Income investing is a good idea in today’s hostile markets. But Louis Basenese says General Electric’s (NYSE:GE) high dividend doesn’t compensate for the company’s current problems. Louis recommends TEPPCO Partners (NYSE:TPP), a master limited partnership with a solid revenue stream and ample liquidity.

Trying to predict the daily movements of the markets is hopeless these days, says David Newman. But that doesn’t matter. Great long-term opportunities are still out there. General Electric (NYSE:GE) is a top grade company with an undervalued share price. And its high and steady dividend means investors are in no hurry to snap up quick gains.

The mad rush to US Treasuries has driven yields down to measly levels. But Andrew Gordon says investors can find much better returns with Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs). Better still, large-cap pipeline MLPs get their revenues from fees, and so are less exposed to wild swings in oil and gas prices.

Times are tough. But they are not so bad that we should abandon the quest for profits, says Louis Basenese. Buying US Treasury bonds with zero yields is idiotic. Louis gives six alternative investment options with big profit potential.

There is a way to join a company’s long-term employee benefit program without lifting a finger, says Jim Nelson. Some firms offer Dividend Retirement Plans (DRIPs), which allow you to both receive regular dividend checks and reinvest earnings in discounted stock. And as long as dividend payments keep coming, there is no need to worry about a volatile share price.

Karim Rahemtulla says covered call investing is a strategy that offers something great in today’s market: steady, consistent income. Here, Karim explains how to make solid gains by selling call options on the shares of your favourite companies.

Yesterday’s assurance by General Electric (NYSE:GE) that it will maintain its dividend next year is a big buy signal says Andrew Snyder. The mega-conglomerate is one of America’s finest, and it will see its way through this recession. Better still: investors can lock in to this stable income stream at dirt cheap prices today.