There's a well-known quote in the tech world: You can recognize a pioneer by
the arrows in his back. Yes, timing is critical. Just look at electric vehicles.
Despite all the advertising, cool-looking models and offerings by some of the
worlds biggest automakers, the EV market is not getting much traction. And this
is dragging down the biggest-name pure-play EV maker, Tesla Motors (NASDAQ: TSLA
). Adam Jonas, an analyst with Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS ), cut his rating on
Tesla stock from "overweight" to "underweight, causing TSLA shares to dive
almost 10% Thursday. He also brought down his price target from $70 to $44. His
worry is that consumers are not ready for a major change in driving habits,
spurring his pessimism for the entire EV market. In his note, Jonas also
ratcheted down his forecast for the EV market penetration rate to 4.5% by 2025,
not 8.6%. This comes despite Jonas positivity toward Teslas progress on what
could be a standout product the Model S, a four-door, five-passenger sedan. The
vehicle is based on cutting-edge technologies from engineers at Google (NASDAQ:
GOOG ), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ) and other hot companies. For example, the
powertrain provides high performance with zero tailpipe emissions. The vehicle
also will get 300 miles per charge and come equipped with a 17-inch touchscreen
with in-car 3G connectivity. But this whiz-bang technology might not be enough.
Consider the travails of General Motors (NYSE: GM ), which recently indicated
that the Chevy Volt will not hit its 2011 goal of 10,000 unit sales (the latest
count was 6,142). Japanese automaker Nissan (PINK: NSANY ) also is experiencing
sluggish sales with its all-electric Leaf. Besides the inertia from consumers,
the slowing global economy also is likely to be a headwind. This could be
particularly tough for marketing the Model S, which is expected to retail at
$49,900 (this includes a $7,500 federal tax credit). It is extremely difficult
to get a good forecast on the EV market. Perhaps the Model S will be a breakout
hit after all. But for investors, Tesla presents a great deal of risk. As seen
with yesterday's move in TSLA stock, just a little bad news can have a big
impact. Tom Taulli runs the InvestorPlace blog " IPOPlaybook ," a site
dedicated to the hottest news and rumors about initial public offerings. He is
also the author of "All About Short Selling" and "All About
Commodities." Follow him on Twitter at @ttaulli . As of this writing, he did
not own a position in any of the aforementioned stocks.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Gold Price Lost 2% This Week Closing at $1,712.80
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
DG365FD46564GFH654FU898 Gold Price Close Today : 1,712.80 Gold Price Close 02-Dec : 1,747.00 Change : -34.20 or -2.0% Silver Price Close Today : 3217.00 Silver Price Close 02-Dec : 3262.00 Change : -45.00 or -1.4% Platinum Price Close Today : 1,514.80 Platinum Price Close 02-Dec : 1,547.50 Change : -32.70 or -2.2% Palladium Price Close Today : 684.65 Palladium Price Close 02-Dec : 643.60 Change : 41.05 or 6.0% Gold Silver Ratio Today : 53.24 Gold Silver Ratio 02-Dec : 53.56 Change : -0.31 or 0.99% Dow Industrial : 11,997.70 Dow Industrial 02-Dec: 12,020.03 Change : -22.33 or -0.2% US Dollar Index : 78.81 US Dollar Index 02-Dec : 78.29 Change : 0.52 or 0.7% Franklin Sanders has not published any commentary today, if he publishes later today it will be posted here. Argentum et aurum comparenda sunt — – Gold and silver must be bought. – Franklin Sanders, The Moneychanger The-MoneyChanger.com © 2011, The Moneychanger. May not be republished in any form, including electronically, without our express permission. To avoid confusion, please remember that the comments above have a very short time horizon. Always invest with the primary trend. Gold’s primary trend is up, targeting at least $3,130.00; silver’s primary is up targeting 16:1 gold/silver ratio or $195.66; stocks’ primary trend is down, targeting Dow under 2,900 and worth only one ounce of gold; US$ or US$-denominated assets, primary trend down; real estate bubble has burst, primary trend down. WARNING AND DISCLAIMER. Be advised and warned: Do NOT use these commentaries to trade futures contracts. I don’t intend them for that or write them with that short term trading outlook. I write them for long-term investors in physical metals. Take them as entertainment, but not as a timing service for futures. NOR do I recommend investing in gold or silver Exchange Trade Funds (ETFs). Those are NOT physical metal and I fear one day one or another may go up in smoke. Unless you can breathe smoke, stay away. Call me paranoid, but the surviving rabbit is wary of traps. NOR do I recommend trading futures options or other leveraged paper gold and silver products. These are not for the inexperienced. NOR do I recommend buying gold and silver on margin or with debt. What DO I recommend? Physical gold and silver coins and bars in your own hands. One final warning: NEVER insert a 747 Jumbo Jet up your nose.
17 Companies Increasing Dividends
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
tdp2664 InvestorPlace We saw big dividend news from two behemoth companies this week. First, we saw automaker Ford (NYSE: F ) announce that it has approved a plan to reinstate its quarterly dividend payout following a five-year hiatus. The new dividend of 5 cents a share will be paid on March 1 to shareholders of record as of Jan. 31. Ford's dividend yield will be 1.8% based on the closing price on Thursday. Then on Friday, General Electric (NYSE: GE ) increased its quarterly dividend by 2 cents to 17 cents a share. GE's board said the new dividend is payable Jan. 25 to shareholders of record as of Dec. 27. Of course, Ford and GE aren't the only big companies making dividend news. In fact, this week we saw a bevy of beefed-up payouts to shareholders from some of the largest capitalization companies in the market. Here are 15 more companies increasing dividends this week. Investment management firm Ameriprise Financial (NYSE: AMP ) boosted its return to shareholders, increasing its quarterly dividend by 22% to 28 cents a share. The new payout will be made on Feb. 24 to shareholders of record as of Feb. 10. The new dividend yield, based on its closing price Thursday of $48.21, is 2.32%. The company has increased its dividend by 56% since the second quarter of 2011, and raised its dividend five times since becoming a public company in 2005. Insurance and reinsurance provider Axis Capital (NYSE: AXS ) moved to assure shareholders of its fiscal fitness, raising its quarterly dividend 4% to 24 cents a share. The new dividend is payable on Jan. 17 to the shareholders of record as of Dec. 30. The new dividend yield, based on the Thursday closing price of $30.94, is 2.97%. Petroleum and natural gas production firm Baytex Energy Trust (NYSE: BTE ) pumped out a new monthly divided of 22 cents a share, a 10% increase over its current dividend. The new payout will be made on Jan. 17 to shareholders of record on Dec. 30. The new dividend yield, based on Thursday closing price of $55.39, is 4.77%. The company said the dividend increase is attributable to the strength of its underlying business, and the current oil price environment. Pharmaceutical giant Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY ) increased the dosage on it dividend, boosting its payout by 3% to 34 cents a share. The new dividend will be dealt out on Feb. 1 to shareholders of record on Jan. 6. The new dividend yield, based on the Thursday closing price of $33.12, is 4.11%. The last time the drug giant increased its dividend was in the first quarter of 2011. C.H. Robinson Worldwide (NASDAQ: CHRW ) has raised its quarterly dividend 13.4% to 33 cents a share. The freight and logistics firm will distribute the new payout on Jan. 3 to shareholders of record as of Dec. 20. The new dividend yield, based on the Thursday closing price of $67.25, is 1.96%. Horseracing company Churchhill Downs (NASDAQ: CHDN ) has placed a winning bet with shareholders, speeding up its annual dividend by 20% to 60 cents a share. The new dividend crosses the finish line Jan. 23, provided shareholders are in the saddle by Dec. 30. The new dividend yield, based on the Dec. 5 closing price of $50.19, is 1.20%. Oil and natural gas transportation and distribution company Enbridge (NYSE: ENB ) has raised its quarterly dividend 15% to 28.25 cents a share. The new dividend is payable March 1 to shareholders of record as of Feb. 15. The new dividend yield, based on its Thursday closing price of $35.44, is 3.19%.
Microsoft Needs to Gobble Up Nokia, RIM to Take on Mobile Market
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
tdp2664 InvestorPlace Spring 2012 is Microsoft ‘s (NASDAQ: MSFT ) big coming-out party in the smartphone industry. Its new flagship phones in a much-ballyhooed partnership with Nokia (NYSE: NOK ) — the Lumia 800 and Lumia 710 — will release in the broader international market and the U.S. after their late 2011 debuts in India, Hong Kong and the U.K., among other territories. It’s a make-or-break moment for both companies. For Nokia, the Lumia represents a chance for redemption, a stab at regaining relevance since the company’s share of the world mobile market has crumbled with the rise of smartphone technology. Meanwhile, Microsoft dropped a cool $1 billion in February 2011 to get Nokia to help establish Windows as a phone brand capable of competing with Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ) and Google (NASDAQ: GOOG ) Android-powered products. Let’s not kid ourselves, though. We’ve heard this song and dance from Microsoft before. In fact, its was just in October 2010 that Microsoft was claiming Windows Phone 7 was set to take over where Google Android started as the go-to operating system for phone makers. The failure of Windows Phone 7 last year was what spurred Microsoft to make its deal with Nokia in the first place. This time around might indeed be different — Lumia phones have been warmly received by critics and consumers alike — but if Microsoft really wants to be one of the big boys in mobile, it’s going to have to go further. If Windows Phone is going to earn for Microsoft in the way that its Office business does , it’s time for Microsoft to get into the manufacturing game. It can do it, but only by spending steady and spending big. Here’s the game plan: First, Microsoft buys Nokia outright. It appeared in June that this was going to happen. Industry insider Eldar Murtazin said on Twitter that Microsoft was close to buying up the Finnish phone maker for $19 billion , giving Microsoft an instant and massive share of the global mobile phone market in one fell swoop. That deal didn’t pan out, and eventually the Lumia was announced, but the logic of the purchase still holds. As All Things Digital ‘s Ina Fried pointed out in a Thursday editorial, a purchase of Nokia would allow Microsoft to start making phones that are built around its Windows platform rather than building Windows for multiple handsets. Phones with fully integrated operating systems are good business: Just look at the iPhone. Integrating Nokia into Microsoft’s business would be difficult given the geographic distance between their corporate headquarters, but it might be worth it. Microsoft then could seize even more of the mobile market by making a splash and acquiring Research in Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM ), too. The beleaguered house of BlackBerry represents a chance for Microsoft to gain control of a trove of mobile technology patents for a song. RIM’s market cap has shriveled over recent months, sinking from $12 billion in September to $8.6 billion as of this writing. If Microsoft waits until 2013 to buy RIM (which it would have to after making such a steep investment in Nokia), and RIM’s decline continues apace, it could have a bargain on its hands. Microsoft has nearly $56 billion in cash at the moment. Given the near-constant shareholder dissatisfaction with the company, it probably wouldn’t be wise to spend on these companies too quickly. It would, however, be the quickest way for Microsoft to make Windows a real mobile presence. The company is no stranger to entering a technology segment it had no presence in previously. Microsoft was laughed at when it announced the original Xbox game console at the beginning of last decade. Today, the Xbox franchise has transformed the company’s Entertainment and Devices operating segment into an $8 billion-per-year business — a segment whose operating income grew 529% last year. Can Microsoft compete with Apple in the mobile market? Maybe. But it’s got to spend big to find out. As of this writing, Anthony John Agnello did not own a position in any of the stocks named here. Follow him on Twitter at
Gold Futures Post 2.0% Weekly Loss, Silver Dips 1.3%
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
DG365FD46564GFH654FU898 Gold and silver futures advanced Friday amid weakness in the U.S. dollar, but nonetheless finished in negative territory for the week. COMEX gold futures, per the February 2012 contract, settled higher by a modest $3.40, or 0.2%, at $1,716.80 per ounce. For the week, however, the yellow metal slid 2.0% – marking its third decline in the past four weeks. Silver futures for February 2012 delivery on the COMEX climbed $0.71, or 2.3%, to $32.25 per ounce.
Euro Zone’s New Chapter — Friday’s IP Market Recap
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
tdp2664 InvestorPlace The biggest story of the week (and for much of the year) entered a new, seemingly positive chapter Friday when the 17 nations of the euro zone agreed on a new deal — what German Chancellor Angela Merkel called a "stability union" — to help save the euro and solve the European debt crisis. The Dow Jones surged nearly 200 points on the plan, which drew out new measures, including putting the European Central Bank in charge of the European Union's bailout funds. The movement was less a celebration and more an excited sigh of relief from U.S. investors hanging on every bit of news about its largest trading partner . Still, the euro zone — and the rest of the world — isn't out of the water yet, with other important matters to be hammered out . These include the IMF's final role in the bailouts of troubled European nations, as well as the looming possibility of credit downgrades across most of the region. Until these and a host of other issues are resolved, Europe likely will continue to be a hotbed of uncertainty. However, investors ready to dip their toes back into the continent should be reassured that there's still several safe ways to invest in the country as it figures out the road to recovery. Wheeling. . . Ford (NYSE: F ) gave investors yet another reason to believe in Detroit on Thursday when it announced it would reinstate a dividend almost five years after it had dropped the quarterly payouts. At 2% (5 cents per share), Ford's dividend yield isn't anything to scream about, but it's also nothing to sneeze at compared to the rest of the industry, with Toyota (NYSE: TM ) and Honda (NYSE: HMC ) paying out 1.7% and 1.9%, respectively. Ford's stock value, on the other hand, should be a cause for concern — F shares are down almost 34% on the year. Toyota's shares, on the other hand, have held up fairly well – down only about 15%. However, investors high on the company were deflated a bit Friday when the company lowered its outlook for the fiscal year by more than half. The company expects profits and sales to be grossly lower for the year, with much of the damage coming from Thai flooding disrupting supply lines, as well as a strengthened yen. . . .And Dealing Deals perked up the retail and cloud computing sectors this week. German software company SAP (NYSE: SAP ) bought up cloud player SuccessFactors (NASDAQ: SFSF ) on Monday, causing several cloud companies' stocks to jump as investors hoped to guess the next buyout winner. In October, Oracle (NASDAQ: ORCL ) said it would buy out cloud company RightNow (NASDAQ: RNOW ), and today the company still stands as a likely suitor for Netsuite (NYSE: N ). On Thursday, the focus switched to retail,which saw a pair of big deals . J.C. Penney (NYSE: JCP ) announced it would buy an almost 17% stake in Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (NYSE: MSO ). The deal would put mini-stores doling Martha Stewart products in most of the retailer's locations, as well as give J.C. Penney two seats on the MSO board. Talbots (NYSE: TLB ) also jumped 70% that day on news of a $3-per-share buyout by private equity firm Sycamore Partners. Looking Ahead With December in full swing, InvestorPlace will be taking an ongoing look back at the year in financial news, as well as what investors should expect — and how they can wisely spend their money — in 2012. Readers can take a look back at the year's top consumer tech innovations , or pick up a few year-end tax tips . Traders looking for longer-term picks can check out some attractive dividend . And anyone looking to invest for the very long term should read about these top 401(k) mutual funds for 2012 . Three Up for Friday Diamond Foods (NASDAQ: DMND ): Up 52.77% ($14.01) to $40.56. Blue Coat Systems (NASDAQ: BCSI ): Up 43.65% ($7.63) to $25.11. United Continental (NYSE: UAL ): Up 4.62% (91 cents) to $20.62. Three Down for Friday Pandora (NYSE: P ): Down 5.08% (53 cents) to $9.90. DuPont (NYSE: DD ): Down 3.18% ($1.48) to $45.04. Transocean (NYSE: RIG ): Down 1.57% (69 cents) to $43.26. As of this writing, Kyle Woodley did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned stocks. Check out our list of previous IP Market Recaps .
