Do you believe in the Santa Claus rally? If you're among those expecting the
traditional year-end uptrend in stock prices, you might want to consider the
technology sector as the hunting ground for your next trade. Click to Enlarge
Here's why: Based on the Select Sector SPDR-Technology ETF (NYSE: XLK ), the
sector is nearing the point where it could break out above major resistance at
$27.09. This marks the fourth occasion in 2011 where XLK has approached this
level, so a move above it would likely provide a green light for a nice trading
rally. The last time XLK broke out above a resistance area was in November 2010,
and it went on to post a 12.5% gain in the next four months. One caveat: the ETF
still needs to rise another 3.5% to reach $27.09, so we have a way to go. Still,
there are two reasons to keep an eye on this chart. First, December has brought
a gain for the broader market in 17 of the past 20 years, with an average gain
of 1.99% in the month. If past is indeed prologue, similar strength in the month
ahead would likely bring the XLK near a breakout point. Second, based on the
SPDR sector ETFs, XLK is the only nondefense sector trading above its 200-day
moving average. (The others are utilities, consumer staples, and health care.)
This indicates that technology is showing a good deal of technical strength
relative to other economically sensitive sectors that are still trading under
their 200-day MAs, such as materials and industrials. With all of this said, is
the best bet to play the XLK or individual stocks? Few of the largest tech
stocks have printed a chart that looks like the XLK, but there still are plenty
of technology names that are sitting just below their potential breakout points
on the one-year chart. Use the list below as a jumping-off point for further
investigation into possible trade candidates. All are above their 200-day MAs
and trading within striking distance of their previous highs. The list is
ordered from the most interesting charts to the least: ARM Holdings (NASDAQ:
ARMH ) Rackspace Hosting (NYSE: RAX ) TIBCO Software (NASDAQ: TIBX ) Maxim
Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM ) Google (NASDAQ: GOOG ) Check Point Software
Technologies (NASDAQ: CHKP ) IBM (NYSE: IBM ) Micros Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: MCRS
) Of these, the U.K.-based chip designer ARM Holdings appears to be the most
compelling from both a technical and fundamental standpoint. The stock has been
flirting with its breakout point, in the $32 range, for over a year now, and has
the look of a stock ready to move out to new highs in a favorable tape. The
stock isn't cheap, with a forward P/E of about 44, but it's growing fast
through its exposure to the mobile and tablet markets via the various companies
that use its designs, such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ), Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM )
and Nvidia
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Musings on the Tech Sector’s Breakout Point
Do you believe in the Santa Claus rally? If you're among those expecting the
traditional year-end uptrend in stock prices, you may want to consider the
technology sector as the hunting ground for your next trade. Here's why: based
on the Select Sector SPDR-Technology ETF (NYSE: XLK ), the sector is nearing the
point where it could break out above major resistance at $27.09. This marks the
fourth occasion in 2011 where XLK has approached this level, so a move above it
would likely provide a green light for a nice trading rally. The last time XLK
broke out above a resistance area was in November 2010, and it went on to post a
12.5% gain in the next four months. One caveat: the ETF still needs to rise
another 3.5% to reach $27.09, so we have a way to go. Still, there are two
reasons to keep an eye on this chart. First, December has brought a gain for the
broader market in 17 of the past 20 years, with an average gain of 1.99% in the
month. If past is indeed prologue, similar strength in the month ahead would
likely bring the XLK near a breakout point. Second, based on the SPDR sector
ETFs, XLK is the only nondefense sector trading above its 200-day moving
average. (The others are utilities, consumer staples, and health care.) This
indicates that technology is showing a good deal of technical strength relative
to other economically sensitive sectors that are still trading under their
200-day MAs, such as materials and industrials. With all of this said, is the
best bet to play the XLK or individual stocks? Few of the largest tech stocks
have printed a chart that looks like the XLK, but there are still plenty of
technology names that are sitting just below their potential breakout points on
the one-year chart. Use the list below as a jumping-off point for further
investigation into possible trade candidates. All are above their 200-day MAs
and trading within striking distance of their previous highs. The list is
ordered from the most interesting charts to the least: ARM Holdings (NASDAQ:
ARMH ) Rackspace Hosting (NYSE: RAX ) TIBCO Software (NASDAQ: TIBX ) Maxim
Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM ) Google (NASDAQ: GOOG ) Check Point Software
Technologies (NASDAQ: CHKP ) IBM (NYSE: IBM ) Micros Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: MCRS
) Of these, the U.K.-based chip designer ARM Holdings appears to be the most
compelling from both a technical and fundamental standpoint. The stock has been
flirting with its breakout point, in the $32 range, for over a year now, and has
the look of a stock ready to move out to new highs in a favorable tape. The
stock isn't cheap, with a forward P/E of about 44, but it's growing fast
through its exposure to the mobile and tablet markets via the various companies
that use its designs, such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ), Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM )
and Nvidia
traditional year-end uptrend in stock prices, you may want to consider the
technology sector as the hunting ground for your next trade. Here's why: based
on the Select Sector SPDR-Technology ETF (NYSE: XLK ), the sector is nearing the
point where it could break out above major resistance at $27.09. This marks the
fourth occasion in 2011 where XLK has approached this level, so a move above it
would likely provide a green light for a nice trading rally. The last time XLK
broke out above a resistance area was in November 2010, and it went on to post a
12.5% gain in the next four months. One caveat: the ETF still needs to rise
another 3.5% to reach $27.09, so we have a way to go. Still, there are two
reasons to keep an eye on this chart. First, December has brought a gain for the
broader market in 17 of the past 20 years, with an average gain of 1.99% in the
month. If past is indeed prologue, similar strength in the month ahead would
likely bring the XLK near a breakout point. Second, based on the SPDR sector
ETFs, XLK is the only nondefense sector trading above its 200-day moving
average. (The others are utilities, consumer staples, and health care.) This
indicates that technology is showing a good deal of technical strength relative
to other economically sensitive sectors that are still trading under their
200-day MAs, such as materials and industrials. With all of this said, is the
best bet to play the XLK or individual stocks? Few of the largest tech stocks
have printed a chart that looks like the XLK, but there are still plenty of
technology names that are sitting just below their potential breakout points on
the one-year chart. Use the list below as a jumping-off point for further
investigation into possible trade candidates. All are above their 200-day MAs
and trading within striking distance of their previous highs. The list is
ordered from the most interesting charts to the least: ARM Holdings (NASDAQ:
ARMH ) Rackspace Hosting (NYSE: RAX ) TIBCO Software (NASDAQ: TIBX ) Maxim
Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM ) Google (NASDAQ: GOOG ) Check Point Software
Technologies (NASDAQ: CHKP ) IBM (NYSE: IBM ) Micros Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: MCRS
) Of these, the U.K.-based chip designer ARM Holdings appears to be the most
compelling from both a technical and fundamental standpoint. The stock has been
flirting with its breakout point, in the $32 range, for over a year now, and has
the look of a stock ready to move out to new highs in a favorable tape. The
stock isn't cheap, with a forward P/E of about 44, but it's growing fast
through its exposure to the mobile and tablet markets via the various companies
that use its designs, such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ), Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM )
and Nvidia
Disney CEO Will Take Steve Jobs’ Place in Apple Boardroom
Apple Inc . (NASDAQ: AAPL ) has added the top Disney (NYSE: DIS ) exec to its
board to replace the seat lost following the death of Apple co-founder Steve
Jobs in October. Disney CEO Bob Iger joining the Apple board of directors is a
natural move, considering the longtime partnership between the innovative tech
company and the "imagineers" at Disney. Disney acquired Pixar and turned
Steve Jobs into the companys largest shareholder. Bob Iger has been a longtime
friend to Apple ever since the 2006 buyout of Pixar. The deal was worth about
$7.4
board to replace the seat lost following the death of Apple co-founder Steve
Jobs in October. Disney CEO Bob Iger joining the Apple board of directors is a
natural move, considering the longtime partnership between the innovative tech
company and the "imagineers" at Disney. Disney acquired Pixar and turned
Steve Jobs into the companys largest shareholder. Bob Iger has been a longtime
friend to Apple ever since the 2006 buyout of Pixar. The deal was worth about
$7.4
COMEX Gold Futures Rebound, End with Fractional Loss
Gold futures recaptured the large majority of their earlier losses on Wednesday
as the U.S. dollar pared its gains against a basket of foreign currencies. COMEX
gold futures, per the December 2011 contract, tumbled to $1,753.90 per ounce
this morning amid widespread weakness in precious metals.
as the U.S. dollar pared its gains against a basket of foreign currencies. COMEX
gold futures, per the December 2011 contract, tumbled to $1,753.90 per ounce
this morning amid widespread weakness in precious metals.
Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Improves Wi-Fi Security
Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) is offering Wi-Fi customers the option to keep
personal information more personal. Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Improves Wi-Fi
Security The search company Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) said it has added a new
option to help Wi-Fi network customers to keep their personal data out of
wireless routers. If the customer adds the _nomap tag to the router's name,
the company will no longer store the network location and other information to
its servers. Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) said in a statement, "Even though the
wireless access point signals we use in our location services don't identify
people, we think we can go further in protecting people's privacy". Google
Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) shares are currently standing at 616.56. Price History Last
Price: 616.56 52 Week Low / High: 473.02 / 642.96 50 Day Moving Average: 558.2 6
Month Price Change %: 18.2% 12 Month Price Change %: 1.6%
personal information more personal. Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Improves Wi-Fi
Security The search company Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) said it has added a new
option to help Wi-Fi network customers to keep their personal data out of
wireless routers. If the customer adds the _nomap tag to the router's name,
the company will no longer store the network location and other information to
its servers. Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) said in a statement, "Even though the
wireless access point signals we use in our location services don't identify
people, we think we can go further in protecting people's privacy". Google
Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) shares are currently standing at 616.56. Price History Last
Price: 616.56 52 Week Low / High: 473.02 / 642.96 50 Day Moving Average: 558.2 6
Month Price Change %: 18.2% 12 Month Price Change %: 1.6%
Top-Performing U.S.-Listed Chinese Stocks (Nov 16, 2011)
Below are the latest top-performing U.S.-listed Chinese stocks. VanceInfo
Technologies Inc.(ADR) (NYSE:VIT) is the best-performing stock in this group. It
was up 8.3% on Nov. 16. VITs upside potential is 62.6% based on brokerage
analysts average target price of $18.24. It is trading at 27.3% of its 52-week
high of $41.06, and 81.3% above its 52-week low of $6.19. ZHONGPIN INC.
(NASDAQ:HOGS) is the second best-performing stock in this group. It was up 6.6%
on Nov. 16. HOGSs upside potential is 64.1% based on brokerage analysts average
target price of $15.92. It is trading at 44.6% of its 52-week high of $21.74,
and 47.0% above its 52-week low of $6.60. AsiaInfo-Linkage, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASIA)
is the third best-performing stock in this group. It was up 4.3% on Nov. 16.
ASIAs upside potential is 92.7% based on brokerage analysts average target price
of $17.44. It is trading at 39.5% of its 52-week high of $22.91, and 45.7% above
its 52-week low of $6.21. E Commerce China Dangdang Inc (ADR) (NYSE:DANG) is the
fourth best-performing stock in this group. It was up 3.9% on Nov. 16. DANGs
upside potential is 76.8% based on brokerage analysts average target price of
$9.83. It is trading at 15.3% of its 52-week high of $36.40, and 23.6% above its
52-week low of $4.50. NetEase.com, Inc. (ADR) (NASDAQ:NTES) is the fifth
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 3.3% on Nov. 16. NTESs upside
potential is 24.0% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $56.66.
It is trading at 83.1% of its 52-week high of $55.00, and 29.8% above its
52-week low of $35.20. ReneSola Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:SOL) is the sixth
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 2.7% on Nov. 16. SOLs upside
potential is 49.8% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $2.86. It
is trading at 14.4% of its 52-week high of $13.25, and 30.8% above its 52-week
low of $1.46. Phoenix New Media Ltd ADR (NYSE:FENG) is the seventh
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 2.0% on Nov. 16. FENGs upside
potential is 104.4% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $10.67.
It is trading at 34.6% of its 52-week high of $15.09, and 24.3% above its
52-week low of $4.20. Country Syl Ckng Restaurant Chain Co Ltd (NYSE:CCSC) is
the eighth best-performing stock in this group. It was up 1.7% on Nov. 16. CCSCs
upside potential is -10.8% based on brokerage analysts average target price of
$12.12. It is trading at 46.2% of its 52-week high of $29.44, and 49.0% above
its 52-week low of $9.13. Shanda Games Limited(ADR) (NASDAQ:GAME) is the ninth
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 1.7% on Nov. 16. GAMEs upside
potential is 38.0% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $6.65. It
is trading at 62.6% of its 52-week high of $7.70, and 39.3% above its 52-week
low of $3.46. Perfect World Co., Ltd. (ADR) (NASDAQ:PWRD) is the 10th
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 1.6% on Nov. 16. PWRDs upside
potential is 84.2% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $24.00.
It is trading at 44.8% of its 52-week high of $29.10, and 21.8% above its
52-week low of $10.70. Youku.com Inc (ADR) (NYSE:YOKU) is the 11th
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 1.2% on Nov. 16. YOKUs upside
potential is 41.8% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $29.14.
It is trading at 29.4% of its 52-week high of $69.95, and 49.3% above its
52-week low of $13.76. China Real Estate Information Corp (NASDAQ:CRIC) is the
12nd best-performing stock in this group. It was up 1.0% on Nov. 16. CRICs
upside potential is 59.4% based on brokerage analysts average target price of
$8.05. It is trading at 49.0% of its 52-week high of $10.30, and 37.2% above its
52-week low of $3.68. TAL Education Group (ADR) (NYSE:XRS) is the 13th
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 1.0% on Nov. 16. XRSs upside
potential is 53.0% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $15.43.
