General Motors Engineering a Dot-Com Strategy With RelayRides

When it comes to innovation, GM (NYSE: GM ) usually is one of the last
companies that comes to mind. But after its near-death experience a few years
ago, it looks like management is trying to engage in more creative thinking. To
this end, GM has struck an agreement with a tech startup, RelayRides, to provide
for peer-to-peer car-sharing. Under the program, car owners can rent their
vehicles, so long as they have an OnStar system. This onboard technology makes
it easy to unlock a car with a mobile phone, as well as leverage the tracking
capabilities. This service is likely to be attractive to car owners, who can
make some extra cash average monthly earnings from car-sharing range from $200
to $300 (which sounds better than a garage sale). RelayRides provides an online
marketplace to post the availability of cars. It also conducts a background
check on borrowers, and it issues a $1 million insurance policy on each car. If
a driver gets into an accident, the owners record will not be affected. So far,
RelayRides is available only in San Francisco and Boston. But with help of GM,
expansion seems imminent. The company has signed a two-year exclusive agreement
that starts early next year, and theres a possibility of a small equity
investment (through the GM Ventures arm). With RelayRides, GM should be able to
showcase its wares to a younger demographic that doesnt own a car yet but might
want to in the future. General Motors also could use the service to get exposure
to newer cars, such as the Chevrolet Volt. But the deal has broader
implications. It could pose a threat to other car-sharing services, especially
Zipcar (NYSE: ZIP ). While the company is a pioneer in the industry and even has
backing from Ford (NYSE: F ), it still has to pay substantial amounts for its
fleet of cars. At the same time, Zipcar faces competition from traditional car
rental giants like Hertz (NYSE: HTZ ), Avis (NASDAQ: CAR ) and Enterprise.
Caught between a nimbler car-sharing company and Big Rental, Zipcars growth
could taper off. The stock price already has come under pressure, falling from
$29.15 to $17.20 during the past six months. In light of the headwinds, the
dropoff might not be over. Tom Taulli is the author of "All About Short
Selling" and "All About Commodities." You can also find him at Twitter
account @ttaulli. He does not own a position in any of the aforementioned
stocks.

Top 10 Best-Rated U.S.-Listed Chinese Stocks: KH, BONA, CCIH, XRS, CCM, CHOP, SNP, WX, SVN, SPRD (Oct 06, 2011)

Below are the top 10 best-rated U.S.-listed Chinese stocks, based on the number
of positive ratings by brokerage analysts. China Kanghui Holdings (ADR)
(NYSE:KH) is the first best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is
rated positively by 100% of the 6 brokerage analysts covering it. Bona Film
Group Ltd (ADR) (NASDAQ:BONA) is the second best-rated stock in this segment of
the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 5 brokerage analysts covering
it. ChinaCache Internatnl Hldgs Ltd (ADR) (NASDAQ:CCIH) is the third best-rated
stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 5
brokerage analysts covering it. TAL Education Group (ADR) (NYSE:XRS) is the
fourth best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by
100% of the 5 brokerage analysts covering it. Concord Medical Services Hldg Ltd
(ADR) (NYSE:CCM) is the fifth best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It
is rated positively by 100% of the 4 brokerage analysts covering it. China Gerui
Adv Mtals Grp Ltd (NASDAQ:CHOP) is the sixth best-rated stock in this segment of
the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 4 brokerage analysts covering
it. China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. (ADR) (NYSE:SNP) is the seventh best-rated
stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 4
brokerage analysts covering it. WuXi PharmaTech (Cayman) Inc. (ADR) (NYSE:WX) is
the eighth best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated
positively by 93% of the 14 brokerage analysts covering it. 7 DAYS GROUP
HOLDINGS LIMITED(ADR) (NYSE:SVN) is the ninth best-rated stock in this segment
of the market. It is rated positively by 92% of the 13 brokerage analysts
covering it. Spreadtrum Communications, Inc (ADR) (NASDAQ:SPRD) is the 10th
best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 92% of
the 12 brokerage analysts covering it.

Play the Mobile Revolution With Oracle

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

tdp2664 InvestorPlace Last week, Internet pioneer Marc Andreessen declared that "the clock is really ticking" for Oracle ( NASDAQ : ORCL ). He said the future was destined to be dominated by fast-growing cloud operators like Box.net, Okta, Workday and Salesforce.com (NYSE: CRM ). While it's true the software market is undergoing tremendous change, it still looks like Oracle's death has been greatly exaggerated. In light of the weak performances of companies like Microsoft ( NASDAQ : MSFT ), Intel ( NASDAQ : INTC ) and Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO ), Oracle has been a standout performer. There are many reasons for this. First of all, Oracle's cofounder and CEO, Larry Ellison, has a keen understanding of megatrends. Playing off his insights, he engaged in an aggressive string of acquisitions during the past six years, buying companies such as PeopleSoft, BEA and Sun Microsystems. All in all, the strategy has maintained Oracle's growth momentum. But perhaps the most important advantage is Oracle's tremendous database business, which has about 300,000 customers. Unless a much better and cheaper alternative emerges, it seems highly unlikely that Oracle customers will switch. So looking forward, it should be no surprise that Ellison is finding ways to leverage the database franchise. For example, at the highly popular OpenWorld conference, he talked about the huge opportunities for "big data." Yes, with the explosion of social networking — both in the consumer world and the enterprise — as well as the surge in mobile use, there is a need for next-generation databases. And Oracle is working hard to be at the forefront. The company plans to focus more on hardware products designed to provide more speed and efficiency. Two such products planned for launch — Exalytics Business Intelligence Machine and the Oracle Big Data Appliance — will handle massive amounts of data and also provide analytics. Oracle clients will be able to use the hardware to see if their customers are having problems, for example, or even if there is unusual activity on Twitter. These new products also will feature sophisticated tools for forecasting. After all, what good is data if you can't learn from it? Now it's true that Oracle must deal with some tough competitors. They include companies like EMC (NYSE: EMC ), IBM (NYSE: IBM ) and Teradata (NYSE: TDC ). But then again, Oracle always likes a good fight, and it usually wins. And in light of the rapidly growing need for databases, Oracle's new initiatives could maintain its growth machine for some time to come. Tom Taulli is the author of "All About Short Selling" and "All About Commodities." You can also find him at Twitter account @ttaulli. He does not own a position in any of the stocks named here.

Donald Trump Getting into the Wine Industry: Should You?

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

dow2664 Billionaire Donald Trump, who made most of his wealth from real estate, has recently purchased a 770 acre Charlottesville, Virginia winery for $8 million . This purchase is expected to help the local and state economy, as Virginia has the fifth largest wine industry in the United States. So as an investor, suppose you want to get into the wine or liquor industry? You have over a dozen stocks to choose from according to the free list of wine and liquor stocks at WallStreetNewsNetwork.com. One of these companies is the dividend paying Diageo plc Common Stock (DEO), which sports a fairly high yield of 4.3%. This London based company has numerous alcohol brands including Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Baileys Original Irish Cream, Crown Royal, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Ketel One, Ciroc, Tanqueray, Bushmills, Guinness, Gordon’s, Seagram’s 7, and Red Stripe. The company’s wine brands include Blossom Hill, Sterling Vineyards, Beaulieu Vineyard, Navarro Correas, Acacia Vineyard, Chalone Vineyard, and Santa Rita. The stock trades at 16 times current earnings and 12 times forward earnings. It has a price to earnings growth ratio of 1.25. Earnings for the latest reported quarter were up 15% on flat revenues. Another liquor distributor is Constellation Brands Inc. (STZ) just reported that its second-quarter earnings spiked up by 78 percent due to improved North American sales of liquor and wine. The stock trades at 9.5 times forward earnings and has a PEG ratio of 1.08. The wine brands include Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Blackstone, Estancia, Arbor Mist, Toasted Head, Ravenswood, Franciscan Estate, Wild Horse, Ruffino, and Jackson-Triggs. The spirit brands include Black Velvet Canadian Whisky, SVEDKA Vodka, and Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy. To see all the stocks in the liquor and wine industry , check out the list at WallStreetNewsNetwork.com, which can be downloaded, sorted and updated. Full disclosure: Author did not own any of the above at the time the article was written. By Stockerblog.com

Investment Growth? You Can Find It On eBay

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

tdp2664 InvestorPlace The early days of online auction site eBay ( NASDAQ : EBAY ) were like the town of Deadwood during the Gold Rush. You could sell your junky old stereo and get 70% of its retail price, even if it was years old. Because markets were just being established, prices had not settled, so you could fetch a lot more for that headless Don Quixote statue on your desk than you would today. It also was proof that eBay’s business model would work and generate a lot of profit for the company. Indeed, like most other tech stocks of the late ’90s, eBay’s stock was a 15-bagger at one point. Unlike most other tech stocks, however, it actually had a business model, so its price did not collapse as viciously as others and even went on to spectacular highs ($58) in 2005. The stock, however, never reached those same heights again. In fact, eBay is 50% off those highs to this day, though off its financial crisis low of $10. The question is whether eBay is still a viable business and whether the stock is worth a look. For those living under a rock, eBay is an online marketplace where people can offer items for sale across the globe. It also owns PayPal, the online payment processor. At first, there was nothing else like eBay. Now, however, competition exists in the form of Craigslist and other sites. But another big issue took over that, frankly, I didn’t expect to happen. It appears eBay is economically sensitive. You might think that when times are bad, people might flock to eBay to find used items, gray-market items and heavily discounted new items. That’s true to some extent, but that doesn't mean buyers were willing to pay what sellers were asking.

