Stock Tips Investment

Stock Tips for Today:

2012-03-01T07:38:00.019-05:00

Hello my Investors, Traders and Reader Friends. Yesterday the market fell slightly. The DJ-30 under 0.41%, the SP-500 decreased 0.47% and the Nasdaq Comp. it did in 0.67%. This decline should not be more than a pause in the upward path. There is however some aspects that I think are worth mentioning.
On the one hand, this fall has been accompanied by an increase in the volume of shares traded. This could indicate some panic among investors. On the otherhand, yesterday's decline has been general. In the case of DJ-30 only 9 stocks rose, while 21 fell. In the case of the SP-500, only 137 stocks rose and 363 stocks fell. In our internal list of growing stocks, only 19 stocks rose out of 71. This means that yesterday there was no rotation between sectors but a general fall in the market. A third aspect has to do with the levels of "support and resistance." We have been sayin that in the case of DJ-30, the level of 13,000 points is just a psychological resistance level. From my point of view, the resistance level "technical" is placed around 13,130 points. Yesterday, the DJ-30 came to 13.050 and immediately backed off (again) even belowthe 13,000 points. This means that the market is facing a difficult "real" to continue to rise. This is the third time in excess of 13,000 points and then can not support them. Finally, our Stock Picks System did not find any breakout yesterday with a pattern of positive prices. This is clearly unusual and reflects a defensive behavior by investors. Of course this was just one day. Therefore, it remains to be seen what happens in the next few days to see if itconfirms the rising trend or enter a pause.

3 Rallying Biotech Stocks Short Sellers Expect To Underperform

2012-03-01T07:29:00.000-05:00

Seeking Alpha

Comparing a stock's trading trends to its changes in number of shares shorted can lead to some interesting results.

We ran a screen on the biotech industry for stocks rallying above their 20-day, 50-day, and 200-day moving averages. We then screened these stocks for those with significant increases in shares shorted month-over-month, indicating short sellers expect these names to turn in the other direction.

Interactive Chart: Press Play to compare changes in analyst ratings over the last two years for the stocks mentioned below. Analyst ratings sourced from Zacks Investment Research... read more.

Adding A Dose Of Emerging Market Dividends

2012-03-01T07:24:00.002-05:00

Investopedia

With slower growth affecting much of the developed world, investors have started to show a preference for faster moving emerging markets. Once exotic nations like China, Brazil and Malaysia have become common place in many portfolios. The broad-based iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSE:EEM) has grown to nearly $38 billion in assets. However, despite the rosy long term picture for these nations, the short term ride is often bumpy. Volatility remains a constant issue for investors in developing countries. Nevertheless, there is a way for investors to smooth out their ride and get some much needed income.

Investopedia Markets: Explore the best one-stop source for financial news, quotes and insights.

Not Just Growth Elements
While many investors look towards the emerging world for a capital gain component, the regions are quickly becoming income plays as well. In the past, it was difficult to find dividend paying stocks located in emerging markets. But as these countries have grown and developed, dividend paying companies have become much more prevalent. Foreign firms have traditionally held a more dividend-friendly culture, paying them to shareholders rather than keeping them as retained earnings. This is holding true in the emerging market sector as well. According to asset manager WisdomTree Investments (Nasdaq:WETF), emerging markets paid more than $175 billion in dividends during 2011 and delivered some of the fastest growth in aggregate dividend streams among major regions... read more.

Free Stock Picks with Down Trend: GNTX - YPF - DWA

2012-03-01T07:24:00.001-05:00

On Wednesday, the market fell slightly. However, there are three aspects that are on concern. First, the increased volume, which could indicate a certain panic in the market. Second, the increase in volatility, which would indicate a major battle between bulls and bears. An Third, the resistance is finding the DJ-30 to overcome the barrier of 13,000 points. If this barrier is is not overcome in the coming days, the market will make a pause. Accordingly, yesterday appreciate a large number of stocks with significant price drops. So, have some short positions in a portfolio can be very healthy. All stocks that we include in this list, have the conditions to be considered for short positions. Next, you will find three "hot stock picks", three good candidates for short positions.

