The Globe and Mail - John Heinzl Columns

Stocks inflated? Maybe they're just 're-normalized'

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00 EDT

jheinzl@globeandmail.comSome investors and analysts are convinced that stocks are cheap, even after the market's gravity-defying gains over the past few months.Others are warning that stocks have risen too far, too fast and are poised for a pullback any day now.

STARS AND DOGS

Sat, 16 May 2009 00:00 EDT

(STAR)Cascades Inc. CAS - TSXYesterday's close$4.85, up $1.01over weekCascades? Is that, like, the dishwasher detergent? No, dum-dum, it's a company that makes packaging products and tissue paper. It also makes money - for a change. Helped by higher selling prices, lower raw material costs and a falling Canadian dollar, Cascades made $37-million in the first quarter, its first profit since 2007. Pass the tissues: Shareholders are crying tears of joy.

Five reasons to believe the worst is behind us

Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00 EDT

INVESTMENT REPORTER Cheer up, folks. Not only is the long weekend almost here, but as you kick back with a cold one and fire up the grill, you can take comfort knowing that the worst is probably over for the economy and financial markets.

Avoid 'drama queens' and save yourself some grief

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00 EDT

INVESTMENT REPORTER Like a lot of drama with your investments? All that excitement could end up costing you in the long run.Stocks that have big one-day gains may give your portfolio a short-term boost and get your heart racing. But over time these ''drama queens'' just cause trouble, according to a study by Desjardins Securities.

Name brands show potential for dividend hikes

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00 EDT

jheinzl@globeandmail.comWHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?Yesterday we searched for Canadian stocks with the highest expected dividend growth rates over the next three years. Today we'll use a similar screen to find U.S. companies that are poised to increase their dividends.

Digging for future dividend growth

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00 EDT

jheinzl@globeandmail.comWHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?We here at Number Cruncher love dividends - especially growing dividends. Studies have shown that companies that increase their dividends regularly not only put a growing stream of tax-efficient income in your pocket but outperform the market over the long run.

STARS AND DOGS

Sat, 9 May 2009 00:00 EDT

STARKraft FoodsKFT-NYSEYesterday's close $25.53 U.S., up $2.04 over weekWhenever we ran out of Play-Doh, mommy always had a solution: ''Here, play with this block of soft, creamy Velveeta cheese.'' Whether you enjoy making cheese sculptures, toasting Jet-Puffed marshmallows or sipping Maxwell House coffee, Kraft has all your food needs covered. And with first-quarter profit jumping 10 per cent thanks to higher prices, it's got your investing needs covered, too.

Defensive stocks languish in bargain bin

Fri, 8 May 2009 00:00 EDT

INVESTMENT REPORTER Worried that you missed the market rally? Cheer up. Even though economically sensitive stocks such as financials and energy have been roaring ahead on hopes the recession is fading, plenty of ''defensive'' sectors have barely budged.

Bear markets hard on investment clubs

Wed, 6 May 2009 07:12 EDT

But sticking to an investment strategy and wisely using technology can keep investors together, and winning