Investing Topics: Interest Rates
Utility Bonds: Still Keeping It Short
By
Roger S. Conrad on
May. 12, 2024
A number of readers have asked my views on bonds as an alternative to dividend paying stocks. That’s understandable, given what’s been general investor disinterest in dividends over the past year and a half, even when companies have raised them reliably and robustly.
Avoiding the Worst Mistake Investors Will Make in 2023
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Jan. 13, 2023
The worst mistake investors will make this year won’t be getting caught with a stock on the heels of a disappointing earnings report, misjudging the Federal Reserve’s resolve fighting inflation—or the rising risk of a recession.
What the Fed’s Latest Move Means for Income Seekers
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Nov. 3, 2022
It’s official: The Federal Reserve raised the target range for its Fed Funds rate to 3.75-4 percent. And accompanying “Fed speak” strongly implies more substantial increases ahead.
Utility Stocks and The Fed: Time for a Reality Check
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Jul. 24, 2019
Wall Street consensus is the U.S. Federal Reserve will officially close the book on three-and-a-half years of monetary tightening next week, by cutting its benchmark Federal Funds interest rate. But our focus needs to be on earnings and guidance, not headlines.
The Fed Turns a Page, We Stay Focused on Growth
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Mar. 21, 2019
At the end of the day, dividend stocks behave like other stocks - returns track prospects for companies’ health and growth, whether the Fed is raising rates or cutting them. That’s what to focus on, now more than ever.
There’s Still Value in High Yield Bonds
By
Roger S. Conrad on
May. 12, 2018
For bonds, selectivity is key.
An Eye on Washington and Two Eyes on Fourth-Quarter Earnings
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Feb. 12, 2017
Although interest rates and federal policies can affect the stock market and create challenges and opportunities, how companies have positioned themselves and how management teams react to changes ultimately shape investors’ returns.
Lessons from 2016 and Outlook for 2017
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Jan. 10, 2017
Two of our three model Portfolios outperformed the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Utility Average handily last year, while our aggressive picks lagged. We review what went right and what went wrong, with an eye toward refining our process.
It Pays to Stick with Utility Stocks
By
Roger S. Conrad on
Sep. 4, 2015
Investors should take advantage of market volatility and fears of rising interest rates to establish or add to positions in high-quality utility stocks.
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.
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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