Gentex Corp. (GNTX).- Price: US$ 23.65 (Var: -14.44%). Volume: 13.40 Millions of shares (daily MA: 1.39M). Good fall wit huge volume. Next stop around US$ 22.50.

YPF Sociedad Anonima (YPF).- Price: US$ 26.23 (Var: - 14.28%). Volume: 8.20 Millions of shares (daily MA: 1.40M). Continues to fall with high volume. New low.

Dreamworks Animation Skg. (DWA).- Price: US$ 17.26 (Var: -12.16%). Volume: 4.30 Millions of shares (daily MA: 772K). Big gap down with huge volume. Potential Short.

Free Down Trend Stock Picks includes three stocks that have experienced daytime significant price falls. These stocks have been selected from a list includes stocks that have shown the worst performance of the last 52 weeks.This means these are stocks with a medium-term downward trend.

Auto Stocks Driving Higher

2012-03-01T07:24:00.000-05:00

The major indexes continue to move higher with the S&P 500 SPDRS (NYSE:SPY) ETF recently making new 52-week highs. Over the last month, the Consumer Goods sector has been one of the top performing groups, and a handful of those large capitalization Consumer Goods stocks that are putting up big numbers are in the auto space. These stocks have been leading the market higher recently and remain in strong up trends. The question is, can it last?

Investopedia Markets: Explore the best one-stop source for financial news, quotes and insights.
Delphi Automotive (NYSE:DLPH) has only been listed for a few months, but have performed very well. So far this year the auto parts company is up 43.35% to $31.88 from $22.24. The trend has been steadily higher, but has accelerated to the upside in 2012. Drawing a trendline from the start of 2012 shows the stock been moving higher in a fairly orderly fashion. Stops on long positions can be placed below the trendline that currently intersects at $30. A drop below indicates a further pullback although primary support is not too far away at $28.75. If $28.75 is penetrated, the stock could see a move down toward the longer-term trendline, currently near $25. At this time though the trend remains higher, and is crawling higher along the trendline. The next target to the upside is $35. (For related reading, see The Utility Of Trendlines.)... read more.

Tips & News

2012-03-01T07:23:00.001-05:00

Will the S&P rally continue?
Bernanke Quells Talk of Fresh Fed Stimulus to Tackle Elevated Jobless Rate
Manufacturing Probably Picked Up for Fourth Month to Lead U.S. Expansion
Monti Links Political Future to Success in Overhauling Italian Economy
UK Manufacturing Expansion Slows
China exports may stay strong despite weak Europe
China, India Manufacturing Gains Show Asia Maintaining Momentum: Economy
Indian Manufacturing Expands at Close to the Fastest Pace in Eight Months
Asian factories see pick up in new orders
Biggest Japan Capital Spending Jump in Five Years Adds to Recovery Signs
Euro zone inflation steady, joblessness hits new high
Euro zone factory activity falls, periphery pain intense
Indonesia’s Inflation Slows in February Before Planned Fuel-Price Increase
Sweden Goes From Best to Worst in Scandinavia as Trade Reliance Kills Jobs
Monti Expects Agreement on Firewall This Month as He Sees Crisis Abating
Australian Manufacturing Grows For Third Straight Month as Orders Pick Up
Greece Parliament Approves Pension, Health Cuts in Race for Second Bailout
BOE’s Weale Says There May Not Be Case for Further U.K. Stimulus This May
Goldman manager investigated in insider trade case: source
Facebook woos Madison Ave in pre-IPO mobile push
Bank of America considers checking account fee revamp: report
Ford may lose up to $600 million in Europe in 2012: CFO
Fannie Mae Challenges Bank of America on Rift

Euro-Zone Data Disappoints

2012-03-01T07:23:00.000-05:00

The Wall Street Journal

By PAUL HANNON

LONDON—The euro zone's unemployment rate rose to a near 15-year high in January, while the annual rate of inflation in the currency area also picked up.

Meanwhile, euro-zone manufacturing activity contracted again in February, dragged lower by weaker performances in the countries at the heart of the region's debt crisis.

