While the U.S. collectively checks its watch while waiting for its next major budget crisis, the major credit rating agencies are on standby in case another downgrade is needed. But there are still a few countries in this world that have a AAA credit rating and haven't done anything to jeopardize it.
Here's are the world's safest places to put your money right now...
You already know central banks have been boosting markets through loose monetary policies the past few years.
Now it looks like they'll move markets in another way - by pouring record amounts of money into buying equities.
The stunning revelation comes in a survey by Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc (NYSE ADR: RBS) and CentralBanking.com. The survey reveals that 23% of the 60 central bank respondents are buying stocks or plan to do so in the next five years.
In fact, this marked the first time in the survey's nine-year history central bankers were asked whether they bought or planned to buy stocks.
While it's not the first time central banks have ever bought equities, it is the most aggressive purchasing they've done.
"This time around, they're not just throwing in the kitchen sink; they're throwing in the garage, a couch, the guitar, the dog, anything they can get their hands on," said Money Morning Chief Investment Strategist Keith Fitz-Gerald.
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If you're looking for where to invest in 2013, know that the best investment opportunities often come from areas that are out of favor, giving them large potential upside.
That is what successful contrarian investors such as Jim Rogers and others do. They look for investments where people are rushing out of the 'doors' - creating bargain prices, as opposed to investments where people are clamoring to get into - creating rich valuations.
So far in 2013, one sector where investors have been rushing out of is the entire commodity space. This has created opportunities for sharp-eyed investors.
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