-
Gulf Oil Spill Doesn't Affect Seafood Safety
Aside from the infinitesimal risk inherent in eating fresh seafood at any time, there is no reason for diners to be concerned that the seafood on their plates contain oil-contaminated fish or shellfish. There is no commercial fishing or harvesting in spill-affected areas of the Gulf of Mexico. The public should know that up to 30% of seafood, including salmon and shrimp, is now farm-raised, and that there is broad diversity of supply. Aquaculture is an important industry in South America, Asia and parts of Africa. There is more than enough global supply that originates far from the BP spill area. The spill is a tragedy for many reasons, and especially for people who depend on the Gulf for their livelihoods - the oyster beds could be gone for a generation - but, broadly, it has no impact on the safety of seafood, and there is no reason to be concerned about the safety of restaurant or supermarket seafood, says Raymond James' Senior Restaurant Analyst Bryan Elliott in this edition of Professionally Speaking, hosted by Larry Pugliese.
-
Expect Crowds, Higher Airfares When Traveling This Summer
A recovering economy means more travelers this summer. With more than adequate oil inventories, the price of gasoline at the pump should be more or less the same as it has been during the past few months. If you're traveling by air, expect full airplanes and charges for checked baggage. Base airfares have risen, but there are deals available, especially if you're willing to travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Good deals at hotels may be found in the less-traveled areas of the country. If you're up for a cruise, you'll still find some good deals, especially among regional promotions offered by the various cruise lines. Expect crowded ships and figure on paying up to 40% more for a window in your cabin. Overall, it's shaping up to be a reasonably good summer travel season, say Raymond James' sector analysts Marshall Adkins, Jim Parker, Bill Crow and Joe Hovorka in this edition of Professionally Speaking, hosted by Larry Pugliese.
-
Investment Lessons Emerge from Unsettled Global Marketplace
Instant worldwide market reaction to the good or bad news of the day is typical of the current investment landscape, but there is much to be learned from the interconnectedness of global markets. It is no longer enough, for example, to think you have a diversified portfolio merely because you have exposure to both domestic and foreign stocks - they're the same asset class and they act that way. The economic turmoil in Greece may seem to be regionally specific, but, from a stock perspective, what happens overseas can very easily affect markets everywhere. To be truly diversified, the modern investor may want exposure to commodities, currencies, cash and interest rate markets. Investors can watch for market volatility by using the Volatility Index (VIX) as a guidepost. The index is a measurement of investor complacency and fear. When it starts low and moves up, it's telling you that fear is increasing - and that investors and traders are likely to start selling stocks - says Raymond James' Chief Market Technician Art Huprich in this edition of Professionally Speaking, hosted by Larry Pugliese.
-
To Roth or Not? It's a Question for 2010
No matter how much anyone makes, in 2010 investors saving for retirement will have an opportunity to convert traditional IRAs into Roth IRAs, paying no federal taxes on the transaction until 2011 and 2012.* Before 2010, anyone making $100,000 or more annually couldn't make such conversions. The advantages of the Roth IRA are well known. Because they are funded with after-tax dollars, qualified distributions are tax-free, although unless certain criteria are met, Roth owners must be 59 1/2 or older and have held the IRA for five years before tax-free withdrawals are permitted. As no withdrawals are actually required, high-net-worth individuals can pass untouched Roth accounts to future generations. Conversion isn't for everyone, including those who expect to be in a lower tax bracket or who would have to use other retirement funds to pay the tax, says Susan Hartman, CFP, a tax and estate planning consultant with the firm's Financial Planning Group, in this edition of Professionally Speaking, hosted by Larry Pugliese.
