http://money.msn.com/Read Michael Brush's latest articles on economic trends, stock tips and hot financial topics.2011 Microsoften-us60Financial writer Michael BrushWe rescued some of the nation's largest banks, and soon they will return big money to shareholders in the form of stock buybacks and dividend hikes. Here are six stocks to own in your 'payback portfolio.'Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:00:00 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investing/its-time-for-the-big-bank-paybackinvesting/http://money.msn.com/investing/its-time-for-the-big-bank-paybackMichael Brush, MSN MoneyThe bad taste left by a bungled debut and persistent myths of corporate weakness still trouble the stock. But one year after the IPO, a lot of experts see big gains ahead.Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:45:00 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investing/facebook-will-have-the-last-laughinvesting/http://money.msn.com/investing/facebook-will-have-the-last-laughMichael Brush, MSN MoneyThe stakes are high, and the effort to fend off hacker threats is still ramping up. These stocks stand to benefit.Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:45:00 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investing/6-ways-to-invest-in-cybersecurityinvesting/http://money.msn.com/investing/6-ways-to-invest-in-cybersecurityMichael Brush, MSN MoneyIf you've been scared away from stocks, new highs in the market might very well tempt you to jump back in. We've tapped the wisdom of proven investors like Buffett and Bogle to help you get in the game.Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:45:00 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investing/8-wise-guy-rules-for-investinginvesting/http://money.msn.com/investing/8-wise-guy-rules-for-investingMichael Brush, MSN MoneyOne group of funds is trading for 10% to 15% below the value of the stocks they hold. That's a bargain, particularly as stocks come back into favor.Tue, 29 Jan 2013 17:45:00 GMThttp://money.msn.com/mutual-fund/your-favorite-stocks-15percent-offmutual-fund/http://money.msn.com/mutual-fund/your-favorite-stocks-15percent-off Michael Brush, MSN MoneyThere are signs that the economic embargo imposed by the US more than 50 years ago may soon end. Investors might consider getting in ahead of the changes.Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:45:00 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investing/time-to-invest-in-cubainvesting/http://money.msn.com/investing/time-to-invest-in-cubaMichael Brush, MSN MoneyFrom the debt ceiling to Iran to $2,200 gold, here are what are likely to be the key market-moving events of the coming year and how to play them.Tue, 08 Jan 2013 19:15:00 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investment-advice/the-7-big-developments-of-2013investment-advice/http://money.msn.com/investment-advice/the-7-big-developments-of-2013Michael Brush, MSN MoneyRetail and tech companies want you to turn your cellphone into a credit card -- and track what you buy so they can sell to you more effectively.Fri, 28 Dec 2012 15:15:00 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investing/the-next-big-battle-for-your-walletinvesting/http://money.msn.com/investing/the-next-big-battle-for-your-walletMichael Brush, MSN MoneyThe success of upscale offerings from a celebrity chef has Taco Bell eating into the upstart's business. That's showing up in stock prices as once-hot Chipotle faces tough times.Tue, 04 Dec 2012 18:45:00 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investment-advice/burrito-battle-taco-bell-vs-chipotleinvestment-advice/http://money.msn.com/investment-advice/burrito-battle-taco-bell-vs-chipotleMichael Brush, MSN MoneyWhile the emphasis is still on helping the victims, we'll soon turn to rebuilding. Here are the companies that stand to profit -- after Sandy, and from extreme weather events to come.Tue, 06 Nov 2012 17:00:00 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investment-advice/stock-winners-in-sandys-aftermathinvestment-advice/http://money.msn.com/investment-advice/stock-winners-in-sandys-aftermathMichael Brush, MSN MoneyStocks have risen sharply during the president's first term, but experts say big banks and several other sectors will do even better if the challenger wins. Here's where to place your bets.Tue, 09 Oct 2012 19:24:32 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investment-advice/stocks-for-an-obama-or-romney-wininvestment-advice/http://money.msn.com/investment-advice/stocks-for-an-obama-or-romney-winMichael Brush, MSN MoneyNews of economic struggle and protests has led many investors to turn their backs on European stocks. That means prices for Nestlé, Volvo and other big names are attractive.Tue, 02 Oct 2012 17:35:47 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investment-advice/5-stocks-to-buy-on-europes-woesinvestment-advice/http://money.msn.com/investment-advice/5-stocks-to-buy-on-europes-woesMichael Brush, MSN MoneySupercomputers now carry out half the stock trades in US markets, and they are costing everyday investors plenty. Here's how they hit you -- and how we can rein them in.Tue, 25 Sep 2012 18:29:05 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investing/wall-streets-battle-of-the-botsinvesting/http://money.msn.com/investing/wall-streets-battle-of-the-botsMichael Brush, MSN MoneyThe social-networking giant and a long list of other young names in the sector could get bitten in coming months as new shares hit the market. Here's how to play the pain.Tue, 28 Aug 2012 20:21:07 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investing/the-monster-stalking-facebook-stockinvesting/http://money.msn.com/investing/the-monster-stalking-facebook-stockMichael Brush, MSN MoneyWith nearly two-thirds of the nation in a drought, corn prices are soaring, and food prices are bound to jump. How might the