ICHKX,DPCRX Metals-USERX,MIDSX,OGMCX,Latin Amer-PRLAX,MCLTX,FLATX Emerging Mkts-UMEMX,TREMX,ODVCX,VEIEX Global-RSNRX,PSPFX,EMESX,VGENX Foreign Currencies:At the present I am investigating the Brazlian Real thru World Bank .I like the 3Month CD and the BRIC currency plays, I would also like to check out the Austrailian and New Zealand Dollars. Bonds- 0%. I believe this year would be a good year to check out Bio-tech. I am expecting news on GERN today.They have many trials(phase ll) going on concerning cancer ,stem cell,aging regeneration and more. They have had good results . Their numbers look bad but their promise looks good.I appreciate the opportunity you have offered to evaluate my portfolio and would like to thank you in advance for your time as I eagerly await your reply. Charles
Mac 1/13/2010
I don’t know what to do with anything any more I have some that is in treasury bills and when they mature I take the money as they are paying next to nothing but I don’t know where to do much better. My credit union pays better than the Treasury so some goes there and some in an account with Edward Jones I also have a few stocks in the Edward Jones accout but not making any changes to them.
Thanks
both of us are retired age 62,I’m on pension,we could start our social benefits this year.no morgage or credit card depth.follow several of Your news letters.but our portofolio is much smaller.we had funds in our roth,but lost about 30% before we followed your advice and only have half in a gold&precious metals fund the rest in money market. A few k in gold&silver coins,bullion grade.we have another 10k in stocks like gld,vz,ctl,ede,ewz,iag,pbt,of that 3k are tgldx.25k in credit union cd. and another 15k in cash split between the credit union and a another bank. trying to grow and preserve this small nest egg!
Hello DR Weiss
Here are my top picks …(I manage all my assets including SEP and IRA myself)
Almost all investments in ETF’s
Gold, Silver, Platinum, Uranium (nuclear power related investments Mining Stocks)
Asia Pacific …. China, Vietnam, Taiwan
Brazil Russia India
Global top 100 companies ETF
Specialty Health care ETF
International dividend paying stocks ETF
Rising Interest rates ETF
Best regards
Peter
Question #1: How are YOU deciding whether you’ll invest in (1) domestic and foreign stocks, (2) gold bullion and other precious metals, (3) energy and natural resources, (4) foreign currencies and/or (5) bonds in 2010?
How am I deciding? (1) It depends on which country has a better GDP prospect in 2010. From my reading of econ news, the order would be China, India, Brazil and South Korea. (2) I don’t understand gold and precious metal markets, so I stay away from it. (3) Yes, energy and natural resources should be good areas to invest, because they are “consumable” and their consumption would increase with the improvement of the global economy. (4) One can make a lot of money in currency trades, but the currency trend fluctuates too much and too fast. I may invest some money in currency trade, but limited. (5) I don’t understand bonds so I stay away from them.
Question #2: How do you know how much of your money to invest in each area? I put more money in the areas that have a better chance to grow and have safety.
I am investing my extra monies in gold and silver coins. I don’t trust any of the markets at this time, nor do I trust any government backed securities. I see the prices of everything going higher and higher and yet a friend of mine on Social Security got a letter that there would NOT be a cost of living increase as of there was no inflation for the year. If the Government can lie to the most vulnerable of us then it is capable of lying about any and all government programs.
OPTIMAL PORTFOLIO ?
Considering the present times and trends coming together from around the world; gold appears to be the security blanket for world trade instead of the dollar. Being practical about the necessary things we need to exist, would be clean water, food, housing, jobs, education and silver for industry. Buying and holding stocks in companys necessary to our existence with a better dividend then banks can give, would be the way to go for the future. Steady income is always desirable.
Important are solar and wind power, clean energy in automobiles, such as electric and hydrogen powered cars.
Of course their are industrial, tech companys etc and bonds, treasury bills and other means to make a profit trading in the markets, but this is where I depend on the expertice of the Weiss group to help put together a sound portfolio.
Sincerely Yours;
Glo
You must simply subscribe to all the newsletters that Martin Weiss and his team publish. This is the correct answer.
In addition, you should follow the key U.S. economic indicators like the Index of Leading Economic Indicators and follow international economic indicators.
The asset allocation question is a personal one based on your individual need and goals. For example, a 90 year old man who has enough income and is happy could be 70 percent invested in stocks if his desire is to build a huge portfolio for his grandkids.
Finally, don’t fall in love with any one investment.
Sincerely,
Ed Torres
408-705-0126 cell
eduardo.torres@att.net
1. Investment advisory services such as Weiss, Casey, Leeb, Stansberry, Davidson
2. Currently overweighted in gold and silver, with some emerging market and energy
We have come across a fair amount of money and are going to a long time financial advisor to decide what to do with it. There is so much out there that it is hard to know what to do. This is for our kids education and back up for the future. We just want to be safe with 80% of it but the rest see if we can be fortunate enought to make some money on it. I know for every adversity there is also a seed of equal or greater benefit. We are looking for the benefit in this economy. We dont play into the fear of the news and media. It is what it is and we want to make smart decision and move forward. We are Americans and we can get throught anything! I would really like to listen to your talk on Thursday but I was unable to get in in time. Is there any other way to get or purchase it prior to going to our advisor. Thanks Martin for all your help and advise. It really is apppreciated.
I have invested in all of these areas. I look for investments that pay dividends or that have a very good chance of appreciation. I also have some foundation mutual funds and large cap stocks.
I never invest more than 5% of may investable funds in any investment, or more than 20% in any one sector.
Martin,
1 I follow closely the recommendations from Larry, Claus, Martin and Harry S. Dent and that is how I decide to invest.
2 15% domestic and foreign stocks
25% gold bullion and other precious metals
25% energy and natural resources
10% foreign currencies
0% bond in 2010
25% cash
I will sell all my investment by end first half in 2010 because I believe the great depression will hit in the second half 2010. It will below the March 2009 low in sometime 2011 to 2012. I would invest short bear any ETF start in second half 2010.
There is a cycle to all of this. No one can explain it. It just happens- like sunrise and sunset. If you’ve forgotten your stock market history, here it is again:
We had a Bear market and Recession in 1920, 1921 and 1922
We had a Bear market and Recession in 1930, 1931 and 1932
We had a Bear market and Recession in 1940 and 1941
We had a Bear market and Recession in 1950, 1951 and 1952
We had a Bear market and Recession in 1960, 1961 and 1962
We had a Bear market and Recession in 1970, 1971 and 1972
We had a Bear market and Recession in 1980, 1981 and 1982
We had a Bear market and Recession in 1990, 1991 and 1992
We had a Bear market and Recession in 2000, 2001 and 2002
Will we have Bear market and Recession in 2010, 2011 and 2012???????
Hey Martin I just curious do you agree what Harry S. Dent say about The Great Depression Ahead in the future? Please let me know.
Thank you for your time and good luck on your invest.
Aaron
I really don’t have any good answers yet. But @ my age (83) I am extremely conservative.
Martin,
After pulling my money out of the market before the great decline I am sitting here
with all cash or equivilents and since my wife and I are retired and 70 yrs of age I
really don’t know which way to jump although it does make sense to stay on the
conservative side.
My tendency is to remain 50% in cash or equivilents and 25% in Asian and Latin
American stocks and 12 1/2% in silver and 12 1/2% in energy. Is this too much
risk? I don’t want to miss out completely on some appreciation in value of my
portifolio and with the threat of inflation assets in cash are more than a little risky.
Personal Investment— besides money manager— I consider only commodity assets. 75% foreign investments 25 % US investments
50% oil and oil related stocks and funds
30% precious metals stocks and funds.
20% cash
i RELY ON THE SAGE ADVICE OF YOUR EXPERTS AT M&M AS WELL AS MY FINANCIAL ADVISOR AT WELLS FARGO AND OTHER SOURCES TO MAKE MY INVESTMENTS. AS FOR HOW MUCH IN EACH SECTOR, I TRY AND KEEP AN EQUITABLE BALANCE SO A BACKSLIDE IN ONE SECTOR WILL NOT HURT ME TOO MUCH!
In the last 6 months I have increased our concentration on energy, gold and silver stocks-primarily ETF’s,, and have begun using more defensive strategies such as: shorting, options, and also adding to our TIPS position. I am short U.S. gov’t long bonds, in anticipation of impending inflation. I am also currently looking at natural gas as an area of potential value.
I am concerned about a protracted economic downturn, and a significant loss of value caused by loss of purchasing power. I am “semi-retired” and hope to both protect our assets and grow them somewhat for the time when we need them.
Dear Dr. Weiss
I have bank CDS and treasury bills.
I need your help and I am waiting for your advise and suggestion.
Thank you.
