Top Story Archive

What Obama's Asia Tour Means for Investors

President Obama is in Asia this week, and considering the dire fate of the U.S. dollar, I can hardly blame him. The president's goal is to convince the Far East that America is still a good place to invest. Quite a tall order, considering that when Treasury Secretary Geithner was speaking to students in China earlier this year and said that the U.S. dollar was safe, the students responded by laughing at him. That's not a good sign.

5 Innovative Small-Caps for 2010

Small-cap stocks typically get a boost at the start of each New Year. It's called the "January Effect," and in the past 40 years or so, it has been the Old Faithful of seasonal market trends. This year, I think we could see it come a little early, which means that NOW is the time to invest in fundamentally sound small-cap stocks and to make your money ahead of the crowd. Here are 5 to get you started:

3 ETFs to Buy for 2010

While some investors are only beginning to get their finances in order, others have popped the cork and are ready to toast the New Year–and all of the profits it will bring. What does the second group know that the first group doesn't? Well, if they're like me, they've been using ETFs to get out ahead of big sector moves and bank the extra profits before the rest of Wall Street catches on. Here are my top 3 ETFs for 2010.

Top Solar Stocks for 2010

In summer of 2008, when crude oil prices were cruising at record highs, it was easy to see the appeal of solar stocks. But now that oil is off nearly 50% from its highest point last year, it appears alternative energy stocks have lost their appeal. Solar stocks in particular have been battered and fallen out of favor. However, there are still some solar stocks that are shining bright right now and have big growth potential for 2010.

Best Dividend Stocks to Buy Now

The last two years have been some of the worst for dividend cuts in half a century. In fact, the fourth quarter of 2008 was one of the worst periods for dividend cuts since the late 1950s when Standard & Poor's began tracking this trend. In an economic environment where traditional dividend distributors like Dow Chemical (DOW) and General Electric (GE) have either reduced or eliminated payouts to shareholders just to save cash, it's getting harder to find good stocks with good dividends. Harder yes ... but not impossible! Here are my favorite dividend stocks to buy now.

Forget the Automakers–Profit From the Parts

For more than 12 months, the auto industry has been pelted by a hailstorm of bad news. But Ford's third-quarter earnings results and the latest monthly auto sales figures indicate that the industry–and the economy–may be on the mend. But don't put on your party hat just yet. With weak consumer spending and high unemployment, the auto industry still faces an uphill battle.

Four Dates that Will Define November

There's an old market saying that you should "sell in May and go away." This theory worked very well from 1950 up to 2004, but it's broken down ever since then. In fact this year, the stock market began its incredible run in March, and it made a new high just a few days ago. I still think the environment is going to be good for stocks, but the difference now is that Wall Street is going to be far more selective in November. Since this is a key month for investors, I want to point out four dates on the calendar and what each means for you as an investor. The first one, in fact, is today!

Will the Recovery Follow a W or a U Shape?

Whether you're the bullish bull or the bearish bear, there's no denying that stocks have had a great run in the last six months. Since the March lows, the major indexes are up nearly 50%. GDP has turned positive once more with the economic growth of 3.5% in the U.S. for the third quarter. Now the only question is whether that recovery will last, and how it will affect investors.

Small-Cap Stock Ebix Quietly Soaring

The Atlanta-based firm Ebix (EBIX) has less than 700 employees and a market value of around $500 million. That may sound big, but on Wall Street, it is small potatoes. When companies are that small, they usually don't generate big underwriting fees and are barely covered by insiders. In fact, there are just two analysts who currently follow the stock. So despite the fantastic growth, the company is still flying under the radar ... giving you a chance to buy in before other investors hear about this pick!

Babes, Booze and Betting–Guilty Pleasures Investors Should Live Without

Hard economic times won’t stop consumers from indulging in their vices—gamblers will keep betting, bar-hoppers will keep drinking and smokers will keep puffing. But as more signs of an economic recovery are emerging every day, cashing in on “corruption” doesn’t trigger the same rush it did just a few months ago. Here are some guilty pleasures that you should really give up to keep your portfolio safe:

3 Stocks for the New 'Net Boom

It's 2001 all over again! Internet-based stocks are booming, from retailers to video game designers to service companies. There's no stopping these blowout companies that are tapping into the tremendous potential of the World Wide Web. A decade ago, investors were speculating on the untapped potential of the Internet ... but these three companies have proven numbers to show how to leverage the Web for huge profits.

Two New IPOs Hit Wall Street

The market for initial public offerings is going to get a big test this week with two new issues; both Hyatt Hotels and Ancestry.com plan to debut on the exchanges. With the stock market being in such a sour mood for the past two years, the demand for initial offerings has understandably dried up, so a lot of eyes will be watching these IPOs.

Cutting Edge Biotech Stocks to Buy Now

All throughout the recession, large-cap biotech companies held their own despite the difficult economic circumstances. Why? Because medicine and treatments simply will not be cut out of family budgets even in hard times. Now that the recovery is under way, it seems Wall Street is more interested in the little guys–one-drug biotech stocks that could rally double-digits on a single breakthrough. With all of this added attention, it's important to know which biotechs are the safest bets for your money. That's why I've put together a list of five biotech stocks to buy now.

Tessera Posts 76% Earnings Surprise, But It Isn’t Enough

Tessera Technologies (TSRA) is one of my favorite stocks. This company licenses its technology to some of the biggest names in the tech industry. Ahead of Thursday's earnings I predicted that this growing tech company would beat analyst expectations by about 14%. Well, the stock blew out even my optimistic outlook, but this was not enough to get investors in the buying mood.

Medifast Reports Blowout Earnings!

Just a few short days ago, I posted an article singing the praises of Medifast Inc. (MED). If you remember, this is the doctor-approved, weight loss option of choice for thousands of people. Well, the company just reported its third-quarter results that were even better than even I was expecting. Here are the details:

Dresser-Rand Profits Increase 59%!

What an amazing earnings season this has been! One of my earnings picks for NavellierGrowth.com readers was Medifast Inc. (MED). They reported a 21% earnings surprise and the stock shot up by as much as 17% as a result. This is excellent news for the company, but it isn’t the only NavellierGrowth.com company that beat earnings this week. Dresser-Rand Group (DRC) was another stock that I targeted for a strong quarter. And the company didn’t disappoint.

An 1849-Style Gold Rush in 2009

Did you know there are some analysts out there calling for gold to hit $2,000 an ounce? This precious metal just crossed over $1,000 an ounce and already they're calling for another double! Mining stocks are rallying on explosive buying pressure as rising metal prices attract investors to this sector in droves. Here's my take on five major mining plays:

The #1 Overlooked Opportunity in the Energy Sector

This week as earnings season marches on, there’s a quiet opportunity brewing that I want to tell you about before Friday. For one reason or another, energy stock Dresser-Rand Group (DRC) is being overlooked right now and offers an excellent opportunity for short-term gains of 8%–10% when it posts its third-quarter earnings report. Here are the details:

The Best Tech Stock You've Never Heard Of: TSRA

This earnings season there are three key ingredients that make for a stellar earnings report and subsequent run-up in stock price: increasing sales, earnings growth and positive earnings surprises. One stock I expect to deliver all three when it reports this Thursday is Tessera Technologies (TSRA). Here's why...

Get Skinny and Rich With Medifast

Most folks when asked what they’d like to change in their lives will give you an answer that centers on their health and/or finances. They’ll tell you they want to be skinnier and make more money. Very few companies can actually help you achieve these goals, yet one company that is helping people lose weight while offering an incredible opportunity to investors is Medifast Inc. (MED)—which is scheduled to report earnings this Thursday.

How Investors Should Prepare for Thursday's GDP Report

Wall Street is on pins and needles this week in anticipation of the GDP report that will be issued this Thursday morning at 8:30 am ET. Traders all around the world will be glued to their monitors to see what the government report has to say. This report will have a major impact on stock prices and could shape the entire investing environment for the rest of the year and beyond. Here's why:

Are Airlines Still in a Downward Spiral?

To say that I fly a lot is an understatement. I'm constantly traveling between my Reno and Florida homes, I do about two free seminars per month in all corners of the country, and there are literally dozens of institutional investors or Wall Street experts that I meet with regularly around the world. So planes and airports are always on my mind! In the past week, a number of airline companies reported earnings. That gives me a perfect opportunity to give you my opinion of these companies. And I'm talking, of course, of whether you should invest in these picks–not whether you're going to have enough legroom over the holidays.

Cashing In on the Wireless Revolution

Mobile broadband has changed the way people access the Internet, especially in the U.S. You no longer have to be sitting behind a desk and tied to a cable—wireless devices are more convenient than that. Not only do they slip into your pocket, but you can talk on them and browse the web, and most of them have computing capabilities and a built-in GPS. These devices are also becoming increasingly more affordable. For investors, this "mobile" trend screams profit opportunity. Here’s how you can capitalize on it:

China Continues Rapid Growth

In case there was any doubt that China is the global economic leader right now, the latest numbers make that point crystal clear. On Thursday, we learned that China's economy grew at a vigorous 8.9% in the third quarter from the same period a year earlier.