This triple blow for the euro-zone economy underlines the difficulties policy makers face in restoring growth in the face of austerity programs designed to cut high levels of government debt.

The combination of more people without work and rising consumer prices eating into real incomes suggests consumer spending is likely to make only a modest contribution to growth in the months ahead, leaving the currency area heavily reliant on exports.

The European Union's official statistics agency Eurostat on Thursday said the unemployment rate rose to 10.7% from 10.6% in December. The latter figure was increased from 10.4%, as was the figure for November, as Eurostat received more detailed information from national surveys of the labor force. Economists had expected the unemployment rate to be unchanged at 10.4%.... read more.

Stock Tips for Today: Dominos Pizza Inc. (DPZ)

2012-02-29T06:41:00.000-05:00

Hello my Investors, Traders and Reader Friends. The market came back up yesterday. The DJ-30 closed above the 13,000 points for the first time since 2008. However, there was not a spectacular day. The volume of shares traded and volatility remained very low. But what surprised me was the small number of stocks showing good price patterns. One of these was Dominos Pizza Inc. (DPZ). This stock climbed more than 15% yesterday, closing at US$ 38.82. Its volume was 5.82 Millions of shares, nine times the amount traded daily. The Market cap of this company is US$ 2.26 Billions, its P/E is 24.56 and its EPS is 1.58. DPZ has 58.20 Millions of shares, of which 88% is owned by institutional investors. Yesterday, Dominos did a pretty good break and now is heading up.

Jim Rogers: Play This Rally With Commodities

2012-02-29T06:39:00.003-05:00

CNBC

By: Michelle Fox

The Dow and S&P 500 may have hit their highest levels since 2008 on Tuesday, but Jim Rogers , CEO and Chairman of Rogers Holdings, is still staying away from stocks. Instead, he told “The Kudlow Report” he’s playing the rally with commodities.

MIKE CLARKE | AFP | Getty Images

“You see what’s happening to gold … Oil went down today, yes, but oil’s been going through the roof,” he said. “There are other ways to play. They’re printing a lot of money, Larry. When they print money, you have to protect yourself with real assets in the end.”

Rogers says things are “fine” right now because it’s an election year, not only in the U.S. but around the world, and that means governments are spending and printing money. It’s the future he’s concerned about.

“Worry about 2013. Be panicked bout 2014,” Rogers said. “But this year a lot of good news is coming out.”... read more.

Stock Picks: Portfolios Update

2012-02-29T06:39:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, our two portfolios benefited from the rise of the market. However, the stock investment requires a clear strategy in function of the objectives pursued. Thus, our Short Term Growth Portfolio (STGP) has a different strategy than the Medium Term Growth Portfolio (MTGP). In both cases, profits that are obtained are still very Attractive. In addition, management is very easy. Just follow the instructions to publish on this blog daily. Thus, this day has been included in the STGP a new stock. This stock is RPC Inc. (RES). It has opened a short position with the stock at closing price on Tuesday.

Bernanke Preview: Time to Exit Crisis Mode Says Paulsen

2012-02-29T06:38:00.004-05:00

By Matt Nesto | Breakout

When Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke makes his way to Capitol Hill for two days of testimony on Wednesday and Thursday, he better be ready to appease both sides of the aisle --those who believe in a sustainable economic recovery and those who still fear the possibility of recession. The man behind our uber-timid monetary policy, the acronym "QE" (quantitative easing), and the visionary who predicted key interest rates will stay near zero through 2014, has a growing dossier of improving economic data to contend with that contradicts his nervous policy stance.

The Fed chief typically faces his fair share of grilling at these semi-annual Congressional events, but this week Wall Street will be on high alert for any signs that Bernanke is changing his mind.

"They need to get out of that crisis mindset," says Jim Paulsen, chief investment strategist at Wells Capital Management, who thinks an about-face on the policy front is overdue. "I mean, do you really think we'd be worrying about Greece in this country if we had a legitimate crisis to worry about? I don't think you can any longer argue that the U.S. economy needs crisis policy."... read more.

