This time last year I made 10 predictions for 2012. So how did I go? Not so bad! Here's a look back at what played out in the past year.

A reader recently questioned why I would support Peter Thornhill's argument that stocks are 'safe' investments. Here's why.

It's been a year since we launched our high-income stock portfolio and we're pleased to announce that it has blown the market out of the water with a return of 20.2%.

Australian retailers have been through a rough patch, but will this Christmas shopping season be big enough to bring back the joy?

When is a cliff not a cliff? And should we be investing in the US? Here's one reader's take on the big issues and how I see it unfolding.

These two mining stocks have provided Australians with an easy way to ride the wave of growth in China. But if you have to choose one, which should it be?

The Australian economy is shifting down a gear as planned investment slips and the mining sector slows. Will the Reserve Bank bring us the rate cut we need?

Shares in home-grown biotech star CSL shot above $50 on an upgraded profit outlook. Is it too late to buy? James Dunn analyses CSL's outlook.

Bonds form an important part of a diversified investment portfolio. But don't make the mistake of thinking fixed interest means risk free. Here are two risks to watch.

It’s the battle of the big airlines – Qantas and Virgin Australia. But should you choose either of these stocks for your SMSF portfolio?

Cash-flow positive property means your SMSF benefits from direct income from day one. But are they all they’re cracked up to be?

With fiscal cliff concerns prevailing and markets heading lower, how long until it’s all under control and stocks head higher again?

The market's nerves are being tested and we're going to be on shaky ground until the US safely avoids the fiscal cliff. Should you be buying stocks now?

Santa normally brings the stock markets a nice rally for Christmas, but there are some grinches about that could steal this year's festive gains.

We missed out on a Cup Day interest rate cut. But did the Reserve Bank make the right decision? I put the economy under the microscope.

As Americans get ready to vote tomorrow, history shows that stocks provide the greatest returns with a Democrat President and a Republican Congress.

ANZ and National Australia Bank have just reported their results and Westpac is set to do the same next week. How do their yields stack up?

The market has some hurdles to get over in the short-term, especially with the US election and fiscal cliff approaching. But it's a different story for the medium term.

As the US fiscal cliff looms with the winner of the presidential election still to be decided, the markets are entering a nervous end to 2012.

It's important to understand the 11 major sectors on the S&P/ASX 200 index in order to create a diversified stock portfolio. Here's an overview and outlook.

Stocks have sold-off in Australia following the drop in the US on Friday. But I'm not overly worried about this dip and here's why.

Here are the two big issues that will impact your self-managed super portfolio over the remainder of the year, as well as my response to Safety vs Negativity.

If you had listened to negative experts in recent years, you would have missed the 42.7% recovery in stock prices. Now is not the time to be in that camp.

Warren Buffett has famously invested in railroads, but would he find QR National attractive? More importantly, should your SMSF?

Concerns are mounting that the Government is about to make a super cash grab amid a likely struggle to achieve a budget surplus.

The RBA expects the peak in resource investment to likely come next year. So where should you invest in a post-mining boom world?

The US stock market has been climbing at an unsustainable pace and a 'healthy' pullback is expected. These are the levels to look out for.

There’s a weird contribution strategy that could help someone get a large amount into super. But is it legal?

It looks like the optimists are giving the pessimists a good beating. But will it last? I take a look at what's looking good and what's not.

Here's a stock that sits a little outside the type of company I usually like, but it's a solid stock with good long-term prospects.

Back in March, I recommended Spark Infrastructure as a buy. With the stock up strongly, should you buy more, hold it, or take profit?

Property investing within your self-managed super fund can be rewarding, but it is also a highly regulated affair. Read this first.

I recommended this stock to Switzer Super Report readers six months ago. It's now up 20%! So should your next move be to buy, sell or hold?

Commonwealth Bank is issuing a new hybrid security – PERLS VI – that shares the qualities of bonds and stocks. Will it suit your self-managed super fund? Here's our opinion.

Our high-income stock portfolio has been charging ahead of the market to be up 8.3% since December, or 12.3% when dividends are included. So now it's time to rebalance. Here's where we're at.

Iron ore prices have been in freefall, but something is not adding up. Charlie Aitken takes a closer look and gives his recommendation.

The countdown is on for Europe's big meeting in two weeks' time, but this Friday all eyes will be on the Fed boss talking at Jackson Hole. Will he give the markets a shot of stimulus?

The markets have been offish as investors lock in profits ahead of a major European meeting in two weeks. Should we be concerned, and what about BHP?

Defensive stocks have performed well in recent times and are now very expensive. As the market turns, here's where you can find value in the cheaper cyclical stocks.

Exchange-traded funds can come in handy when you're in a position where you need to get into the stock market quickly.

The energy sector is trading below long-run valuations, but don't let that turn you off because there's value to be found. Here are eight stocks in the energy and utilities sectors to consider.

Charlie believes the five-year downtrend is over. Plus, these are the stocks he says will outperform this earnings season.

Telstra shares have risen 59% since mid November. But has this positive story lost its sheen? We look at whether you should hold, buy or sell this stock in your self-managed super fund (SMSF).

