Investor's Business Daily - Investing RSS

New Highs List Offers Up Some Quality Stocks

Thu, 24 May 2012 23:04:00 GMT

Quite a few stocks with respectable ratings claimed spots on Thursday's new highs list, as the main indexes bounced off lows for a second session in a row. Foot Locker (FL) rose 2% in heavy volume as it touched a fresh multiyear peak. The shoe retailer topped an early buy point at 32.19 from a flat base. It's advanced in active turnover for five straight sessions since reporting better-than-expected quarterly results. Foot Locker's quarterly

Fund Groups Resist SEC's Target-Date Fund Proposals

Thu, 24 May 2012 22:56:00 GMT

Mutual fund families are pushing back against a Securities and Exchange Commission proposal that would change key aspects of how target-date funds are marketed. Fund families are resisting the SEC's call for adding a subtitle to the name of each fund the first time it is used in marketing materials. The tag line would specify the fund's asset allocation at its target date. Fund firms generally say that focusing on a fund's asset mix just at that

Q1 Results Stand Out For Handful Of Leaders

Thu, 24 May 2012 22:56:00 GMT

With first-quarter earnings season over, there were some big profit winners among Your Weekly Review companies. ACI Worldwide (ACIW) on May 3 reported a profit of 28 cents a share, double analysts' consensus estimate and more than three times the year-ago profit. ACI -- which makes software for electronic payment systems, including online banking and automated teller machines -- is forming a flat base with a buy point at 42.09 or an alternative buy

Nasdaq Drops As Computer Tech Sector Slides

Thu, 24 May 2012 22:55:00 GMT

Stocks ended a seesaw session little changed Thursday, but a fresh batch of disappointing news in the computer technology sector weighed on the Nasdaq. Volume fell on both major exchanges. The Nasdaq composite fell 0.4% after being down as much as 1.1%. Unlike recent sessions, the intraday range was narrower. It's nice to see the Nasdaq cut its losses. Yet the inability of the leading market index to string together even two up days in a row

WisdomTree Has Different Approach To Dividend Stocks

Thu, 24 May 2012 22:13:00 GMT

The WisdomTree LargeCap Dividend Fund (DLN) ETF has a slight twist on how it invests in income stocks. It doesn't chase stocks paying high yields. Sometimes, high-yielding stocks are distressed companies. Rather, the ETF uses a unique dividend-weighting methodology to capture income-paying stocks. The fund tracks the performance of the WisdomTree LargeCap Dividend index, which measures the performance of the 300 biggest companies. Stocks in the

Sector Leader Close In Split Fashion

Thu, 24 May 2012 22:13:00 GMT

Sector Leaders battled to a mixed finish amid choppy market conditions Thursday. Watson Pharmaceuticals (WPI) gapped up and gained 2.05, or 3%, to 72.76 in roughly average volume. Wells Fargo raised the drugmaker to outperform from market perform and lifted its earnings estimate. Last month, Watson Pharmaceuticals agreed to buy Actavis Group to create the world's third-largest generic drug company. After finding support above its 10-week moving

Mellanox, Cirrus Lead Fabless Chip Group

Thu, 24 May 2012 22:13:00 GMT

Semiconductor makers took some lumps Thursday, with a 6% loss by MEMC Electronic Materials (WFR) helping drag the Philadelphia semiconductor index down 1.5%. But fabless chipmakers have flashed recent signs of strength. The group edged to a No. 38 ranking in Thursday's IBD, the best among IBD's three semiconductor industries. Ten stocks in the group hold EPS Ratings of at least 80. Seven of those that trade above 10 a share topped Q1 earnings

Options In Focus: Netease.com

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:42:00 GMT

IBD 50 constituent and China-based Internet portal NetEase (NTES) was left behind on Thursday as the market rose to the occasion during the second half to finish largely flat. With shares off nearly 3% by the closing bell, option traders appeared to trading in prescient sympathy with price action that amounted to a technical break of 50-day simple moving average support in an engulfing bearish candle. Heavier-than-normal option activity was

Climax Run Is Too Good To Be True For Long

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:42:00 GMT

Among leading stocks, many end with a fast run-up that's just too good to be true. It's called a climax top. You want to be ready to sell during this outlandish run, but it takes a calm mind to recognize the signs. The climax run involves a sudden advance at a much faster rate for one or two weeks after a rise of many months. Usually it can't occur earlier than 18 weeks after a first- or second-stage breakout, or 12 weeks out of a later-stage

Lumber Liquidators Defies Market's Correction

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:29:00 GMT

Lumber Liquidators (LL) is defying the current market down-spell. Since IBD's Market Pulse shifted to correction after the May 4 session, the S&P 500 has declined 3.5%. In contrast, Lumber Liquidators has gained 5% since a May 4 close at 28.03. Lumber bolted out of a deep cup with handle at 25.60 in April. The first breakout try failed. The second worked. It's now digesting gains while testing resistance near 30. A desire by homeowners to spruce

Get A Free Ride From Credit Companies

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:23:00 GMT

To all you angry credit card customers out there, don't get mad - get smart. Learn a few tricks of the trade to avoid paying extra fees and make the credit companies work for you. Do this and credit card big shots will hate you and call you a free-loader, but also grudgingly salute you in private, hoping that few people imitate your sage actions.

T-Bonds Dip Despite Solid Demand At 7-Year Auction

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:13:00 GMT

Treasury prices drifted lower Thursday after a well-received auction of seven-year notes and as traders prepared for an abbreviated session ahead of a long holiday weekend. The U.S. bond market will close early at 2 p.m. Friday ahead of the three-day Memorial Day weekend. The Treasury's $29 billion seven-year note auction on Thursday was the last of the week's $99 billion of debt sales. "The seven-year note auction went reasonably well," said John

EU Brussels Meeting Ends With Virtually No Progress

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:45:00 GMT

The European Brussels summit came and went. Very little progress can be reported; in fact, some major parties are further apart than ever. With Greece on the verge of exiting the eurozone, and perilously high yields hitting some of the other weak member states, the EU seems to be at a crossroads. Francois Hollande, France's new Socialist president, debuted on the EU stage with ideas far different from his predecessor, the relatively conservative

Crude Rebounds As Iran Nuclear Talks Bog Down

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:45:00 GMT

Crude oil rose Thursday, rebounding from the previous session's slump as investors fretted again about potential disruptions to Mideast oil supplies after talks between world powers and Iran over its nuclear program ended in Baghdad without an agreement. By 2:35 p.m. ET, July Brent crude oil rose $1.09 to $106.65 a barrel. Brent touched a session high of $106.94 before weak Chinese and European economic data sparked selling. Then, it fell as low

Stocks Struggle, Finish Mixed As Trade Fades

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:41:00 GMT

After trading in the red for most of Thursday's session, stocks enjoyed some final-hour bids, pushing two of the three major indexes into the green. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 0.3%, while the S&P 500 added 0.1%. But the Nasdaq fell 0.4%, although it pared a loss that had been as deep as 1.1%. Volume fell 9% on the Nasdaq and 10% on the NYSE, according to preliminary data. Economic news has been mixed Thursday. New orders for durable

