Briefly Noted

Getting Started
From the SEC: Micro-Cap Fraud
Accurate information on micro-cap stocks is sometimes difficult to find. Tips on how to recognize fraud schemes.

Getting Started
The Basics: What Is the Over-the-Counter Market?
"Over the counter" loosely applies to securities not traded on an organized exchange. Although they encompass Nasdaq stocks, they also include the less-regulated OTC Bulletin Board and the unregulated Pink Sheets.

Financial Planning
Surviving a Loss: Financial Planning for Widows and Widowers
Financial Planning: Losing a spouse is a life-changing experience. A widow or widower can easily be overwhelmed by the financial details. How can a surviving spouse regain control of their future? A guide to the financial transition process.

Hot Links
Web Sites for Insider Trading
Hot Links: Where to go on-line to get up-to-date information on the trading activity of corporate insiders.

Matter of Opinion
Model Fund Portfolio Update: How to Deal With the Issue of Fund Closings
Feature: The semiannual update reviews the performance of the Fund Portfolio, provides a complete list of the current holdings, and details changes to the portfolio, as well as changes to the selection criteria and the recommendation process.

Stock Strategies
The Basics: What Is the Over-the-Counter Market?
Stock Strategies: "Over the counter" loosely applies to securities not traded on an organized exchange. Although they encompass Nasdaq stocks, they also include the less-regulated OTC Bulletin Board and the unregulated Pink Sheets.

Bonds
How to Buy International Bonds and Funds
Bonds: Although not a must-have category, individuals with very large bond portfolios may choose to invest a small portion in the international bond area. How do you accomplish this? A look at the different options.

Stock Screens
Tracking the Smart Money: Screening for Insider Activity
AAII Stock Screens: Who else better knows the future prospects of a company than the insiders? While it would be foolish to base buy and sell decisions solely on insider data, it is useful to know what the smart money is up to. AAII's insider buys screen.

Departments
Briefly Noted
Current news items of interest to individual investors.

Departments
Letters to the Editor
Member questions and comments on recent AAII Journal articles.