Upstart Sites Keeping Facebook On Its Toes
After several tries, it looks like Google (Nasdaq: GOOG ) is making some
headway against Facebook. Its Google+ social network has more 40 million users.
But let's face it that still pales in comparison to Facebook's global
dominance, which counts more than 800 million users, half of whom come to the
site every day. In addition, there is still skepticism about the level of
engagement with Google+. Does that mean Facebook impossible to beat? In the
consumer Internet world, a lot can happen. After all, other once seemingly
invincible platforms – like Yahoo (Nasdaq: YHOO ) and MySpace – have seen
quick erosion. Any threat to Facebook is likely to come from an upstart that
offers some unique twist and has a team that is extremely hungry to win. One
worthy candidate is Tumblr, which is a mash-up network of blogging, pictures and
videos. And there's another recent entrant: Pinterest. It's kind of like a
social corkboard. Simply put, you can "pin" pictures through your
browser's toolbar from just about anything, such as weddings, parties,
hobbies, recipes, etc. Then you're friends can comment on them. Or you can
follow the pins of your friends, which can inspire new ideas, such as for
something to cook, or an interesting new product to check out. It's a simple
idea, but it has lots of power. The site is visually appealing, which is
important since it should help Pinterest go beyond the typical early-adopter
hacker community and get traction with the mainstream (70% of its current
audience is female). Site aesthetics have been critical for Facebook's
success. So far, Pinterest has gotten lots of traction. Just in the past five
months, the user base has spiked more than 700%, to more than 3.3 million, and
that's still just on an invitation-only growth model. As a sign of the
site's appeal, major brands have been setting-up their presence on Pinterest.
These include companies like Whole Foods (NYSE: WFM ) and Williams-Sonoma (NYSE:
WSM ). Plus, Pinterest has raised $27 million in venture capital. It's true
that Pinterest is still fairly new and it may ultimately flame out – that's
the norm in the wild world of social networking. But the strong success of
Pinterest does point out that online users are always willing to try something
new – which serves as a warning for Facebook. Tom Taulli runs the
InvestorPlace blog " IPOPlaybook ," a site dedicated to the hottest news and
rumors about initial public offerings. He is also the author of "All About
Short Selling" and "All About Commodities." Follow him on Twitter at
@ttaulli . As of this writing, he did not own a position in any of the
aforementioned stocks.
headway against Facebook. Its Google+ social network has more 40 million users.
But let's face it that still pales in comparison to Facebook's global
dominance, which counts more than 800 million users, half of whom come to the
site every day. In addition, there is still skepticism about the level of
engagement with Google+. Does that mean Facebook impossible to beat? In the
consumer Internet world, a lot can happen. After all, other once seemingly
invincible platforms – like Yahoo (Nasdaq: YHOO ) and MySpace – have seen
quick erosion. Any threat to Facebook is likely to come from an upstart that
offers some unique twist and has a team that is extremely hungry to win. One
worthy candidate is Tumblr, which is a mash-up network of blogging, pictures and
videos. And there's another recent entrant: Pinterest. It's kind of like a
social corkboard. Simply put, you can "pin" pictures through your
browser's toolbar from just about anything, such as weddings, parties,
hobbies, recipes, etc. Then you're friends can comment on them. Or you can
follow the pins of your friends, which can inspire new ideas, such as for
something to cook, or an interesting new product to check out. It's a simple
idea, but it has lots of power. The site is visually appealing, which is
important since it should help Pinterest go beyond the typical early-adopter
hacker community and get traction with the mainstream (70% of its current
audience is female). Site aesthetics have been critical for Facebook's
success. So far, Pinterest has gotten lots of traction. Just in the past five
months, the user base has spiked more than 700%, to more than 3.3 million, and
that's still just on an invitation-only growth model. As a sign of the
site's appeal, major brands have been setting-up their presence on Pinterest.
These include companies like Whole Foods (NYSE: WFM ) and Williams-Sonoma (NYSE:
WSM ). Plus, Pinterest has raised $27 million in venture capital. It's true
that Pinterest is still fairly new and it may ultimately flame out – that's
the norm in the wild world of social networking. But the strong success of
Pinterest does point out that online users are always willing to try something
new – which serves as a warning for Facebook. Tom Taulli runs the
InvestorPlace blog " IPOPlaybook ," a site dedicated to the hottest news and
rumors about initial public offerings. He is also the author of "All About
Short Selling" and "All About Commodities." Follow him on Twitter at
@ttaulli . As of this writing, he did not own a position in any of the
aforementioned stocks.
Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Taking On Magazine Apps
Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) has launched a magazine reading application called
Google Currents. Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Taking On Magazine Apps Google Inc.
(NASDAQ:GOOG) has launched a new magazine reading app Google Currents for
Android and iOS based smartphone and tablets. The new app can be integrated with
social networking site Google+ and people can freely subscribe to major
publications. Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) product manager Mussie Shore said,
"Content is optimized for smartphones and tablets, allowing you to intuitively
navigate between words, pictures and video on large and small screens alike,
even if youre offline. Great content needs a great audience, which is why Google
Currents is integrated with Google+ so users can share articles or videos theyve
enjoyed with their circles". Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) company shares are
currently standing at 616.05. Price History Last Price: 616.05 52 Week Low /
High: 473.02 / 642.96 50 Day Moving Average: 580.91 6 Month Price Change %:
19.2% 12 Month Price Change %: 4.3%
Google Currents. Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Taking On Magazine Apps Google Inc.
(NASDAQ:GOOG) has launched a new magazine reading app Google Currents for
Android and iOS based smartphone and tablets. The new app can be integrated with
social networking site Google+ and people can freely subscribe to major
publications. Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) product manager Mussie Shore said,
"Content is optimized for smartphones and tablets, allowing you to intuitively
navigate between words, pictures and video on large and small screens alike,
even if youre offline. Great content needs a great audience, which is why Google
Currents is integrated with Google+ so users can share articles or videos theyve
enjoyed with their circles". Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) company shares are
currently standing at 616.05. Price History Last Price: 616.05 52 Week Low /
High: 473.02 / 642.96 50 Day Moving Average: 580.91 6 Month Price Change %:
19.2% 12 Month Price Change %: 4.3%
Microsoft Needs to Gobble Up Nokia, RIM to Take on Mobile Market
Spring 2012 is Microsoft s (NASDAQ: MSFT ) big coming-out party in the
smartphone industry. Its new flagship phones in a much-ballyhooed partnership
with Nokia (NYSE: NOK ) the Lumia 800 and Lumia 710 will release in the
broader international market and the U.S. after their late 2011 debuts in India,
Hong Kong and the U.K., among other territories. Its a make-or-break moment for
both companies. For Nokia, the Lumia represents a chance for redemption, a stab
at regaining relevance since the companys share of the world mobile market has
crumbled with the rise of smartphone technology. Meanwhile, Microsoft dropped a
cool $1 billion in February 2011 to get Nokia to help establish Windows as a
phone brand capable of competing with Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ) and Google (NASDAQ:
GOOG ) Android-powered products. Lets not kid ourselves, though. Weve heard this
song and dance from Microsoft before. In fact, its was just in October 2010 that
Microsoft was claiming Windows Phone 7 was set to take over where Google Android
started as the go-to operating system for phone makers. The failure of Windows
Phone 7 last year was what spurred Microsoft to make its deal with Nokia in the
first place. This time around might indeed be different Lumia phones have been
warmly received by critics and consumers alike but if Microsoft really wants to
be one of the big boys in mobile, its going to have to go further. If Windows
Phone is going to earn for Microsoft in the way that its Office business does ,
its time for Microsoft to get into the manufacturing game. It can do it, but
only by spending steady and spending big. Heres the game plan: First, Microsoft
buys Nokia outright. It appeared in June that this was going to happen. Industry
insider Eldar Murtazin said on Twitter that Microsoft was close to buying up the
Finnish phone maker for $19 billion , giving Microsoft an instant and massive
share of the global mobile phone market in one fell swoop. That deal didnt pan
out, and eventually the Lumia was announced, but the logic of the purchase still
holds. As All Things Digital s Ina Fried pointed out in a Thursday editorial, a
purchase of Nokia would allow Microsoft to start making phones that are built
around its Windows platform rather than building Windows for multiple handsets.
Phones with fully integrated operating systems are good business: Just look at
the iPhone. Integrating Nokia into Microsofts business would be difficult given
the geographic distance between their corporate headquarters, but it might be
worth it. Microsoft then could seize even more of the mobile market by making a
splash and acquiring Research in Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM ), too. The beleaguered
house of BlackBerry represents a chance for Microsoft to gain control of a trove
of mobile technology patents for a song. RIMs market cap has shriveled over
recent months, sinking from $12 billion in September to $8.6 billion as of this
writing. If Microsoft waits until 2013 to buy RIM (which it would have to after
making such a steep investment in Nokia), and RIMs decline continues apace, it
could have a bargain on its hands. Microsoft has nearly $56 billion in cash at
the moment. Given the near-constant shareholder dissatisfaction with the
company, it probably wouldnt be wise to spend on these companies too quickly. It
would, however, be the quickest way for Microsoft to make Windows a real mobile
presence. The company is no stranger to entering a technology segment it had no
presence in previously. Microsoft was laughed at when it announced the original
Xbox game console at the beginning of last decade. Today, the Xbox franchise has
transformed the companys Entertainment and Devices operating segment into an $8
billion-per-year business a segment whose operating income grew 529% last year.
Can Microsoft compete with Apple in the mobile market? Maybe. But its got to
spend big to find out. As of this writing, Anthony John Agnello did not own a
position in any of the stocks named here. Follow him on Twitter at
smartphone industry. Its new flagship phones in a much-ballyhooed partnership
with Nokia (NYSE: NOK ) the Lumia 800 and Lumia 710 will release in the
broader international market and the U.S. after their late 2011 debuts in India,
Hong Kong and the U.K., among other territories. Its a make-or-break moment for
both companies. For Nokia, the Lumia represents a chance for redemption, a stab
at regaining relevance since the companys share of the world mobile market has
crumbled with the rise of smartphone technology. Meanwhile, Microsoft dropped a
cool $1 billion in February 2011 to get Nokia to help establish Windows as a
phone brand capable of competing with Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ) and Google (NASDAQ:
GOOG ) Android-powered products. Lets not kid ourselves, though. Weve heard this
song and dance from Microsoft before. In fact, its was just in October 2010 that
Microsoft was claiming Windows Phone 7 was set to take over where Google Android
started as the go-to operating system for phone makers. The failure of Windows
Phone 7 last year was what spurred Microsoft to make its deal with Nokia in the
first place. This time around might indeed be different Lumia phones have been
warmly received by critics and consumers alike but if Microsoft really wants to
be one of the big boys in mobile, its going to have to go further. If Windows
Phone is going to earn for Microsoft in the way that its Office business does ,
its time for Microsoft to get into the manufacturing game. It can do it, but
only by spending steady and spending big. Heres the game plan: First, Microsoft
buys Nokia outright. It appeared in June that this was going to happen. Industry
insider Eldar Murtazin said on Twitter that Microsoft was close to buying up the
Finnish phone maker for $19 billion , giving Microsoft an instant and massive
share of the global mobile phone market in one fell swoop. That deal didnt pan
out, and eventually the Lumia was announced, but the logic of the purchase still
holds. As All Things Digital s Ina Fried pointed out in a Thursday editorial, a
purchase of Nokia would allow Microsoft to start making phones that are built
around its Windows platform rather than building Windows for multiple handsets.
Phones with fully integrated operating systems are good business: Just look at
the iPhone. Integrating Nokia into Microsofts business would be difficult given
the geographic distance between their corporate headquarters, but it might be
worth it. Microsoft then could seize even more of the mobile market by making a
splash and acquiring Research in Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM ), too. The beleaguered
house of BlackBerry represents a chance for Microsoft to gain control of a trove
of mobile technology patents for a song. RIMs market cap has shriveled over
recent months, sinking from $12 billion in September to $8.6 billion as of this
writing. If Microsoft waits until 2013 to buy RIM (which it would have to after
making such a steep investment in Nokia), and RIMs decline continues apace, it
could have a bargain on its hands. Microsoft has nearly $56 billion in cash at
the moment. Given the near-constant shareholder dissatisfaction with the
company, it probably wouldnt be wise to spend on these companies too quickly. It
would, however, be the quickest way for Microsoft to make Windows a real mobile
presence. The company is no stranger to entering a technology segment it had no
presence in previously. Microsoft was laughed at when it announced the original
Xbox game console at the beginning of last decade. Today, the Xbox franchise has
transformed the companys Entertainment and Devices operating segment into an $8
billion-per-year business a segment whose operating income grew 529% last year.
