Investors are Reaching -- and Making Big Mistakes

Has anyone else noticed the rise of dubious investment propositions?

I am getting quite a few inquiries from clients and others about some great opportunities they have been offered.

I am seeing more email than usual about "home run" stocks and systems.

Both print and television adds have a focus on gold.  Please note that we frequently have positions in gold ETF's, but some of the advertising recommends gold strategies where investor might overpay for illiquid assets, and also pay a big commission.

There are systems that seem to offer a guaranteed yield far above prevailing rates, without much ability to gauge the underlying value.

These are only examples.

I am working on a series covering this theme.  I invite readers, including colleagues in the advisory business, to send me additional examples.

More to come....

[long GDX and XME]

Comments

[John Sweda]

They came out with another gold ETF on November 11th:

Market Vectors Gold Miners Juniors (NYSEArca: GDXJ)

The largest holding at 6.41% is Coeur d'Alene Mines. The following article suggests that prospective investors look closely at the top ten holdings, as these comprise 46% of the total:

http://www.etftrends.com/2009/12/junior-gold-miner-etf-luring-investors-gold-tops-records.html

[http://www.limosbusesjets.com]

your post is helpful and informative