[Why So Serious]

Where are u getting 4.6% in stocks?

So much for the downgrade causing us to pay higher rates to borrow.

[Siena Dreaming]

Intel offers a 4% dividend.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

Some P/E as of this moring:

Proctor & Gamble: 15
Kraft Foods: 19
Weyerhouser: 5.9
Microsoft: 9.2
Raytheon: 7.4
Ford: 6.1
Wal*Mart: 10.9

The implied ROI:

Proctor & Gamble 6.7%
Kraft Foods 5.3%
Weyerhouser 16.9%
Microsoft 10.9%
Raytheon 13.5%
Ford 16.4%
Wal*Mart 9.2%

It I had invested a dollar in gold on December 31, 1983, today it would be worth $4.25. The same dollar in my 401k would worth $8.17 without the company match. In a savings account at 5% it would be worth $3.84. If I had invested it in residential real estate locally, it would be worth about $2.98. I am ignoring taxes in all cases. However, only in a 401k, can I avoid taxes.

[chainsaw]

Where are u getting 4.6% in stocks?

Try CENEX. A preferred stock with no common stock.