9 good bets on the US economy

The US has the world’s most promising economy, if only because the rest of the world looks so risky. Buy these stocks while it lasts.

Breakaway brands of 2010

Some revolutionary brands manage to work their way into our hearts, habits and vocabularies — a real boon for the businesses behind them. Here are 10 household names we know and love.

3 new investing rules to live by

Risk is on the rise, and investors need new strategies and an activist attitude if they hope to stay in the market without getting burned. But help is available.

10 stocks that could’ve made you rich

The market hasn’t been easy, so it’s good to remember how well it can pay off. Here’s a look at companies with names you probably know — and stocks a lot of us wish we’d owned.

What’s Buffett got against gold?

The Oracle of Omaha has become wealthy investing in undervalued companies that contribute valuable goods and services. Gold just sits there.

10 battles over company names

Corporations often fight tooth and nail to protect themselves from competitors they see as coming too close to cashing in on their names. But such skirmishes can have surprising results.

5 rules for the wild year ahead

Amid the market’s ups and downs, keep your eye on the long-term trend moving stocks upward. And should that trend break, prepare to run for cover.

Some employers steal from 401k’s

In tough times, some business owners are facing a tough choice: Pay the bills or deposit their workers’ money into the 401k plan. Here’s how to protect yourself.

Get ready for a wild ride in 2011

Developments in Europe and China are leading me to rethink my strategy for next year. It’s going to be a rougher course than I’ve been expecting.

Voices of authority: Product pitchmen

Advertisers hire admired, trustworthy and persuasive personalities to help them sell their wares. Here are some of the most effective.

Worst investing disasters of all time

As bad as the last few years have been, the markets have recovered from worse. Here’s a look at some of the biggest investing mistakes of all time.

Why food bills are heading higher

The cost of a wide range of commodities has been soaring and will likely keep rising. You can’t fight it, but with some smart investing moves, you can profit from it.

Are ETFs a market menace?

A controversial new report says that exchange-traded funds distort the stock market and are behind an escalating number of trading failures. Should investors worry?

Invest globally in domestic bliss

China plans to focus its economy on domestic consumers; that’s probably a good tactic for investors, too. Here are 9 stocks (you may not have heard of) to help.

How to invest for the next bubble

With the Fed and cash-rich China both pumping cheap money into the system, another global bubble looks likely. Do you play for a sudden pop or a slow deflation?

3 stocks for the epic bull market

Evidence is mounting that the market is on the edge of a major move. If you’re ready to invest, let market trends guide you to the most promising sectors.

401k’s pay off only for lucky few

Millions of Americans have no access to a 401k plan, and many of those who do misjudge market risk — individual retirement plans lost $2 trillion in the recent plunge.

6 investing mistakes novices make

Young adults with steady incomes should be setting some aside for retirement — but that can be a whole lot harder than it sounds. Here’s how to avoid the common missteps.

10 best stocks for $5 or less

With the market up, bargains are harder to find, but a lot of great companies on the brink of turnarounds can still be had cheap.