Top 10 Best-Performing U.S.-Listed Chinese Stocks in Q4 2011: AUTCF, CAST, SFUN, HOLI, SNDA, ISS, VIT, LDK, RDA, HNP

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tdp2664 China Analyst Below are the top 10 best-performing U.S.-listed Chinese stocks for the past quarter. AutoChina International Limited (NASDAQ:AUTCF) is the 1st best-performing stock last quarter in this segment of the market. It was up 128.3% for the quarter. It was up 16.7% in the past month. Chinacast Education Corporation (NASDAQ:CAST) is the 2nd best-performing stock last quarter in this segment of the market. It was up 65.9% for the quarter. It was up 23.4% in the past month. SouFun Holdings Limited (ADR) (NYSE:SFUN) is the 3rd best-performing stock last quarter in this segment of the market. It was up 43.4% for the quarter. It was up 12.6% in the past month. Hollysys Automation Technologies Ltd (NASDAQ:HOLI) is the 4th best-performing stock last quarter in this segment of the market. It was up 42.5% for the quarter. It was down 6.0% in the past month. Shanda Interactive Entertainment Ltd ADR (NASDAQ:SNDA) is the 5th best-performing stock last quarter in this segment of the market. It was up 35.4% for the quarter. It was down 0.2% in the past month. iSoftStone Holdings Ltd (ADR) (NYSE:ISS) is the 6th best-performing stock last quarter in this segment of the market. It was up 34.8% for the quarter. It was down 1.4% in the past month. VanceInfo Technologies Inc.(ADR) (NYSE:VIT) is the 7th best-performing stock last quarter in this segment of the market. It was up 34.8% for the quarter. It was down 18.1% in the past month. LDK Solar Co., Ltd (ADR) (NYSE:LDK) is the 8th best-performing stock last quarter in this segment of the market. It was up 34.3% for the quarter. It was up 18.0% in the past month. Rda Microelectronics Inc (ADR) (NASDAQ:RDA) is the 9th best-performing stock last quarter in this segment of the market. It was up 29.4% for the quarter. It was down 7.8% in the past month. Huaneng Power International, Inc. (ADR) (NYSE:HNP) is the 10th best-performing stock last quarter in this segment of the market. It was up 24.9% for the quarter. It was down 1.2% in the past month.

Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Turns Down Siri For Android

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tdp2664 E money daily Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) has removed a fake 'Siri for Android' app from the Android Marketplace. Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Turns Down Siri For Android The search giant Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) has removed a counterfeit Siri app from Android Marketplace as soon as the company noticed the application. The fake 'Siri for Android' claimed to be produced by Official Software. Siri is Apple's voice recognition software running on its new smartphone, the iPhone 4S, and a number of counterfeit apps have appeared since the phone’s release. The fake app was launched on Dec. 28 in Android Marketplace. Usually, Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) does not filter its app store, however the company removed the app from the Marketplace as it infringed Apple copyright. Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) shares were at 645.9 at the end of the last day’s trading. There’s been a 25.4% movement in the stock price over the past 3 months. Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Analyst Advice Consensus Opinion: Moderate Buy Mean recommendation: 1.17 (1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell) 3 Months Ago: 1.1 Zack’s Rank: 2 out of 29 in the industry

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Designer Given Royal Approval

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tdp2664 E money daily Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)'s design chief has been recognized by the British monarchy in the New Year honours list. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Designer Given Royal Approval Jonathan Paul Ive, a British citizen and head of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)'s design team since the mid-'90s has been awarded a Knighthood in the New Year Honours by the Queen for 'services to design and enterprise'. Prior to this, he was awarded a Commander of the British Empire honour in 2006 for achievements in British design and innovation. Jonathan Paul Ive, senior vice president of industrial design at Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) said, "To be recognized with this honour is absolutely thrilling and I am both humbled and sincerely grateful. I discovered at an early age that all I've ever wanted to do is design. I feel enormously fortunate that I continue to be able to design and make products with a truly remarkable group of people here at Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)." Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) company shares are currently standing at 405. Price History Last Price: 405 52 Week Low / High: 310.5 / 426.7 50 Day Moving Average: 390.79 6 Month Price Change %: 18.0% 12 Month Price Change %: 25.1%

Swinging A Bankrupt And Delisted Stock Can Be Profitable

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tdp2664 Penny Stock Live To watch in HD, first expand the video and then select 1080p in your settings just below the chart.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Designer Given Royal Approval