Free Stock Picks with Up Trend: DPZ -SLXP - ACHN

2012-02-29T06:38:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, the market went up again. And many stocks followed the same path. The important thing is to see good stocks. With solid fundamentals and nice pattern of prices to support their rise. That's the kind of stocks that we include in this list. Good candidates to take long positions. Some of these, we present here every day. Next, we show three of them. All are good candidates to take long positions.

Dominos Pizza Inc. (DPZ).- Price: US$ 38.82 (Var: +15.74%). Volume: 5.82 Millions of shares (daily MA: 629K). Very good advance with huge volume. DPZ posting one of largest volume increase.

Salix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (SLXP).- Price: US$ 49.87 (Var: +8.08%). Volume: 3.02 Millions of shares (daily MA: 654K). SLXP advance after 4Q profit beats estimates. Nice advance. Its ready to breakout..

Achillion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACHN).- Price: US$ 10.90 (Var: + 3.42%). Volume: 1.02 Millions of Shares (daily MA: 1.99M). One day reversal but the volume was low.

Free Up Trend Stock Picks includes three stocks that have experienced daytime significant price Hikes. These stocks have been selected from a list includes stocks that have shown the best performance of the last 26 weeks.This means these are stocks with a medium-term upward trend.

Free Stock Picks with Down Trend: APKT -DV - ANR

2012-02-29T06:38:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday, the market closed with widespread gains. It is not easy to find hot stock picks to take short positions. Our daily stock picks system found some candidates. They are not as good as in previous days. However, they can be considered as potential shorts. Remember, those stocks always fall faster than they rise. So, have some short positions in a portfolio can be very healthy. All stocks that we include in this list, have the conditions to be considered for short positions. Next, you will find three "hot stock picks", three good candidates for short positions.

Acme Packet Inc. (APKT).- Price: US$ 32.32 (Var: -4.66%). Volume: 3.01 Millions of shares (daily MA: 3.65M). Good fall but its oversold. Will Acme Packet disappoint Analysts next Quarter?

Devri Inc. (DV).- Price: US$ 35.41 (Var: - 3.78%). Volume: 1.61 Millions of shares (daily MA: 989K). Good fall with nice volume. Next stop around US$ 33.00. Tuesday's biggest gaining and declining stocks.

Alpha Natural Resources (ANR).- Price: US$ 19.22 (Var: - 2.58%). Volume: 11.78 Millions of shares (daily MA: 11.47M). One bad day but its oversold. Some analysts think ANR has huge upside potential.

Free Down Trend Stock Picks includes three stocks that have experienced daytime significant price falls. These stocks have been selected from a list includes stocks that have shown the worst performance of the last 52 weeks.This means these are stocks with a medium-term downward trend.

Tips & News

2012-02-29T06:38:00.001-05:00

Treasury Yield Descending Since January Seen Signaling Slowing U.S. Growth

Home Prices Hit New Depths

Banks Have Best Year Since '06 But There's Still A Looming Problem

Homebuilders: Where is Lennar going?

Prop-Trading Firms Said to Face Dodd-Frank Registration as Swap Dealers

ECB's Second Three-Year Loan May Be Last

German Jobless Rate Holds at Lowest in Two Decades as Economy Strengthens
German jobless rate up to 7.4 pct in February

Putin Appeal to Russian Heartland Offsets Moscow Protests as Voting Nears

Mortgage Approvals Climb to Two-Year High in U.K. as Tax Holiday Nears End

China’s Stocks Snap Eight-Day Gain on Housing Policy Reversal; Vanke Falls

Asia Stocks Poised to Enter Bull Market

China’s Yuan Strengthens Most in Three Weeks as PBOC Sets Record Fixing

Indian economy slumps to weakest growth in 3 years

Wells Fargo, Goldman informed may face SEC action

Apple to Unveil New IPad Next Month
Grantham Advises Investors To Sidestep Surging S&P 500
Semiconductor stocks drive Nasdaq rally
5 Silver Stocks To Watch
It's Time To Invest In Diamonds
Asia Faces Sugar Deficit as Gains in Demand Outstrip Supply, McNeill Says
Trucks Run on Natural Gas in Pickens Clean Energy Drive
Dennis Gartman Sells Crude, Likes Natural Gas

EU Leaders Say They Are Taking Steps to Restore Growth While Paring Debt

2012-02-29T06:38:00.000-05:00

Bloomberg

European Union leaders are “taking all necessary measures” to restore growth while also paring excessive debt, according to a draft EU summit statement.