Stock Smackdown: GOOG vs. YHOO

Competition is the name of the game on Wall Street. Companies are constantly scrambling to claim a piece of the spotlight and attract the bulk of the buying pressure away from industry peers. Among investors, perhaps the most widely talked about battle is the one between the Internet search giants, Google (GOOG) and Yahoo (YHOO). Now that both industry behemoths have reported their latest quarterly earnings, investors can get a clear reading on how these companies are performing at present and how they will continue to perform in the months to come.

Apple Earnings Soar as I Expected

Apple eally blew away Wall Street with its latest quarterly earnings, topping expectations and seeing shares soar as a result. Those of you who listened to my strong buy recommendation ahead of this earnings report are sitting on a nice profit as a result.

Earnings: JPM, C, GS Beat Estimates—But Are They Good Buys?

Yesterday's announcement from JPMorgan Chase (JPM) that it obliterated estimates sparked a buying party on Wall Street that pushed the Dow above the Holy Grail of index levels (10,000). But the bulls backpedaled today after Citigroup's (C) earnings report gave investors a real taste of the trend that is likely to dominate banks' third-quarter announcements–namely, failed consumer loans. Even JPM isn't sheltered from poor consumer credit. This begs the question: How have the company's investment banking counterparts fared? Transparency from banks like Citigroup (C) and Bank of America (BAC) is especially important this earnings season, and frankly, the outlook for some of these companies leaves much to be desired.

5 Obama "Peacekeepers"

From stocks that train foreign security forces to companies that ward off digital and biohazardous threats, the business of peacekeeping is booming right now. Here are my top five stocks cashing in on this trend.

Why You Should Expect a Lower Dollar

The dollar's strength is fading fast. Just last week, the greenback hit a 14-month low against major currencies. While this has angered our Asian and European counterparts, this bodes well for the U.S. economy. You see, a weak currency makes U.S.-made goods cheaper abroad. This, subsequently, drives foreign sales even while the American consumer is still pretty stingy at home. I expect the dollar to remain weak for some time, and play an important role in pulling the U.S. economy out of the recession. Here's why:

2 ETFs to Buy Now

If you’ve ever wanted to add ETFs to your stock portfolio, now is the time. The markets are stirring and ready to make their next break higher. I’ve already gone on record and said that we would not experience another test of market lows, but that doesn’t mean all stocks are good buys right now. In fact, maybe one in 300 is worthy of investment today. But, there are a number of ETFs that can help you though the current market volatility and add significant profits to your portfolio. Get the details now.

Inflation On The Rise

Don't be fooled by tomorrow's inflation report. The official numbers will probably appear to be tame for the next few reports, but after things may not look so good. Why am I so gloomy? Check out today's article to get all the details as well as one stock that is a buy in an inflationary environment.

Auto Stocks Crash With No Clunkers Cash

In the "post clunker" era, automakers are in a world of hurt once more. General Motors (GM) saw September auto sales that were the worst, falling 45% to 156,000 cars and light trucks. Chrysler's sales drop as a percentage was close behind, dropping 42% to 62,000. It looks like without "cash for clunkers," new car sales have flat-out collapsed.

Is It Too Early for Fertilizer Stocks?

Mosaic (MOS), a blue chip fertilizer stock, reported fiscal first-quarter earnings Monday. The numbers weren't good–results included a disappointing -91% decline in profits, a -66% drop in revenue and a -34% earnings surprise. Ouch! But shares of Mosaic did a strange thing the day after this report ... they rallied 5%! It's all due to a weak dollar and rising commodity prices. But has the party in agricultural chemicals started too early?

Merger mania, but who's next?

Stock mergers are starting to ramp up again on Wall Street. This is a very healthy sign for investors. It tells us two things. First, that companies are out there willing to spend money if the price is right. Only a few months ago, no one was willing to spend any money no matter what the price. This also tells us that there's plenty of cash out there waiting to pounce. So who's next? I have my eye on one healthcare stock in particular ...

Dyncorp DCP - The best defense stock

The heads of the G-20 nations recently gathered in Pittsburgh to discuss the world economy, but I was struck by much the leaders were focused on defense and non-economic matters. This is hardly surprising considering we have a new president and there are still many trouble spots around the world. That means defense stocks are in focus ... and DynCorp is my favorite pick in that industry.

Global blue chip stocks are thriving

There's no doubt that China is a huge engine of worldwide economic growth right now. Officially, Beijing says the nation's economy grew at nearly an 8% annual rate in the second quarter. The result has been a surge in Chinese stocks. The average China holding doubled from December 31 to August 1 of this year. But China isn't alone in its economic strength. The nation's explosive growth will be duplicated in other emerging markets in the coming months. That's why I want to encourage investors right now to start thinking about other emerging markets and get in on the ground floor of the surge.

The "Lehman Crash" One Year On

As bad as some indicators may look today, we live in a much better world than on September 15, 2008. Although the chilling date of 9/11 will live forever "in infamy," Monday, September 15, 2008 was almost as shocking to Wall Street.

After marathon weekend meetings, the government decided NOT to bail out the prestigious firm of Lehman Brothers. On the same day, the Fed forced Bank of America to pony up $50 billion in stock for Merrill Lynch, and AIG's stock collapsed almost 90% on rumors of bankruptcy.

Asia Hits Another Speed Bump

China is the single most profitable place to invest right now, but there's no denying that recent events have weighed on stocks. Consider that the average Chinese stock doubled from December 31 to August 1. Explosive growth like that simply cannot continue forever.

While many stocks have deservedly surged due to tremendous profits and booming sales, other companies have been swept up in the general enthusiasm over the region with no proof to back up their success. It's important not to get caught up in the knee-jerk reaction of the broader market.

The Shift to High-Quality Stocks Is Imminent

Labor Day traditionally marks a dreaded turning point for the markets, but this year the turn is shaping up to be one for the better. The cash on the sidelines is currently higher than it was in 2003, 1990 and 1982, which represented previous high cash peaks. After each of these cash-heavy periods, market rallies averaging over 32% followed.

The market will get excited when the earnings environment is expected to turn positive in the upcoming months. By the fourth quarter, the earnings for the S&P 500 are expected to rise by 270%! As this happens, the market will start to reward high-quality stocks.

Is It Safe to Buy Home Builders?

Home builders have been hard hit by the recession, but signs of a rebound are cropping up. Existing home sales are rising, building permits for single family homes are up and single-family housing starts have increased for five straight months. On top of that, interest rates are falling.

So is it safe to get back into home building stocks? And if so, which home builders are worth buying now?

The Top 2009 Stock Performers Sell for Around $10 a Share

Junk stocks have been doing very well this year. Looking back to the start of the last bull market in 2003, there were 42 S&P 500 stocks under $10 a share and they were a good place to invest then, too. Those 42 stocks were up 439% through July 31, 2008.

Junk bonds are also doing well so it follows that the stocks of those companies that hawk junk bonds are also beating the blue chips, so far. In 2009, the big S&P winners are the 81 companies with weak credit ratings ("BB" or lower), the cutoff point for "junk" bonds.

4 Pet Stocks to Beat the Recession

Recession-resistant stocks sometimes come in unexpected sectors.

For example, the retail sector isn't typically the first place you'd look for recession-resistant stocks, but pet-related stocks can offer savvy investors big rewards.

It seems pets become instant members of the family, and are refused no creature comfort, even in times when the rest of the family is cutting back the budget sharply.

Here are four pet stocks that are well-positioned to ride out this recession and thrive.

Does Warren Buffett's Portfolio Make the Grade?

I've long been an admirer of Warren Buffett, and like many investors, I keep an eye out for Buffett's latest investments to see what he's up to.

According to a regulatory disclosure form from last week, it appears that Buffett's investment vehicle Berkshire Hathaway (BRKA) is making a big move into health care. By using my Portfolio Grader online stock-rating tool, you can take a closer look at Berkshire Hathaway's holdings and see my opinion of each stock (because BRKA is effectively one big mutual fund, Portfolio Grader doesn't rate it).

Aeropostale (ARO) and Buckle (BKE)

The key to the economy's future continues to be the consumer. As long as folks are out there buying, then the economy will only fall so far. Most consumer stocks, however, have been beaten down since consumer spending went down the drain last year. There are a few exceptions. My team and I have pinpointed two consumer stocks that are riding high, thanks to the strength of an unstoppable spending force.

My friends, that unstoppable force is called…teenagers. Aeropostale and Buckle are two retail stocks that are benefitting from teenagers' buying habits. Here's why these stocks deserve a place in your portfolio now.

5 Reasons to Buy Bob Evans Farms (BOBE)

Despite an extended upswing in the stock market since March, there is no reason to suggest that the markets have gotten frothy. Certain businesses are positioned to do well in this economy, especially businesses tied to the consumer.

Bob Evans (BOBE) and other key restaurant stocks are where the smart money is going now. Here are five reasons why I recommend Bob Evans as a buy now.

Budget Deficit Triples...as Bond Rates Double

Tax collections on the federal level are on track to fall 18% this fiscal year which is the biggest drop since the Great Depression. Through July 31, the U.S. government's budget deficit rose to $1.3 trillion.