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)'s design chief has been recognized by the British
monarchy in the New Year honours list. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Designer Given
Royal Approval Jonathan Paul Ive, a British citizen and head of Apple Inc.
(NASDAQ:AAPL)'s design team since the mid-'90s has been awarded a Knighthood
in the New Year Honours by the Queen for 'services to design and
enterprise'. Prior to this, he was awarded a Commander of the British Empire
honour in 2006 for achievements in British design and innovation. Jonathan Paul
Ive, senior vice president of industrial design at Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)
said, "To be recognized with this honour is absolutely thrilling and I am both
humbled and sincerely grateful. I discovered at an early age that all I've
ever wanted to do is design. I feel enormously fortunate that I continue to be
able to design and make products with a truly remarkable group of people here at
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)." Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) company shares are
currently standing at 405. Price History Last Price: 405 52 Week Low / High:
310.5 / 426.7 50 Day Moving Average: 390.79 6 Month Price Change %: 18.0% 12
Month Price Change %: 25.1%

Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Turns Down Siri For Android

Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) has removed a fake 'Siri for Android' app from
the Android Marketplace. Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Turns Down Siri For Android
The search giant Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) has removed a counterfeit Siri app
from Android Marketplace as soon as the company noticed the application. The
fake 'Siri for Android' claimed to be produced by Official Software. Siri is
Apple's voice recognition software running on its new smartphone, the iPhone
4S, and a number of counterfeit apps have appeared since the phones release. The
fake app was launched on Dec. 28 in Android Marketplace. Usually, Google Inc.
(NASDAQ:GOOG) does not filter its app store, however the company removed the app
from the Marketplace as it infringed Apple copyright. Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG)
shares were at 645.9 at the end of the last days trading. Theres been a 25.4%
movement in the stock price over the past 3 months. Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG)
Analyst Advice Consensus Opinion: Moderate Buy Mean recommendation: 1.17
(1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell) 3 Months Ago: 1.1 Zacks Rank: 2 out of 29 in the
industry

Top 10 Micro Cap Stocks with Highest Return on Assets: ISIG, ZIXI, DEPO, PZN, VALV, VALU, CBRX, WSTL, BSTC, SCEI (Jan 02, 2012)

Below are the top 10 Micro Cap stocks with highest Return on Assets ratio (ROA)
for the last 12 months. ROA shows a companys efficiency in making profits from
its assets. It is equal to net profits divided by total assets. Two Chinese
companies (VALV, SCEI) are on the list. Insignia Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISIG) has
the 1st highest Return on Assets in this segment of the market. Its ROA was
186.39% for the last 12 months. Its Asset Turnover ratio (revenue divided by
assets) was 0.65 for the same period. Zix Corporation (NASDAQ:ZIXI) has the 2nd
highest Return on Assets in this segment of the market. Its ROA was 99.91% for
the last 12 months. Its Asset Turnover ratio (revenue divided by assets) was
0.83 for the same period. DepoMed, Inc. (NASDAQ:DEPO) has the 3rd highest Return
on Assets in this segment of the market. Its ROA was 66.04% for the last 12
months. Its Asset Turnover ratio (revenue divided by assets) was 1.08 for the
same period. Pzena Investment Management, Inc. (NYSE:PZN) has the 4th highest
Return on Assets in this segment of the market. Its ROA was 61.88% for the last
12 months. Its Asset Turnover ratio (revenue divided by assets) was 1.33 for the
same period. Shengkai Innovations, Inc. (NASDAQ:VALV) has the 5th highest Return
on Assets in this segment of the market. Its ROA was 58.41% for the last 12
months. Its Asset Turnover ratio (revenue divided by assets) was 0.75 for the
same period. Value Line, Inc. (NASDAQ:VALU) has the 6th highest Return on Assets
in this segment of the market. Its ROA was 55.12% for the last 12 months. Its
Asset Turnover ratio (revenue divided by assets) was 0.58 for the same period.
Columbia Laboratories Inc. (NASDAQ:CBRX) has the 7th highest Return on Assets in
this segment of the market. Its ROA was 53.28% for the last 12 months. Its Asset
Turnover ratio (revenue divided by assets) was 1.62 for the same period. Westell
Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:WSTL) has the 8th highest Return on Assets in this
segment of the market. Its ROA was 50.13% for the last 12 months. Its Asset
Turnover ratio (revenue divided by assets) was 0.98 for the same period.
BioSpecifics Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ:BSTC) has the 9th highest Return on
Assets in this segment of the market. Its ROA was 48.91% for the last 12 months.
Its Asset Turnover ratio (revenue divided by assets) was 0.73 for the same
period. Sino Clean Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:SCEI) has the 10th highest Return on
Assets in this segment of the market. Its ROA was 44.16% for the last 12 months.
Its Asset Turnover ratio (revenue divided by assets) was 1.15 for the same
period.