It is trading at 58.2% of its 52-week high of $17.35, and 20.0% above its
52-week low of $8.41. New Oriental Education & Tech Grp (ADR) (NYSE:EDU) is the
14th best-performing stock in this group. It was up 0.8% on Nov. 16. EDUs upside
potential is 36.3% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $35.30.
It is trading at 74.5% of its 52-week high of $34.77, and 25.6% above its
52-week low of $20.61. 51job, Inc. (ADR) (NASDAQ:JOBS) is the 15th
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 0.7% on Nov. 16. JOBSs upside
potential is 51.2% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $64.50.
It is trading at 61.1% of its 52-week high of $69.80, and 16.5% above its
52-week low of $36.62. 21Vianet Group Inc (NASDAQ:VNET) is the 16th
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 0.4% on Nov. 16. VNETs upside
potential is 78.1% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $17.89.
It is trading at 45.0% of its 52-week high of $22.33, and 20.8% above its
52-week low of $8.31. China Lodging Group, Ltd (ADR) (NASDAQ:HTHT) is the 17th
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 0.3% on Nov. 16. HTHTs upside
potential is 48.4% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $21.82.
It is trading at 60.1% of its 52-week high of $24.47, and 22.5% above its
52-week low of $12.00. WuXi PharmaTech (Cayman) Inc. (ADR) (NYSE:WX) is the 18th
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 0.3% on Nov. 16. WXs upside
potential is 50.6% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $18.54.
It is trading at 64.5% of its 52-week high of $19.10, and 12.4% above its
52-week low of $10.95. Trina Solar Limited (ADR) (NYSE:TSL) is the 19th
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 0.3% on Nov. 16. TSLs upside
potential is 93.3% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $13.07.
It is trading at 21.8% of its 52-week high of $31.08, and 28.0% above its
52-week low of $5.28. China Mobile Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:CHL) is the 20th
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 0.0% on Nov. 16. CHLs upside
potential is 1.7% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $49.97. It
is trading at 94.5% of its 52-week high of $51.98, and 12.9% above its 52-week
low of $43.51.
Technologies Inc.(ADR) (NYSE:VIT) is the best-performing stock in this group. It
was up 8.3% on Nov. 16. VITs upside potential is 62.6% based on brokerage
analysts average target price of $18.24. It is trading at 27.3% of its 52-week
high of $41.06, and 81.3% above its 52-week low of $6.19. ZHONGPIN INC.
(NASDAQ:HOGS) is the second best-performing stock in this group. It was up 6.6%
on Nov. 16. HOGSs upside potential is 64.1% based on brokerage analysts average
target price of $15.92. It is trading at 44.6% of its 52-week high of $21.74,
and 47.0% above its 52-week low of $6.60. AsiaInfo-Linkage, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASIA)
is the third best-performing stock in this group. It was up 4.3% on Nov. 16.
ASIAs upside potential is 92.7% based on brokerage analysts average target price
of $17.44. It is trading at 39.5% of its 52-week high of $22.91, and 45.7% above
its 52-week low of $6.21. E Commerce China Dangdang Inc (ADR) (NYSE:DANG) is the
fourth best-performing stock in this group. It was up 3.9% on Nov. 16. DANGs
upside potential is 76.8% based on brokerage analysts average target price of
$9.83. It is trading at 15.3% of its 52-week high of $36.40, and 23.6% above its
52-week low of $4.50. NetEase.com, Inc. (ADR) (NASDAQ:NTES) is the fifth
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 3.3% on Nov. 16. NTESs upside
potential is 24.0% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $56.66.
It is trading at 83.1% of its 52-week high of $55.00, and 29.8% above its
52-week low of $35.20. ReneSola Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:SOL) is the sixth
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 2.7% on Nov. 16. SOLs upside
potential is 49.8% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $2.86. It
is trading at 14.4% of its 52-week high of $13.25, and 30.8% above its 52-week
low of $1.46. Phoenix New Media Ltd ADR (NYSE:FENG) is the seventh
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 2.0% on Nov. 16. FENGs upside
potential is 104.4% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $10.67.
It is trading at 34.6% of its 52-week high of $15.09, and 24.3% above its
52-week low of $4.20. Country Syl Ckng Restaurant Chain Co Ltd (NYSE:CCSC) is
the eighth best-performing stock in this group. It was up 1.7% on Nov. 16. CCSCs
upside potential is -10.8% based on brokerage analysts average target price of
$12.12. It is trading at 46.2% of its 52-week high of $29.44, and 49.0% above
its 52-week low of $9.13. Shanda Games Limited(ADR) (NASDAQ:GAME) is the ninth
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 1.7% on Nov. 16. GAMEs upside
potential is 38.0% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $6.65. It
is trading at 62.6% of its 52-week high of $7.70, and 39.3% above its 52-week
low of $3.46. Perfect World Co., Ltd. (ADR) (NASDAQ:PWRD) is the 10th
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 1.6% on Nov. 16. PWRDs upside
potential is 84.2% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $24.00.
It is trading at 44.8% of its 52-week high of $29.10, and 21.8% above its
52-week low of $10.70. Youku.com Inc (ADR) (NYSE:YOKU) is the 11th
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 1.2% on Nov. 16. YOKUs upside
potential is 41.8% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $29.14.
It is trading at 29.4% of its 52-week high of $69.95, and 49.3% above its
52-week low of $13.76. China Real Estate Information Corp (NASDAQ:CRIC) is the
12nd best-performing stock in this group. It was up 1.0% on Nov. 16. CRICs
upside potential is 59.4% based on brokerage analysts average target price of
$8.05. It is trading at 49.0% of its 52-week high of $10.30, and 37.2% above its
52-week low of $3.68. TAL Education Group (ADR) (NYSE:XRS) is the 13th
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 1.0% on Nov. 16. XRSs upside
potential is 53.0% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $15.43.
It is trading at 58.2% of its 52-week high of $17.35, and 20.0% above its
52-week low of $8.41. New Oriental Education & Tech Grp (ADR) (NYSE:EDU) is the
14th best-performing stock in this group. It was up 0.8% on Nov. 16. EDUs upside
potential is 36.3% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $35.30.
It is trading at 74.5% of its 52-week high of $34.77, and 25.6% above its
52-week low of $20.61. 51job, Inc. (ADR) (NASDAQ:JOBS) is the 15th
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 0.7% on Nov. 16. JOBSs upside
potential is 51.2% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $64.50.
It is trading at 61.1% of its 52-week high of $69.80, and 16.5% above its
52-week low of $36.62. 21Vianet Group Inc (NASDAQ:VNET) is the 16th
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 0.4% on Nov. 16. VNETs upside
potential is 78.1% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $17.89.
It is trading at 45.0% of its 52-week high of $22.33, and 20.8% above its
52-week low of $8.31. China Lodging Group, Ltd (ADR) (NASDAQ:HTHT) is the 17th
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 0.3% on Nov. 16. HTHTs upside
potential is 48.4% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $21.82.
It is trading at 60.1% of its 52-week high of $24.47, and 22.5% above its
52-week low of $12.00. WuXi PharmaTech (Cayman) Inc. (ADR) (NYSE:WX) is the 18th
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 0.3% on Nov. 16. WXs upside
potential is 50.6% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $18.54.
It is trading at 64.5% of its 52-week high of $19.10, and 12.4% above its
52-week low of $10.95. Trina Solar Limited (ADR) (NYSE:TSL) is the 19th
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 0.3% on Nov. 16. TSLs upside
potential is 93.3% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $13.07.
It is trading at 21.8% of its 52-week high of $31.08, and 28.0% above its
52-week low of $5.28. China Mobile Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:CHL) is the 20th
best-performing stock in this group. It was up 0.0% on Nov. 16. CHLs upside
potential is 1.7% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $49.97. It
is trading at 94.5% of its 52-week high of $51.98, and 12.9% above its 52-week
low of $43.51.
Jaguar Mining (JAG) Gets $1 Billion Takeover Bid
Jaguar Mining (JAG) received a $1 billion takeover bid from Chinese state-owned
Shandong Gold Group Co. on Wednesday, marking the latest deal in a growing trend
of merger and acquisition activity in the gold sector. The Wall Street Journal
reported that the $9.30 per share offer values Jaguar at $1 billion, and
represents a 72.5% premium to yesterday's $5.39 closing price.
Shandong Gold Group Co. on Wednesday, marking the latest deal in a growing trend
of merger and acquisition activity in the gold sector. The Wall Street Journal
reported that the $9.30 per share offer values Jaguar at $1 billion, and
represents a 72.5% premium to yesterday's $5.39 closing price.
Wednesday Apple Rumors — Google Revealing Music Store
Here are your Apple rumors and AAPL stock news items for Wednesday: Google to
Reveal Music Store on Wednesday: Google s (NASDAQ: GOOG ) iTunes competitor has
reached mythical status in the realm of technology industry rumor. Rumor should
become reality Wednesday, though. A report at Bloomberg said Google finally is
ready to reveal its service to the public. Citing sources familiar with the
companys plans, the report said Google will debut its music store at an event in
Los Angeles. The new store will offer a variety of services, including cloud
storage of purchased music. However, its unclear what will distinguish Googles
store from its competitors not just Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ), but Amazon (NASDAQ:
AMZN ) and streaming services like Pandora (NYSE: P ). HP Sets Sights on MacBook
Air With New Ultrabook: Intel s (NASDAQ: INTC ) slim, light Ultrabook PCs havent
been selling so well . When it comes to streamlined laptops, Apples MacBook Airs
have been sucking up the sales attention. Leave it to Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ
) to take a wild swing at Apple, though. A Wednesday report at Apple Insider
highlighted HPs latest Ultrabook release, the Folio13 . The new slim laptop will
retail for $900, undercutting Apples comparably sized 13.3-inch MacBook Air by
$400 and the smaller 11-inch model by $99. HP will release the Folio13 on Dec.
7. Sprint, Verizon Not Cutting Into AT&T iPhone Subscribership: AT&T (NYSE: T )
is hanging tough in the U.S. iPhone race. Despite the fact that the companys
one-time exclusivity has been yielded to competing telecoms Verizon (NYSE: VZ )
and Sprint (NYSE: S ), the company isnt seeing its subscriber base drop ,
according to a Wednesday report at Market Watch . Glen Lurie, president of
emerging devices at AT&T, said, Churn has not moved at all, according to the
report. Churn is the number of mobile phone users that cancel subscriptions with
a given company. Speaking of Apples competitors, though, Lurie said that just
because the iPhone continues to be popular doesnt mean other devices are dying
off. Lurie cited Research In Motion s (NASDAQ: RIMM ) BlackBerry line and Nokia
s (NYSE: NOK ) phones specifically as devices crucial to AT&Ts future. As of
this writing, Anthony John Agnello did not own a position in any of the stocks
named here. Follow him on Twitter at
Reveal Music Store on Wednesday: Google s (NASDAQ: GOOG ) iTunes competitor has
reached mythical status in the realm of technology industry rumor. Rumor should
become reality Wednesday, though. A report at Bloomberg said Google finally is
ready to reveal its service to the public. Citing sources familiar with the
companys plans, the report said Google will debut its music store at an event in
Los Angeles. The new store will offer a variety of services, including cloud
storage of purchased music. However, its unclear what will distinguish Googles
store from its competitors not just Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ), but Amazon (NASDAQ:
AMZN ) and streaming services like Pandora (NYSE: P ). HP Sets Sights on MacBook
Air With New Ultrabook: Intel s (NASDAQ: INTC ) slim, light Ultrabook PCs havent
been selling so well . When it comes to streamlined laptops, Apples MacBook Airs
have been sucking up the sales attention. Leave it to Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ
) to take a wild swing at Apple, though. A Wednesday report at Apple Insider
highlighted HPs latest Ultrabook release, the Folio13 . The new slim laptop will
retail for $900, undercutting Apples comparably sized 13.3-inch MacBook Air by
$400 and the smaller 11-inch model by $99. HP will release the Folio13 on Dec.
7. Sprint, Verizon Not Cutting Into AT&T iPhone Subscribership: AT&T (NYSE: T )
is hanging tough in the U.S. iPhone race. Despite the fact that the companys
one-time exclusivity has been yielded to competing telecoms Verizon (NYSE: VZ )
and Sprint (NYSE: S ), the company isnt seeing its subscriber base drop ,
according to a Wednesday report at Market Watch . Glen Lurie, president of
emerging devices at AT&T, said, Churn has not moved at all, according to the
report. Churn is the number of mobile phone users that cancel subscriptions with
a given company. Speaking of Apples competitors, though, Lurie said that just
because the iPhone continues to be popular doesnt mean other devices are dying
off. Lurie cited Research In Motion s (NASDAQ: RIMM ) BlackBerry line and Nokia
s (NYSE: NOK ) phones specifically as devices crucial to AT&Ts future. As of
this writing, Anthony John Agnello did not own a position in any of the stocks
named here. Follow him on Twitter at
Electronics Retail Owes Apple, iPhone 4S a Big ‘Thank You’
Not to talk to our economys proverbial pitcher in the middle of a no hitter,
but it looks like investors can breathe easy as we head into the holiday season.