I am investing no more than $30,000 in stocks this year. I like what I read about the BRIC countries but will probably stay out of China and Russia because of uncertainties about government policies, financial reporting issues, etc. That leaves Brazil and India. I anticipate going 30-30-40 split respectively between these two countries and the US, investing across an array of asset classes depending on the advice I receive from Weiss and other sources.
I depend on Safe Money, 12% Letter, International Living, and Early Warning Report for recommendations that adapt to current circumstances. My goal is to invest 10% in physical gold and silver and remainder in your recommendations.
Bob Willey
I’m following Claus Vogt, Mike Larsen, Tony Sagami, etc. I’m at a loss to decide how to balance my portfolio with all these guys making great recommendations. I’m picking and choosing which recommendations each has given and not investing in everything. I tend to like precious metals and am a bit heavier on them. But, I need help on how to decide which recommendations to follow.
Jim
Like many others, I don’t know a lot about this either but since the U.S. $ is weak compared to other currencies and with the money supply being inflated, also since the Feds have lowered interest rate to nearly zero, I would invest in precious metals such as gold ETFs (GDX), silver (PAAS), copper & others. I would stay away from bonds (for now) due to possible impending hyperinflation. I would instead go with high yielding dividend stocks that trade multinationally. I would invest in oil (and oil mining stocks) such as ConocoPhillips which also is a high dividend yielding stock. As for %’s, I would put 20-25% in precious metals, 20% in oil & 50% in high yielding dividend stocks for my long term investments. I would like to see what you think? Right now, I’m not doing any of this, I’m in cash but will have to make a move real soon.
The process is to develop your own forward looking economic model based on current information across a broad spectrum of opinions, data, and news, etc. Then, based on that model, choose investments. The key is to be vigilant (tracking results) and flexible. Do not try to time the market and recognize that diversifying can be a two-edged sword.
I appreciate the posting of comments by others. Some are absolutely hillarious.
I would have one comment about your recommendations. Dr. Weiss paints a pretty grim picture of the US economy and dollar as a whole for 2010, yet Money and Markets continues to recommend certain investments that seem contrary to Dr. Weiss’ premice. Maybe I am missing something.
Thanks,
Craig B
I go by instincts pretty much. All I know right now, is to get out of bonds and invest them overseas.
#1 05% domestic
70% foreign
05% gold/sliver
20% energy/natural resources
0% foreign currency
0% bonds
#2 Asia and India is best place to invest because of their new found freedoms and
keeping up with the Jones. Bonds is about to go bust; so no investing there.
I am 76 years old and debt free retired. I am basically conservative with 60 % of portfolio in cash based investments (Amer Cent Capital Preservation, Midland Insur Annuity, Indiana Deferred Comp)The 40 % balance : 15% gold 25% stocks (emphasis on China Brazil and American dividend paying stocks recommended by Nilus)
CASH, CASH, CASH in a safe bank or short term T-bills.
Q # 1 I get my information from your Safe Money Report and Larry Edelsons Real Wealth Report and what Toney Sagami has to say in his e-mail updates.
Q # 2 Again from the Safe Money Report and the Real Wealth Report.
Hi Martin:
I’m invested in the following: Silver-Mexico-3 co’s…$4980—-Copper,Gold,etc.China,Romania,Mongolia,Russia,Arizona….$7870…Uranium,Malawi,Namibia Kazakhstan,Ax…$11727…Uranium Enrichment…Ax….$2525…REO’s…AX, Africa…$5510…Energy…Onshore,offshore…oil,ngas,lng…Cdn,Kurdistan,Guyana…
$4498…Geophysical Tech,offshore $6740…Fertilizer China…$1520…Solar Semicondtor
USA…$2600…Defense Contractor USA…$2250…Total Cost $50,220. down est 10K
Iv’e held several stocks 3-4 years, but still feel I’ll come out OK. Time will tell !
Keep buying silver. Keep buying silver. etc.. Wait for the martket to crash mid to later part of 2010 move my 401 back into the market and ride it up.
I believe I am very good at deciding where to invest. At the age of 67 I have certainly learned a lot about where not to. I stay totally out of U.S. stocks and dollar denominated stocks. I feel the Western World, Europe, England, & the U.S. are all in the same boat of debt and worthless fiat paper. I have the family invested in a gold ETF, several South Ameircan ETF mainly natural resources, and several ETFs on Eastern nations including India. The allocation are just about equal between the three classes. To explain why would take more room than is available here.
I will be investing all my spare capital in gold stocks. At the moment I am in cash and once I feel the U.S. dollar has finished rallying and the stock market is stable I will invest in gold stocks as I believe currency risk and inflation will be the key as well as following the trend which seems to be gold rising.
Hello Martin
Data from Washington suggests possible investor flight from the currency to some degree, so I think an appropriate portfolio might be something like this:
precious metals/related stocks 15%
energy stocks and etf’s (BP, IXC) 25%
inflation protected bonds (TIPS) 15%
utilities/bonds 10%
cash/short term cashable certificates (to take advantage of corrections) 35%
Your opinion would be greatly appreciated
best regards
Allen Simpson
I look for investments that have good dividens, and mainly focus on BRIC. I dont have much confidence in the US recovery, and therefore have invested in GLD. I dont really know how to balance a portfolio right now.
Since 2003 I have been leveraging my free and clear R/E via “1031 exchanges” tonew R/E here in FL leveraged at 75% to 80%. My “equity” I have then invested in gold andsilver mining stocks. The view is “long term dollar devaluation = repaying debt with cheaper dollars”.
I am about 30% natural resources including gold,silver,oil,commodities,canadian trusts. About 40% mutual funds most of which are asian or international. The rest in interest bearing.
I read everything I can get my hands on, Kiplinger, WSJ, Smart Money, Rukeyser, Eliot Gue and his crew. However, I put the most weight on what comes from you and your cohorts. Then I divide 89 % equally between domestic and int’l; favoring BRIC and other emerging markets, the remaining 20% goes into bonds. Since I am retired the stocks I select must pay dividends (Dividends Superstar)…….
Not counting my real estate …
60% gold & silver; 30% energy; 10% ag commodities
NO ETF’s … I don’t trust those banks running them …. do they really have the metal $ for $ (audits not required) ….. What will the banks do with these when they get into real trouble?
How can I make money in this market
Martin,
When it is best time to investment Short ProShares on any ETF? Start in second half 2010?
Aaron
I need help !!! I am by no means a savvy investor, never have been or will be. I spend my time trying to be productive as possible. I would like to have a general guide line of how to invest my money based on the fact that I am getting old !! (69) I am basically conservative by nature and would like to have reliable income from my investments.
Domestic stocks (in my case Australia) 60% (most of these inclined towards energy/resource)
International stocks 20% (more geared towards the so-called BRIC countries)
Foreign currency ETFs 10%
Cash 10%
Seems like I may be placing too many of my eggs into equity assets, your comments welcome if possible.
When asked how he and his partner were so successful, Charlie Munger said: “We sit on our fat asses and read all day.” Being an investor in Berkshire Hathaway and an admirer of Warren and Charlie, I took it to heart as well as most everything else they share with us. I decide how to constitute my portfolio in this process. Reading gives me a fairly good idea about what’s moving and why. If it has to do with our monetary system and that sort of thing I find your advice most helpful. I am Keynesian by macro inclination which stresses fiscal policy to fix situations like the one in which we find ourselves now. To my mind, its a replay of the activities that caused the Great Depression. As for asset allocation, I have no understanding of it, it seems like you either understand what’s happening, or you don’t and diversification is for those who don’t know what they’re doing. I think it simply dilutes your returns.
Gold, etc – 10%
Energy & other – 10%
Foreign Currencies – 50%
Bonds – 0%
Cash – 30%
I am not convinced that I am knowledgeable enough to form a firm opinion. I tend to lean towards domectic stocks in the energy sector as that were most of my knowledge lies
15% in Treasury Bills
10% in Inflation Protected Securities
10% in International Dividend Stocks
15% in US stocks (@ least 5% in dividend stocks)
20% in Foreign Country Stocks (5% income Stocks and Bonds; 15% Mutual Stk Funds)
15%-10% in Natural Resources and 5% agriculture
15% in Precious Metals (Gold, Silver and Platinum)
I think it is good to be diversified and US and Internationally, as well as sectors! Easy to change if need to with less risks!