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Planning LTE Release

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tdp2664 E money daily Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has planned to announce a new LTE-based WP7 Nokia Ace at CES. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Planning LTE Release It has been rumored that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is planning to announce the LTE-based WP7 Nokia Ace at CES. According to reports the Nokia ACE, HTC Radiant, and Samsung Mendel based on WP7 are to be featured in Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)'s final headlining keynote at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January. Paul Thurrott from SuperSite for Windows, said that, "Three LTE-based Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Windows Phone handsets — the Nokia ACE, HTC Radiant, and Samsung Mendel — will ship on AT&T Wireless before the middle of 2012. The ACE is due March 18, 2012". Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) stocks were at 25.96 at the end of the last day’s trading. There’s been a 4.3% 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: 1.77 Zack’s Rank: 73 out of 89 in the industry

Lamar Advertising Ramps up for a Banner Q4

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tdp2664 InvestorPlace Advertising is an important element when starting or maintaining a business. Without customers, a business generally fails. Along those same lines, without a sound trading plan, a trader usually fails as well. But when you can connect both, it presents a fantastic opportunity for a trader to make some profits from a successful business. And so today, here is a trade idea that combines a solid advertising company AND a bullish trading plan! Lamar Advertising Co. (NASDAQ: LAMR ) announced earnings in early November and handily beat expectations and the previous third-quarter results from the previous year in almost every category. Looking ahead, fourth-quarter revenue is expected to rise as well. The company is expected to announce its next earnings in late February. With LAMR trading here at $27.50, here's how you can turn Lamar's financial success into your own. The trade:

Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) Sees Sales Soar

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tdp2664 E money daily Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) has seen an 82 percent sales increase in India in 2011. Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) Sees Sales Soar Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) saw an 82 percent sales increase in India in 2011 as compared to the previous year. The company sold 136,150 vehicles in 2011, while it sold 74,762 vehicles in 2010. December sales reached 15,948 vehicles, which is far higher than the sales in the same period previous year. Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) has a partnership with Kirloskar Motors for operations in India. Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) India managing director Sandeep Singh said, "The coming year is of vital importance as we get to witness and contribute to the growing Indian auto industry… We have a new array of vehicles lined up for the year 2012". Toyota Motor Company (NYSE:TM) company shares are currently standing at 66.13. Price History Last Price: 66.13 52 Week Low / High: 60.37 / 93.9 50 Day Moving Average: 65.26 6 Month Price Change %: -20.8% 12 Month Price Change %: -15.6%

BP plc (NYSE:BP) To Close Russia Deal

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tdp2664 E money daily BP plc (NYSE:BP) has decided to close one of its joint ventures with Russian outfit OAO Rosneft. BP plc (NYSE:BP) To Close Russia Deal The major US oil and gas company BP plc (NYSE:BP) announced that it has plans to end the Sakhalin joint venture with the Russian state-owned oil company OAO Rosneft. The company has been working with Rosneft for the past 13 years. The company said it would work with its partner to find the best way to exit from the joint venture. BP plc (NYSE:BP) said in a statement, "There are many reasons for this decision, including the challenging economics of the discovered resource in the KV [Kaigansky-Vasuykansky] block". BP plc (NYSE:BP) stocks are currently standing at 42.74. Price History Last Price: 42.74 52 Week Low / High: 33.62 / 49.5 50 Day Moving Average: 42.68 6 Month Price Change %: -4.2% 12 Month Price Change %: -2.6%

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Pushing Face Recognition Technology

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tdp2664 E money daily It has been reported that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is working on facial recognition technology for mobiles. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Pushing Face Recognition Technology The US based smartphone maker giant Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has won a new patent that suggests the next hurdle the company will face will be facial recognition. A patent application published by the US Patent and Trademark Office on December 29-and spotted by Patently Apple describes a system for presence detection. However, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has not officially confirmed the report yet. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) shares were at 405 at the end of the last day’s trading. There’s been a 6.2% change in the stock price over the past 3 months. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Analyst Advice Consensus Opinion: Moderate Buy Mean recommendation: 1.17 (1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell) 3 Months Ago: 1.21 Zack’s Rank: 1 out of 2 in the industry

New Year’s Prediction #5: S&P Will Close at Over 1,420

I hope you enjoyed my other four New Years predictions, including New Years
Prediction #4: Retail, The Hottest Sector of 2012 . But my final prediction may
be my boldest yet: I predict that well end 2012 with the S&P our key benchmark
closing at over 1,420. From late December's 1,200 level, that would represent
a solid 20% rise. That same percentage jump in the other indexes would put the
Dow over 14,200 and the NASDAQ north of 3,000. Surprised?