Greece ETF Leads Market Down As Airlines Take Off

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:36:00 GMT

Greece led global exchange traded funds lower Thursday, while a takeoff in airline stocks offered some strength in the U.S. as more bad news came out of Europe and weak economic data was reported in the U.S. Global X FTSE Greece 20 ETF (GREK) lead losses among nonleveraged ETFs, plunging 6% to its lowest level since it started trading in December. The country is in its fifth year of recession. It contends it can't recover if it sticks to the

Stocks Drop Further; Texas Capital, UMB Financial Hold Up

Thu, 24 May 2012 18:54:00 GMT

Stocks worsened in the afternoon Thursday, trading deeper in the red and near session lows. The Nasdaq shed 0.7%, while the Dow Jones industrial average and the S&P 500 both lost 0.3%. Volume was tracking down from Wednesday's levels on both main exchanges. On the upside, two highly rated regional banks bucked the negative trend. Texas Capital Bancshares (TCBI) and Kansas City-based UMB Financial (UMB) were both up 1% in active turnover. Each

Stocks Drop In Lower Volume; NetApp, VMware, F5 Fall Hard

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:41:00 GMT

Stocks traded in moderately negative territory in early-afternoon action Thursday, after giving up their mid-morning gains. The Nasdaq shed 0.4%, the Dow Jones industrial average 0.2% and the S&P 500 0.1%. Volume was tracking down from Wednesday's levels on both main exchanges. NetApp (NTAP) slid 14% in huge turnover, touching its lowest levels since late 2009. Late Wednesday, the data storage company posted quarterly profit that beat views, but

Stocks Little Changed, But Under Armour Recovers

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:01:00 GMT

Stocks were flat to mildly negative around midday Thursday, after alternating between slightly positive and slightly negative throughout the morning. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones industrial average were roughly flat, while the Nasdaq dipped 0.3%. Volume was tracking down from Wednesday's levels on both main exchanges. On the upside, Under Armour (UA) jumped 3% in fast trade, climbing back above its 50-day moving average. The stock, which has a strong

Stock Market Gains Fade After Higher Open

Thu, 24 May 2012 14:25:00 GMT

Stocks opened higher Thursday amid mixed economic data, but soon turned lower. The Nasdaq dropped 0.6% and erased all of Wednesday's gain. The S&P 500 eased 0.1%. Despite a 6% pop in Hewlett-Packard (HPQ), the Dow Jones industrial average slipped 0.2%. Volume was mixed, with NYSE trading tracking a little higher and the Nasdaq's lower compared with the same time Wednesday. NetApp (NTAP) gapped down and tumbled 11% to its lowest since January 2010.

Stock Market Indicated To Open Modestly Higher

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:39:00 GMT

The stock market appeared to be headed for a modest gain at the open Thursday after a bounce in European markets and new economic reports in the U.S. In premarket trading, the

ETRACS, ProShares Unveil Income Paying ETNs, ETF

Wed, 23 May 2012 23:05:00 GMT

Exchange traded fund providers keep rolling out income-generating funds at a time when putting cash in bonds seems little more productive than keeping it under the mattress after factoring in inflation. UBS Investment Bank on Wednesday added two new exchange traded notes to its Etracs family that leverage returns of dividend-paying stocks. ProShares -- best known for its leveraged and inverse ETFs -- unveiled the first ETF to invest in covered

SolarWinds, Toll Bros. Reach New Highs Wednesday

Wed, 23 May 2012 23:05:00 GMT

Longtime leader SolarWinds (SWI) and homebuilder Toll Bros. (TOL) were among the notable stocks hitting 52-week highs Wednesday. SolarWinds fell as much as 2% out of the gate, then bounced back to close with a 5% gain. It joined the main indexes in executing an upside reversal. The stock has been consolidating for three weeks, which isn't enough time for a conventional base. The shortest consolidation is the square-box pattern, and that takes at

Global Stock Markets Weighed On By EU Crisis

Wed, 23 May 2012 23:05:00 GMT

Europe's deepening crisis torpedoed stock markets around the world Wednesday. As EU leaders met in Brussels, markets were a-chatter about Greece's situation: Will it default? Will it be forced to exit the eurozone? If so, what would happen? One hears more questions than answers, and you know what uncertainty can do to markets. One of the big issues at this summit concerns whether the EU should issue debt backed by the entire group rather than

Stocks Stage Positive Reversal; IBD 50 jumps 1.2%

Wed, 23 May 2012 22:53:00 GMT

Stocks staged an upside reversal Wednesday, entirely wiping out midday losses of 1.5% on the Nasdaq and the S&P 500. The Nasdaq finished with a 0.4% gain. The S&P 500 tacked on 0.2%. While the NYSE composite and the Dow Jones industrial average slipped less than 0.1% each, they too closed high in the day's range. The IBD 50 jumped 1.2%. Volume rose on the Nasdaq and fell slightly on the NYSE. The major indexes appear to have drawn support lines

Edgy Investors Buy T-Debt As Greek Euro Exit Likelier

Wed, 23 May 2012 22:30:00 GMT

Treasury prices rose Wednesday as concerns over a possible Greek exit from the eurozone increased demand for safe-haven U.S. debt. Eurozone officials have told members of the currency area to prepare contingency plans in case Greece decides to quit the bloc, an eventuality Germany's central bank said would be "manageable." "When U.S. Treasury yields get this low it says there's some trouble and it tells you the market is thinking about how Greece

Options In Focus: Dell

Wed, 23 May 2012 22:15:00 GMT

NASDAQ 100 constituent and one-time growth star Dell (DELL) announced its latest results last night and in the process broke most technical and maybe fundamental hopes the stock and company, were on the rebound. Option traders were also taken by surprise relative to Wednesday's earnings reaction fallout. As of the close, DELL is off a rather stiff 17% thereabouts in a price move made all the more dramatic by its sharp opening gap which easily

Dividend Leader Wal-Mart Claws At 12-Year High

Wed, 23 May 2012 21:57:00 GMT

While the overall market is having a tough time, Wal-Mart (WMT) is holding more than its own in a tough environment. The stock was hit by a bribery scandal involving its Mexican operations in late April, but it has recouped all losses and then some. Last week, Wal-Mart cleared a 62.59 buy point in an irregular double-bottom base and hit its best levels in 10 years. Last week, the world's biggest retailer also reported its second straight quarter

PetSmart's New High Boosts Specialty Retail Group

Wed, 23 May 2012 21:57:00 GMT

Pet supplies retailer PetSmart (PETM) gapped up to a 12% gain Wednesday, bursting to a new high and reasserting itself as a leader in the Retail-Specialty group. The 15-stock group crept ahead to a No. 33 ranking Wednesday, up from No. 61 at the start of the month. Retail groups have shown strength in the correcting market, rising to four top-20 positions among the 197 industry groups. Retail continues to hold a top five ranking among the 33

Most Sector Leaders Reverse Higher

Wed, 23 May 2012 21:57:00 GMT

Sector Leaders ended mostly higher Wednesday, with many staging upside reversals. But most of those that turned for the better did so in lackluster trade. Coinstar (CSTR) was one exception. It erased early gains and rallied 2.64, or 5%, to 60.09. Volume ended 14% above average. Last week, the stock fell more than 8% below a 63.89 three-weeks-tight buy point. Lululemon Athletica (LULU) was another exception. It rallied 2.91, or 4%, to 72.47. That

CRB Hits Lowest In 20 Months In 'Panic Selling'

Wed, 23 May 2012 21:47:00 GMT

The sell-off in commodities showed few signs of abating on Wednesday as the dollar's relentless climb against the euro and fears of a Greek exit from the eurozone sent U.S. crude oil below $90 per barrel and metals and oil prices tumbling. The 19-commodity Thomson Reuters-Jefferies CRB index -- a global benchmark for the asset class -- extended the 20-month lows of the previous session, falling nearly 2% to a bottom not seen since September 2010.

