TL Corner

“No taxes can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant.” ~ George Washington

The latest banking crisis in Europe, this time in the tiny island nation of Cyprus, shows that the continent has not yet truly solved its financial problems. It has only applied a series of band-aids that have temporarily averted disaster, but have not yet provided a firmer long-term footing for the Euro-bloc. There could be another crisis of confidence at almost any time, with Italy and Spain being the most likely instigators.

The Turnaround Letter identifies diverse healthcare stocks with potential to bottom out and--most importantly--begin improving performance in the coming months.

Mutual funds are a great option for investors looking for ready-made diversification. Given our contrarian bent, The Turnaround Letter emphasizes funds that either focus on turnaround investing as part of their strategy or are themselves something of a turnaround.

The Turnaround Letter always urges its readers not to try to time the market. This article summarizes why you should choose a reasonable investment strategy and stick with it in both good times and bad.

One of the top stories in the bankruptcy and turnaround investing world over the past few weeks has been the merger of US Airways with AMR Corp. (the parent of American Airlines). Most of the press coverage has discussed the effect on the two airlines that are merging. We believe that, in the short run at least, the principal beneficiaries of the merger may be their competitors, particularly Delta and United.

“Mortgage Insurance Stocks: Beneficiaries of Increasing Home Prices” details a unique opportunity for turnaround investors to cash in on the housing market rebound.<

“Metal Stocks: From Laggards to Leaders” explains why certain commodity-related investments within the steel and aluminum industry could see potential turnaround gains.

“High Yield Bonds: Time for Even More Caution” warns investors of the inherent risks in today’s high yield bond market—identifying multiple sources for those risks.

“Small Caps with Big Rebound Potential” explores the inefficient niche of turnaround investing coupled with its equally inefficient investing sector--small caps—for stock picks with solid businesses, decent balance sheets and good rebound potential.

“No taxes can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant.” ~ George Washington Read More.

The latest banking crisis in Europe, this time in the tiny island nation of Cyprus, shows that the continent has not yet truly solved its financial problems. It has only applied a series of band-aids that have temporarily averted disaster, but have not yet provided a firmer long-term footing for the Euro-bloc. There could be another crisis of confidence at almost any time, with Italy and Spain being the most likely instigators. Read More.

I don’t normally comment on individual stocks in this particular blog, but the MGIC situation represents a basic investment principle that is worthy of discussion here.

Read More.

Price-to-Earnings ratios are probably the most widely used tool for comparing the relative values of different stocks.

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This question comes up frequently when the market takes a dip.

Read More.