Q: Pat, I want to invest in Swiss stocks and was wondering what your thoughts are on Switzerland, in general, and the iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF, in particular? Thank you.

A: Switzerland has a strong economic system where the country’s revenue exceeds its expenses, so there is no deficit. That improves its self-reliance and the stability of its currency.

The country also has flexible labour markets, high productivity and an emphasis on high-value exports that are… Read More

Their activists spur positive changes

ABB LTD. (ADR) $19 (New York symbol ABB; Manufacturing & Industry sector; ADRs outstanding: 2.1 billion; Market cap: $39.9 billion; Dividend yield: 4.2%; Takeover Target Rating: Low; www.abb.com) makes transformers, transmission systems and circuit breakers for electrical utilities. It also produces automation systems and robotics for industrial clients.
For… Read More

Two low-risk ways to add global exposure

A great way to invest in foreign companies is through American Depositary Receipts, or ADRs, which represent one or more shares of the foreign stock. Here are two ADRs that a good picks for conservative investors.
ABB LTD. ADRs $20 (New York symbol ABB; Conservative Growth Portfolio,… Read More

Updating ABB Ltd. ADRs, Fair Isaac Corp. and Snap-On Inc.

ABB LTD. ADRs $22 (New York symbol ABB; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; ADRs outstanding: 2.1 billion; Market cap: $46.2 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.4; Dividend yield: 3.8%; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; www.abb.com) makes transformers, transmission systems and circuit breakers for electrical utilities. It also produces… Read More