WSJ.com: Green Thumb

High-Yield Munis Still Worth Risk

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:16:00 EDT

An axiom of bond investing: Bagging the juiciest yields means taking on spine-tingling risk. The easier way to invest in high-yield munis is via a mutual fund.

What to Do to Survive This Market

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:35:00 EDT

As stocks flirt with bear-market territory, most investors, long schooled in the buy-and-hold philosophy, have ridden the market down. But now that investors have lost 20% of their money, what should they do?

Agriculture Is Fertile Play for Investors

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 00:30:00 EDT

Some investors might wonder if it's too late to cash on soaring food investments. Indeed, buying individual commodities is risky; ETFs that own farm commodities are safer. But it might be best to buy agriculture-related stocks that have yet to benefit.

Uncle Sam Gets Tougher on IRA Error

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 01:15:00 EDT

Investors who miss the deadline for moving retirement savings from one account to another are getting a new message from Uncle Sam: Tough luck. A change in tax rulings means some account holders are facing big tax bills.

Annuities: Fine Print Needs a Check

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:05:00 EDT

A shaky stock market and low rates on CDs have sent investors flocking to fixed annuities with deferred payouts. But they aren't a smart choice for many savers, particularly younger ones or those who may need ready access to funds.

In Rebound, Small-Cap Is Beautiful

Fri, 30 May 2008 22:47:00 EDT

Like springtime crocuses, small-cap stocks flourish once the harsh cold of a bear market is over. If the market indeed is on a warming trend that will last, they are worth a look.

Callable CDs May Not Serve Savers

Fri, 16 May 2008 21:29:00 EDT

With savers pressed to find decent returns, there's a lot of interest in callable CDs. Trouble is, savers run the risk that the issuing bank will yank the CD from them should rates decline. But that doesn't stop brokers from pushing them.

Bonds Tied to Mortgages Have Hope

Fri, 09 May 2008 21:57:00 EDT

Maybe there's a way to thrive in the howling wasteland that is the home-loan market. Bonds backed by mortgages look like a buying opportunity, assuming a new spate of defaults doesn't send their prices tumbling again.

Look for Firms That Raise Dividends

Fri, 02 May 2008 22:51:00 EDT

Amid a topsy-turvy market, here's some insight that can prove helpful in picking stocks: Companies that consistently raise their dividends return the most to investors over the long pull.