President Obama’s jobs act totals $447 billion, which is a little larger than most forecasts had assumed would be the case. Obama needs the support of the Republican controlled Congress and has set about winning that support by making it clear that much of his package had been previously proposed or agreed to by Republicans.

The Astro Japan Property Trust has been a long-standing feature of the Fat Prophets Portfolio. The Trust’s price performance has been disappointing, but the resilience of its core operating earnings supported very healthy distribution payments. Now however, the Trust could lose up to two of its properties if it is unable or chooses not to refinance two of its debt facilities that are due to mature next year.

Online classified advertising has proven to be a natural fit for motor vehicle dealers and car buyers alike.

Gaming businesses are big, flashy and glamorous by nature. The business of gaming, when well run, can be just as enticing for investors. We are adding Crown to the Fat Prophets portfolio as we believe this company is undervalued. In addition, the multi-year capital expenditure program is close to completion and Crown is about to enter a period of very strong cash generation.

Paladin’s stock price has deteriorated further since our last buy recommendation, partly due to the broad market weakness, but also as a result of further stock specific issues. The start-up of the Kayelekera mine in Malawi has been delayed by another week, following the planned maintenance shut-down that was completed in August 2011. The delay is necessary to reinforce the storage tanks holding the wet uranium, which must now be dried and packaged at Langer Heinrich.

To get a good investment performance, it is just as important to consider the stocks you should not have in your portfolio as the ones you do.