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Insurance

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Business development companies are doing well


Dear Mr. Berko:

On several occasions, you have mentioned business development companies and praised their high yields. Please tell me what a business development company is and how it works. I have $30,000 to invest …

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Principal sees potential for strong growth in Asia


An executive of Des Moines-based Principal Financial Group Inc. said last week that the company is targeting “double-digit” growth for its mutual fund and asset management businesses in Asia, as economic growth and rising incomes …

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Bioscience firm with Iowa plant looks like a good buy

Dear Mr. Berko:

My broker has recommended that I buy 600 shares of Metabolix, a company that makes biodegradable plastics. I would like to have your thoughts on this company as a long-term growth stock. …

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Tim Hortons stock looks as good as the food

Dear Mr. Berko:

On our first Canadian visit last month, we were treated to a wonderful bowl of chili, a delightful turkey cheese sandwich, four incredibly tasty doughnuts and several cups of incredible coffee at …

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Big yields call for investor caution

Who can blame an investor for looking to add yield to a portfolio? According to Bankrate.com, the annual percentage yield on a 1-year certificate of deposit (CD) is a whopping 0.69 percent, with the 5-year …

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Deflation and inflation slug it out

Who can blame an investor for looking to add yield to a portfolio? According to Bankrate.com, the annual percentage yield on a 1-year certificate of deposit (CD) is a whopping 0.69 percent, with the 5-year …

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Casey’s tries to slam the lid on takeover

Casey’s General Stores Inc. will buy up to $500 million of its stock in an effort to block a takeover by North America’s largest convenience store operator.

Ankeny-based Casey’s said today it plans to offer …

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Bond experts advise balanced investing


Dan McPhail knows that there’s a potential financial storm brewing on the economic horizon. But he believes it’s still a long way off. Besides, his firm has a reliable fixed-income investment strategy to keep its …

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News of sale prompts start-up financial firm


When Adam Obrecht learned on March 30 that his employer’s Premier Wealth Division would be sold and relocated to Los Angeles, the 34-year-old financial planner wasted no time in opening his own shop.

In lieu …

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Aviva Investors enters U.S. mutual fund market


Preserving hard-earned assets has been on many people’s minds in recent months, and Aviva Investors North America Inc. is betting that its first mutual fund offering will appeal to investors seeking to minimize their exposure …