Countries drawing on aid or under “market scrutiny” must abide by budget targets while better-off countries “should let automatic stabilizers operate fully,” said the draft of the statement to be released at the end of a March 1-2 summit in Brussels.

Europe has made “insufficient” progress on targets for research, employment, climate change, education and social inclusion, the draft said. It called for “more precise, operational and measurable commitments.”

The statement echoed prior warnings that banks strengthen their capital positions “without excessive deleveraging.”

It set a June target for launching a “project bond” initiative that will guarantee some new bonds sold for energy and transport projects.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: James G. Neuger at jneuger@bloomberg.net

Stock Advice: Weekly Special Report

2012-02-28T07:01:00.002-05:00

How Do I Invest: The 3 Key Steps You Must Master To Be A Successful Investor And Trader

Stock Tips for Today: Priceline.com Inc. (PCLN)

2012-02-28T07:01:00.001-05:00

Hello my Investors, Traders and Reader Friends. Stock Trading. That seems to be the name of the game. Yesterday, the market closed with mixed results. The DJ-30 fell slightly and the SP-500 and the Nasdaq rose slightly. This means... nothing happened. But behinds this "flat market" hide some important issues. On the one hand, the market opened almost 1% below the previous close. The initial volumes were very high. Everything seemed that it would be a negative day. And possibly, the start of a generalized correction. However, from 10 in the morning, the market began to rise. And do not stop until noon. By then, had recovered all the losses. Was perceived enthusiasm. However, from that moment, the market was very quiet. Suspiciously quiet. Below this, be hidden a process of rotation of stocks across sectors. If this rotation is consolidated in the followings days, we will see major changes in the prices of many stocks. Very good opportunities are present in front of our eyes. Our Stock Picks System has identified a large number of stocks that have been consolidating their prices during the last months. And now they are ready to make major breakouts and restart the way up. This is critical time. It is convenient don't take action as these stocks before the break. It is reasonable to wait for now and take action as these stocks jump from its price bases. Meanwhile, I present you a stock that has already made his break. It is Priceline.com Inc. (PCLN). This stock closed yesterday at US$ 591.54, up 0.19% on the previous day. Its volume was 1.9 millions of shares, almost double the daily average. PCLN has a Market Cap. of US$ 29.45 Billions, P/E of 31.30 and a EPS of 18.90. It also has 49.78 millions of shares, of which is 95% by institutional investors. The most remarkable aspect of this stock is their breakout. That, because represents a jump of a price base starting in May of last year. That is, after a consolidation of nine months This would put this stock in a position to initiate a significant price increase.

Medium Term Growth Portfolio

2012-02-28T07:01:00.000-05:00

The Medium Term Growth Portfolio (MTGP) continued to increase its profitability. From the review of the portfolio, it has been shown that all stocks that are part of MTGP are in position to continue to show good returns. According to their technical characteristics, continue to be "top stocks picks". Yesterday, the market showed signs of life during the early hours. Volatility was very high, noticing a great battle between bulls and bears. However, afternoon, the market was almost flat. Nevertheless, he noticed a certain rotation of stocks across sectors. This could bring major changes in the following days.

Short Term Growth Portfolio

2012-02-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

The Short Term Growth Portfolio, continues to show a great performance. Yesterday, decided to sell one of its components: Foot Locker Inc. (FL). This stock generated a return of 4.37% in just 13 days. Also incorporated in this portfolio to Flotek Industries Inc. (FTK), through a Long Position.