Dear Mr. Weiss,
I am watching what is happening with the decline of this modern day Roman Empire we call the USA. With the research i am doing, I have decided to balance between the rapid growth of the east… and some domestics. I’ve invested in food and water(as you recommended) I have also purchased physicals in the metals along with ETF’S in the metals and slw, along with a splash in miners. One small oil co., that I did quite a bit of research on that is drilling in europe and a Pharmacuetical. I took your advice through the 2010 forecast and hedged with TBT. I have no bonds. Maybe I’m ignorant but Bonds make me nervous. I believe I am fairly diversified. The area that I need better understanding in is when to pull out (i know the rule buy low sell high). Should I let these ride out a while and then sell or hang on to them through the year. It would be wonderful if I had more time to trade, more frequently and make small chunks of gains daily or weekly but I’m a working girl and I don’t get home till after the market closes on the west coast. MY portfolio allowance is small to work with a little over 150k and I’m learning everything on my own through reading and studying. I made the decision to join your inner circle because I found the articles and advice that you wrote made a lot of sense to me. I remember about 2-3 years ago watching and thinking about investments in China and a few other countrys. I kind of got laughed at. I wish I had listened to myself and tried then. But we live and learn. I’ve only been truly investing differently the past 6-8 months and educating myself. My money is spread out a little heavier in the metals but diversified. Percentage wise as a whole I’d have to figure that out . Any suggestions? I’d love to hear from you. Also, Do you have any suggestions on how i could profit from my real estate, in this california housing crunch on a house I own but pay interest only and they wont let me refi or modify. I know I could rent it but the cap comes due in 6.5 years and I know the interest rates are going to be much higher by then. It caps out at 10.9 %. No one is going to rent it then…ha ha. It’s at 6.25 right now. I’m not in grossly over my head but its a waste of money keeping it. I have one other that i”m going to live in soon it’ll be paid off in 7 yrs. I know “tax right off” but I’ve got the one for that. it’s the other. I’d rather be investing my “monthly mortgage” somewhere else. They pretty much make it so you just wanna walk…. It’s like I myself am just renting it. I really don’t see a very bright future for the economy of the US. I really do not plan on being one of the ones that are destitute and impoverished in a third world soup line. I really want to do my best, to work with what I have and build it up. But I can’t even sell to break even on this home I live in now. I was not one of those that bought ski boats with my equity. Thank you for your time God Bless
R.G.
Martin,
I really don’t know, I have money in all of these areas, but really have concerns about the when (not if) the market will react more aggressively to all the money being printed.
Will the Dow take a huge dip, or will it go up with inflation, all these questions make me wonder if I should be in mostly cash for a while or stay put. I really would love to hear the answers to the questions you have raised! I have no idea what is really needed, help!
Thanks Martin for this coming info!
I am clueless. That’s why I subscibe to your Safe Money and Million Dollar Contrarion. I am extremely curious on your thoughts about Iraq, and if you think there will be a promising future there for its currency. I purchased 2 million Dinars in 2003. I’m hoping for it to increase like the Dinars in Kuwait since it is the second largest oil producing country in the world.
Any hope of this ever happening?
I read newspapers (Globe & Mail, Financial Post) and listen to money managers appearing on BNN (a Canadian TV network).
I am curently in all cash,shortly I plan on aloting 10% to gold and silver,gld,slv. then the remainder will go into canada royalty trust,oil natural gas,food dist,public utes.may buy some ltum.
Right now my only investment is with Kansas Power and Light (KPL) I should like to broaden my investment somewhere relatively safe. I don’t care for the present speculation in gold and silver. This looks to me like something that is being pushed artificially and could go bust quickly. Please advise.
I invest in individual stocks. I am 58 and plan to semi retire next year.
Large cap equity 58.7%
Small cap equity 9.3%
International equity 5.2%
Cash 26.5%
Out of the market completely and into cash when S&P 500 hit 950 this year. Cannot do buy and hold when the future is so uncertain. Currrently hold small amountof Altria for the dividend yield and continue to look for diviend paying stocks that are not over priced. Purchased some 10yr Alcoa bonds early in the year at a discount, they were sold at a premium within 120 days (just dumb luck). The only “inflation” I can find is in the secuities markets. It would appear that their is way more capital in the system than their is economic activity to absorb it. I am a CPA/PFS and read “Investing without Fear” (Thank you Martin) to finish out my continuing education requirement in Decemebr, 2007. I was out of the maket by April, 2008 and shorting the S&P 500 with SDS. Trying to short with SDS in 2009 has been a disater, giving up all my 2008 gains and then some. I desperatley need some insight/direction.
Dear Marty,
I have’nt a clue. Sure, I have a lot of gut feelings from all of the input I read, but I have no absolute knowledge of what is going to take place in the future or what to do about it. That’s why I subscribe to your investment letters. You make suggestions and I try to follow your advice as best as I can and my available cash will allow.
Believe me, I’m greatly indebted to you for your help.
Your friend, David
I have decided to invest in my self and my family and my business. I understand these things but the economy and equities seem very dicey right now. Even gold and silver seem very manipulated dangerous. I have more gold and silver than most. But if they really take off I will probably do some profit taking. Sorry I’ve forgotten your second question.
Earl
Once you buy physical gold, it is difficult to sell it. Local dealers won’t buy smaller amts. They seem to want to buy it back for 50 per cent of its value. I have 5 per cent in gold and silver. Have 65 per cent in cash money mkts, 20 per cent in McDs, 10 per cent in other.
Am doing quite well with Master Limited partnerships. Own 3 for about 10 years, value up 100%, excellent return. Also own mutual funds, down about 25% today, ho-hum dividends
Dear Mr. Martin,
I am basing my investment philosophy that the U.S. dollar is depreciating.
1. 20% foreign stocks
2. 20% foreign currency
3. 20% foreign bonds
4. 20% energy and natural resources
5. 20% gold and silver
Question One. 1. Domestic Large Cap dividend yielding greater than 3.5%
2. GLD, BGEIX, VGPMX, 3. Large Cap Oil, PRENX 4. Swiss currency; FXF. Canadian FXC
5.Australian Bonds; FAX. PIMCO Foreign and Global Bond Funds.
Question Two. I have no Idea
Construct a portfolio of 15 to 25 stocks, with “buy under” numbers, “stop” prices, target prices, and risk levels, updated at least monthly, or better yet weekly on your web site. Rank the best sectors to buy in (for those who can’t buy all of the recos, or who have pre-existing positions that they might want to get out of. Give a monthly B/H/S reco with a one sentence summary of where it seems to be headed, and a more detailed review of 3 or 4 positions when warranted. Advise where to keep idle funds. E-mails to advise of sudden buys/sells and rumor controls. Date portfolio transactions at least 1-2 days after subscribers notified.
The B/H/S recos and sumarry sentences mentioned a moment ago should be for each issue in the portfolio
I have the most confidence in precious metals now, with the emphasis on silver. It’s small market size makes a large upside move very possible. I don’t think that the few large firms who hold the short positions in the paper trading have the physical metal to back up their positions. When people start to realize this the true value of physical assets will look like the U.S. debt chart. If the next 10 years repeats the performance of the last ten, at least 50% of my assets will be here. The remainder will be safe in energy.
Q1: 33% gold in bullion coins, 33% in silver coins, 33% CASH in EUR and CHF,
definitely NOT in any stocks, bonds, etc.
Q2: I don’t know, but this is what I will do
I have very little to invest, so I try to put it in places that Mr Weiss and Stephen Leeb can agree on. I put most of my IRA’s in foreign ETF’s. I would love to be able to follow the Safe Money Report’s portfolio, but it is made for people who have large amounts to invest.
I cannot know any answers. I am tending to curtail investment in my country the UK and the US. I have no investemement in Europe. My tendency for new investment is toward China, Brazil, and India using unleveraged ETFs. I have great suspicion of the UK and US governments and believe firmly that we shall tumble into severe inflation withing two years. I am concerned for law and order. At presnt I have a 15% holding in Gold split between the UK and Canada, I have a 65% holding in index linked Government bond split between the UK and US which I am diminishing.I have 5% in cash(sterling) which I am probably going to reduce.
I do not currently have a portfolio and am intending to follow your suggestions in diversifying my investments in the listed asset classes. I will maintain 50 % cash and 0% in bonds. What are your suggestions to blend Safe Money Portfolio with recommendations from other Weiss team members , Superstar Portfolio, Real Wealth Portfolio, Tony Sagami’s portfolio etc.
What effect will collapse of USA have on Australia in the overall scheme of things.?
Frankly, I’m a newby at this other then trying to watch stock fundamentals and not invest too much in one industry or cap-size. That’s why I bought into the Weiss Elite – to learn more about how to invest, what to look for, and learn about what is going on that is affecting the markets.
I’ll be gided by you and your experts.
Mr. weiss
As the expert…..tell me best way to expose myself to:
a) emerging market namely China…..Google reminds you of risks.
b)domestic energy Nat gas…sems to be on forefront
c) Reagan Corp. owns self storage facilities in…..have to do a 1031 trade. The
business trends with housing………If you can solve that you are my hero
Regards, Richard Reagan, Pres.
My investments for 2010 at this point are strictly predicated by you and yours. I followed your recommendations on 1/4/10 to the letter. I also try at this point to reserve half my funds in cash, according to your suggestion.
I need help sorting out what I now have and recommendations on what I should have.
20% Domestic and Foreign Stocks: much of it is hedged though and at least half held in foreign companies, with growing long allocation to India, Chile and Panama.
10% Gold and Silver: includes bullion and mining companies.
