Monday, October 31st, 2011
Throughout the summer, we’ve heard about declining consumer confidence (AKA, sentiment). The conclusion typically drawn is that low consumer confidence now likely means low consumer spending ahead. Until recently, warnings have been sounded about weak winter holiday sales. Now, however, consumer confidence readings are creeping back, and retail sales are actually looking good. How... »
Tags: Consumer confidence, Consumer sentiment, Consumer spending, Contrarian, Economy, Forecast, Leading indicator, Outlook, Retail sales
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Monday, October 31st, 2011
Boeing (BA) just reported good earnings, the 787 delays appear to be over and the company, along with Airbus (EAD.EU), picked up many orders from commercial airlines, now flush with baggage fee cash. My original reasons for owning Boeing have been fulfilled, so it’s time to move on to something more interesting. This article... »
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Friday, October 28th, 2011
It’s been slow coming. After a rare quadruple bottom, the U.S. stock market has risen this month (October, no less!) amidst continuing angst and warnings. The whisper economic reports (“psst… they’re actually looking better”) remained out of the spotlight as Europe, politics and other negative “stuff” was tossed about as proof that we were... »
Tags: Bull market, Equities, Forecast, Market outlook, Outlook, Stock market outlook, Stocks
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Wednesday, October 26th, 2011
Netflix (NFLX) management tried to do the right thing, but they implemented their strategy incorrectly. Unfortunately, their classic mistake cannot be rectified. Worse, because Netflix is non-diversified, the costly error could put it on a course similar to Blockbuster (BLOAQ). This article is posted on SeekingAlpha.com »
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Friday, October 21st, 2011
Strike one was Apple’s (AAPL) loss of Steve Jobs. Strike two is Apple’s financial report, while dazzling, coming in below expectations. Strike three? The pitch is on the way – but more about that later. First, let’s discuss why those first two items are clearly strikes. This article is posted on SeekingAlpha.com »
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Monday, October 17th, 2011
With their stocks well off their highs and significantly lagging the markets, Wall Street companies have gotten a bad rap. Add in congressional-regulatory disagreements plus “Occupy Wall Street” protests and many question the wisdom of owning any of these firms. From a contrarian standpoint, this is a good environment to consider buying the good... »
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Saturday, October 15th, 2011
How many times can this game be played? Google’s (GOOG) business strategies are questioned, recent acquisitions look less desirable, and doubts arise about the company’s ability to grow advertising revenues. All the while, the stock price meanders. Then: Voila! A nice, big earnings report drives up the price and silences the critics. However, the... »
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Friday, October 14th, 2011
Similar to Alcoa’s (AA) earnings report, JPMorgan Chase’s (JPM) has more meat in the comments than in the numbers. Contrary to Alcoa’s focus on growth, however, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon discussed the bank’s conservative, steady-as-she-goes approach, even cutting back on the previously announced aggressive branch expansion. The question is, “What gives?” This article is... »
Tags: Banking outlook
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Thursday, October 13th, 2011
This earnings season just kicked off with a major surprise from Alcoa. It wasn’t what Alcoa (AA) did – it’s what it said. Although last quarter’s earnings came in under analysts’ already reduced estimates, management kept its sales growth forecasts virtually unchanged. “Kept” implies a passive, do-nothing attitude. Actually, it’s an active statement founded... »
Tags: Earnings reports, Equities, Forecast, Market outlook, Outlook, Stock market outlook, Stocks
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Monday, October 10th, 2011
Smokey the Bear just flipped his sign to “Safe” and headed toward his cave to hibernate. Just when the match touched the kindling, a drenching rainstorm put out the fire. We can now confidently walk in the forest (AKA, the stock market) once again. After last Monday’s high volume sell-off drove the market to... »
Tags: Bull market, Equities, Forecast, Market outlook, Outlook, Stock market outlook, Stocks
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Tuesday, October 4th, 2011
Smokey the Bear’s fire indicator is pointing to “Danger!” To me, the stock market’s conditions are like a tinder-dry forest. While we cannot know if a spark will ignite a fire, we can beware and prepare for the possibility. Article posted on SeekingAlpha.com »
Tags: Equities, Forecast, Market outlook, Outlook, Stock market outlook, Stocks
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Monday, October 3rd, 2011
October’s first two weeks could provide stock investors with a good opportunity to make money — by being simultaneously bullish and bearish. However, this schizophrenic attitude doesn’t necessarily mean hedging is the best approach. I believe there is another strategy that could produce better gains in the end. Article posted on SeekingAlpha.com »
Tags: Equities, Forecast, Investment strategy, Market outlook, Outlook, Stock market outlook, Stocks
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Monday, October 3rd, 2011
Stock market quarters can have unique personalities. Usually, a quarter has a controlled range of volatility with different industries and stocks producing a diversified movement for the market as a whole. However, occasionally things come unglued and a strong trend affecting most stocks takes hold (either positive or negative). Of the past 200 quarters... »
Tags: Equities, Forecast, Market outlook, Outlook, Stock market outlook, Stocks
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