What is the best small investment at this time in US?

I have a little bit of cash in hand. I can pay off part of my home equity loan or use it for investment. Interest on HEL is 7%.
Please suggest how I can utilize cash in hand to generate better growth.

Unless you have something in mind that will pay better than a sure 6% return, pay off the loan

9 mm and a box of bullets.

Get familiar with the precious metals market....Gold and Silver in particular. Go to Kitco.com for a start and read read read.

You should do very well in metals although its not an overnight ride. You also have an option to invest in mining companies. If you do your homework right, you'll find companies on the verge of exploding.

Good luck!

Not sure but I think mortgage interest is deductible in the US I am in Canada where it is not. If not pay off the mortgage and then borrow on the property to invest is quality dividend paying stocks. This way the interest is tax deductible, you get an additional credit on dividends earned and any capital gain yield further exemptions. This will give you the best after tax return.

I'd pay off the loan first.

If you insist on investing it, you can try:

http://www.inside-alpha.com/

Let's make money!

Good luck

Marc

Being out of debt is a good asset, but if you can generate a profit with the money, do it and then pay off the loan and use your profit to invest. "You can't live on borrowed money" - a famous quote from my Uncle Jim at 1st American Bank.
Also, depends on how much you have to invest and how quick you want the money back.
I am considering limited liability partners for a property I want to buy. Should be ably to make you 50% - 100% return on your money.
There are people on this site who will call me crazy and a fraud, but it's because they've been stuck in the same box - stocks and IRA's and bank savings.