Time Standing Still for IPO Market

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

tdp2664 InvestorPlace Since August, it has been a death march for IPOs. The last deal was on Aug. 16, when the Chinese online video site Tudou ( NASDAQ : TUDO ) went public. This is in sharp contrast to the first half of the year, which saw many high-profile offerings, such as from Pandora (NYSE: P ), Zillow (NYSE: Z ) and LinkedIn (NYSE: LNKD ). Just how bad was the third quarter? Well, according to a report from Thomson Reuters and the National Venture Capital Association, there were only five venture-backed offerings — a 77% drop from the prior quarter. The total value came to a meager $442.9 million. All in all, it was the worst performance since late 2009. But there was a silver lining to the quarter. That is, mergers activity rose about 8%. Hey, if IPOs look shaky, why not try to sell out? But even this market can sour pretty quickly. When there is an uncertain economy, acquirers often hold back — unless there is a compelling valuation. Confidence is extremely important, but it is difficult to find of it much in today's markets. Already, it looks like the much-ballyhooed Groupon deal might be pushed out to next year — if it ever gets done. So when can we expect things to get better? Try six months — maybe more. A big key will be a resolution of Europe sovereign debt crisis. And while there appears to be progress in the euro zone, a resolution probably will not be smooth or quick. In the meantime, the IPO market needs some type of marquee deal to generate energy. It was thought this might come from a Zynga offering, but even this deal looks troubled . The biggest potential IPO is Facebook, which continues to grow across the world. The problem? It looks like the company won't go public until a year from now. And based on the trading across several online marketplaces, even its secondary-market stock price has come under pressure during the past few months. Tom Taulli is the author of "All About Short Selling" and "All About Commodities." You can also find him at Twitter account @ttaulli. He does not own a position in any of the stocks named here.

Momentum Stocks of The Day: ADUS, ESSX, JRCC, STP, TSL, FSIN, MCBC, TSO, YGE, OVTI (Oct 06, 2011)

Below are 10 momentum stocks that are attracting a lot of interest from
traders. Four Chinese companies (STP, TSL, FSIN, YGE) are on the list. Addus
Homecare Corporation (NASDAQ:ADUS) is the first best stock on this list. Its
daily price change was 22.2% in the previous trading session. Its upside
potential is 80% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $7 on the
stock. It is rated positively by 100% of the 3 analyst(s) covering it. Its
long-term annual earnings growth is 15% based on analysts average estimate.
Essex Rental Corp. (NASDAQ:ESSX) is the 2nd best stock on this list. Its daily
price change was 18.2% in the previous trading session. Its upside potential is
167% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $9 on the stock. It is
rated positively by 100% of the 1 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual
earnings growth is 15% based on analysts average estimate. James River Coal
Company (NASDAQ:JRCC) is the 3rd best stock on this list. Its daily price change
was 16.3% in the previous trading session. Its upside potential is 156% based on
brokerage analysts average target price of $19 on the stock. It is rated
positively by 36% of the 11 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual
earnings growth is 13% based on analysts average estimate. Suntech Power
Holdings Co., Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:STP) is the 4th best stock on this list. Its
daily price change was 16.1% in the previous trading session. Its upside
potential is 155% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $6 on the
stock. It is rated positively by 18% of the 38 analyst(s) covering it. Its
long-term annual earnings growth is 17% based on analysts average estimate.
Trina Solar Limited (ADR) (NYSE:TSL) is the 5th best stock on this list. Its
daily price change was 15.7% in the previous trading session. Its upside
potential is 154% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $19 on the
stock. It is rated positively by 67% of the 33 analyst(s) covering it. Its
long-term annual earnings growth is 13% based on analysts average estimate.
Fushi Copperweld, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSIN) is the 6th best stock on this list. Its
daily price change was 14.5% in the previous trading session. Its upside
potential is 74% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $10 on the
stock. It is rated positively by 67% of the 3 analyst(s) covering it. Its
long-term annual earnings growth is 12% based on analysts average estimate.
Macatawa Bank Corporation (NASDAQ:MCBC) is the 7th best stock on this list. Its
daily price change was 13.9% in the previous trading session. Its upside
potential is -49% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $2 on the
stock. It is rated positively by 0% of the 1 analyst(s) covering it. Its
long-term annual earnings growth is 4% based on analysts average estimate.
Tesoro Corporation (NYSE:TSO) is the 8th best stock on this list. Its daily
price change was 13.8% in the previous trading session. Its upside potential is
25% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $28 on the stock. It is
rated positively by 40% of the 20 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual
earnings growth is 31% based on analysts average estimate. Yingli Green Energy
Hold. Co. Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:YGE) is the 9th best stock on this list. Its daily
price change was 13.7% in the previous trading session. Its upside potential is
96% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $7 on the stock. It is
rated positively by 33% of the 27 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual
earnings growth is 19% based on analysts average estimate. OmniVision
Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:OVTI) is the 10th best stock on this list. Its daily
price change was 13.1% in the previous trading session. Its upside potential is
69% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $29 on the stock. It is
rated positively by 82% of the 11 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual
earnings growth is 15% based on analysts average estimate.

Once High-Flying Dell Computer Grounded for the Long Term

Does anyone else remember those crazy days of the late 1990s when technology
companies were going up several points every day? Then theyd split their stock,
and it would just run up all over again? For the most part, these stocks had no
business running up the way they did. A few companies, however, had substance
behind the sizzle. One of them was based on the great idea that you could buy a
made-to-order computer just like getting a burrito at Chipotle. That concept was
created by Dell Computer (NASDAQ: DELL ). I held Dell stock back in those days
and rubbed my hands greedily together after every market close until the Nasdaq
crashed, I sold the stock and vowed never to get into tech again. I wondered
where Dell had gone in the interim, since computers now are a commodity, and
there was no way the company still could be based solely on that concept. It
isnt. Not even close. Sure, Dell still does the computer thing, but it also
provides servers, networking and storage solutions. The company also has moved
into software, such as operating systems, business and office applications, and
security products. Dell also is into IT and business services, like systems and
network management, infrastructure, applications, business process and business
consulting services. And Dell has an in-house financing option if you cant
afford any of these items. Then again, much of this stuff also is
quasi-commoditized. Everybody offers something like it Im talking about
Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ ) and IBM (NYSE: IBM ), just to name a couple. That
means big-time competition from big-time players. Somehow, Dell went from that
super-high-growth company to a tired veteran duking it out with the other
warhorses. If youre an investor, you probably can guess that means things like
tight margins and youd be right. Dells net margins are 5.3%, HPs are 7.6% and
IBM blows them both away at 14.7%. IBM keeps humming along with quarterly
revenue growth around 12%, while Dells is basically flat. And while Dells
earnings are expected to rebound sharply this year from $1.59 per share to $2
they are expected to be flat the year after, with annualized growth of only 6%
looking out five years. Considering that this year is responsible for 30%
growth, it suggests Dells growth will be flat thereafter. Yuck. Thats not to say
Dell doesnt make a lot of money. It does. That two bucks per share means net
income of $3.64 billion. The companys free cash flow has been around $3.5
billion in each of the past two years and was $1.45 billion in 2008. Dell
already has $2.5 billion of free cash flow in the first two quarters of this
year alone. The company has almost $5 per share in net cash. These are good
numbers. Conclusion If you back out the $5 in net cash, Dell is trading at the
equivalent of $10. Thats a P/E of just 5 on this years earnings. However, this
is a no-growth play at the moment, and despite all the cash it generates, I just
dont see why it has a place in any portfolio. If Dell tossed in a 4% to 5%
dividend, then wed have something to discuss. As of this writing, Lawrence
Meyers does not own a position in any of the aforementioned stocks.

Gold Futures Extend Gains Above $1,650

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

DG365FD46564GFH654FU898 Gold futures extended their gains Thursday afternoon as the U.S. dollar weakened against a basket of foreign currencies. COMEX gold futures for December 2011 delivery settled higher by $11.60, or 0.7%, at $1,653.20 per ounce.

Silver and Gold Prices Remain in a Correction in an On-going Primary Uptrend (Bull Market)

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

DG365FD46564GFH654FU898 Gold Price Close Today : 1651.90 Change : 11.60 or 0.7% Silver Price Close Today : 31.970 Change : 1.653 or 5.5% Gold Silver Ratio Today : 51.67 Change : -2.435 or -4.5% Silver Gold Ratio Today : 0.01935 Change : 0.000871 or 4.7% Platinum Price Close Today : 1515.60 Change : 19.60 or 1.3% Palladium Price Close Today : 606.50 Change : 29.50 or 5.1% S&P 500 : 1,164.97 Change : 20.94 or 1.8% Dow In GOLD$ : $139.20 Change : $ 1.34 or 1.0% Dow in GOLD oz : 6.734 Change : 0.065 or 1.0% Dow in SILVER oz : 347.93 Change : -12.92 or -3.6% Dow Industrial : 11,123.33 Change : 183.38 or 1.7% US Dollar Index : 78.53 Change : -0.393 or -0.5% Today stocks, GOLD , and SILVER built on bottoms struck on Tuesday and Wednesday. Dollar stumbled again. Having finished the first leg of a rally, the Dollar Index is correcting. Right now its trading 78.526, down 39.3 basis points or 0.51%. None of this clouds the dollar’s rally picture. It’s quite overbought, so is experiencing merely a routine correction It will come back, doubt it not. Nothing has changed on the euro’s chart, although today it rose 0.68% to 1.3438. Still looks sorry as gully dirt, but may rally to the 20 dma, now 1.3564, or to 1.3800, the bottom line of the trading channel it broke down from. Around the globe the Japanese yen still has made no decision and continues dancing sideways with its 20 dma. Closed today at 130.49c/Y100 (Y76.63/$1), up 0.17% The GOLD PRICE added $11.60 to yesterday’s Comex close to settle the day at $1,651.90. Back on 3 October gold closed $1,655, only to fall off the next day. That $1,655 area is the resistance to beat right now. The GOLD PRICE will likely pierce that tomorrow and push toward the next barrier at $1,675. At $1,675 the GOLD PRICE will meet the top boundary of the flag it has formed since 26 September, AND it will run head on into the downtrend line from the September $1,923.70 peak. If gold can break through that strong resistance, it could rise to $1,725 very quickly, scattering the shorts like quail in an open field, and yet fall back once again. I am still not satisfied GOLD has done sufficient penance. We may see lower lows yet. SILVER is showing tighter and tighter supply, with wholesalers quoting delays now even on US 90% silver coin. That certainly implies higher prices, but I could write off silver’s gain today — up 165.3c to close Comex at 3197c) — as merely a rally to the top of the flag it has formed. Breaking through 3100c earns my respect, but can the SILVER PRICE break 3350c? I know, I know, it sounds like I’m constantly moving the goal line back, but in truth nothing has happened until the SILVER PRICE beats 3350c, and pushes up to 3900c. In it favor, however, are tightening supplies and rising premiums, and a most overbought condition in the RSI and MACD. SILVER and GOLD PRICES remain in a correction in an on-going primary uptrend (bull market). More downside is likely before the correction ends. I may be wrong as a tuxedo at a cockfight, but I reporting what I see. Argentum et aurum comparenda sunt — – Gold and silver must be bought. – Franklin Sanders, The Moneychanger The-MoneyChanger.com © 2011, The Moneychanger. May not be republished in any form, including electronically, without our express permission. To avoid confusion, please remember that the comments above have a very short time horizon. Always invest with the primary trend. Gold’s primary trend is up, targeting at least $3,130.00; silver’s primary is up targeting 16:1 gold/silver ratio or $195.66; stocks’ primary trend is down, targeting Dow under 2,900 and worth only one ounce of gold; US$ or US$-denominated assets, primary trend down; real estate in a bubble, primary trend way down. Whenever I write “Stay out of stocks” readers inevitably ask, “Do you mean precious metals mining stocks, too?” No, I don’t. WARNING AND DISCLAIMER. Be advised and warned: Do NOT use these commentaries to trade futures contracts. I don’t intend them for that or write them with that short term trading outlook. I write them for long-term investors in physical metals. Take them as entertainment, but not as a timing service for futures. NOR do I recommend investing in gold or silver Exchange Trade Funds (ETFs). Those are NOT physical metal and I fear one day one or another may go up in smoke. Unless you can breathe smoke, stay away. Call me paranoid, but the surviving rabbit is wary of traps. NOR do I recommend trading futures options or other leveraged paper gold and silver products. These are not for the inexperienced. NOR do I recommend buying gold and silver on margin or with debt. What DO I recommend? Physical gold and silver coins and bars in your own hands. One final warning: NEVER insert a 747 Jumbo Jet up your nose.

