http://moneycentral.msn.comInvesting & Personal Finance Articles by MSN ExpertsCopyright 2006 Microsoften-ushttp://sc.msn.com/global/c/lgpos/MSFT_pos.gifhttp://moneycentral.msn.comCommentaryVad Yazvinski is leading the race with 10% returns in his hedged portfolios that mix long and short positions. The Amateur looks like he needs a new nickname.Fri, 09 May 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StrategyLab/Rnd17/StratLabSummary.aspxInvesting/StrategyLab/Rnd17/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StrategyLab/Rnd17/StratLabSummary.aspxRon PrichardThe petroleum giant is shying from risky exploration and spending money on buying back stock. Over the long haul, those moves could lead the company to go private or disappear.Fri, 09 May 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/JubaksJournal/IsExxonMobilsFutureRunningDry.aspxInvesting/JubaksJournal/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/JubaksJournal/IsExxonMobilsFutureRunningDry.aspxJim JubakStocks end higher, with gains in energy, metals and technology shares. Financial stocks, however, swoon. Wal-Mart benefits from consumers' penny-pinching. Reporting a huge loss, American International Group plans to raise $12.5 billion in new capital.Fri, 09 May 2008 02:00:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/080508markets.aspxInvesting/Dispatch/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/080508markets.aspxCharley Blaine and Elizabeth StrottThe US financial engine is sputtering, but all the recent tinkering just may keep it running. Maybe we can turn off the warning signals, at least for now. Thu, 08 May 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/SuperModels/AnEndToTheEconomicFreeFall.aspxInvesting/SuperModels/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/SuperModels/AnEndToTheEconomicFreeFall.aspxJon MarkmanThe collective wisdom of an online community combined with some canny data-mining can lead investors to companies ready for their moment in the sun.Thu, 08 May 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/FiveStocksThatBlossomInMay.aspxInvesting/Extra/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/FiveStocksThatBlossomInMay.aspxThe Motley FoolWhile crude oil hits new highs, weakness in financial stocks drags just about all stocks lower. Weak pending home sales hit home-building shares. International tourists help Disney work its magic. Cisco's caution pushes shares lower.Thu, 08 May 2008 00:15:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/080507markets.aspxInvesting/Dispatch/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/080507markets.aspxCharley Blaine and Elizabeth StrottThe goal is to develop new lines of affordable, slimmed-down PCs for the next billion users, primarily in the developing world. Wed, 07 May 2008 16:30:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/ComputerMakersChaseHundredDollarLaptop.aspxInvesting/Extra/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/ComputerMakersChaseHundredDollarLaptop.aspxChristian Science MonitorAgriculture stocks have risen like growth stocks over the past year. But one star, Archer-Daniels-Midland, is in a lull that could be a buying opportunity.Wed, 07 May 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StrategyLab/Rnd17/StratLabOpen.aspxInvesting/StrategyLab/Rnd17/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StrategyLab/Rnd17/StratLabOpen.aspxJamie DlugoschIt's not the prospect of a Microsoft-Yahoo deal. The Web giant's bigger worry is the mobile phone in your pocket or purse. Here's why.Wed, 07 May 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/TheRealThreatToGoogle.aspxInvesting/Extra/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/TheRealThreatToGoogle.aspxBusinessWeekShort-term rallies and wishful thinking have buyers ready to pounce, but the end of the credit mess isn't yet here. In the meantime, here's some speculation on bank stocks.Wed, 07 May 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/SuperModels/CreditCrisisOverNotLikely.aspxInvesting/SuperModels/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/SuperModels/CreditCrisisOverNotLikely.aspxJon MarkmanHow did the nation's biggest banks stumble into the subprime crisis? Consider this: Lax boards dangled huge rewards for short-term performance with little incentive to limit risk.Wed, 07 May 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/CompanyFocus/FatCEOPayFedTheMortgageMess.aspxInvesting/CompanyFocus/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/CompanyFocus/FatCEOPayFedTheMortgageMess.aspxMichael BrushIt's not easy to build a low-risk fund that delivers with reasonable risks. Here are the ones I think do it best -- and how we do it at Marketocracy. Wed, 07 May 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P3/AllStarTeam20080507.aspxInvesting/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P3/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P3/AllStarTeam20080507.aspxKen