“I can’t explain how difficult it is to live on a fixed income today,” a reader writes. “I’ve even started the process of re-entering the employment arena, looking hard for a non-academic position. I need a job just to cover the increasing costs of food and fuel.”

Another reader laments about the state of Social Security. (Or is it Social Insecurity?)

“I’m very fortunate to have invested well and am on a defined pension. In Illinois though, you are penalized for this. My SS, which I earned before working for the municipality, was cut 55%! Let that sink in…

“I was never going to depend on SS anyway, but that’s not the point . Policy is very damaging. Think before you vote – especially locally.”

Thanks to our readers for writing in; indeed, to keep ahead of inflation, investors are going to need to navigate carefully. For one idea, read on…

Send your opinions to, TheRundownFeedback@StPaulResearch.com

Your Rundown for Wednesday, May 11, 2022...

RIO 

Today we’re spotlighting an income-generating stock from the metals and mining sector. In fact, if you take a look at a stock heat map, the sector is among the few in positive-return territory in 2022.

Our retirement-and-income specialist Zach Scheidt first introduced readers to international metals and mining company Rio Tinto (NYSE: RIO) last year, urging investors to hedge against inflation with companies centered around “tangible products and resources.”

Zach said at the time: “Rio Tinto (RIO) should benefit from higher copper, iron ore and other commodity prices.”

And in March this year, RIO expanded into lithium mining, completing the purchase of the $825-million Rincon lithium project in Argentina.

“The project is a long-life, scalable resource capable of producing battery-grade lithium carbonate with the lowest carbon footprints in the industry,” Stock News reports.

“This is expected to help RIO improve its battery materials business and meet the growing demand for lithium, thus being strategically beneficial for the company.”

Also in March, Rio Tinto proposed to buy 49% of miner Turquoise Hill Resources’ outstanding shares which would give RIO a foothold in the Oyu Tolgoi copper project in Mongolia.

“The proposed transaction would help RIO directly work with Mongolia’s government… and should strengthen RIO’s copper portfolio,” Stock News notes.

Then there’s RIO Tinto’s enviable track record. For the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2021, RIO’s sales revenue increased 42% year-over-year, and the company’s operating profits increased 77% over last year.

But one of the best things about RIO is its dividend: The company has paid dividends for the past 12 years, increasing its dividend for each of the past five years. Currently? The dividend yield is extremely high – over 11%.

The idea, says Zach: “If you own shares of these companies offering strong dividends, your retirement savings can keep up with inflationary pressures.” Position your portfolio accordingly…

Market Rundown for Wednesday, May 11, 2022

S&P 500 futures are up about 1% to 4,040.

Oil is up 3% to $103 for a barrel of WTI.

Gold is up $10.40 to $1,851.70 per ounce.

And Bitcoin is up 2% at the time of writing to $32,000.

Send your comments and questions to, TheRundownFeedback@StPaulResearch.com

Take care, reader. We’ll have more to say on Friday.

For The Rundown,

Matt Insley
Publisher, The Rundown
TheRundownFeedback@StPaulResearch.com