weather affect what's in your portfolio?Tue, 14 Aug 2012 16:10:00 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investing/investing-for-the-summer-scorcher-brush.aspxinvesting/http://money.msn.com/investing/investing-for-the-summer-scorcher-brush.aspxMichael Brush, MSN MoneyThe Home of the Whopper is clearly taking a page from the playbook of the bigger McDonald's. But copying a menu doesn't necessarily mean duplicating success.Tue, 03 Jul 2012 18:02:29 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investing/why-burger-king-is-no-big-mac-brush.aspxinvesting/http://money.msn.com/investing/why-burger-king-is-no-big-mac-brush.aspxMichael Brush, MSN MoneyA new study suggests the investing master does well by sticking with stocks that sit out the market's swings yet consistently book profits. It's boring -- or at least, as boring as making money can be.Tue, 26 Jun 2012 18:11:44 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investing/the-keys-to-buffetts-success-brush.aspxinvesting/http://money.msn.com/investing/the-keys-to-buffetts-success-brush.aspxMichael Brush, MSN MoneyAfter a dismal first quarter, the iconic retailer is backing off its low price, no discount recovery plan. Can the turnaround work? And if so, when should investors buy in?Tue, 05 Jun 2012 18:29:52 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investment-advice/is-jc-penney-the-next-sears-brush.aspxinvestment-advice/http://money.msn.com/investment-advice/is-jc-penney-the-next-sears-brush.aspxMichael Brush, MSN MoneyYes, the search giant goes for $600 a share. But that price has fallen recently on several worries, including that Facebook will eat into Google's turf.Tue, 08 May 2012 15:57:38 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investing/facebook-is-hot-but-google-is-cheap-brush.aspxinvesting/http://money.msn.com/investing/facebook-is-hot-but-google-is-cheap-brush.aspxMichael Brush, MSN MoneyMore store closings and key departures have some wondering if the long-struggling icon is finally going away. Despite turnaround efforts, it is dying -- slowly. Here's why.Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:47:45 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investment-advice/why-sears-is-on-its-last-legs-brush.aspxinvestment-advice/http://money.msn.com/investment-advice/why-sears-is-on-its-last-legs-brush.aspxMichael Brush, MSN MoneyThe nation's largest pharmacy chain is fighting with a drug insurer in a spat that means you might have to take your prescriptions elsewhere. That makes it an intriguing play.Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:54:19 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investment-advice/why-walgreen-is-under-the-weather-brush.aspxinvestment-advice/http://money.msn.com/investment-advice/why-walgreen-is-under-the-weather-brush.aspxMichael Brush, MSN MoneyThe social-networking giant will hit the market at a high price -- perhaps too high. Here's a look what you should pay, the risks and the biggest wild card.Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:54:06 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investment-advice/a-field-guide-to-the-facebook-ipo-brush.aspxinvestment-advice/http://money.msn.com/investment-advice/a-field-guide-to-the-facebook-ipo-brush.aspxMichael Brush, MSN MoneyThe electronics world is buzzing about the possibility of a TV set to match your iPod, iPhone and iPad. Here's what might be in the works -- and how it could affect your viewing habits and investments.Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:44:49 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investing/after-iphone-and-ipad-an-itv-brush.aspxinvesting/http://money.msn.com/investing/after-iphone-and-ipad-an-itv-brush.aspxMichael Brush, MSN MoneyNew Apple chief Tim Cook took some heat for taking $378 million in stock, compared with Steve Jobs' fabled $1 a year salary. But how much compensation do dollar CEOs really get?Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:39:49 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investing/the-myth-of-the-1-dollar-ceo-brush.aspxinvesting/http://money.msn.com/investing/the-myth-of-the-1-dollar-ceo-brush.aspxMichael Brush, MSN MoneyExpectations are low, which could make for a surprisingly good year. From a sizable rally to the Facebook IPO, here are the happenings I'm looking for -- and how to get ready for them.Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:44:25 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investing/the-6 big-market-events-of-2012-brush.aspxinvesting/http://money.msn.com/investing/the-6 big-market-events-of-2012-brush.aspxMichael Brush, MSN MoneyYou may not know their names, but some investing newsletter writers produce returns that many investors would envy. Here are the outlooks -- and favorite picks -- of 6 of the best.Tue, 27 Dec 2011 21:45:00 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investing/12-stock-picks-for-12-from-top-pros-1investing/http://money.msn.com/investing/12-stock-picks-for-12-from-top-pros-1Michael Brush, MSN MoneyYou may not know their names, but some investing newsletter writers produce returns that many investors would envy. Here are the outlooks -- and favorite picks -- of 6 of the best.Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:45:22 GMThttp://money.msn.com/investing/12-stock-picks-for-12-from-top-pros-brush.aspxinvesting/http://money.msn.com/investing/12-stock-picks-for-12-from-top-pros-brush.aspxMichael Brush, MSN MoneyThe trends of a struggling middle class and a happy high end will play out in retail stores over the holidays. So where should investors be spending their money?Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:08:00 GMThttp://money.msn.com/ways-to-invest/it-is-a-saks-or-dollar-store-christmas-brush.aspxways-to-invest/http://money.msn.com/ways-to-invest/it-is-a-saks-or-dollar-store-christmas-brush.aspxMichael Brush, MSN Money