Can Microsoft compete with Apple in the mobile market? Maybe. But its got to
spend big to find out. As of this writing, Anthony John Agnello did not own a
position in any of the stocks named here. Follow him on Twitter at
Gold Price Lost 2% This Week Closing at $1,712.80
Gold Price Close Today : 1,712.80 Gold Price Close 02-Dec : 1,747.00 Change :
-34.20 or -2.0% Silver Price Close Today : 3217.00 Silver Price Close 02-Dec :
3262.00 Change : -45.00 or -1.4% Platinum Price Close Today : 1,514.80 Platinum
Price Close 02-Dec : 1,547.50 Change : -32.70 or -2.2% Palladium Price Close
Today : 684.65 Palladium Price Close 02-Dec : 643.60 Change : 41.05 or 6.0% Gold
Silver Ratio Today : 53.24 Gold Silver Ratio 02-Dec : 53.56 Change : -0.31 or
0.99% Dow Industrial : 11,997.70 Dow Industrial 02-Dec: 12,020.03 Change :
-22.33 or -0.2% US Dollar Index : 78.81 US Dollar Index 02-Dec : 78.29 Change :
0.52 or 0.7% Franklin Sanders has not published any commentary today, if he
publishes later today it will be posted here. Argentum et aurum comparenda sunt
-- -- Gold and silver must be bought. - Franklin Sanders, The Moneychanger
The-MoneyChanger.com © 2011, The Moneychanger. May not be republished in any
form, including electronically, without our express permission. To avoid
confusion, please remember that the comments above have a very short time
horizon. Always invest with the primary trend. Gold's primary trend is up,
targeting at least $3,130.00; silver's primary is up targeting 16:1 gold/silver
ratio or $195.66; stocks' primary trend is down, targeting Dow under 2,900 and
worth only one ounce of gold; US$ or US$-denominated assets, primary trend down;
real estate bubble has burst, primary trend down. WARNING AND DISCLAIMER. Be
advised and warned: Do NOT use these commentaries to trade futures contracts. I
don't intend them for that or write them with that short term trading outlook. I
write them for long-term investors in physical metals. Take them as
entertainment, but not as a timing service for futures. NOR do I recommend
investing in gold or silver Exchange Trade Funds (ETFs). Those are NOT physical
metal and I fear one day one or another may go up in smoke. Unless you can
breathe smoke, stay away. Call me paranoid, but the surviving rabbit is wary of
traps. NOR do I recommend trading futures options or other leveraged paper gold
and silver products. These are not for the inexperienced. NOR do I recommend
buying gold and silver on margin or with debt. What DO I recommend? Physical
gold and silver coins and bars in your own hands. One final warning: NEVER
insert a 747 Jumbo Jet up your nose.
-34.20 or -2.0% Silver Price Close Today : 3217.00 Silver Price Close 02-Dec :
3262.00 Change : -45.00 or -1.4% Platinum Price Close Today : 1,514.80 Platinum
Price Close 02-Dec : 1,547.50 Change : -32.70 or -2.2% Palladium Price Close
Today : 684.65 Palladium Price Close 02-Dec : 643.60 Change : 41.05 or 6.0% Gold
Silver Ratio Today : 53.24 Gold Silver Ratio 02-Dec : 53.56 Change : -0.31 or
0.99% Dow Industrial : 11,997.70 Dow Industrial 02-Dec: 12,020.03 Change :
-22.33 or -0.2% US Dollar Index : 78.81 US Dollar Index 02-Dec : 78.29 Change :
0.52 or 0.7% Franklin Sanders has not published any commentary today, if he
publishes later today it will be posted here. Argentum et aurum comparenda sunt
-- -- Gold and silver must be bought. - Franklin Sanders, The Moneychanger
The-MoneyChanger.com © 2011, The Moneychanger. May not be republished in any
form, including electronically, without our express permission. To avoid
confusion, please remember that the comments above have a very short time
horizon. Always invest with the primary trend. Gold's primary trend is up,
targeting at least $3,130.00; silver's primary is up targeting 16:1 gold/silver
ratio or $195.66; stocks' primary trend is down, targeting Dow under 2,900 and
worth only one ounce of gold; US$ or US$-denominated assets, primary trend down;
real estate bubble has burst, primary trend down. WARNING AND DISCLAIMER. Be
advised and warned: Do NOT use these commentaries to trade futures contracts. I
don't intend them for that or write them with that short term trading outlook. I
write them for long-term investors in physical metals. Take them as
entertainment, but not as a timing service for futures. NOR do I recommend
investing in gold or silver Exchange Trade Funds (ETFs). Those are NOT physical
metal and I fear one day one or another may go up in smoke. Unless you can
breathe smoke, stay away. Call me paranoid, but the surviving rabbit is wary of
traps. NOR do I recommend trading futures options or other leveraged paper gold
and silver products. These are not for the inexperienced. NOR do I recommend
buying gold and silver on margin or with debt. What DO I recommend? Physical
gold and silver coins and bars in your own hands. One final warning: NEVER
insert a 747 Jumbo Jet up your nose.
Gold Futures Post 2.0% Weekly Loss, Silver Dips 1.3%
Gold and silver futures advanced Friday amid weakness in the U.S. dollar, but
nonetheless finished in negative territory for the week. COMEX gold futures, per
the February 2012 contract, settled higher by a modest $3.40, or 0.2%, at
$1,716.80 per ounce. For the week, however, the yellow metal slid 2.0% marking
its third decline in the past four weeks. Silver futures for February 2012
delivery on the COMEX climbed $0.71, or 2.3%, to $32.25 per ounce.
nonetheless finished in negative territory for the week. COMEX gold futures, per
the February 2012 contract, settled higher by a modest $3.40, or 0.2%, at
$1,716.80 per ounce. For the week, however, the yellow metal slid 2.0% marking
its third decline in the past four weeks. Silver futures for February 2012
delivery on the COMEX climbed $0.71, or 2.3%, to $32.25 per ounce.
Euro Zone’s New Chapter — Friday’s IP Market Recap
The biggest story of the week (and for much of the year) entered a new,
seemingly positive chapter Friday when the 17 nations of the euro zone agreed on
a new deal what German Chancellor Angela Merkel called a "stability union"
to help save the euro and solve the European debt crisis. The Dow Jones surged
nearly 200 points on the plan, which drew out new measures, including putting
the European Central Bank in charge of the European Union's bailout funds. The
movement was less a celebration and more an excited sigh of relief from U.S.
investors hanging on every bit of news about its largest trading partner .
Still, the euro zone and the rest of the world isn't out of the water yet,
with other important matters to be hammered out . These include the IMF's
final role in the bailouts of troubled European nations, as well as the looming
possibility of credit downgrades across most of the region. Until these and a
host of other issues are resolved, Europe likely will continue to be a hotbed of
uncertainty. However, investors ready to dip their toes back into the continent
should be reassured that there's still several safe ways to invest in the
country as it figures out the road to recovery. Wheeling. . . Ford (NYSE: F )
gave investors yet another reason to believe in Detroit on Thursday when it
announced it would reinstate a dividend almost five years after it had dropped
the quarterly payouts. At 2% (5 cents per share), Ford's dividend yield
isn't anything to scream about, but it's also nothing to sneeze at compared
to the rest of the industry, with Toyota (NYSE: TM ) and Honda (NYSE: HMC )
paying out 1.7% and 1.9%, respectively. Ford's stock value, on the other hand,
should be a cause for concern F shares are down almost 34% on the year.
Toyota's shares, on the other hand, have held up fairly well – down only
about 15%. However, investors high on the company were deflated a bit Friday
when the company lowered its outlook for the fiscal year by more than half. The
company expects profits and sales to be grossly lower for the year, with much of
the damage coming from Thai flooding disrupting supply lines, as well as a
strengthened yen. . . .And Dealing Deals perked up the retail and cloud
computing sectors this week. German software company SAP (NYSE: SAP ) bought up
cloud player SuccessFactors (NASDAQ: SFSF ) on Monday, causing several cloud
companies' stocks to jump as investors hoped to guess the next buyout winner.
In October, Oracle (NASDAQ: ORCL ) said it would buy out cloud company RightNow
(NASDAQ: RNOW ), and today the company still stands as a likely suitor for
Netsuite (NYSE: N ). On Thursday, the focus switched to retail,which saw a pair
of big deals . J.C. Penney (NYSE: JCP ) announced it would buy an almost 17%
stake in Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (NYSE: MSO ). The deal would put
mini-stores doling Martha Stewart products in most of the retailer's
locations, as well as give J.C. Penney two seats on the MSO board. Talbots
(NYSE: TLB ) also jumped 70% that day on news of a $3-per-share buyout by
private equity firm Sycamore Partners. Looking Ahead With December in full
swing, InvestorPlace will be taking an ongoing look back at the year in
financial news, as well as what investors should expect and how they can wisely
spend their money in 2012. Readers can take a look back at the year's top
consumer tech innovations , or pick up a few year-end tax tips . Traders looking
for longer-term picks can check out some attractive dividend . And anyone
looking to invest for the very long term should read about these top 401(k)
mutual funds for 2012 . Three Up for Friday Diamond Foods (NASDAQ: DMND ): Up
52.77% ($14.01) to $40.56. Blue Coat Systems (NASDAQ: BCSI ): Up 43.65% ($7.63)
to $25.11. United Continental (NYSE: UAL ): Up 4.62% (91 cents) to $20.62. Three
Down for Friday Pandora (NYSE: P ): Down 5.08% (53 cents) to $9.90. DuPont
(NYSE: DD ): Down 3.18% ($1.48) to $45.04. Transocean (NYSE: RIG ): Down 1.57%
(69 cents) to $43.26. As of this writing, Kyle Woodley did not hold a position
in any of the aforementioned stocks. Check out our list of previous IP Market
Recaps .
seemingly positive chapter Friday when the 17 nations of the euro zone agreed on
a new deal what German Chancellor Angela Merkel called a "stability union"
to help save the euro and solve the European debt crisis. The Dow Jones surged
nearly 200 points on the plan, which drew out new measures, including putting
the European Central Bank in charge of the European Union's bailout funds. The
movement was less a celebration and more an excited sigh of relief from U.S.
investors hanging on every bit of news about its largest trading partner .
Still, the euro zone and the rest of the world isn't out of the water yet,
with other important matters to be hammered out . These include the IMF's
final role in the bailouts of troubled European nations, as well as the looming
possibility of credit downgrades across most of the region. Until these and a
host of other issues are resolved, Europe likely will continue to be a hotbed of
uncertainty. However, investors ready to dip their toes back into the continent
should be reassured that there's still several safe ways to invest in the
country as it figures out the road to recovery. Wheeling. . . Ford (NYSE: F )
gave investors yet another reason to believe in Detroit on Thursday when it
announced it would reinstate a dividend almost five years after it had dropped
the quarterly payouts. At 2% (5 cents per share), Ford's dividend yield
isn't anything to scream about, but it's also nothing to sneeze at compared
to the rest of the industry, with Toyota (NYSE: TM ) and Honda (NYSE: HMC )
paying out 1.7% and 1.9%, respectively. Ford's stock value, on the other hand,
should be a cause for concern F shares are down almost 34% on the year.
Toyota's shares, on the other hand, have held up fairly well – down only
about 15%. However, investors high on the company were deflated a bit Friday
when the company lowered its outlook for the fiscal year by more than half. The
company expects profits and sales to be grossly lower for the year, with much of
the damage coming from Thai flooding disrupting supply lines, as well as a
strengthened yen. . . .And Dealing Deals perked up the retail and cloud
computing sectors this week. German software company SAP (NYSE: SAP ) bought up
cloud player SuccessFactors (NASDAQ: SFSF ) on Monday, causing several cloud
companies' stocks to jump as investors hoped to guess the next buyout winner.
In October, Oracle (NASDAQ: ORCL ) said it would buy out cloud company RightNow
(NASDAQ: RNOW ), and today the company still stands as a likely suitor for
Netsuite (NYSE: N ). On Thursday, the focus switched to retail,which saw a pair
of big deals . J.C. Penney (NYSE: JCP ) announced it would buy an almost 17%
stake in Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (NYSE: MSO ). The deal would put
mini-stores doling Martha Stewart products in most of the retailer's
locations, as well as give J.C. Penney two seats on the MSO board. Talbots
(NYSE: TLB ) also jumped 70% that day on news of a $3-per-share buyout by
private equity firm Sycamore Partners. Looking Ahead With December in full
swing, InvestorPlace will be taking an ongoing look back at the year in
financial news, as well as what investors should expect and how they can wisely
spend their money in 2012. Readers can take a look back at the year's top
consumer tech innovations , or pick up a few year-end tax tips . Traders looking
for longer-term picks can check out some attractive dividend . And anyone
looking to invest for the very long term should read about these top 401(k)
mutual funds for 2012 . Three Up for Friday Diamond Foods (NASDAQ: DMND ): Up
52.77% ($14.01) to $40.56. Blue Coat Systems (NASDAQ: BCSI ): Up 43.65% ($7.63)
to $25.11. United Continental (NYSE: UAL ): Up 4.62% (91 cents) to $20.62. Three
Down for Friday Pandora (NYSE: P ): Down 5.08% (53 cents) to $9.90. DuPont
(NYSE: DD ): Down 3.18% ($1.48) to $45.04. Transocean (NYSE: RIG ): Down 1.57%
(69 cents) to $43.26. As of this writing, Kyle Woodley did not hold a position
in any of the aforementioned stocks. Check out our list of previous IP Market
Recaps .
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) To Launch New iMac?
It has been reported that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is planning to launch an
iMac with TV capabilities. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) To Launch New iMac? By early
2012, the US based technology giant Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will be launching a
new version of its all-in-one PC, the iMac, with built-in TV functionality. This
product will be a stepping stone for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) before they launch
their fully fledged television set in time for Christmas next year. Wedge
Partners analyst Brian Blair said, "We believe Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)'s
redesign of the iMac in the first half of 2012 will likely usher in some TV
capability into the iMac offering first, effectively taking the high end and
larger screens of the iMac line and pushing it toward the TV market by
integrating TV and iCloud features into a slimmer all-in-one PC." Apple Inc.
(NASDAQ:AAPL) shares were at 390.66 at the end of the last days trading. Theres
been a 1.7% change in the stock price over the past 3 months. Apple Inc.
(NASDAQ:AAPL) Analyst Advice Consensus Opinion: Moderate Buy Mean
recommendation: 1.16 (1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell) 3 Months Ago: 1.22 Zacks
Rank: 1 out of 2 in the industry
iMac with TV capabilities. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) To Launch New iMac? By early
2012, the US based technology giant Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will be launching a
new version of its all-in-one PC, the iMac, with built-in TV functionality. This
product will be a stepping stone for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) before they launch
their fully fledged television set in time for Christmas next year. Wedge
Partners analyst Brian Blair said, "We believe Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)'s
redesign of the iMac in the first half of 2012 will likely usher in some TV
capability into the iMac offering first, effectively taking the high end and
larger screens of the iMac line and pushing it toward the TV market by
integrating TV and iCloud features into a slimmer all-in-one PC." Apple Inc.