10% Energy and Natural Resources: includes rare minerals, timber, agriculture, natural gas and oil.
10% Foreign Currenices: Focus on Australian Dollar, Norwegian Krone, Brazilian Real, Indian Rupee, Canadian Dollar.
50% Bonds. Terms no longer than 5 years and laddered. Maturing US Treasuries and US Municipals are mostly going into international government and corporate bonds. In one (maybe two), at least half will be in international bonds.
I started last year with mostly US dollar based assets and have been gradually moving assets into non-US dollar vehicles. I am learning as I go, otherwise, I probably would allocate even more to non-US dollar assets. I expect this shift to continue beyond this year. If and when the Federal Reserve and US Treasury change their money printing and spendthrift ways would have a bearing on my asset allocations. I do not see current policies changing in 2010.
Government and Wall Street are still operating under “faulty
assumptions” and support “trends leading to disaster”.
FAULTY ASSUMPTIONS:
1 Home prices will forever go up.
2 The consumer will always buy cheap goods as long as they are
offered.
3 American companies will always create more jobs.
4 Printing paper money can continue forever.
5 World population will larger forever.
6 Government can always take over companies that fail.
7 ‘Too big to fail’ is logical.
8 If the consumer doesn’t spend then government will do it for
them.
9 The Federal Reserve is wiser than the markets.
TRENDS LEADING TO DISASTER:
1 Printing unlimited fiat paper money.
2 Just keep increasing government debt.
3 Keep “too big to fail” in place.
4 Job destruction is good for a companies’ bottom line.
5 Government has solutions for all problems.
6 The market could not survive witout the Federal Reserve.
7 Fiat currencies will always be better than gold.
8 Fossil fuels will last forever.
9 Wealth creation will last forever.
10 Government stimulus solves job creation problems.
CONCLUSION:
The battle that is occuring is ‘Government Intervention” versus
the “Forces of the Market”.
I favor the “forces of the market” for 2010. ETF’s will be the
place to be. This is especially true for a small investor like
me. These choices are self explanatory. GLD, SLV, USL, UGA,
UNG, DIG, PIN, EWY, FXI, SH, DOG.
I have a private investor I go through and currently I have all my money invested in 2 markets. 1: China technology stock (20%) 2: Gold mining, not in Africa (80%).
Dr Weiss:
I think i may need some percentage changes and this is a rough estimate. But what I have done, based on the 100,000.00 mark, is to have 37.2 % invested in China; 23.5 % invested in Natural Resources ; 11.4 % invested in gold and silver ; 14.7 % invested in oil ; and 13.5 % invested in canadian national railways. My decision to invest in these areas was done solely on your advice along with Larry Edelson and Tony Sagami. I had an Ivy Global Natural Resources fund already and it has done so well that i have kept it. I look forward to making better and more profitable adjustments with your next forum. Thank you so much for all the help that you guys continue to offer ! kind regards, pf
Although past performance is no guarantee of future results, those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. Consequently, I allocate into sectors based on monthly momentum (i.e. price percent change per month). I then buy individual funds based on weekly momentum and individual stocks based on daily momentum. I sell the slow growers and losers, and redeploy money to new issues with the greatest momentum. It is a continual process to have the money in the places where it can work the hardest.
30%stock US like aapl
30% Gold and silver 20% in a pool 10% mine like barrick
30% China aluminum green energy china air
10% India cars
Am canadian my stocks are in US$ we are 3% difference in exchange
I will sale only if the US$ is 10 to 2o% higher that way i made money
in currencies. My first investiment
Hi Martin!
I think so many of us need direction – What do you suggest? What BRIC investments would be good? Gold? silver? utilties? Please advise
Thank you
Answer#! I try to stay ahead of the curve through extensive reading and an effort to read the general direction of the major economies. Among others, you are a big help in this regard–keeping the emotion under control and providing a wide view of the market.
Answer #2 There’s not much of a scientific approach for me here. Reading the tea leaves has lead me to get out of most bonds and bond funds but I do still have a bit in short term Gov’t bonds and a couple of funds like Nuveen that are sensitive to changing interest rates. I’ve gotten much heavier in commodities and commodity ETFs, with an emphasis on gold ,silver,food stuffs, oil, natural gas and uranium. Moved more into some investments in China, Mexico,Brazil,India and Korea. A couple of foreign currencies but not heavy so far. I have kept some of my old favorites in utilities and Pharma. Also hanging in there with Cisco and Microsoft. Have taken it on the chin with several reverse etfs and really stunned by a couple of high leveraged reverse etfs–not being able to react fast enough in that venue. Thats most of it for me — probably 90%.
I have been in gold stocks for about two months,and i dont see any reason to get out of them . I have some domestic stocks that are trading up recently . Was thinking of opening a forex account to take advantageof the falling dollar
I am a senior citizen with limited income .I therefore invest in mostly penney shares unless something looks a real good buy. I dont study the markets and rely on suggestions from professionals. My policy is not to invest too much then I cannot lose too much but also cannot win too much but it’s the excitement of playing that holds my interest.
I appreciate your emails and have invested in some suggestions. Thank you
Hello Martin et al:
Having lost about 30% of my retirement portfolio (with an investment firm), I converted the remaining mutual funds to a money market fund, the latter part of 2009. I am conservatively invested in domestic stocks, energy/natural resources, numismatic silver/gold. Also IRA CDs/annuity. I have no idea how much to invest in each of the five areas you mentioned. (Have considered something in the foreign markets, however.) Thank you.
i don’t know, but invested in all without considering percentages
As a retiree, eleven years now at 69, I try to keep 80% of my money in CDs but as returns have diminished, I have been moving to dividend paying stocks(above 3%)as well as investing the other funds mostly in emerging markets, energy, gold and silver because of the reckless spending of congress and the administration
I would invest 40% in Currencies. 5% in Gold, and would consider 5% in Natural Gas. At this time I also prefer to hold on to some cash in CD’s and of course my investments in 401K’s, IRA’s, and Annuties.
I’m 70 and retired. Following your and your team’s comments and recommendations, I’m invested in pressious metals 20%, asian sector ETF’s 20% and oil 10%. Looking for a real-estate opportunity to hedge against inflation. Keeping 50% liquid. Mainly interested in moderate increase with real emphasis on wealth reservation.
As always I welcome your information and advise.
Dear Martin,
Your question made me realize how little I know the specifics of investing while I understand the general investment trends .
My portfolio would invest in: emerging markets are tempting since they seem to do so well (too well maybe …bubbles in the air?) So I would guess 20% of my portfolio.
As for domestic I believe your analysis of investing in established stocks paying dividends. Also Muni bonds. 20% in domestic
As for commodities I am in a total loss on where and when to invest: oil seems like a bargain for the long run, gold seems to bubbly, silver… still stigmatized by the Hunt brothers,Platinum as an oddity. So I would guess on a share of 20% of commodities.
As for currency , once again I don’t know squat! I have some Australian dollars ( as an aside I am tempted to invest my australian cash in Australian Tbonds, they seem to pay a good %….Why? not safe?) So I would invest in inverse etf against the US $ as long as the money presses are running. 20% with a loss stop (of?).
Thanks for asking the question ….It got me thinking!
Cheers,
Pierre Horn
I’m overweight energy and metals all of 2010. Undecided whether to add gold bullion this year to portfolio. About 25% this year is invested in foreign markets.
Martin,
I’m so glad you came up with this pooling our choices, ideas and questions blog! Brilliant! These have been especially burning questions since i joined the Weiss Elite last month with all of these new newsletters and choices. I have also been following Stephen Leeb’s, The Complete Investor for several years. I also try to take in to account other possibilities that may seem extreme and paranoid to some. This is all in line with my larger perspective of which I have no doubt at all. That is that, the US and much of the so called developed world, will and are becoming more like the third world fast, along with escalating resource wars and increasing govt power grabs. Much chaos, not limited to finances will be on the upswing, with no end in sight. The capitalist model of endless growth and resources to work with is a time limited delusion. We are quickly running out of time. I think, to some extent, The Weiss folks and Leeb share that view, which is in part why I value their opinions. So, given that, how to decide what to do with finances??? Way too many possibilities!
I am invested in about 8% foreign currencies, 10% oil and natural gas, 8% shorting the market with EDV recommended strongly by Leeb, 17% cash, and I currently have about 55% in precious metals and mining stocks which I fear is over weighted. Regarding the last allocation, I’m frankly addicted to the fact that, for the near term, and overall in the last bunch of years, metals have, and still seem to be like “a sure thing”. Sure thing. Hmmmm.. I did get out of BRK, SLB and CVX early on, when the market started sliding in 08 and bought SLV instead and I have more than bounced back. I’ve become a “loyal addict”. However, here’s my concern with Precious metals and related mining stocks etc. When the dollar starts to plummet and metals skyrocket, the US govt and others will do what it takes to suck up profits and maintain control, ruthlessly as necessary, and then all bets are off. They can abruptly change the rules and we then will be screwed. Whether it is some form of confiscation (of etf gold and silver for example), some absurd tax, or beyond metal investments, say a tax or prohibition on even non dollar denominated foreign investments. Let’s not forget we are in LIFE and many many things are possible!