Top 10 Large Cap Stocks with Highest Return on Assets: RUK, BIDU, ENL, COH, LO, PCLN, SCCO, BVN, AAPL, NVO (Jan 02, 2012)

Below are the top 10 Large Cap stocks with highest Return on Assets ratio (ROA)
for the last 12 months. ROA shows a companys efficiency in making profits from
its assets. It is equal to net profits divided by total assets. One Chinese
company (BIDU) is on the list. Reed Elsevier plc (ADR) (NYSE:RUK) has the 1st
highest Return on Assets in this segment of the market. Its ROA was 39.46% for
the last 12 months. Its Asset Turnover ratio (revenue divided by assets) was
3.31 for the same period. Baidu.com, Inc. (ADR) (NASDAQ:BIDU) has the 2nd
highest Return on Assets in this segment of the market. Its ROA was 38.10% for
the last 12 months. Its Asset Turnover ratio (revenue divided by assets) was
0.83 for the same period. Reed Elsevier NV (ADR) (NYSE:ENL) has the 3rd highest
Return on Assets in this segment of the market. Its ROA was 37.55% for the last
12 months. Its Asset Turnover ratio (revenue divided by assets) was 3.17 for the
same period. Coach, Inc. (NYSE:COH) has the 4th highest Return on Assets in this
segment of the market. Its ROA was 33.05% for the last 12 months. Its Asset
Turnover ratio (revenue divided by assets) was 1.57 for the same period.
Lorillard Inc. (NYSE:LO) has the 5th highest Return on Assets in this segment of
the market. Its ROA was 32.00% for the last 12 months. Its Asset Turnover ratio
(revenue divided by assets) was 1.90 for the same period. priceline.com
Incorporated (NASDAQ:PCLN) has the 6th highest Return on Assets in this segment
of the market. Its ROA was 29.51% for the last 12 months. Its Asset Turnover
ratio (revenue divided by assets) was 1.25 for the same period. Southern Copper
Corporation (NYSE:SCCO) has the 7th highest Return on Assets in this segment of
the market. Its ROA was 29.47% for the last 12 months. Its Asset Turnover ratio
(revenue divided by assets) was 0.85 for the same period. Compania de Minas
Buenaventura SA (ADR) (NYSE:BVN) has the 8th highest Return on Assets in this
segment of the market. Its ROA was 29.07% for the last 12 months. Its Asset
Turnover ratio (revenue divided by assets) was 0.46 for the same period. Apple
Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has the 9th highest Return on Assets in this segment of the
market. Its ROA was 27.06% for the last 12 months. Its Asset Turnover ratio
(revenue divided by assets) was 1.13 for the same period. Novo Nordisk A/S (ADR)
(NYSE:NVO) has the 10th highest Return on Assets in this segment of the market.
Its ROA was 26.89% for the last 12 months. Its Asset Turnover ratio (revenue
divided by assets) was 1.08 for the same period.

New Year’s Prediction #4: Retail, the Hottest Sector of 2012

If youve been following my recommendations for a year or more, you'll know
all too well that the experts on Wall Street were warning everyone about the
troubled retail sector and proclaimed the American consumer was dead. But I
chose to ignore their ramblings and made outstanding profits on the very sector
they lambasted. Just take a look at the year-to-date returns of these retail-
and consumer-based companies: Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ) +25% AutoZone (NYSE: AZO )
+20% Limited Brands (NYSE: LTD ) +32% McDonald's (NYSE: MCD ) +31% OReilly
Automotive (NASDAQ: ORLY ) +33% These are just a few of the retail investments I
have in my blue-chip portfolio. In 2012, it would behoove you to secure these in
your portfolio as well, because although these 12-month gains came in the face
of extreme market pessimism, were now seeing the biggest surge in consumer
confidence in eight years. This includes strong consumer spending ( including
robust holiday sales ) and, as I previously discussed in my New Years Prediction
#2 , steadily improving job growth. So, in the coming months, Im going to
continue looking for opportunities to capitalize on this powerful trend. In
fact, I recommend buying stock in VF Corp. (NYSE: VFC ), the apparel and
footwear powerhouse behind a number of blowout brands such as The North Face,
Wrangler, Reef and Nautica, to name a few. I've enjoyed some remarkable
returns in select consumer-based companies, and I believe the best is yet to
come in 2012. Prediction #5: Where the Indexes and Our Stocks Are Headed