(NASDAQ:AAPL) shares were at 390.66 at the end of the last days trading. Theres
been a 1.7% change in the stock price over the past 3 months. Apple Inc.
(NASDAQ:AAPL) Analyst Advice Consensus Opinion: Moderate Buy Mean
recommendation: 1.16 (1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell) 3 Months Ago: 1.22 Zacks
Rank: 1 out of 2 in the industry
17 Companies Increasing Dividends
We saw big dividend news from two behemoth companies this week. First, we saw
automaker Ford (NYSE: F ) announce that it has approved a plan to reinstate its
quarterly dividend payout following a five-year hiatus. The new dividend of 5
cents a share will be paid on March 1 to shareholders of record as of Jan. 31.
Ford's dividend yield will be 1.8% based on the closing price on Thursday.
Then on Friday, General Electric (NYSE: GE ) increased its quarterly dividend by
2 cents to 17 cents a share. GE's board said the new dividend is payable Jan.
25 to shareholders of record as of Dec. 27. Of course, Ford and GE aren't the
only big companies making dividend news. In fact, this week we saw a bevy of
beefed-up payouts to shareholders from some of the largest capitalization
companies in the market. Here are 15 more companies increasing dividends this
week. Investment management firm Ameriprise Financial (NYSE: AMP ) boosted its
return to shareholders, increasing its quarterly dividend by 22% to 28 cents a
share. The new payout will be made on Feb. 24 to shareholders of record as of
Feb. 10. The new dividend yield, based on its closing price Thursday of $48.21,
is 2.32%. The company has increased its dividend by 56% since the second quarter
of 2011, and raised its dividend five times since becoming a public company in
2005. Insurance and reinsurance provider Axis Capital (NYSE: AXS ) moved to
assure shareholders of its fiscal fitness, raising its quarterly dividend 4% to
24 cents a share. The new dividend is payable on Jan. 17 to the shareholders of
record as of Dec. 30. The new dividend yield, based on the Thursday closing
price of $30.94, is 2.97%. Petroleum and natural gas production firm Baytex
Energy Trust (NYSE: BTE ) pumped out a new monthly divided of 22 cents a share,
a 10% increase over its current dividend. The new payout will be made on Jan. 17
to shareholders of record on Dec. 30. The new dividend yield, based on Thursday
closing price of $55.39, is 4.77%. The company said the dividend increase is
attributable to the strength of its underlying business, and the current oil
price environment. Pharmaceutical giant Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY )
increased the dosage on it dividend, boosting its payout by 3% to 34 cents a
share. The new dividend will be dealt out on Feb. 1 to shareholders of record on
Jan. 6. The new dividend yield, based on the Thursday closing price of $33.12,
is 4.11%. The last time the drug giant increased its dividend was in the first
quarter of 2011. C.H. Robinson Worldwide (NASDAQ: CHRW ) has raised its
quarterly dividend 13.4% to 33 cents a share. The freight and logistics firm
will distribute the new payout on Jan. 3 to shareholders of record as of Dec.
20. The new dividend yield, based on the Thursday closing price of $67.25, is
1.96%. Horseracing company Churchhill Downs (NASDAQ: CHDN ) has placed a winning
bet with shareholders, speeding up its annual dividend by 20% to 60 cents a
share. The new dividend crosses the finish line Jan. 23, provided shareholders
are in the saddle by Dec. 30. The new dividend yield, based on the Dec. 5
closing price of $50.19, is 1.20%. Oil and natural gas transportation and
distribution company Enbridge (NYSE: ENB ) has raised its quarterly dividend 15%
to 28.25 cents a share. The new dividend is payable March 1 to shareholders of
record as of Feb. 15. The new dividend yield, based on its Thursday closing
price of $35.44, is 3.19%.
automaker Ford (NYSE: F ) announce that it has approved a plan to reinstate its
quarterly dividend payout following a five-year hiatus. The new dividend of 5
cents a share will be paid on March 1 to shareholders of record as of Jan. 31.
Ford's dividend yield will be 1.8% based on the closing price on Thursday.
Then on Friday, General Electric (NYSE: GE ) increased its quarterly dividend by
2 cents to 17 cents a share. GE's board said the new dividend is payable Jan.
25 to shareholders of record as of Dec. 27. Of course, Ford and GE aren't the
only big companies making dividend news. In fact, this week we saw a bevy of
beefed-up payouts to shareholders from some of the largest capitalization
companies in the market. Here are 15 more companies increasing dividends this
week. Investment management firm Ameriprise Financial (NYSE: AMP ) boosted its
return to shareholders, increasing its quarterly dividend by 22% to 28 cents a
share. The new payout will be made on Feb. 24 to shareholders of record as of
Feb. 10. The new dividend yield, based on its closing price Thursday of $48.21,
is 2.32%. The company has increased its dividend by 56% since the second quarter
of 2011, and raised its dividend five times since becoming a public company in
2005. Insurance and reinsurance provider Axis Capital (NYSE: AXS ) moved to
assure shareholders of its fiscal fitness, raising its quarterly dividend 4% to
24 cents a share. The new dividend is payable on Jan. 17 to the shareholders of
record as of Dec. 30. The new dividend yield, based on the Thursday closing
price of $30.94, is 2.97%. Petroleum and natural gas production firm Baytex
Energy Trust (NYSE: BTE ) pumped out a new monthly divided of 22 cents a share,
a 10% increase over its current dividend. The new payout will be made on Jan. 17
to shareholders of record on Dec. 30. The new dividend yield, based on Thursday
closing price of $55.39, is 4.77%. The company said the dividend increase is
attributable to the strength of its underlying business, and the current oil
price environment. Pharmaceutical giant Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY )
increased the dosage on it dividend, boosting its payout by 3% to 34 cents a
share. The new dividend will be dealt out on Feb. 1 to shareholders of record on
Jan. 6. The new dividend yield, based on the Thursday closing price of $33.12,
is 4.11%. The last time the drug giant increased its dividend was in the first
quarter of 2011. C.H. Robinson Worldwide (NASDAQ: CHRW ) has raised its
quarterly dividend 13.4% to 33 cents a share. The freight and logistics firm
will distribute the new payout on Jan. 3 to shareholders of record as of Dec.
20. The new dividend yield, based on the Thursday closing price of $67.25, is
1.96%. Horseracing company Churchhill Downs (NASDAQ: CHDN ) has placed a winning
bet with shareholders, speeding up its annual dividend by 20% to 60 cents a
share. The new dividend crosses the finish line Jan. 23, provided shareholders
are in the saddle by Dec. 30. The new dividend yield, based on the Dec. 5
closing price of $50.19, is 1.20%. Oil and natural gas transportation and
distribution company Enbridge (NYSE: ENB ) has raised its quarterly dividend 15%
to 28.25 cents a share. The new dividend is payable March 1 to shareholders of
record as of Feb. 15. The new dividend yield, based on its Thursday closing
price of $35.44, is 3.19%.
Toyota Puts the Brakes on Outlook
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tdp2664 InvestorPlace Natural disasters certainly took their toll on a number of companies this year, but perhaps none more so than Japanese auto giant Toyota (NYSE: TM ). On Friday, the company announced it had slashed its fiscal year 2011 profit forecast by more than half to 180 billion yen ($2.3 billion). Toyota said its outlook for the period ending March 31, 2012, is going to fall drastically below its fiscal 2011 profit of 408.1 billion yen ($5.25 billion). Sales also are expected to be lower, as the company forecasts the metric to be about 18.2 trillion yen ($234 billion), down from 19 trillion yen ($244.5 billion) a year ago. The key operating profit metric is expected to decline a whopping 57% to 200 billion yen. The two culprits cited as an explanation for the detuned fiscal engine were the strength of the Japanese yen and the disruption in the supply lines out of Thailand. Toyota said the currency's strength cut 190 billion yen off its fiscal year profit forecast, while the worst floods in Thailand in more than 50 years caused a downward revision of 120 billion yen. Toyota has a production facility in Thailand that was adversely affected by the floods, but it's not the only automaker to be hurt by the rising Thai waters. Honda (NYSE: HMC ) was forced to suspend production at its automobile plant in Ayutthaya, Thailand, due to flood waters. Ford (NYSE: F ) and General Motors (NYSE: GM ) have production facilities in Thailand, although both have seen little or no flood impact on their respective facilities. The combination of a strong yen and the Thai floods is likely to dethrone Toyota as the world's biggest automaker. General Motors and Volkswagen (PINK: VLKAY ) are set to swerve into Toyota's No. 1 lane, as the Japanese company suffered a slowdown earlier this year after the devastating earthquake/tsunami that struck the nation in March. In terms of share price performance, Toyota has managed to show a lot more horsepower than its rivals. Although the stock is down 15.5% year-to-date, that performance is much better than its peers. So far this year, HMC shares have shed 22.7%, Ford shares are down 37.7%, and GM’s share engine has blown, down 43.4% in 2011. Given the new lowered forecast for Toyota, you have to wonder how long the company's share price can hold up. Investors with a penchant for auto stocks might be well served to keep this in mind as they consider which road to travel next. As of this writing, Jim Woods did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned stocks.
Survey of Gold Traders Most Bullish Since Early November
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DG365FD46564GFH654FU898 A weekly survey of gold traders showed that market participants have turned noticeably more positive on the yellow metal of late. In Bloomberg’s latest weekly gold survey, 18 of 26 respondents said they expect gold prices to rise next week.
A “Knee-Jerk Reaction”, $1,600 in Gold’s Near Future?
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DG365FD46564GFH654FU898 Gold could be facing a bumpy road ahead in the short-term, according to VTB Capital analyst Andrey Kryuchenkov. In comments made to Reuters , Kryuchenkov said that European policymakers “need to convince the market that the crisis can be contained.” With respect to gold, it “is trading completely against the dollar, moving in the opposite direction … and the physical side of the market is very quietly waiting on the sidelines for a pullback to start buying,” he contended. “Gold could have a knee-jerk reaction,” Kryuchenkov added, “especially if there is disappointment with the meeting today.” As for specific gold price levels to keep in mind, Kryuchenkov pointed to $1,680 as a critical support area.
Friday Apple Rumors: Is iPad 3 Release Just Two Months Away?
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tdp2664 InvestorPlace Here are your Apple rumors and AAPL news items for Friday: iPad 3 Coming February 2012? It seems Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ) keeps bumping up when it releases new models of its famous tablet. The original iPad released in April 2010 and was followed by the iPad 2 in March 2011. Word from Business Insider (via All Things Digital ) is that Apple will release its latest model, thought to be called the iPad 3, in February next year . Citi analyst Richard Gardner said in a Thursday note to investors that “several sources” have indicated that the iPad 3 will release just in time for the late Steve Jobs’ Feb. 24 birthday. The iPad 3 is rumored to have a high-resolution screen similar to the patented Retina Display used in the iPhone 4S. Gardner also said in his note that he expects Apple to sell between 12 and 13 million iPads before the end of the holiday quarter. 1.5 Million iPhone 3GSs Sold in Q1 2012: The iPhone 4S is just two months old and consumers already are salivating at the thought of the iPhone 5 expected out next year. The latest and greatest won’t be the only iPhones that continue to sell well for Apple in 2012, though. A Friday article at Tech Radar reported that sources within Apple’s supply chain have said the company will manufacture between 1.4 and 1.6 million iPhone 3GS handsets during the first quarter of next year. While it might be surprising that the nearly three-year-old iPhone model is continuing to reach consumers in such large numbers, Apple has done a fine job of positioning the 3GS as its entry-level phone. As of October, Apple began giving the iPhone 3GS away with two-year contracts with AT&T (NYSE: T ). It’s possible that when Apple releases the iPhone 5 in the back half of 2012, the 3GS will be replaced by the iPhone 4 as Apple’s budget model, predominantly because it can be carried by other telecoms like Verizon (NYSE: VZ ). Motorola Strikes Back Against Apple in Germany: The many competitors that have fallen under Apple’s litigious gaze in the past 12 months are starting to battle back. Samsung (PINK: SSNLF ) recently beat an Apple injunction against its Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet PC in Australia and will start selling the device in that country just in time for Christmas. Now Motorola Mobility (NYSE: MMI ) is the one sticking it to Apple, this time in Germany. According to a report at FOSS Patents (via Apple Insider ), a German court ruled that Apple’s iPhone and iPad infringe on European Patent 1010336 (B1) , a patent held by Motorola relating to smartphone and tablet 3G radio technology. As of this writing, Anthony John Agnello did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned stocks. Follow him on Twitter at
Todays Spot Gold Price Per Gram, Gold Price per ounce; Spot Silver price per ounce; Gold Rates Silver Rate News Today Mid-Day
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dow2664 Trend-line movement for spot gold price per gram and spot silver per gram price was positive prior to today’s opening bell for trading in the U.S. today. Spot gold was higher by .17 and spot silver was higher by .39. Both precious metal price trend-lines moved higher along with the primary stock indicators today. European leaders announced earlier today that a deal had been struck between seventeen of the countries sharing the euro. Measures would be taken to support the euro and economy . This plan could be ready for complete implementation near March. Investors felt a boost of confidence due to this report and trend-lines sloped positively. This was in contrast to the major liquidation process observed earlier in the trading week. The sell-off in gold earlier this week stemmed from the comments made by European Central Bank President Mario Draghi. Draghi initially implied that the European economy was moving towards more negativity, but has since backed off of those comments. The agreement that posted, via the European Leader summit, has pushed trends in a more positive direction. As the trading session reached the mid-day mark today, stock indices were climbing and contract gold and contract silver prices were pushing higher as well. Contract gold for February delivery was higher by .43 percent at 1720.70 per troy ounce according to electronic price posting at mid-day. Silver contract was higher by 2.46 percent at 32.32 per troy ounce according to electronic price post. Spot gold was about break-even at this point and post silver price per ounce was higher by .52 at 32.05. Camillo Zucari
Todays Dow Jones Industrial Average DJIA Index; S&P 500 Index; Nasdaq Index; Stock Market USA Today Investing News Mid-Day
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dow2664 The Dow Jones Industrial Average , alongside the Nasdaq and the S&P 500 , finished the last trading session on the negative side of break-even. Investors remained on edge over fears related to the ongoing eurozone debt crisis. Although the jobless data and unemployment rate recently posted lower in the U.S., the primary indices were still pulled down during the last trading session. Prior to opening bell this session, stock futures were green across the board and stocks were set for the stronger open. The primary indicators in Asia finished red today but the European markets were trending in a positive direction. Positive news posted earlier today relevant to the European leaders’ summit. A contingent of leaders agreed on a new deal to resolve the eurozone debt crisis and support the euro. The new plan is set for March implementation. Indices bumped higher after this news spread today. As the trading session reached the mid-day mark in the U.S., the primary European indicators had closed out the day green across the board. The primary indices in the U.S. were green as well. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was higher by 1.27 percent at 12,150.24. The Nasdaq was higher by 1.41 percent at 2,632.86 and the S&P 500 was higher by .37 percent at 1,251.24 as of the mid-day mark. Frank Matto
Gold, Silver March Higher as EU Leaders Agree on New Treaty
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tdp2664 InvestorPlace Precious metals were moving higher along with stocks Friday morning after falling back to a weekly low of $1,705 an ounce in Asian and London trading. European Union leaders all but unanimously agreed to draft a new, stricter EU treaty that calls for greater fiscal integration among member nations. Silver Standard Resources’ shares were surging higher, though no substantive or company-issued news had crossed the wires. Spot gold was up 0.35%, with a bid price of $1,711.70 and an ask price of 1,712.70 at 10:40 a.m., having traded as high as $1,719.60 and as low as $1,705.80. The London afternoon reference price fix came in at $1,709, $6 an ounce lower than yesterday’s p.m. price fix, according to Kitco market data . Spot silver was up nearly 0.7%, bid at $31.88 with an ask price of $31.98. The morning high as of time of writing was $32.29, and the low was $31.63. Monday’s reference price was set at $32 in the London a.m. All 17 euro zone members — those that use the euro as a common currency — agreed to sign a treaty, along with six others who want to join the eurozone, according to a New York Times report . Sweden and the Czech Republic said they needed to discuss the new treaty within their parties and parliaments. Great Britain was the only government of the 27 EU member nations that refused to sign. “It’s going to be the basis for a good fiscal compact and more discipline in economic policy in the Euro-area members,” European Central Bank (ECB) president Mario Draghi was quoted as saying in a news report following overnight negotiations in Brussels. All 17 euro zone country leaders agreed to automatic sanctions on any member whose annual budget deficit exceeds 3% of GDP. That’s the same cap that was agreed to in 1997, and that’s been breached by all but two eurozone members — Luxembourg and Finland. Adding more firepower to the euro stabilization effort, another 200 billion euros (~$268 billion) is being added to the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), and its implementaion date was moved forward to January 2012. Turning to stock exchange trading, gold and silver trusts were heading higher. The SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE: GLD ) was showing gains of around 0.3%. The iShares Gold Trust (NYSE: IAU ) was up around 0.25%. The iShares Silver Trust (NYSE: SLV ) was moving higher, up around 1.15%-1.35%. Gold and silver mining ETFs were retracing the ground they lost yesterday morning. The Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (NYSE: GDX ) was moving higher, up between 0.4% and 0.5%. The Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (NYSE: GDXJ ) was up some 0.7%. The Global X Silver Miners ETF (NYSE: SIL ) was up more than 2.1%. Gold mining shares were mixed, with Barrick Gold and Goldcorp sliding lower. Agnico-Eagle Mines (NYSE: AEM ) was showing gains of some 0.65%. Barrick Gold (NYSE: ABX ) was down around 0.35%. Goldcorp (NYSE: GG ) was showing losses of around 0.5%. Newmont Mining (NYSE: NEM ) was around 0.6% higher. NovaGold Resources (AMEX: NG ) was between 0.3% and nearly 0.5% higher. Silver mining shares were heading higher, with shares of Silver Standard Resources surging upwards. Coeur d’Alene Mines (NYSE: CDE ) was moving higher, up nearly 1.6%. Hecla Mining (NYSE: HL ) was higher, up some 1.1%. Pan American Silver (NASDAQ: PAAS ) was up between 0.8% and 0.9%. Silver Wheaton (NYSE: SLW ) was showing gains of between 0.8% and 1%. Silver Standard Resources (NASDAQ: SSRI ) was surging higher, up between 5 and 5.8%. A s of this writing, Andrew Burger did not own a share in any of the aforementioned stocks. Adrian Ash of BullionVault contributed to this report.
