Unless you've the time and passion to become a skilled investor, what I call a "super investor" you'll probably greet the analysis of stock market instruments with all the joy of a developing a tooth abscess. LOOT! explains lots about investment and uses the Investment Pyramid as a way of contrasting the vast world of investment choices between each other. But LOOT! doesn't identify and introduce you to specific investment products simply because the area is too dynamic for a book.

Remember while I can point the way to common sense investments, much depends on what timeframe you have, your comfort level with risk (and things that go bump in the night), and your financial strength. So take your time, pause to read the links and pdf's, and then proceed at your own pace.

See for example Eddie's Articles on Oil Prices in the Independent and Energy Costs in the Sunday Business Post and Eddie's Energy Secrets from You and Your Money

Eddie's Energy Secrets (471 KB)

Gold Investment

Gold, which is a vital asset to own, is a commodity in its own right, acts as a safe haven and a store of value in times of great uncertainty including when oil prices surge, the dollar weakens and confidence ebbs from currencies. I’ve been recommending Gold as a hedge in a balanced portfolio of uncorrelated assets for several years, ever since it was trading around €400 per troy ounce . The old adage is full of wisdom; invest 10% to 15% in Gold and hope you’ll never have to rely upon it. You can buy Gold in the form of certificates directly from the Perth Mint in Australia one of the world’s leading commodity producers through its European agent, Dublin-based Gold & Silver Investments with whom we have established terms of business. Gold is a volatile asset which, during the global economic crisis has been trading in the range $750 to $ 1,000 per troy ounce. If, as I expect, we enter a long inflationary period as we emerge from recession characterized by a return to high oil and commodity costs and a huge overhang of Government debt, gold prices are likely, though not certain to rise. If you’d like to read more you will find several articles I have written about this mega-trend here and I would suggest reading the November 08 IEA report on global energy outlook here 

Perth Mint Certs avoid counter party risk inherent in Gold Exchange Traded Funds but have higher entry costs ideally suitable for moderate investment held over the long term. Be clear that while gold has been used for millennia as the ultimate store of value it is a volatile and unregulated asset. To buy Perth Mint Certs click here. If you’re thinking about anything bigger than €40,000 you should talk directly to us by filling in the very short form here