Gold and Silver Prices Weekly Outlook for January 2-6

Here is a weekly recap for gold and silver prices for the week of December 26th
to the December 30th

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Pushing Face Recognition Technology

It has been reported that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is working on facial
recognition technology for mobiles. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Pushing Face
Recognition Technology The US based smartphone maker giant Apple Inc.
(NASDAQ:AAPL) has won a new patent that suggests the next hurdle the company
will face will be facial recognition. A patent application published by the US
Patent and Trademark Office on December 29-and spotted by Patently Apple
describes a system for presence detection. However, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has
not officially confirmed the report yet. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) shares were at
405 at the end of the last days trading. Theres been a 6.2% change in the stock
price over the past 3 months. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Analyst Advice Consensus
Opinion: Moderate Buy Mean recommendation: 1.17 (1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell) 3
Months Ago: 1.21 Zacks Rank: 1 out of 2 in the industry

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Planning LTE Release

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has planned to announce a new LTE-based WP7
Nokia Ace at CES. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Planning LTE Release It
has been rumored that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is planning to
announce the LTE-based WP7 Nokia Ace at CES. According to reports the Nokia ACE,
HTC Radiant, and Samsung Mendel based on WP7 are to be featured in Microsoft
Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)'s final headlining keynote at the International
Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January. Paul Thurrott from SuperSite for
Windows, said that, "Three LTE-based Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)
Windows Phone handsets the Nokia ACE, HTC Radiant, and Samsung Mendel will
ship on AT&T Wireless before the middle of 2012. The ACE is due March 18,
2012". Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) stocks were at 25.96 at the end of the
last days trading. Theres been a 4.3% 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: 1.77
Zacks Rank: 73 out of 89 in the industry

Lamar Advertising Ramps up for a Banner Q4

Advertising is an important element when starting or maintaining a business.
Without customers, a business generally fails. Along those same lines, without a
sound trading plan, a trader usually fails as well. But when you can connect
both, it presents a fantastic opportunity for a trader to make some profits from
a successful business. And so today, here is a trade idea that combines a solid
advertising company AND a bullish trading plan! Lamar Advertising Co. (NASDAQ:
LAMR ) announced earnings in early November and handily beat expectations and
the previous third-quarter results from the previous year in almost every
category. Looking ahead, fourth-quarter revenue is expected to rise as well. The
company is expected to announce its next earnings in late February. With LAMR
trading here at $27.50, here's how you can turn Lamar's financial success
into your own. The trade:

New Year’s Prediction #3: Finance, the Worst Sector of 2012

Here's a holdover from 2011 that will be very important to your investing
success in the year ahead: Don't buy financial stocks. Plain and simple. In
fact, I'm putting this on the record and saying I expect financials to be the
worst sector in 2012. I've written about the plight of this beleaguered sector
many times before. Even my InvestorPlace colleagues have suffered at the hands
of this declining behemoth. So, please trust me when I say, as an investor, you
should stay as far away from this sector as you can if you truly appreciate the
shirt on your back. Just to name a few, take a look at the various organizations
that have lost well over 40% in 2011: Bank of America (NYSE: BAC ) -59%
Citigroup (NYSE: C ) -44% E*TRADE Financial (NASDAQ: ETFC ) -50% Goldman Sachs
Group (NYSE: GS ) -46% Jefferies Group (NYSE: JEF ) -48% Och-Ziff Capital
Management Group (NYSE: OZM ) -46% Yes, some time has passed since the Lehman
Brothers bankruptcy, and some improvements have been made in certain areas. Even
now, financials are expected to grow just 0.3% in 2012. However, the housing
market is still far from being stable, and financial stocks in general need to
show a lot more improvement before my negative opinion of the sector as a whole
changes any time soon. I am an ex-banking analyst, and I can tell you firsthand
that too many unresolved issues and too much exposure to the housing crisis
remain for any significant profits to be made. Just look at housing and you'll
begin to see what I see. Approximately 11% of the homes in the U.S. are
unoccupied, and more foreclosures are still in the pipeline. This is going to
continue to create bad press and financial strain for the U.S. banking industry.
I want you to think of financial stocks like a new item on the menu of your
favorite restaurant. You see it and it looks tempting, but the head chef
personally comes out and tells you not to order it. He's been in the kitchen,
he knows something you don't, and you should heed the warning. This is the
same situation: I have been in the kitchen, and financials are one dish you want
to avoid in the year ahead. New Year's Prediction #4: Retail, The Hottest
Sector of 2012

