Federated Investors

• Avoiding A Sweeney Todd Haircut: Part Three

  By Reuben Brewer - May 21, 2013 | Tickers: T, FII, SO, VZ

  While the old market saying is sell in May and go away, Bill Gross of PIMCO suggests that investors “gradually reduce risk positions in 2013.” In his typically fun-loving manner, the Bond King compared the risk of investing today to a Sweeney Todd haircut, which makes going away sound better than Gross' advice. However, you can't collect dividends if you aren't invested. AT&T (NYSE: T), Verizon (NYSE: VZmore »)

• Two Plays for Higher Interest Rates

  By Jordan Wathen - May 7, 2013 | Tickers: ADP, FII, TBT

  Think rising interest rates are around the corner?  So does everyone else. At near-zero, rates have only one way to go: up.

  Positioning yourself for rising rates isn't easy. Some say the best way to play higher rates is in complex ETFs like ProShares UltraShort 20+ Year Treasury ETF (NYSEMKT: TBT), which tracks inversely (and then doubles!) the change in daily Treasury prices. Shorting treasuries will make you money more »

• Tom Gayner’s Top 5 Small-Cap Values

  By Meena Krishnamsetty - February 6, 2013 | Tickers: CFX, FII, IGT, RLI, WPC

  Fund analysts are routinely sifting through the less popular, smaller cap stocks that stay out of the public eye, hoping to find arbitrage in these less-efficiently priced securities. When they succeed, they can uncover huge percentage gainers that fit under the sub-$5 billion market cap area. We have done our own analysis of many of the top funds’ largest small-cap holdings to compile a list that has proven to more »

• 5 Dividend Picks from Value Investing Legend

  By Meena Krishnamsetty - January 6, 2013 | Tickers: AB, BOH, FII, KKR, MN

  Financial stocks had a remarkable year in 2012. Based on the Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF), financials were the best performing sector last year, returning 23.4%. Despite the broad sector’s rally, some financial stocks remain undervalued. With the growth prospects of the sector expected to improve in 2013, financials are likely to extend their gains further. The greatest potential for market-beating returns over the medium term are more »

• Stocks to Avoid While The Fed Keeps Rates Flat

  By Reuben Brewer - December 20, 2012 | Tickers: BRK-B, FII, PAYX, PRU

  So the Federal Reserve reconfirmed that it intends to keep interest rates at historically low levels for the foreseeable future. Low rates are good if you are borrowing money, but aren't so great if you are investing money. This will continue to hinder the businesses of companies with rate related businesses.

• Good Dividends From These Asset Managers

  By Chris Hodge - November 14, 2012 | Tickers: FII, OAK, PSEC, TCAP

  Asset management companies are a funny bunch. Their purpose is to invest people's savings for maximum profit, but I've found that you can also invest in the companies themselves like you can with other businesses. It's a little weird to think about, but I guess it's the same as investing in a casino. You don't get paid when any particular gambler loses, but you do more »

• This is Good Investment Advice!

  By Chuck Carnevale - July 30, 2012 | Tickers: AMG, BLK, FII, BEN, GBL |

  The timeless investment strategy advocated by the world’s greatest investors is value investing followed by a buy-and-hold approach. In today’s world of instant gratification, many foolishly eschew the buy-and-hold approach. I believe that is a mistake, especially if you buy the right investment at the right price or value. I believe that BlackRock (NYSE: BLK), the world’s largest asset manager, meets all the requirements of a good more »

• Asset Managers in the Spotlight

  By Chris Martin - February 17, 2012 | Tickers: BLK, EVR, FII, LM

  For those that read the WSJ, you've been seeing the recent changes the SEC is trying to push through governing money market funds.  Both the corporate world and the investment world are vehemently opposed to them and should they pass would only further drain these funds of their assets.  

  Currently there is a little under $3T in money funds which is down from a spike of $4T several years more »