By SIMON CONSTABLE
Venezuela is heading down precisely the same path as the now-defunct Soviet Union did a quarter-century ago. Put bluntly; the country is likely going further into a deep economic hole where it could remain until the middle of the next decade. Read more here.
By SIMON CONSTABLE
A 70% top rate of Federal income tax is a terrible idea.
A century of varying tax regimes along with economic data shows just how bad it could get, if history is any guide.
Despite protestations to the contrary, such a tax rate really isn't a good idea. It could crash the economy, according to soon-to-be-published research. Read more here.
By SIMON CONSTABLE
The big run-up in palladium prices isn't over yet.
Double-digit returns are likely in store over the next few months.
Increased interest in the metal from investors, as well as a relatively tight supply-demand balance, should propel prices even higher over the next half-year. Like gold, palladium is considered a precious metal, but it is overwhelmingly used for industrial purposes. Two-thirds of the production gets used in catalytic converters for automobiles, and another 13% is consumed by the electronics industry. Read more here.
By SIMON CONSTABLE
Wow! The U.K. parliament has been unproductive since the Brexit referendum in June 2016.
But judging by the economic results perhaps we should want more of the same. Read more here.
By SIMON CONSTABLE
Gold is set to surge as long as the Federal Reserve keeps a dovish tone to its policies, which right now looks very likely.
Historically, when the central bank pauses its cycle of increasing the cost of borrowing money, prices for the yellow metal tend to trend higher, according to a recent report.
"[...] after the Fed pauses, historical analysis suggests that gold eventually reacts positively as the pause cycle extends and/or the Fed eases monetary policy," states the March-dated World Gold Council Report. Read more here.
By SIMON CONSTABLE
Smart investors know to be brave when others are wary.
A case in point is Magellan Midstream Partners LP (MMP) , which still hasn't recovered from the 2016 oil market rout. The company, which is a master limited partnership (MLP), makes money from charging oil drillers and others to move crude and refined products, such as gasoline, through its pipeline network. In many ways, the firm is like a toll taker.
Investors should consider buying the stock because it is inexpensive, offers a historically high dividend yield and there's a chance that the company's earnings will get a boost later this year. Read more here.
By SIMON CONSTABLE
Brexit-weary investors in European stocks might want to take refuge in a solid stock with limited downside and the potential for lasting income: London–based insurer Phoenix Group Holdings. The firm makes its money by buying up closed lines of pensions and life insurance at a discount and then winding down the books of business. An annuity provider, for example, might have stopped selling a product to new customers but needs to service existing customers. Read more here.