Learn To Sell Winners In Hastily Formed V-Shape Bases

Wed, 23 May 2012 21:39:00 GMT

Do you feel you're always selling into weakness, getting stopped out or recognizing a sell signal long after your stock has already taken a big hit? If yes, then you know nothing is sweeter than selling into strength, letting go of something you bought at lower levels just as the rest of the market realizes how great the company is. The trick is to sell into the right kind of strength. One technique is to spot the two-weeks-down-two-weeks-up

Stocks Stage Big Upside Reversal Amid EU Jitters

Wed, 23 May 2012 20:39:00 GMT

The major stock averages staged a fat upside reversal Wednesday, ending mostly higher after recording steep early losses. When the wild session ended, the Nasdaq rose 0.4% and the S&P 500 added 0.2%. The Dow Jones industrial average slipped a fraction. Volume rose 3% on the Nasdaq and dipped slightly on the NYSE. At their worst, the averages saw losses of 1.8% for the Nasdaq and 1.5% each for the S&P 500 and the Dow industrials. All eyes were on

Stocks Down But Off Lows; Facebook Set For 1st Sizable Gain

Wed, 23 May 2012 19:14:00 GMT

Stocks remained in negative territory in late-afternoon action Wednesday, but they had lifted off their session lows. The Dow Jones industrial average lost 0.8%, the S&P 500 0.7% and the Nasdaq 0.6%. Turnover continued to track slightly down from Tuesday's level for the NYSE, but up a bit for the Nasdaq. Facebook (FB) rose 3%, putting it on pace for its first sizable gain since the stock began trading on the Nasdaq Friday. The social network's

Some Quality Stocks Are Working On Potential Bases

Wed, 23 May 2012 18:39:00 GMT

A correction is no time to buy. Most disciplined investors probably aren't having much trouble following that rule these days. The month of May hasn't served up many breakouts. The sluggishness is making it easy for investors to do what they should be doing: looking for stocks that could be forming bases. A few stocks in the Stock Spotlight screen appear to be working on bases. These stocks also have relative strength lines at or near new highs,

Stocks Fall In Mixed Turnover; Genesco Reverses Lower

Wed, 23 May 2012 17:37:00 GMT

Stocks held firmly in the red in early-afternoon action Wednesday, erasing much of their gains from this week. The Dow Jones industrial average and S&P 500 lost 1.2%, while the Nasdaq shed 1.1%. Turnover was tracking slightly down from Tuesday's level for the NYSE, but up a bit for the Nasdaq. Retailer Genesco (GCO) fell 5% in fast trade after initially rising 3% on its better-than-expected first-quarter earnings. Before the opening bell, the

Stocks Slide, But Facebook On Pace For First Sizable Gain

Wed, 23 May 2012 16:11:00 GMT

Stocks traded firmly in the red at midday Wednesday, taking back much of their gains from this week. The Dow Jones industrial average lost 1.3%, the Nasdaq shed 1.2% and the S&P 500 fell 1.1%. Turnover was tracking slightly up from Tuesday's levels on both main exchanges. On the upside, Facebook (FB) rose 3%, putting it on pace for its first sizable gain since the stock began trading on the Nasdaq Friday. The social network's shares finished flat

Stocks Dip In Firm Trade; PetSmart, Guess Bolt Higher

Wed, 23 May 2012 14:53:00 GMT

Stocks opened lower Wednesday, struggling against weak earnings reports as losses eased slightly in Europe's markets. The Dow Jones industrial average dropped 0.9%. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq cut 0.7% apiece. Volume rose, the first day this week for an early gain in trading, up 7% on the Nasdaq and 3% higher on the NYSE. New home sales perked more than 3% higher in April, to an annual rate of 343,000, The Census Bureau reported. That topped

Stock Futures Track Overseas Sell Off; Dell Tanks

Wed, 23 May 2012 13:09:00 GMT

Stock futures pointed sharply lower Wednesday as overseas markets registered heavy losses and disappointing earnings reports took a toll. Dow futures continued to deepen losses and were down 98 points. Nasdaq 100 futures traded 23 points below fair market value and S&P 500 futures were more than 10 points into the red. Europe's markets sunk hard after worrisome comments from Greek Prime Minister Lucas Papademos ahead of Wednesday's meeting of 27

Stocks Can't Hold Gains, Close Narrowly Mixed

Tue, 22 May 2012 22:55:00 GMT

Stocks finished mixed Tuesday after giving up gains in late-afternoon action. The main indexes all looked set to continue a recovery from last week's big tumble, but they slumped in the last hour. Only a last-ditch effort let the S&P 500 end in positive territory. The S&P 500 added less than 0.1%, after being up nearly 1%. The Nasdaq lost 0.3%, relinquishing a gain of 0.7%. The NYSE composite finished about flat. The index has fallen below the

Ariba, Shoe Store Chain DSW Brighten New Highs List

Tue, 22 May 2012 22:36:00 GMT

The new highs well remains dry. On Monday, 17 stocks on the Nasdaq notched a 52-week or all-time peak. On Tuesday, the total increased to 24, still a paltry number for the breakout-hunting investor. Consider Dec. 20 last year, when the Nasdaq staged a 17th-day follow-through. On that day, 52 Nasdaq-listed issues made new highs. Not a big number, sure, but it still dwarfed the 30 stocks making new lows. Two weeks later on Jan. 3, 74 stocks hit

Treasury Bonds Back Off For Third Straight Session

Tue, 22 May 2012 22:09:00 GMT

Benchmark Treasury debt prices fell for a third consecutive day Tuesday as investors took profits from recent gains and pushed for lower prices going into auctions of government debt this week. Treasury yields last week fell to levels near the lowest in at least 60 years as fears that Europe will face new funding stresses added to demand for safe-haven U.S. debt. While any solution to Europe's debt woes did not seem to be imminently looming,

Oppenheimer Fund Seeks Stocks Making Positive Surprises

Tue, 22 May 2012 22:04:00 GMT

The $1.5 billion Oppenheimer Discovery Fund looks for what it calls high quality, attractively valued companies with sustainable earnings growth and skilled management. Innovative products or services are often key ingredients in that recipe. Examples in the portfolio include companies whose market shares in their niches are dominant. One is Mellanox Technologies (MLNX), which provides devices that connect servers and storage systems, using

Fertilizer Stocks Gather Wits After Sell-Off

Tue, 22 May 2012 22:04:00 GMT

Fertilizer stocks grabbed a couple of strong days Monday and Tuesday, trying to rebound after a sharp three-week sell-off. The group has been under pressure since corn prices snapped a multi-year uptrend last fall. Corn may not go lower, but the gravy train appears, at least for now, to have throttled back. Also, natural gas prices -- the primary input cost for nitrogen fertilizers -- have bounced from a 28-month retreat. Gas is still mighty cheap,

Sector Leaders End Mixed; Alexion Jumps

Tue, 22 May 2012 22:04:00 GMT

Sector Leaders ended mixed Tuesday as some reversed lower after the market faded. SXC Health Solutions (SXCI) turned tail and eased 0.08 to 90.14 in roughly average volume. It was up as much as 5%. The stock has been trading mostly sideways since surging on earnings news five weeks ago. SXC Health is in a square-box pattern, which might turn into a flat base. The stock closed 10% off its record high Tuesday, but its relative strength line is

Union Pacific Showing Rising Growth

Tue, 22 May 2012 22:04:00 GMT

While the economic recovery continues to chug along, growth is picking up for Union Pacific (UNP). Last month, the nation's largest rail operator delivered its third straight quarter of accelerating profit growth. Its Q1 earnings climbed 39% to $1.79 a share. That also marked its best performance in five quarters. Sales grew 14% to a record $5.1 billion. Higher volumes boosted results as four of its six business units delivered volume growth.

