This so-called "basket case" looks like a brilliant investment

"Its economy has grown by an annual average of 5.7% since 2000. And it’s picking-up speed," writes Profit Hunter’s Manraaj Singh.

"The IMF predicts that it will hit 7% by 2010. And that could continue for the next two decades... "And its share market is one of the best performing in the world over the last year. It’s up by 17% despite the global market turmoil. The FTSE is down by 13% over the period."

Find out where Manraaj is talking about — and how one investment will give you exposure to this exciting growth story.

Will a windfall tax affect your oil investments?

Our strapped-for-cash government has hit on a bright idea:

"You see those oil companies? Look how much money they’re making! Let’s take some."

There’s a lot in the press today about why a windfall tax on oil profits is a bad idea. It’s a disincentive to investment. It’ll exacerbate future energy problems. It’s plain unfair.

And, from a macro perspective, it would smack of desperation, populism and weakness. Not traits that will engender confidence in UK plc.

But I’m not going to dwell on those issues here. Instead, let’s consider what these rumblings mean for those invested in the oil sector. Will there be a windfall tax? And will it matter to oil investors?

Firstly, I hope the government sees sense and doesn’t impose this measure. Alistair Darling says he’s considering it. That’s disconcerting. But it could just be one of those "I’m considering it" statements that really just mean "Leave me alone and stop asking questions".

Let’s hope so.

But if there is a windfall tax, what then? Well, I believe such a move would be considered an irritant by the oil giants. They don’t want the tax, obviously. And, were one imposed, they may alter where and how they explore for reserves.

This could have serious consequences for Britain — but it won’t materially affect the oil companies’ long-term growth stories. They are global players. So while a windfall tax may have a short-term effect on share prices, that’s all it will be. Short term.

Nuclear waste? You can stick it in my back garden!

Type the words ‘nuclear power’ into Google. One of the first results you get is the Greenpeace website.

Greenpeace has a lot to say about nuclear power. It’s a shame that most of it is pure bunkum.

Here’s a quote from its site:

"A new generation of reactors will create tens of thousands of tonnes of the most hazardous radioactive waste, which remains dangerous for up to a million years."

Sounds scary. But is it true? I asked our resident nuclear buff Garry White:

"Treated and handled properly, nuclear waste is not something to fear. We’re won’t all end up with five arms and three heads if Britain builds more reactors. It’s simply nothing like as dangerous as people think. In fact, you can bury the nuclear waste in my back garden. It wouldn’t bother me a bit!"

Garry believes nuclear power is the only feasible solution to Britain’s growing energy crisis. New environmental laws mean up to half of coal-fired power stations will have to close. The stop-gap solution is to convert them to run on gas. But we all know what’s happened to gas prices this week. Gas will only ever be a temporary solution.

If we don’t go nuclear, Britain’s energy poverty is all but assured.

One of the big stumbling blocks is the public’s fear about the dangers of nuclear waste. But, as Garry explains, this fear is unfounded.

Ever wondered how much waste nuclear power actually generates? You’ll be surprised by the answer (I was)...

"Sooner or later, we’ll have to go nuclear," says Garry. "Investors should prepare their portfolios today — not only for eventual nuclear adoption, but also for the energy crisis that will happen in between."

Nuclear power is a lot safer than most people think. Find out why, as well as how you can give your investments that ‘nuclear edge’...

Until tomorrow

Ben Traynor

Editor

Today’s selected articles:

Garry White on why nuclear power is much safer than you think

Manraaj Singh on the "basket case" economy looks like a brilliant investment.

The Daily Reckoning - Cartoon Capitalism

There is important news. And there is entertaining news.

Today’s most important story comes to us from the Financial Times:

"Biggest dive for commodities in 28 years," says the headline. It is important because it is likely to give people the wrong idea.

Oil dropped another $2.74. Clearly, the peak has come and gone. The black goo hit $147 and has been in retreat ever since.

Gold is down too. It rose $10 yesterday, bringing the price back to $922. For a moment, it looked as though we’d have a chance to buy below $900. But the yellow metal is fighting hard to stay above the $900 mark.

All across the archipelago of commodities, prices are falling — from the base metals to the precious metals, from the softs to the hards, with all the mushy in between.

You can read the Daily Reckoning in full here. P.S. If you enjoyed this article then we encourage you to sign up for the free Fleet Street Daily eletter. Learn what you can expect from today's markets -- and how to prosper in the face of uncertainty. You won't find more thought provoking writing anywhere on the Internet.

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This so-called "basket case" looks like a brilliant investment

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This so-called "basket case" looks like a brilliant investment