5 Stocks Set to Soar off Bullish Earnings

2012-02-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

WINDERMERE, Fla. (Stockpickr) -- Short-sellers hate being caught short a stock that produces bullish earnings results. When this happens, we often see tradable short-squeeze develop as the bears rush to cover their positions to avoid big losses. Even the best short-sellers know that it's never a great idea to stay short once a bullish earnings report kicks off a big short-covering rally.

This is why I scan the market for heavily shorted stocks that are about to report earnings. You only need to find a few of these stocks in a year to help enhance your portfolio returns -- the gains become so outsized in such a short timeframe that your profits add up quickly.

>>5 Big Stocks to Trade for Gains

That said, let's not forget that stocks are heavily shorted for a reason, so you have to use trading discipline and sound money management when playing earnings short-squeeze candidates. It's important that you don't go betting the farm on these plays and that you manage your risk accordingly. Sometimes the best trade is to wait for the stock to break out following the report before you jump in to profit off a short-squeeze. This way, you're letting the trend emerge after the market has digested all of the news... read more.

Free Stock Picks with Up Trend: NLST - FTK - CLNE

2012-02-28T06:59:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, many of the stocks that rose in price, behaved as candidates for swing trading. This means that out of a short-term downward trend, and continued his way up. Our stock picks system, detected 31 stocks that rose in price with good patterns. This, notwhitstanding at the end of the day, the market did not close so positive. In our effort to show them, our best stock picks, we have reviewed thousands of them. Some of these, we present here every day. Next, we show three of them. All are good candidates to take long positions.

Netlist Inc. (NLST).- Price: US$ 3.59 (Var: +9.45%). Volume: 488.373 shares (daily MA: 574K). Good advance but the volume was low. NLST has been included in the list of 5 stocks under US$10 poised for big upside.

Flotek Industries Inc. (FTK).- Price: US$ 12.38 (Var: +8.03%). Volume: 2.87 Millions of shares (daily MA: 1.6-M). Continues to rise. Next stop around US$ 13.50. Its ready to buy.

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (CLNE).- Price: US$ 20.13 (Var: + 7.42%). Volume: 4.72 Millions of Shares (daily MA: 1.62M). Nice advance with very high volume. New high.

Free Up Trend Stock Picks includes three stocks that have experienced daytime significant price Hikes. These stocks have been selected from a list includes stocks that have shown the best performance of the last 26 weeks.This means these are stocks with a medium-term upward trend.

Free Stock Picks with Down Trend: YPF - NIHD - IBN

2012-02-28T06:58:00.002-05:00

The market closed with mixed results on Monday. Our system continues to find good stocks picks. In this case, to take short positions. The stock trade was presented yesterday in a very interesting way. After starting the day with very significant losses, the major indices started a recovery. The DJ-30 closed with slight losses, but the SP-500 and the Nasdaq ended with gains. This behavior can generate a good return in the stock investment. Next, you will find three "hot stock picks", three good candidates for short positions.

YPF Sociedad Anonima (YPF).- Price: US$ 31.15 (Var: -5.61%). Volume: 1.65 Millions of shares (daily MA: 1.32). Good fall. Start a new leg down. Despite this fall, YPF follows within high yielding Global Oil Stocks.

Nii Holdings (NIHD).- Price: US$ 19.27 (Var: - 4.84%). Volume: 7.12 Millions of shares (daily MA: 3.39M). Continues to fall after our comment of the last two days. Nii downgraded by Barclays.

ICICI Bank Ltd. ADS. (IBN).- Price: US$ 36.06 (Var: - 4.10%). Volume: 3.64 Millions of shares (daily MA: 3.01M). Breakdown the Simple Moving Average 200 days. Expensive oil hurts Indian shares.

Free Down Trend Stock Picks includes three stocks that have experienced daytime significant price falls. These stocks have been selected from a list includes stocks that have shown the worst performance of the last 52 weeks.This means these are stocks with a medium-term downward trend.

4 Dividend Darlings

2012-02-28T06:58:00.001-05:00

Investopedia

Any long-term investor can appreciate the value of a dividend. Over time, the dividend becomes a bigger factor in the total return of a company. Mathematically speaking, assume a share of stock is bought for $10 and yields 3%. Five years later the shares trade for $20 and yield the same 3% due to increased dividend payments. For the investor who purchased shares at $10, her effective yield is now 6%. Over the course of 10 years or more, the dividend effect on your portfolio becomes truly significant.