Survey of Gold Traders Most Bullish Since Early November
A weekly survey of gold traders showed that market participants have turned
noticeably more positive on the yellow metal of late. In Bloombergs latest
weekly gold survey, 18 of 26 respondents said they expect gold prices to rise
next week.
noticeably more positive on the yellow metal of late. In Bloombergs latest
weekly gold survey, 18 of 26 respondents said they expect gold prices to rise
next week.
Top 10 Fastest-Growing NASDAQ Stocks: MMYT, RENT, BONA, BIDU, RLOC, UTHR, SONO, CSOD, QCOR, CTCT (Dec 09, 2011)
Below are the top 10 fastest-growing stocks in the NASDAQ Composite index,
based on the average long-term earnings growth rate estimated by Wall Street
analysts. Two Chinese companies (BONA, BIDU) are on the list. MakeMyTrip Limited
(NASDAQ:MMYT) is the first fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market.
Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 83.0%. This number is based on
the average estimate of 4 brokerage analysts. Rentrak Corporation (NASDAQ:RENT)
is the second fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term
annual EPS growth is expected to be 62.3%. This number is based on the average
estimate of 3 brokerage analysts. Bona Film Group Ltd (ADR) (NASDAQ:BONA) is the
third fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual
EPS growth is expected to be 50.4%. This number is based on the average estimate
of 3 brokerage analysts. Baidu.com, Inc. (ADR) (NASDAQ:BIDU) is the fourth
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 49.7%. This number is based on the average estimate of
15 brokerage analysts. ReachLocal Inc. (NASDAQ:RLOC) is the fifth
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 46.7%. This number is based on the average estimate of
3 brokerage analysts. United Therapeutics Corporation (NASDAQ:UTHR) is the sixth
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 44.8%. This number is based on the average estimate of
6 brokerage analysts. SonoSite, Inc. (NASDAQ:SONO) is the seventh
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 43.6%. This number is based on the average estimate of
5 brokerage analysts. Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSOD) is the eighth
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 43.3%. This number is based on the average estimate of
3 brokerage analysts. Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOR) is the ninth
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 42.3%. This number is based on the average estimate of
4 brokerage analysts. Constant Contact, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTCT) is the 10th
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 40.6%. This number is based on the average estimate of
5 brokerage analysts.
based on the average long-term earnings growth rate estimated by Wall Street
analysts. Two Chinese companies (BONA, BIDU) are on the list. MakeMyTrip Limited
(NASDAQ:MMYT) is the first fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market.
Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 83.0%. This number is based on
the average estimate of 4 brokerage analysts. Rentrak Corporation (NASDAQ:RENT)
is the second fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term
annual EPS growth is expected to be 62.3%. This number is based on the average
estimate of 3 brokerage analysts. Bona Film Group Ltd (ADR) (NASDAQ:BONA) is the
third fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual
EPS growth is expected to be 50.4%. This number is based on the average estimate
of 3 brokerage analysts. Baidu.com, Inc. (ADR) (NASDAQ:BIDU) is the fourth
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 49.7%. This number is based on the average estimate of
15 brokerage analysts. ReachLocal Inc. (NASDAQ:RLOC) is the fifth
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 46.7%. This number is based on the average estimate of
3 brokerage analysts. United Therapeutics Corporation (NASDAQ:UTHR) is the sixth
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 44.8%. This number is based on the average estimate of
6 brokerage analysts. SonoSite, Inc. (NASDAQ:SONO) is the seventh
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 43.6%. This number is based on the average estimate of
5 brokerage analysts. Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSOD) is the eighth
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 43.3%. This number is based on the average estimate of
3 brokerage analysts. Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOR) is the ninth
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 42.3%. This number is based on the average estimate of
4 brokerage analysts. Constant Contact, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTCT) is the 10th
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 40.6%. This number is based on the average estimate of
5 brokerage analysts.
Friday Apple Rumors: Is iPad 3 Release Just Two Months Away?
Here are your Apple rumors and AAPL news items for Friday: iPad 3 Coming
February 2012? It seems Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ) keeps bumping up when it releases
new models of its famous tablet. The original iPad released in April 2010 and
was followed by the iPad 2 in March 2011. Word from Business Insider (via All
Things Digital ) is that Apple will release its latest model, thought to be
called the iPad 3, in February next year . Citi analyst Richard Gardner said in
a Thursday note to investors that several sources have indicated that the iPad 3
will release just in time for the late Steve Jobs Feb. 24 birthday. The iPad 3
is rumored to have a high-resolution screen similar to the patented Retina
Display used in the iPhone 4S. Gardner also said in his note that he expects
Apple to sell between 12 and 13 million iPads before the end of the holiday
quarter. 1.5 Million iPhone 3GSs Sold in Q1 2012: The iPhone 4S is just two
months old and consumers already are salivating at the thought of the iPhone 5
expected out next year. The latest and greatest wont be the only iPhones that
continue to sell well for Apple in 2012, though. A Friday article at Tech Radar
reported that sources within Apples supply chain have said the company will
manufacture between 1.4 and 1.6 million iPhone 3GS handsets during the first
quarter of next year. While it might be surprising that the nearly
three-year-old iPhone model is continuing to reach consumers in such large
numbers, Apple has done a fine job of positioning the 3GS as its entry-level
phone. As of October, Apple began giving the iPhone 3GS away with two-year
contracts with AT&T (NYSE: T ). Its possible that when Apple releases the iPhone
5 in the back half of 2012, the 3GS will be replaced by the iPhone 4 as Apples
budget model, predominantly because it can be carried by other telecoms like
Verizon (NYSE: VZ ). Motorola Strikes Back Against Apple in Germany: The many
competitors that have fallen under Apples litigious gaze in the past 12 months
are starting to battle back. Samsung (PINK: SSNLF ) recently beat an Apple
injunction against its Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet PC in Australia and will start
selling the device in that country just in time for Christmas. Now Motorola
Mobility (NYSE: MMI ) is the one sticking it to Apple, this time in Germany.
According to a report at FOSS Patents (via Apple Insider ), a German court ruled
that Apples iPhone and iPad infringe on European Patent 1010336 (B1) , a patent
held by Motorola relating to smartphone and tablet 3G radio technology. As of
this writing, Anthony John Agnello did not hold a position in any of the
aforementioned stocks. Follow him on Twitter at
February 2012? It seems Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ) keeps bumping up when it releases
new models of its famous tablet. The original iPad released in April 2010 and
was followed by the iPad 2 in March 2011. Word from Business Insider (via All
Things Digital ) is that Apple will release its latest model, thought to be
called the iPad 3, in February next year . Citi analyst Richard Gardner said in
a Thursday note to investors that several sources have indicated that the iPad 3
will release just in time for the late Steve Jobs Feb. 24 birthday. The iPad 3
is rumored to have a high-resolution screen similar to the patented Retina
Display used in the iPhone 4S. Gardner also said in his note that he expects
Apple to sell between 12 and 13 million iPads before the end of the holiday
quarter. 1.5 Million iPhone 3GSs Sold in Q1 2012: The iPhone 4S is just two
months old and consumers already are salivating at the thought of the iPhone 5
expected out next year. The latest and greatest wont be the only iPhones that
continue to sell well for Apple in 2012, though. A Friday article at Tech Radar
reported that sources within Apples supply chain have said the company will
manufacture between 1.4 and 1.6 million iPhone 3GS handsets during the first
quarter of next year. While it might be surprising that the nearly
three-year-old iPhone model is continuing to reach consumers in such large
numbers, Apple has done a fine job of positioning the 3GS as its entry-level
phone. As of October, Apple began giving the iPhone 3GS away with two-year
contracts with AT&T (NYSE: T ). Its possible that when Apple releases the iPhone
5 in the back half of 2012, the 3GS will be replaced by the iPhone 4 as Apples
budget model, predominantly because it can be carried by other telecoms like
Verizon (NYSE: VZ ). Motorola Strikes Back Against Apple in Germany: The many
competitors that have fallen under Apples litigious gaze in the past 12 months
are starting to battle back. Samsung (PINK: SSNLF ) recently beat an Apple
injunction against its Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet PC in Australia and will start
selling the device in that country just in time for Christmas. Now Motorola
Mobility (NYSE: MMI ) is the one sticking it to Apple, this time in Germany.
According to a report at FOSS Patents (via Apple Insider ), a German court ruled
that Apples iPhone and iPad infringe on European Patent 1010336 (B1) , a patent
held by Motorola relating to smartphone and tablet 3G radio technology. As of
this writing, Anthony John Agnello did not hold a position in any of the
aforementioned stocks. Follow him on Twitter at
Gold Shares Rise, IAG Hikes Dividend 25%
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DG365FD46564GFH654FU898 Gold shares moved higher on Friday amid a modest decline in the U.S. dollar and a broad-based rally on Wall Street. The AMEX Gold Bugs Index (HUI) – comprised of many of the world’s largest gold producers – rose 0.8% to 560.46 in mid-day trading. Gold futures posted considerably smaller gains than gold equities, however, as the COMEX February 2012 contract inched higher by just $3.10, or 0.2% to $1,716.50 per ounce. One of the top performing gold stocks in the HUI was IAMGOLD (IAG), which jumped 2.2% to $19.26 per share after the Canadian-based company announced a 25% increase in its annual dividend to $0.25 from $0.20 per share.