Consumers are, against all odds, spending. Retail sales in the U.S. were up 7.2%
year-over-year in October, according to a Tuesday report from the Department of
Commerce. Electronics retail saw a particularly impressive bump at the start of
fall, with sales up 3.5% from September and 3.7% year-over-year. Clearly,
consumers like their gadgets. More specifically at least in this case people
like Apple s (NASDAQ: AAPL ) iPhone 4S. The latest model of the Cupertino,
Calif.-based companys famous smartphone has proven a hit with consumers since
its Oct. 14 release. When the device was announced at the beginning of the
month, there was some concern that it would be seen as too incremental an
upgrade over 2010s model, but sales have shown those fears were unfounded. Apple
sold 4 million iPhone 4Ses during the phones first weekend on shelves. That the
iPhone 4S was successful enough on its own to spur a boost in overall
electronics sales is hardly surprising, though. Apples mobile devices have been
incredible drivers for electronics over the past two years. Take April 2010 as a
prime example. Electronics sales saw a 6.9% year-over-year decline in April 2009
that spring, but electronics retail saw a huge boost come 2010 a YOY jump of
9.7%, according to MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse report . Investors with
long memories will of course recall that April 2010 was the month Apple released
its first iPad tablet computer. The high-priced device moved more than a million
units in its first month on shelves. Total retail sales dipped over May and June
that year, but electronics sales did see a modest uptick in June 2010 with an
increase of 1.3% which Capital Economics analyst Paul Dales attributed to the
iPhone 4 at the time . Of course, the iPhone 4 released on June 24, meaning that
just a few days of sales were enough to give the entire segment a jolt. The iPad
repeated its performance in March 2011 when the iPad 2 released, racking up 1
million in sales during its first week alone, giving electronics retail a 2.7%
YOY bump . According to Sterne Agee analyst Shaw Wu, Octobers huge iPhone 4S
sales havent slowed thanks to the popularity of the phones voice-recognizing
virtual assistant, Siri. Wu expects Apple to sell 26 million iPhones in full
before the year is out. However, the iPhone wont be the only big gun driving
electronics retail through the end of 2011. The iPhone 4S is getting backed up
by a number of heavy hitters. Activision Blizzard s (NASDAQ: ATVI ) indomitable
video game series Call of Duty saw its latest entry, Call of Duty: Modern
Warfare 3 , release last week. The game sold 6.5 million copies in its first day
on shelves, racking up $400 million in sales in the process. Amazon s (NASDAQ:
AMZN ) Kindle Fire, a low-priced iPad competitor, released on Monday, and
analysts are predicting that Amazon will sell 5 million tablets over the next
two months. Add in new BlackBerry entries by Research In Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM ),
as well as another tablet market entry from Barnes & Noble (NYSE: BKS ), and the
sector should be plenty armed through the holiday season. What about the
post-holiday slump? Will electronics retail sag once the gift giving season is
over and the major, post-iPhone 4S releases have tapered off? Maybe. But expect
the segment to be in full growth swing again in March. Thats when Apple is
expected to deliver the iPad 3 . As of this writing, Anthony John Agnello did
not own a position in any of the aforementioned stocks. Follow him on Twitter
at
but it looks like investors can breathe easy as we head into the holiday season.
Consumers are, against all odds, spending. Retail sales in the U.S. were up 7.2%
year-over-year in October, according to a Tuesday report from the Department of
Commerce. Electronics retail saw a particularly impressive bump at the start of
fall, with sales up 3.5% from September and 3.7% year-over-year. Clearly,
consumers like their gadgets. More specifically at least in this case people
like Apple s (NASDAQ: AAPL ) iPhone 4S. The latest model of the Cupertino,
Calif.-based companys famous smartphone has proven a hit with consumers since
its Oct. 14 release. When the device was announced at the beginning of the
month, there was some concern that it would be seen as too incremental an
upgrade over 2010s model, but sales have shown those fears were unfounded. Apple
sold 4 million iPhone 4Ses during the phones first weekend on shelves. That the
iPhone 4S was successful enough on its own to spur a boost in overall
electronics sales is hardly surprising, though. Apples mobile devices have been
incredible drivers for electronics over the past two years. Take April 2010 as a
prime example. Electronics sales saw a 6.9% year-over-year decline in April 2009
that spring, but electronics retail saw a huge boost come 2010 a YOY jump of
9.7%, according to MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse report . Investors with
long memories will of course recall that April 2010 was the month Apple released
its first iPad tablet computer. The high-priced device moved more than a million
units in its first month on shelves. Total retail sales dipped over May and June
that year, but electronics sales did see a modest uptick in June 2010 with an
increase of 1.3% which Capital Economics analyst Paul Dales attributed to the
iPhone 4 at the time . Of course, the iPhone 4 released on June 24, meaning that
just a few days of sales were enough to give the entire segment a jolt. The iPad
repeated its performance in March 2011 when the iPad 2 released, racking up 1
million in sales during its first week alone, giving electronics retail a 2.7%
YOY bump . According to Sterne Agee analyst Shaw Wu, Octobers huge iPhone 4S
sales havent slowed thanks to the popularity of the phones voice-recognizing
virtual assistant, Siri. Wu expects Apple to sell 26 million iPhones in full
before the year is out. However, the iPhone wont be the only big gun driving
electronics retail through the end of 2011. The iPhone 4S is getting backed up
by a number of heavy hitters. Activision Blizzard s (NASDAQ: ATVI ) indomitable
video game series Call of Duty saw its latest entry, Call of Duty: Modern
Warfare 3 , release last week. The game sold 6.5 million copies in its first day
on shelves, racking up $400 million in sales in the process. Amazon s (NASDAQ:
AMZN ) Kindle Fire, a low-priced iPad competitor, released on Monday, and
analysts are predicting that Amazon will sell 5 million tablets over the next
two months. Add in new BlackBerry entries by Research In Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM ),
as well as another tablet market entry from Barnes & Noble (NYSE: BKS ), and the
sector should be plenty armed through the holiday season. What about the
post-holiday slump? Will electronics retail sag once the gift giving season is
over and the major, post-iPhone 4S releases have tapered off? Maybe. But expect
the segment to be in full growth swing again in March. Thats when Apple is
expected to deliver the iPad 3 . As of this writing, Anthony John Agnello did
not own a position in any of the aforementioned stocks. Follow him on Twitter
at
Top 10 Best-Rated U.S.-Listed Chinese Stocks: WX, SPRD, KH, XRS, BONA, CCIH, FMCN, HSFT, AMAP, QIHU (Nov 16, 2011)
Below are the top 10 best-rated U.S.-listed Chinese stocks, based on the
percentage of positive ratings by brokerage analysts. WuXi PharmaTech (Cayman)
Inc. (ADR) (NYSE:WX) is the first best-rated stock in this segment of the
market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 14 brokerage analysts covering it.
Spreadtrum Communications, Inc (ADR) (NASDAQ:SPRD) is the second best-rated
stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 12
brokerage analysts covering it. China Kanghui Holdings (ADR) (NYSE:KH) is the
third best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by
100% of the 6 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 6 brokerage analysts covering it. Bona Film
Group Ltd (ADR) (NASDAQ:BONA) is the fifth 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 sixth best-rated
stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 5
brokerage analysts covering it. Focus Media Holding Limited (ADR) (NASDAQ:FMCN)
is the seventh best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated
positively by 92% of the 12 brokerage analysts covering it. HiSoft Technology
Internatnl Ltd (ADR) (NASDAQ:HSFT) is the eighth best-rated stock in this
segment of the market. It is rated positively by 89% of the 9 brokerage analysts
covering it. AutoNavi Holdings Ltd (ADR) (NASDAQ:AMAP) is the ninth best-rated
stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 88% of the 8
brokerage analysts covering it. Qihoo 360 Technology Co Ltd (NYSE:QIHU) is the
10th best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by
88% of the 8 brokerage analysts covering it.
percentage of positive ratings by brokerage analysts. WuXi PharmaTech (Cayman)
Inc. (ADR) (NYSE:WX) is the first best-rated stock in this segment of the
market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 14 brokerage analysts covering it.
Spreadtrum Communications, Inc (ADR) (NASDAQ:SPRD) is the second best-rated
stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 12
brokerage analysts covering it. China Kanghui Holdings (ADR) (NYSE:KH) is the
third best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by
100% of the 6 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 6 brokerage analysts covering it. Bona Film
Group Ltd (ADR) (NASDAQ:BONA) is the fifth 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 sixth best-rated
stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 5
brokerage analysts covering it. Focus Media Holding Limited (ADR) (NASDAQ:FMCN)
is the seventh best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated
positively by 92% of the 12 brokerage analysts covering it. HiSoft Technology
Internatnl Ltd (ADR) (NASDAQ:HSFT) is the eighth best-rated stock in this
segment of the market. It is rated positively by 89% of the 9 brokerage analysts
covering it. AutoNavi Holdings Ltd (ADR) (NASDAQ:AMAP) is the ninth best-rated
stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 88% of the 8
brokerage analysts covering it. Qihoo 360 Technology Co Ltd (NYSE:QIHU) is the
10th best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by
88% of the 8 brokerage analysts covering it.
Gold, Silver Lower; NovaGold Skyrockets on News of Spin-Off, Asset Sale
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
tdp2664 InvestorPlace Gold and silver were headed south Wednesday morning. The U.S. Labor Dept. reported that October’s consumer price index (CPI) fell,
Dow Jones Industrial Average DJIA Index DJX DJI; Todays Nasdaq Index, S&P 500 Index Stock Market Investing News Mid-Day Today
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
dow2664 The primary indices in the U.S. experienced a rebound during the latter half of the last trading session. This action was enough to push the Dow Jones, as well as the Nasdaq and the S&P 500, into the green for the day. Positive economic data which posted in the U.S. last session was enough to trump investors’ worry regarding the chaotic and tumultuous events that are ongoing in the eurozone. The positive momentum gained yesterday via the better-than-expected economic posts in the U.S. does not appear to be strong enough to keep eurozone fears at bay. Prior to opening bell this morning, primary index trend-lines were back in the red. Primary Asian markets finished weaker today and European markets were trending lower as well. Stock index futures for the DJIA, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 were red as well. As the trading session reached the mid-day mark, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was red by.55 percent at 12,029.41. The Nasdaq was lower by .56 percent at 2,671.11 and the S&P 500 was negative at this point by .55 percent at 1,250.79. Investors continue to process the better than expected economic reports in the U.S. with the anxiety provoking trends in the eurozone. Frank Matto
Analyst Actions on Chinese Stocks: ADY, AMBO, CAST, CEA, CHU, CIS, CSUN, GAME … (Nov 16, 2011)
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
tdp2664 China Analyst Below are today's
Todays Gold Price Per Ounce Rates Spot GOld Price Per Gram; Spot Silver Price Per Ounce; Gold Silver Investing News Mid-Day Today
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
dow2664 Gold and silver contract finished on the positive side of break-even last session. Contract gold for December delivery finished last session with a floor price higher by 3.80 at 1782.20 per troy ounce. Contract Silver for December delivery was higher by .43 at 34.46 per troy ounce. Gold and silver price per ounce trend-line movement has been positive over the course of the last several weeks. This morning, prior to opening bell, the primary stock indicators in the U.S. were posting red across the board. The Dow Jones Average, as well as the Nasdaq and S&P 500 futures were positioned on the negative side of break-even. Primary indicators in the Asian and European marketplace were weaker today and investor uncertainty remains tangible. This uncertainty is supporting safe haven acquisitions. Precious metal gold and silver contracts are benefiting as a result. As the trading session reached the mid-day mark today, the primary stock indices in the U.S. were still trending through negative territory but gold contract for December delivery was posting red as well. Contract gold was lower by .43 percent with an electronic price of 1774.50 per troy ounce. Silver contract was lower by .76 percent with an electronic price of 34.20 per troy ounce. Spot gold and spot silver prices were lower at this point in the session as well. Spot gold price per gram was red by .35 at 56.95 and spot silver price per ounce was red by .35 at 34.10. Camillo Zucari
4 Car Dealer Stocks That Are Hitting The Gas
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
tdp2664 InvestorPlace When 2011 began, auto industry analysts were almost giddy about the sector's fast-improving fortunes, predicting that sales would accelerate from only 11.6 million vehicles in 2010 to more than 16 million in 2015. Unfortunately, a sluggish economy initially muted demand, and then production delays stemming from the Japan earthquake disaster in March hampered supply. But as fears of a double-dip recession lessen, consumers are heading to dealer showrooms to replace that old bucket of bolts in the garage. That's the big news from Tuesday's Commerce Department report that October retail sales were stronger than expected, and it means selected auto dealer stocks that have been gaining speed should keep accelerating. Vehicle sales rose by 0.4% in October. When combined with 4.2% growth in September, auto sales are running at a seasonally adjusted annual volume of 13.2 million vehicles — the highest level since August 2009. Back then, "Cash for Clunkers" was driving growth. Today, pent-up demand has consumers buying new cars again. Many dealers are expanding their network of auto lenders, making it easier for consumers to finance vehicles. Despite the good news, possible headwinds loom. Some analysts fear that the release of pent-up demand has lifted vehicle sales into a short-lived bubble. "October’s sales numbers are certainly a bright spot in a sluggish economy, but it would be a mistake to believe that this momentum is the ‘new normal'," said Jessica Caldwell, senior analyst at Edmunds.com . “Unless early holiday incentives inspire droves of buyers in November, we don’t expect sales to increase on the same trajectory as we have seen in the last two months.” But investors who keep one eye on the economy and the other on dealers’ fundamentals (and dividend yields) are buckled up for a smoother ride when the road gets bumpy. Here are four car dealer stocks that are hitting the gas: Lithia Motors (NYSE: LAD ). At $21.79, Lithia is trading more than 74% above its 52-week low of $12.49 this time last year. The stock currently is more than 20% above its 200-day moving average and 17% above its 50-day moving average. With a market cap of $577 million, LAD's price-to-earnings to growth (PEG) ratio is 0.43, suggesting the stock is very undervalued (of PEG of 1.0 is considered fairly valued). The stock has a one-year return of more than 68% and pays a current dividend yield of 1.2%. Group 1 Automotive (NYSE: GPI ). At $47.11, Group 1 is trading more than 62% above its 52-week low of $33.31 last month. The stock is currently more than 15% above its 200-day moving average and 11% above its 50-day moving average. With a market cap of almost $1.1 billion, GPI's PEG ratio is 0.62, suggesting it's undervalued. The stock has a one-year return of more than 25% and pays a current dividend yield of nearly 1%. Penske Automotive Group (NYSE: PAG ). At $20.77, Penske is trading about 41% above its 52-week low of $14.72 last November. The stock is currently almost 5% above its 200-day moving average and more than 8% above its 50-day moving average. With a market cap of nearly $1.9 billion, PAG has a PEG ratio of only 0.69. The stock has a one-year return of nearly 40% and pays a current dividend yield of 1.6%. Sonic Automotive (NYSE: SAH ). At $15.06, Sonic is trading 61% above its 52-week low of $10.11 last month. The stock is currently nearly 12% above its 200-day and 50-day moving averages. With a market cap of $793.5 million, SAH has a PEG ratio of a mere 0.52. The stock has a one-year return of 22% and a current dividend yield of 0.66%. As of this writing, Susan J. Aluise did not hold a position in any of the stocks named here.