So here’s my question, given the above. How can one best diversify and have the guidance to abruptly change course as things swiftly change as they will? How can one be maximumly diversified so as to be ready for inflation, hyperinflation, deflation crashes and depression, and the govt changing the rules in its own desire to survive? What would that look like for now as a start? I wonder if a portfolio, beyond The Safe Money Portfolio , called something like The Worst Case Scenario Portfolio could be devised.
Here’s a final concern i have. As much as I totally trust in the wisdom and good will of people like you Martin, and your astute and caring associates along with Stephen Leeb, you both are, after all, in the investment business with a vested interest in a world view that accommodates that. By temperament and occupation, you may not be the types capable of accurately foreseeing total economic and social collapse and telling people to prepare accordingly for an entirely new world. You might go out of business! We all want, like children, to believe that we can be outwardly secure in an insecure world. We all know that is not possible. It is only by finding an inner security that we can be secure no matter what. So, no one can be all things to all people, so I don’t expect you to be either. In the end, I’m just aware of the need to stay alert and skeptical, no matter what advice we are given.
Thank you Martin and all of your dedicated associates for all you do!
Dear Martin,
I follow your advice and invest as much as I can in those safe investments you specify. I only started studying stocks a couple of month ago and depend upon Weiss I did purchase some gold ETFs and it is doing well. All the information that I receive from Weiss Research is excellent. Each month I will continue to add to my protfolio using your recommendations in both kinds of stock and the amounts based upon my financial ability to do so. Thanks for all you do.
Don from Kentucky
Energy & Minerals
I only invest in local stocks directly and about 5% in ETF of foreign stocks.
Gold when I have spare cash.
Energy and resource stocks about 40% of my portfolio.
Hello Martin and or your associates,
Thank you for reaching out and asking this important question. So here is my perspective. I am largely still on the sidelines and have not moved out of cash equivalents. I have 10K in short term treasuries-(an IRA with AMerican Century Cash Preservation), about 75,000 in Pimco Real Return institutional (401K), and 18K in “Stable Value Fund”. I aso subscribe to Robert Pretchers Elliot Wave international, and their mid term recommendation is to get the large majority of my portfolio into greenbacks, and they also, in an uncommonly high risk play, they suggest taking about 20% and taking a maximum leveraged short position now (on the Dow index) with a stop at 10,830 only on the newly added portion of the position. I do not fully understand that statement but it does intriegue me. I simply am not that sophistcated an invester, but am learning as much as I can. I have been following the Jan picks from Weiss Research & do like the longer term play on the Aqua-based investments. I also like the picks for China & Asia, but I do not know how long a play those investments would be or what the impact of the health of the dollar wil have on any gains there. Another factor that I have been thinking about lately is the impact of the massive wave of personal Bankruptcies in the US. If I am getting the fiat Monetary system correct, dont bankruptcies actually make greenbacks dissapear, and as such, actually strengthen the dollar? I am very interrested to hear what you and your team has to say about that.
Best Regards & thank you for your teams work, I am facinated by the work that you folks do, and very interrested in the Foundation for the Study of Cycles. I am a sales forecasting analyst with Hewlett-Packard and plan on dedicating 5 hrs a week to learning about the Geo-political environment, Global economics, and Fiat Monetary systems. All are facinating to me.
1. i would: Invest in domestic and foreign stocks … Gold and silver bullion … and Energy and Natural resources.
I use your e -mails as a guide to invest
watch the Fed and the dollar
40 % in silver coins
20% in Asia ETF’s
20 % in energy stocks
20% cash
A comment up the list here references the complication of our present financial system. The obfuscation of the financial markets, from the Federal Reserve down to the local “broker” or insurance salesman or bank credit card, appears intentional, similar to the dumbing down of educational systems. We would all probably appreciate a straight forward formula for investing, or at least fair play. As a trader, I’ve always seen myself as eating the crumbs from under the kings’ table – too small for anyone to notice, but the kings are putting in deep shag carpet just to make it hard for me to find the crumbs. Whereas I used to plan, now I remain flexible – and ready to bolt.
Do you anticipate a short term or possibly six month dollar rally? I have heard
some say that they anticipated the dollar trade to cease in the short term and
there would thus be additional profit taking, that being what has precipated the current
increase in the value of the dollar? Also, so you expect gold to further correct downward
for the next few months? What do you think of the following possible scenario?
gold numismatic coins 10%
gold stocks 35%
oil, natural resource & other precious metal stocks 15%
Swiss Franc Bonds 15%
Other Canadian Stocks 5%
Cash US dollars 20%
Bill
oil and other precious metal stocks
I have just opened an account with Weiss Capital Management who will use the Diversified Income Portfolio for my account.
emerging market and commudity market
have 25% emerging market etf.
30% us stock
15% bond fund/etf
rest is cash and cd’s
will be reaching retirement age soon.
what should i do? not very big portfolio.
have roth ira and brokerage a/c.
need your help
I don’t know how to decide how to invest in the mix of products you mention. Right now I have 50% of my monies invested and 50% in cash.
50+ years of investing has led me to know never again to trust
government [incompetent and dishonest] nor Wall Street [dishonest].
Never Again!
Put it into your own business. Invest the profits into Real Estate for
your family; and objects of value.
Martin,
As a Weiss Inner Circle member, my wife and I have been following many of the recommendations that come from various members of your talented staff. Currently about half of our funds are invested in the below listed 5 key categories:
30% Energy & Natural Resources
20% Domestic (Global) and Foreign stocks (with more emphasis on foreign stocks)
20% Gold and Precious Metals
15% Short Term Bonds
15% Foreign Currencies
Overall, we have been very pleased with the many services your company supplies
Jim in Central PA
I am counting on Dr. Weiss’ advice to answer the specific question. However, in general, I am focusing on non U.S. investments, heavy on commodities with significant investment in silver, platinum, copper and gold.
Currently invested in reits like HTS MFA etc to obtain dividends.Know this will end soon as FED increases cost of money to there virtual banks .What to do then ? 20 percent pipe line ; 20 percent gold ;10 percent driller 10 percent oil Brazil. @ 10 percent bio; 10 percent power ; 20 percent electric utility.
I decide which sectors to invest in by analyzing the strength of the U.S. Dollar, our
debt and I always analzye any investments by: Will they serve to balance my portfolio
in the areas I want to be in.
I never put more than 5% in any new investment when I buy it.
I have owned gold since it was $400 an ounce. Silver since $13.00 an ounce
I own 4 shs of Berkshire Hathaway “B” shares
I own 2 Currencey CD’s based on Bric Countries and Oil.
I do not write options. I have not found a class to study them that I can attend.
I am 76 years old.
15% gold 25% natural gas 10% Singapore,Australia Brazil Thailand 10% canadian bonds
10% cash
In building my portfolio allocations for 2010 I carefully listened and analyzed the thesis’s that Weiss services have been providing which, in short includes the following:
The US dollar will continue to fall and thus Gold, Natural Rresources and Energy will rise; foreign emerging markets will grow much faster than US and foreign developed markets; Asia and especially China will continue to grow and consume, thus providing great investment opportunities, especially as more institutional money flows into these markets; the US Bond market is likely set for a collapse; overall there are great opportunities, but risk continues to loom large.
With those “stories” my portfolio allocation plan is as follows (%’s are of entire portfolio amount): Gold: 25%; BRIC/Asia: 25%; Cash 25%; Natural Resources/Energy: 20%; Foreign Currency/Anti Bond/Anti US $: 5%; US Bonds: 0%; US Real Estate: 0%.
I remain ready to re-distribute the allocations as the main thesis’s change, based on the flow of information received through the Weiss services.
I like to find high dividend paying stocks such as the Canadian Oil Trusts. Inasmuch
as a tax issue is ahead on this sector care must be taken on selection. I have 60% of
invested there. Gold is a section that has always been profitable for me. I have 20% invested there. The balance is cash.
I’m trying to figure out what funds to invest in for my 401K.I Depend on your newsletter for guidence or any other helpful source.
I would be looking for a dip in precious metals and then buy. Silver has still not produced the growth that I think it can. Secondly, there is much going on in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly companies treating cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis as well as the stem cell growth
research companies. Third, I believe that companies looking at ways to treat water that can do so in an efficient and cost effective manner will flourish in this year and next. Lastly, I would be looking at international stocks Brazil, China, especially those with interests in oil and gas production.
I am new at this and do not rust any one since I have seen billions of $ gone to crooked men who should have been trustworthy ! The problem I have is I need an education on finance .Perhaps I should take a course on it !what do you say? Thanks.