How to Profit Off Lower Commodity Prices
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tdp2664 InvestorPlace It's a terrible time to be an agricultural commodity bull. Recessionary fears caused by Europe's debt debacle and the United States’ continued political gridlock have taken the wind out of the sails of risk. The dollar has rallied as investors have flocked to anything stable, and worries about China's "hard landing" still persist. Because of this, a variety of commodities have seen their prices dwindle — but for investors, this might be opening some long-term opportunities not only in the physical commodities themselves, but in those firms that use them. As Europe and the U.S. fail to get their affairs in order, growth has seemed to stall. It's no wonder, then, that economically sensitive commodities have sold off hard over the last few weeks. The broad iPath DJ-UBS Agriculture ETN (NYSE: JJA ) — which tracks a basket of seven agriculture commodities like corn, soybeans, cotton and coffee — currently is trading for about $18 below its 52-week high. Individual agriculture and soft commodities have fared much worst during the past few weeks. Cotton futures suffered double-digit declines in November as demand from China waned. Sugar inventories currently are growing, and the short-term fundamentals are not in the commodity’s favor. Coffee, after two years’ worth of poor crops, is expected to see record production from Brazil. Similarly, the USDA expects grain crops to be on the high side. Expanding supplies coupled with drops in global demand because of recessionary fears does not make a high-price environment. How to Play the Price Drops For investors, the short- to near-term environment for these soft and agricultural commodities is a difficult one. Long-termed portfolios can use this price drop to add funds like the PowerShares DB Agriculture Fund (NYSE: DBA ) or iPath DJ-UBS Cocoa ETN (NYSE: NIB ) to play future demand. Growing populations across the planet ultimately will require more food, and ag/soft commodities will be priced accordingly. However, in the medium term, a better bet might be producers and sellers of finished goods. Realistically, retailers and product producers are unlikely to lower the price of jeans or bread just because commodity prices are down. This will result in higher margins and earnings. The recent 27% decline in cotton should greatly benefit those related to the commodity. Retailer Target (NYSE: TGT ), which earns a good bit of revenue from home goods and apparel, should see profit margins increase. TGT had seen profit margins dip on higher input costs, but CEO Gregg Steinhafel said in a recent Bloomberg interview that "Target will see some relief in 2012" because of the costs of materials falling, and the company "will experience far less inflation" than this year. In addition, underwear maker Hanesbrands (NYSE: HBI ) already has passed on higher prices to stores via longer contracts and should benefit from the price spread. The high cost of coffee hurt J.M. Smucker ‘s (NYSE: SJM ) earnings during the past quarter . Compared to 2010, net income fell by 15% to $127 million. The company produces both Folgers and Dunkin’ Donuts, and with green coffee prices soaring, the company’s gross margins fell to 33.8% from 39.6%. However, with rising coffee crop outputs, J.M. Smucker could find some relief. The company has seen tremendous growth in coffee operations and sales have been rising. Any break in higher coffee prices will serve to help the company. In the meantime, investors are rewarded with a 2.5% dividend. As of this writing, Aaron Levitt did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.
A “Knee-Jerk Reaction”, $1,600 in Gold’s Near Future?
Gold could be facing a bumpy road ahead in the short-term, according to VTB
Capital analyst Andrey Kryuchenkov. In comments made to Reuters , Kryuchenkov
said that European policymakers need to convince the market that the crisis can
be contained. With respect to gold, it is trading completely against the dollar,
moving in the opposite direction and the physical side of the market is very
quietly waiting on the sidelines for a pullback to start buying, he contended.
Gold could have a knee-jerk reaction, Kryuchenkov added, especially if there is
disappointment with the meeting today. As for specific gold price levels to keep
in mind, Kryuchenkov pointed to $1,680 as a critical support area.
Capital analyst Andrey Kryuchenkov. In comments made to Reuters , Kryuchenkov
said that European policymakers need to convince the market that the crisis can
be contained. With respect to gold, it is trading completely against the dollar,
moving in the opposite direction and the physical side of the market is very
quietly waiting on the sidelines for a pullback to start buying, he contended.
Gold could have a knee-jerk reaction, Kryuchenkov added, especially if there is
disappointment with the meeting today. As for specific gold price levels to keep
in mind, Kryuchenkov pointed to $1,680 as a critical support area.
Gold Shares Rise, IAG Hikes Dividend 25%
Gold shares moved higher on Friday amid a modest decline in the U.S. dollar and
a broad-based rally on Wall Street. The AMEX Gold Bugs Index (HUI) comprised of
many of the worlds largest gold producers rose 0.8% to 560.46 in mid-day
trading. Gold futures posted considerably smaller gains than gold equities,
however, as the COMEX February 2012 contract inched higher by just $3.10, or
0.2% to $1,716.50 per ounce. One of the top performing gold stocks in the HUI
was IAMGOLD (IAG), which jumped 2.2% to $19.26 per share after the
Canadian-based company announced a 25% increase in its annual dividend to $0.25
from $0.20 per share.
a broad-based rally on Wall Street. The AMEX Gold Bugs Index (HUI) comprised of
many of the worlds largest gold producers rose 0.8% to 560.46 in mid-day
trading. Gold futures posted considerably smaller gains than gold equities,
however, as the COMEX February 2012 contract inched higher by just $3.10, or
0.2% to $1,716.50 per ounce. One of the top performing gold stocks in the HUI
was IAMGOLD (IAG), which jumped 2.2% to $19.26 per share after the
Canadian-based company announced a 25% increase in its annual dividend to $0.25
from $0.20 per share.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Signs Hewlett Packard Deal
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has signed an agreement with
Hewlett-Packard to deliver cloud services. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)
Signs Hewlett Packard Deal Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has announced a
global, four-year initiative with HP Enterprise Services (NYSE:HPQ) to deliver
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)s leading communications and collaboration
applications via global private and public cloud services. Under the agreement,
HP and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) will offer private and public cloud
solutions designed to help organizations rapidly scale new users, shift IT
resources from maintenance to innovation and change IT from a capital to
operating expense. Mark Hill, vice president, Enterprise Partner Group,
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), said that, Microsoft Corporation
(NASDAQ:MSFT) is committed to putting the unique and ever-evolving needs of
customers at the core of cloud innovation. This alliance with HP not only
broadens Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)s geographic reach, it gives
customers maximum flexibility to choose a cloud computing solution that meets
their organizations specialized messaging and collaboration needs. Microsoft
Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) shares were at 25.4 at the end of the last days trading.
Theres been a -3.1% movement in the stock price over the past 3 months.
Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) Analyst Advice Consensus Opinion: Moderate Buy
Mean recommendation: 1.95 (1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell) 3 Months Ago: 1.74 Zacks
Rank: 28 out of 88 in the industry
Hewlett-Packard to deliver cloud services. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)
Signs Hewlett Packard Deal Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has announced a
global, four-year initiative with HP Enterprise Services (NYSE:HPQ) to deliver
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)s leading communications and collaboration
applications via global private and public cloud services. Under the agreement,
HP and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) will offer private and public cloud
solutions designed to help organizations rapidly scale new users, shift IT
resources from maintenance to innovation and change IT from a capital to
operating expense. Mark Hill, vice president, Enterprise Partner Group,
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), said that, Microsoft Corporation
(NASDAQ:MSFT) is committed to putting the unique and ever-evolving needs of
customers at the core of cloud innovation. This alliance with HP not only
broadens Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)s geographic reach, it gives
customers maximum flexibility to choose a cloud computing solution that meets
their organizations specialized messaging and collaboration needs. Microsoft
Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) shares were at 25.4 at the end of the last days trading.
Theres been a -3.1% movement in the stock price over the past 3 months.
Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) Analyst Advice Consensus Opinion: Moderate Buy
Mean recommendation: 1.95 (1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell) 3 Months Ago: 1.74 Zacks
Rank: 28 out of 88 in the industry
Top 10 Fastest-Growing NASDAQ-100 Stocks: BIDU, WYNN, GMCR, ALXN, PCLN, CELG, AMZN, FFIV, NFLX, ISRG (Dec 09, 2011)
Below are the top 10 fastest-growing stocks in the NASDAQ-100 index, based on
the average long-term earnings growth rate estimated by Wall Street analysts.
One Chinese company (BIDU) is on the list. Baidu.com, Inc. (ADR) (NASDAQ:BIDU)
is the first fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term
annual EPS growth is expected to be 49.7%. This number is based on the average
estimate of 15 brokerage analysts. Wynn Resorts, Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN) is the
second fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual
EPS growth is expected to be 37.9%. This number is based on the average estimate
of 5 brokerage analysts. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. (NASDAQ:GMCR) is
the third fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term
annual EPS growth is expected to be 37.2%. This number is based on the average
estimate of 6 brokerage analysts. Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALXN) is
the fourth fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term
annual EPS growth is expected to be 37.1%. This number is based on the average
estimate of 12 brokerage analysts. priceline.com Incorporated (NASDAQ:PCLN) is
the fifth fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term
annual EPS growth is expected to be 27.0%. This number is based on the average
estimate of 10 brokerage analysts. Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ:CELG) is the
sixth fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual
EPS growth is expected to be 25.3%. This number is based on the average estimate
of 14 brokerage analysts. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) is the seventh
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 21.8%. This number is based on the average estimate of
16 brokerage analysts. F5 Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:FFIV) is the eighth
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 21.4%. This number is based on the average estimate of
17 brokerage analysts. Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) is the ninth fastest-growing
stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected
to be 21.3%. This number is based on the average estimate of 12 brokerage
analysts. Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) is the 10th fastest-growing
stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected
to be 20.4%. This number is based on the average estimate of 10 brokerage
analysts.
the average long-term earnings growth rate estimated by Wall Street analysts.
One Chinese company (BIDU) is on the list. Baidu.com, Inc. (ADR) (NASDAQ:BIDU)
is the first fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term
annual EPS growth is expected to be 49.7%. This number is based on the average
estimate of 15 brokerage analysts. Wynn Resorts, Limited (NASDAQ:WYNN) is the
second fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual
EPS growth is expected to be 37.9%. This number is based on the average estimate
of 5 brokerage analysts. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. (NASDAQ:GMCR) is
the third fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term
annual EPS growth is expected to be 37.2%. This number is based on the average
estimate of 6 brokerage analysts. Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALXN) is
the fourth fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term
annual EPS growth is expected to be 37.1%. This number is based on the average
estimate of 12 brokerage analysts. priceline.com Incorporated (NASDAQ:PCLN) is
the fifth fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term
annual EPS growth is expected to be 27.0%. This number is based on the average
estimate of 10 brokerage analysts. Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ:CELG) is the
sixth fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual
EPS growth is expected to be 25.3%. This number is based on the average estimate
of 14 brokerage analysts. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) is the seventh
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 21.8%. This number is based on the average estimate of
16 brokerage analysts. F5 Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:FFIV) is the eighth
fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS
growth is expected to be 21.4%. This number is based on the average estimate of
17 brokerage analysts. Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) is the ninth fastest-growing
stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected
to be 21.3%. This number is based on the average estimate of 12 brokerage
analysts. Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) is the 10th fastest-growing
stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected
to be 20.4%. This number is based on the average estimate of 10 brokerage
analysts.
Todays Dow Jones Industrial Average DJIA Index; S&P 500 Index; Nasdaq Index; Stock Market USA Today Investing News Mid-Day
The Dow Jones Industrial Average , alongside the Nasdaq and the S&P 500 ,
finished the last trading session on the negative side of break-even. Investors
remained on edge over fears related to the ongoing eurozone debt crisis.
Although the jobless data and unemployment rate recently posted lower in the
U.S., the primary indices were still pulled down during the last trading
session. Prior to opening bell this session, stock futures were green across the
board and stocks were set for the stronger open. The primary indicators in Asia
finished red today but the European markets were trending in a positive
direction. Positive news posted earlier today relevant to the European leaders
summit. A contingent of leaders agreed on a new deal to resolve the eurozone
debt crisis and support the euro. The new plan is set for March implementation.
Indices bumped higher after this news spread today. As the trading session
reached the mid-day mark in the U.S., the primary European indicators had closed
out the day green across the board. The primary indices in the U.S. were green
as well. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was higher by 1.27 percent at
12,150.24. The Nasdaq was higher by 1.41 percent at 2,632.86 and the S&P 500 was
higher by .37 percent at 1,251.24 as of the mid-day mark. Frank Matto
finished the last trading session on the negative side of break-even. Investors
remained on edge over fears related to the ongoing eurozone debt crisis.
Although the jobless data and unemployment rate recently posted lower in the
U.S., the primary indices were still pulled down during the last trading
session. Prior to opening bell this session, stock futures were green across the
board and stocks were set for the stronger open. The primary indicators in Asia
finished red today but the European markets were trending in a positive
direction. Positive news posted earlier today relevant to the European leaders
summit. A contingent of leaders agreed on a new deal to resolve the eurozone
debt crisis and support the euro. The new plan is set for March implementation.
Indices bumped higher after this news spread today. As the trading session
reached the mid-day mark in the U.S., the primary European indicators had closed
out the day green across the board. The primary indices in the U.S. were green
as well. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was higher by 1.27 percent at
12,150.24. The Nasdaq was higher by 1.41 percent at 2,632.86 and the S&P 500 was
higher by .37 percent at 1,251.24 as of the mid-day mark. Frank Matto
Todays Spot Gold Price Per Gram, Gold Price per ounce; Spot Silver price per ounce; Gold Rates Silver Rate News Today Mid-Day
Trend-line movement for spot gold price per gram and spot silver per gram price
was positive prior to todays opening bell for trading in the U.S. today. Spot
gold was higher by .17 and spot silver was higher by .39. Both precious metal
price trend-lines moved higher along with the primary stock indicators today.
European leaders announced earlier today that a deal had been struck between
seventeen of the countries sharing the euro. Measures would be taken to support
the euro and economy . This plan could be ready for complete implementation near
March. Investors felt a boost of confidence due to this report and trend-lines
sloped positively. This was in contrast to the major liquidation process
observed earlier in the trading week. The sell-off in gold earlier this week
stemmed from the comments made by European Central Bank President Mario Draghi.
Draghi initially implied that the European economy was moving towards more
negativity, but has since backed off of those comments. The agreement that
posted, via the European Leader summit, has pushed trends in a more positive
direction. As the trading session reached the mid-day mark today, stock indices
were climbing and contract gold and contract silver prices were pushing higher
as well. Contract gold for February delivery was higher by .43 percent at
1720.70 per troy ounce according to electronic price posting at mid-day. Silver
contract was higher by 2.46 percent at 32.32 per troy ounce according to
electronic price post. Spot gold was about break-even at this point and post
silver price per ounce was higher by .52 at 32.05. Camillo Zucari
was positive prior to todays opening bell for trading in the U.S. today. Spot
gold was higher by .17 and spot silver was higher by .39. Both precious metal
price trend-lines moved higher along with the primary stock indicators today.
European leaders announced earlier today that a deal had been struck between
seventeen of the countries sharing the euro. Measures would be taken to support
the euro and economy . This plan could be ready for complete implementation near
March. Investors felt a boost of confidence due to this report and trend-lines
sloped positively. This was in contrast to the major liquidation process
observed earlier in the trading week. The sell-off in gold earlier this week
stemmed from the comments made by European Central Bank President Mario Draghi.