Brilliance Lost — Thursday’s IP Market Recap

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

tdp2664 InvestorPlace Occupy Wall Street, the European debt crisis, the American Jobs Act — everything dominating financial and world news headlines for months took second billing Thursday as the world took a day to mourn the passing of the innovative, imaginative co-founder of Apple ( NASDAQ : AAPL ), Steve Jobs. Leaders of some of America's biggest businesses — including rival Bill Gates of Microsoft ( NASDAQ : MSFT ) — paid homage . Appreciative Apple fans honored Jobs by displaying candles on their iPads . And current Apple CEO Tim Cook vowed to stay the course . Jobs was widely recognized for his numerous contributions through his gadgetry's advancements in computing, communications and media, as well as the shining example he provided for how businesses should be run . Apple's stock finished Thursday down less than a dollar at $377.37 — an inconsequential drop on a day where most any movement would've carried minimal relative importance for the broader financial world. That said, Wall Street didn't grind to a complete halt Thursday. September retail sales came in big, came in loud and came in above expectations — at a 5.1% year-over-year increase over September 2010 sales that beat analysts' target of 4.6%. Numerous retail stocks rode that news (and more) to the bank. Ralph Lauren (NYSE: RL ), which also benefited from Citi Investment Research's upgrade to "buy" from "hold," shot up 6.33% to $141.29. The Buckle (NYSE: BKE ) was up 4.8% to $43.86 after reporting a 10% uptick in same-store sales for September. Target (NYSE: TGT ) gained 4.32% to $51.91. And J.C. Penney (NYSE: JCP ) finished the day up almost 3% at $28.42 — that despite lowering guidance for the third quarter to earnings per share of 10 to 15 cents. Three Up Express Scripts ( NASDAQ : ESRX ): Up 11.35% ($4.08) to $40.02. Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ: WYNN ): Up 10.57% ($12.68) to $132.62. Bank of America (NYSE: BAC ): Up 8.84% (51 cents) to $6.28. Three Down Wet Seal (NASDAQ: WTSLA ): Down 12.74% (59 cents) to $4.04. Qlik Technologies (NASDAQ: QLIK ): Down 3.36% (78 cents) to $22.41. China Telecom (NYSE: CHA ): Down 2.61% ($1.58) to $62.63. As of this writing, Kyle Woodley did not a position in any of the aforementioned stocks.

Very Cool Light Show Against a Building in Germany

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

dow2664 If you haven’t watched this before, check out the video below. It is a light show shown against a building in Germany. It is very, very cool and pretty amazing. Sponsored by LG Electronics. The entire video is only about seven minutes but well worth watching.

Let Apple’s Options Volatility Work For You

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

tdp2664 InvestorPlace Despite the bout of weakness recently seizing shares of Apple ( NASDAQ : AAPL ), the stock is revealing a hat trick of bullish signals.

Momentum Stocks of The Day: RIMM, MMR, ALU, FCE.A, KRO, TCK, YHOO, RPM, CCSC, WLL (Oct 06, 2011)

Below are 10 momentum stocks that are attracting a lot of interest from
traders. One Chinese company (CCSC) is on the list. Research In Motion Limited
(USA) (NASDAQ:RIMM) is the first best stock on this list. Its daily price change
was 12.4% in the previous trading session. Its upside potential is 31% based on
brokerage analysts average target price of $31 on the stock. It is rated
positively by 19% of the 53 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual
earnings growth is 10% based on analysts average estimate. Mcmoran Exploration
Co (NYSE:MMR) is the 2nd best stock on this list. Its daily price change was
12.3% in the previous trading session. Its upside potential is 92% based on
brokerage analysts average target price of $20 on the stock. It is rated
positively by 75% of the 8 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings
growth is 5% based on analysts average estimate. Alcatel-Lucent (ADR) (NYSE:ALU)
is the 3rd best stock on this list. Its daily price change was 12.2% in the
previous trading session. Its upside potential is 119% based on brokerage
analysts average target price of $6 on the stock. It is rated positively by 59%
of the 17 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 9%
based on analysts average estimate. Forest City Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:FCE.A)
is the 4th best stock on this list. Its daily price change was 12.2% in the
previous trading session. Its upside potential is 67% based on brokerage
analysts average target price of $18 on the stock. It is rated positively by 60%
of the 5 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 8%
based on analysts average estimate. Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:KRO) is the 5th
best stock on this list. Its daily price change was 11.6% in the previous
trading session. Its upside potential is 66% based on brokerage analysts average
target price of $29 on the stock. It is rated positively by 100% of the 4
analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 21% based on
analysts average estimate. Teck Resources Limited (NYSE:TCK) is the 6th best
stock on this list. Its daily price change was 10.8% in the previous trading
session. Its upside potential is 88% based on brokerage analysts average target
price of $61 on the stock. It is rated positively by 87% of the 23 analyst(s)
covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 10% based on analysts
average estimate. Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ:YHOO) is the 7th best stock on this list.
Its daily price change was 10.1% in the previous trading session. Its upside
potential is 10% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $18 on the
stock. It is rated positively by 38% of the 32 analyst(s) covering it. Its
long-term annual earnings growth is 13% based on analysts average estimate. RPM
International Inc. (NYSE:RPM) is the 8th best stock on this list. Its daily
price change was 9.8% in the previous trading session. Its upside potential is
28% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $26 on the stock. It is
rated positively by 56% of the 9 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual
earnings growth is 10% based on analysts average estimate. Country Syl Ckng
Restaurant Chain Co Ltd (NYSE:CCSC) is the 9th best stock on this list. Its
daily price change was 9.6% in the previous trading session. Its upside
potential is -3% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $12 on the
stock. It is rated positively by 20% of the 5 analyst(s) covering it. Its
long-term annual earnings growth is 18% based on analysts average estimate.
Whiting Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:WLL) is the 10th best stock on this list.
Its daily price change was 9.5% in the previous trading session. Its upside
potential is 96% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $71 on the
stock. It is rated positively by 77% of the 30 analyst(s) covering it. Its
long-term annual earnings growth is 19% based on analysts average estimate.

Silver and Gold Prices Remain in a Correction in an On-going Primary Uptrend (Bull Market)

