For millions of unemployed and under-employed Americans, this will not be a very merry holiday season.

If consumers aren't spending, retailers aren't ordering, wholesalers are reluctant to fill warehouses and manufacturers cut back production.

The net result is jobs are lost at every step along the way.

Follow me on Twitter

Bonds should be a part of every investor's portfolio. Bonds provide a balance to the volatility of stocks.

However they are sometimes confusing and difficult to understand.

This collection of articles will get you started on the right road to success with bonds.

Follow me on Twitter

The stock market is way over priced if you use the price-earnings ratio (P/E) of the S&P 500 as a gauge.

The dramatic rise in the S&P 500 since the market bottom in March (up 60%) has not been accompanied by or driven by an increase in earnings.

Indeed, if you understand P/E as investors' anticipation of higher prices, you would think a super bull market is just around the corner.

On the other hand, it can also mean a price bubble driven by speculation that can burst in any moment.

Do you really think a super-bull market is coming?

Follow me on Twitter

Should the government set or limit the compensation corporate executives receive?

The short (an incomplete) answer is no. The government should not be in the position of capping or limiting the salaries of corporate executives.

That is inconsistent with a free enterprise market system.

However, we don't have a free enterprise market system when key companies (investment banks, for example) are deemed "too big to fail."

Add your thoughts in this reader comment section.

Follow me on Twitter