Options In Focus: Alexion Pharmaceuticals

Tue, 22 May 2012 21:27:00 GMT

NASDAQ 100 and IBD 50 constituent Alexion Pharmaceuticals (ALXN) saw unusually strong option activity Monday. Total volume of roughly 10,500 contracts was well above the biopharmaceutical outfit's 50-day simple moving average of 585, with strong favor for calls over puts by a margin of about 6-to-1. Roughly 65% of today's trading is concentrated in ALXN's surrounding money June 90, 95 and 100 calls. On the surface, the volume would appear to be in

Nationstar Is Extended From IPO Base Buy Point

Tue, 22 May 2012 21:12:00 GMT

The housing industry, even after the crash of the late 2000s, remains a core of the U.S. economy. Nationstar Mortgage (NSM) is thriving in the thick of the industry's recovery. Based in the Dallas suburb of Lewisville, Nationstar makes an impact on 635,000 residential mortgages that total $103 billion in unpaid principal balance. Nationstar helps mortgage investors improve their performance and boost their credit quality. The company employs 2,600

Qihoo Unites Several Winning Themes

Tue, 22 May 2012 21:12:00 GMT

Qihoo 360 Technology (QIHU) taps into three winning themes: technology, China's booming online ad market and youth (Qihoo's, not its clients'). Qihoo develops security software for Internet and mobile devices, as well as system-optimization programs for websites. It also distributes through its e-commerce websites various third-party anti-virus software and other applications. Online advertising made up two-thirds of the Beijing-based company's

More Rain, Less Demand Send Grains Plunging

Tue, 22 May 2012 21:12:00 GMT

Corn plunged 5% Tuesday, posting its biggest daily loss in more than four months, due to softer cash markets, an indication that immediate demand is waning, traders said. Forecasts for some rain in the Midwest added pressure to corn as well to the soybean markets, which dropped 2.3%. July corn dropped 31-1/2 cents to $6.01-1/2 a bushel, while soybeans fell 32-1/4 cents to $13.80-1/4 per bushel. The 5% drop in corn was the biggest in percentage

Modest Gains Vanish As Stocks Reverse Lower

Tue, 22 May 2012 20:35:00 GMT

Everything was steady-as-she-goes for stocks Tuesday until the final hour, when the major averages -- and many leaders -- fell victim to heavy selling. The Nasdaq, which had been up as much as 0.7%, fell 0.3%. The S&P 500 rose a fraction and the Dow Jones industrial average fell a fraction. Volume dipped by a minuscule amount on the Nasdaq but increased 12% on the NYSE, according to preliminary data. Stocks had actually been holding steady for most

How The Upper Channel Line Helps You Sell Correctly

Tue, 22 May 2012 20:17:00 GMT

Walking is better than running away, Willie Nelson sang in his 1974 tune "Phases and Stages," and crawling ain't no good at all. In spite of all the wisdom in his songwriting, Willie's a guy who's always struggled to follow his own advice. The same is true for countless investors who get caught flat-footed, watching gains erode away to crud when their winning stock breaks down. What's the wisdom they're ignoring? A long list of sell signals,

Stocks Gain, But Facebook Does Another Face Plant

Tue, 22 May 2012 19:05:00 GMT

Stocks traded off their session highs, but held in positive territory in late-afternoon action Tuesday. The main indexes are recovering somewhat from last week's tumble and trying to extend their winning streak to two sessions. The S&P 500 rose 0.4%, while the Dow Jones industrial average gained 0.3%. The Nasdaq was up just 0.1%, after briefly turning negative at 12:10 p.m. ET. Volume was tracking up from Monday's level on the NYSE, but down on

Stocks Advance In Mixed Volume; Retailer DSW Hits New High

Tue, 22 May 2012 17:28:00 GMT

Stocks traded off their session highs, but held in positive territory in early-afternoon action Tuesday as they continued to recover from last week's tumble and tried to extend their winning streak to two sessions. The S&P 500 rose 0.6%, while the Dow Jones industrial average gained 0.5%. The Nasdaq added 0.4%, after briefly turning negative at 12:10 p.m. ET. Volume was tracking up from Monday's level on the NYSE, but down on the Nasdaq. DSW (DSW)

Stocks Gain In Mixed Turnover; Mellanox Breaks Out

Tue, 22 May 2012 16:01:00 GMT

Stocks held solid gains and traded near session peaks at midday Tuesday, as they continued to recover from last week's tumble and tried to extend their winning streak to two sessions. The S&P 500 rose 0.8%, the Nasdaq 0.6% and the Dow Jones industrial average 0.5%. Volume was tracking up from Monday's level on the NYSE, but down on the Nasdaq. Mellanox Technologies (MLNX) jumped 3% in fast trade, clearing a possible early buy point around the 60

Stocks Gain in Light Trade; Urban Outfitters Surges

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:42:00 GMT

Stocks opened higher in light trade Tuesday, again tracking overseas gains and helped by a raft of positive earnings news. The S&P 500 popped 0.7%. The Nasdaq rose 0.5% and the Dow Jones industrial average 0.4%. Volume was lower compared with the same time Monday. Existing-home sales rose in April to an annual rate of 4.62 million, above March's 4.47 million pace, according to the National Association of Realtors. The sales were short of

Stock Futures Narrowly Higher; Best Buy Surges

Tue, 22 May 2012 13:04:00 GMT

Stock futures fought to hold early gains Tuesday as earnings reports pushed and pulled on premarket trading. Dow futures traded up three points. Nasdaq 100 futures rose 4.75 points and S&P 500 futures were fractionally above fair market value. Overseas markets were ringing positive notes, in spite of a downgrade, by Fitch's, of Japan's debt. The agency cut the country from double-A to A-plus with a negative outlook due to "high and rising public

Stocks Stage Big Rebound, But Trade Falls

Mon, 21 May 2012 23:17:00 GMT

Stocks staged a big-time bounce Monday after suffering their worst week of the year . The Nasdaq bolted 2.5%, the S&P 500 1.6% and the NYSE composite also 1.6%. It was the Nasdaq's best day so far this year. Leading stocks also had a nice day as the IBD 50 ramped up 3.3%. That's its best performance since a 3.7% jump April 25. Stocks opened higher Monday and never faded as indexes strengthened throughout the session and closed nearly smack at

Few Nasdaq Stocks Hit Highs Despite Market's Rebound

Mon, 21 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

The major indexes rebounded sharply Monday, but few stocks continue to make new highs. This combination of action hardly comes as a surprise. Since the market went into correction mode on April 4 (and again on May 4), the market has logged its sharpest descent since November. The Nasdaq went from a high of 3134 to Friday's intraday low of 2774, an 11.5% decline. Generally, the stocks that had led the market's first-quarter rally have fallen much