Gold Price Close Today : 1651.90 Change : 11.60 or 0.7% Silver Price Close
Today : 31.970 Change : 1.653 or 5.5% Gold Silver Ratio Today : 51.67 Change :
-2.435 or -4.5% Silver Gold Ratio Today : 0.01935 Change : 0.000871 or 4.7%
Platinum Price Close Today : 1515.60 Change : 19.60 or 1.3% Palladium Price
Close Today : 606.50 Change : 29.50 or 5.1% S&P 500 : 1,164.97 Change : 20.94 or
1.8% Dow In GOLD$ : $139.20 Change : $ 1.34 or 1.0% Dow in GOLD oz : 6.734
Change : 0.065 or 1.0% Dow in SILVER oz : 347.93 Change : -12.92 or -3.6% Dow
Industrial : 11,123.33 Change : 183.38 or 1.7% US Dollar Index : 78.53 Change :
-0.393 or -0.5% Today stocks, GOLD , and SILVER built on bottoms struck on
Tuesday and Wednesday. Dollar stumbled again. Having finished the first leg of a
rally, the Dollar Index is correcting. Right now its trading 78.526, down 39.3
basis points or 0.51%. None of this clouds the dollar's rally picture. It's
quite overbought, so is experiencing merely a routine correction It will come
back, doubt it not. Nothing has changed on the euro's chart, although today it
rose 0.68% to 1.3438. Still looks sorry as gully dirt, but may rally to the 20
dma, now 1.3564, or to 1.3800, the bottom line of the trading channel it broke
down from. Around the globe the Japanese yen still has made no decision and
continues dancing sideways with its 20 dma. Closed today at 130.49c/Y100
(Y76.63/$1), up 0.17% The GOLD PRICE added $11.60 to yesterday's Comex close to
settle the day at $1,651.90. Back on 3 October gold closed $1,655, only to fall
off the next day. That $1,655 area is the resistance to beat right now. The GOLD
PRICE will likely pierce that tomorrow and push toward the next barrier at
$1,675. At $1,675 the GOLD PRICE will meet the top boundary of the flag it has
formed since 26 September, AND it will run head on into the downtrend line from
the September $1,923.70 peak. If gold can break through that strong resistance,
it could rise to $1,725 very quickly, scattering the shorts like quail in an
open field, and yet fall back once again. I am still not satisfied GOLD has done
sufficient penance. We may see lower lows yet. SILVER is showing tighter and
tighter supply, with wholesalers quoting delays now even on US 90% silver coin.
That certainly implies higher prices, but I could write off silver's gain today
-- up 165.3c to close Comex at 3197c) -- as merely a rally to the top of the
flag it has formed. Breaking through 3100c earns my respect, but can the SILVER
PRICE break 3350c? I know, I know, it sounds like I'm constantly moving the goal
line back, but in truth nothing has happened until the SILVER PRICE beats 3350c,
and pushes up to 3900c. In it favor, however, are tightening supplies and rising
premiums, and a most overbought condition in the RSI and MACD. SILVER and GOLD
PRICES remain in a correction in an on-going primary uptrend (bull market). More
downside is likely before the correction ends. I may be wrong as a tuxedo at a
cockfight, but I reporting what I see. Argentum et aurum comparenda sunt -- --
Gold and silver must be bought. - Franklin Sanders, The Moneychanger
The-MoneyChanger.com © 2011, The Moneychanger. May not be republished in any
form, including electronically, without our express permission. To avoid
confusion, please remember that the comments above have a very short time
horizon. Always invest with the primary trend. Gold's primary trend is up,
targeting at least $3,130.00; silver's primary is up targeting 16:1 gold/silver
ratio or $195.66; stocks' primary trend is down, targeting Dow under 2,900 and
worth only one ounce of gold; US$ or US$-denominated assets, primary trend down;
real estate in a bubble, primary trend way down. Whenever I write "Stay out of
stocks" readers inevitably ask, "Do you mean precious metals mining stocks,
too?" No, I don't. WARNING AND DISCLAIMER. Be advised and warned: Do NOT use
these commentaries to trade futures contracts. I don't intend them for that or
write them with that short term trading outlook. I write them for long-term
investors in physical metals. Take them as entertainment, but not as a timing
service for futures. NOR do I recommend investing in gold or silver Exchange
Trade Funds (ETFs). Those are NOT physical metal and I fear one day one or
another may go up in smoke. Unless you can breathe smoke, stay away. Call me
paranoid, but the surviving rabbit is wary of traps. NOR do I recommend trading
futures options or other leveraged paper gold and silver products. These are not
for the inexperienced. NOR do I recommend buying gold and silver on margin or
with debt. What DO I recommend? Physical gold and silver coins and bars in your
own hands. One final warning: NEVER insert a 747 Jumbo Jet up your nose.

Great Minds Mourn Death of Steve Jobs

Chief executive officers are not often the recipients of worldwide mourning.
Women and men of great power and wealth in the business world sometimes are
celebrities, but its rare for them to be adored, admired or even considered
decent by the average human being. Their companies are their public faces, as it
often should be. The chief executives job is, after all, about making their
company an industry leader and economic force. But Steve Jobs was hardly just a
CEO . The man was very much the face of Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ), but he was far
more an icon of technological ingenuity and a trailblazer in changing the way
that human beings consume information, communicate and experience art in the
21st century. Its no surprise, then, that powerful people have had powerful
reactions to his death. Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT ),
had a tumultuous relationship with Jobs. In the past decade, the chief
technologist at Microsoft watched his companys domination of the computing
industry weaken as Apple released paradigm-shifting products like the iPod,
iPhone and the iTunes digital music distribution service. Gates released a
statement sharing his condolences with Jobs loved ones and meditating on their
shared history, describing the experience of working with Jobs as an insanely
great honor. Given how the two of them changed the world during the past 30
years, even insanely great seems like an understatement. Gates wasnt the only
former collaborator eulogizing Jobs on Thursday morning. John Lasseter of Pixar,
the animation studio behind films like Toy Story that Jobs helped found in 1986,
released a statement alongside Disney s (NYSE: DIS ) president of animation, Ed
Catmulli. Their statement discussed how Jobs always would influence Pixars
creative endeavors, that he would forever be a part of Pixars DNA. They also
remembered the simplicity of Jobs creative ideals. The one thing he always said
was to simply make it great.

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) To Get EU Skype Approval

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is set to win EU approval for its Skype
deal. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) To Get EU Skype Approval Reuters has
reported that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is set to win EU approval for
its planned $8.5 billion, biggest-ever acquisition of online telephone service
Skype. Joaquin Almunia, the EU competition commissioner, is expected to give
permission to the proposed deal despite complaints from would-be rivals of the
company. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) hopes that its acquisition of Skype
will enable its new Windows Phones to compete directly with Google and Apple
smartphones which already feature video chat. Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT)
shares were at 25.89 at the end of the last days trading. Theres been a -2.7%
change in the stock price over the past 3 months. Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT)
Analyst Advice Consensus Opinion: Moderate Buy Mean recommendation: 1.74
(1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell) 3 Months Ago: 1.84 Zacks Rank: 22 out of 92 in the
industry

Have Baidu Shares Fallen Too Far?

If you could take a time machine back five years and invest in one stock, you
could do worse than choosing Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU ). The Chinese web-search
company has been one of the most successful IPOs of the last decade and almost
consistently one of the hottest tech stocks during a period when tech wasnt so
hot. I say "almost" because of the last month. If that same time machine
could let you sell Baidu shares a month ago, you might be happier today. With
Chinese tech companies listing on U.S. exchanges, there have always been two
concerns: first, that their accounting practices would be seen as suspect; and
second, that the Chinese government would begin to change the rules in a way
that hurt its tech companies. For most of the last six years, Baidu seemed
immune from both of those factors. But in the past month, they have become a
problem for Baidu and other well-known Chinese tech companies trading on U.S.
exchanges, such as Sina (NASDAQ: SINA ), Sohu.com (NASDAQ: SOHU ) and Yoku.com
(NASDAQ: YOKU ). Since the end of August, Baidu is down 24%, and its the
best-performing stock of the four. Sina is down 29%, Yoku is down 34%, and Sohu
is down 36%. Only Shanda Interactive Entertainment (NASDAQ: SNDA ) has held pace
with the broader Nasdaq, declining a modest 5%. There are a few reasons for the
selloff. Prominent among them was a report from Reuters that the U.S. Justice
Department was investigating accounting irregularities among Chinese companies
that have listed on U.S. exchanges, after dozens of China-based companies began
disclosing auditor resignations or book-keeping irregularities. But its not just
the U.S. government weighing down on Baidu and other Chinese Internet companies
the Chinese government appears to be doing so as well. On Aug. 30, Jeff Reeves
noted that Baidu was slumping on a report in a state-run media outlet that
alleged Baidu was striking deals with fraudulent advertisers (or rather,
reporters fraudulently posing as fraudulent advertisers oh, nevermind), as well
as dishonest search-rank results. Then came word this week that Chinas
government was tightening enforcement of rules allowing foreign ownership of
Chinese companies, closing a loophole called the "variable interest entity"
that allowed many Internet companies, including Baidu and Sina, to list on U.S.
exchanges. Nobody but the Chinese government seems sure why these crackdowns are
coming now, but a MarketWatch writer said analysts have a few theories : "Some
see it as part of efforts to take back control over the Internet and a keep a
lid on social-networking media, while others say it could be a way for
authorities to lure home-grown companies to China's domestic stock exchanges.
Another theory goes that China has been embarrassed by accounting scandals of
Chinese companies listed in the United States" horrible month of September for
Baidu, the first real collapse in the stocks six-year history. Baidu, which went
public at $2.70 per ADS (or $27, before the 10-for-1 stock split last year),
surged to $165.96 in late July. Since that record high, Baidu has lost a third
of its value. Some think thats too far. While smaller, newer listings like Yoku
and E-Commerce China Dangdang (NADAQ: DANG ) might be affected by the DoJ
investigation, larger companies like Baidu and Sina are less likely to be hurt.
S&P analyst Scott Kessler said recent developments increased the risk in Baidu,
so he was cutting his price target to $150 from $200. That target is still 35%
above Baidus trading price. But as Kessler noted , "I've been following this
company for a number of years, and I've gained a certain degree of comfort
with their financial reporting This is a well established company." Baidus web
business is likely to thrive for some time. There are a few factors that could
slow its growth – the cooling of the overheated Chinese economy, the DoJ
investigation and the scrutiny and pressure of the Chinese government. If these
problems pass in a few months, the 33% slide in Baidus shares might be a good
chance to get in on future growth. The flip side is, getting in cheap on a
promising stock often means taking on extra risk.

Time Standing Still for IPO Market

Since August, it has been a death march for IPOs. The last deal was on Aug. 16,
when the Chinese online video site Tudou (NASDAQ: TUDO ) went public. This is in
sharp contrast to the first half of the year, which saw many high-profile
offerings, such as from Pandora (NYSE: P ), Zillow (NYSE: Z ) and LinkedIn
(NYSE: LNKD ). Just how bad was the third quarter? Well, according to a report
from Thomson Reuters and the National Venture Capital Association, there were
only five venture-backed offerings a 77% drop from the prior quarter. The total
value came to a meager $442.9 million. All in all, it was the worst performance
since late 2009. But there was a silver lining to the quarter. That is, mergers
activity rose about 8%. Hey, if IPOs look shaky, why not try to sell out? But
even this market can sour pretty quickly. When there is an uncertain economy,
acquirers often hold back unless there is a compelling valuation. Confidence is
extremely important, but it is difficult to find of it much in today's
markets. Already, it looks like the much-ballyhooed Groupon deal might be pushed
out to next year if it ever gets done. So when can we expect things to get
better? Try six months maybe more. A big key will be a resolution of Europe
sovereign debt crisis. And while there appears to be progress in the euro zone,
a resolution probably will not be smooth or quick. In the meantime, the IPO
market needs some type of marquee deal to generate energy. It was thought this
might come from a Zynga offering, but even this deal looks troubled . The
biggest potential IPO is Facebook, which continues to grow across the world. The
problem? It looks like the company won't go public until a year from now. And
based on the trading across several online marketplaces, even its
secondary-market stock price has come under pressure during the past few months.
Tom Taulli is the author of "All About Short Selling" and "All About
Commodities." You can also find him at Twitter account @ttaulli. He does not
own a position in any of the stocks named here.