Draghi initially implied that the European economy was moving towards more
negativity, but has since backed off of those comments. The agreement that
posted, via the European Leader summit, has pushed trends in a more positive
direction. As the trading session reached the mid-day mark today, stock indices
were climbing and contract gold and contract silver prices were pushing higher
as well. Contract gold for February delivery was higher by .43 percent at
1720.70 per troy ounce according to electronic price posting at mid-day. Silver
contract was higher by 2.46 percent at 32.32 per troy ounce according to
electronic price post. Spot gold was about break-even at this point and post
silver price per ounce was higher by .52 at 32.05. Camillo Zucari
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Opens Live Tech Support Website
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has launched its own live tech support
website. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Opens Live Tech Support Website It
has been reported that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has unveiled an
online tech support service. AnswerDesk.com promises a premium tech support
service for those experiencing issues with Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)
products or services and users can access it on the web 24 hours a day, seven
days a week. According to the report the Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)
site allows visitors to choose their own Answer Tech by viewing their profiles
and checking out their expertise and service history. This tech support service
is not free, however, with a virus removal costing $99 and an hour of training
on Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) products costing $49. Microsoft Corp.
(NASDAQ:MSFT) shares were at 25.4 at the end of the last days trading. Theres
been a -3.1% change in the stock price over the past 3 months. Microsoft Corp.
(NASDAQ:MSFT) Analyst Advice Consensus Opinion: Moderate Buy Mean
recommendation: 1.95 (1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell) 3 Months Ago: 1.74 Zacks
Rank: 28 out of 88 in the industry
website. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Opens Live Tech Support Website It
has been reported that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has unveiled an
online tech support service. AnswerDesk.com promises a premium tech support
service for those experiencing issues with Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)
products or services and users can access it on the web 24 hours a day, seven
days a week. According to the report the Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)
site allows visitors to choose their own Answer Tech by viewing their profiles
and checking out their expertise and service history. This tech support service
is not free, however, with a virus removal costing $99 and an hour of training
on Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) products costing $49. Microsoft Corp.
(NASDAQ:MSFT) shares were at 25.4 at the end of the last days trading. Theres
been a -3.1% change in the stock price over the past 3 months. Microsoft Corp.
(NASDAQ:MSFT) Analyst Advice Consensus Opinion: Moderate Buy Mean
recommendation: 1.95 (1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell) 3 Months Ago: 1.74 Zacks
Rank: 28 out of 88 in the industry
Gold, Silver March Higher as EU Leaders Agree on New Treaty
Precious metals were moving higher along with stocks Friday morning after
falling back to a weekly low of $1,705 an ounce in Asian and London trading.
European Union leaders all but unanimously agreed to draft a new, stricter EU
treaty that calls for greater fiscal integration among member nations. Silver
Standard Resources shares were surging higher, though no substantive or
company-issued news had crossed the wires. Spot gold was up 0.35%, with a bid
price of $1,711.70 and an ask price of 1,712.70 at 10:40 a.m., having traded as
high as $1,719.60 and as low as $1,705.80. The London afternoon reference price
fix came in at $1,709, $6 an ounce lower than yesterdays p.m. price fix,
according to Kitco market data . Spot silver was up nearly 0.7%, bid at $31.88
with an ask price of $31.98. The morning high as of time of writing was $32.29,
and the low was $31.63. Mondays reference price was set at $32 in the London
a.m. All 17 euro zone members those that use the euro as a common currency
agreed to sign a treaty, along with six others who want to join the eurozone,
according to a New York Times report . Sweden and the Czech Republic said they
needed to discuss the new treaty within their parties and parliaments. Great
Britain was the only government of the 27 EU member nations that refused to
sign. Its going to be the basis for a good fiscal compact and more discipline in
economic policy in the Euro-area members, European Central Bank (ECB) president
Mario Draghi was quoted as saying in a news report following overnight
negotiations in Brussels. All 17 euro zone country leaders agreed to automatic
sanctions on any member whose annual budget deficit exceeds 3% of GDP. Thats the
same cap that was agreed to in 1997, and thats been breached by all but two
eurozone members Luxembourg and Finland. Adding more firepower to the euro
stabilization effort, another 200 billion euros (~$268 billion) is being added
to the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), and its implementaion date
was moved forward to January 2012. Turning to stock exchange trading, gold and
silver trusts were heading higher. The SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE: GLD ) was showing
gains of around 0.3%. The iShares Gold Trust (NYSE: IAU ) was up around 0.25%.
The iShares Silver Trust (NYSE: SLV ) was moving higher, up around 1.15%-1.35%.
Gold and silver mining ETFs were retracing the ground they lost yesterday
morning. The Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (NYSE: GDX ) was moving higher, up
between 0.4% and 0.5%. The Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (NYSE: GDXJ )
was up some 0.7%. The Global X Silver Miners ETF (NYSE: SIL ) was up more than
2.1%. Gold mining shares were mixed, with Barrick Gold and Goldcorp sliding
lower. Agnico-Eagle Mines (NYSE: AEM ) was showing gains of some 0.65%. Barrick
Gold (NYSE: ABX ) was down around 0.35%. Goldcorp (NYSE: GG ) was showing losses
of around 0.5%. Newmont Mining (NYSE: NEM ) was around 0.6% higher. NovaGold
Resources (AMEX: NG ) was between 0.3% and nearly 0.5% higher. Silver mining
shares were heading higher, with shares of Silver Standard Resources surging
upwards. Coeur dAlene Mines (NYSE: CDE ) was moving higher, up nearly 1.6%.
Hecla Mining (NYSE: HL ) was higher, up some 1.1%. Pan American Silver (NASDAQ:
PAAS ) was up between 0.8% and 0.9%. Silver Wheaton (NYSE: SLW ) was showing
gains of between 0.8% and 1%. Silver Standard Resources (NASDAQ: SSRI ) was
surging higher, up between 5 and 5.8%. A s of this writing, Andrew Burger did
not own a share in any of the aforementioned stocks. Adrian Ash of BullionVault
contributed to this report.
falling back to a weekly low of $1,705 an ounce in Asian and London trading.
European Union leaders all but unanimously agreed to draft a new, stricter EU
treaty that calls for greater fiscal integration among member nations. Silver
Standard Resources shares were surging higher, though no substantive or
company-issued news had crossed the wires. Spot gold was up 0.35%, with a bid
price of $1,711.70 and an ask price of 1,712.70 at 10:40 a.m., having traded as
high as $1,719.60 and as low as $1,705.80. The London afternoon reference price
fix came in at $1,709, $6 an ounce lower than yesterdays p.m. price fix,
according to Kitco market data . Spot silver was up nearly 0.7%, bid at $31.88
with an ask price of $31.98. The morning high as of time of writing was $32.29,
and the low was $31.63. Mondays reference price was set at $32 in the London
a.m. All 17 euro zone members those that use the euro as a common currency
agreed to sign a treaty, along with six others who want to join the eurozone,
according to a New York Times report . Sweden and the Czech Republic said they
needed to discuss the new treaty within their parties and parliaments. Great
Britain was the only government of the 27 EU member nations that refused to
sign. Its going to be the basis for a good fiscal compact and more discipline in
economic policy in the Euro-area members, European Central Bank (ECB) president
Mario Draghi was quoted as saying in a news report following overnight
negotiations in Brussels. All 17 euro zone country leaders agreed to automatic
sanctions on any member whose annual budget deficit exceeds 3% of GDP. Thats the
same cap that was agreed to in 1997, and thats been breached by all but two
eurozone members Luxembourg and Finland. Adding more firepower to the euro
stabilization effort, another 200 billion euros (~$268 billion) is being added
to the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), and its implementaion date
was moved forward to January 2012. Turning to stock exchange trading, gold and
silver trusts were heading higher. The SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE: GLD ) was showing
gains of around 0.3%. The iShares Gold Trust (NYSE: IAU ) was up around 0.25%.
The iShares Silver Trust (NYSE: SLV ) was moving higher, up around 1.15%-1.35%.
Gold and silver mining ETFs were retracing the ground they lost yesterday
morning. The Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (NYSE: GDX ) was moving higher, up
between 0.4% and 0.5%. The Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (NYSE: GDXJ )
was up some 0.7%. The Global X Silver Miners ETF (NYSE: SIL ) was up more than
2.1%. Gold mining shares were mixed, with Barrick Gold and Goldcorp sliding
lower. Agnico-Eagle Mines (NYSE: AEM ) was showing gains of some 0.65%. Barrick
Gold (NYSE: ABX ) was down around 0.35%. Goldcorp (NYSE: GG ) was showing losses
of around 0.5%. Newmont Mining (NYSE: NEM ) was around 0.6% higher. NovaGold
Resources (AMEX: NG ) was between 0.3% and nearly 0.5% higher. Silver mining
shares were heading higher, with shares of Silver Standard Resources surging
upwards. Coeur dAlene Mines (NYSE: CDE ) was moving higher, up nearly 1.6%.
Hecla Mining (NYSE: HL ) was higher, up some 1.1%. Pan American Silver (NASDAQ:
PAAS ) was up between 0.8% and 0.9%. Silver Wheaton (NYSE: SLW ) was showing
gains of between 0.8% and 1%. Silver Standard Resources (NASDAQ: SSRI ) was
surging higher, up between 5 and 5.8%. A s of this writing, Andrew Burger did
not own a share in any of the aforementioned stocks. Adrian Ash of BullionVault
contributed to this report.
Alacer Gold Receives “Vote of Confidence”
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
DG365FD46564GFH654FU898 Alacer Gold (ASR.TSX) announced that it has received notice from Lidya Madencilik San. ve Tic. A. Ş., (Lidya Mining), a subsidiary of Çalık Holding A.Ş., that it is exercising its call right pursuant to a shareholders’ agreement to subscribe for a further 15% of the issued and outstanding shares of Anagold Madencilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. (Anagold) for $37.8 million. Highlights: * Anagold, a subsidiary of the Company, conducts the Company’s primary development and extraction activities for the Çöpler gold operations in Turkey * The purchase of the 15% of the issued and outstanding shares of Anagold will increase Lidya Mining’s holdings in Anagold to 20% and is expected to close within 30-60 days * The shareholders’ agreement among the Company, Kurudere Madencilik A.Ş., Anagold, Lidya Mining and Çalık Holding A.Ş. is dated August 12, 2009 and is available on SEDAR at
Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) Shows Off New Money Network
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
tdp2664 E money daily Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) Merchant Services has launched a new Money Network® Solution. Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) Shows Off New Money Network Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) Merchant Services have announced the launch of the Money Network® Payroll Distribution Service. The service, sponsored by Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC), reduces payroll fees and promotes safe bank services. Tom Bell, chief executive officer, Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) Merchant Services, said that, "Employee acceptance and enthusiasm are necessary before employers can realize the benefits of a completely electronic payroll distribution. The Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC)-branded Money Network® Paycard and the Money Network™ Check enable employers to introduce a payroll distribution program with immediate appeal and recognition for all of their employees". Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:BAC) shares were at 5.59 at the end of the last day’s trading. There’s been a -22.4% movement in the stock price over the past 3 months. Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:BAC) Analyst Advice Consensus Opinion: Hold Mean recommendation: 2.25 (1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell) 3 Months Ago: 2.33 Zack’s Rank: 4 out of 15 in the industry
Top 10 Fastest-Growing U.S.-Listed Chinese Stocks: April 29, 2011, YOKU, MPEL, QIHU, DANG, BONA, BIDU, NOAH, NQ, CHU (Dec 09, 2011)
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
tdp2664 China Analyst Below are the top 10 fastest-growing U.S.-listed Chinese stocks, based on the average long-term earnings growth rate estimated by Wall Street analysts. Jiayuan.com International Ltd (NASDAQ:DATE) is the first fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 60.3%. This number is based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage analysts. Youku.com Inc (ADR) (NYSE:YOKU) is the second fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 56.9%. This number is based on the average estimate of 3 brokerage analysts. Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd (ADR) (NASDAQ:MPEL) is the third fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 56.3%. This number is based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage analysts. Qihoo 360 Technology Co Ltd (NYSE:QIHU) is the fourth fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 56.0%. This number is based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage analysts. E Commerce China Dangdang Inc (ADR) (NYSE:DANG) is the fifth fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 53.3%. This number is based on the average estimate of 3 brokerage analysts. Bona Film Group Ltd (ADR) (NASDAQ:BONA) is the sixth fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 50.4%. This number is based on the average estimate of 3 brokerage analysts. Baidu.com, Inc. (ADR) (NASDAQ:BIDU) is the seventh fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 49.7%. This number is based on the average estimate of 15 brokerage analysts. Noah Holdings Limited (ADR) (NYSE:NOAH) is the eighth fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 42.4%. This number is based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage analysts. NetQin Mobile Inc (NYSE:NQ) is the ninth fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 40.0%. This number is based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage analysts. China Unicom (Hong Kong) Limited (ADR) (NYSE:CHU) is the 10th fastest-growing stock in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 32.5%. This number is based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage analysts.
Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Employing Privacy Team
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
tdp2664 E money daily Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) has employed a team to avoid US privacy regulations. Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Employing Privacy Team Reports say a team of 60 members is working at Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) to handle privacy issues to avoid US privacy regulations. The team is dedicated to working on all company products to avoid any issues. The company is also employing Ann Toth to oversee privacy issues in Google+. Keith Enright, Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) senior privacy counsel, said, "The size of the teams is an indication of what’s required today to keep pace with data privacy issues. People used to believe you could dip into privacy issues now and again. We’ve decided that’s not possible any more. There is no ability to dabble in privacy". Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) shares are currently standing at 616.05. Price History Last Price: 616.05 52 Week Low / High: 473.02 / 642.96 50 Day Moving Average: 580.91 6 Month Price Change %: 19.2% 12 Month Price Change %: 4.3%
Invest in the Biggest Trend in Health Care Now
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
tdp2664 InvestorPlace If I asked you to name the biggest game-changer in health care right now, you probably would think of things like personalized medicine, robotic surgery, high-resolution imaging or breakthrough treatments. They all would be good answers, as they certainly are changing the game and are a big reason why health care is such an interesting and profitable area in which to invest. Another answer that most people don't realize is a change in the way urgent care is delivered. I'm talking about the shift to what are called "hospitalists." That might not sound as exciting as a monoclonal antibody that targets cancer like a smart bomb, but hospitalists are the fastest-growing medical specialty right now, and the company I'm recommending to you is an innovative leader in that industry. Hospitalists, if you're not familiar with the term, are doctors who work at a hospital or other health care facility and manage the care of patients at the facility. The days of your regular doctor "making rounds" are pretty well over. The reason, as I'm sure you can guess, is economics. Managed care has cut payments to physicians, so they make up the shortfall by seeing as many patients as they can in the office (sometimes too many!), which doesn't leave time for hospital visits. That's where hospitalists come in. The term was coined in an article in The New England Journal of Medicine 15 years ago — around the time this specialty was coming into being. Since the mid-1990s, the number of hospitalists has grown nearly 6,000% from 500 to 30,000. In addition to primary care physicians benefiting from the additional time in the office, the hospitals also have financial incentives to use a hospitalist system because it gives them tighter control over care management and the use of hospital resources. Change always is unsettling, and there are some who are not fans of hospitalists — mainly because they feel personal physicians are less involved with their patients' care at critical times. There also is a risk that the quality of a patient's care can be muddled with the involvement of many doctors. When executed well, though, the hospitalist system has advantages. Since the hospital is their office, hospitalists sometimes visit patients twice a day, and they are more readily available to meet with the patients' families, follow up on tests and coordinate care among specialists. No matter how you feel about hospitalists, the important point for us as investors is that they are here to stay, and their use should continue to increase. The best pure play is IPC The Hospitalist Company, Inc. (NASDAQ: IPCM ), which has a fantastic growth record that is likely to continue well into the future. Here’s why:
Gold Price Hovers Near Unchanged as ECB Hardens Stance
GOLD PRICE NEWS – The gold price, at $1,712 per ounce, hovered near unchanged
Friday.
