Contrarian Outlook

At this point, I don’t think I really need to say that Trump 2.0 is a lot different than Trump 1.0. And one of those differences—which very few people are talking about—is a huge tailwind for the two...

I recently got some reader feedback that made me realize something: When it comes to our favorite income investments—8%+ yielding closed-end funds (CEFs)—there are still a lot of misconceptions out...

If Trump 2.0 rhymes with Trump 1.0, then this is an intriguing time to consider small-cap dividends. Let me explain—and then we’ll highlight a handful of 11.1% to 12.6% dividend ideas. In 2016,...

When it comes to the economy, we’re in a bit of a weird spot: The data tells us that, despite inflation fears, interest rates are likely to fall in the year ahead. Falling rates point in one clear...

Uncertainty appears to be the theme of 2025. From tariffs to geopolitics, we have a nonstop flow of news that has vanilla investors quite rattled. CNN’s Fear and Greed Index dipped back into the...

Let me say right now that, like most people, I have no idea where the trade tensions we’re living through will end up. But here’s something I will say: Whenever I have any doubt about the future, I...

There’s no doubt it’s been a rough couple weeks for stocks: Both the S&P 500 and the tech-focused NASDAQ have wiped out most of this year’s gains, as of this writing. Stocks Reverse Across the...

One of our old flames, a former Contrarian Income Portfolio holding, has pulled back sharply in recent weeks. Time to buy the dip in this 4.3% dividend? Let’s discuss. Kinder Morgan (NYSE:KMI) is a...

Here’s where I see stocks now: Yes, we’ve got some legitimate concerns as some economic warning signs appear—and run up against the tech-driven optimism that’s powered stocks to lofty heights. The...

Often as dividend investors we buy stocks that provide us with income now. We take the current yield and happily collect the monthly or quarterly payout. Sometimes, though, it is wise to punt a bit...

In the last few weeks, we’ve talked a lot about “hated” dividends set to soar as mainstream investors get it wrong on Trump 2.0. Last week, we covered utility stocks, “bond proxies” that look great...

Today we’re going to use a simple strategy to (legally!) beat the tax man. The key is a (too) often-ignored group of funds whose dividends are beyond the reach of the IRS. The low-risk assets behind...

Stocks are climbing a wall of worry, which is a hallmark of bull markets. Higher equity prices really do require fear! Today we’ll highlight the least-liked stocks on Wall Street. Why? Because each...

We contrarians love a beaten-up corner of the market—especially these days when cheap stocks (and funds) are so thin on the ground. Right now, real estate investment trusts (REITs) are that corner of...

Inflation continues to creep higher. Meanwhile, tariffs are here, and more are on the way. Vanilla investors are rattled. The AAII (American Association of Individual Investors) Investor Sentiment...

Bonds (and bond proxies) are hated right now. That’s our shot at big dividends—because mainstream investors’ thinking here is totally backward. We’re going to pounce, and use this opportunity to grab...