Commodities

From collaterized commodities funds (CCFs) to hard precious metals (gold or silver) here is much disagreement as to the role of commodities in balanced portfolios, but a case to be made for including them in certain circumstances.

10 Sides to Bitcoin: Crypto-Currency Bubble or Bold New Paradigm?

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Lazy

If you haven’t heard of Bitcoin, you will soon – either as its adoption (and value) continues to skyrocket, or as the bubbly atmosphere it inhabits bursts in spectacular fashion. But many of the news outlets and new adopters alike … Continue reading →

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Return of the Rates: 4 of the Best Investments for Periods of High Inflation

Posted on November 2, 2011 by Lazy

Inflation is perhaps the biggest enemy of a would-be retiree, eating away at the value of core investments virtually across the board – the 70s shook investors to their core, causing many to flee stocks and bonds in favor of … Continue reading →

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Gold Bugs: Blinders Off, Please, and Watch for Windshield Wipers

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Lazy

The above chart summarizes everything wrong with the gold perma-bull position. Taken out of context, it looks like gold is a no-brainer – might as well just cash out those bonds, sell off those stocks and sit tight, right? Wrong. … Continue reading →

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Of Permanent Portfolios & Imperfect Precious Metals

Posted on May 1, 2011 by Lazy

The data doesn’t lie: gold is not an inflation hedge. It is also not the number one recipient of fund inflows during most flights to safety (see, for example, 2008 and 2009). However, in small amounts, over long periods, it … Continue reading →

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