Shares in Woodside Petroleum are down by 50% from their all-time high. But can it claw its way back? Here's the analysis.

History shows times like these are the best for buying stocks. Geoff Wilson looks at the numbers and names four companies he's buying.

The hunt for good income-paying stocks is intensifying, so don't limit yourself to the big names like Telstra, Coca-Cola Amatil and the banks. Here are some other options.

Investor demand for the traditional defensive dividend strategy has been significant, according to George Boubouras. So which dividend-paying stocks should you look at for your SMSF?

Concessional contributions tax is set to increase, giving great importance to franking credits for those people who want to reduce the tax increase.

It's the first of its kind on the ASX, but is BetaShare's BEAR fund a good investment for your SMSF? Paul Rickard looks at your options.

Stock markets around the globe rallied on Friday, and our market is doing the same. But does this rally have legs. I look at what's behind it.

The banking sector is showing opportunity and is likely to report yet another record profit season. But there's more to it than that.

US companies are releasing their full-year results. Will we be pleasantly surprised, or will the sluggish economy come back to bite?

Our stock portfolios were under a lot of pressure in the 2012 financial year. So what lies ahead? Charlie Aiken names the stocks to watch.

It's been just over six months since we launched our high income stock portfolio, and we're pleased to see it outperforming the market.

The market is on edge as the EU prepares to meet. Can they come up with a solution once and for all? I hope so, but I'm anxious.

The events of recent weeks have brought changes in the media landscape to a head. Should you own media stocks? Here's a look at the main players in the sector.

Taking a pension from a balanced fund in volatile times could erode your savings. Here's an approach that can add years to your pension.

The markets have let loose a sigh of relief, with stocks pushing higher on news that the Greeks have voted to support fiscal reform. But what does this mean for the long term?

The emerging markets have been placed on the backburner while investors focus on Europe, but is the growth potential worth tapping into?

To get an insight into when the stock market will recover we first need to understand what is happening in the global economy.

Are annuities worth it? Ron Bewley takes looks at the numbers and prepares you for his series on 'How to make your money last a lifetime'.

If you've never considered investing in a Listed Investment Company (LIC), then read this introduction on how they could benefit your SMSF.

There's nothing more annoying than seeing the markets at the mercy of wise guys, but amid the daily swings, DIY super investors have to keep the big picture in mind.

The stock market hasn't been kind to investors in recent weeks, but it is still possible to achieve positive gains with dividends. Here's how our income portfolio is holding up.

Regular readers know that while I was prepared for a pullback in May, I'm still cautiously optimistic on stocks overall. A lot of that rests on what happens in Europe. Here I debate with a well respected profes..

Domestic stocks have wiped out all the gains made since the start of the year and the markets are going to remain shaky for at least four weeks. These are the issues that will impact stocks.

Investors looking to lock in secure income over the next few months may be interested in National Australia Bank's new hybrid security. Here are the details.

Telstra has made some stellar gains and its recent pullback has allowed investors to lock in some profit. But how should you play this stock in the short term? Here are the levels to watch and to take profit.

Certain stocks will perform better than others in the economic climate of reduced Government spending and lower rates. George tells us his preferences from a diversified range.

As predicted, some significant changes have been made to super caps in the Federal Budget. Here are all the changes, what they mean for you and the actions you should take.

The stock market has entered a period where many hurdles are going to test investors' confidence and their patience. These are the key bullets we need to dodge.

May is finally here and what investors all over the world are asking is if the 'sell in May' rule will play out once again this year. I look at the indicators and tell you how I'm playing this market.

There has been speculation of potential changes to the super contributions cap in next week's Federal Budget. But what could change? One possibility is the contributions cap for those over 50. Paul Rickard look..

The chill has lifted on global equity markets and things are starting to look up. Here are the stocks and sectors you should look at as the market gears up for the second half of the year.

The time of year is arriving where the markets may not be on their best behaviour, but should we be concerned? Here's what I am focusing my attention on in the coming weeks.

One thing I have learned in terms of contrarian value investing is that value alone is not enough to generate outperformance. So, do BHP Billiton and National Australia Bank have what it takes to outperform?

There is no doubt that energy is a core theme for a portfolio and these two energy stocks have different elements that can benefit a DIY super fund.

The Aussie stock market has been a bit behind Wall Street in recent times, but there's reason to believe that's going to change sometime this year. Here's what I think.

Goldman Sachs says equities are looking pretty good relative to bonds, but with the recent rise in stocks, the stockbrokers are cutting ratings back to neutral. Here's one company that's rated Buy.

Here are three ASX-listed companies that are catching Charlie's eye, including two Buy recommendations and one cheap speculative stock that has the potential to take off.

It was Warren Buffett who famously said that he likes to be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful. So why is it that I now think it's time to be scared for those in the stock market?

Five top-100 companies have lowered their profit guidance in the past week, sending clear signals of sluggishness in the two-speed economy. Here are five large-cap stocks to focus on.

Finding a good bank account for your DIY super can be tricky and there are not many tailored options out there. Here's a look at how five common accounts stack up.