Big-Cap Leaders Bland, But Their Charts Holding Up

Mon, 21 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

While today's Big Cap 20 list reflects a conservative mix of consumer staples and medical stocks, the good news is that most charts are holding up. The list is dominated by consumer staples, medical companies and media providers. That's typical in a market environment in which companies with steady and dependable performance gain favor, while capital goods and other economically sensitive companies lag. The earnings growth of these defensive

Align Tech And Watson Helping To Drive Medical Stocks

Mon, 21 May 2012 22:32:00 GMT

Several slices of the medical sector are in the top echelon of IBD's 197 industry groups. The top two are Medical-Biomed/Biotech and Medical-Services groups rank Nos. 5 and 6, going into Monday. That was up from 7 and 14 three weeks ago. Mutual funds are among the big buyers and big beneficiaries. The $1.2 billion Franklin DynaTech was among 140 funds that opened a stake in their latest disclosure periods in the Biomed/Biotech group's Alexion

Options In Focus: Some Credit for that Debit Spread

Mon, 21 May 2012 22:31:00 GMT

The fascination with credit spreads as compared to debit spreads can't be denied. That is, until you do the homework and hopefully realize if there was a systematic advantage, it would be exploited, arbed out and non-existent. Case in point, did you know an out-of-the-money bull put spread initiated for a credit is the same as buying an in-the-money bull call spread for a debit when dealing with identical strikes and the same contract month? Well,

Align, TransDigm Lift Above Their 50-Day Averages

Mon, 21 May 2012 21:58:00 GMT

Nearly all of the stocks in IBD's Sector Leaders screen joined in Monday's broad rally, as the market recovered somewhat from the punishing past week. Several stocks from the screen are dancing in the vicinity of their 50-day moving average, a key support level. Align Technology (ALGN) jumped 1.49, or 5%, to 31.21 in active turnover. The stock rallied Monday after finding support at its 50-day line Friday. A 50-day rebound can serve as a buying

Don't Let Greed Put Your Investment Profits At Risk

Mon, 21 May 2012 21:41:00 GMT

Greed, one of the Seven Deadly Sins, is defined as an excessive pursuit of wealth. But investors who sell a stock after a 20%-to-25% gain can avoid that sin while also making a nice profit. The 20% sell rule marks the first part of a nine-part Investor's Corner series that will examine strategies to help shareholders maximize profits. These offense-style sell rules require the investor to sell into strength, locking in gains while a stock is

IShares Select ETF Offers Lower Volatility, Big Yield

Mon, 21 May 2012 21:39:00 GMT

In rough market conditions, investments with lower volatility can be a good thing. The iShares Dow Jones Select Index (DVY) exchange traded fund(ETF) tends to have calmer ups and downs than the general market and carries a big dividend yield. The ETF tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Select Dividend index. Companies in the index are screened by measures such as dividend growth and payout rates. Only big-cap stocks are included in its portfolio. Real

Monster Beverage, Align Now In Leading Industries

Mon, 21 May 2012 21:39:00 GMT

Two industries made enormous leaps in the group rankings over the past several weeks, placing one leading stock each among the top industries. The Medical Supplies group popped to a No. 17 ranking Monday among 197 industries. That was up from No. 164 at the start of April. The general market has been in retreat during most of that time. That allowed a modest boost from Cooper (COO) and several thinly traded stocks to help lift the group in the

Leading Retailer TJX Tests Its 10-Week Line

Mon, 21 May 2012 21:39:00 GMT

TJX Cos. (TJX) is looking to both halt a three-week selling streak and find support at the 10-week moving average. Such action is normal for a market leader. But what should an investor do now? Those who regularly read The Big Picture column and Investor's Corner know that it's not always "safe" to build a new position or add shares to an existing one when a stock is testing this key support level. One reason: When the market is in a correction,

Hong Kong Groups Reflect China's Pro-growth Shift

Mon, 21 May 2012 21:14:00 GMT

When Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao declared Monday that the government will give top priority to economic growth, the market received two messages, one good, the other not so good. But that market's group rankings show some optimism. The bad news is that the highest levels of government are worried about a hard landing for the world's biggest emerging market. The good news is that Beijing is now more likely to step up pro-growth measures, such as

Bonds Dip On Profit-Taking; G-8 Vows Stimulus Moves

Mon, 21 May 2012 21:13:00 GMT

Treasury prices eased in price on Monday as investors took profits after a recent rally that was sparked by fears over a worsening of the European debt crisis and ahead of $99 billion in new debt supply scheduled for this week. Benchmark 10-year Treasury note yields last week had dipped to near the lowest level in at least 60 years as investors looked for new information over how European leaders will address a possible Greek exit from the euro

China's Economy Push Lends Oil Solid Momentum

Mon, 21 May 2012 20:43:00 GMT

Oil prices rose on Monday after China's premier called for more efforts to stimulate growth and as investors cautiously awaited results of Iran's second round of revived talks with major powers over Tehran's nuclear program. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's call for "giving more priority to maintaining growth" signaled Beijing's willingness to take action after several recent economic indicators suggested that the economy could continue to slow in the

Stocks Surge As China Vows Growth Push

Mon, 21 May 2012 20:31:00 GMT

Helped by a pro-growth message overnight from Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, stocks on Monday scored big and broad gains. But volume failed to follow suit. When the session's curtain closed, the Nasdaq soared 2.5%, the S&P 500 1.6% and the Dow Jones industrial average 1.1%. But volume fell 33% on the Nasdaq and 37% on the NYSE, according to preliminary data. Remember, that comparison goes against Friday's session, when volume was boosted

Stocks Climb, Hold Near Session Highs; Facebook Flops

Mon, 21 May 2012 18:58:00 GMT

Stocks stayed on pace to score solid gains in late-afternoon action Monday, recovering somewhat from their worst weekly declines so far in 2012. The Nasdaq was up 2%, while the S&P 500 added 1.2%. The Dow Jones industrial average gained 0.8%. Volume was down across the board from Friday's levels, which were boosted by options expirations. Last week, the Nasdaq lost 5.3%, the S&P 500 shed 4.3% and the Dow Jones industrial average fell 3.5%. Each

Stocks Up Sharply In Lower Volume; Titan Machinery Climbs

Mon, 21 May 2012 17:23:00 GMT

Stocks traded near their session highs and enjoyed strong gains in early-afternoon action Monday, as they worked on recovering from their worst weekly declines so far in 2012. The Nasdaq rose 1.9%, the S&P 500 gained 1.1% and the Dow Jones industrial average tacked on 0.8%. Volume was down across the board from Friday's levels, which were boosted by options expirations. Titan Machinery (TITN) jumped 5% in fast trade, lifting off support at its

Stocks Up In Lower Trade, But Facebook Falls

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:59:00 GMT

Stocks held solid gains around midday Monday, as they worked on recovering from their worst weekly declines so far in 2012. The Nasdaq rose 1.3%, the S&P 500 gained 0.9% and the Dow Jones industrial average tacked on 0.6%. Volume was down across the board from Friday's levels, which were boosted by options expirations. On the downside, Facebook (FB) was getting hammered in its second day of trading on the Nasdaq. The social network's shares were

