Last December I provided four New Year’s investment resolutions that were applicable in all markets (listed below). It seemed many investors were still shell-shocked and needed to be reminded that no economic/market environment lasts forever. Therefore, it was important to continue practicing sound investment principles. For 2011, however, there is one resolution that many... »
Archive for December, 2010
/Quick Point/ – James C. Cooper’s ‘Business Outlook’ Lives!
Last January I wrote “Obituary: Business Week’s ‘Business Outlook’ Column” (January 27, 2010). Bloomberg’s takeover of Business Week resulted in the demise of the long-standing, valuable “Business Outlook” column and the loss of economist James C. Cooper, the Business Outlook’s editor since 1988. Now there is good news… »
No, You STILL Haven’t Missed Out
Last year I wrote “No, You Haven’t Missed Out” (October 1, 2009). Now, thirteen months later, that message still applies. Although conditions have improved from that more uncertain time, mid-2010’s detour into mega-trend frights (Greece, etc.) reversed investors building interest in US stocks. That detour was beneficial because it restrained US stock prices, allowing... »
The US Consumer Is Back and That Means…
… the US economy is back. Forget the picture of deflated, fearful consumers keeping their 2/3 of the economy moribund. Normal times are upon us, making the 2011 outlook rosy. »
US Stocks vs. Bonds – The Obvious Choice
Occasionally (rarely) there are times when the next investment trend is obvious. Today looks like one of those times. »
Retail Sales Indicate a Happy New (Stock Market) Year in 2011
Do you have lingering doubts about the US economy? Is that worry keeping you out of the stock market? It’s understandable- We’ve been bombarded for months with warnings about impending crises and collapses. But it’s time to exit the past- The proof of recovery is here. Accepting that fact is the key to successful... »
/Quick Point/ – Today’s Score: Bulls 2, Bears 0
Forget Bernanke and the Federal Reserve. The real news today is what drove the stock market up this morning. The Wall Street Journal’s mid-day article says it all… »
Will Investors Return to US Stocks?
Here’s an excellent question from a reader: “If small investors did not jump back into equities at 20% or 40% less, why would one think they will jump into equities now or at any time in the near future? They may well leave bonds and bond funds if interest rates rise, but that does... »
The 2011 US Stock Market Outlook Looks Bright
One year ago, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) was around 10,300. Today, it’s about 11,400, for a gain of over 10% (excluding dividends). Nice. Except, it actually underperformed its fundamentals. Its improved valuation gives us the prospect of a very happy new year indeed. Here’s why… »
Are Bond Fund Outflows a Warning Sign? Not yet.
The Wall Street Journal proclaims, “As Bonds Flag, Stocks Beckon” (Abreast of the Market, by Mark Gongloff, December 6). Here’s their take: “After a stellar two-year run, the bond market is stumbling and a number of investors are betting that stocks will post better returns in the coming months. “Among the signs being held... »
/Quick Point/ – Verizon: One more thing…
I received a good comment on my article, “Verizon (Part 1) – Announcements Support Its Growth Status.” I am sharing the comment and my response because I added some additional information… »
Verizon (Part 2) – The Stock Price Picture Looks Good
In “Verizon (Part 1) – Announcements Support Its Growth Status” (December 2), I discussed the company developments that support Verizon Communications (VZ) being viewed as a growth stock. In today’s write-up, I examine the stock’s current picture and what we could expect if investors reclassify Verizon from an income to a growth investment. »
Verizon (Part 1) – Announcements Support Its Growth Status
The announcements confirm it: Verizon Communications (VZ) is launched on a growth path. Here’s the news and why it’s important… »