Top 10 Best-Performing U.S.-Listed Chinese Stocks in Q4 2011: AUTCF, CAST, SFUN, HOLI, SNDA, ISS, VIT, LDK, RDA, HNP

Below are the top 10 best-performing U.S.-listed Chinese stocks for the past
quarter. AutoChina International Limited (NASDAQ:AUTCF) is the 1st
best-performing stock last quarter in this segment of the market. It was up
128.3% for the quarter. It was up 16.7% in the past month. Chinacast Education
Corporation (NASDAQ:CAST) is the 2nd best-performing stock last quarter in this
segment of the market. It was up 65.9% for the quarter. It was up 23.4% in the
past month. SouFun Holdings Limited (ADR) (NYSE:SFUN) is the 3rd best-performing
stock last quarter in this segment of the market. It was up 43.4% for the
quarter. It was up 12.6% in the past month. Hollysys Automation Technologies Ltd
(NASDAQ:HOLI) is the 4th best-performing stock last quarter in this segment of
the market. It was up 42.5% for the quarter. It was down 6.0% in the past month.
Shanda Interactive Entertainment Ltd ADR (NASDAQ:SNDA) is the 5th
best-performing stock last quarter in this segment of the market. It was up
35.4% for the quarter. It was down 0.2% in the past month. iSoftStone Holdings
Ltd (ADR) (NYSE:ISS) is the 6th best-performing stock last quarter in this
segment of the market. It was up 34.8% for the quarter. It was down 1.4% in the
past month. VanceInfo Technologies Inc.(ADR) (NYSE:VIT) is the 7th
best-performing stock last quarter in this segment of the market. It was up
34.8% for the quarter. It was down 18.1% in the past month. LDK Solar Co., Ltd
(ADR) (NYSE:LDK) is the 8th best-performing stock last quarter in this segment
of the market. It was up 34.3% for the quarter. It was up 18.0% in the past
month. Rda Microelectronics Inc (ADR) (NASDAQ:RDA) is the 9th best-performing
stock last quarter in this segment of the market. It was up 29.4% for the
quarter. It was down 7.8% in the past month. Huaneng Power International, Inc.
(ADR) (NYSE:HNP) is the 10th best-performing stock last quarter in this segment
of the market. It was up 24.9% for the quarter. It was down 1.2% in the past
month.

New Year’s Prediction #1: Corporate America Borrows Smart

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tdp2664 InvestorPlace One of the biggest trends for 2012 already has started: For the first time, we saw corporations bypass banks as a source of lending. Instead of begging leery and unsteady banks for new capital to fund expansion, companies chose to issue bonds to raise the money on their own. Now, you might hear some shocking statements from the major news outlets like CNBC, specifically from Herb Greenberg, who will tell you that companies that issue debt to implement corporate stock buybacks are going down a dangerous path. This couldn't be further from the truth. Essentially, companies can issue bonds at very low interest rates and use the extra capital to: Refinance their existing debt at lower interest rates Buy back their existing stock Buy out their competitors All of which increase shareholder value and earnings per share. Currently, companies are issuing new debt at a rate of up to $60 billion per week (up to a $3 trillion annual pace), and I expect this trend to persist until at least 2013. This is because the Fed has released its playbook for how to handle the recovery through 2013, and the conditions will remain just right for corporate borrowing. First, the Fed isn't going to raise interest rates. Higher interest rates would exacerbate the debt problem, and that's the last thing the recovery needs. Plus, the Fed reiterated in its latest FOMC statement that it is going to continue to flatten the yield curve via Operation Twist . This effectively helps to lower borrowing costs for Corporate America even further, so these interest rates will encourage even more debt offerings as companies take advantage of ultra-low interest rates and continue aggressively buying back their outstanding stock . Many blue-chip companies are taking full advantage of this opportunity: Altria Group (NYSE: MO ) plans to buy back $1 billion in stock by the end of 2012. AutoZone (NYSE: AZO ) plans to repurchase $659 million in stock in Q2 2012. Dollar Tree (NASDAQ: DLTR ) plans to buy back $1.5 billion in stock. Dr Pepper Snapple Group (NYSE: DPS ) has authorized a $1 billion stock buyback program on top of its ongoing $2 billion stock buyback program. Reynolds American (NYSE: RAI ) has pledged to purchase $2.5 billion of its stock by mid-2014. This is going to be the first catalyst that pushes these stocks higher in the new year, and that's just the tip of the iceberg: New Years Prediction #2: Upward Swing in Jobs and GDP

Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU) Appoints New Council Member

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tdp2664 E money daily Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU) Agency Distribution Chairman’s Council has welcomed a new member. Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU) Appoints New Council Member Reports say that Roy James has been named a member of the Prudential Agency Distribution Chairman's Council. Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU) Agency Distribution Chairman's Council is Agency Distribution's highest level of recognition for top performers. It recognizes the prestigious achievement of top-performing financial professionals. RoyJames is a Financial Professional, in The Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU) Insurance Company of America's Sunshine State Agency. Membership in the Chairman's Council reflects an extraordinary commitment to helping clients achieve financial security by offering insurance and financial products that support their individual financial goals, whether estate planning, business needs or retirement plans. Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU) shares are currently standing at 50.12. Price History Last Price: 50.12 52 Week Low / High: 42.45 / 67.52 50 Day Moving Average: 50.8 6 Month Price Change %: -22.6% 12 Month Price Change %: -14.4%

Todays DJIA Dow Jones Industrial Average Index; Today’s Stock Market Nasdaq, S&P 500, Current News Trends Review Today

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dow2664 Dow Jones Industrial Average, Nasdaq, S&P 500 Indices: The primary stock indices in the U.S. staggered across the finish line last week and closed out red across the board. The Dow Jones, as well as the Nasdaq and the S&P 500, finished the last trading session of the 2011 calendar year on the negative side of break-even. Officially, the Dow Jones Industrial Average finished the last trading session negative by .57 percent, or minus 69.48, to close out at 12,217.56. The Nasdaq finished the last session red by .33 percent, negative 8.59, to close out at 2,605.15. The S&P 500 finished off negative by .43 percent , minus 5.42, to close out at 1,257.60. Dow Jones, Nasdaq, S&P 500 Year Review: The primary stock indices in the U.S. finished off the 2011 calendar year mixed. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed out the year on the plus side by 5.5 percent. The Nasdaq finished off the year on the negative side of break-even by about 1.8 percent and the S&P 500 trend-line was relatively flat and ended the year negative by only four hundredths of a point. 2011 was a tumultuous year for the U.S. marketplace, and also the global marketplace. Although investors are happy to close the books on 2011, 2012 trends will continue to feel pressure stemming, in part, from the ongoing eurozone debt crisis. Investors will stay focused to observe news relevant to the debt resolution action plan in Europe. Relevant news will be a primary influence on market trends as the new year opens. Frank Matto

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Begins Xbox Competition

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tdp2664 E money daily Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has launched a new Xbox Insider competition. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Begins Xbox Competition Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Studios has unveiled a New Year competition inviting gamers to put their name down for chance of winning a host of Gears of War 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 themed prizes. Gamers who wish to enter the competition can visit the official competition page for the entry form, terms and conditions and further details. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Xbox storerooms are equipped with Xbox 360 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Wireless Controllers; Xbox 360 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Wireless Headsets with Bluetooth and Xbox 360 Gears of War 3 Wireless Controllers to be used as prizes. Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) shares are currently standing at 25.96. Price History Last Price: 25.96 52 Week Low / High: 23.65 / 29.46 50 Day Moving Average: 25.96 6 Month Price Change %: -0.2% 12 Month Price Change %: -6.8%