Volatility in Precious Metals on the Decline?
Volatility in precious metals appears to be on the decline following several
months of above average levels in the gold and silver markets, according to a
recent note to clients from TD Securities. Yesterday the spot price of gold
posted its first set of consecutive days with single-digit moves since August 31
September 1.
months of above average levels in the gold and silver markets, according to a
recent note to clients from TD Securities. Yesterday the spot price of gold
posted its first set of consecutive days with single-digit moves since August 31
September 1.
Gold, Silver Lower; NovaGold Skyrockets on News of Spin-Off, Asset Sale
Gold and silver were headed south Wednesday morning. The U.S. Labor Dept.
reported that Octobers consumer price index (CPI) fell,
reported that Octobers consumer price index (CPI) fell,
Changes At The Top At Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has appointed Arthur Levinson as its new non-executive
chairman. Changes At The Top At Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) According to Apple Inc.
(NASDAQ:AAPL), Arthur D. Levinson, the chairman of Genentech who has been on the
company board since 2000, will become its new nonexecutive chairman. On top of
this, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has also elected Robert A. Iger, the chief
executive of the Walt Disney Co. as its new director. Levinson said, "Apple
Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is always focused on out-innovating itself and that is
something I am very proud to be a part of." Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) shares
are currently standing at 388.83. Price History Last Price: 388.83 52 Week Low /
High: 297.76 / 426.7 50 Day Moving Average: 395.53 6 Month Price Change %: 13.8%
12 Month Price Change %: 23.1%
chairman. Changes At The Top At Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) According to Apple Inc.
(NASDAQ:AAPL), Arthur D. Levinson, the chairman of Genentech who has been on the
company board since 2000, will become its new nonexecutive chairman. On top of
this, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has also elected Robert A. Iger, the chief
executive of the Walt Disney Co. as its new director. Levinson said, "Apple
Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is always focused on out-innovating itself and that is
something I am very proud to be a part of." Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) shares
are currently standing at 388.83. Price History Last Price: 388.83 52 Week Low /
High: 297.76 / 426.7 50 Day Moving Average: 395.53 6 Month Price Change %: 13.8%
12 Month Price Change %: 23.1%
Todays Gold Price Per Ounce Rates Spot GOld Price Per Gram; Spot Silver Price Per Ounce; Gold Silver Investing News Mid-Day Today
Gold and silver contract finished on the positive side of break-even last
session. Contract gold for December delivery finished last session with a floor
price higher by 3.80 at 1782.20 per troy ounce. Contract Silver for December
delivery was higher by .43 at 34.46 per troy ounce. Gold and silver price per
ounce trend-line movement has been positive over the course of the last several
weeks. This morning, prior to opening bell, the primary stock indicators in the
U.S. were posting red across the board. The Dow Jones Average, as well as the
Nasdaq and S&P 500 futures were positioned on the negative side of break-even.
Primary indicators in the Asian and European marketplace were weaker today and
investor uncertainty remains tangible. This uncertainty is supporting safe haven
acquisitions. Precious metal gold and silver contracts are benefiting as a
result. As the trading session reached the mid-day mark today, the primary stock
indices in the U.S. were still trending through negative territory but gold
contract for December delivery was posting red as well. Contract gold was lower
by .43 percent with an electronic price of 1774.50 per troy ounce. Silver
contract was lower by .76 percent with an electronic price of 34.20 per troy
ounce. Spot gold and spot silver prices were lower at this point in the session
as well. Spot gold price per gram was red by .35 at 56.95 and spot silver price
per ounce was red by .35 at 34.10. Camillo Zucari
session. Contract gold for December delivery finished last session with a floor
price higher by 3.80 at 1782.20 per troy ounce. Contract Silver for December
delivery was higher by .43 at 34.46 per troy ounce. Gold and silver price per
ounce trend-line movement has been positive over the course of the last several
weeks. This morning, prior to opening bell, the primary stock indicators in the
U.S. were posting red across the board. The Dow Jones Average, as well as the
Nasdaq and S&P 500 futures were positioned on the negative side of break-even.
Primary indicators in the Asian and European marketplace were weaker today and
investor uncertainty remains tangible. This uncertainty is supporting safe haven
acquisitions. Precious metal gold and silver contracts are benefiting as a
result. As the trading session reached the mid-day mark today, the primary stock
indices in the U.S. were still trending through negative territory but gold
contract for December delivery was posting red as well. Contract gold was lower
by .43 percent with an electronic price of 1774.50 per troy ounce. Silver
contract was lower by .76 percent with an electronic price of 34.20 per troy
ounce. Spot gold and spot silver prices were lower at this point in the session
as well. Spot gold price per gram was red by .35 at 56.95 and spot silver price
per ounce was red by .35 at 34.10. Camillo Zucari
Dow Jones Industrial Average DJIA Index DJX DJI; Todays Nasdaq Index, S&P 500 Index Stock Market Investing News Mid-Day Today
The primary indices in the U.S. experienced a rebound during the latter half of
the last trading session. This action was enough to push the Dow Jones, as well
as the Nasdaq and the S&P 500, into the green for the day. Positive economic
data which posted in the U.S. last session was enough to trump investors worry
regarding the chaotic and tumultuous events that are ongoing in the eurozone.
The positive momentum gained yesterday via the better-than-expected economic
posts in the U.S. does not appear to be strong enough to keep eurozone fears at
bay. Prior to opening bell this morning, primary index trend-lines were back in
the red. Primary Asian markets finished weaker today and European markets were
trending lower as well. Stock index futures for the DJIA, Nasdaq, and S&P 500
were red as well. As the trading session reached the mid-day mark, the Dow Jones
Industrial Average was red by.55 percent at 12,029.41. The Nasdaq was lower by
.56 percent at 2,671.11 and the S&P 500 was negative at this point by .55
percent at 1,250.79. Investors continue to process the better than expected
economic reports in the U.S. with the anxiety provoking trends in the eurozone.
Frank Matto
the last trading session. This action was enough to push the Dow Jones, as well
as the Nasdaq and the S&P 500, into the green for the day. Positive economic
data which posted in the U.S. last session was enough to trump investors worry
regarding the chaotic and tumultuous events that are ongoing in the eurozone.
The positive momentum gained yesterday via the better-than-expected economic
posts in the U.S. does not appear to be strong enough to keep eurozone fears at
bay. Prior to opening bell this morning, primary index trend-lines were back in
the red. Primary Asian markets finished weaker today and European markets were
trending lower as well. Stock index futures for the DJIA, Nasdaq, and S&P 500
were red as well. As the trading session reached the mid-day mark, the Dow Jones
Industrial Average was red by.55 percent at 12,029.41. The Nasdaq was lower by
.56 percent at 2,671.11 and the S&P 500 was negative at this point by .55
percent at 1,250.79. Investors continue to process the better than expected
economic reports in the U.S. with the anxiety provoking trends in the eurozone.
Frank Matto
Aurizon Hits High-Grade Gold at Marban Block
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
DG365FD46564GFH654FU898 Aurizon Mines (ARZ.TSX, AMEX: AZK) announced final drill results of the first phase program on the Marban Block property, located in the Malartic gold camp, Abitibi region of Quebec.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) Makes Zynga Deal
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
tdp2664 E money daily Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has partnered with social gaming platform Zynga. Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) Makes Zynga Deal The US based auto maker giant Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has decided to partner with social gaming platform Zynga to target tech-savvy, young audiences for the debut of the 2013 Escape SUV. Scott Monty, global digital and multimedia communications manager at Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) said, "The Company will reveal the 2013 Escape on Tuesday night through Zynga’s Words with Friends game, which has more than 10 million users. The company is encouraging fans across North America to play the game on Tuesday night to view the new model." Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) shares were at 10.87 at the end of the last day’s trading. There’s been a -2.9% movement in the stock price over the past 3 months. Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) Analyst Advice Consensus Opinion: Moderate Buy Mean recommendation: 1.79 (1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell) 3 Months Ago: 1.79 Zack’s Rank: 5 out of 5 in the industry
Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) Splits $55m
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
tdp2664 E money daily Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) has announced the recipients of its $55 million Energy Efficiency Finance Program. Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) Splits $55m Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) has announced the names of the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) who will receive $55 million in low-interest loans and grants through the company’s innovative Energy Efficiency Finance Program. These low-interest loans and grants are aimed to finance building retrofits, create jobs and reduce energy costs in low-income areas. Andrew Plepler, Corporate Social Responsibility and Consumer Policy executive at Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC), said that, “Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) engages with CDFIs to develop creative and effective approaches to addressing the critical issues of energy efficiency and serving the needs of low-income communities. Our size allows us to deliver funding on a scale that can transform an industry while making a direct impact on energy consumption, local jobs, carbon emissions and affordability for people who own, live and work in older buildings. Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) congratulates all the recipients and look forward to working with them.” Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:BAC) shares were at 6.13 at the end of the last day’s trading. There’s been a -22.0% change in the stock price over the past 3 months. Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:BAC) Analyst Advice Consensus Opinion: Hold Mean recommendation: 2.3 (1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell) 3 Months Ago: 2.32 Zack’s Rank: 4 out of 15 in the industry
Top 5 Best-Rated NASDAQ Stocks: MCRS, SPRD, AZPN, KNOL, OPTR (Nov 16, 2011)
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
tdp2664 China Analyst Below are the top five best-rated stocks in the NASDAQ Composite index, based on the number of positive ratings by brokerage analysts. One Chinese company (SPRD) is on the list. MICROS Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCRS) is the first best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 12 brokerage analysts covering it. Spreadtrum Communications, Inc (ADR) (NASDAQ:SPRD) is the second best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 12 brokerage analysts covering it. Aspen Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:AZPN) is the third best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 10 brokerage analysts covering it. Knology, Inc. (NASDAQ:KNOL) is the fourth best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 10 brokerage analysts covering it. Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:OPTR) is the fifth best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 10 brokerage analysts covering it.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Sells 90mpx Camera
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
tdp2664 E money daily A Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) UltraCamLp system has been purchased by Blue Skies Consulting. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Sells 90mpx Camera It has been reported that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)'s Photogrammetry Division, the UltraCam business unit, as sold an UltraCamLp photogrammetric digital aerial camera system to Blue Skies Consulting of New Mexico. The Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) UltraCamLp combines innovative hardware, electronics, and software that result in a light and compact camera system. It features an image footprint collection capacity of 92 megapixels (11,704 x 7,920 pixels pan), made possible through advanced electronics and a CCD array of just 6 ìm. Alexander Wiechert, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Business Director, said that, "The Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) UltraCam team is extremely pleased to assist Blue Skies in making this transition to digital aerial sensor technology. We worked closely with the company over a considerable stretch of time to assist them in identifying the system solution best suited for them, given the size of their organization and their project considerations. The UltraCamLp is absolutely the right system for their business". Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) shares are currently standing at 26.74. Price History Last Price: 26.74 52 Week Low / High: 23.65 / 29.46 50 Day Moving Average: 26.38 6 Month Price Change %: 8.9% 12 Month Price Change %: 1.9%
Aurizon Mines (AZK) hits high-grade gold at Marban Block
DG365FD46564GFH654FU898
View article:
Aurizon Mines (AZK) hits high-grade gold at Marban Block
Gold Price Dips, Oil Surges to $100
GOLD PRICE NEWS – The gold price declined Wednesday, sliding $8.00 to
$1,772.75 per ounce.
$1,772.75 per ounce.
AmEx’s Prepaid Card for Target Could Hit the Bull’s-Eye
The "Upscale Walmart" and the upscale credit card company are officially an
item. American Express (NYSE: AXP ) on Tuesday announced the launch of new
prepaid cards that will be sold exclusively at discount retailer Target (NYSE:
TGT ). The American Express for Target available at the Minneapolis-based
retailer's nearly 1,000 locations after months of pilot testing in about 100
stores tout a simple, inexpensive fee system with a bevy of conveniences,
including a few perks commonly granted to AmEx cardholders. American Express's
prepaid cards and well as others work much like traditional debit cards. Users
transfer money into the card, which then can be used wherever the issuer's
cards are accepted. Users also can check their account balances online and
receive text alerts for low balances. However, one of the AmEx card's selling
points is a simple, two-fee format : $3 for the initial money load, as well as
subsequent in-store loads (online and by phone are free), and $3 for an ATM
withdrawal (however, users also get one free withdrawal per month). This differs
from numerous other prepaid cards, which can charge monthly fees of up to $10,
per-use purchase fees of $1 and fees for the account balance and alerts. But
while these prepaid cards are meant to put the power of plastic into the hands
of the little guy they cards are marketed to lower-income consumers without
traditional bank accounts or credit cards the actual corporate pairing is
itself a weapon of big business. That is, American Express and Target are
teaming against their bigger rivals Visa (NYSE: V ), MasterCard (NYSE: MA ) and
Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT ), which are partnered through the issuing company Green
Dot. American Express has long enjoyed a reputation for exclusivity and relative
prestige in the credit card world, but Visa and MasterCard wield sheer numbers.