Lloyd’s of London rule that no more than 5% may be invested in any one share.
The phase we are now in means investing mostly in the largest of US Companies capable of achieving good foreign earnings. My target this year is:
Approximately 50% of my speculative portfolio in ETFs and 50% in individual companies
Scarce Resources form a stable balance and currently account for 25% of my portfolio
I have dropped MDCP in favour of currencies which will eventually rise to 25%. The rest is for emerging High profit potential exploitation of patents and others.
I don’t invest in Bonds. My Manager keeps a small proportion for emergencies in Treasuries on the holdings I don’t personally manage. The rest is up to God.
Martin,
With the economy the way it is what is your opinion of index annuities. They pay bonus and you can put a rider of 8% on your money where it is guaranteed.
I dont have 200k but less and want to put my money where I can earn the most without using a bank. I am to young to be able to do transfer my ira money to roth
without the penalty of 10%. What is your thoughts? Also, do you think people should still contribute to ira in companies when they are matching. I have read that the gov’t
is rewriting its rules to take our ira money without us knowing it?
Thanks
Since I am 78 years old and retired, I am interested in preservatlon of capital and dividends.
(1) I have value funds as they do better longer and have higher dividends. (2 & 3) I have never made much money from gold funds, but know if the dollar falls, which I expect, gold, precious metals, energy and natural resourses will go up. (4) Foreign currencies are affected by their relation to the dollar and other currencies. (5) I have near my age in short & intermediate bond funds as I formerly worked for Jack Bogle. I need to know when to switch. Regards, Jim Parrish
Is it OK to ask a question? What is your opinion of TIPS at this juncture? Are they a good way to protect against inflation instead of having all fixed income money in short term T-bills?
Hello again, Dr. Weiss and associates—
I’ve been reading this blog every couple of days, and find it interesting, and I see you have begun to respond, Dr. Weiss–thank you. I noticed Richard’s entry (1-15-10 at 1:56 AM) mentions how unpredictable things can spring up in this world, and cause chaos in other areas besides finance. I’m paraphrasing, but that seems to be part of the concerns he brings up. I just recently experienced the ‘Rule of Three’–i.e., if you hear it from 3 different sourses, then take notice and pay attention. 1) First I saw a program on History channel that talked about being prepared in case a calamity disrupts our modern way of life (like Hurricane katrina disruped New Orleans). 2) Next I recieved Sean Brodrick’s book “The Ultimate Suburban Survivalist Guide” from Amazon (which I had ordered just before I saw the special on History channel) , and 3) then Haiti got hit with that horrible eartquake. All three of those things occured in less than a week! So I’m thinking, “OK, God, I’m paying attention!” I guess what I’m saying is that, yes, unexpected things can and do happen–that no one can predict. But if we do our due dilligence, prepare as best we can, and then continue living a meaningful life giving joy and compassion and wisdom as best we can, then we have done what we can do and continue our everyday lives a little more serenely and securely. All the things in Sean’s book are things we need to be doing for our own civil preparedness anyway, and if TSHTF never happens, we are still ahead with a healthier lifestyle and body and pocketbook. If I’ve done all I can do that’s appropriate, then I can leave the results up to my Higher Power. And that is how I do a lot of my decisionmaking, both financial and otherwise. I try to see the big picture as best I can, and be willing to learn.
Sincerely,
Lisa R.
I try not to have over 5% of my portfolio in one stock/fund/investment.
However with the state of the dollar/economy I do have 16% in MERKX the forigen currency fund.
I also have commodities (which include your areas 2 and 3 plus some arigriculturel,
natural gas and gold mining stock. I have also invested in silver bullion and pre-67
American coinage.
I am a new widow and very lost. I haven’t changed a thing my husband left me but new money will probably go to funds rather than individual stocks. My husband and I had mostly stocks. My three sons really like funds better than individual stocks. They are all about 50 years old. I am 74. Is that a generational thing? I enjoy reading your views. P.S. I do need income and most of my stocks are invested just for that.
Thank you for all of information in Money and Markets/ I have learned a lot
Since I’m 76 years old,my main concern is income with moderate growth!
FOREIGN & DOMESTIC STOCKS 70%
Energy electric utilities & pipelines
Consumer Related health care and non-durables
Communications
NATURAL RESOURCES 10%
GOLD 10%
CASH 10% Portfolio Size 100-150 thousand Growth rate 10 %
i am retired and my wife works p/t…i get my advise from you guys at weiss..martin,larry.,tony and sean..also from ameritrade and the webb..my break down is..energy 9%..precious metal, mines,basic matl. 16%..world bonds 6%..china 5%..south america 3% money market 57%..i want to thank guy for the help..not only for the stock advise..but what you see coming down the road….thanks again john
Hello. I am a retired 65 yr old female with a husband that has dememtia. I , therefore try to be very careful about investments. I have purchased and hold, BRKB, KMP, ETP, GLD and I already have 90 shares of IBM. I purchased MON, but it went down and hit my stop loss. How did I pick my stocks? I read everything I can and I read your comments, plus Morningstar ratings and Motley Fool’s as well. I am about 80% invested with stop losses on everything. It is a very scary time out there so I sit at my computer every morning and watch the market. I heard that BRKB is going to split. Have you heard that? Do you know if it is true. Thank you for your information.
D. Folk
By reading all I can from sources like yours, Barrons and others. I feel like the herd is heading to commodities, currency and bonds all off shore. I think I need to be there but am going to continue to monitor the stocks or funds you mentioned in meeting the of 1/1/10 and other sources I have mentioned. I would be comfortable at exposing about 15% of cash to this.
I’m studying past dips in the economy to see how utilities and old stocks have fared, or how old companies weathered economic turbulence in decades before. I believe we are having hyperinflation beginning to balloon before our eyes. I own gold bullion and plain vanilla annuities. I like ETFs, and I like the idea of having a monthly dividend check from a utility. I like income-producing holdings and those that offer growth, no matter the economy. I think a person has to take time to do his own research because old is new again, but this time around, we need to think a different way, to re-educate ourselves to see things as they are and not we’d like them to be. Although we have endured recessions before, seldom before have we had to plan with a dollar that is nearly worthless. I am looking for vehicles that will help me ride the surf of hyperinflation.
I have three important considerations. (1) I am a minnow among sharks, such as hedge fund managers, large banks and governments who can manipulate the markets, especially the gold market which depends mostly upon their actions. (2) Inflation of fiat currencies is a given, long term. At the present and for the foreseeable future, the inflation will be governed by an increasing scarcity of commodities, much less by labor costs. There is no scarcity of people and the actions of governments are strongly influenced by the owners of capital and its managers. (3) I am only moderately risk tolerant, being long retired.
Consequently, I do not invest in gold. The bulk of my savings is still in cash but I have taken some positions in energy, industrial metals, and resource rich nations. I would rather buy in dips but I have little confidence in or time to worry about market timing. I am inclined to use trailing stop loss orders to avoid serious losses.
Sorry, but I’m all in with the risk and watching charts daily. As a swing trader more volatility creates a bigger profits and leave the ability to quickly jump from bull to bear stratagies.
For the most part, I am only long in a couple of pennies two from Canada in gold and oil that were bought at the lows and averaging in.
But I will say that the next time I get a paid advertisement from anything with Weiss on it (on said Jayhawk Energy) I will put more belief then what the charts tell me. WOW. 732%
I have enjoyed the advice and articles by Weiss Financial and there isn’t anything that I can argue with myself. Read and heed. They have it dead on on the macroeconomic view. China has me worried. Too many bulls always has me on the run.
From the advice I get from your financial team. I currently have $10,000.00 invested in gold and silver. I intend to invest in stocks in American companies that have interests in the emerging markets, somewhere between $10 and $15 thousand dollars. Then close to a like amount or more on foreign interests that I receive from Larry, Sean, and Tony. I have been reading a book on Warren Buffett and in it are some companies that he has invested in or maybe still is. I need to do research on these companies to see if the return Warren looks for is still being made now. Your website is great, a truthful help, and dependable to investors such as myself
re question #1: I have to agree with Klaus, so stocks are out until the next major correction. Interest rates have no where to go but up, so bonds are out. Not investing in any foreign currencies (although I expect the Canadian & Australian $’s should do ok). Don’t expect any huge run ups in energy or other natural resources until we have a recovery (which I expect is a long way off thanks to stupidity in Washington), and I think that other economies (such as China & India) will run into problems too until THE GREAT CONSUMER recovers. But, inflation is a virtual lock, and will only get worse as the deficit & national debt increase, which is a lock until we have a recovery. So gold and precious metals it is.
Which leads us to question #2: Having fair core holdings, and most of my investment money being in self directed IRAs, I am selling cash covered puts on the ETFs SLV, GDX, & GDXJ. If they get put to me, I turn around and sell covered calls. I try not to lock up more than 25% of my account with my positions because I know that I have to deal with irrational investors. Today, for example, silver is off $.90 & gold about $25-. There are those out there who think the $ should strengthen now simply because it has fallen so far. Sort of inverse momentum investing, I guess. Well, they could be right. & when the $ stengthens, the precious metals dip. So, I hold a good postion in cash so that when there are corrections, I can aquire more at a lower cost.