Due to the record budget deficit and a weak U.S. dollar, Treasury yields last week rose to the highest level in two months. The 10-year Treasury bond yield rose from 3.66% to 3.89% last week and should crack the 4% barrier soon. Last December 18, the 10-year Treasury bond yield was only 2.08%, so yields have almost doubled this year.

Best and Worst Nasdaq Stocks

Nasdaq stocks have been on a tear lately, outpacing the market by a wide margin. But that doesn't mean all Nasdaq stocks are buys. I apply the same growth momentum criteria to all my stock picks. Here are my three favorite Nasdaq stocks to buy now and three Nasdaq losers to sell immediately.

The Economy Is Bouncing Back

On Friday, we received the initial estimate for second-quarter GDP that indicates the economy was contracting at a much slower rate from April to June–a decline of -1% for the quarter, compared with estimates that were as bad as -1.5%. Considering Q1 numbers indicate the economy shrank by -6.4% in the first three months of 2009, this is a dramatic improvement that indicates the worst is well behind us.

A Freshly Brewed Pot of 5 Coffee Stocks

Starbucks stock (SBUX) enjoyed a nice rally after last week's earnings report, which beat analysts' expectations. Is the rally in coffee stocks for real? Indeed, it is. After being beaten down for months during this soft economy, many coffee stocks are seeing a resurgence. Here are five coffee stocks to buy now. Each is enjoying momentum that will propel these companies higher in the weeks ahead.

Best Stocks to Buy for Back to School

Despite waning consumer confidence, the new bull market is in full swing, and the stocks to buy now are those companies that will benefit most from the coming back-to-school season. Here, I focus on five key consumer stocks to buy. These stocks are poised to profit from what is sure to be one of the best buying opportunities for investors in decades.

Some of these names will be familiar to you. Some of these stocks may not be ones you have thought of buying before. All are positioned well for the current economic cycle.

Finally, Some Green Shoots

In the last two weeks, the S&P 500 index has surged over 11% thanks to what's shaping up to be the best earnings season in over a decade.

The economy is finally showing real evidence of green shoots. The Conference Board announced that the index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI) for June rose 0.7%, which represents the third-straight monthly gain for the index. General Motors reported that its second-quarter sales only fell 15% globally compared with the same quarter a year ago due to strong demand in Asia, which rose an impressive 38%.

10 Bellwether Stocks and What Their Earnings Mean for You

Earnings season has been good for many top stocks. But a lot of those stellar stock earnings reports are due to cost-cutting, rather than real top- or bottom-line revenue growth. In order to see what those earnings reports really mean, you have to look beyond the surface to see how the companies got to those figures. Here, I take a look at 10 bellwether stocks and what their most recent stock earnings mean for investors and the overall market.

A Pharmaceutical Stock with 20% Earnings Growth Potential

Big pharmaceutical stocks don't often see double-digit earnings growth without dramatic cost-cutting. Unfortunately, while cost-cutting can prop up a stock temporarily, it can't enhance a company's overall profitability long-term.

That's why I'm turning my attention to a nifty global pharmaceutical stock that has the profit potential and earnings momentum to carry it ahead even in recessionary times.

This company isn't a household name like Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb or Wyeth. But it still has a blockbuster product line. This global stock manufacturers generic drugs for everything from heart drugs to antibiotics to antidepressants. Here's why you want to own this stock now...

5 Restaurant Stocks to Buy Now

It is well known that running a restaurant is a tough road to hoe, but that is even more so on the fine dining side of the market during this ecconomic crisis.

During the last bull market, there was a trend to go large in the fine dining space. Upscale restaurants that worked in one location were quickly duplicated in other cities. Once large enough, many of these chains became publicly-traded companies. Now in the midst of a deep recession, the upscale space is experiencing a huge unwind.

I still think the restaurant space offers stocks worth investing in. But I would focus your money away from fine-dining restaurants. Here are the restaurant stocks I favor most right now.

Foreign Investors Are Fleeing the Dollar

Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner hit the road recently in an attempt to soothe foreign investors' concerns about the fate of the U.S. dollar. The latest statistics show that foreigners have been dumping dollars -- and I can hardly blame them.

The latest round in the blame game is that everyone seems to be mad at the Federal Reserve. The real blame, however, lies with Congress. Uncle Sam is poised to spend twice as much as it will take in this year.

Higher deficits mean higher debt. Higher debt means more Treasury auctions. More Treasuries flooding the market will mean higher rates. Not only is the dollar in trouble, it's in BIG trouble.

Why China Will Continue to Grow

The recent ethnic violence in China seems to have quieted down and that will help many of my favorite China-based stocks rebound. Also, Goldman Sachs said that the Chinese economy will surpass its GDP growth estimates for this year.

Some of my favorite Chinese stocks include KongZhong (KONG), Universal Travel Group (UTA) and Shanda Interactive Entertainment (SNDA). This has been an amazing for many Chinese stocks. Shares of SNDA are already up 60% this year while UTA is up an amazing 250%.

Alcoa, Chevron and Progressive Kick Off New Earnings Season

This week marks the beginning of second-quarter earnings season and I wanted to give you a preview of what to expect. I often refer to earnings season as Judgment Day for Wall Street. This is when we find out who's been raking it and who's been spilling red ink.

The second-quarter earnings season will also be important because we might see the first signs that the recession has bottomed out. I'm not saying things will be rosy, but we may no longer see the massive losses that plagued us during first-quarter earnings season.

A Wild Week for Oil

Last week was a rollercoaster ride for crude oil prices–and here's the odd part: We can thank one man for all the drama.

On Tuesday, oil shot up and over $73 a barrel. Most analysts had no one idea why. But on Thursday we learned what really happened. It turns out that a rogue broker named Steve Perkins placed a massive bet in the Brent crude oil market. This bet triggered almost $10 million of losses for PVM Oil Associates in London.

Find out my latest take on oil and the best oil stocks to own right now.

7 Firecracker Stocks for the 4th of July

The very first Independence Day was celebrated in 1777, six years before the young nation knew it would survive as an independent state. Fireworks were front and center at that celebration. Perhaps our founding fathers were warding off evil Britain by firing off explosive material back in 1777. As investors, fireworks have a different connotation. We want our stocks to catch fire like a skyrocket in flight. This year's 4th of July brings investors optimism as we emerge from a tough bear market. Here are 7 firecracker stocks poised to catch fire.

Weight Loss Stock Medifast Will Fatten Your Wallet

As an investor, it's important to watch children for investing trends. Remember, it was baby boomers like me who spurred new businesses, like television, and the huge growth for entertainment stocks, like Disney (DIS).

It's no secret that obesity has become an epidemic in the United States. Indeed, we're seeing an alarming trend of obesity in children. That's why I've been focusing on stocks that are working to fight the obesity epidemic. My favorite right now is Medifast (MED).

Load Up on These All-American Stocks Now

July 4th is coming up this Saturday and the nation will celebrate its 233rd birthday. The past year has been pretty rough for the old Republic, with the economy going through its worst spat in 80 years. Still, I'm an optimist and I think we'll come through this stronger than ever. To honor America's birthday, I want to highlight three great all-American brands that deserve a place in your portfolio. I always like companies with strong brand names because it helps them weather tough economic times better than unknown companies.

Bed Bath and Beyond Is a Buy

Yesterday, after the market closed, Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY) reported earnings that beat estimates. The better than expected results were due mainly to cost-cutting efforts and strong operating performance at both new and existing stores. Here's why BBBY is a buy today.

Kindle on Fire – 5 Reasons to Buy Amazon

When someone says that such and such a stock is a must-buy, they are usually enamored with that company's ability to innovate. Any business that can stay one step ahead of the competition with cutting-edge products typically enjoys many years of revenue and profit growth. That is why Apple gets so much attention. Apple has successfully proven its ability to innovate many times over. As a result, its stock has garnered a significant premium. With Kindle, Amazon is showing that it, too, can innovate. That's just one of the reasons I like AMZN now.

Darden Restaurants Beats Estimates

Today we got news that Darden Restaurants Inc. (DRI) easily beat consensus Street estimates, announcing adjusted net earnings from continuing operations of 90 cents per share for the fourth quarter. The Street was expecting earnings to come in at 86 cents per share. The company also declared a quarterly dividend of 25 cents per share, a 25% increase from the previous quarterly dividend.

5 Stocks to Profit in the Second Half of 2009

Although the market has enjoyed a great rally since bottoming in March, many of the stocks that have seen the best gains were simply those that fell to near bankruptcy. I recommend these five stocks to buy now because they have fundamental reasons for growth in the second half of 2009.

Smith & Wesson - Go Ahead, Make My Portfolio

When Obama took office, gun stocks took off, even though the administration never breathed a word about gun control. That's good news for one of my favorite gun stocks, Smith & Wesson. Here's why...

5 Green Stocks to Buy Now

These days, every uptick or downtick in the market makes news. What often gets lost, though, is that the story of the market is a whole lot more than the major indexes and their daily or minute-by-minute movements. The market is a mosaic of thousands of unique stories.