As of 2010, Visa boasted 269 million credit cards and MasterCard 171 million,
compared to AmEx's 48.9 million. Visa and MasterCard also issue their brands
to banks and rake in revenues from debit cards, and the pair had a respective
397 million and 123 million debit cards in circulation in 2010. American
Express, which has a different model than its larger competitors, is absent from
the debit card business. AmEx is similarly lagging in the tale of the ticker
tape. AXP shares, while up an impressive 16% on the year vs. a flat S&P 500,
have trailed the rest of the high-octane industry . MA stock is up almost 66%
year-to-date, while V shares are up 36% and even also-ran Discover Financial
Services (NYSE: DFS ) has churned out 34% gains. However, American Express has
found a way to muscle in on a market dominated by Visa and MasterCard prepaid
cards without jeopardizing the air of affluence surrounding its core Gold Cards
and others. If successful, AmEx stands to take a chunk out of a U.S. prepaid
card market that had an estimated value of $120 billion in 2009 and was
projected to eclipse $440 billion by 2017, according to a
MasterCard-commissioned independent study by Boston Consulting Group.
item. American Express (NYSE: AXP ) on Tuesday announced the launch of new
prepaid cards that will be sold exclusively at discount retailer Target (NYSE:
TGT ). The American Express for Target available at the Minneapolis-based
retailer's nearly 1,000 locations after months of pilot testing in about 100
stores tout a simple, inexpensive fee system with a bevy of conveniences,
including a few perks commonly granted to AmEx cardholders. American Express's
prepaid cards and well as others work much like traditional debit cards. Users
transfer money into the card, which then can be used wherever the issuer's
cards are accepted. Users also can check their account balances online and
receive text alerts for low balances. However, one of the AmEx card's selling
points is a simple, two-fee format : $3 for the initial money load, as well as
subsequent in-store loads (online and by phone are free), and $3 for an ATM
withdrawal (however, users also get one free withdrawal per month). This differs
from numerous other prepaid cards, which can charge monthly fees of up to $10,
per-use purchase fees of $1 and fees for the account balance and alerts. But
while these prepaid cards are meant to put the power of plastic into the hands
of the little guy they cards are marketed to lower-income consumers without
traditional bank accounts or credit cards the actual corporate pairing is
itself a weapon of big business. That is, American Express and Target are
teaming against their bigger rivals Visa (NYSE: V ), MasterCard (NYSE: MA ) and
Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT ), which are partnered through the issuing company Green
Dot. American Express has long enjoyed a reputation for exclusivity and relative
prestige in the credit card world, but Visa and MasterCard wield sheer numbers.
As of 2010, Visa boasted 269 million credit cards and MasterCard 171 million,
compared to AmEx's 48.9 million. Visa and MasterCard also issue their brands
to banks and rake in revenues from debit cards, and the pair had a respective
397 million and 123 million debit cards in circulation in 2010. American
Express, which has a different model than its larger competitors, is absent from
the debit card business. AmEx is similarly lagging in the tale of the ticker
tape. AXP shares, while up an impressive 16% on the year vs. a flat S&P 500,
have trailed the rest of the high-octane industry . MA stock is up almost 66%
year-to-date, while V shares are up 36% and even also-ran Discover Financial
Services (NYSE: DFS ) has churned out 34% gains. However, American Express has
found a way to muscle in on a market dominated by Visa and MasterCard prepaid
cards without jeopardizing the air of affluence surrounding its core Gold Cards
and others. If successful, AmEx stands to take a chunk out of a U.S. prepaid
card market that had an estimated value of $120 billion in 2009 and was
projected to eclipse $440 billion by 2017, according to a
MasterCard-commissioned independent study by Boston Consulting Group.
Aurizon Hits High-Grade Gold at Marban Block
Aurizon Mines (ARZ.TSX, AMEX: AZK) announced final drill results of the first
phase program on the Marban Block property, located in the Malartic gold camp,
Abitibi region of Quebec.
phase program on the Marban Block property, located in the Malartic gold camp,
Abitibi region of Quebec.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Sells 90mpx Camera
A Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) UltraCamLp system has been purchased by
Blue Skies Consulting. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Sells 90mpx Camera It
has been reported that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)'s Photogrammetry
Division, the UltraCam business unit, as sold an UltraCamLp photogrammetric
digital aerial camera system to Blue Skies Consulting of New Mexico. The
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) UltraCamLp combines innovative hardware,
electronics, and software that result in a light and compact camera system. It
features an image footprint collection capacity of 92 megapixels (11,704 x 7,920
pixels pan), made possible through advanced electronics and a CCD array of just
6 ìm. Alexander Wiechert, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Business
Director, said that, "The Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) UltraCam team is
extremely pleased to assist Blue Skies in making this transition to digital
aerial sensor technology. We worked closely with the company over a considerable
stretch of time to assist them in identifying the system solution best suited
for them, given the size of their organization and their project considerations.
The UltraCamLp is absolutely the right system for their business". Microsoft
Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) shares are currently standing at 26.74. Price History Last
Price: 26.74 52 Week Low / High: 23.65 / 29.46 50 Day Moving Average: 26.38 6
Month Price Change %: 8.9% 12 Month Price Change %: 1.9%
Blue Skies Consulting. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Sells 90mpx Camera It
has been reported that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)'s Photogrammetry
Division, the UltraCam business unit, as sold an UltraCamLp photogrammetric
digital aerial camera system to Blue Skies Consulting of New Mexico. The
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) UltraCamLp combines innovative hardware,
electronics, and software that result in a light and compact camera system. It
features an image footprint collection capacity of 92 megapixels (11,704 x 7,920
pixels pan), made possible through advanced electronics and a CCD array of just
6 ìm. Alexander Wiechert, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Business
Director, said that, "The Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) UltraCam team is
extremely pleased to assist Blue Skies in making this transition to digital
aerial sensor technology. We worked closely with the company over a considerable
stretch of time to assist them in identifying the system solution best suited
for them, given the size of their organization and their project considerations.
The UltraCamLp is absolutely the right system for their business". Microsoft
Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) shares are currently standing at 26.74. Price History Last
Price: 26.74 52 Week Low / High: 23.65 / 29.46 50 Day Moving Average: 26.38 6
Month Price Change %: 8.9% 12 Month Price Change %: 1.9%
Gold Price Dips, Oil Surges to $100
GOLD PRICE NEWS – The gold price declined Wednesday, sliding $8.00 to
$1,772.75 per ounce.
$1,772.75 per ounce.
Aurizon Mines (AZK) hits high-grade gold at Marban Block
DG365FD46564GFH654FU898
Continued here:
Aurizon Mines (AZK) hits high-grade gold at Marban Block
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Sells 90mpx Camera
A Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) UltraCamLp system has been purchased by
Blue Skies Consulting. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Sells 90mpx Camera It
has been reported that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)'s Photogrammetry
Division, the UltraCam business unit, as sold an UltraCamLp photogrammetric
digital aerial camera system to Blue Skies Consulting of New Mexico. The
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) UltraCamLp combines innovative hardware,
electronics, and software that result in a light and compact camera system. It
features an image footprint collection capacity of 92 megapixels (11,704 x 7,920
pixels pan), made possible through advanced electronics and a CCD array of just
6 ìm. Alexander Wiechert, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Business
Director, said that, "The Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) UltraCam team is
extremely pleased to assist Blue Skies in making this transition to digital
aerial sensor technology. We worked closely with the company over a considerable
stretch of time to assist them in identifying the system solution best suited
for them, given the size of their organization and their project considerations.
The UltraCamLp is absolutely the right system for their business". Microsoft
Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) shares are currently standing at 26.74. Price History Last
Price: 26.74 52 Week Low / High: 23.65 / 29.46 50 Day Moving Average: 26.38 6
Month Price Change %: 8.9% 12 Month Price Change %: 1.9%
Blue Skies Consulting. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Sells 90mpx Camera It
has been reported that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)'s Photogrammetry
Division, the UltraCam business unit, as sold an UltraCamLp photogrammetric
digital aerial camera system to Blue Skies Consulting of New Mexico. The
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) UltraCamLp combines innovative hardware,
electronics, and software that result in a light and compact camera system. It
features an image footprint collection capacity of 92 megapixels (11,704 x 7,920
pixels pan), made possible through advanced electronics and a CCD array of just
6 ìm. Alexander Wiechert, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Business
Director, said that, "The Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) UltraCam team is
extremely pleased to assist Blue Skies in making this transition to digital
aerial sensor technology. We worked closely with the company over a considerable
stretch of time to assist them in identifying the system solution best suited
for them, given the size of their organization and their project considerations.
The UltraCamLp is absolutely the right system for their business". Microsoft
Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) shares are currently standing at 26.74. Price History Last
Price: 26.74 52 Week Low / High: 23.65 / 29.46 50 Day Moving Average: 26.38 6
Month Price Change %: 8.9% 12 Month Price Change %: 1.9%
AmEx’s Prepaid Card for Target Could Hit the Bull’s-Eye
The "Upscale Walmart" and the upscale credit card company are officially an
item. American Express (NYSE: AXP ) on Tuesday announced the launch of new
prepaid cards that will be sold exclusively at discount retailer Target (NYSE:
TGT ). The American Express for Target available at the Minneapolis-based
retailer's nearly 1,000 locations after months of pilot testing in about 100
stores tout a simple, inexpensive fee system with a bevy of conveniences,
including a few perks commonly granted to AmEx cardholders. American Express's
prepaid cards and well as others work much like traditional debit cards. Users
transfer money into the card, which then can be used wherever the issuer's
cards are accepted. Users also can check their account balances online and
receive text alerts for low balances. However, one of the AmEx card's selling
points is a simple, two-fee format : $3 for the initial money load, as well as
subsequent in-store loads (online and by phone are free), and $3 for an ATM
withdrawal (however, users also get one free withdrawal per month). This differs
from numerous other prepaid cards, which can charge monthly fees of up to $10,
per-use purchase fees of $1 and fees for the account balance and alerts. But
while these prepaid cards are meant to put the power of plastic into the hands
of the little guy they cards are marketed to lower-income consumers without
traditional bank accounts or credit cards the actual corporate pairing is
itself a weapon of big business. That is, American Express and Target are
teaming against their bigger rivals Visa (NYSE: V ), MasterCard (NYSE: MA ) and
Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT ), which are partnered through the issuing company Green
Dot. American Express has long enjoyed a reputation for exclusivity and relative
prestige in the credit card world, but Visa and MasterCard wield sheer numbers.
As of 2010, Visa boasted 269 million credit cards and MasterCard 171 million,
compared to AmEx's 48.9 million. Visa and MasterCard also issue their brands
to banks and rake in revenues from debit cards, and the pair had a respective
397 million and 123 million debit cards in circulation in 2010. American
Express, which has a different model than its larger competitors, is absent from
the debit card business. AmEx is similarly lagging in the tale of the ticker
tape. AXP shares, while up an impressive 16% on the year vs. a flat S&P 500,
have trailed the rest of the high-octane industry . MA stock is up almost 66%
year-to-date, while V shares are up 36% and even also-ran Discover Financial
Services (NYSE: DFS ) has churned out 34% gains. However, American Express has
found a way to muscle in on a market dominated by Visa and MasterCard prepaid
cards without jeopardizing the air of affluence surrounding its core Gold Cards
and others. If successful, AmEx stands to take a chunk out of a U.S. prepaid
card market that had an estimated value of $120 billion in 2009 and was
projected to eclipse $440 billion by 2017, according to a
MasterCard-commissioned independent study by Boston Consulting Group.
item. American Express (NYSE: AXP ) on Tuesday announced the launch of new
prepaid cards that will be sold exclusively at discount retailer Target (NYSE:
TGT ). The American Express for Target available at the Minneapolis-based
retailer's nearly 1,000 locations after months of pilot testing in about 100
stores tout a simple, inexpensive fee system with a bevy of conveniences,
including a few perks commonly granted to AmEx cardholders. American Express's
prepaid cards and well as others work much like traditional debit cards. Users
transfer money into the card, which then can be used wherever the issuer's
cards are accepted. Users also can check their account balances online and
receive text alerts for low balances. However, one of the AmEx card's selling
points is a simple, two-fee format : $3 for the initial money load, as well as
subsequent in-store loads (online and by phone are free), and $3 for an ATM
withdrawal (however, users also get one free withdrawal per month). This differs
from numerous other prepaid cards, which can charge monthly fees of up to $10,
per-use purchase fees of $1 and fees for the account balance and alerts. But
while these prepaid cards are meant to put the power of plastic into the hands
of the little guy they cards are marketed to lower-income consumers without
traditional bank accounts or credit cards the actual corporate pairing is
itself a weapon of big business. That is, American Express and Target are
teaming against their bigger rivals Visa (NYSE: V ), MasterCard (NYSE: MA ) and
Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT ), which are partnered through the issuing company Green
Dot. American Express has long enjoyed a reputation for exclusivity and relative
prestige in the credit card world, but Visa and MasterCard wield sheer numbers.
As of 2010, Visa boasted 269 million credit cards and MasterCard 171 million,
compared to AmEx's 48.9 million. Visa and MasterCard also issue their brands
to banks and rake in revenues from debit cards, and the pair had a respective
397 million and 123 million debit cards in circulation in 2010. American
Express, which has a different model than its larger competitors, is absent from
the debit card business. AmEx is similarly lagging in the tale of the ticker
tape. AXP shares, while up an impressive 16% on the year vs. a flat S&P 500,
have trailed the rest of the high-octane industry . MA stock is up almost 66%
year-to-date, while V shares are up 36% and even also-ran Discover Financial
Services (NYSE: DFS ) has churned out 34% gains. However, American Express has
found a way to muscle in on a market dominated by Visa and MasterCard prepaid
cards without jeopardizing the air of affluence surrounding its core Gold Cards
and others. If successful, AmEx stands to take a chunk out of a U.S. prepaid
card market that had an estimated value of $120 billion in 2009 and was
projected to eclipse $440 billion by 2017, according to a
MasterCard-commissioned independent study by Boston Consulting Group.
