Auto stocks have had a nice run over the past month, the present Cyprus jitters notwithstanding.  Before the recent sell-off, most global automakers were up 5-8% for the month, with two notable exceptions: German automakers Daimler AG (Pink: DDAIF) and Volkswagen AG (Pink:VLKAY).  And though it’s not included in the stock chart, rival German luxury...Read More

If Silvio Berlusconi couldn’t set off a Eurozone crisis, then there is little chance that Cyprus will. Is this reasoning a little on the simplistic side?  Yes.  But that doesn’t mean it isn’t completely true. For anyone not up to speed on the matter, Cyprus is days away from national bankruptcy and systematic bank failure...Read More

I’ve been a big believer in midstream master limited partnerships (MLPs) for a long time.  The U.S. domestic energy revolution has created massive new demand for pipeline infrastructure, and a lack of attractive income options elsewhere makes them doubly attractive to individual investors. As an asset class, MLPs are off to a great start in...Read More

Life hasn’t gotten any easier for Big Tobacco.  Last week, Russia became the latest country to impose major new restrictions on smoking in public places.  Starting in June, Russians will no longer be able to smoke in restaurants, and cigarette advertising will be banned. I have my doubts as to how strictly the ban will...Read More

In the world of investing, so many things work better in theory than in practice. Executive stock options?   They are now reviled by investors as a way for management to quietly loot the companies they are paid to steward.  When done in excess (which is the rule) they massively dilute shareholders over time.  They also...Read More