Netflix (NFLX) Is Set to Soar

In an environment where consumers are being squeezed by higher prices everywhere, Netflix (NFLX) is a place they turn to for cheap entertainment. Netflix has a competitive advantage over other movie rental sources and stands to benefit from the mandated conversion from analog to digital broadcasting.

The Stock Market May Need to Take a Rest

After 14 straight weeks of climbing, Wall Street may need to take a rest. Over the weekend, G8 finance ministers expressed their alarm at higher bond yields.

What General Motors Needs to Do

The new GM is on its way to becoming a very boring company. Instead of making extremely dull cars, GM needs to regain its passion.

5 Dow Stocks to Sell Now

Cisco and Travelers are joining the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average, replacing GM and Citigroup. But don't look at the Dow stocks as places for your investment money. Here are 5 Dow stocks to sell now.

Rift Opens between the U.S. and Germany

The German government thinks we're not taking the threat of inflation seriously -- and I agree.

Lincoln Educational Services (LINC) - A Great Small Cap Stock to Buy Now

Lincoln Educational Services (LINC) is a for-profit educational institution that is a terrific small cap stock to buy now. LINC is set to soar in an economy like this one, where jobs are tight and adult workers need more education in order to remain competitive.

4 Restaurant Stocks Worth Buying Now

Bob Evans recent earnings report showed that it is possible for restaurant stocks to make money even in a recession. Here are four restaurant stocks I recommend buying today.

Washington Is Now Considering a Value Added Tax

The U.S. government's budget deficit has grown so large that Uncle Sam is now considering additional revenue ideas like a European-style Value Added Tax.

5 Best Stocks to Buy Now

These days, every uptick or downtick in the market makes news. What often gets lost, though, is that the story of the market is a whole lot more than the major indexes and their daily or minute-by-minute movements. The market is a mosaic of thousands of unique stories.

Chinese Stocks Like Longtop Financial Technologies (LFT) Are Set to Soar

Here's a question for investors: What country has the hottest stocks in the world right now? Answer: China. It's true. Subscribers to my Global Growth service have been racking up huge gains by investing in this emerging giant. We're sitting on profits of over 50% in China Sky One Medical (CSKI). We're up over 60% in Asiainfo Holdings (ASIA). Since I first recommended Shanda Interactive (SNDA) less than four months ago, the stock has exploded for a 65% gain.

AutoZone Is Booming

Thanks to the recession, stocks like Autozone (AZO) are soaring. Here's why Autozone is a great buy today.

California Steaming

California faces a fiscal mess, but no one in the state is willing to do what's needed. The state is left with little alternative but to spend less and layoff state employees.

Three Gold Stocks to Buy Now

A year ago, all the talk was about a commodity bubble: Oil was near $150 per barrel, gasoline cost $4 a gallon, copper hit $4 a pound, silver reached $21 an ounce, and corn soared to $6.30 per bushel in the wake of the ethanol craze. Now the dollar is falling, and commodities are on the rise again. Gold stocks are the place to be. Here's why.

Retail Sector Gets a Boost From Children's Clothing Stocks

The Children's Place and Buckle were among the clothing retailers that reported improved earnings today. See why these retail stocks are among my best stocks to buy now.

5 Biotech Stocks to Buy Now

The biotech sector is one of the few that is in positive territory year-to-date. Cougar Biotechnology is a great stock pick in this sector. Here's why, plus four more biotech stocks to buy now.

Decision Time for General Motors

June 1 is D-Day for General Motors. Or more accurately, it's B-Day because a bankruptcy filing is a very real possibility. I expect that President Obama will try to mask the nine-week GM plant shut down by announcing a "cash for clunkers" program.

5 Oil Stocks Ready to Give You Slick Profits

These days, every uptick or downtick in the market makes news. What often gets lost, though, is that the story of the market is a whole lot more than the major indexes and their daily or minute-by-minute movements. The market is a mosaic of thousands of unique stories.

Europe Is Feeling the Pain

Economists think the U.S. economy will turnaround by August. In Europe, however, the picture is very bleak. My view is that the dollar will continue to weaken.

Bristol Myers Squibb Offers a Rare Find These Days - High Dividends

Bristol-Myers Squibb is one of the few blue chip stocks to continue to offer shareholders a solid dividend. That is more rare among large cap stocks than you think. A full 59 of the S&P 500 stocks have either cut or eliminated their dividend. That's just one reason BMY is a good buy.

ArcSight is Outta Sight

When the market turned south, the pipeline of Initial Public Offerings dried up. But there are still IPOs that offer good opportunities. ArcSight, a high-growth tech stock, is one I like. Here's why ArcSight is at the right place at the right time.

The Economy Is Poised for a Turnaround

The good news is that the earnings for this past earnings season were about 10% better than expected. Looking forward, economists now expect second-quarter GDP to decline by 2% before turning positive in the third quarter as consumer spending improves.

The Stress Test Is Over–What's Next?

Last week, the government released the results of its bank stress test. Wall Street seems relieved but I still have some problems with how the tests were conducted.

How the Swine Flu Is Impacting My Top Mexican Stocks

The swine flu has wreaked havoc with all sorts of businesses, including Mexican stocks. But not every Mexican stock should be avoided. Here's my take on where my top Mexican stocks stand right now.

The Results of the Navellier Bank Stress Test

The results of the government's stress test on several leading banks are due on Thursday. Before we see the official results, here are the ratings my team and I have given to the 18 publicly traded banks undergoing the test.

Hershey a Good Buy for Mother's Day

Hershey (HSY) enjoyed nice growth in earnings and sales in the last quarter, fueled by a return to simple pleasures in this tough economic climate. That's makes HSY a great Mother's Day stock pick now.

Uncle Sam Needs Money

The U.S. government needs to borrow huge amounts of money to finance our budget deficits. The Fed has helped pick up the slack but this will come at the expense of the U.S. dollar.

Dine Equity - The Next Big Restaurant Play

Conventional wisdom would have you believe that restaurant stocks have no chance in this economy. Conventional wisdom would be wrong. Dine Equity (DIN) has great potential for investors now.

Profit from Marvel Entertainment's "X-Men Origins - Wolverine"

Historically, a hit movie is often a great early indicator of the economy emerging from its doldrums. Think about it. During a recession, consumers cut back on luxury goods, but a popular movie is a relatively inexpensive way for a family to entertain itself. While we wait for the tremendous amount of cash sitting on the sidelines (about $4 trillion) to come rushing back to the market, I am focusing on a few select stocks to earn big money. Marvel Entertainment is one of them.

Currency Wars: China Attacks the Dollar

China has attacked the U.S. dollar and our fiscal policies. But our other major trading partners want to see a stronger dollar. Meanwhile, the British pound is in serious trouble.

Which Fortune 500 Companies Are Worth Investing in Now?

Fortune magazine is out with its updated list of top 500 companies in the country. The Fortune 500 list is a bit of a misnomer. Remember, large revenue doesn't always equate to success and profits for shareholders. A prime example of this is the dot-com boom when excessive spending ensured that no matter how high revenues grew, profits were mostly non-existent. But being large does have its advantages. The question is are the top Fortune 500 companies worthy of your investment?

The New Fortune 500

Fortune magazine is out with its updated list of top 500 companies in the country. The Fortune 500 list is a bit of a misnomer. Remember, large revenue doesn't always equate to success and profits for shareholders. A prime example of this is the dot-com boom when excessive spending ensured that no matter how high revenues grew, profits were mostly non-existent. But being large does have its advantages. The question is are the top Fortune 500 companies worthy of your investment?

The Energy Sector Is Hot

Oil stocks have good reasons to take off in the months ahead. Here are two great energy sector plays that are positioned for big profits.

Why the Market Could Easily Go Up 30%

The stock market has been rallying impressively over the past several weeks. But I'm preparing for a period of stagflation where the economy will experience anemic growth and rising inflation.

Chrysler Has a Lifeline, General Motors Not So Much

Chrysler is fortunate that Fiat is coming to its side, although there may be painful choices. General Motors, however, faces a far more uncertain future. What's more, the EPA's recent decision isn't helping matters.

Shanda Interactive Entertainment (SNDA) Riding China's Rally

While the U.S. economy may still be a mess, China is growing. Shanda Interactive is one of my favorite China stocks, having nearly doubled in the last three months.

As Starbucks (SBUX) Stumbles, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (GMCR) Shines

Starbucks was once a model of innovation. Today, the coffee company is a victim of overzealous expansion and the economic downturn. But coffee is still big business, and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters is in a great position to profit right now.

How to Profit From Death and Taxes

Death and taxes. The only two certainties in life. And pretty recession-proof, too, eh? If you think about it, what other industries offer guaranteed customers, like the death and tax businesses? Someone will always eventually need your services.

The Federal Government Is Becoming a Fiscal Disaster

April 15 is Tax Day so I want to remind everyone to get those returns in on time. As the rate things are going, the Feds need every dime they can get. The reality is that the U.S. government is rapidly becoming a fiscal disaster.

Ride the Health Care Sector Merger Wave with Volcano (VOLC) and Alexion Pharmaceuticals (ALXN

When Express Scripts (ESRX) announced its decision to acquire WellPoint (WLP), the stock soared 15.5% on the news. Here's how to get in on the next wave of health care sector mergers.

