In February, I wrote that the decline in stocks was just about over. Why? There was more money available to buy shares than at any time in almost two decades. The $8.85 trillion held in cash, bank deposits and money market funds was equal to 74% of the market value of U.S. companies, the highest ratio since 1990, according to the Federal Reserve.

In a market like this one, it pays to note the subtle differences between ostensibly similar assets. For example, there are car stocks and then there are car stocks. (Yes, I am writing about cars again, but not for the whole column, honest!)

Japan’s exports were cut nearly in half last month as the global downturn crushed demand for the country’s electronics and automobiles, a development that increases the odds that the Japanese yen could be poised for a tumble.

Tuesday’s mega-rally will have many investors itching to get back into the stock market. But Eric Roseman says chasing a short-term bounce could be a big mistake. Similar up-crashes during the Great Depression were followed by prolonged downturns. But Eric says this could be a good time to “nibble” at some quality blue chips or non-Treasury bonds.

U.S. stocks futures fell this morning despite yesterday’s barnstormer rally and heavy hints of a further rate cut by the Fed. “S&P 500 futures dropped 21 points to 917.70 and Nasdaq 100 futures fell 32.5 points to 1,275.50. Dow industrial futures dropped 200 points to 8,889.00,” according to MarketWatch.

Investing in stock markets in a growing economy like India will generally give you better long term returns than investing in bank accounts. The logic is that, when an economy is growing, it means that the various businesses that make up the entire economy are – in total – growing.

Ever since the great tech bubble burst in 2000, everyone has wondered what the “Next Big One” would be. For a while it was real estate. Then it was China. Next, commodities had their stellar run.

The key to making money in oil stocks this year…Is to sell ‘em. That’s right. The editor of an oil-stock advisory is telling you to sell oil stocks. But before you decide I’m committing professional suicide, realize that selling is how you realize profits in any stock, aside from blue chips you plan on keeping forever.

Does This Correction Look Familiar? Major developments are taking place in the precious metals world. As we have noted here in Penny Sleuth, the price of gold is destined for upwards of $2,000. However, we are currently experiencing a very natural correction.