Are Money-Market Funds Safe?

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garrowayzu of AK 10:50PM October 29, 2009

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ANITA AYTES of KS 5:45PM October 15, 2008

Can you tell me how safe the Federated Group of Money Market Funds are? OR Where I can go to obtain a safety rating on main money market groups?
Thanks
Jon

Jon Lindberg of AL 3:47PM September 26, 2008

I think McCain is speaking of people and funds selling stocks short. Borrow the shares, sell them now, hope to buy them back lower later. Most individuals don't have any business doing this. The risk is potentially unlimited if the market turns up while you're holding short positions.

of 3:25AM September 26, 2008

Hillbillybill sez-John McCain in Iowa mispoke that speculators can sell stocks they do not own.
He's a bit confused.
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No, it is you that are confused.I suggest you bone up on what Puts and Calls are all about before you exhibit your ignorance for all to see

Joseph of NJ 6:38AM September 24, 2008

WE HAVE SOME MONEY IN VANGUARD PRIME MONEY MARKET FUND - WE ARE VERY MUCH CONCERNED PLEASE ADVISE. THANKS

of 1:16AM September 24, 2008

Hillbilly Bill is incorrect. Short selling is a common, if resky, technique of stock transaction in which a stock, borrowed
temporarily is sold at a price (when the seller believes the stock price is headed lower) and then purchased at a lower price
within three days and delivered to the purchaser of the stock
who bought it at the higher price. Some traders are engaging
in an illicit activity called a "naked short sale" when they
sell a stock (at at higher price) that they do not own nor have
they contracted to borrow it, and then delivering an actual stock at the higher price.
In any event, this type of "short selling" has existed for a long time and is not limited to commodities.

jhcurfman of IL 7:10PM September 18, 2008

Bill, I think McCain is speaking of people and funds selling stocks short. Borrow the shares, sell them now, hope to buy them back lower later. Most individuals don't have any business doing this. The risk is potentially unlimited if the market turns up while you're holding short positions.

of 12:54PM September 18, 2008

You're safer in a bank (FDIC insured) money fund. The banks with less brick and mortar, like Discover, GMAC, etc., have recently been paying in the high twos, even three.

of 12:52PM September 18, 2008

Stocks is the main thing.
John McCain in Iowa mispoke that speculators can sell stocks they do not own.
He's a bit confused.
Speculators can sell commodities on the commodities exchanges that they do not own (as in control the contract).
But you cannot sell a stock you do not own on the stock exchange.
The stock exchange and the commodities exchanges are totally different animals.

HillbillyBill of TN 12:44PM September 18, 2008