1) follow martin’s advice and adjust as changes occur
2) no immediate drastic action – adjust as funds become available, eg, maturing CD’S
3) I have excessive GE stock – in my 401 K – intend to maintain account and invest per the Weiss recommendation pattern when I withdraw minimum withdrawal requirements – about $40,00/yr.
I invest and trade for my aged mother and my partner, principally in high risk/high reward stocks in the resource/energy, biomedical, technology sectors in Australian stock market.
I hold a large position in one exploratory small cap gold stock DLKM listed in US and Canada and small position in a dormant shell IMXC (Impala mining) latter from a tip from a former employee of IMXC and DLKM. I expect DLKM to be an emerging alluvial
gold producer in Tanzania and should give a positive return this year.
I’m still studying the US market through various tipping letters.
I listened to Bill Ackerman interviewed on Bloomberg about April 2009. I liked his analysis of General Growth Properties. I thought on fundamentals and technicals the
stock was cheap. It had the support of an astute market mover whose analysis
showed GGWPQ had a liquidity rather than a solvency problem.
So I was prepared as a test case and for the first time sold 5 contracts strike US$2.50 exp Jan 2010, @ $1.80, in May 2009. My online broker retained my $1,250.00 as security for the 500 GGWPQ I was obligated to buy if the buyer so chose to exercise his put. Nevertheless I was prepared to buy for effectively 70c (2.50-1.80).
In Nov 2009 I bought back the put options to close @10c for a profit of $890 minus
brokerage $14.00 =$876.00 divided by $1250 gave me 70% profit in 6 months.
In hindsight I could have done much better buying and holding the stock outright but
I tried to minimise my risk at a time of uncertainty and also gave me an insight how
such option works.
With the Australian small cap stocks I try to read widely and research selectively, watch
stock reviews on paid TV “Your Money Your Call” programs for a general survey.
I talk to various CEOs, CFOs of the companies I research. Finally I study the chart
patterns and indicators in timing my entries after establishing the stats and cash position.
ALLOCATION of FUNDS: Determined by prospectivity of capital return.
Highly prospective stock may attract up to 25% of investment cap, occasionally more.
RESULTS:
My partner’s portfolio started with AU$50,000 in 2005, increased to $59,000 in 2006.
Present portfolio value excess $126,000.00
plus Current Cash $40,000.00. From past trading profits paid tax $3,000+ and spent
in excess of $10,000.00.
Mother’s portfolio: Since 2005 increased in value by at least 75% last 5 years.
Regards
Dr Kok Kian Lim
As indicated previously, I like Clause’s reasoning and cautious manner of building what appears to be a portfolio with a sound and flexible basis which can be built on into the unpredictable and challenging future. Obviously I hope he is successful.
I would like to be an investor, not a gambler, but that is simply impossible. With new accounting and auditing methods, financials are meaningless; government figure are unreliable, and it is impossible for a small investor to obtain the information available to insiders and brokerage backrooms, information to make an informed decision on stocks, mutuals (rally a derivitive of the market anyway), thus in most cases the market ir off limits, ecept for a few gold juniors using a little mad money.
Corporate paper, including CDOs/SSOs and MBSs, are now so “creatively” managed by the big banks, and the rating agencies so compromized, that they would simply be another gamble. If/when I want to gamble, I’ll go to Vegas or some such place.
In this kind of economy, the best one can do is try to survive – accepting low rates of interest from banks most unlikely to fail or to be protected if they do – so that means GICs, Bonds, etc in house.
I also hold bullion – gold and silver – in hand, not paper and not stored. A percentage of my assets – not as an investment – but simply as insurance against chaos.
Currency trading is again gambling and leaves one stuck to their computer. It is barely work the ROI.
This is a function of the curent environment and my age. Anyone who comes out of this more or less even, especially if we get a double dip, will be doing well. The few who come out ahead are insiders or riverboatsgablers who get lucky. There is NO reliable data from any source in most cases and money lost is unlikely to be easily gotten back. So caution has to be the first priority.
Were I younger or wealthier, I would play with the markets (some, some of the time – P/Es of 30 to 1 have no appeal to me no matter where they are). Oil and other commodities are volatile and the volalitilty is a function of speculation in many cases, not data around supply and demany, plus curreny values where they come into play.
Lookig a my grocery bill recently, I think I could do as well by spending time in my market garden, as playing in the world of finance. Strangely, none of the experts seems to have noticed the rupture between financial services and the real economy.
The market are truly a casino where the banks using newly minted money go to play with the taxpayers chips. The real economy is struggling. If GDP=G+I+C and Government is banrupt; Industry has no customers because they are all in debt and jobless; there can be little C, except on credit. People have incredible amounts of personal and household debt and with credit cards are adding to the tally daily. Add those defaults to car loans, mortgages and investments (whether the debt has been collateralized, and the real economy looks bleak – leaving me to speculate a little in western precious metal startups.
All talk of China and Idia to me is nonsense. I have been there. Talk about third party risk – even if you invest well (luckily), getting profits home (depending of exchange rates) and possibilities of nationalization, war, natural disaster, etc….again too much risk for the average investor.
A jar under the bed won’t do, so good (big) bank paper and 2% above the stated COI is about all one can do — insured with a little precious metal and hoping a Junior might get lucky.
I do listen to what people are saying about different groups and then study some of the stocks and fund groups in each area and look for good stock paying dividend with low ratio and put it in my watch goup and see how it is moving before buying.
I am 78 and thus very adverse to risk. I have invested my money in Treasury, HH Bonds, I BONDS, C.D’s and GNMA’s, and a few utility stocks. I read everthing I can find and watch interest rates closely, I have laddered my investments so that I am continually taking advantage of the best interest rate available. I also own two free and clear houses, and I do not have a loan on anything (people do not believe me when I say, I have never had a loan). My investment goal, is NEVER LOSE MONEY. This may limit the opportunities, but it sure gives me a good night’s sleep.
Martin My portfolio is set up by % as follows:
1. 60% fixed dividend paying income Value and short term instruments.
2. Energy 5%
3. Precious metals. 5%
5.Internationals 20%
6. CASH 10%
I am 80 years old and realize the high amount in fixed income is not for everyone. We seniors must take care to have money to take us until the very end . Of course due diligentes is required when picking your holdings. If this helps I am happy to supply what little help I can. One note brokers are not out to help you,as they will sell you what ever is hot at the moment.
Dear Martin:
My wife Mary and I decide how to invest by gathering information from IBD, Investools and Vector Vest along with your newsletters and other macro economic information.
The US is in what we believe to be very unstable territory economically and we have invested roughly 30% of our investment dollars in gold boullion, 50% in stocks and 20% in cash.
We see China as very strong with regard to debt, cash reserves and interest rates. We own several Chinese stocks and a few gold stocks and have a good chunk invested with the CanSlim IBD program. We are looking into commodity ETFs such as copper, basic materials, grain and sugar.
We invest in stocks with strong fundamentals according to IBD and Investools that are trending upward. We use a small percentage of our portfolio for options trading. Currently we do not own bonds or foreign currency.
We decide how much to invest according to our own comfort level after research from the above mentioned tools and information.
We receive your newsletters at the above email and also our joint email which is mary.barryboston@yahoo.com. We recently upgraded our subscription to your all inclusive service.
Will answers/sugestions to my listing on this blog be available. If so how can i obtain Thans Vince
How to invest? Utilize Investors Bus Daily, other monthly newsletters, some magazines, and software which rates all my annuity fund mutual funds.
And read your news info, plus others. And read current books relative to investing in various areas.
Now invest in mutual funds in annuities: Am in Sectors: Basic Mat, prec. metals, Nat Resouces, oil/gas (though will move out). Also in both international and some domestic bond funds. Also, some ProFunds in funds that I get time to buy, and sell, plus ratings. I monitor them almost daily. Read about foreign currencies investments, but nothing yet. Some money mkt funds. Working to get into short term treasuries, and ETFsl (can do some now through ProFunds. The annuities limit my investing in individual stocks where I understand great opportunities exist.
How much to invest: All that I Have, but spread out equally, but will shift more to areas that I read have potential. Ken
My investment portfolio is my only source of income apart from $700/month in combined social security from Israel and the U.S. So my portfolio consists exclusively of whatever pays the highest dividends; I don’t care what they are. So I have mostly REITs and MLPs; these pay 10%-12%, and I pay them very little attention. Doubtless too little.
Martin, I follow the reco, from safe money report for the most part. Make adjustments as necessary, more or less depending on whats in the account at the time. I do try to do my dilegence on investing for as techinicals and fundamentals.
