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The article reports on whether investors can access the money in their stock portfolios if their investments are holding surplus cash. Topics include why shareholders in technology company Apple are interested in receiving some of the company's 100 billion dollar surplus, why computer company Dell decided to go private, and how companies like Microsoft and Cisco manage their funds in order to avoid payouts.

The article discusses the effects of sleep on people's ability to perform at work, focusing on research showing that appropriate levels of sleep help brains restore and perform maintenance, as well as how sleep deprivation can affect investing strategies.

The author discusses the potential risks and rewards for investors who purchase stock in electronics retailer Best Buy, department-store chain J.C. Penny, and book retailer Barnes and Noble, noting that all three companies are considered bargains due to decreasing stock values.

The article reports on the list of top losers among mutual-fund investors in 2010 compiled by Lipper, which is led by alternative-energy funds including the iShare S&P Global Clean Energy Index exchange-traded fund (TF), Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy and PowerShares Global Clean Energy Portfolio.

The article focuses on the beliefs of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. chairman Warren Buffett on investing as explained to new investors in his letter to stockholders on February 27, 2010.

The author focuses on the U.S. Dow Jones Industrial Average which is back at 10,000 as of October 2009. He says mutual-fund investors continue to offer their stock funds for sale and purchase bond funds as they seek for more stability. He mentions additional concerns about the future of the financial system being indicated by the bond markets, gold and the dollar. He also notes that Chinese stock prices have increased by over 60% as measured in dollars since the beginning of the year.

The article focuses on the lump sum left to Ruth Madoff, the wife of investor Bernard Madoff, after her settlement with the U.S. Justice Department. She is also facing claims from the Securities and Exchange Commission and the trustees liquidating her husband's estate. Analysis showed that her $2.5 million settlement should give her an annual income of about $125,000 a year. The impact of the settlement on her lifestyle is also discussed.

The article reports that publicly traded preferred stock in the U.S. offer double digit yields, making them attractive investments. There are preferred stocks from blue-chip companies such as J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., Wells Fargo & Co., and General Electric Co. Preferred shares have their share of risk. They rank above common shares but below bonds. These shares issued mostly by financial institutions pay a fixed dividend in perpetuity. Investors need to be cautious as preferred shares come with clauses and rules, carrying extra profits or extra risks.

The article focuses on the advantages being offered by closed-end municipal bonds for investors seeking a secure long-term income and are investing in a taxable account. It mentions that the municipal bonds pay almost exactly the same interest rate as the U.S. Department of Treasurys. It emphasizes that the income being produced by the bonds is exempt from federal tax.

The article reports on a deal offered by Citigroup Inc. chief executive (CEO) Vikram Pandit to investors that will make them receive 7% return upon lending the bank some money. It states that the payouts will obtain the same favorable tax treatment as shareholders' dividends but will be more secure. It mentions that this offer is in the form of $2 billion of so-called convertible preferred stock which is being planned to be sold to the public.

The article presents several investment vehicles to consider that could offer good prospects whatever 2008 holds. Quaker Strategic Growth, run by Manu Daftary, is one of the best stock-pickers on Wall Street. The Clough Global Opportunities gives investors worldwide exposure to stocks and bonds. While Eaton Vance Tax Advantaged Dividend Income invests worldwide in solid companies with strong and sustainable dividends.