Aurizon Hits High-Grade Gold at Marban Block
Aurizon Mines (ARZ.TSX, AMEX: AZK) announced final drill results of the first
phase program on the Marban Block property, located in the Malartic gold camp,
Abitibi region of Quebec.
phase program on the Marban Block property, located in the Malartic gold camp,
Abitibi region of Quebec.
The Biofuel Bonanza; 2 Stocks Under $5 Making A Huge Comeback: BIOF And PEIX
Dont think penny stocks are one of the best markets to be in? Heard bad stories
about penny stocks? What if I told you that from October 26th, 2011 to Wednesday
November 11th, 2011 two sleeping NASDAQ stocks would wake up and run 340% on
massive volume?!!! Then would you consider thinking outside the box and playing
something other than blue chips? I bet youd be even more shocked when you find
out our chat room alerted PEIX before their earnings and several traders in this
same room loaded the boat before this massive move. You have to be in it to win
it, lets take a closer look. BioFuel Energy, Corp. (NASDAQ:BIOF) and Pacific
Ethanol, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEIX) are at the center of the penny stock universe. Of
the two, BioFuel Energy appears to be the sympathy stock following in the
footsteps once extremely popular Pacific Ethanol similar to when lithium stocks
ran back in May and when coffee stocks in July. An example of a sympathy stock
in that coffee run up we saw back in May would be Javalution Coffee, Co.
(OTCBB:JCOF) which for no reason other than following stocks like Coffee Holding
Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:JVA) ran from $.30 to $2.08 before fully retracing back to
where it started just a few months later. Sympathy aside, both BIOF and PEIX are
hot right now and can be cash cows to swing traders like myself who repeatedly
dip in and play the momentum welcome to the wild ride that is penny stocks. At
this point Im looking at both stocks as good short opportunities. Pacific
Ethanol, Inc. ( NASDAQ:PEIX ) produces and markets low carbon renewable fuels in
the western United States and was first to move back on October 26, 2011 after
reporting booming Q3 results. How booming? Try record net sales of $271.6
million compared to $46 million in the same period in 2010 selling 122.6 million
gallons of renewable fuel or a 22% increase over Q2. This helped PEIX log $4
million in net income compared to a loss of $12.9 million in they year-over
period. PEIX was alerted in my chat room just before earnings at $.30 cents and
swing traders have made boatloads off this 370% move. So whats the chart look
like moving forward youre wondering, lets take a closer look. One quick look at
the chart clearly shows you that PEIX is overbought. Stocks that are overbought
can remain that way but become more volatile as the days go on and eventually
the boat tips and people take profits. Tuesday PEIX etched almost 21,000 trades
or just under $35 million in dollar volume. Support on any pullback is light at
$1.31 and stronger at $1.12. Resistance moving forward is at $1.40, $1.90 and
$2.12 or the 200 Moving Average. BioFuel Energy, Corp. ( NASDAQ:BIOF ) engages
in the manufacture and sale of ethanol and its co-products in the United States.
BIOF started its run up right around when PEIX made its move and consolidated
near $.50 before its November 9th earnings report in which they reported $2.5
million in net income on revenues of $162.5 million. The increase in net income
was $4.3 million compared to the prior year period and helped shares build a
bull pennant formation on the chart before breaking out again Tuesday to the
high $.80s. Like PIEX, BIOF is clearly overbought and can remain that way so
long as volume continues to support these higher levels. Tuesday BIOF etched
over 17,000 trades on almost $10.5 million in dollar volume. Support on any
pullback is at $.66 with resistance ahead at $1.00. While riding these trains
can be fun while theyre hot, lithium plays last May and coffee stocks over the
summer should remind traders that pigs get slaughtered i.e. taking profits along
the way is never a bad strategy.
about penny stocks? What if I told you that from October 26th, 2011 to Wednesday
November 11th, 2011 two sleeping NASDAQ stocks would wake up and run 340% on
massive volume?!!! Then would you consider thinking outside the box and playing
something other than blue chips? I bet youd be even more shocked when you find
out our chat room alerted PEIX before their earnings and several traders in this
same room loaded the boat before this massive move. You have to be in it to win
it, lets take a closer look. BioFuel Energy, Corp. (NASDAQ:BIOF) and Pacific
Ethanol, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEIX) are at the center of the penny stock universe. Of
the two, BioFuel Energy appears to be the sympathy stock following in the
footsteps once extremely popular Pacific Ethanol similar to when lithium stocks
ran back in May and when coffee stocks in July. An example of a sympathy stock
in that coffee run up we saw back in May would be Javalution Coffee, Co.
(OTCBB:JCOF) which for no reason other than following stocks like Coffee Holding
Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:JVA) ran from $.30 to $2.08 before fully retracing back to
where it started just a few months later. Sympathy aside, both BIOF and PEIX are
hot right now and can be cash cows to swing traders like myself who repeatedly
dip in and play the momentum welcome to the wild ride that is penny stocks. At
this point Im looking at both stocks as good short opportunities. Pacific
Ethanol, Inc. ( NASDAQ:PEIX ) produces and markets low carbon renewable fuels in
the western United States and was first to move back on October 26, 2011 after
reporting booming Q3 results. How booming? Try record net sales of $271.6
million compared to $46 million in the same period in 2010 selling 122.6 million
gallons of renewable fuel or a 22% increase over Q2. This helped PEIX log $4
million in net income compared to a loss of $12.9 million in they year-over
period. PEIX was alerted in my chat room just before earnings at $.30 cents and
swing traders have made boatloads off this 370% move. So whats the chart look
like moving forward youre wondering, lets take a closer look. One quick look at
the chart clearly shows you that PEIX is overbought. Stocks that are overbought
can remain that way but become more volatile as the days go on and eventually
the boat tips and people take profits. Tuesday PEIX etched almost 21,000 trades
or just under $35 million in dollar volume. Support on any pullback is light at
$1.31 and stronger at $1.12. Resistance moving forward is at $1.40, $1.90 and
$2.12 or the 200 Moving Average. BioFuel Energy, Corp. ( NASDAQ:BIOF ) engages
in the manufacture and sale of ethanol and its co-products in the United States.
BIOF started its run up right around when PEIX made its move and consolidated
near $.50 before its November 9th earnings report in which they reported $2.5
million in net income on revenues of $162.5 million. The increase in net income
was $4.3 million compared to the prior year period and helped shares build a
bull pennant formation on the chart before breaking out again Tuesday to the
high $.80s. Like PIEX, BIOF is clearly overbought and can remain that way so
long as volume continues to support these higher levels. Tuesday BIOF etched
over 17,000 trades on almost $10.5 million in dollar volume. Support on any
pullback is at $.66 with resistance ahead at $1.00. While riding these trains
can be fun while theyre hot, lithium plays last May and coffee stocks over the
summer should remind traders that pigs get slaughtered i.e. taking profits along
the way is never a bad strategy.
Top 5 Best-Rated NASDAQ Stocks: MCRS, SPRD, AZPN, KNOL, OPTR (Nov 16, 2011)
Below are the top five best-rated stocks in the NASDAQ Composite index, based
on the number of positive ratings by brokerage analysts. One Chinese company
(SPRD) is on the list. MICROS Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCRS) is the first
best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 100%
of the 12 brokerage analysts covering it. Spreadtrum Communications, Inc (ADR)
(NASDAQ:SPRD) is the second best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It
is rated positively by 100% of the 12 brokerage analysts covering it. Aspen
Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:AZPN) is the third best-rated stock in this segment of
the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 10 brokerage analysts covering
it. Knology, Inc. (NASDAQ:KNOL) is the fourth best-rated stock in this segment
of the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 10 brokerage analysts
covering it. Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:OPTR) is the fifth best-rated
stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 10
brokerage analysts covering it.
on the number of positive ratings by brokerage analysts. One Chinese company
(SPRD) is on the list. MICROS Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCRS) is the first
best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 100%
of the 12 brokerage analysts covering it. Spreadtrum Communications, Inc (ADR)
(NASDAQ:SPRD) is the second best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It
is rated positively by 100% of the 12 brokerage analysts covering it. Aspen
Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:AZPN) is the third best-rated stock in this segment of
the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 10 brokerage analysts covering
it. Knology, Inc. (NASDAQ:KNOL) is the fourth best-rated stock in this segment
of the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 10 brokerage analysts
covering it. Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:OPTR) is the fifth best-rated
stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 10
brokerage analysts covering it.
The Biofuel Bonanza; 2 Stocks Under $5 Making A Huge Comeback: BIOF And PEIX
Dont think penny stocks are one of the best markets to be in? Heard bad stories
about penny stocks? What if I told you that from October 26th, 2011 to Wednesday
November 11th, 2011 two sleeping NASDAQ stocks would wake up and run 340% on
massive volume?!!! Then would you consider thinking outside the box and playing
something other than blue chips? I bet youd be even more shocked when you find
out our chat room alerted PEIX before their earnings and several traders in this
same room loaded the boat before this massive move. You have to be in it to win
it, lets take a closer look. BioFuel Energy, Corp. (NASDAQ:BIOF) and Pacific
Ethanol, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEIX) are at the center of the penny stock universe. Of
the two, BioFuel Energy appears to be the sympathy stock following in the
footsteps once extremely popular Pacific Ethanol similar to when lithium stocks
ran back in May and when coffee stocks in July. An example of a sympathy stock
in that coffee run up we saw back in May would be Javalution Coffee, Co.
(OTCBB:JCOF) which for no reason other than following stocks like Coffee Holding
Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:JVA) ran from $.30 to $2.08 before fully retracing back to
where it started just a few months later. Sympathy aside, both BIOF and PEIX are
hot right now and can be cash cows to swing traders like myself who repeatedly
dip in and play the momentum welcome to the wild ride that is penny stocks. At
this point Im looking at both stocks as good short opportunities. Pacific
Ethanol, Inc. ( NASDAQ:PEIX ) produces and markets low carbon renewable fuels in
the western United States and was first to move back on October 26, 2011 after
reporting booming Q3 results. How booming? Try record net sales of $271.6
million compared to $46 million in the same period in 2010 selling 122.6 million
gallons of renewable fuel or a 22% increase over Q2. This helped PEIX log $4
million in net income compared to a loss of $12.9 million in they year-over
period. PEIX was alerted in my chat room just before earnings at $.30 cents and
swing traders have made boatloads off this 370% move. So whats the chart look
like moving forward youre wondering, lets take a closer look. One quick look at
the chart clearly shows you that PEIX is overbought. Stocks that are overbought
can remain that way but become more volatile as the days go on and eventually
the boat tips and people take profits. Tuesday PEIX etched almost 21,000 trades
or just under $35 million in dollar volume. Support on any pullback is light at
$1.31 and stronger at $1.12. Resistance moving forward is at $1.40, $1.90 and
$2.12 or the 200 Moving Average. BioFuel Energy, Corp. ( NASDAQ:BIOF ) engages
in the manufacture and sale of ethanol and its co-products in the United States.
BIOF started its run up right around when PEIX made its move and consolidated
near $.50 before its November 9th earnings report in which they reported $2.5
million in net income on revenues of $162.5 million. The increase in net income
was $4.3 million compared to the prior year period and helped shares build a
bull pennant formation on the chart before breaking out again Tuesday to the
high $.80s. Like PIEX, BIOF is clearly overbought and can remain that way so
long as volume continues to support these higher levels. Tuesday BIOF etched
over 17,000 trades on almost $10.5 million in dollar volume. Support on any
pullback is at $.66 with resistance ahead at $1.00. While riding these trains
can be fun while theyre hot, lithium plays last May and coffee stocks over the
summer should remind traders that pigs get slaughtered i.e. taking profits along
the way is never a bad strategy.
about penny stocks? What if I told you that from October 26th, 2011 to Wednesday
November 11th, 2011 two sleeping NASDAQ stocks would wake up and run 340% on
massive volume?!!! Then would you consider thinking outside the box and playing
something other than blue chips? I bet youd be even more shocked when you find
out our chat room alerted PEIX before their earnings and several traders in this
same room loaded the boat before this massive move. You have to be in it to win
it, lets take a closer look. BioFuel Energy, Corp. (NASDAQ:BIOF) and Pacific
Ethanol, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEIX) are at the center of the penny stock universe. Of
the two, BioFuel Energy appears to be the sympathy stock following in the
footsteps once extremely popular Pacific Ethanol similar to when lithium stocks
ran back in May and when coffee stocks in July. An example of a sympathy stock
in that coffee run up we saw back in May would be Javalution Coffee, Co.