Investopedia Markets: Explore the best one-stop source for financial news, quotes and insights.
Dividends Matter
Dividends do matter but only when they can be counted on to be paid consistently. Often, an abnormally high yield is a market signal that a dividend may be temporary. Yet the market is not always right. During the recession, quality energy master limited partnerships were yielding 15% and up because investors were selling shares as the price of oil and natural gas was declining (dividend yields rise when stock prices decline and vice versa). Yet energy MLPs had hedged production at energy prices that enabled them to maintain distributions. When investors caught on, shares went soaring... read more.

Buffett Owns Up to Mistakes

2012-02-28T06:58:00.000-05:00

The Street

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- With a nickname like "the Oracle of Omaha," it is possible to forget that Warren Buffett has made his fair share of mistakes during his multi-decade investing career. In this year's Berkshire Hathaway(BRK.A _) letter to shareholders, however, the billionaire investor took time to present some of his most recent flubs, reminding investors, fans, and market commentators that not even the most famous and successful of investors are immune to the market's challenges.

Given his success and charisma, it is not surprising that Buffett's highlights are well documented. In addition to his successes, though, fans and followers also keep close tabs on the investor's slip-ups. For example, many are well aware of the investor's past troubles with the airline industry. Although he has managed to successfully turn around NetJets in recent years, the staggering loss he was forced to write off from his bad bet on U.S. Airways remains a smudge on his record.

Energy is another industry the investor has struggled with in the past. While he has long maintained exposure to oil and gas companies, Warren Buffett famously doubled down in 2008 on ConocoPhillips(COP _)just as oil prices were peaking. The bet quickly went ...read more.

3 Stocks Set To Climb By More Than 25%

2012-02-27T09:03:00.002-05:00

SeekingAlpha

I take a closer look at three companies that are favored on the Street, trade at multiples below 10x, and by my calculations have more than 25% upside. They cover diverse industries: healthcare, mining, and financials. Of the three companies, Freeport (FCX) is the favored pick on the Street, given its strong secular trends in gold and leading brand name. I similarly find that Freeport has the strongest upside. Note that all the ratings are sourced from T1 Banker.

Cigna

Cigna (CI) is rated a "buy" and trades at a respective 8.2x and 7.5x past and forward earnings, with a dividend yield of 0.1%.

Consensus estimates for Cigna's EPS forecast that it will grow by 4.4% to $5.44 in 2012, and then by 11.2% and 14.5% in the following two years. Assuming a multiple of 9.5x and a conservative 2013 EPS of $6.01, the rough intrinsic value of the stock is $57.10, implying 26.5% upside.

The company delivered a strong close to the year, with momentum across all geographies and segments. I am further optimistic about Cigna's ability to unlock revenue synergies from Health Spring in terms of expanding into Medicare... read more.

Purchase Cash Value Life Insurance, or Buy Term and Invest the Difference?

2012-02-27T09:03:00.001-05:00

By Christine Benz | Morningstar

Insuring against risk--car accidents, calamities at home, and yes, premature death--is a crucial aspect of the financial-planning process, yet it's one that tends not to get a lot of play on Morningstar.com's investing-centric Discuss forums.

In a recent thread on Morningstar.com, I asked readers to share how they had approached insuring against the latter risk. Had they purchased a low-cost, no-frills term life insurance policy, or had they opted for a more permanent life insurance policy as part of their financial plans?

Readers' responses ran the gamut: Although some were openly disdainful of permanent policies, characterizing them as high-cost and less-than-transparent, others said they have used a combination of term and whole or universal policies and have been satisfied with their decisions. To read the complete thread or share your own approach to life insurance, click here (http://socialize.morningstar.com/NewSocialize/forums/p/299758/3204648.aspx).

BTID All the Way A healthy contingent of posters was unequivocal about using a utilitarian term policy and steering clear of permanent products.

