Daily sentiment can change on a “Susan B. Anthony.” For instance, in the time that Prime Minister Mario Monti has held the reins of control in Italy, global markets have felt better about the prospect of the European Union holding itself together. At the start of Monday’s trading, in fact, stock assets around the world [...] [...more]
As long as interest rates remain low, excess money eventually moves into riskier areas on the spectrum. Higher yielding bonds, convertibles, preferreds, stocks… they all benefit. Of course, if fewer people buy treasuries because they pursue greater risks, the Federal Reserve must continue to offset waning demand. Is $85 billion per month enough? It better be. Consider [...] [...more]
Abbott Laboratories (ABT) sports 5-year dividend growth of nearly 10% as well as a 3.5%+ annualized yield. Eli Lilly (LLY) has a P/E of 9, a 5.3% dividend yield and 3-years earnings growth of 19%. Meanwhile, AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) has a mammoth 35% trailing return on equity with a 5.8% annual dividend payout. How in the world are investors [...] [...more]