Top 10 Fastest-Growing Specialty Finance Stocks: CISG, ARI, TGH, TAL, BRO, WSH, FRF, AER, TCAP, MMC (Oct 06, 2011)

Below are the top 10 fastest-growing Specialty Finance stocks, based on the
average long-term earnings growth rate estimated by Wall Street analysts. One
Chinese company (CISG) is on the list. CNinsure Inc. (ADR) (NASDAQ:CISG) is the
first fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual
EPS growth is expected to be 27.0%. This number is based on the average estimate
of 2 brokerage analysts. Apollo Commercial Real Est. Finance Inc (NYSE:ARI) is
the second fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term
annual EPS growth is expected to be 12.3%. This number is based on the average
estimate of 2 brokerage analysts. Textainer Group Holdings Limited (NYSE:TGH) is
the third fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term
annual EPS growth is expected to be 12.0%. This number is based on the average
estimate of 4 brokerage analysts. TAL International Group, Inc. (NYSE:TAL) is
the fourth fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term
annual EPS growth is expected to be 11.8%. This number is based on the average
estimate of 4 brokerage analysts. Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO) is the fifth
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 11.7%. This number is based on the average estimate of
6 brokerage analysts. Willis Group Holdings PLC (NYSE:WSH) is the sixth
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 11.2%. This number is based on the average estimate of
7 brokerage analysts. Fortegra Financial Corp (NYSE:FRF) is the seventh
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 11.0%. This number is based on the average estimate of
5 brokerage analysts. AerCap Holdings N.V. (NYSE:AER) is the eighth
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 11.0%. This number is based on the average estimate of
2 brokerage analysts. Triangle Capital Corporation (NYSE:TCAP) is the ninth
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 10.0%. This number is based on the average estimate of
2 brokerage analysts. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MMC) is the 10th
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 9.6%. This number is based on the average estimate of 6
brokerage analysts.

Top 10 Fastest-Growing Real Estate Stocks: Z, EJ, MOVE, CRIC, SYSW, LOOP, CBG, JLL, FSRV, HPP (Oct 06, 2011)

Below are the top 10 fastest-growing Real Estate stocks, based on the average
long-term earnings growth rate estimated by Wall Street analysts. Three Chinese
companies (EJ, CRIC, SYSW) are on the list. Zillow Inc (NASDAQ:Z) is the first
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 54.2%. This number is based on the average estimate of
2 brokerage analysts. E-House (China) Holdings Limited (ADR) (NYSE:EJ) is the
second fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual
EPS growth is expected to be 33.3%. This number is based on the average estimate
of 4 brokerage analysts. Move Inc. (NASDAQ:MOVE) is the third fastest-growing
stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected
to be 32.5%. This number is based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage
analysts. China Real Estate Information Corp (NASDAQ:CRIC) is the fourth
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 25.7%. This number is based on the average estimate of
3 brokerage analysts. Syswin Inc (ADR) (NYSE:SYSW) is the fifth fastest-growing
stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected
to be 18.7%. This number is based on the average estimate of 3 brokerage
analysts. LoopNet, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOOP) is the sixth fastest-growing stock in this
segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 16.8%.
This number is based on the average estimate of 4 brokerage analysts. CB Richard
Ellis Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG) is the seventh fastest-growing stock in this
segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 16.8%.
This number is based on the average estimate of 6 brokerage analysts. Jones Lang
LaSalle Incorporated (NYSE:JLL) is the eighth fastest-growing stock in this
segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 16.6%.
This number is based on the average estimate of 5 brokerage analysts.
FirstService Corporation (USA) (NASDAQ:FSRV) is the ninth fastest-growing stock
in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be
14.0%. This number is based on the average estimate of 3 brokerage analysts.
Hudson Pacific Properties Inc (NYSE:HPP) is the 10th fastest-growing stock in
this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be
13.9%. This number is based on the average estimate of 3 brokerage analysts.

Brilliance Lost — Thursday’s IP Market Recap

Occupy Wall Street, the European debt crisis, the American Jobs Act everything
dominating financial and world news headlines for months took second billing
Thursday as the world took a day to mourn the passing of the innovative,
imaginative co-founder of Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ), Steve Jobs. Leaders of some of
America's biggest businesses including rival Bill Gates of Microsoft (NASDAQ:
MSFT ) paid homage . Appreciative Apple fans honored Jobs by displaying candles
on their iPads . And current Apple CEO Tim Cook vowed to stay the course . Jobs
was widely recognized for his numerous contributions through his gadgetry's
advancements in computing, communications and media, as well as the shining
example he provided for how businesses should be run . Apple's stock finished
Thursday down less than a dollar at $377.37 an inconsequential drop on a day
where most any movement would've carried minimal relative importance for the
broader financial world. That said, Wall Street didn't grind to a complete
halt Thursday. September retail sales came in big, came in loud and came in
above expectations at a 5.1% year-over-year increase over September 2010 sales
that beat analysts' target of 4.6%. Numerous retail stocks rode that news (and
more) to the bank. Ralph Lauren (NYSE: RL ), which also benefited from Citi
Investment Research's upgrade to "buy" from "hold," shot up 6.33% to
$141.29. The Buckle (NYSE: BKE ) was up 4.8% to $43.86 after reporting a 10%
uptick in same-store sales for September. Target (NYSE: TGT ) gained 4.32% to
$51.91. And J.C. Penney (NYSE: JCP ) finished the day up almost 3% at $28.42
that despite lowering guidance for the third quarter to earnings per share of 10
to 15 cents. Three Up Express Scripts (NASDAQ: ESRX ): Up 11.35% ($4.08) to
$40.02. Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ: WYNN ): Up 10.57% ($12.68) to $132.62. Bank of
America (NYSE: BAC ): Up 8.84% (51 cents) to $6.28. Three Down Wet Seal (NASDAQ:
WTSLA ): Down 12.74% (59 cents) to $4.04. Qlik Technologies (NASDAQ: QLIK ):
Down 3.36% (78 cents) to $22.41. China Telecom (NYSE: CHA ): Down 2.61% ($1.58)
to $62.63. As of this writing, Kyle Woodley did not a position in any of the
aforementioned stocks.

Gold Futures Extend Gains Above $1,650

Gold futures extended their gains Thursday afternoon as the U.S. dollar
weakened against a basket of foreign currencies. COMEX gold futures for December
2011 delivery settled higher by $11.60, or 0.7%, at $1,653.20 per ounce.

Investment Growth? You Can Find It On eBay

The early days of online auction site eBay (NASDAQ: EBAY ) were like the town
of Deadwood during the Gold Rush. You could sell your junky old stereo and get
70% of its retail price, even if it was years old. Because markets were just
being established, prices had not settled, so you could fetch a lot more for
that headless Don Quixote statue on your desk than you would today. It also was
proof that eBays business model would work and generate a lot of profit for the
company. Indeed, like most other tech stocks of the late 90s, eBays stock was a
15-bagger at one point. Unlike most other tech stocks, however, it actually had
a business model, so its price did not collapse as viciously as others and even
went on to spectacular highs ($58) in 2005. The stock, however, never reached
those same heights again. In fact, eBay is 50% off those highs to this day,
though off its financial crisis low of $10. The question is whether eBay is
still a viable business and whether the stock is worth a look. For those living
under a rock, eBay is an online marketplace where people can offer items for
sale across the globe. It also owns PayPal, the online payment processor. At
first, there was nothing else like eBay. Now, however, competition exists in the
form of Craigslist and other sites. But another big issue took over that,
frankly, I didnt expect to happen. It appears eBay is economically sensitive.
You might think that when times are bad, people might flock to eBay to find used
items, gray-market items and heavily discounted new items. Thats true to some
extent, but that doesn't mean buyers were willing to pay what sellers were
asking.

Let Apple’s Options Volatility Work For You

Despite the bout of weakness recently seizing shares of Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ),
the stock is revealing a hat trick of bullish signals.