Stocks Open To Quiet Gains: Sturm Ruger Tumbles

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:45:00 GMT

Stocks moved modestly higher in quiet trade Monday as merger deals took center stage. The S&P 500 rose 5%, the Nasdaq 4% and the Dow Jones Industrial average 3%. Volume was sharply lower, down 37% on the Nasdaq and 78% on the NYSE compared with the same time Friday, when options expiration boosted trading. Boeing (BA) rose 2%, the Dow's widest gain, after Argus upgrade the stock to buy. Micron Technology (MU) added 2%, while Netflix (NFLX) and

Stock Futures Trim Gains; Yahoo Jumps, Lowe's Dives

Mon, 21 May 2012 13:04:00 GMT

Stock futures narrowed their early gains before Monday's open, shadowing trade on European markets. Dow futures held a 50-point gain. Nasdaq 100 futures traded up 13.25 points and S&P 500 futures clung to a 5-point margin. With no major economic reports due Monday, overseas influence as well as mergers and earnings drove much of the early action. Stocks traded in mixed fashion in Europe, with the major indexes moderately higher in Paris and

Stock Indexes Showing Consistently Bad Action

Fri, 18 May 2012 23:11:00 GMT

Stocks racked up a complete week of daily losses, the first time that has happened since the holiday-shortened Thanksgiving week. The Nasdaq and the IBD 50 each dropped 1.2% Friday, while the S&P 500 and the NYSE composite each shaved 0.7%.Volume rose sharply across the board, thanks partly to options expirations. The NYSE composite is now slightly down for 2012. The Nasdaq, which was up 20% in late March, is up just 7% for the year. The week

Sector Leaders' List Shrinks After Many Fall Again

Fri, 18 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

The Sector Leaders' list shrank again on Friday after many top stocks again suffered widespread losses, with many falling in high volume. The list shrank for a third day, to 15, after Apple (AAPL) and Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) dropped out, replaced by Chinese game site NetEase (NTES). The list has had as many as 19 members in recent weeks, but even the strongest stocks are having trouble holding up amid the market's correction. About half of the

How To Reduce Taxes On Your Social Security Benefits

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:49:00 GMT

Social Security benefits -- yours, your parents or an elderly relative's, let's say -- can be subject to income tax. But you can take steps to minimize or avoid the hit, which can save thousands of dollars. The key is to trim your non-Social Security income -- often by turning vulnerable categories of income into safe ones. Suppose a hypothetical Eve Hill is single, receiving Social Security. Taxation of her benefits depends on what the IRS calls her

Medical Stocks Forming Bases Amid Market Sell-Off

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:43:00 GMT

Medical stocks have held up relatively well during the current correction, with many forming bases at a time when other leaders are breaking down. The medical sector contributed seven stocks to this week's IBD 50, including three in the top 15. It's not a good idea to buy stocks during a correction, but these are worth watching in preparation for a new market uptrend. SXC Health Solutions (SXCI), which provides benefit management services for

New Highs Analysis: Wal-Mart Touches Multiyear Peak

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:38:00 GMT

Wal-Mart (WMT) scored a place on the new highs list Friday, as the retail king touched a multiyear high of 62.63. That actually wasn't a completely brand-new peak, but rather the stock matched a prior high. Wal-Mart previously climbed to the 62.63 level on Feb. 1. Since Feb. 1, the world's biggest retailer has been consolidating in the vicinity of its 10-week moving average. You could view the chart pattern as a flat base with a buy point at

SXC On Buyout Rampage

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:07:00 GMT

Companies can grow organically or through acquisitions. SXC Health Solutions (SXCI) is taking the latter approach. The provider of pharmacy benefit management and IT services has been on a buyout binge in recent years. It recently announced its fifth acquisition since December 2010. Last month SXC agreed to buy rival Catalyst Health Solutions (CHSI) in a cash and stock deal valued at $4.4 billion. Some proceeds from a recent secondary offering

Ever-Changing Boomers Could Boost Tractor Supply

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:07:00 GMT

Retail farm and ranch chain Tractor Supply (TSCO) grew earnings 49%, 38% and 34% in the past three years. Can it keep up the fast growth? The Street appears to think the short-term answer is "sort of." The consensus estimate sees 23% EPS growth this year, just shy of the 25% pace IBD investors seek. If the company can beat 2012 views by 1.5%, then it will hit the 25% mark. Even that growth, though, would represent the third straight year of slower

Vitamin Shoppe Tests Traders' Resolve At Buy Point

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:07:00 GMT

In a hostile market environment, breakouts often turn into a test of institutional demand. What exactly is such a test? Imagine a stock that breaks out past a proper buy point of 46.24. It has all of the characteristics of a CAN SLIM leader. Sure enough, it rises fast, hitting a high of 49 in less than two weeks and making an investor 6% richer in the stock. But in the next six sessions, the stock falls five times. Now, the investor is wondering

Mellanox Avoids Flaws Seen In Many Israeli Stocks

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:07:00 GMT

Mellanox Technologies makes sure that its customers' servers and data-storage systems all get along, even if those systems weren't made to work with each other. Mellanox's clients need to connect their servers and data-storage equipment to each other. Often, a corporate customer will be working with a hodgepodge of systems cobbled together over the years. Mellanox (MLNX) helps make that motley crew of systems work together -- as well as making

Guggenheim Defensive Equity Faring Better Than Market

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:07:00 GMT

Some stocks will tend to hold up in tough market conditions. These defensive issues generally come from the food, utility, telecom or tobacco spaces. Even though they tend to take less heat when the market gets rough, they can still get hit hard on occasion. But income investors can lower risk through an exchanged traded fund (ETF) such as the Guggenheim Defensive Equity (DEF) ETF. The fund tracks the performance of the Sabrient Defensive Equity

Southwest Rises, Spirit Sees Worst Week Since IPO

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:07:00 GMT

In a week that squeezed losses from all but three industry groups, airlines lost less altitude than most. That resilience lifted the 18-stock group into the top 20 among 197 industries, up from No. 145 at the beginning of March. Airlines might have ended the week on a stronger note, if not for Delta Air Lines (DAL). Delta said Thursday it would trim its total capacity for the year by 3% to 4%, more than previously announced. Most of the paring

Spotting The Correct Buy Point In SolarWinds

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:07:00 GMT

When stalking a trade, a lot of factors need to come into play before taking action. But being too rigid and waiting for everything to be perfect can cause you to miss out on some big winners. The CAN SLIM investing methodology is a top-down approach. Every aspect should be in play, without exceptions. You want the market to be in an uptrend before buying stocks. It's best to go with the flow, rather than try to swim upstream. A stock should be in

T-Bond Rally Rests With Yields Near Record Lows

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:07:00 GMT

Treasury debt prices slipped Friday as investors took profits a day after benchmark yields flirted with their lowest level in at least 60 years in this week's rally, fueled by anxiety over the euro zone debt crisis. Despite Friday's modest pullback, benchmark 10-year yields fell for a ninth consecutive week, matching a streak last seen in 1998, according to Reuters data. "We are at levels where most people would like to go short but they can't

Wheat Notches Biggest Weekly Gain In 16 Years

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:07:00 GMT

Wheat headed for its biggest weekly gain in 16 years on Friday, adding about 16% to prices as hot and dry weather kept fears simmering about production losses in the U.S. Plains and Russia. Soybeans slipped after three straight sessions of gains, while corn climbed on wheat's coattails. The promise of a bumper U.S. hard red winter wheat crop was eroding by the hour as scorching temperatures and high winds in important growing areas of the U.S.