Wells Fargo Stuns the Street

Wall Street got a big surprise last week when Wells Fargo said that it expects to post first-quarter earnings of $3 billion. The earnings are due to more mortgages, plus the bank wants the government off its back.

Are We in a New Bull Market or Another Bear Trap?

Earnings season has finally arrived and this is what I like to call "Judgment Day" for Wall Street. What's fascinating about this earnings season is how dramatically the expectations have changed since October. My strategy is to prepare for stagflation and focus on stocks that will prosper in a challenging economic environment.

Obama Charms the World

Last week saw the big G20 Summit in London. There were lots of important discussions and issues, but the real accomplishment of the meeting was a renew sense of optimism.

These Commodity Stocks Aren't Worth Your Money

Commodity stocks have enjoyed a nice rally as investors anticipate a weak dollar and inflation. But that doesn't mean all commodity stocks are good buys now. Here are three commodities to dump before they hurt your portfolio.

My Final Four Portfolio Part 2

I eagerly await this weekend's NCAA Basketball Tournament. And I've selected four stocks -- one to represent each of the final four teams -- that deserve a place in your portfolio. You don't have to be a hoops fan to profit from these companies.

Siligan Has an Edge in This Market

Siligan Holdings (SLGN) is one of the few companies that has a steady, predictable earnings stream for 2009. It's no wonder SLGN has experienced record earnings and sales.

Don't Fall for Lies About the Economy

Here's a little secret that's been floating around Wall Street, but no one is afraid to say out loud: The economy is doing better than most people realize.

5 Stocks That Deserve a Place in Your Portfolio Today

These days, every uptick or downtick in the market makes news. What often gets lost, though, is that the story of the market is a whole lot more than the major indexes and their daily or minute-by-minute movements. The market is a mosaic of thousands of unique stories.

My Final Four Portfolio Part I

The NCAA Basketball Tournament is one of my favorite times of the year. Like millions of Americans, I fill out my brackets and eagerly follow the action. Like the stock market, this year's tournament has been especially exciting. And as I wrote recently, it isn't always about the big names that prove to be the winners in the end, but rather the individual stories that pull it out in the clutch.

How Circuit City Saved Best Buy

Like many consumers, I was quite excited about the bankruptcy of Circuit City. As visions of bargains danced in my head, I never dreamed what would happen to competitor Best Buy. BBY enjoyed more foot traffic in the wake of Circuit City's closing and surprised Wall Street with greater-than-expected earnings. That is the way it goes in a recession. We consumers are savvy and sophisticated. As such, when prices fall, we expect them to fall further. Until they reach zero, prices can keep falling thus it always pays to wait till the last moment.

The Case for Avoiding the Rush to Gold Stocks

When the government announces it's going to spend massive amounts of money on a stimulus package, and the Fed announces it plans to buy $1 trillion dollars worth of Treasuries and other securities, there are two things you can count on: The dollar is going to plummet, and inflation cannot be far behind.

5 Hot Stocks in Ice-Cold Sectors

These days, every uptick or downtick in the market makes news. What often gets lost, though, is that the story of the market is a whole lot more than the major indexes and their daily or minute-by-minute movements. The market is a mosaic of thousands of unique stories.

Why Oil Prices Are Headed Higher

Consumers have seen some relief at the pump, but higher taxes, rising demand and a weaker dollar will push the price for oil much higher.

Synnex (SNX) Surprises on Earnings Again

IBM Proves Resilient

IBM is rumored to be trimming 5,000 jobs. But the blue chip company has proven resilient in these tough times. Here's why I think IBM's earnings release next month could prove to be a boon for the stock.

What to Expect from Next Week's G20 Meeting

Next week, finance ministers will gather in London at the G20 meeting to discuss the global recession, and what steps they can take to avoid it becoming a global depression. What's concerning other countries today is the U.S. government's massive spending spree. The U.S. dollar is already feeling the pain, and I think it's only just begun.

Frugal Shoppers Lift Family Dollar Store Stock

Family Dollar Store stock was the S&P 500's biggest gainer in 2008. FDO is poised for another stellar performance this year. Here's why.

5 Hot Stocks in Ice-Cold Sectors

These days, every uptick or downtick in the market makes news. What often gets lost, though, is that the story of the market is a whole lot more than the major indexes and their daily or minute-by-minute movements. The market is a mosaic of thousands of unique stories. To get the true story, we need to dive down deeper into the individual names that make up the market. Here we find individual companies that are doing well, regardless of what sector they're in.

Hansen Natural Still Sizzling

Hansen Natural Corp (HANS) shares have been among the best stock market performers in 2009. Currently trading at around $36 per share, the stock has risen over 6% so far in 2009, while the S&P has slid over 16% during the same period. What's behind this success?

Tiffany & Co. Stock Benefits Even After Poor Earnings Release

In a not surprising announcement, Tiffany & Co (TIF) released earnings today that reflected the impact of the current economy on retailers specializing in luxury items. The company reported lower profits on fewer sales. Not expected, however has been the market reaction to the release. Trading in TIF as of midday lifted the stock up nearly 15%, as traders and investors viewed the earnings release and the Fiscal Year 2010 guidance as not as bad as expected.

My Take On Geithner's Bank Plan

After a rough few weeks for the Obama administration, the president hopes to turn things around with the unveiling of his bank rescue plan. The plan needs to get the toxic assets off the balance sheets of many banks. That way, banks can resume lending and hopefully, the rest of the economy will recover.

5 ETFs to Dump Now

ETFs are popular investment vehicle now, but they can be just as vulnerable to market fluctuations as individual stocks. In fact, some ETFs can destroy your portfolio if you aren't careful. Here are my top 5 ETFs to sell now.

General Mills Earnings Tarnished

GIS took a hit after its recent earnings release. But General Mills' long-term prospects are good. Here's why.

The Fed Is Loading Up on Long-Term Treasuries

The Federal Reserve announced today that it will start buying $300 billion in long-term Treasury bonds and $750 billion in mortgage-backed securities. That's over $1 trillion that Bernanke & Co. are adding to the economy.

MasTec -- The Anti AIG

MasTec may not be a household name, but MTZ deserves a place in your portfolio. This small cap stock is everything companies like AIG aren't.

Why China Isn't Happy With the U.S. Economy

One of the major concerns I've had of the U.S. government's economic policy (both Bush and Obama's) is that it's bitten off more than it can chew. This has serious repercussions for investors, especially holders of U.S. dollars.

Best ETFs to Buy Now

ETF funds are hot with investors now, and for good reason. They offer diversification, greater liquidity and more. Here are some of my favorite ETFs.

Retail Stocks Like Aeropostale Are Good Buys Now

In a classic illustration of market differentiation, apparel retailers catering to young men and women shoppers with quality merchandise at reasonable prices are continuing to enjoy robust, record sales in the midst of the disappearance of the consumer at other types of retailers. Parents and teenagers alike are finding merchandise at these stores attractive options for their limited shopping dollars.

The End of the Road for GM

The collapse of the market for vehicle loans has devastated the Big 3 automakers. Even though GMAC qualified for TARP money and lowered its credit rating for potential buyers, it hasn't helped sales at General Motors. The outlook is bleak for GM and time is clearly running out.

Geithner Needs to Resign

Election Day happened in November, but the stock market votes every day and the results are in: Tim Geithner needs to resign as Treasury Secretary. Not only will it help the market, but I believe it will spare the Obama administration a lot of embarrassment.

The Market Needs to "Test the Bottom," What that Means for Investors

Wall Street is in complete disarray. Individuals and professionals alike are scratching their heads, trying to figure out how to make money in the most difficult market environment of our generation. Here are some tips to make it through this tough market.

Deficits Spell Declines for the Dollar

Runaway deficit spending is taking its toll and its only a matter of time before the dollar drops drastically. There's just no way this U.S. currency can stay firm during such deficit spending.

If You Own Dell, It's Time to Sell; Buy Southwestern Energy

Dell is a perfect example of a previously healthy company coming unglued in this market. I recommend you sell Dell now. Other stocks, like Southwestern Energy, however are poised to profit in this tough economic climate.

When the Budget Deficit Is High, These are the Stocks to Buy

Where do we go from here? Well, the only thing that's certain is more partisan bickering, escalating federal budget deficits and the eventual collapse of the U.S. dollar. This means we must stay selective with our stocks and look for opportunities with an international footprint that will benefit from the weakening greenback.

Why the Stimulus Package Failed to Stimulate Wall Street

As the $787 billion spending plan was being hammered out in Congress, many investors were asking, "How much will this plan help the U.S. economy?" By February 17, when President Obama was signing the bill into law, most people had discovered the disappointing answer:

Not much.

Can You Make Money in This Market?

Wall Street is in complete disarray. Individuals and professionals alike are scratching their heads, trying to figure out how to make money in the most difficult market environment of our generation. Here are 5 stocks poised to make money in this tough market.

Is Health Care Hot?