Top 10 Fastest-Growing Solar Stocks: HSOL, CSIQ, FSLR, DQ, YGE, SOL, STP, SPWRA, LDK, TSL (Oct 06, 2011)

Below are the top 10 fastest-growing Solar stocks, based on the average
long-term earnings growth rate estimated by Wall Street analysts. Eight Chinese
companies (HSOL, CSIQ, DQ, YGE, SOL, STP, LDK, TSL) are on the list. CLICK HERE
for Solar Stocks Comparison Table Hanwha Solarone Co Ltd (NASDAQ:HSOL) is the
first fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual
EPS growth is expected to be 22.5%. This number is based on the average estimate
of 4 brokerage analysts. Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ:CSIQ) is the second
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 22.4%. This number is based on the average estimate of
5 brokerage analysts. First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR) is the third
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 20.3%. This number is based on the average estimate of
13 brokerage analysts. Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE:DQ) is the fourth
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 19.0%. This number is based on the average estimate of
3 brokerage analysts. Yingli Green Energy Hold. Co. Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:YGE) is the
fifth fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual
EPS growth is expected to be 18.8%. This number is based on the average estimate
of 4 brokerage analysts. ReneSola Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:SOL) is the sixth
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 18.3%. This number is based on the average estimate of
3 brokerage analysts. Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:STP) is the
seventh fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term
annual EPS growth is expected to be 17.0%. This number is based on the average
estimate of 6 brokerage analysts. SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ:SPWRA) is the
eighth fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual
EPS growth is expected to be 16.9%. This number is based on the average estimate
of 8 brokerage analysts. LDK Solar Co., Ltd (ADR) (NYSE:LDK) is the ninth
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 16.7%. This number is based on the average estimate of
3 brokerage analysts. Trina Solar Limited (ADR) (NYSE:TSL) is the 10th
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 13.4%. This number is based on the average estimate of
7 brokerage analysts. CLICK HERE for Solar Stocks Comparison Table

Play the Mobile Revolution With Oracle

Last week, Internet pioneer Marc Andreessen declared that "the clock is
really ticking" for Oracle (NASDAQ: ORCL ). He said the future was destined to
be dominated by fast-growing cloud operators like Box.net, Okta, Workday and
Salesforce.com (NYSE: CRM ). While it's true the software market is undergoing
tremendous change, it still looks like Oracle's death has been greatly
exaggerated. In light of the weak performances of companies like Microsoft
(NASDAQ: MSFT ), Intel (NASDAQ: INTC ) and Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO ), Oracle
has been a standout performer. There are many reasons for this. First of all,
Oracle's cofounder and CEO, Larry Ellison, has a keen understanding of
megatrends. Playing off his insights, he engaged in an aggressive string of
acquisitions during the past six years, buying companies such as PeopleSoft, BEA
and Sun Microsystems. All in all, the strategy has maintained Oracle's growth
momentum. But perhaps the most important advantage is Oracle's tremendous
database business, which has about 300,000 customers. Unless a much better and
cheaper alternative emerges, it seems highly unlikely that Oracle customers will
switch. So looking forward, it should be no surprise that Ellison is finding
ways to leverage the database franchise. For example, at the highly popular
OpenWorld conference, he talked about the huge opportunities for "big data."
Yes, with the explosion of social networking both in the consumer world and the
enterprise as well as the surge in mobile use, there is a need for
next-generation databases. And Oracle is working hard to be at the forefront.
The company plans to focus more on hardware products designed to provide more
speed and efficiency. Two such products planned for launch Exalytics Business
Intelligence Machine and the Oracle Big Data Appliance will handle massive
amounts of data and also provide analytics. Oracle clients will be able to use
the hardware to see if their customers are having problems, for example, or even
if there is unusual activity on Twitter. These new products also will feature
sophisticated tools for forecasting. After all, what good is data if you can't
learn from it? Now it's true that Oracle must deal with some tough
competitors. They include companies like EMC (NYSE: EMC ), IBM (NYSE: IBM ) and
Teradata (NYSE: TDC ). But then again, Oracle always likes a good fight, and it
usually wins. And in light of the rapidly growing need for databases, Oracle's
new initiatives could maintain its growth machine for some time to come. Tom
Taulli is the author of "All About Short Selling" and "All About
Commodities." You can also find him at Twitter account @ttaulli. He does not
own a position in any of the stocks named here.

Gold, Silver Shares Rally, Metals Firm

Gold and silver shares rallied Thursday, with the Philadelphia Gold & Silver
Index (XAU) higher by 1.2% at 189.12 in late morning trading. Two of the top
performing large-cap gold stocks were Yamana Gold (AUY) and Randgold Resources
(GOLD) which rose 1.5% and 1.4%, respectively.

Xbox TV — Unifying Streaming and Cable Television

Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT ) finally has released details regarding its plans to
transform the Xbox 360 game console into the cable television set-top box of the
future. Rumors began swirling about Microsofts television ambitions in late
2010. On Sept. 15, CEO Steve Ballmer demonstrated the technology itself , using
the Kinect device to voice search for shows to watch. It wasnt until Wednesday,
though, that Microsoft told the world which television companies and cable
providers were signed on to provide content and access on the new service. With
those in place, its clear that Microsoft has more than a shot at establishing a
strong television business. It might very well have found a way to finally unify
Internet-based streaming video businesses like Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX ) and the
traditional cable/satellite television industry. First, heres who is on board
for the new television service. Cable providers Verizon (NYSE: VZ ) and Comcast
(NASDAQ: CMCSA ) are the first of the service providers to commit. While they
wont be providing unfettered cable access to existing subscribers, they will
provide access to their respective IPTV and Xfinity services akin to whats
offered on platforms like Apple s (NASDAQ: AAPL ) iPad. (The short version:
Limited cable service access.) Then there is the fleet of new premium and
non-premium television channels that will be available, including other Comcast
properties like Syfy, the science fiction television and movie channel, and Time
Warner s (NYSE: TWX ) subscription-based HBO Go service. At first glance, the
new Xbox TV service looks like more of an evolution of existing services on
Microsofts box than something brand new. The official list of partners on
Microsofts website is filled with video services like the Xbox version of Disney
s (NYSE: DIS ) ESPN, Netflix and AT&T s (NYSE: T ) video service. What is
remarkable, however, is the willingness of these companies to offer numerous
digital services side by side with traditional television channels.

Onyx’s Staying Power Tied to New Cancer Drug Carfilzomib

Almost all patients with multiple myeloma who survive initial treatment
eventually will relapse and require further therapy. That might be one of the
reasons the FDA is likely to quickly approve the Onyx (NASDAQ: ONXX ) cancer
drug carfilzomib, which is intended to treat patients with relapsed and
refractory multiple myeloma. The South San Francisco, Calif.-based biopharma
company recently submitted its New Drug Application for carfilzomib under an
accelerated approval process. When the drug eventually hits the market probably
sometime in 2012 it has the chance to give Onyx the financial oomph needed to
stop merely treading water and start putting up some positive earnings numbers.
Doing so would go a long way toward convincing investors that the company has
the staying power to justify their support. Onyx can only hope the FDA shares
the company's enthusiasm about the carfilzomib study results. The safety and
efficacy data accompanying the drug application are compelling, according to Ted
W. Love, M.D., the company's executive vice president, R&D and technical
operations. While important strides have been made in treating patients with
multiple myeloma in the last decade, this disease remains uniformly fatal,
underscoring the need for new treatment options," he added in a company news
release. Multiple myeloma is the second-most common hematologic cancer and
results from an abnormality of plasma cells, usually in the bone marrow. In the
United States, more than 50,000 people are living with multiple myeloma and
approximately 20,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. Worldwide, more than
180,000 people are living with multiple myeloma and approximately 86,000 new
cases are diagnosed annually. Onyx, which has a market capitalization of more
than $2 billion, has seen its share price ebb and flow since going public in
2002. ONXX hit an all-time high of nearly $56 in December 2007 but today trades
at just $33 after a little bump up on the carfilzomib filing. All in all, Onyx
is in a reasonably good cash position with $550 million on the books at the end
of the second quarter. The company garnered attention among investors in 2004
based on positive data for its advanced kidney cancer treatment Nexavar, which
was granted FDA approval in 2005. The drug later was approved for liver cancer,
and Onyx and its partner Bayer (PINK: BAYRY ) are now testing the drug for use
in other types of cancer, including breast, thyroid, colorectal and ovarian.
Bayer sells Nexavar, and Onyx gets a slice of the profits after Bayer's
expenses. Unfortunately, the revenue Onyx receives has been neutralized by the
company's operating expenses. Some investors are concerned that the Bayer-Onyx
collaboration is on shaky ground. In fact, Onyx has sued Bayer, contending that
a separate drug Bayer is developing for kidney cancer should be treated as part
of the companies' agreement, not as Bayer's alone. The two might straighten
out their differences and the Nexavar tree eventually might bear more fruit for
Onyx. But clearly, the company's future and the payoff for ONXX investors is
most likely riding on the success of carfilzomib.

An Argument for Gold And Gold ETF

An Argument for Gold And Gold ETF Seeking Alpha - 21 hours ago Gold holdings in
the SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), the biggest exchange-traded fund backed by bullion,
decreased 2.72 metric tons to 1,229.51 metric tons as of Oct. 4, according to
figures on the company ...

Todays Dow Jones Average DJIA Index DJX DJI, Nasdaq Index, S&P 500 Index; Stock Market Today Current News Mid-Day

Stocks finished the last trading session stronger. The DJIA finished the
session higher by over 130 points as the three primary index composites in the
U.S. closed out green. Investors helped stocks rebound during the latter half of
the last session as optimism over European leadership and debt resolution talks
progressed. This morning, prior to opening bell for the day, futures were well
positioned. Stock futures for the Dow, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 were posting green
across the board. The primary world markets were posting higher across the board
at this point as well. Stock indices in Asia and Europe were moving in positive
territory at this point. In addition to the positive momentum that built last
session pertaining to the debt resolution talks, some economic data in the U.S.
posted better than expected. The ADP report revealed that private sector
employers added 91,000 jobs in September which was far better than expected. In
juxtaposition with this positive news, the consulting report from Challenger,
Gray and Christmas revealed that the number of announced layoffs increased in
September by more than double. As todays trading session reached the half-way
point, the primary index composites were still posting green. If the positive
push continues, it will equal three straight. The jobless claims report posted
today and fewer Americans made unemployment claims than were expected. This
action helped indices notch gains. At mid-day, the Dow Jones Industrial Average
was green by 76.63 points at 11,016.58. The Nasdaq was higher by 30.49 at 2,490
and the S&P 500 was higher by 12.76 at 1,157. Frank Matto

Mexivada Mining (MNV) Discovers New Mineralization on Golden Porcupine Property

Mexivada Mining (MNV) Discovers New Mineralization on Golden Porcupine Property
TheOTCInvestor.com - 1 hour ago By Justin Kuepper · Thursday, October 6th, 2011
Mexivada Mining Corp. (CVE: MNV), a Canadian mineral exploration company focused
on high-grade gold, silver, tellurium, diamond and rare metal ...