Friday.
Top 10 Fastest-Growing U.S.-Listed Chinese Stocks: December 9, 2011, YOKU, MPEL, QIHU, DANG, BONA, BIDU, NOAH, NQ, CHU (Dec 09, 2011)
Below are the top 10 fastest-growing U.S.-listed Chinese stocks, based on the
average long-term earnings growth rate estimated by Wall Street analysts.
Jiayuan.com International Ltd (NASDAQ:DATE) is the first fastest-growing stock
in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be
60.3%. This number is based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage analysts.
Youku.com Inc (ADR) (NYSE:YOKU) is the second fastest-growing stock in this
segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 56.9%.
This number is based on the average estimate of 3 brokerage analysts. Melco
Crown Entertainment Ltd (ADR) (NASDAQ:MPEL) is the third fastest-growing stock
in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be
56.3%. This number is based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage analysts.
Qihoo 360 Technology Co Ltd (NYSE:QIHU) is the fourth fastest-growing stock in
this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be
56.0%. This number is based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage analysts. E
Commerce China Dangdang Inc (ADR) (NYSE:DANG) is the fifth fastest-growing stock
in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be
53.3%. This number is based on the average estimate of 3 brokerage analysts.
Bona Film Group Ltd (ADR) (NASDAQ:BONA) is the sixth fastest-growing stock in
this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be
50.4%. This number is based on the average estimate of 3 brokerage analysts.
Baidu.com, Inc. (ADR) (NASDAQ:BIDU) is the seventh fastest-growing stock in this
segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 49.7%.
This number is based on the average estimate of 15 brokerage analysts. Noah
Holdings Limited (ADR) (NYSE:NOAH) is the eighth fastest-growing stock in this
segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 42.4%.
This number is based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage analysts. NetQin
Mobile Inc (NYSE:NQ) is the ninth fastest-growing stock in this segment of the
market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 40.0%. This number is
based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage analysts. China Unicom (Hong Kong)
Limited (ADR) (NYSE:CHU) is the 10th fastest-growing stock in this segment of
the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 32.5%. This number
is based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage analysts.
average long-term earnings growth rate estimated by Wall Street analysts.
Jiayuan.com International Ltd (NASDAQ:DATE) is the first fastest-growing stock
in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be
60.3%. This number is based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage analysts.
Youku.com Inc (ADR) (NYSE:YOKU) is the second fastest-growing stock in this
segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 56.9%.
This number is based on the average estimate of 3 brokerage analysts. Melco
Crown Entertainment Ltd (ADR) (NASDAQ:MPEL) is the third fastest-growing stock
in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be
56.3%. This number is based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage analysts.
Qihoo 360 Technology Co Ltd (NYSE:QIHU) is the fourth fastest-growing stock in
this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be
56.0%. This number is based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage analysts. E
Commerce China Dangdang Inc (ADR) (NYSE:DANG) is the fifth fastest-growing stock
in this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be
53.3%. This number is based on the average estimate of 3 brokerage analysts.
Bona Film Group Ltd (ADR) (NASDAQ:BONA) is the sixth fastest-growing stock in
this segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be
50.4%. This number is based on the average estimate of 3 brokerage analysts.
Baidu.com, Inc. (ADR) (NASDAQ:BIDU) is the seventh fastest-growing stock in this
segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 49.7%.
This number is based on the average estimate of 15 brokerage analysts. Noah
Holdings Limited (ADR) (NYSE:NOAH) is the eighth fastest-growing stock in this
segment of the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 42.4%.
This number is based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage analysts. NetQin
Mobile Inc (NYSE:NQ) is the ninth fastest-growing stock in this segment of the
market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 40.0%. This number is
based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage analysts. China Unicom (Hong Kong)
Limited (ADR) (NYSE:CHU) is the 10th fastest-growing stock in this segment of
the market. Its long-term annual EPS growth is expected to be 32.5%. This number
is based on the average estimate of 2 brokerage analysts.
Invest in the Biggest Trend in Health Care Now
If I asked you to name the biggest game-changer in health care right now, you
probably would think of things like personalized medicine, robotic surgery,
high-resolution imaging or breakthrough treatments. They all would be good
answers, as they certainly are changing the game and are a big reason why health
care is such an interesting and profitable area in which to invest. Another
answer that most people don't realize is a change in the way urgent care is
delivered. I'm talking about the shift to what are called "hospitalists."
That might not sound as exciting as a monoclonal antibody that targets cancer
like a smart bomb, but hospitalists are the fastest-growing medical specialty
right now, and the company I'm recommending to you is an innovative leader in
that industry. Hospitalists, if you're not familiar with the term, are doctors
who work at a hospital or other health care facility and manage the care of
patients at the facility. The days of your regular doctor "making rounds"
are pretty well over. The reason, as I'm sure you can guess, is economics.
Managed care has cut payments to physicians, so they make up the shortfall by
seeing as many patients as they can in the office (sometimes too many!), which
doesn't leave time for hospital visits. That's where hospitalists come in.
The term was coined in an article in The New England Journal of Medicine 15
years ago around the time this specialty was coming into being. Since the
mid-1990s, the number of hospitalists has grown nearly 6,000% from 500 to
30,000. In addition to primary care physicians benefiting from the additional
time in the office, the hospitals also have financial incentives to use a
hospitalist system because it gives them tighter control over care management
and the use of hospital resources. Change always is unsettling, and there are
some who are not fans of hospitalists mainly because they feel personal
physicians are less involved with their patients' care at critical times.
There also is a risk that the quality of a patient's care can be muddled with
the involvement of many doctors. When executed well, though, the hospitalist
system has advantages. Since the hospital is their office, hospitalists
sometimes visit patients twice a day, and they are more readily available to
meet with the patients' families, follow up on tests and coordinate care among
specialists. No matter how you feel about hospitalists, the important point for
us as investors is that they are here to stay, and their use should continue to
increase. The best pure play is IPC The Hospitalist Company, Inc. (NASDAQ: IPCM
), which has a fantastic growth record that is likely to continue well into the
future. Heres why:
probably would think of things like personalized medicine, robotic surgery,
high-resolution imaging or breakthrough treatments. They all would be good
answers, as they certainly are changing the game and are a big reason why health
care is such an interesting and profitable area in which to invest. Another
answer that most people don't realize is a change in the way urgent care is
delivered. I'm talking about the shift to what are called "hospitalists."
That might not sound as exciting as a monoclonal antibody that targets cancer
like a smart bomb, but hospitalists are the fastest-growing medical specialty
right now, and the company I'm recommending to you is an innovative leader in
that industry. Hospitalists, if you're not familiar with the term, are doctors
who work at a hospital or other health care facility and manage the care of
patients at the facility. The days of your regular doctor "making rounds"
are pretty well over. The reason, as I'm sure you can guess, is economics.
Managed care has cut payments to physicians, so they make up the shortfall by
seeing as many patients as they can in the office (sometimes too many!), which
doesn't leave time for hospital visits. That's where hospitalists come in.
The term was coined in an article in The New England Journal of Medicine 15
years ago around the time this specialty was coming into being. Since the
mid-1990s, the number of hospitalists has grown nearly 6,000% from 500 to
30,000. In addition to primary care physicians benefiting from the additional
time in the office, the hospitals also have financial incentives to use a
hospitalist system because it gives them tighter control over care management
and the use of hospital resources. Change always is unsettling, and there are
some who are not fans of hospitalists mainly because they feel personal
physicians are less involved with their patients' care at critical times.
There also is a risk that the quality of a patient's care can be muddled with
the involvement of many doctors. When executed well, though, the hospitalist
system has advantages. Since the hospital is their office, hospitalists
sometimes visit patients twice a day, and they are more readily available to
meet with the patients' families, follow up on tests and coordinate care among
specialists. No matter how you feel about hospitalists, the important point for
us as investors is that they are here to stay, and their use should continue to
increase. The best pure play is IPC The Hospitalist Company, Inc. (NASDAQ: IPCM
), which has a fantastic growth record that is likely to continue well into the
future. Heres why:
Alacer Gold Receives “Vote of Confidence”
Alacer Gold (ASR.TSX) announced that it has received notice from Lidya
Madencilik San. ve Tic. A. Ş., (Lidya Mining), a subsidiary of Çalık Holding
A.Ş., that it is exercising its call right pursuant to a shareholders agreement
to subscribe for a further 15% of the issued and outstanding shares of Anagold
Madencilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. (Anagold) for $37.8 million. Highlights: *
Anagold, a subsidiary of the Company, conducts the Companys primary development
and extraction activities for the Çöpler gold operations in Turkey * The
purchase of the 15% of the issued and outstanding shares of Anagold will
increase Lidya Minings holdings in Anagold to 20% and is expected to close
within 30-60 days * The shareholders agreement among the Company, Kurudere
Madencilik A.Ş., Anagold, Lidya Mining and Çalık Holding A.Ş. is dated
August 12, 2009 and is available on SEDAR at
Madencilik San. ve Tic. A. Ş., (Lidya Mining), a subsidiary of Çalık Holding
A.Ş., that it is exercising its call right pursuant to a shareholders agreement
to subscribe for a further 15% of the issued and outstanding shares of Anagold
Madencilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. (Anagold) for $37.8 million. Highlights: *
Anagold, a subsidiary of the Company, conducts the Companys primary development
and extraction activities for the Çöpler gold operations in Turkey * The
purchase of the 15% of the issued and outstanding shares of Anagold will
increase Lidya Minings holdings in Anagold to 20% and is expected to close
within 30-60 days * The shareholders agreement among the Company, Kurudere
Madencilik A.Ş., Anagold, Lidya Mining and Çalık Holding A.Ş. is dated
August 12, 2009 and is available on SEDAR at
Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Employing Privacy Team
Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) has employed a team to avoid US privacy regulations.
Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Employing Privacy Team Reports say a team of 60
members is working at Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) to handle privacy issues to
avoid US privacy regulations. The team is dedicated to working on all company
products to avoid any issues. The company is also employing Ann Toth to oversee
privacy issues in Google+. Keith Enright, Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) senior
privacy counsel, said, "The size of the teams is an indication of whats
required today to keep pace with data privacy issues. People used to believe you
could dip into privacy issues now and again. Weve decided thats not possible any
more. There is no ability to dabble in privacy". Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG)
shares are currently standing at 616.05. Price History Last Price: 616.05 52
Week Low / High: 473.02 / 642.96 50 Day Moving Average: 580.91 6 Month Price
Change %: 19.2% 12 Month Price Change %: 4.3%
Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Employing Privacy Team Reports say a team of 60
members is working at Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) to handle privacy issues to
avoid US privacy regulations. The team is dedicated to working on all company
products to avoid any issues. The company is also employing Ann Toth to oversee
privacy issues in Google+. Keith Enright, Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) senior
privacy counsel, said, "The size of the teams is an indication of whats
required today to keep pace with data privacy issues. People used to believe you
could dip into privacy issues now and again. Weve decided thats not possible any
more. There is no ability to dabble in privacy". Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG)
shares are currently standing at 616.05. Price History Last Price: 616.05 52
Week Low / High: 473.02 / 642.96 50 Day Moving Average: 580.91 6 Month Price
Change %: 19.2% 12 Month Price Change %: 4.3%
Gold & Silver Prices – Daily Outlook December 9
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
DG365FD46564GFH654FU898 Gold and silver prices changed direction again and sharply declined along with the rest of the financial markets such as the crude oil market and the European and American stock markets. The ECB rate decision and the press conference that followed in which the ECB President Draghi
A Biotech Breakout; 3 Stocks Under $2 To Preparing For Flight
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
tdp2664 Penny Stock Live Adeona Pharmaceuticals Inc. ( AMEX:AEN ) operates as a pharmaceutical company that develops medicines for central nervous systems. It primarily focuses on licensing product candidates that have demonstrated a certain level of clinical efficacy and develop them further to commercial collaboration stage. A recent 157% move from $.49 to $1.26 illustrates why small caps can be so lucrative is you can time the swing right. The market cap is tiny on AEN at $35.44 million and it has a Beta of 2.27 which is right in my wheelhouse. Above all 3 major Moving Averages, the chart below shows how I might try to trade AEN from here. I am long biased on Adeona off either the trendline or the $1 dollar range with
The Only Way This Market Can be Saved
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
tdp2664 InvestorPlace Stocks took a nosedive yesterday when the European Central Bank failed to commit to a program of purchasing government bonds. And the bank's chief, Mario Draghi, added that it was unlikely that any further loans would be made to the International Monetary Fund.
Chemed Corp. Issues New Sell Signal
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
tdp2664 InvestorPlace Chemed Corp. (NASDAQ: CHE ) — is a diversified health care facilities company that operates through two subsidiaries, VITAS Healthcare and Roto-Rooter Group. Although it beat Q3 estimates by 9.09%, the stock has not been able to break from its long-term bear market. And last week, two law firms announced that an investigation into alleged Medicare and Medicaid fraud amounting to millions of dollars was filed against the company. Technically the stock broke down from a consolidation at $52, and a weak rebound failed to close above its 50-day moving average — a negative sign. Note that the stochastic's fast line (red) issued a new sell signal and, thus, the low at $48.10 will probably be broken. The downside target for short sellers and buyers of put options is $43. Click to Enlarge
Gold Prices Rise as Europe Delivers a Plan
XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF
gol2664 Negocioenlinea Gold Prices Rise as Europe Delivers a Plan TheStreet.com – 34 minutes ago By Alix Steel 12/09/11 – 07:33 AM EST NEW YORK (TheStreet ) — Gold prices were climbing higher along with the euro as 23 European countries agreed to tighter fiscal union. Gold for February …
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