Richard Band

Richard Band

Richard Band is the author of Contrary Investing, in addition to numerous investment monographs. He has appeared on financial radio and TV and has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Forbes and other leading publications. Richard graduated from Yale University, magna cum laude, and has been a respected investment commentator since 1982.

Recent Articles

3 Ways to Make Your Cash Work for You Again

By Richard Band

These are perilous times for retirees and other folks who rely on investment income to cover living expenses. On one side, we've got the Federal Reserve trying to hammer interest rates into the ground. At the same time, corporations are slashing dividends and defaulting on bonds at an alarming pace. Here's the solution I've worked out: Divide your income-producing assets into these three buckets.

Municipal Bonds: True Bargains or False?

By Richard Band

There are bargains. And there are things that seem to be bargains, but aren't. A car without an engine under the hood is no bargain, unless you wangle a huge discount. The same is true for investments. A real bargain will return your original money, plus a lot more. False bargains may seem cheap, but they only get cheaper. So where do municipal bonds fit? True bargains or false?

Why Going Global Could Save Your Bacon

By Richard Band

When America turns the corner on its banking woes, the U.S. stock market will send up a dazzling fireworks display. But I've got a little secret to tell you. Other countries and markets will breathe an even deeper sigh of relief. Investing in the right foreign markets and stocks could, therefore, go a long way toward helping you recoup the losses you've suffered during the recent downswing.

Riding the Great Stimulus Bandwagon

By Richard Band

If you adapt to the new realities, you stand to make more money in the next 10 months than you did in the past 10 years. You will win, not because President Obama's Stimulus plan ushers in an era of growth, dazzling leadership, vision and reform. And not because Wall Street will settle down and get back to going up. You will win by buying the rallies, exactly as described in Your Recovery Plan.

2 High-Yielding Energy Plays

By Richard Band

As prices in the petroleum complex bump along sideways, I suggest a cautious approach to the sector. Focus on investments that throw off a generous cash income here and now. At the head of my energy shopping list are publicly traded MLPs that operate pipelines and related infrastructure. Here are my top two picks.

Cash Is Safe, Isn’t It?

By Richard Band

Folks have grown accustomed to viewing money market funds as "cash equivalents," but not all money funds are created equal. Some, in an effort to show a higher yield, have occasionally purchased IOUs that aren't quite as safe as you might like. Click here to find out how to protect yourself and to learn the best places to squirrel your cash away.

3 Conservative Mutual Funds on Sale

By Richard Band

I've been a fan of closed-end funds for a long time. But what are these strange critters, anyway -- and what's so great about them? Find out here, plus get details on three of my current favorites.

How to Prepare for the Obama Tax Trap

By Richard Band

The financial media just isn't telling you about the massive tax trap that's coming your way and its potentially devastating impact. This tax trap could cost investors billions, which is why it's critical that you reposition your assets now. Let me help get you started with several stocks and mutual funds you should sell now.

How to Profit Despite the Gyrating Dow

By Richard Band

Nowadays, you need investments other than stocks to nudge your portfolio ahead -- investments that don't depend on a rising Dow for their success. Discover four ways to make money (and cushion your portfolio) without shackling yourself to a gyrating Dow.

How to Spot a Market Bottom

By Richard Band

I'm not yet convinced this bear market is about to end. Chances are, the blue chip stock indexes will revisit recent lows sometime in the spring of 2009, perhaps before. How will we know when we've hit bottom? There is no official proclamation when it happens, but here are some of the key ingredients to look for. Plus, what you should be doing now to minimize risk and maximize profits.

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