(OTCBB:JCOF) which for no reason other than following stocks like Coffee Holding
Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:JVA) ran from $.30 to $2.08 before fully retracing back to
where it started just a few months later. Sympathy aside, both BIOF and PEIX are
hot right now and can be cash cows to swing traders like myself who repeatedly
dip in and play the momentum welcome to the wild ride that is penny stocks. At
this point Im looking at both stocks as good short opportunities. Pacific
Ethanol, Inc. ( NASDAQ:PEIX ) produces and markets low carbon renewable fuels in
the western United States and was first to move back on October 26, 2011 after
reporting booming Q3 results. How booming? Try record net sales of $271.6
million compared to $46 million in the same period in 2010 selling 122.6 million
gallons of renewable fuel or a 22% increase over Q2. This helped PEIX log $4
million in net income compared to a loss of $12.9 million in they year-over
period. PEIX was alerted in my chat room just before earnings at $.30 cents and
swing traders have made boatloads off this 370% move. So whats the chart look
like moving forward youre wondering, lets take a closer look. One quick look at
the chart clearly shows you that PEIX is overbought. Stocks that are overbought
can remain that way but become more volatile as the days go on and eventually
the boat tips and people take profits. Tuesday PEIX etched almost 21,000 trades
or just under $35 million in dollar volume. Support on any pullback is light at
$1.31 and stronger at $1.12. Resistance moving forward is at $1.40, $1.90 and
$2.12 or the 200 Moving Average. BioFuel Energy, Corp. ( NASDAQ:BIOF ) engages
in the manufacture and sale of ethanol and its co-products in the United States.
BIOF started its run up right around when PEIX made its move and consolidated
near $.50 before its November 9th earnings report in which they reported $2.5
million in net income on revenues of $162.5 million. The increase in net income
was $4.3 million compared to the prior year period and helped shares build a
bull pennant formation on the chart before breaking out again Tuesday to the
high $.80s. Like PIEX, BIOF is clearly overbought and can remain that way so
long as volume continues to support these higher levels. Tuesday BIOF etched
over 17,000 trades on almost $10.5 million in dollar volume. Support on any
pullback is at $.66 with resistance ahead at $1.00. While riding these trains
can be fun while theyre hot, lithium plays last May and coffee stocks over the
summer should remind traders that pigs get slaughtered i.e. taking profits along
the way is never a bad strategy.
Top 5 Best-Rated NASDAQ Stocks: MCRS, SPRD, AZPN, KNOL, OPTR (Nov 16, 2011)
Below are the top five best-rated stocks in the NASDAQ Composite index, based
on the number of positive ratings by brokerage analysts. One Chinese company
(SPRD) is on the list. MICROS Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCRS) is the first
best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 100%
of the 12 brokerage analysts covering it. Spreadtrum Communications, Inc (ADR)
(NASDAQ:SPRD) is the second best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It
is rated positively by 100% of the 12 brokerage analysts covering it. Aspen
Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:AZPN) is the third best-rated stock in this segment of
the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 10 brokerage analysts covering
it. Knology, Inc. (NASDAQ:KNOL) is the fourth best-rated stock in this segment
of the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 10 brokerage analysts
covering it. Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:OPTR) is the fifth best-rated
stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 10
brokerage analysts covering it.
on the number of positive ratings by brokerage analysts. One Chinese company
(SPRD) is on the list. MICROS Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCRS) is the first
best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 100%
of the 12 brokerage analysts covering it. Spreadtrum Communications, Inc (ADR)
(NASDAQ:SPRD) is the second best-rated stock in this segment of the market. It
is rated positively by 100% of the 12 brokerage analysts covering it. Aspen
Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:AZPN) is the third best-rated stock in this segment of
the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 10 brokerage analysts covering
it. Knology, Inc. (NASDAQ:KNOL) is the fourth best-rated stock in this segment
of the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 10 brokerage analysts
covering it. Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:OPTR) is the fifth best-rated
stock in this segment of the market. It is rated positively by 100% of the 10
brokerage analysts covering it.
Time to Go Shopping for Retail Stocks
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
tdp2664 InvestorPlace Things are getting bullish on the retail front. On Tuesday, we received the official October figures from the Commerce Department that showed retail sales rose 0.5% during the month. The overall metric was spurred by healthy auto sales, but the growth numbers were actually more impressive sans auto and gasoline. That figure came in at a robust 0.7% increase, the biggest upward move since March. For investors with a penchant for retailers, the October sales figures mean it could be time to go shopping. Of course, before you dive into the sector, there are several things to consider. First off, all retailers are not created equal. Yes, we have seen a very nice move higher in the retail sector at large, as represented by the SPDR S&P Retail ETF (NYSE: XRT ). That fund, which includes stalwart retail names like Sears Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: SHLD ), Aeropostale (NYSE: ARO ) and J.C. Penney Co. (NYSE: JCP ), is up 19.6% since its Oct. 3 low. But going forward, investors might want to be a bit more discriminating with their purchases. Ferreting out the retail winners from the wannabes isn't the simplest task, but that task has become easier over the past week thanks to the latest earnings reports. Last week, value-focused department store operator Kohl's Corp. (NYSE: KSS ) reported a 20% gain in third-quarter earnings on rising revenues and strong same-store sales growth. Conversely, high-end department store operator Nordstrom (NYSE: JWN ) missed its sales forecasts for the quarter. Although the retailer reported a rise in revenue of 14.2% over the year-ago quarter, it fell short of expectations. Other notable retail firms reporting earnings of late were Macy's (NYSE: M ), which outpaced Wall Street forecasts on healthy sales and improved operating margins. The aforementioned retailer J.C. Penney delivered a loss for the third quarter, but that loss actually bested expectations. Unfortunately, revenue slid almost 5%, reflecting the discontinuation of its catalog and catalog outlet business. The company also offered up a disappointing fourth-quarter forecast that disappointed analysts. The diverse mix of retail earnings will likely continue during the next few weeks. On Tuesday, we found out that the world's biggest retailer, Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT ) reported a 2.9% decline in third-quarter profit, although it did see same-store sales rise for the first time in 10 quarters. Target (NYSE: TGT ) was scheduled to release earnings Wednesday. The bottom line here for investors is they might be best served by picking the strongest retailers showing the most earnings momentum, especially heading into what is expected to be a solid holiday shopping season. A recent survey conducted by accounting firm BDO USA, of Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) at U.S. retailers, showed that although cautious heading into the holiday season, retailers are optimistic about their prospects going forward. Chief marketing officers say they expect holiday sales to rise about 3% for the year. The real interesting thing about the survey is that despite their caution, CMOs at major retailers overwhelmingly say they're expecting increased sales this holiday season. Overall, 48% of those surveyed anticipate their holiday season sales will stay about the same, while 41% expect their sales to rise. Only 11% foresee a decline. Among CMOs from some of the biggest retailers, 67% say holiday sales at are expected to rise, while just 33% see their sales staying about the same. No CMOs from large retail chains expect their sales to fall. If the CMOs are on target, then investors who hold positions in the strongest names in the sector may indeed have a very happy holiday season. As of this writing, Jim Woods did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned stocks.
Diamond Foods Shares Outshine Pepsi
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
tdp2664 InvestorPlace Pepsico (NYSE: PEP ) acquired Grupo Mabel on Monday for $450 million, pushing the company deeper into Brazil and exhibiting another step in the multinational’s plan to capture market share in emerging markets. The stock, however, has continued to underperform. So why not invest in stock that's currently in the bargain bin? I’m talking about Diamond Foods (Nasdaq: DMND ), the relatively tiny California company attempting to buy Pringles from Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG ). Its stock has dropped 50% this month after an accounting controversy. But, no risk, no reward. The linchpin of Pepsi's expansion plan is the move into emerging markets expansion plan and nowhere is that more evident than in India, the birth country of Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi. Pepsi is generic for cola in India, where it outsells Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) by a 3-to-2 margin. But will this last? Coke said Monday it was investing $2 billion in India over the next 5 years. Atul Singh, CEO of Coca-Cola India, believes that the investment is crucial for maintaining its robust growth in this emerging market. While Pepsi might outsell Coke, India is one of Coke’s top 10 markets in terms of sales volume — and its largest in its Eurasia and Africa group. Considering Pepsi entered the Indian market in 1989, four years earlier than Coke, its advantage isn’t that impressive. My guess is that Coke will catch Pepsi by the end of its five-year commitment. At the end of the day, Coke’s international business accounts for 70% of its revenue compared to about 38% for Pepsi. It will always do a better job than Pepsi outside North America. Diamond Foods had a day of reckoning on Nov. 1. It was forced to postpone the December closing of its deal to purchase Pringles from P&G because its board was investigating accounting issues related to payments for walnut growers. Everything I’ve read seems to point to about $50 million in payments that will require earnings restatements. While this is a serious issue, I’m not sure the number of lawsuits — or at least investigations potentially leading to lawsuits — is warranted, but until the board releases its findings, my guess is as good as yours. Barron’s suggested earlier this month that a restatement would cut operating earnings per share for fiscal 2011 from $2.61 a share to $1.14. However, I’d be shocked if all $50 million is allocated to one fiscal year (but we’ll know soon enough). The worst-case scenario is that the Pringles deal doesn’t get done. Diamond finished 2011 with revenue of $966 million. At the revised EPS of $1.14 per share, the company's price-to-earnings ratio would be around 31. Its earnings are growing close to 30%, so its stock at current prices wouldn’t be expensive. The big problem, of course is you're taking away what was clearly the catalyst for the stock moving all the way up to $96 in September. Michael Mendes is a good CEO and will weather the storm. Furthermore, I have to question whether Procter & Gamble wants to put Pringles back on the market. They want out of the food business, and unless it’s proven that Diamond Foods acted improperly, I have to think they’d be willing to wait an extra six months for the deal to go through. I believe the deal gets done. But even if it doesn’t, and regardless of what happens with the accounting investigation, Diamond Foods is still a good company with a good future. It comes down to whether you want to invest in a company like Pepsi that’s moving in the slow lane or take a chance that this is much ado about nothing that will be forgotten by next summer. No risk, no reward. As of this writing, Will Ashworth did not own a position any of the stocks named here.
Time to Go Shopping for Retail Stocks
Things are getting bullish on the retail front. On Tuesday, we received the
official October figures from the Commerce Department that showed retail sales
rose 0.5% during the month. The overall metric was spurred by healthy auto
sales, but the growth numbers were actually more impressive sans auto and
gasoline. That figure came in at a robust 0.7% increase, the biggest upward move
since March. For investors with a penchant for retailers, the October sales
figures mean it could be time to go shopping. Of course, before you dive into
the sector, there are several things to consider. First off, all retailers are
not created equal. Yes, we have seen a very nice move higher in the retail
sector at large, as represented by the SPDR S&P Retail ETF (NYSE: XRT ). That
fund, which includes stalwart retail names like Sears Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ:
SHLD ), Aeropostale (NYSE: ARO ) and J.C. Penney Co. (NYSE: JCP ), is up 19.6%
since its Oct. 3 low. But going forward, investors might want to be a bit more
discriminating with their purchases. Ferreting out the retail winners from the
wannabes isn't the simplest task, but that task has become easier over the
past week thanks to the latest earnings reports. Last week, value-focused
department store operator Kohl's Corp. (NYSE: KSS ) reported a 20% gain in
third-quarter earnings on rising revenues and strong same-store sales growth.
Conversely, high-end department store operator Nordstrom (NYSE: JWN ) missed its
sales forecasts for the quarter. Although the retailer reported a rise in
revenue of 14.2% over the year-ago quarter, it fell short of expectations. Other
notable retail firms reporting earnings of late were Macy's (NYSE: M ), which
outpaced Wall Street forecasts on healthy sales and improved operating margins.
The aforementioned retailer J.C. Penney delivered a loss for the third quarter,
but that loss actually bested expectations. Unfortunately, revenue slid almost
5%, reflecting the discontinuation of its catalog and catalog outlet business.
The company also offered up a disappointing fourth-quarter forecast that
disappointed analysts. The diverse mix of retail earnings will likely continue
during the next few weeks. On Tuesday, we found out that the world's biggest
retailer, Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT ) reported a 2.9% decline in third-quarter profit,
although it did see same-store sales rise for the first time in 10 quarters.
Target (NYSE: TGT ) was scheduled to release earnings Wednesday. The bottom line
here for investors is they might be best served by picking the strongest
retailers showing the most earnings momentum, especially heading into what is
expected to be a solid holiday shopping season. A recent survey conducted by
accounting firm BDO USA, of Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) at U.S. retailers,
showed that although cautious heading into the holiday season, retailers are
optimistic about their prospects going forward. Chief marketing officers say
they expect holiday sales to rise about 3% for the year. The real interesting
thing about the survey is that despite their caution, CMOs at major retailers
overwhelmingly say they're expecting increased sales this holiday season.
Overall, 48% of those surveyed anticipate their holiday season sales will stay
about the same, while 41% expect their sales to rise. Only 11% foresee a
decline. Among CMOs from some of the biggest retailers, 67% say holiday sales at
are expected to rise, while just 33% see their sales staying about the same. No
CMOs from large retail chains expect their sales to fall. If the CMOs are on
target, then investors who hold positions in the strongest names in the sector
may indeed have a very happy holiday season. As of this writing, Jim Woods did
not hold a position in any of the aforementioned stocks.
official October figures from the Commerce Department that showed retail sales
rose 0.5% during the month. The overall metric was spurred by healthy auto
sales, but the growth numbers were actually more impressive sans auto and
gasoline. That figure came in at a robust 0.7% increase, the biggest upward move
since March. For investors with a penchant for retailers, the October sales
figures mean it could be time to go shopping. Of course, before you dive into
the sector, there are several things to consider. First off, all retailers are
not created equal. Yes, we have seen a very nice move higher in the retail
sector at large, as represented by the SPDR S&P Retail ETF (NYSE: XRT ). That
fund, which includes stalwart retail names like Sears Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ:
SHLD ), Aeropostale (NYSE: ARO ) and J.C. Penney Co. (NYSE: JCP ), is up 19.6%
since its Oct. 3 low. But going forward, investors might want to be a bit more
discriminating with their purchases. Ferreting out the retail winners from the
wannabes isn't the simplest task, but that task has become easier over the
past week thanks to the latest earnings reports. Last week, value-focused
department store operator Kohl's Corp. (NYSE: KSS ) reported a 20% gain in
third-quarter earnings on rising revenues and strong same-store sales growth.
