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

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?

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

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

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

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.