Health care is one of my favorite stock market sectors right now. Health care stocks like Abbott Labs, JNJ and Amgen have wide and expanding operating margins, the right products and stability, factors that are especially important in these economic times.

Auto Bailout Plans Unclear, Auto Stocks in Trouble

Is the auto bailout going to work? Now that the economic stimulus bill has been passed and signed, the next big test for the Obama administration will be how to deal with our dysfunctional car companies. The government loaned the car companies billions of dollars, and the deal called for them to come up with their survival plans. The deadline for those plans is today.

Top Stocks for President's Day

The stock market is closed on Monday for President's Day. In honor of the holiday, I'm giving you four top stock picks for a President's Day Portfolio – one for each member of Mount Rushmore.

Stock Recommendations for Your Valentine

Saturday is Valentine's Day, and given Wall Street's latest hissy-fit, I don't think it will be getting many sweetheart gifts this year. January already marked one of the worst starts ever for the stock market.

Geithner Stimulus Plan Off by $1.5 Trillion

Earlier today, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner announced his plans to bailout the American banking system, and Wall Street gave him a big thumbs-down. Frankly, it's time for Geithner to do President Obama a big favor and resign before he embarrasses himself any more.

Actually, today's announcement was really a bailout plan for the previous bailout plan which became hugely unpopular.

U.S. in Limelight at World Economic Forum

The annual World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland drew to a close on Sunday against the backdrop of a global recession. The topic of the five-day summit: "Shaping the Post-Crisis World." There seemed to be an overarching theme of good will for President Barack Obama and the change he represents. But foreign leaders made it clear they are not in a hurry to forgive and forget the aggressive policies of the last administration...

Microsoft Announces Massive Cuts

Microsoft set the tone for investors Thursday, after announcing that it will slash 5,000 jobs over the next 18 months. This is the first time the company has ever had broad layoffs. Meanwhile, the financial sector's instability continues to weigh on investors minds, as bank stocks took another beating.

Will China Keep Financing Our Deficits?

In the past five years, China spent as much as one-seventh of its GDP on foreign debts, primarily U.S. Treasury bonds and American mortgage-backed securities. China already has bought more than $1 trillion in Treasury and agency debt, but recently it has decided to keep more of its money at home.

Lowered Outlooks Lower the Market

Many people have asked me why the market melted down just because a number of companies lowered their forecasts. Yes, those stocks deserve to lose some ground–but why would other companies share in the declines? Well it all boils down to one thing: Earnings season.

Stocks Show Resilience

Stocks held their own Tuesday as investors took some pretty bleak economic news in stride. While it may be hard to celebrate the latest signs of the recession, the fact that stocks have stayed resilient is definitely something to smile about.

Oil Prices Rise on Renewed Tensions in Middle East

Over the weekend, violence erupted between Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip. So far, the death toll has reached 300, and there's no telling when the hostilities will cease. As a result of the violence, oil prices surged Monday to over $40 a barrel–that's an 8% increase that simultaneously lifted energy and other commodities stocks in Europe and Asia. Investors fear that the Israeli attacks on Hamas in the Gaza Strip could disrupt crude supplies coming out of the Middle East...

Will Cash Save GM?

Although General Motors’ (GM) CEO Rick Wagoner got what he asked for, investors have their doubts that $9.4 billion in federal loans over the next three weeks will be enough to steer the U.S. automaker away from bankruptcy.

Lessons from the $50B Bernie Madoff Scam

Bernard Madoff, a force on Wall Street for decades and the former chairman of the NASDAQ ,was arrested recently and charged with running a $50 billion scam that could very well be the biggest fraud case in history. I want to take some time today to tell you what you can do as an individual investor to prevent this from ever happening to you.

How Low Can They Go?

As I told you just a little while ago in my blog, OPEC said that as of January 1 it will cut oil production by an additional 2.2 million barrels a day. The cartel caught most analysts off guard, as Wall Street was expecting a two million bpd production cut. This action now brings the total barrels of oil removed from daily production to 4.2 million since September.

All Eyes Are on the Fed

All eyes are on the Fed today, as the FOMC gears up for a 0.75% interest rate cut. That would bring the rate down to 0.25% from where it currently stands at 1%. I can't overemphasize how important this week's Fed meeting is. It won't merely impact markets here in the U.S., but it will affect markets all over the world. Everyone is looking to the Fed to slash the Federal Funds target rate and to have a strong policy statement that will reassure investors.

Auto Bailout Stalls, So Bush Steps In

Efforts to create an relief package for the Big Three automakers stalled Thursday night, so President Bush reluctantly agreed to use TARP funds as a stop-gap solution until a new Congress can convene next year and work out a more complete rescue package for the Detroit companies.

Big Three Bailout Plans Hit a Snag

Yesterday, investors celebrated after the House of Representatives voted for a massive bailout of Detroit's Big Three automakers. Today, resistance from Senate Republicans has shown that passing legislation in the other chamber won't be nearly as easy.

Don't Call It a Rebound Yet!

The market has ended in positive territory in 9 out of the last 11 trading days. I'm not going to call it a rebound, but it's clear that Wall Street is in a buying mood despite all the gloomy headlines that continue to trickle in regarding unemployment, consumer spending and the housing market.

Indigestion After Turkey Day

The market had a great five-day run around Thanksgiving... Unfortunately, indigestion kicked in Monday thanks to profit-taking, grim economic news and a report that we've actually been in a recession for a year. Ouch.

For now, Citigroup Is in the Clear

In early September, I made a bold prediction that Citigroup (C) would be the next big bank to fail. After the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, it was no longer a question of if another bank would fail, but when. Well, Washington had other plans for the financial firm. Sunday night, it became clear that federal officials were scrambling to piece together a second bailout package. The multibillion-dollar rescue shot through Wall Street like a burst of adrenaline Monday, as investors extended Friday’s 500-point rally another day.

Tough Day for the Market

Of all the lessons this economic crisis has taught us, patience and flexibility are at the top of the list. And yesterday was another lesson in both. The Dow slumped in afternoon trading to close 427 points lower. While that was the first time the index had closed below 8,000 since 2003, it did not push through the October 10th intraday low of 7,773.71–which I still consider the bottom...

What a Disaster at Citi

Way back in September, I told you Citigroup (C) was not long for this world. Somehow the bank has muddled through, but I wouldn't go so far as to say I've been proved wrong. This week Citi said losses in its consumer loan portfolio could rise between $1 billion and $2 billion each quarter from now through the first half of next year, and announced plans to cut an additional 50,000+ workers through 2009.

Downbeat Data Drives Retest

It's sure been a rough week for the market. There's a lot of news out there right now that's weighing down on sentiment, and I want to spend some time deciphering the headlines so you have a better idea of what's been going on.

Paulson Changes Terms of Bailout Spending

Treasury Secretary Paulson stepped up to the pitcher's mound Wednesday, and hurled another curveball at investors. He announced that the U.S. government is backing away from buying mortgage assets from banks using the $700 billion bailout fund. Now Paulson says that instead of buying up these troubled assets, the Treasury favors another round of capital injections into banks.

Government, Banks Push Forward with Plans to Cut Loan Burdens of Homeowners

Remember Fannie and Freddie? Well, they're back in the news again. The government-controlled mortgage-finance giants said today that they plan to reduce the loan burdens of homeowners facing foreclosure.

The Latest Out of Motown

Just today, analysts from Deutsche Bank downgraded GM to "sell" from "hold," saying they saw an equity value of $0 for the stock. Yikes! Shares tumbled more than 30% after the announcement.

Obama's First Challenge: The Economy

We're not out of the woods yet. A two-day decline in the Dow of more than 900 points is proof of that. The dismal state of the American economy will surely dominate the early days of Barack Obama's administration, so Wall Street is closely watching as he begins to build his cabinet.

Employment Data Hurts Wall Street

Another gloomy payroll report took some of the wind out of Wall Street's sails after Election Day. We could see another bad report on Friday, but that doesn't change the fact that the market is on the way up overall now that the election is over and the credit crisis is behind us.

Post-Election Rally Starts Early

The enthusiasm behind Election Day is contagious. Investors woke up in a buying mood today–by lunchtime, the Dow was up close to 300 points! It looks Wall Street is getting its feet back under it after a rough October, and is already gearing up to ride the post-election wave.

Dark Days in Detroit

If you thought things couldn't get worse for Detroit, think again. General Motors (GM) reported on Monday that its October sales were even worse than the darkest predictions, suffering a 45% plunge. This is just another sign of eroding consumer confidence, and there is a rough road ahead for the automaking industry in the wake of the credit crisis.

Fed Cuts Rates; GDP Shrinks

Well, Wednesday's news came as no surprise–the Fed cut its key interest rate by 0.5%. In its statement, the central bank indicated that rates could possibly go lower, especially if the "downside risks to growth" persist and the U.S. economy continues to lose steam. Speaking of losing steam, the Commerce Department reported that U.S. gross domestic product shrank at a 0.3% rate in the third quarter.

Big Day for Market Preceding Fed Meeting

Investors around the world breathed a sigh of relief today, as stock markets staged a long-overdue rebound from the sell-offs of the past several weeks. When all was said and done, the Dow closed up 10.9%, or 889 points. Today is a perfect example of why it's important to have a well positioned portfolio.