Options In Focus: Buy, Sell & Behold

Fri, 18 May 2012 21:59:00 GMT

Vertical spreads are handy, if not very adaptable spreads. Traders can look at potential income generation verticals such as an "at" or in-the-money bull call or their same strike put equivalents. The latter type allows traders wishing to accumulate shares on weakness do so with limited risk versus a naked short put "targeted purchase" strategy. There's also out-of-the bull call spreads to consider. While traders will need some type of bullish

Stocks Suffer Worst Week Of Year; Facebook No Help

Fri, 18 May 2012 21:14:00 GMT

Facebook's (FB) IPO failed to lift sentiment Friday, as stocks extended losses and logged their worst week of the year. The Nasdaq slumped 1.2% and the S&P 500 fell 0.7%. Both closed a few points above their respective 200-day moving averages. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones industrial average gave up 0.6%. Volume surged across the board due to options expiration. For the week, the Nasdaq tumbled 5.3%. That's the biggest loss since the week ended Sept.

Market Falls Again As Volume Surges

Fri, 18 May 2012 20:31:00 GMT

After a small and short-lived upside attempt Friday morning, the major stock indexes turned tail and plumbed new lows for the market correction. The Nasdaq fell 1.2% the S&P 500 0.7% and the Dow Jones industrial average 0.6%. That's six straight losses for the S&P 500 and the Dow, five for the Nasdaq. The S&P 500 ended at its lowest since Jan. 13. Volume rose across the board. The long-awaited Facebook (FB) IPO finally arrived. Shares of the

Stocks Eye Worst Week Of 2012; Facebook Falters, Recovers

Fri, 18 May 2012 18:58:00 GMT

Stocks were lower in late-afternoon action Friday after pulling back from their session highs about 11 a.m. ET, when Facebook (FB) had been slated to start trading but didn't. The Nasdaq lost 0.9%, the S&P 500 shed 0.6% and the Dow Jones industrial average fell 0.5%. Turnover was tracking up from Thursday's levels on both main exchanges, boosted by options expirations. The main indexes are all on track to post their worst week since the week

Stocks Down; Facebook Rebounds After Slipping To IPO Price

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:48:00 GMT

Stocks were moderately lower in early afternoon action Friday after pulling back from their session highs around 11 a.m. ET, when Facebook (FB) had been expected to begin trading. The Nasdaq shed 0.3%, the Dow Jones industrial average lost 0.1% and the S&P 500 dipped fractionally. Turnover was tracking higher across the board, boosted by options expirations. Facebook was up about 3% from its offering price at 38, but it had been up more than 13%

Stocks Down; Facebook Up But Off Highs After Delayed Debut

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:01:00 GMT

Stocks traded in negative territory around midday Friday after pulling back from their session highs around 11 a.m. ET, when Facebook (FB) had been expected to begin trading. The Nasdaq lost 0.4%, the Dow Jones industrial average shed 0.1% and the S&P 500 fell less than 0.1%. Turnover was tracking higher across the board, boosted by options expirations. Facebook was up about 3% from its offering price at 38, but it had been up as much as 13% out

Indexes Flat Ahead of Facebook IPO; Autodesk Tanks

Fri, 18 May 2012 14:37:00 GMT

The major indexes were flat in heavy, options-expiration trade early Friday as the market looked toward Facebook's debut. The S&P 500 was up 0.2% and the Nasdaq and Dow Jones industrial average up 0.1%. Nasdaq volume tracked about double its rate from the same time Thursday. NYSE volume soared. Alcoa (AA) climbed 2% to post the Dow's top advance. Yahoo (YHOO) led the Nasdaq 100 with a 5% gain, as Nasdaq 100 peer Autodesk (ADSK) stumbled 12%.

Stock Futures Positive; Facebook Waits In The Wings

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:05:00 GMT

Stock futures pointed higher Friday, but slipped from early highs, shadowing a weakening of stocks overseas. Dow futures traded up 52 points. Nasdaq 100 futures were 10.25 points higher and S&P 500 futures were up 6.5 points. The major indexes head into Friday's session with their work cut out for them, riding a string of losses pointing them toward a possible test of support at their 200-day moving averages. The Nasdaq slipped 4.1% for the week

Correction Sharpens Its Pain And Spreads Its Reach

Thu, 17 May 2012 23:35:00 GMT

The bearish camp kept the pressure on stocks Thursday as the major indexes fell for the seventh time in the past eight sessions. The Nasdaq logged the day's biggest loss at 2.1%, while the Dow Jones industrial average notched the smallest at 1.2%. In between, the S&P 500 and the NYSE composite each fell 1.5%. Volume rose 8% on the NYSE and 6% on the Nasdaq. At this point, the bulls are beaten and cowering. A correction is like a schoolyard bully:

Top Stocks End Mostly Lower, Many Near Intraday Lows

Thu, 17 May 2012 22:55:00 GMT

Most Sector Leaders fell Thursday, with many closing near their intraday lows as the overall market continued to sell off. Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD) was among the biggest losers, diving back below its key support line. Twelve of the 15 stocks on the leaders' list ended lower, half of them in above-average volume. Meanwhile, the list of top stocks lost another member on Thursday as Bio Reference Labs (BRLI) dropped out after lingering below its

Stocks Hitting Highs Include Verizon, McCormick

Thu, 17 May 2012 22:54:00 GMT

The new highs list retained its defensive flavor Thursday, as steady stocks such as Verizon Communications (VZ) and McCormick (MKC) touched fresh peaks. Verizon largely has been moving sideways this year, but it's now reached a new 52-week high. The telecom pays a nice dividend and is holding up well in the current market correction. On the other hand, it doesn't come close to looking like a CAN SLIM growth stock. Its three-year EPS growth is -4%,

Keep Watch Lists Updated In Corrections

Thu, 17 May 2012 22:52:00 GMT

Some leading stocks with big earnings estimates continue to fare relatively well in the face of a worsening market. Don't tune out of stocks altogether during a market correction. Use the time to build your watch lists so that you'll be ready once a market uptrend resumes. Equinix (EQIX) sits about 11% off its high or a touch worse than the Nasdaq. The stock is slightly below its 10-day moving average. But the stock pulled back to the line in

NetEase Surges As First-Quarter Report Beats Estimates

Thu, 17 May 2012 22:45:00 GMT

NetEase (NTES) pushed into new high ground Thursday after the Chinese online video-gaming star released its first-quarter report, which held a few pleasant surprises. In its Q1 report, released late Wednesday, NetEase netted $1.14 per share, a 33% rise from its year-earlier profit and 4 cents better than expected. Revenue climbed 36% to $312.1 million, also beating estimates. That 33% EPS rise was a tad better than the prior quarter, which saw a

Yields Fall Near Record Low Amid Dour Economic Data

Thu, 17 May 2012 22:45:00 GMT

Treasury debt prices rose on Thursday as disappointing data on regional U.S. business activity and worries about Greece's political turmoil and the health of Spanish banks stoked safe-haven bids. Yields on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note fell to their lowest levels in more than seven months and were within striking distance of 1.67%, the lowest yield in at least 60 years. "Treasuries continue to be the haven of choice for a spooked market,"