New Years Prediction #2: Unemployment Falls to 8%, GDP Grows

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tdp2664 InvestorPlace As I hinted in my New Years Prediction #1 , 2012 will be the year of the U.S. recovery. Throughout 2011 we knew we were in for a very slow economic recovery and that jobs would continue to be the last indicator to show significant progress. While I still think this will be the case in the New Year, I do expect we’ll cross a major threshold that will be a boon for the recovery. Recently, we've seen some very good news on the jobs front. While not every statistic has been outstanding, employers reported that they took on 120,000 workers in November. Better yet, the Labor Department's household survey — which targets those not covered by the payroll survey (like contract and temp workers) — reported that 278,000 more people were employed last month. So, while the household survey continues to show more jobs than the payroll survey by over 2-to-1, both are showing growth. In fact, the explosion of jobs in the household survey has been the strongest since 2006 and bodes well for more payroll jobs. The November unemployment rate fell from 9% to 8.6%. Looking forward, I expect payrolls to continue to gain ground, with an average of 150,000 jobs created per month in 2012. By the time the November presidential election rolls around, I expect the unemployment rate to fall to 8%. This would be significant, but attainable progress. We've also experienced a remarkable shift in consumer sentiment, which has fueled higher consumer spending. After months of depressed sentiment, something clicked with consumers, and October consumer confidence rose the most in eight years! Coincidentally, each consumer spent 9.1% more during Thanksgiving weekend than last year. As Christmas approaches, the shopping centers remain more jam-packed than ever, and I expect this steady spending to carry over into the New Year. But perhaps most important, I expect the nation's gross domestic product (GDP), the broadest measure of activity, to continue to accelerate. Fourth-quarter GDP is already approaching 3% (or even possibly 4%) growth, thanks to the powerful forces of robust consumer spending, inventory building, less government intervention and an improving trade deficit. All of these factors will continue to be at work in 2012, and I expect we'll see continued improvements in U.S. GDP in the year ahead. New Year's Prediction #3: Finance, the Worst Sector of 2012

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Begins Xbox Competition

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has launched a new Xbox Insider
competition. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Begins Xbox Competition
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Studios has unveiled a New Year competition
inviting gamers to put their name down for chance of winning a host of Gears of
War 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 themed prizes. Gamers who wish to enter
the competition can visit the official competition page for the entry form,
terms and conditions and further details. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)
Xbox storerooms are equipped with Xbox 360 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Wireless Controllers; Xbox 360 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Wireless Headsets
with Bluetooth and Xbox 360 Gears of War 3 Wireless Controllers to be used as
prizes. Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) shares are currently standing at 25.96.
Price History Last Price: 25.96 52 Week Low / High: 23.65 / 29.46 50 Day Moving
Average: 25.96 6 Month Price Change %: -0.2% 12 Month Price Change %: -6.8%

New Year’s Prediction #1: Corporate America Borrows Smart

One of the biggest trends for 2012 already has started: For the first time, we
saw corporations bypass banks as a source of lending. Instead of begging leery
and unsteady banks for new capital to fund expansion, companies chose to issue
bonds to raise the money on their own. Now, you might hear some shocking
statements from the major news outlets like CNBC, specifically from Herb
Greenberg, who will tell you that companies that issue debt to implement
corporate stock buybacks are going down a dangerous path. This couldn't be
further from the truth. Essentially, companies can issue bonds at very low
interest rates and use the extra capital to: Refinance their existing debt at
lower interest rates Buy back their existing stock Buy out their competitors All
of which increase shareholder value and earnings per share. Currently, companies
are issuing new debt at a rate of up to $60 billion per week (up to a $3
trillion annual pace), and I expect this trend to persist until at least 2013.
This is because the Fed has released its playbook for how to handle the recovery
through 2013, and the conditions will remain just right for corporate borrowing.
First, the Fed isn't going to raise interest rates. Higher interest rates
would exacerbate the debt problem, and that's the last thing the recovery
needs. Plus, the Fed reiterated in its latest FOMC statement that it is going to
continue to flatten the yield curve via Operation Twist . This effectively helps
to lower borrowing costs for Corporate America even further, so these interest
rates will encourage even more debt offerings as companies take advantage of
ultra-low interest rates and continue aggressively buying back their outstanding
stock . Many blue-chip companies are taking full advantage of this opportunity:
Altria Group (NYSE: MO ) plans to buy back $1 billion in stock by the end of
2012. AutoZone (NYSE: AZO ) plans to repurchase $659 million in stock in Q2
2012. Dollar Tree (NASDAQ: DLTR ) plans to buy back $1.5 billion in stock. Dr
Pepper Snapple Group (NYSE: DPS ) has authorized a $1 billion stock buyback
program on top of its ongoing $2 billion stock buyback program. Reynolds
American (NYSE: RAI ) has pledged to purchase $2.5 billion of its stock by
mid-2014. This is going to be the first catalyst that pushes these stocks higher
in the new year, and that's just the tip of the iceberg: New Years Prediction
#2: Upward Swing in Jobs and GDP