The market has risen by historic proportions in the past year. While this rise could continue, investors might want to hedge their bets in today's uncertain environment. One strategy: A security that goes up when the market goes down.

Investors who want to capture the real potential of emerging powerhouses like Brazil won't look to the traditional exchange-traded funds on the market. They'll look here instead...

In the quest for emerging markets with long-term potential, the BRIC powerhouses of Brazil, Russia, India and China almost always take center stage. Rarely do you see much ink devoted to this up-and-coming country.

Between 1973 and 1980, two sons of a legendary Texas oil baron made the bet of a lifetime. It would eventually go down as one of the most notorious busts in the history of Wall Street.

Funds that hold these securities aren't just immune to rate hikes -- they actually benefit from them. So, if the combination of safety, liquidity and high yields sounds intriguing, then keep on reading.

These three countries should be on investors' radar screens for 2010. They may not be the first places that come to mind, but they have a shot at being the year's top performers.

After a lull in the exchange-traded fund universe, there has been a flurry of new launches in the past few months. But there's one fund in particular I think should be near the top of your watch list in the new year.

A sideways market combined with an uncertain future makes it all the more important to focus on safe, steady dividends. One asset class accomplishes this like no other -- but no one seems to notice it. Find out what I'm talking about.

The financial crisis means a new set of rules apply to income investors in the post-meltdown era. These markets offer historic opportunities for sky-high yields and growth.

Eat whatever you want. Forget exercise. But do these three (painless) things to ensure a happy 2010.