Monday's Rally Signals Shift to Fundamentals

It's been a long time coming, but the shift is finally here: Investors are turning their attention away from the financial crisis and back to fundamentals. This is great news for the stocks across all four of my services, since the basis of my investment strategy is to seek out fundamentally strong companies that see massive sales and earnings growth! So what fueled Monday's 4.7% upswing? Keep reading to find out!

More Proof We've Found the Bottom

Thursday was further proof we're bouncing along the bottom of the market and investors felt the bottom while retesting of the lows during intraday trading and realized that now is the time to buy. This is an extremely encouraging sign as we hit the heart of earnings season, since my four services make their money by seeking out fundamentally strong companies that see massive sales and earnings growth!

‘Tis the season to be jolly!

Or is it? U.S. retail sales recorded their biggest monthly drop in more than three years last month, indicating retailers will be singing a much different song this holiday season...

Record Breaking Day, Market Beating Results!

The major indexes leaped 11% on Monday in what should mark the end of a bumpy bear market. I bet those investors who went to cash last week are kicking themselves now! My Emerging Growth subscribers saw their portfolio jump by more than 15% on Monday, proving that our strategy not only limits risk but also boosts your rewards.

Banks Coordinate Rate Cut

Central Banks around the world coordinated a global interest rate cut on Wednesday, with Bernanke and his Federal Reserve pals reducing rates by 0.5% to bring the Fed Funds rate to 1.5%. Unfortunately, uncertainty kept Wall Street from throwing a party on the news.

Fed to Buy Commercial Paper

Well, it looks like the bailout plan was only the beginning Bernanke, Paulson and Co.'s bag of tricks. After another manic Monday on Wall Street that featured a gut-wrenching 800-point drop in intraday trading, the Federal Reserve announced a new program to help the commercial paper market.

European and Asian Markets Nosedive

It's another manic Monday on Wall Street, folks. Thanks to turmoil in European and Asian markets, the Dow is sure to suffer today. The FTSE 100 index in London tanked 5.5% in afternoon trading, while the Hang Seng index in Hong Kong fell 6.3%. Here's what's been happening. As governments around the world take steps to sort out the problems still plaguing the banking sector, investors are concerned that officials will not be able to thwart the growing economic slowdown.

Senate Votes "Yes"; What Comes Next?

On Monday, the House voted "No" and the market plunged 777 points. On Tuesday, the Senate voted "Yes!" by a 74 to 25 margin to overwhelmingly approve the White House's $700 billion economic bailout plan. Now, just because the Senate strongly endorsed the bailout plan and the House will likely follow suit Friday doesn't mean the financial crisis is over. Credit markets are still clogged up, and banks around the world continue to rely on government intervention to overcome these challenges.

The Bailout Watch

Fear gripped investors Monday, as hopes of a government bailout for the bruised and battered financial sector were dashed. But then Tuesday, the market jumped up again on hopes of a compromise in the coming days. What gives? In a stunning defeat of the $700 billion bailout proposal on a 228-205 vote, the Dow fell by 777 points Monday, sparing no stocks in its wake. On Tuesday, the market rebounded and made up nearly half of the previous day's decline. To understand the gyrations, you really don't have to look any farther than all the political news that's saturating the airwaves right now...

Top Stocks to Election-Proof Your Portfolio

Let's face it: We've witnessed some of the most tumultuous months in market history. It's been a rollercoaster ride, to say the least. The volatility has made a lot of investors jittery and as a result they're not thinking clearly. If you honestly believe that the credit crisis has been resolved now that Uncle Sam has a $700 billion bailout plan in the works, you're in for a rude awakening. Mark my words–this mess is far from over. But that's exactly why I'm here! Together, we can navigate through the market's herky-jerky spasms and scoop up some healthy profits along the way. Here's how...

Next Bank to Fail?

After the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers (LEH), I’m sure you’re wondering what’s next in the financial sector. Well, I'm going to make a bold prediction: Citigroup (C), which has been on my "dogs with fleas" list for several weeks now, will be the next financial company to fail in the coming weeks. Why Citi? Simply, because of those toxic structured investment vehicles, or SIVS—these were the primary culprit in Lehman's demise, and have been tearing apart the financial sector for months. And unfortunately, Citi is the biggest player of all in SIVs. Due to its exposure from these risky derivatives, I expect Citigroup may have to be broken into little pieces when all is said and done.

Global investing becomes more complicated

If you think mortgage problems in the U.S. are only causing trouble at home, think again. There have been some big declines on the international markets lately that show just how interconnected the global economy really is.

Treasury Department Bails Out Fannie, Freddie

Fannie and Freddie got busted a couple months ago for their role in the mortgage meltdown and current crisis in the financial sector. Over the weekend, Uncle Sam stepped in to post the bail–in this case, in the form of a continued flow of credit. The U.S. Treasury Department announced that it would transfer control of mortgage giants Fannie Mae (FNM) and Freddie Mac (FRE) to federal regulators. The takeover plan will allow the Treasury to purchase the companies' preferred stock, as well as mortgage-backed securities, in the open market and help restore confidence.

STAY AWAY FROM BANKS

Talk about a multi-billion dollar buyout! The state-owned Korea Development Bank is on the prowl for a 25% stake in the beleaguered investment bank Lehman Brothers (LEH). The offer is up to $5.3 billion! This deal bodes extremely well for KDB, as it will launch South Korean financial services to the top of global investment houses, especially since U.S.-based companies have been badly beaten by mortgage write-downs. Buyout or no buyout, the bottom line is that banks—even the big ones—are really hurting right now. It's simple: STAY AWAY FROM BANKS!

Automotive Stocks Stuck in Neutral

We've all heard about the disaster in the financial sector due to problems in the housing market. But the automotive industry is quickly following the housing into the financial abyss! With slumping sales and losses as preowned SUVs and trucks take a nosedive in value, it looks like the auto industry is in serious trouble right now.

What You Need to Know About the Housing Mess

I've been talking about the housing meltdown for weeks now, and I wanted to follow up with a brief recap to make sure everyone is on the same page. It's important to understand what's going on in the homebuilding sector and financial companies, and what regulators are doing to help because it affects us as investors. As an ex-banking analyst–I used to work for the federal agency that is now running IndyMac (IDMC)–I can tell you that we are only in the second to third inning of the credit crisis. Here's what you need to know...

Most Widely-Held Stocks: Do They Make the Grade?

Stocks are like ice cream—Wall Street’s flavor of the week changes from time to time. Some investors are partial to traditional favorites vanilla and chocolate—i.e. large cap tech stocks, retail chains, energy equipment suppliers, to name a few. Others prefer more exotic flavors, like small- to mid-cap companies that specialize in specific product varieties. So what flavor does Wall Street crave this week? See which of the most widely-held stocks on Wall Street make the grade in PortfolioGrader Pro!

Russia-Georgia Conflict Affects Crude Oil Prices

Russia's making headlines again, this time around for its intense military operation in Georgia. While the world's attention turned to Beijing's Olympic Games, Russian troops advanced into Georgian territory to reclaim the separatist region in South Ossetia. Just today, Russia's president ordered a halt to the invasion, but forces are still authorized to fire on enemies.

I wanted to draw your attention to this conflict because the hostilities could damage a key oil pipeline in the region, dramatically impacting crude oil supplies. Already, crude oil prices are inching their way up and energy stocks moved slightly higher in Tuesday morning trading.

Dow Rallies 300 Points on Fed News

Surprise, surprise: Just as we were expecting, the Fed held rates steady. Wall Street could barely contain itself when the news came out–the result was a whopping 330 point jump in the Dow, the biggest one-day gain since April 1st! The Fed's comments–coupled with another slide in crude oil prices–sparked the day's rally. Here's what happened: The Fed maintained its benchmark federal funds rate at 2%. As I said yesterday, futures markets indicated there was a less than 30% chance the Fed would tamper with rates. The central bank showed a united front on the issue, although some officials expressed concern that keeping rates unchanged would allow inflation to run unchecked. Policymakers have been hard-pressed to juggle slow economic growth and inflation.

Oil Falls, Commodities Crunched

Commodities got stuck between a rock and a hard place on Monday, and commodity-related stocks ran into another crunch. Oil's $6 retreat in the past two days has led to concerns that a weakened U.S. economy will erode demand for crude products. Well, I'm going to stick to my guns and say that this is not a reflection of an oil "bubble" ready to burst...

Fed Extends Bailout; Bush Signs Housing Bill

Will they make up their minds already? The Federal Reserve announced today it will extend its emergency borrowing program to Wall Street firms. What does this mean? Simply, big investment companies hurting from the mortgage meltdown can get a quick cash fix from the central bank.

This news rides in on the coattails of President Bush's approval of a massive housing bill, intended to bailout 400,000 struggling homeowners.

While all of this is well and good, from an investor's point of view this measure further indicates the magnitude of the ongoing crisis in financial markets. As investors continue to grapple with housing concerns, we have to focus on the real news of the day–the news that could make or break our portfolios...