KamOne analyst sees oil hitting $150 to $200 a barrel. Energy stocks jump, and the major indexes are higher. Fannie Mae reports a loss and cuts its dividend. Strong earnings help Cisco Systems and Walt Disney shares move higher in after-hours trading.Tue, 06 May 2008 22:45:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/080506markets.aspxInvesting/Dispatch/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/080506markets.aspxCharley Blaine and Elizabeth StrottThe world’s biggest contract driller for onshore oil and gas appears on an MSN Money list of stocks poised for gains. Here are StockScouter’s best investment ideas.Tue, 06 May 2008 22:00:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/StockScouterTop10.aspxInvesting/Extra/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/StockScouterTop10.aspxMSN Money staffWhen interest rates are lower than inflation, we're bailing out Wall Street at the expense of retirees and working people trying to save money. That's not sustainable.Tue, 06 May 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P2/TheAmateur20080506.aspxInvesting/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P2/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P2/TheAmateur20080506.aspxVad YazvinskiWhen the market turns down, investors too easily settle for weak returns. Here's one mutual fund that shows you can make money even when others aren't.Tue, 06 May 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/MutualFunds/AFundThatsNotAtMarketsMercy.aspxInvesting/MutualFunds/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/MutualFunds/AFundThatsNotAtMarketsMercy.aspxTim MiddletonGo ahead and read those apocalyptic books on the economy if you like a good scare. But be sure you recognize fiction when you see it.Tue, 06 May 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/JubaksJournal/FinancialFearsAndFairyTales.aspxInvesting/JubaksJournal/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/JubaksJournal/FinancialFearsAndFairyTales.aspxJim JubakYahoo investors sell after Microsoft gives up on a $47.5 billion offer; Microsoft shares drop as well. Stocks fall as crude oil tops $120 for the first time and ends at a new closing high. Sprint may sell or spin off Nextel.Tue, 06 May 2008 01:00:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/080505markets.aspxInvesting/Dispatch/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/080505markets.aspxCharley Blaine and Elizabeth StrottA buyout was supposed to provide the software giant with the heft needed to block Google in Web search and online advertising. Now, it's back to the drawing board.Mon, 05 May 2008 15:06:42 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/MicrosoftYahooToRethinkInternetOptions.aspxInvesting/Extra/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/MicrosoftYahooToRethinkInternetOptions.aspxThe Wall Street JournalMany analysts look at the market's current upswing and conclude the US economy has escaped with merely a drive-by downturn. Common sense suggests they're wrong.Mon, 05 May 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/ContrarianChronicles/WhyWeCantCruisePastARecession.aspxInvesting/ContrarianChronicles/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/ContrarianChronicles/WhyWeCantCruisePastARecession.aspxBill FleckensteinThe collective wisdom of an online community and a stock-screening tool help identify companies that pay a juicy portion of their profits in the form of regular dividends.Mon, 05 May 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/FiveStrongDividendPayingStocks.aspxInvesting/Extra/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/FiveStrongDividendPayingStocks.aspxThe Motley FoolI'm playing it safe and selling off Goldman Sachs, although there's still room for gains. A buy on Kinross Gold will help hedge my portfolio.Mon, 05 May 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P6/DogPoundJournal20080505.aspxInvesting/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P6/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P6/DogPoundJournal20080505.aspxRobert WalbergThe recent economic downturn means investors have an opportunity to buy some top-notch, long-closed funds with great managers. But you might want to hurry.Mon, 05 May 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Morningstar/ReopenedFundsBuyWhileYouCan.aspxInvesting/Morningstar/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Morningstar/ReopenedFundsBuyWhileYouCan.aspxMorningstarMicrosoft abandons its Yahoo offer after boosting its offer to $33 a share. The software giant says Yahoo's demands for $37 and growing ties to Google make a deal unworkable. Yahoo insists $33 undervalues the company. Shareholders get to weigh in next.Sat, 03 May 2008 