Investing Topics: Bonds
Pockets of Opportunity and Cause for Caution
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Oct. 12, 2015
We highlight some of the most profitable themes for income-seeking investors in essential-service stocks while sounding a note of caution on the near term.
What’s Working Now
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Aug. 10, 2015
The bear market in energy stocks continues. But there are still plenty of ways to lock in above-average yields and build long-term wealth with our favorite essential-services stocks.
Key Themes for the Second Half of 2015
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Jul. 12, 2015
The utility sector is a mixed bag right now: Some stocks remain at elevated valuations and look ripe for profit-taking; others look like good buys for opportunistic investors.
Stay Vigilant, Focus on Value
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Mar. 7, 2015
The market’s attention has turned to the Federal Reserve once again. But savvy investors will focus on industry- and company-specific drivers to identify outperformers. We explore several key trends for essential-services investors.
More Dividend Cuts to Come in Energy Sector
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Jan. 12, 2015
There's more pain to come for many high-yielding exploration and production stocks.
The Fed Ends Quantitative Easing: What’s Next for Dividend Stocks?
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 4, 2014
Last week, the Federal Reserve ended its bond-buying program. Here's what this long-awaited policy shift means for dividend-paying stocks.
Bonds: What to Do in a Seller’s Market
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Aug. 17, 2014
The seller's market for bonds favors dividend-paying equities, but investors need to remain disciplined and avoid overpaying for quality.
Closed-End Bond Funds: Proceed with Caution
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Mar. 30, 2014
Closed-end bond funds have pulled back over the past 12 months in anticipation of rising interest rates. Investors eyeing these funds' high yields should proceed with caution.
One-Stop Utility Bond Shop
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Dec. 3, 2013
Since World War II, no regulated utility has ever failed to make its bondholders whole from disaster. That gives utility bonds a level of safety no other sector can match, particularly after 11 years of systematically cutting debt and operating risk.
Utility bonds’ years of being under-rated may be coming to an end, now that Moody’s is considering a sector-wide upgrade. But for now, they’re under-priced and therefore yield more than debt of equivalent real risk.
Bond Bargains and Booby Traps
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Jul. 15, 2013
Utilities and essential services stocks are known for their long-run stability—both all-weather business strength and low share price volatility. But even they pale before the unmatched reliability of utility bonds.
MODEL PORTFOLIOS & RATINGS
Aggressive Income Portfolio
Roger's favorite utilities for investors seeking superior price appreciation by taking calculated risks.
Conservative Income Portfolio
Harness the tried and true wealth-building power of rising dividends.
Top 10 DRIPs
Nothing compounds wealth like reinvesting a rising stream of dividends.
Endangered Dividends List
Warning: Falling Dividends.
Utility Report Card
Roger's current take and vital statistics on more than 200 essential-services stocks.
Conrad's Utility Investor
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