(Houston)

The oil market is continuing to thrive and the near-term outlook is strong. WTI oil, the US benchmark is currently trading at over $72 per barrel, while Brent, the world’s benchmark is at $80. The commodity is moving higher as markets are worried it will not be easy for producers to easily offset the losses of production in Venezuela and Iran, meaning supply may be constrained. OPEC generally agrees that when oil gets to $80 or above, it crimps demand.

FINSUM: The near term outlook for oil looks strong because of renewed US sanctions on Iran. However, in the longer term, the trade war seems likely to take a toll on emerging market economies, which will send oil demand and prices sagging.

(New York)

Gold has been in the doldrums for a long time (and we mean long). The shiny metal is still down over 35% from its peak in 2011, and it has lost 8% this year. However, Barron’s is arguing that it is time for gold to shine. They argue that since gold is currently very cheap relative to other asset classes and inflation is increasing, the metal is poised to make a comeback. Gold has historically been a good hedge against inflation, which may drive its renewed appeal as inflation rises. The metal is currently trading around $1,200 per ounce.

FINSUM: The problem with this argument is that gold also tends to weaken as rates rise (because it has zero yield). So, how much will that offset any gains?

(New York)

One of the biggest surprises of the summer has been the outperformance of dividend stocks. Despite rates and yields rising, dividend stocks have done very well. With that in mind, here is a list of 7 of the best cheap high dividend yield ETFs: iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HVD, 3.51% yield), SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD, 3.71%), Invesco Dow Jones Industrial Average Dividend ETF (DJD), Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (SPHQ, 1.73%), Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM, 2.87%), JPMorgan U.S. Dividend ETF (JDIV, 3.76%), Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF (HDEF).

FINSUM: All of these funds have very low expense ratios, and varying (but generally high yields). If you are looking for dividend income, these are a good place to start. That said, these are non-hedged, so there a good deal of rate risk.

(Washington)

The special counsel investigation that started as an investigation into the Trump administration’s connections to Russia, but has blossomed into an all-encompassing dragnet, has been quite quiet of late. However, the FT reported today that Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen has been cooperating with Mueller and his team, particularly on the topic of Russian interference. According to Cohen’s lawyer, his client has provided “critical information” to the special counsel regarding Russia.

FINSUM: It is hard to know how whether the information he passed along was valuable, but it could be a hint that there is another bombshell about to hit headlines.

(New York)

At the end of August, the IRS closed the door on the numerous high-tax states that were trying to classify their residents’ taxes as charitable gifts so as to make them deductible. That moved slammed the door of options shut for New York and New Jersey residents. However, the IRS didn’t close the door to other workarounds, and Connecticut apparently has a favorable model that specifically applies to pass-through entities. The workaround allows full deduction to the previous tax level for users through an income credit system on taxes paid.

FINSUM: One wonders if the IRS will just move on to shutting these programs down or whether this is a model that other states can build on.