Why are S&P 500 companies holding onto cash instead of paying its investors through dividends?

I would of course prefer a return to normalcy, but right there's just too much market risk.

The market took a nosedive yesterday, directly to 1197 support. In addition to the plummet, and sadly for the bulls, volume was high.

It’s easy to see how extra cash will help credit card companies. And overall, this is a very good move.

I have been told the way that Mongolian politics works is thus: there are 79 member of the Mongolian parliament, which means there are 79 Parties.

The market is tanking. Investors are freaking out. The fear is palpable. And, I have been sitting patiently on the sidelines. Patience is the key to any successful long-term trading strategy.

Myth: "It's impossible to collect income from small cap stocks." This myth is completely untrue.

I remain super bullish on gold - I just bought some more last week. Yesterday I talked about how to buy gold and silver, and how to make sure you don't get ripped off.

I also remain totally engrossed with the price movement of several major commodities, the most important being oil. I've talked recently about the all-encompassing importance of oil with regard to every single investment and asset class. If you don't know how oil supply and price affects every single one of your investments, then you might not be in a good position.

Unfortunately, I also have a good amount of cash on hand. I say 'unfortunately' because like many investors, I feel like I've fallen into the trap of being fearfully inactive. I have little faith in the broad stock market, but I do like some companies in the commodity sector. I've talked at length about owning Exxon (NYSE: XOM), Archer Daniels Midland (NYSE: ADM), and a handful of others. I like companies like Exxon and ADM because they will survive a currency crisis. They have pricing power, they have international reach, and they have products that everyone needs.

Provider of cash access products to the gaming industry Cash Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CKNN) was initiated with a “buy” rating by Merriman Curhan Ford Tuesday.

Merriman Curhan Ford analyst Eric Wold initiated recommendation based on his perception that the company will take share in the casino cash access industry through the introduction of its new patented technology “powercash.”

“[Powercash] should help casinos put more cash into patrons’ hands quicker while driving incremental high-margin revenues to Cash Systems,” Wold wrote in a research note.

Cash Systems’ powercash technology enables casino goers to conduct cash access transactions directly at the slot machine or their table—whether it is through ATM cash withdrawals, credit card or debit card cash advances, or electronic check cashing.

As cash access becomes a larger focus for casino operators Cash Systems should benefit. Wold said he believes the debut of powercash will spur incremental cash transactions and higher margin cash access transactions.