Everybody's talking about Goldman Sachs' deal to invest $450 million of its own capital in Facebook and to raise another $1.5 billion from its wealthy clients to do the same. The deal raises fascinating questions. Does it violate the Volcker rule (a provision in the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform bill named after its proponent, former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker), which is meant to limit the amount of money banks may risk in proprietary investments? Probably not. Is the deal's structure, which presents that $1.5 billion as coming from a single investor, a way to game the Securities and Exchange Commission rules requiring companies with more than 499 investors (as Facebook would be if each investor were counted individually) to file financial statements as a public company would? Of course!

But the true fascination in this deal is that somebody is getting something most of us can't have. You need multiple millions to invest your money at Goldman Sachs. (The firm doesn't disclose precisely how much, which brings to mind the old adage, "If you have to ask, you can't afford it.") These very wealthy clients are stampeding to make a (relatively) early-stage investment in a smoking-hot company. Who wouldn't do the same, given the chance? While Goldman does have mutual funds for non-millionaires, these average Joes won't get any Facebook shares. (Did you even have to ask?)

Goldman's Facebook deal is just one more piece of evidence that the claim Wall Street's made repeatedly over the last two decades—average individual investors can compete on a level playing field with the big boys!—is total bunk. The regulators have sometimes, sort of, tried to make it true, but these efforts have either failed or made things worse.

Growth versus value investing is shaping up to be a horse race in 2011.

Although growth stocks had maintained the lead throughout much of 2010, the performance margin between the two narrowed later in the year.

Growth stocks represent companies whose better-than-average earnings gains raise the expectation that they will continue to deliver high profit growth. You're betting that they will just keep growing.

Value stocks represent out-of-favor companies that are considered bargains based on their book or liquidation value. Investors aren't paying a lot as they cautiously hope these stocks will regain their pace toward a future payday.

he economy, while showing some signs of recovery, remains shaky. The jobless rate is still high as corporations put off hiring. Governments are strapped and will likely make tough cuts in 2011.

Despite the grim reality, stocks finished 2010 on a strong rally. Many investors expect big things again this year as recovery takes hold.

To provide an outlook for individual investors, we consulted some pros. These experts in the Triangle and Charlotte help manage billions of dollars and earn good money to make smart bets.

Notes From Berkshire Hathaway's Annual Meeting Free Download Previously, we'd covered to Berkshire Hathaway's annual letter and today we wanted to cover Berkshire's latest annual meeting. A huge hat tip goes out to the Inoculated Investor who managed to transcribe nearly every word that Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger said at Berkshire Hathaway's 2010 Annual Meeting.

Our website provide Value Investing Information, Stock Investment and Life Investment Resource to you. We find many useful resources to you as follows:

• Free Online Investment Training
• Free stock investing and investment ebook
• Free Investments Software and Program
• Investment and stock investing update news
• Our Value Investing Notes

Guidelines for Options and Stock Selection

2011 to be better year for stocks

If I had a crystal ball to what the new year will bring for those investing in, maybe we'll know exactly what moves money and take risks. But who needs the trappings of an audience in Palm Beach and its neighbors are at home, part time or full time, some of the most prestigious economic nation?

Earlier this month, David Dreman, Louis Navellier, and Muriel Siebert. Each was asked about prospects for 2011, a handful of topics ranging from stock investors' concerns if we have a recession or depression, interest rates and bond markets.