23:00:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/080503MicrosoftAbandonsYahooOffer.aspxInvesting/Dispatch/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/080503MicrosoftAbandonsYahooOffer.aspxCharley Blaine and Elizabeth StrottReports say the tech giants may yet cut a friendly deal. Stocks end mostly higher despite higher commodity prices; crude oil tops $116 a barrel. April's jobs report is not nearly as bad as expected.Fri, 02 May 2008 23:55:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/080502markets.aspxInvesting/Dispatch/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/080502markets.aspxCharley Blaine and Elizabeth StrottFri, 02 May 2008 22:32:24 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/HomeMortgageSavings/SlashYourGroceryBill.aspxInvesting/HomeMortgageSavings/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/HomeMortgageSavings/SlashYourGroceryBill.aspxMP DunleaveyInterest-rate cuts and $108 billion in now-arriving tax rebates may be enough to sustain the market's present rally, but their full effects won't be clear until next year.Fri, 02 May 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/JubaksJournal/ADoubleDipDownturnWaitAndSee.aspxInvesting/JubaksJournal/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/JubaksJournal/ADoubleDipDownturnWaitAndSee.aspxJim JubakMy models show that you're certain to see gains with Eni, ExxonMobil and Chevron in your portfolio.Fri, 02 May 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P5/GuruInvestor20080502.aspxInvesting/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P5/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P5/GuruInvestor20080502.aspxJohn ReeseThe major indexes enjoy their best days since January. Techs stocks fuel the rally, thanks to a higher dollar and crude's fall under $113 a barrel. ExxonMobil's earnings are big -- but not big enough for Wall Street. Microsoft mulls how to handle its Yahoo bid.Thu, 01 May 2008 23:40:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/080501markets.aspxInvesting/Dispatch/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/080501markets.aspxCharley Blaine and Elizabeth StrottStockScouter, MSN Money's stock-picking tool, identifies companies with momentum. May's list is dominated by energy stocks, a group that's held up better than most in a turbulent year.Thu, 01 May 2008 21:30:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/StockScouterTop50.aspxInvesting/Extra/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/StockScouterTop50.aspxMSN Money staffThe home of the square burger has been struggling since founder Dave Thomas died in 2002. Now the owner of a rival chain is betting that he can bring back the sizzle. Thu, 01 May 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/CanArbysMergerSaveWendys.aspxInvesting/Extra/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/CanArbysMergerSaveWendys.aspxBusinessWeekAfter a little research I've concluded that Nvidia merits its five-star rating. I'm adding it to my portfolio along with Woodward Governor, another highly rated pick. Thu, 01 May 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P4/CAPSCommando20080501.aspxInvesting/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P4/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P4/CAPSCommando20080501.aspxRussell CarpenterI made a lot of money on Wednesday on Buffalo Wild Wings and think cashing in my profit now is a good idea. I'm selling Clorox and Bank of America because their near-term prospects look weak.Thu, 01 May 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P6/DogPoundJournal080501.aspxInvesting/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P6/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P6/DogPoundJournal080501.aspxA big stock market rally evaporates as the central bank cites continuing stress in financial markets. Markets may open weaker because some investors want more attention paid to inflation. The Dow and S&P 500 have their first monthly gains since October.Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:55:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/080430markets.aspxInvesting/Dispatch/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/080430markets.aspxCharley Blaine and Elizabeth StrottThis rough market has taken a piece out of the stock price of many companies with great prospects. Buy them near the bottom -- which might be now -- and you could get a bargain.Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/SimpleStrategies/12TopStocksToBuyAtTheBottom.aspxInvesting/SimpleStrategies/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/SimpleStrategies/12TopStocksToBuyAtTheBottom.aspxHarry DomashLet the politicians promise and posture. The Federal Reserve needs to pay attention to its main job. That means an end to interest-rate cuts.Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P2/TheAmateur20080430.aspxInvesting/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P2/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P2/TheAmateur20080430.aspxVad YazvinkskiSoon all companies will report financials in a programming language called XBRL that will allow you and me to slice and dice numbers like never before. Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/CompanyFocus/ARevolutionForSmallInvestors.aspxInvesting/CompanyFocus/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/CompanyFocus/ARevolutionForSmallInvestors.aspxMichael BrushA rising dollar helps tech shares but knocks crude oil, gold and copper lower. MasterCard offers blowout earnings. Wednesday's expected interest-rate cut may be the Fed's last for now. Merck shares tumble.Wed, 30 Apr 2008 01:30:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/080429markets.aspxInvesting/Dispatch/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/080429markets.aspxCharley Blaine and Elizabeth StrottWed, 30 Apr 2008 00:42:31 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StockInvestingTrading/7CommonRetirementTrapsToAvoid.aspxInvesting/StockInvestingTrading/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StockInvestingTrading/7CommonRetirementTrapsToAvoid.aspxSuzanne McGee, MSN MoneyThe tech sector seems to be rebounding, and Nvidia is one of the key stocks poised for nice gains.Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P6/dogpound20080429.aspxInvesting/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P6/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P6/dogpound20080429.aspxThe fund giant has many good options for building your nest egg. One hitch: Your company's plan may not allow you to invest in some of the experts' top choices.Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/MutualFunds/VanguardsBestBetsForYour401k.aspxInvesting/MutualFunds/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/MutualFunds/VanguardsBestBetsForYour401k.aspxTim MiddletonForget supply and demand. We're now seeing scarcity economics at work -- what happens when buyers fear they won't get what they need at any price.Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/JubaksJournal/WhyWereStuckWithInsanePrices.aspxInvesting/JubaksJournal/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/JubaksJournal/WhyWereStuckWithInsanePrices.aspxJim JubakThe Dow drops 20 as investors await the Fed's interest rate decision. Wm. Wrigley soars after Mars agrees to pay $23 billion for the chewing gum maker. Visa beats Street estimates; stock falls. Rebuffed by Continental, United Airlines looks to merge with US Airways. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:30:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/080428markets.aspxInvesting/Dispatch/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/080428markets.aspxCharley Blaine and Elizabeth StrottYahoo lets the Saturday deadline for takeover offer pass. Microsoft may go directly to shareholders next.Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:30:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/MicrosoftConfrontsToughChoiceOnYahoo.aspxInvesting/Extra/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/MicrosoftConfrontsToughChoiceOnYahoo.aspxThe Wall Street JournalThe bellwether measure for mutual funds' future returns had been in decline for years, but costs may be starting to climb again. And that could hurt the typical investor.Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Morningstar/WillExpenseRatiosCreepBackUp.aspxInvesting/Morningstar/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Morningstar/WillExpenseRatiosCreepBackUp.aspxMorningstarI'm staying neutral on the whole bear vs. bull debate. The U.S. economy is taking a beating, but there are many bright spots out there. I'm not letting my portfolio stagnate.Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:01:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P2/TheAmateur20080428.aspxInvesting/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P2/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StrategyLab/Rnd17/P2/TheAmateur20080428.aspxVad YazvinskiSat, 26 Apr 2008 21:45:18 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StockInvestingTrading/canprepschoolmakeyourkidrich.aspxInvesting/StockInvestingTrading/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/StockInvestingTrading/canprepschoolmakeyourkidrich.aspxAbby EllinStocks recover from reports of a clash between U.S. and Iranian ships in the Persian Gulf, and the S&P 500 has its best close since Feb. 1. Investors hope another Fed rate cut will help the rally. Yahoo faces a critical weekend. Airline merger talk heats up.Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:35:00 GMThttp://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/080425markets.aspxInvesting/Dispatch/http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Dispatch/080425markets.aspxCharley Blaine and Elizabeth Strott