Investors Grapple with Housing Concerns

As investors grapple with what to do ahead of pending economic data–particularly, second-quarter GDP estimates and June's employment report–the focus is still on financials. Wall Street's top concerns are still whether the housing market has bottomed out, and if we should expect further damage to banks. I've told you repeatedly that you shouldn't expect to see a major turnaround in the financial sector any time soon...

Housing Slump Persists

I told you! Investors distracted by falling crude oil prices and positive earnings announcements forgot about the profound weakness that still exists in the housing market. This mid-morning wake-up call reminded investors just how troubled certain sectors of the economy really are. The announcement led to a sell-off, as stock investors cashed in gains reaped from the recent rally.

Crude Oil Prices Distract Investors

It sure seems like financials have taken a backseat to crude oil prices, doesn't it? Sure, major banks like Bank of America (BAC), JP Morgan Chase (JPM), Citigroup (C) and Wells Fargo (WFC) beat the Street's expectations, but a loss is a loss! As the banks and major brokerages clean house, investors seem distracted by the recent slide in crude oil prices. But does the sell-off indicate that the crude bubble is bursting? Hardly! Less than two weeks ago, the same investors who are now pulling money out of the market drove prices to new highs above $147 a barrel! Anyone who says the current declines in crude oil prices indicate a drop in demand and a significant increase in supply can't see the forest from the trees...

Crude Oil Prices Dropped? Big Deal!

Crude oil prices dropped by the second-largest margin on record Tuesday. But before you give up on alternative energy stocks and use your stimulus checks as a down payment on an SUV, take a deep breath. Crude oil prices are likely to surge again in the coming weeks, and any talk of a crude oil futures caught in a bursting bubble is just fantasy.

Future Looks Brighter for Solar

The Bureau of Land Management took a lot of heat for placing a ban on new solar projects on public land due to concerns over the environmental impact of sun-powered generators. They worried that an environmentally friendly energy plan would hurt the environment! The freeze – which we mentioned in last Thursday's issue of What's Working on Wall Street Now – was in place less than a month before it was repealled. This bodes extremely well for our energy stocks!

Housing's Where the Hurt Is

If ever there was a buyer's market for future homeowners, you would think now would be it. Unfortunately, numbers show that few people are looking for a house right now.

What a June Swoon!

A new month is here. And thank goodness! There wasn't a lot to be cheerful about in June, after the stock market suffered its worst monthly decline in more than half a decade.

The S&P 500 lost 8.6% in June and the Dow shed 10.2%. It was the worst monthly performance for both indexes since September 2002, and the worst June performance for both the Dow and S&P since 1930.  During the month, 91% of the industries in the S&P 500 declined, with almost all of those falling by 10% or more.

Dow Breaks 2-Year Lows

U.S. stocks plunged sharply Thursday on signs of further deterioration in financial markets and another surge in oil prices. The Dow Jones Industrials lost 350 points by the end of the trading day, dropping to its lowest level in two years. Goldman Sachs (GS) downgraded brokerage stocks and put Citigroup (C) on its "conviction sell" list under the expectation that the financial services behemoth would face an additional $9 billion in write-downs. Goldman said that although the market expects another investment bank failure, it's "hard pressed" to raise the group's rating for the immediate future because the fundamentals of the major brokerages are still deteriorating.

Finding the Next Microsoft

Bill Gates is the type of innovator who only comes along once every century or so. Sure, there are many able-bodied CEOs out there, and every now and again a company can leave it's mark on the way the world does business. But not like Gates and Microsoft (MSFT) have. Whether you're an investor playing the stock market, a computer geek who was awed by Windows or just a worker who has seen virtually every task migrate to computers, you have to admit Gates is at the top of the business world.

Is the Dow's big decline over yet?

The Dow lost more than 130 points Wednesday, falling below the 12,000 level during intraday trading for the first time since mid-March. But are you really surprised? When three of the nation's largest brokerages not only underperform but decline even further, the news causes investors to second guess whatever optimism exists and unnerves the financial markets.

Stimulus Checks Help Offset Economic Woes

Ben Bernanke addressed a Fed conference in Massachusetts on Monday night to quell fears about the Labor Department's recent report that showed a 0.5% jump in unemployment. Despite the recent spike, he said, the economy appears to have averted a "substantial downturn," due in part to the Fed's interest rate cuts, heightened demand from abroad for U.S. exports and the government's $168 billion in stimulus check payouts.

Unemployment and your investments

The Labor Department announced that unemployment has soared half a percent to 5.5% in May, the largest one-month increase in 12 years. It's no wonder, seeing the news we've had in recent days

Get set for an election year rally

Historically, the market lags between May and October. But during presidential election years, Wall Street usually rallies into the November election and then for about 100 days after a new president takes the oath of office in late January.

How to invest amid bad news

Another week, and more bad news for the financial and automotive sector. Newspapers and television seem to do a better job of telling you what to avoid than how to invest profitably. But there is a better way to watch market trends and make your stock picks.

The Hurricane Threat

As the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season starts on June 1, many investors are afraid of a big storm hitting Gulf Coast refineries. Amid the current global crude crunch, such an event would push prices at the pump even higher.

Housing Hasn't Reached Tipping Point, But Could Soon

A Realtors’ group said Friday that April sales by homeowners declined by 1%, while inventory jumped 10% and home prices tumbled another 8%. This is just another chapter in the mess that is housing right now in America. But what do all these gloomy numbers really mean week after week? Well, it shows we haven’t reached the tipping point yet.

The Sky's the Limit for Oil

In the latest chapter of election-year politics, oil industry executives have been getting grilled on Capitol Hill this week. "People listening just don't get it ... when demand isn't going crazy, why are prices going crazy?" asked Sen. Herb Kohl, a Democrat from Wisconsin. It’s a legitimate question: If people are really driving less and buying more fuel-efficient cars, how can oil continue to go up? If we use less, shouldn’t the price drop?

Talk About a High Flying Stock

Sometimes it’s not just the idea behind a movie that counts, but the people who control its path. This was certainly true with Marvel’s (MVL) newly released Iron Man. The popular comic book company has been made wealthy and successful by several different comic-inspired ventures throughout the year, but nothing has caught the media’s attention quite like their first company financed, developed and produced feature film.

Final Fed Cut

The Fed announced a 25 basis point cut today bringing the Fed Funds rate down to 2%, the lowest level in four years. Overall the Fed admits that “economic activity still remains weak” but they have hopes that the cut will help inflation to moderate over time spurring economic growth.

Painting the World Green

In light of recent Earth Day celebrations, I thought I’d take a moment to talk about the U.S.’s trendy “green economy” and some potential investment opportunities that may emerge as alternative energy sources move to the forefront of industry.

Don't be Fooled by Google's Earnings

On Monday, April 14, I told you all to sell Google (GOOG). Now I understand that Google’s positive earnings threw everyone for a loop, but I must reiterate my previous advise–it’s still time to sell Google. Every Google-related story I follow is making this sell advice increasingly obvious. I don’t work on emotions people, I work on facts and the fact of the matter is that the company’s operating margins remain under compression hurting the stock overall.

Saying Good Bye to Google

Wall Street has been in a fuss over Google’s (GOOG) future ever since merger talks came about from Microsoft and Yahoo. While this merger gossip doesn’t bother me I am, however, concerned about Google’s future for a very different reason.

The Results Are In!

Our Blue Chip Growth stocks started the second quarter on a very strong note, and as our stocks release their first-quarter earnings reports, I expect they will emerge as the market's newest and strongest leaders.

Hello Q2!

What a way to start the second quarter! The market staged a big rally today with the Dow Industrials closing 391.47 points higher at 12,654.36. The NASDAQ was in its own good mood: It ended the day up 83.65 points at 2,362.75.

Farewell, First Quarter

The upcoming first-quarter earnings season will be a mixed bag–just like the fourth quarter was–but those stocks with superior fundamentals will emerge as the stock market's newest leaders.

Hear Bear Roar

The folks at JPMorgan (JPM) and Bear Stearns (BSC) must've had a busy weekend. This morning JPMorgan announced an amendment to its merger, boosting Bear's price per share to $10 (five times its initial offer). That certainly put Bear Stearns' shareholders in a good mood, and it helped Wall Street start the week on a strong note as well. The Dow finished the day 187.32 points higher at 12,548.64. The NASDAQ was up 68.64 points to end at 2,326.75.

Fed Interest Rate: The Fed Cuts 0.75%

Breaking news! The Fed cut interest rates by 0.75%, putting the Fed Funds rate at 2.25%. The Fed had to step in with a large rate cut–clearly it's the economy, not inflation, that's the Fed's biggest concern right now. Yesterday the 3-Month Treasury Bill yielded 1.11%, and it even fell below 1% at one point–that's something we haven't seen in 50 years! It's clear that there's a lot of fear out there.

All Eyes Are on the Fed

What a difference a week makes. Bear Stearns (BSC) blew up on Friday, losing half of its value within 30 minutes of the market's open. Fearing residual fallout to other financials, the Fed stepped in to save it. Then this morning JPMorgan Chase (JPM) made a $2 per share buyout offer, sending stocks sinking.