Portfolio

Planners should pay close attention to a new U.S. tax statute that will take effect in the 2012 tax year that experts say could make it difficult for their clients to keep their American citizenship and their foreign-based assets at the same time.

Only 30 stocks comprise the world’s most closely watched index – the Dow Jones Industrial Average – and its daily, weekly, monthly and annual gains (or losses) serve as a very handy – albeit simplistic – snapshot of investor sentiment and a decent barometer of how the U.S. and world economies are fairing.

Weakness in the euro and a report indicating investors are still a bit skittish about the market’s long-term prospects combined to sink U.S. stocks Wednesday as the Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 139.94 points, or 1.1%, to finish at 12,151.41.

Beginning Jan. 1, U.S. Savings Bonds will be going digital, saving taxpayers $120 million over the next five years.

U.S. homes are expected to lose more than $681 billion in value during 2011—and while that sounds like a staggering figure, it is 35% less than the $1.1 trillion lost in 2010, Zillow Real Estate Market Reports said.

As 2011 draws to a close, many investors are continuing to seek safety, TrimTabs Investment Research said Wednesday. They are socking most of their money into bank savings accounts and bond funds.

Sometimes it just isn’t your year. And 2011 wasn't the greatest of years for some of the world's most iconic companies, particularly for tech firms such as Cisco Systems and HP that have delivered massive returns to shareholders for years.

Sometimes it just isn’t your year. And 2011 wasn't the greatest of years for some of the world's most iconic companies, particularly for tech firms such as Cisco Systems and HP that have delivered massive returns to shareholders for years. However, comparing these select 30 stocks’ performance against one another over a one-year period is hardly a comprehensive or “fair” method to evaluate each company’s long- or short-term prospects. For the year, the Dow is up just over 6%. They say success has a million fathers but failure is an orphan. Here’s hoping you or your clients were holding a large position in these Dow stocks this year. Also see: The 10 Best-Performing Dow Stocks of 2011

Eurozone worries contributed to a modest dip in investor confidence in December, according to a State Street analysis.

The accountant and attorney for the estate of a 104-year-old copper mine heiress who died earlier this year have been under investigation for their handling of their client's finances, and the accountant has now resigned as executor.