Sunday's Democratic Investment Ideas

[tsipple]

Last week the focus was on I Bonds, iShares, municipal bonds, foreign currencies, and "ethical" mutual funds. Several DUers responded with recommendations to buy precious metals. (I happen to disagree completely with that advice, pointing out that inflation-indexed bonds are much safer, and they are available in a variety of currencies. They are also much more environmentally friendly. The lone exception is if you want "emergency liquidity," i.e. the ability to go down to the 7 Eleven and buy a slurpie if there's a nuclear war on. If that's your goal, hold only a little bit. Precious metals have been terrible investments for two decades running. Then again, you probably have bigger problems in that circumstance. :-))

This week, let's take a look at some progressive companies you might choose to invest in directly. Note that I have no affiliation with any of these companies. I'm listing those that offer direct investment programs, bypassing traditional brokers. (These companies still must use financial institutions to manage their programs, but the transaction costs are almost always much lower. Please compare fees and expenses before investing, and make sure to do your homework. There are no guarantees here.)

* Met-Pro Corporation. This Pennsylvania manufacturer of pollution control equipment offers a Direct Stock Purchase Plan to the general public, with optional dividend reinvestment. Minimum initial purchase of $1,000 worth of common stock, with no commission. The company has a price-earnings ratio of about 15.5, and it currently pays about 2.4% in annual dividends. It's only researched by one major analyst, but he/she lists the stock as a "strong buy." This business is arguably just like those Al Gore predicts for strong future growth.

* Groupe Danone. This French food company is highly regarded for its commitment to sustainable development. Makers of Danon yogurts, Evian bottled water, LU cookies and biscuits, and other major brands. Phone Citigroup at 877-248-4237 for direct investment information.

* Benetton. This Italian clothier promotes racial and sexual diversity along with opposition to capital punishment. Approximately 90% of its products are manufactured in Europe. Phone [phone] for direct investment information.

* Banco Popular. This Puerto Rico-based financial institution provides comprehensive banking services throughout Latin America. It also serves lower income Hispanic immigrants in the United States, helping people avoid the abusive "payday loan shops" with exorbinant interest rates found in many cities. Click on "Investor Relations" then "Stock Purchase Plan" for details on direct investing.

* Xenova Group Plc. Xenova Group is a U.K.-based pharmaceutical research company concentrating in the use of natural compounds, such as plant extracts, to develop anti-cancer and anti-clotting drugs. This company's projects can help human health and also perhaps combat loss of rainforest habitat. Phone 888-BNY-ADRS for information on direct investing.

If anyone has other suggestions for progressive-minded corporations with direct investment programs, please post!

[alittlelark]

1. Tryin something

http://207.137.168.225/Copy of NoGropingGovernor.jpg