Sure, they had a slow down, but it did not qualify as a recession. The good news now for investors and traders is that, unlike many countries, the economy down under is growing!

The housing market in Australia was also largely untouched during the downturn. While the American housing market is trying to find its footing, Australian home prices are making new highs! This is causing consumers there to feel confident as their net worth is growing. Also, the population of Australia is growing at a record pace. This means the housing market looks good for possibly years to come!

The Australian government, like many around the world, provided a stimulus plan to help improve the economy. The big difference is that the government there could afford to do so.

Probably the most attractive aspect for investors is the trade that Australia has with Asia. The resource rich nation has long been a favorite supplier to nearby China. This and many other factors has investors strongly eyeing down under plays.

Here are a few simple ways for you to invest in Australia.

First a couple ETF plays:

iShares MSCI Australia Index (EWA)

For more up-to-date information on this Fund see:

http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/ewa

You could also get a look at their holdings if you wanted to invest in individual companies.

Here is an ETF that invests in Australian currency:

CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust (FXA)

The Australian dollar has been one of the world’s strongest currencies lately.

Here is a possible over the counter play (at the time of this writing it is not very liquid, but that could soon change) on the Asciano Group. The company owns the largest railroad freight carrier in Australia. They transport commodities like iron and coal, as well as grain and construction material. While they had a tough year in 2008, there are good signs of strong growth for the firm.

ASCIANO GROUP (AANOF.PK)

I like AANOF up to $1.85 per share. I could see you fairly quickly doubling your money on this one. You can also buy the stock in Australia (ASX: AIO), but that could be more of a hassle.

Do you like energy? If so, one of the largest suppliers down under is actually and American company based in St. Louis, Missouri. Peabody Energy is also active in China and India.

Peabody Energy Corp. (BTU)

There you have it. My Top 4 plays from Down Under

Not many Americans have heard of this secret money strategy.

Unlike IRA or 401(k) plans, 401(r) lets you draw checks at any time, at any age and with no income requirements of any kind. I strongly believe that every man, woman and child should be taking advantage of this strategy.

Paychecks can be $10,000, $20,000, $50,000 or more Depending on your particular situation. The best news is, they are largely tax free (you may have to pay tax on 10 – 20% of the money)!

These normally aren’t publicized like traditional IRA or 401(k) retirement plans. Perhaps that is why so few know anything about them.

In a recent article, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance pointedly said of this investment “a hidden asset class that Wall Street hasn’t awoken to.”

This amazing asset can give you a nearly tax-free income you can start collecting at any time.

Forbes magazine said that they are “a good place to be during this market funk. They offer good yields, tax breaks and strong growth potential.”

Barron’s stated, these income streams are a “pay off for taxpayers… offering double-digit returns today.”

“Enjoy largely untaxed income”
—Forbes Magazine

OK, so what exactly are 401(r) Royalty payments? Why are they the best place for your savings now? How can you get your name on the list to start getting paid this mostly tax-free income?

Actually I think the 401(r) is a play on the Royalty word. There is no such section in the IRS code that I can find. The 401 section ends with (o). What they are really pushing is MLPs. I have written about them before many times, and am really fond of the investment vehicle!

Actually with MLPs you are deferring the taxes, and you will have to pay them later. However, you can defer them for a long time and maybe even pass your MLPs onto your heirs.

If you’re  not familiar with MLPs, they are publicly traded partnerships called Master Limited Partnerships. They focus mainly on the energy arena. Primarily dealing with natural resources like coal and oil. Most of the large and stable MLPs are pipeline companies. They are set up similarly to REITs. MLPs pay no corporate tax as long as they pass along essentially all of their income to unitholders (the limited partners, those who own shares of the MLP). MLPs Generally pass along a lot more money than they make, and you can defer your taxes on a lot of it. Of course, “no taxes” and “deferred taxes” are very different. Check with your tax advisor.

MLPs can be somewhat difficult to get info on. Check out my new “How To Analyze Anything” video course for simple strategies to use free online tools to learn all you need to know about MLPs (and much more). To get your Free MLP Report go here.