Todays Gold price per ounce Silver price per ounce Spot gold price per gram spot silver prices; DJIA Index Review Mid-Day

Gold prices jumped higher during the last trading session. Both contract gold
and contract silver price per ounce rates ended the last trading session in the
green. Gold futures for December delivery moved higher by 25.60 to close out the
day at 1641.60 an ounce. Silver contract for December delivery closed out the
last trading session in the U.S. higher by 1.72 percent at 30.35 per troy ounce.
The primary precious metals went green across the board yesterday. Platinum and
Copper closed out the last session green as well. Prior to opening bell this
morning, trends were still positive. Primary U.S. stock futures were still
posting green as were price trends for spot gold per gram and spot silver per
ounce. Spot gold per gram was higher by .25 at 53.03 at this point and spot
silver price per ounce was higher by .98 at 31.33. As the trading session
reached the halfway point in the U.S., the primary stock composites were still
trending in the green. The initial jobless claims report posted and fewer
Americans applied for benefits than were expected. This helped stocks indices
push higher and gold and silver prices were mixed as of mid-day. The DJIA was
green by over 76 points. Gold Contract for December delivery was lower by .10
percent at 1640 per troy ounce. Silver contract was higher by 3.78 percent at
31.50 per troy ounce. Camillo Zucari

Should You Buy the Dow — Home Depot

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

tdp2664 InvestorPlace Today, the company under the microscope is Home Depot (NYSE: HD ). Like many gigantic companies that have been around for awhile, I regard Home Depot as a stalwart. In other words, it’s still growing at a solid, modest and dependable rate of under 10%, but more than 5% to 6%. Like all companies in this series, I’m also delving into all aspects of their business because I’ve found a lot of companies have surprising breadth. In this case, however, Home Depot is what we all think it is: It sells building materials, home improvement products, and lawn and garden products. It installs carpeting, flooring, cabinets, countertops, water heaters and other large systems. What might surprise you is its scale — it has 2,245 stores, including a few in Canada, Mexico and China. Home Depot has a major drawback, however. It is very sensitive to the economy, particularly housing. When the housing market started to collapse in 2006, Home Depot’s earnings fell by 60% through 2008. From a price just more than $40 a share on Jan. 1, 2006, the stock hit $18.51 in October 2008. The good news is private investors have swooped into the distressed housing market and are buying, rehabbing and flipping houses in various markets across the country. That means more business for Home Depot. Indeed, analysts are looking for another 16% this year and 14% next year, along with five-year annualized growth of 13.5%. Stalwart? Nuh-uh. Growth company. Still . How are the company’s financials following the housing crash? Things look fine. The company carries $2.55 billion in cash against $10.73 billion in debt. Total debt service is at a blended rate of about 5.6%. That’s cheap debt, especially considering trailing 12-month free cash flow is $4.45 billion. That’s also nearly three times what’s needed to pay the company’s 3% dividend yield. Conclusion With a 13.5 P/E on projected 2015 earnings of $4.23 per share, including reinvested dividends, we get a price target of $57. That’s about an 80% total return from here, and the company trades right at a 14 P/E. With the growth rate mentioned above, that suggests to me that Home Depot is fairly valued at today’s price. That means you aren’t overpaying. In fact, a company as solid as this probably is deserving of a premium multiple. So you might even be getting a slight bargain. It would be totally reasonable to expect a 15% total return annually going forward, including dividends. I believe Home Depot is a buy for regular accounts. I believe Home Depot is a buy for retirement accounts. Disclosure: Lawrence Meyers does not own shares of Home Depot.

Put Up or Shut Up — How Did Those ‘Low-Risk’ ETFs Hold Up?

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

tdp2664 InvestorPlace The financial press has an abundance of advice but a bit of a shortage when it comes to follow-up. Few writers bother to review how those "three hot stock picks" they recommended actually performed in practice. Frankly, they should. When you make a good call, you deserve credit. But you "own" the bad calls, too. People invest their hard-earned money after reading what you had to say. You owe it to them to go back and check your work. Today, I'm going to revisit an article I wrote in late March: " Three Low-Risk ETFs to Ride Out a Volatile Spring ." At the time of the original article, the Arab Spring was in its infancy, the Japanese Fukushima plant threatened the world the with the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl, and the sovereign debt crisis had just caused the sitting Portuguese government to fall. The markets long ago lost interest in the Arab political revolution and the Japanese nuclear disaster, but the euro zone crisis actually has deepened. That "volatile spring" ending up bleeding over into a volatile summer — and a volatile early fall as well. And if we don't get a resolution of the ongoing Greek crisis soon, we can look forward to a volatile winter. Click to Enlarge Since the original article went to press, the S&P 500 is down 14% (see black line in chart). Let's see how my recommendations did. Utilities Select Sector SPDR (NYSE: XLU ): Of the three ETFs recommended, XLU is the clear winner. At time of writing, it shows a price return of more than 4%, which does not include the 68 cents per share in dividends. The dividends add an additional 2.2% for a total return of more than 6%. Not a bad return, all things considered. On a total return basis, it's about 20% better than the S&P 500. But perhaps what is most impressive is that even during the pits of the August selloff, investors who bought in March would have been down less than 4%. Again, not bad. During the course of the fourth quarter, readers might want to take profits in the utilities sector and reallocate their funds to more growth-oriented sectors. iShares Dow Jones US Healthcare (NYSE: IYH ): My rationale for recommending Big Pharma was pretty straightforward. The stocks in the sector already had been punished by fears of patent expirations, and I believed the selling to be overdone. Furthermore, health care is a defensive industry. Even if it's not "recession-proof," it's certainly recession-resistant. IYH sold off far more aggressively than XLU, but it still managed to hold up fairly well. At time of writing, IYH is down 6% from my recommended price versus a 14% loss on the S&P 500. This does not include the nearly 1% that the ETF has paid in dividends during the period. Overall, I can't complain about IYH's performance. To survive the bloodbath of the past six months with only minimal losses is an accomplishment. I continue to see a lot of value in Big Pharma, and I recommend that readers hold on to their shares of IYH. iShares S&P Global Telecommunications (NYSE: IXP ): This recommendation has been a bit of a disappointment to me. Yes, it performed better than the S&P 500. But its price still is down 10%. After the $1.73 per share in dividends, the loss is closer to 7%. That's not bad, but given the cheap valuations in the sector, the steady dividend payout and the defensive nature of the business, I would have expected better. Of the three ETFs, IXP would be my favorite at the moment. The companies that comprise the fund's holdings are in the unique position of being "defensive" in the developed markets of the United States and Europe, and "growth investments" with respect to their prospects in emerging markets. During the past year, I've highlighted the Spanish telecom giant Telefónica (NYSE: TEF ) for its exposure to the fast-growing markets of Latin America, which make up 40% of company revenues. Telefónica is a major holding of IXP, and there are plenty more just like it. I would like to reiterate my buy recommendation of IXP. Whether the volatility finally is over or not, I consider the telecom sector to be the best value for your dollar today.

Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Soups Up Honeycomb Docs

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

tdp2664 E money daily Google Inc. ( NASDAQ :GOOG) has updated its Docs app for Honeycomb. Google Inc. ( NASDAQ :GOOG) Soups Up Honeycomb Docs The California based search engine Google Inc. ( NASDAQ :GOOG) has announced that it has released a new update for its Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Docs to support Honeycomb tablets with better-functioning and better-looking three panel view. The update can be downloaded from the Android market. Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) said that the update will help their users to easily access collections and filters, see docs in the middle and preview document details all at once. The preview also allows the user to see with whom the doc is shared and who can view and edit the doc. Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) stocks are currently standing at 504.7. Price History Last Price: 504.7 52 Week Low / High: 473.02 / 642.96 50 Day Moving Average: 544.03 6 Month Price Change %: -11.8% 12 Month Price Change %: -3.9%

AT&T (NYSE:T) Hiding Cell Towers In Palm Trees

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

tdp2664 E money daily AT&T (NYSE:T) has announced the development of a palm tree cell tower for boosting wireless services. AT&T (NYSE:T) Hiding Cell Towers In Palm Trees AT&T (NYSE:T) has made an announcement regarding its latest La Mesa cell phone tower, behind a liquor store at Lake Murray boulevard and Dugan avenue. It has been designed to look like a palm tree, and the La Mesa tower and one in Campo are touted as enhancing network coverage for area residents and businesses. In an official statement of AT&T (NYSE:T) said that, "The activation of new cell sites is one part of AT&T (NYSE:T)'s ongoing effort to drive innovation and extend its mobile network. It is also part of its investment to build the networks that will fuel economic growth and create jobs, and enable AT&T (NYSE:T) customers to quickly access the content, applications and services that matter most to them." AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) company shares are currently standing at 28.31. Price History Last Price: 28.31 52 Week Low / High: 27.2 / 31.94 50 Day Moving Average: 28.62 6 Month Price Change %: -7.8% 12 Month Price Change %: -1.9%

Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Soups Up Honeycomb Docs

Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) has updated its Docs app for Honeycomb. Google Inc.
(NASDAQ:GOOG) Soups Up Honeycomb Docs The California based search engine Google
Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) has announced that it has released a new update for its
Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Docs to support Honeycomb tablets with
better-functioning and better-looking three panel view. The update can be
downloaded from the Android market. Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) said that the
update will help their users to easily access collections and filters, see docs
in the middle and preview document details all at once. The preview also allows
the user to see with whom the doc is shared and who can view and edit the doc.
Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) stocks are currently standing at 504.7. Price History
Last Price: 504.7 52 Week Low / High: 473.02 / 642.96 50 Day Moving Average:
544.03 6 Month Price Change %: -11.8% 12 Month Price Change %: -3.9%

Put Up or Shut Up — How Did Those ‘Low-Risk’ ETFs Hold Up?