05% domestic stock
70% foreign stock
25% natural resources and energy
0% currency
0% bonds
only gold and some enrgy shares
I look at allocation models suggested for the older, more conservative investor to have a general idea of how and where to invest sector-wise, and domestic versus foreign, and take the advice of the Weiss group, initially, about individual stocks, followed up by my own research, and recos posted by my brokers. However, I must admit that I follow my own emotional impulses when things begin to fall apart in the market. I am getting better managing the latter, and keep at least a third of my assets in cash. I do not understand some investment models at all, such as the investment implications and predictions of large cap versus small cap, etc. It is difficult to know what strategies work in which economic environments. I haven’t found any experts which are consistently good at predicting and recommending.
1. I read, watch as much advice and information as I can then make a decision, then monitor closely.
2. As above.
3. Appreciate Money and Markets along with your associates letters and videos.
In response to your (2) questions, I follow the recommendations contained in your “Safe Money Report” & Larry’s recommendations contained in his “Real Wealth Report”
Balance between Gold & Slver, Natural resources, and oil. Safe Money Report has not been too good in these areas. (e.g.LIHR) Maybe CEF, and AIQ, and then listen to Casey, and Grandich. Who is going to help on Natural Resources? Who is going to help on CHINA?
I would first take 1/3 and invest it in some kind of bonds, preferreds or sht term bond funds. This would allow me to be tactical as interest rates fluctuate and I would be able to move from inflationary positions and take gains from hi yielding preferreds. I would maximize the dividends through MLPs as well.
I would take the other 2/3 and move it between the favored sectors whether intll, domesticate irregardless of asset class.
At my age, I think the best way to build a portfolio is buy good company paying good dividends and build on this and not trying to catch when certain metals are getting ready to rise.
I am investing in Gold, silver, – as I believe your analysis about the follies of the ‘authorities’ and financial institutions in maintaining the value of currencies and that people will turn to them so that they rise more than the rate of inflation for at least the next 3 – 5 years – and in oil and natural gas which I believe will be in increasing demand over the next five years – and in a UK specialist electrical/electronics company which is doing good work in what I consider to be an expanding arena.
Best wishes
If we had a much better economy, I would probably put 25% of my investing monies in
precious metals, 25% in foreign stocks, (including Canada, Switzerland,Australia , Brazil),
10% foreign currencies, and 40% in United States Bonds and Stock Market.
Mary Bender
I want to invest in mor gold, however i believe in will retreat to $100. and when it des i wil buy 2 more ounces o a total of 6-ounces. would like to own 10-ounces but i do not see that in the cards.
Many of my stock are in the green and i will sell apptox. $75,000. before end of JUNE ends.
I will not invest in foreign stocks. I did witjin the last 2-years and lost on my invesements.
For several years I was working with a large number of averages in the lower to middle income bracket. I had very few clients in the high net worth category that most planners hope to work with. I became convince of a couple of things:
-the vast majority of these clients who stayed out of the market or mostly out did better than those who followed diversity models.
-most people were better off if counseled to consentrate on reducing and eliminating debt. (which is tax free)
-Roth style tax free vehicles were and I believe still are sold with an exageration of benefits in the presentation models and the experts would not address it, never-the-less most people would be better served to shift into the Roth vehicles because we have been in the historic low point of the cycle for income taxes. It doesn’t matter when you pay the taxes. What matters is: At what rate you pay.
-There has been a failure in the industry to educate their own and the public about their investment options because industry education was driven by commissions and a self serving mutual fund industry.(Just try to find people who can talk intelligently about self directed IRAs)
-As for me personally; the standing joke with my clients was that retirement is for people with money and investment diversification was for people with money to risk. I spent the decade simply working to get back up to totally worthless after a business failure in the early nineties. I’ve made it that far. Now I’m trying to keep my grown kids out of debt. We’ll see what comes next.
on excess money, 1/3 in realstate producing income , renting of US property and abroad.
1/3 in stocks diversified , tech , healthcare , minning , infrastructure ,minimum 80 % foreign markets .
1/12 in bonds yielding minimum 5% of Aa rated foreign cos
1/12 in cash securities
1/6 in foreign currencies , gold or metals , commodities etc
I like foreign oil stocks that pay good dividends. I currently own 3,700 shares of Total, paying a dividend yield of ~5%. I also have 200 shares of PBR, the Brazilian oil company, but its dividend is not much if anything. I have 2,000 shares of the ETF SLV, and a few hundred shares of another ETF, GLD. Years ago I purchased ~120 ounces of gold in Maple Leafs ($459 per ounce), French Angels and Roosters ($102-109 each), and British Sovereigns ($140), which I still have in a safe deposit box at the bank. I am waiting for Total to drop below 58 to buy more. I guess I am spoiled, as I purchased some at $42, 48, 52, 56, and 58. I really cannot find anything else to buy that I trust, so I am sitting on a lot of cash.
Hi, Martin, My wife and I have built up net worth and retirement fund, in Real Estate. We started by renting our own house, then having a new one built. Then purchsed 3 triplexes with the equity in our holdings. When the equity increased further, we purchased a 27 unit building for $540,000 (20 yrs ago), it is now worth $2,000,000. All, or most have been puchased with OPM! So the returns have been dramatic, we used very little of our own cash, except to improve our investments. The secret? buy your property RIGHT! If your costs are in this industry are CONTROLLED diligently, then you cannot lose, in the long run, people HAVE to live SOMEWHERE. Choose your tenants wisely. Take out tax free cash, when you refinance. And dont get GREEDY! Mind you someone has to pay tax, one day, when you sell, or die, so, DONT SELL! Regards, and thanks Donnie.
This is in reply to your question as to how I invest for this market:
I believe Nick Guarino and Robert Prechter are on target expecting a depression worse than the one in the 1930s and therefore am in Treasury Money Market funds mostly with some in Zero Coupon Treasuries pending the next market crash.
Dear Martin: What a challenging and relevant question. In this era of government misrepresentation of everything from inflation rates to GDP I believe it is imperative to diversify by both asset class as well as geographic region to reduce the omnipresent risk. I believe equal dollar value exposure to markets in Canada (I am Canadian), the US and foreign (BRIC) is prudent. Within these regions I am attempting to diversify with equity, bond and precious metals (short or long as necessary) again with equal dollar value per asset class. I am buying equities based on fundamental value (timed by tech indicators) in tranches. Stop losses are tight and I add to my winners as they break into new trading ranges.
After taking the beating in 2008 with a supposedly “professionally managed portfolio” I’m not brave enough to completely trust anyone. I have followed your advice on a very limited basis(just getting my toes damp), & don’t regret it at all. I’m 72, on fixed income, & can’t make any more mistakes with Wall Street cheerleaders. Maybe I shouldn’t be invested in anything but cash. Money Markets don’t work near as hard as I did to save any money though. Right now, I’m thinking toward more precious metals, & Asian markets.E.Kaminsky
Foreign stocks should relatively do better than US stocks this year. I believe a correction in the US market may occurre in the very near term with a similar response in the foreign markets but they will recover quicker. Gold and sliver should do well long term but this year I believe it will be a tight trading range as will energy stocks. When inflation develops in the next two or three years they should do very well but for this year deflation is not out of the question. Bonds will do very poorly as the dollar falls and interest rates rise possibly next year. I like Wisdom Tree foreign dividend 40%, Securities Silver Trust 10%, Junior gold shares 10%, Inverse dollar ETFs 10%, Proshares TBT short bonds 10%, Cash 10%. Dollar cost average foreign stock,silver and gold over the next 12 months (defaltion?). Buy short and inverse positions soon.
The above comments are what I will be doing and not in any way a recommendation of what anyone else should do.
I am a novice in investment but, somewhat, willing to risk.
I am gravitated toward tax-exempted mutual funds, such as USTEX.
Could you suggest me some other venue ?
david hong
Please send me all strategic investment opportunities. Thank you.
I do not know how much to allocate to each asset class that will perform great in 2010.
So, I’m looking for the right answer. I hope you can provide it. I think your advise is
very good and I trust you.
I do not believe there is an optimal porfolio in todays markets.I don’t believe the playing field is equal and I think the average investor can get creamed if they are not careful.I have most of my portfolio in bonds,short term;some corporate,some in dividend paying companies,oil,gas,canadian banks and real estate trusts.I am thinking of selling all the stocks,should I?
Margaret
Nolan:
I think you should consider investing in GE Stock and other large cap investments. Gold and Silver is steady and increasing too. I also think Euro related investments would be wise.
Nice share. I’ll be linking to this post on my blog for sure.
Keep it up, nice post! Exactly the information I had to have.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRZx7ET9MGg
I made this small video on creating a basic model for the optimal portfolio. Is is simple but can be extended to incorporate a number of variables.
Yes, Honestly I think you are right about this. I wish you will let us know more about this in future posting as well. Waiting for that.. Thanks again ;) ;)