EU Stress Sinks Brent, But WTI Barely Budges

Thu, 17 May 2012 22:45:00 GMT

July Brent crude oil in the ICE exchange fell $2.19 to $107.56 a barrel Thursday, touching its lowest since Dec. 30, as investors avoided risky assets due to mounting fears that turmoil in Greece could spread. Meanwhile, West Texas intermediate July crude on the Nymex fell just 38 cents to $92.43. The owners of the U.S. Seaway pipeline said that its flow reversal was completed as expected. Now, rather than pipe oil to the Cushing, Okla., delivery

Copa Hangs Tight In Tough Market

Thu, 17 May 2012 22:45:00 GMT

Copa Holdings (CPA) is hanging tough in the face of market turbulence. Despite a market correction, the stock sits just a few percentage points off its record peak from earlier this month. The stock's Relative Strength line is at a new high. Stocks that fare well during rough market conditions can go on to be some of the best performers once the weight of the selling is lifted. Copa cleared a 77.90 buy point in a flat base in late March. It has

Auto Parts, Dollar Stores Tumble After Earnings

Thu, 17 May 2012 22:45:00 GMT

Industry leadership took a bearish turn Thursday as two of the most resilient defensive groups unraveled in heavy trade. Auto parts retailers and dollar store chains dropped after earnings reports from Dollar Tree (DLTR) and Advance Auto Parts (AAP). Advance Auto swooned 17% after missing Q1 earnings forecasts. Management said a mild winter led to fewer major repairs for cars, and warned of "constrained" results in the current quarter. Shares of

Texas Capital Bancshares, UMB Financial In Buy Area

Thu, 17 May 2012 22:45:00 GMT

Shares of big banks plunged following JPMorgan Chase's (JPM) huge trading loss, but Thursday's Spotlight shone on a pair of regional lenders that continue to hold up well despite the market's correction. Dallas-based Texas Capital Bancshares (TCBI) and Kansas City-based UMB Financial (UMBF) were in buy ranges as they hover above their 50-day moving averages. Both engage mainly in the old-fashioned business of taking deposits and making loans

Options In Focus: Less VIX'ing Behavior

Thu, 17 May 2012 22:11:00 GMT

Here we go again? Regular readers of this column may recall on Monday we warned of that session's fearful stretch of 15% in the CBOE Volatility Index relative to its 10-day simple moving average as suspect. In fact, we expressed if rules were made to be broken, this appeared to be one of those times to override a mechanical rule with the mindful kind. Worrying us at the time, while the relative stretch on a short-term basis was sufficient;

S&P 500 Slumps For Fifth Straight Session

Thu, 17 May 2012 21:03:00 GMT

Stocks suffered big losses Thursday, extending their recent slide. The market dealt with disappointing economic reports, and worries over Greece continued to weigh. Fitch downgraded Greece's debt rating Thursday. The Nasdaq tumbled 2.1% to a fresh three-month low. The S&P 500 stretched its losing streak to five sessions. It lost 1.5% and neared potential support at the 1300 level. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones industrial average dropped 1.2%, with 24

Spotting The Buy Point: Priceline In Early 2011

Thu, 17 May 2012 20:52:00 GMT

The market is wallowing in a correction, and many highflying stocks have fallen back to earth. But that doesn't mean investors ought to just curl up in a ball and weep. Instead, it's a good time to look for highly rated stocks that are consolidating in an orderly fashion. That way, when the market gets back into an uptrend, you'll be ready to take advantage of the new opportunities immediately. You'll have a watch list with some promising stocks,

Economic Report Sends Stocks Diving With Heavy Volume

Thu, 17 May 2012 20:19:00 GMT

A grim report on mid-Atlantic manufacturing and no relief from Europe's painful mess combined Thursday to deal stocks a heavy blow. The Nasdaq swooned 2.1%, the S&P 500 1.5% and the Dow Jones industrial average 1.2%. Volume was higher. The U.S. economic headlines were dominated by the Philadelphia Fed's business-activity index -- which is pretty much a factory gauge -- fall to -5.8 in May from April's reading of 8.5. May's result was the first

Gold Prices And Miners ETFs Defy Global Sell-Off

Thu, 17 May 2012 19:28:00 GMT

Gold prices rebounded from a five-month low Thursday amid an intensifying global sell-off in stocks and a weakening dollar. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) jumped 2.4% to 153.05. In the futures market, gold climbed 2.3% to $1,576 an ounce. PowerShares DB U.S. Dollar Index Bullish (UUP), tracking the greenback against major currencies, eased 0.24% to 22.51. Oversold conditions, bargain hunting and short covering, in which traders have to buy back their

Stocks Slump In Higher Volume; Dick's Sporting Goods Off 4%

Thu, 17 May 2012 19:08:00 GMT

Stocks traded in the red and near session lows in late-afternoon action Thursday, as the Dow Jones industrial average and S&P 500 stayed on pace to post their fifth straight down day. The Dow lost 0.8%, while the S&P 500 shed nearly 1%. The Nasdaq fared worst with a 1.4% loss, setting up the tech-heavy index for its fourth down session in a row. Turnover is tracking up from Wednesday's levels on both main exchanges. Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS)

Stocks Slump In Higher Volume, But NetEase Resists Sell-Off

Thu, 17 May 2012 17:46:00 GMT

Stocks held firmly in the red but lifted off their session lows in early-afternoon action Thursday. The Dow Jones industrial average and S&P 500 stayed on pace to post their fifth straight down day. The Dow lost 0.4%, while the S&P 500 shed 0.5%. The Nasdaq fared worst with a 0.8% loss, setting up the tech-heavy index for its fourth down session in a row. Turnover is now tracking up from Wednesday's levels on both main exchanges. NetEase (NTES)

Stocks Fall Further; Liquidity Services Dives

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:07:00 GMT

Stocks fell further into the red and touched fresh session lows around midday Thursday, putting the S&P 500 and Dow Jones industrial average on pace to post their fifth straight down day. The Dow lost 0.5%, while the S&P 500 shed 0.6%. The Nasdaq fared worst with a 1% loss, setting up the tech-heavy index for its fourth down session in a row. Turnover was tracking up from Wednesday's level for the NYSE, but down slighty for the Nasdaq. Liquidity

Stocks Slip In Quiet Trade; Advance Auto Craters

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:49:00 GMT

Markets opened with mild losses Thursday on soft weekly jobs data and mixed earnings reports. A startling drop in Philadelphia-region manufacturing was a drag on the market. The Dow Jones industrial average and S&P 500 each fell 0.3%. The Nasdaq slipped 0.4%. Volume was down 15% on the Nasdaq and 3% lower on the NYSE compared with the same time Wednesday. The Philadelphia Federal Reserve Index slumped to a -5.7 reading for May, an abrupt reversal

Futures Dip On Jobs Data; Sears, Wal-Mart Climb

Thu, 17 May 2012 13:09:00 GMT

Stock futures slipped from mixed trade to mild losses ahead of Thursday's open, after disappointing unemployment data. Futures for Dow, Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 stocks all traded narrowly below fair market value. Initial jobless claims were unchanged at 370,000 in the week ended May 12, the Labor Department reported. Analysts had called for a decline to 365,000 claims. Ongoing claims rose to 3.265 million in the week ended May 5, vs. the prior