The financial press has an abundance of advice but a bit of a shortage when it
comes to follow-up. Few writers bother to review how those "three hot stock
picks" they recommended actually performed in practice. Frankly, they should.
When you make a good call, you deserve credit. But you "own" the bad calls,
too. People invest their hard-earned money after reading what you had to say.
You owe it to them to go back and check your work. Today, I'm going to revisit
an article I wrote in late March: " Three Low-Risk ETFs to Ride Out a Volatile
Spring ." At the time of the original article, the Arab Spring was in its
infancy, the Japanese Fukushima plant threatened the world the with the worst
nuclear disaster since Chernobyl, and the sovereign debt crisis had just caused
the sitting Portuguese government to fall. The markets long ago lost interest in
the Arab political revolution and the Japanese nuclear disaster, but the euro
zone crisis actually has deepened. That "volatile spring" ending up bleeding
over into a volatile summer and a volatile early fall as well. And if we
don't get a resolution of the ongoing Greek crisis soon, we can look forward
to a volatile winter. Click to Enlarge Since the original article went to press,
the S&P 500 is down 14% (see black line in chart). Let's see how my
recommendations did. Utilities Select Sector SPDR (NYSE: XLU ): Of the three
ETFs recommended, XLU is the clear winner. At time of writing, it shows a price
return of more than 4%, which does not include the 68 cents per share in
dividends. The dividends add an additional 2.2% for a total return of more than
6%. Not a bad return, all things considered. On a total return basis, it's
about 20% better than the S&P 500. But perhaps what is most impressive is that
even during the pits of the August selloff, investors who bought in March would
have been down less than 4%. Again, not bad. During the course of the fourth
quarter, readers might want to take profits in the utilities sector and
reallocate their funds to more growth-oriented sectors. iShares Dow Jones US
Healthcare (NYSE: IYH ): My rationale for recommending Big Pharma was pretty
straightforward. The stocks in the sector already had been punished by fears of
patent expirations, and I believed the selling to be overdone. Furthermore,
health care is a defensive industry. Even if it's not "recession-proof,"
it's certainly recession-resistant. IYH sold off far more aggressively than
XLU, but it still managed to hold up fairly well. At time of writing, IYH is
down 6% from my recommended price versus a 14% loss on the S&P 500. This does
not include the nearly 1% that the ETF has paid in dividends during the period.
Overall, I can't complain about IYH's performance. To survive the bloodbath
of the past six months with only minimal losses is an accomplishment. I continue
to see a lot of value in Big Pharma, and I recommend that readers hold on to
their shares of IYH. iShares S&P Global Telecommunications (NYSE: IXP ): This
recommendation has been a bit of a disappointment to me. Yes, it performed
better than the S&P 500. But its price still is down 10%. After the $1.73 per
share in dividends, the loss is closer to 7%. That's not bad, but given the
cheap valuations in the sector, the steady dividend payout and the defensive
nature of the business, I would have expected better. Of the three ETFs, IXP
would be my favorite at the moment. The companies that comprise the fund's
holdings are in the unique position of being "defensive" in the developed
markets of the United States and Europe, and "growth investments" with
respect to their prospects in emerging markets. During the past year, I've
highlighted the Spanish telecom giant Telefónica (NYSE: TEF ) for its exposure
to the fast-growing markets of Latin America, which make up 40% of company
revenues. Telefónica is a major holding of IXP, and there are plenty more just
like it. I would like to reiterate my buy recommendation of IXP. Whether the
volatility finally is over or not, I consider the telecom sector to be the best
value for your dollar today.

Gold Price Stabilizes Despite “Shaky Environment”

GOLD PRICE NEWS – The gold price stabilized near $1,640 per ounce Thursday
morning after weekly jobless claims in the U.S. came in roughly in-line with
expectations at 401,000.

Should You Buy the Dow — Home Depot

Today, the company under the microscope is Home Depot (NYSE: HD ). Like many
gigantic companies that have been around for awhile, I regard Home Depot as a
stalwart. In other words, its still growing at a solid, modest and dependable
rate of under 10%, but more than 5% to 6%. Like all companies in this series, Im
also delving into all aspects of their business because Ive found a lot of
companies have surprising breadth. In this case, however, Home Depot is what we
all think it is: It sells building materials, home improvement products, and
lawn and garden products. It installs carpeting, flooring, cabinets,
countertops, water heaters and other large systems. What might surprise you is
its scale it has 2,245 stores, including a few in Canada, Mexico and China.
Home Depot has a major drawback, however. It is very sensitive to the economy,
particularly housing. When the housing market started to collapse in 2006, Home
Depots earnings fell by 60% through 2008. From a price just more than $40 a
share on Jan. 1, 2006, the stock hit $18.51 in October 2008. The good news is
private investors have swooped into the distressed housing market and are
buying, rehabbing and flipping houses in various markets across the country.
That means more business for Home Depot. Indeed, analysts are looking for
another 16% this year and 14% next year, along with five-year annualized growth
of 13.5%. Stalwart? Nuh-uh. Growth company. Still . How are the companys
financials following the housing crash? Things look fine. The company carries
$2.55 billion in cash against $10.73 billion in debt. Total debt service is at a
blended rate of about 5.6%. Thats cheap debt, especially considering trailing
12-month free cash flow is $4.45 billion. Thats also nearly three times whats
needed to pay the companys 3% dividend yield. Conclusion With a 13.5 P/E on
projected 2015 earnings of $4.23 per share, including reinvested dividends, we
get a price target of $57. Thats about an 80% total return from here, and the
company trades right at a 14 P/E. With the growth rate mentioned above, that
suggests to me that Home Depot is fairly valued at todays price. That means you
arent overpaying. In fact, a company as solid as this probably is deserving of a
premium multiple. So you might even be getting a slight bargain. It would be
totally reasonable to expect a 15% total return annually going forward,
including dividends. I believe Home Depot is a buy for regular accounts. I
believe Home Depot is a buy for retirement accounts. Disclosure: Lawrence Meyers
does not own shares of Home Depot.

FEATURE-Gold to flow from Congo's cloud-capped hills

FEATURE-Gold to flow from Congos cloud-capped hills Reuters - 1 hour ago By
Jonny Hogg TWANGIZA, Democratic Republic of Congo Oct 6 (Reuters) - - High in
the hills of Congos troubled northeast, a modern mine is ready to pour gold for
the first time in five decades ...

6 Reasons a Global Recession is Unavoidable

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

tdp2664 InvestorPlace Most economists and Wall Street types are reluctant to publicly admit the global economy is

Gold price per ounce silver price per ounce spot gold price per gram spot silver price per ounce

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

dow2664 Gold and silver price per ounce trends continue to struggle in the current market environment. Gold price trends are decisively negative over the course of the past month. According to one month price change analysis, gold is negative by almost 14 percent. Silver is significantly worse off over the same amount of time. According to the one month change analysis for silver, price trends are negative by 29.01 percent. Safe haven interest appeared more prevalent during the last trading session in the U.S. The primary index composites closed out higher due, in part, to positive economic reports that posted last session in the U.S. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed out higher by 131.24 points to close out at 10,939.95. Investors are still worried about potential recessive tendencies and thus, positioned with precious metal gold and silver. Contract gold and silver prices finished the day on positive ground. December contract gold closed out higher by 1.58 percent at 1641.60 per troy ounce. Silver contract for December delivery closed out higher by 1.72 percent at 30.35 per troy ounce. During the interval after last session close but prior to opening bell this morning, spot gold and spot silver prices moved in positive territory. Spot gold per gram was higher by .88 at 52.83. Spot silver per ounce was higher by .57 at 30.41. Camillo Zucari

Gold & Silver Prices – Daily Outlook October 6

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

DG365FD46564GFH654FU898 Gold and silver prices continue to seek direction and ended yesterday moderately rising. The continuous rally the U.S. and Europe stock markets were probably driven from the recent bailout plans in the European markets that may have curbed the gains of gold and silver. Currently, gold and silver prices are traded up. Today, the European Central Bank interest rate decision will be announced, BOJ rate decision and U.S. Unemployment Claims report will be published. Here is a market outlook of precious metals prices for today, October 6th: Gold and Silver Prices – October Gold price inclined on Wednesday by 0.75% to $1,628; silver price also increased by 0.87% to $30.10. The chart below shows the development of gold and silver prices in recent weeks (normalized gold and silver prices (September 16th 2011=100)). During October gold price slightly inclined by 0.4%, and silver prices by 0.1%. The ratio between gold and silver prices slipped on Wednesday, October 5th to 54.09. During October, silver price slightly declined by a larger rate than gold price as the ratio increased by 0.3%.

Where Will This Rally End?

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

tdp2664 InvestorPlace Blue-chip and technology stocks led the market to its second big gain yesterday. An increase in private sector hiring and a more serious coordinated action to recapitalizeEurope's banks brought buyers into the financial sector late in the day, assuring a gain for the session. But volume on the NYSE fell to 1.2 billion shares compared to Tuesday's 1.7 billion. Advancers were ahead of decliners by almost 3-to-1 on both exchanges.

Sprint Getting Its Groove Back

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

tdp2664 InvestorPlace Sprint Nextel Corp. (NYSE: S ) — This leading provider of wireless and other telecommunications services had been in a bear market since 2006, falling from over $24 to under $2 in late 2008. The Trade of the Day began recommending Sprint early this year at $3.25 and traded it to over $5. But when Q2 earnings missed estimates, the stock broke down on a breakaway gap that signaled a serious sell-off was occurring.

Gold & Silver Prices – Daily Outlook October 6

Gold and silver prices continue to seek direction and ended yesterday moderately
rising. The continuous rally the U.S. and Europe stock markets were probably
driven from the recent bailout plans in the European markets that may have
curbed the gains of gold and silver. Currently, gold and silver prices are
traded up. Today, the European Central Bank interest rate decision will be
announced, BOJ rate decision and U.S. Unemployment Claims report will be
published. Here is a market outlook of precious metals prices for today, October
6th: Gold and Silver Prices – October Gold price inclined on Wednesday by
0.75% to $1,628; silver price also increased by 0.87% to $30.10. The chart below
shows the development of gold and silver prices in recent weeks (normalized gold
and silver prices (September 16th 2011=100)). During October gold price slightly
inclined by 0.4%, and silver prices by 0.1%. The ratio between gold and silver
prices slipped on Wednesday, October 5th to 54.09. During October, silver price
slightly declined by a larger rate than gold price as the ratio increased by
0.3%.