Conversely, high-end department store operator Nordstrom (NYSE: JWN ) missed its
sales forecasts for the quarter. Although the retailer reported a rise in
revenue of 14.2% over the year-ago quarter, it fell short of expectations. Other
notable retail firms reporting earnings of late were Macy's (NYSE: M ), which
outpaced Wall Street forecasts on healthy sales and improved operating margins.
The aforementioned retailer J.C. Penney delivered a loss for the third quarter,
but that loss actually bested expectations. Unfortunately, revenue slid almost
5%, reflecting the discontinuation of its catalog and catalog outlet business.
The company also offered up a disappointing fourth-quarter forecast that
disappointed analysts. The diverse mix of retail earnings will likely continue
during the next few weeks. On Tuesday, we found out that the world's biggest
retailer, Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT ) reported a 2.9% decline in third-quarter profit,
although it did see same-store sales rise for the first time in 10 quarters.
Target (NYSE: TGT ) was scheduled to release earnings Wednesday. The bottom line
here for investors is they might be best served by picking the strongest
retailers showing the most earnings momentum, especially heading into what is
expected to be a solid holiday shopping season. A recent survey conducted by
accounting firm BDO USA, of Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) at U.S. retailers,
showed that although cautious heading into the holiday season, retailers are
optimistic about their prospects going forward. Chief marketing officers say
they expect holiday sales to rise about 3% for the year. The real interesting
thing about the survey is that despite their caution, CMOs at major retailers
overwhelmingly say they're expecting increased sales this holiday season.
Overall, 48% of those surveyed anticipate their holiday season sales will stay
about the same, while 41% expect their sales to rise. Only 11% foresee a
decline. Among CMOs from some of the biggest retailers, 67% say holiday sales at
are expected to rise, while just 33% see their sales staying about the same. No
CMOs from large retail chains expect their sales to fall. If the CMOs are on
target, then investors who hold positions in the strongest names in the sector
may indeed have a very happy holiday season. As of this writing, Jim Woods did
not hold a position in any of the aforementioned stocks.
Diamond Foods Shares Outshine Pepsi
Pepsico (NYSE: PEP ) acquired Grupo Mabel on Monday for $450 million, pushing
the company deeper into Brazil and exhibiting another step in the multinationals
plan to capture market share in emerging markets. The stock, however, has
continued to underperform. So why not invest in stock that's currently in the
bargain bin? Im talking about Diamond Foods (Nasdaq: DMND ), the relatively tiny
California company attempting to buy Pringles from Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG ).
Its stock has dropped 50% this month after an accounting controversy. But, no
risk, no reward. The linchpin of Pepsi's expansion plan is the move into
emerging markets expansion plan and nowhere is that more evident than in India,
the birth country of Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi. Pepsi is generic for cola in India,
where it outsells Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) by a 3-to-2 margin. But will this last?
Coke said Monday it was investing $2 billion in India over the next 5 years.
Atul Singh, CEO of Coca-Cola India, believes that the investment is crucial for
maintaining its robust growth in this emerging market. While Pepsi might outsell
Coke, India is one of Cokes top 10 markets in terms of sales volume and its
largest in its Eurasia and Africa group. Considering Pepsi entered the Indian
market in 1989, four years earlier than Coke, its advantage isnt that
impressive. My guess is that Coke will catch Pepsi by the end of its five-year
commitment. At the end of the day, Cokes international business accounts for 70%
of its revenue compared to about 38% for Pepsi. It will always do a better job
than Pepsi outside North America. Diamond Foods had a day of reckoning on Nov.
1. It was forced to postpone the December closing of its deal to purchase
Pringles from P&G because its board was investigating accounting issues related
to payments for walnut growers. Everything Ive read seems to point to about $50
million in payments that will require earnings restatements. While this is a
serious issue, Im not sure the number of lawsuits or at least investigations
potentially leading to lawsuits is warranted, but until the board releases its
findings, my guess is as good as yours. Barrons suggested earlier this month
that a restatement would cut operating earnings per share for fiscal 2011 from
$2.61 a share to $1.14. However, Id be shocked if all $50 million is allocated
to one fiscal year (but well know soon enough). The worst-case scenario is that
the Pringles deal doesnt get done. Diamond finished 2011 with revenue of $966
million. At the revised EPS of $1.14 per share, the company's
price-to-earnings ratio would be around 31. Its earnings are growing close to
30%, so its stock at current prices wouldnt be expensive. The big problem, of
course is you're taking away what was clearly the catalyst for the stock
moving all the way up to $96 in September. Michael Mendes is a good CEO and will
weather the storm. Furthermore, I have to question whether Procter & Gamble
wants to put Pringles back on the market. They want out of the food business,
and unless its proven that Diamond Foods acted improperly, I have to think theyd
be willing to wait an extra six months for the deal to go through. I believe the
deal gets done. But even if it doesnt, and regardless of what happens with the
accounting investigation, Diamond Foods is still a good company with a good
future. It comes down to whether you want to invest in a company like Pepsi
thats moving in the slow lane or take a chance that this is much ado about
nothing that will be forgotten by next summer. No risk, no reward. As of this
writing, Will Ashworth did not own a position any of the stocks named here.
the company deeper into Brazil and exhibiting another step in the multinationals
plan to capture market share in emerging markets. The stock, however, has
continued to underperform. So why not invest in stock that's currently in the
bargain bin? Im talking about Diamond Foods (Nasdaq: DMND ), the relatively tiny
California company attempting to buy Pringles from Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG ).
Its stock has dropped 50% this month after an accounting controversy. But, no
risk, no reward. The linchpin of Pepsi's expansion plan is the move into
emerging markets expansion plan and nowhere is that more evident than in India,
the birth country of Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi. Pepsi is generic for cola in India,
where it outsells Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) by a 3-to-2 margin. But will this last?
Coke said Monday it was investing $2 billion in India over the next 5 years.
Atul Singh, CEO of Coca-Cola India, believes that the investment is crucial for
maintaining its robust growth in this emerging market. While Pepsi might outsell
Coke, India is one of Cokes top 10 markets in terms of sales volume and its
largest in its Eurasia and Africa group. Considering Pepsi entered the Indian
market in 1989, four years earlier than Coke, its advantage isnt that
impressive. My guess is that Coke will catch Pepsi by the end of its five-year
commitment. At the end of the day, Cokes international business accounts for 70%
of its revenue compared to about 38% for Pepsi. It will always do a better job
than Pepsi outside North America. Diamond Foods had a day of reckoning on Nov.
1. It was forced to postpone the December closing of its deal to purchase
Pringles from P&G because its board was investigating accounting issues related
to payments for walnut growers. Everything Ive read seems to point to about $50
million in payments that will require earnings restatements. While this is a
serious issue, Im not sure the number of lawsuits or at least investigations
potentially leading to lawsuits is warranted, but until the board releases its
findings, my guess is as good as yours. Barrons suggested earlier this month
that a restatement would cut operating earnings per share for fiscal 2011 from
$2.61 a share to $1.14. However, Id be shocked if all $50 million is allocated
to one fiscal year (but well know soon enough). The worst-case scenario is that
the Pringles deal doesnt get done. Diamond finished 2011 with revenue of $966
million. At the revised EPS of $1.14 per share, the company's
price-to-earnings ratio would be around 31. Its earnings are growing close to
30%, so its stock at current prices wouldnt be expensive. The big problem, of
course is you're taking away what was clearly the catalyst for the stock
moving all the way up to $96 in September. Michael Mendes is a good CEO and will
weather the storm. Furthermore, I have to question whether Procter & Gamble
wants to put Pringles back on the market. They want out of the food business,
and unless its proven that Diamond Foods acted improperly, I have to think theyd
be willing to wait an extra six months for the deal to go through. I believe the
deal gets done. But even if it doesnt, and regardless of what happens with the
accounting investigation, Diamond Foods is still a good company with a good
future. It comes down to whether you want to invest in a company like Pepsi
thats moving in the slow lane or take a chance that this is much ado about
nothing that will be forgotten by next summer. No risk, no reward. As of this
writing, Will Ashworth did not own a position any of the stocks named here.
Gold & Silver Prices – Daily Outlook November 16
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
DG365FD46564GFH654FU898 Gold and silver prices continue to shift with no clear direction as they slightly inclined yesterday, after they had moderately fell a day earlier. The European debt crisis continues to influence traders, resulting in the indeterminate direction of precious metal prices. Currently gold and silver prices are traded slightly down. Today there are many items on the agenda today including Euro Area CPI, American CPI for and U.S. Long Term Treasuries Purchases. Here is a market outlook of precious metals prices for today, November 16th: Gold and Silver Prices – November Update Gold price slightly rose on Tuesday by 0.21% to $1,782.2; silver price also inclined by 1.27% to $34.46. In the chart below are the changes in gold and silver prices during the month (normalized gold and silver prices to October 31st 2011). During November, gold price rose by 3.3%, while silver price slightly inclined by 0.3%. The ratio between gold and silver prices slightly slipped on Tuesday, November 15th to 51.72. During November, gold price rose by a higher rate than silver price so that the ratio rose by 3.0%. The standard deviation of the daily percent changes of gold price and silver price during November
Gold and Silver Bounced Back with Light Gains –Recap November 15
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
DG365FD46564GFH654FU898 Major commodities prices rallied yesterday after they had declined on Monday: gold and silver prices moderately inclined; crude oil prices also changed direction and rose; natural gas prices on the other hand continue to decline. Many currencies including Euro, CAD and AUD continued to depreciate against the US dollar. Here is a summary of the price movements of precious metals and energy commodities for November 15th: Precious Metals Prices: Gold price moderately rose yesterday by 0.21% and reached $1,782.20; Silver price also slightly inclined by 1.27% to reach $34.46. During November, gold price rose by 3.3%, while silver price moderately increased by 0.30%.
Mining Stock CDE Should Shine
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
tdp2664 InvestorPlace Coeur d'Alene Mines (NYSE: CDE ) — This silver and gold miner's properties are located primarily in South America, Mexico, theUnited States and Australia.
Which Commodity is Your Best Buy?
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
tdp2664 InvestorPlace There was a lot of stock movement yesterday, but by the end of the day, the major indices closed only marginally higher. Italy was still in focus, and when the 10-year Italian bond punched through 7%, the U.S. dollar rose and stocks here fell. Several economic reports were positive, including retail sales rising more than expected and wholesale prices in October dropping at the fastest rate since February 2010. On balance the economic reports show that the economy is growing, but at a modest rate.
Gold and Silver Bounced Back with Light Gains –Recap November 15
Major commodities prices rallied yesterday after they had declined on Monday:
gold and silver prices moderately inclined; crude oil prices also changed
direction and rose; natural gas prices on the other hand continue to decline.
Many currencies including Euro, CAD and AUD continued to depreciate against the
US dollar. Here is a summary of the price movements of precious metals and
energy commodities for November 15th: Precious Metals Prices: Gold price
moderately rose yesterday by 0.21% and reached $1,782.20; Silver price also
slightly inclined by 1.27% to reach $34.46. During November, gold price rose by
3.3%, while silver price moderately increased by 0.30%.
gold and silver prices moderately inclined; crude oil prices also changed
direction and rose; natural gas prices on the other hand continue to decline.
Many currencies including Euro, CAD and AUD continued to depreciate against the
US dollar. Here is a summary of the price movements of precious metals and
energy commodities for November 15th: Precious Metals Prices: Gold price
moderately rose yesterday by 0.21% and reached $1,782.20; Silver price also
slightly inclined by 1.27% to reach $34.46. During November, gold price rose by
3.3%, while silver price moderately increased by 0.30%.
Gold & Silver Prices – Daily Outlook November 16
Gold and silver prices continue to shift with no clear direction as they
slightly inclined yesterday, after they had moderately fell a day earlier. The
European debt crisis continues to influence traders, resulting in the
indeterminate direction of precious metal prices. Currently gold and silver
prices are traded slightly down. Today there are many items on the agenda today
including Euro Area CPI, American CPI for and U.S. Long Term Treasuries
Purchases. Here is a market outlook of precious metals prices for today,
November 16th: Gold and Silver Prices – November Update Gold price slightly
rose on Tuesday by 0.21% to $1,782.2; silver price also inclined by 1.27% to
$34.46. In the chart below are the changes in gold and silver prices during the
month (normalized gold and silver prices to October 31st 2011). During November,
gold price rose by 3.3%, while silver price slightly inclined by 0.3%. The ratio
between gold and silver prices slightly slipped on Tuesday, November 15th to
51.72. During November, gold price rose by a higher rate than silver price so
that the ratio rose by 3.0%. The standard deviation of the daily percent changes
of gold price and silver price during November
slightly inclined yesterday, after they had moderately fell a day earlier. The
European debt crisis continues to influence traders, resulting in the
indeterminate direction of precious metal prices. Currently gold and silver
prices are traded slightly down. Today there are many items on the agenda today
including Euro Area CPI, American CPI for and U.S. Long Term Treasuries
Purchases. Here is a market outlook of precious metals prices for today,
November 16th: Gold and Silver Prices – November Update Gold price slightly
rose on Tuesday by 0.21% to $1,782.2; silver price also inclined by 1.27% to
$34.46. In the chart below are the changes in gold and silver prices during the
month (normalized gold and silver prices to October 31st 2011). During November,
gold price rose by 3.3%, while silver price slightly inclined by 0.3%. The ratio
between gold and silver prices slightly slipped on Tuesday, November 15th to
51.72. During November, gold price rose by a higher rate than silver price so
that the ratio rose by 3.0%. The standard deviation of the daily percent changes
of gold price and silver price during November
Mining Stock CDE Should Shine
Coeur d'Alene Mines (NYSE: CDE ) This silver and gold miner's properties
are located primarily in South America, Mexico, theUnited States and Australia.
are located primarily in South America, Mexico, theUnited States and Australia.
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