Jnelson6455 advised, "Buy term and invest the difference--BTID--all the way. My agent replaced my whole life policy and for the same money I had been paying I was able to triple my coverage and still have money to save on my own. Cash-value policies are one of the worst products sold to the middle class. Too expensive to get the coverage needed and too many hidden fees to qualify as a good savings vehicle."... read more.

G20 to Europe: Show us the money

2012-02-27T09:03:00.000-05:00

Reuters

RELATED QUOTES

Symbol	Price	Change
LEHMQ.PK	0.0246	+0.00

By Gernot Heller and Glenn Somerville

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Leading economies told Europe it must put up extra money to fight its debt crisis if it wants more help from the rest of the world, piling pressure on Germany to drop its opposition to a bigger European bailout fund.

Euro zone countries pledged on Sunday, at a meeting of finance leaders from the Group of 20 economic powers, to reassess next month the strength of their bailout fund.

This would be "essential input" when it comes for the G20 countries to consider putting more money into the International Monetary Fund's crisis war chest, G20 finance ministers and central bankers said in their final communiqué after two days of meetings here.

"There is broad agreement that the IMF cannot substitute for the absence of a stronger European firewall and the IMF cannot move forward without more clarity on Europe's own plans," U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said... read more.

Exclusive: China's State Grid in talks to buy AES' U.S. wind

2012-02-27T09:02:00.000-05:00

Reuters

RELATED QUOTES

Symbol	Price	Change
AES	13.80	+0.00

TRI	28.53	+0.00

0883.HK	17.22	-0.06

RENE.LS	2.13	+0.00

By Wan Xu and Don Durfee

BEIJING (Reuters) - State Grid Corp of China has had talks with U.S. power firm AES Corp (NYSE:AES - News) about taking a controlling stake in its U.S. wind power business, three sources said, as China's cash-flush state-owned power companies go on an overseas buying spree.

It wasn't clear how much State Grid would pay for the assets or how the business would be structured after the sale. Based on analysts' estimates, the assets could be worth around $1.65 billion.

The deal involves wind power assets with capacity of around 1,100 megawatts (MW) and would give State Grid a roughly 80 percent stake in AES's U.S. wind power business, sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. It would be State Grid's first foray into the United States... read more.

Weekly Special Report

2012-02-26T07:47:00.001-05:00

How Do I Invest: The 3 Key Steps You Must Master To Be A Successful Investor And Trader

Stock Tips for Today: Teradata Corp. (TDC)

2012-02-26T07:45:00.004-05:00

Search breakouts is a good strategy followed by many professional Traders. It can be a good way to pick stocks and benefit from their growth. Just two weeks ago, I received an email from Hans C.N from Florida. Hans told me how he built a portfolio only with the "breaks" that we mentioned in this blog. Following a few simple rules, he took advantage of these stocks and earned an annual return of 67% in this portfolio. I am preparing an article which details how to build and manage a portfolio with of stocks that make these breaks. I hope to publish during the next week.
Yesterday, I was reviewing the information obtained from our Stock Picks System and found Teradata Corp. (TDC). This stock made a very interesting breakout on Friday, so I decided to show this company on the blog today.TDC closed on Friday at a price of US$65.48, an increase of 2.89% on the previous day. Its volume was 2.19 Millions of shares, almost double what is traded daily. However, the most interesting of this stock, is that on Friday broke a base of price began in July of last year. TDC broke a pattern that is one of my favorites. It's called "W or "Double Bottom". The following chart can boast this formation very clearly. Generally, when a stock breaks a "double bottom" formation continues to rise significantly.
Teradata provides enterprise data warehousing solutions, including enterprise analytic technologies and services, and integrated marketing software. It is a rapidly growing company and is included within 50 Top of IBD. This company has a Market Cap of US$ 10.96 Billions, a P/E of 31.87 ans an EPS of 2.05. It also has 167.40 Millions of shares, of which 89% is owned by institutional investors.

Buffett Is ‘On the Prowl’ for Acquisitions as Cash Hoard Climbs

2012-02-26T07:45:00.003-05:00

Bloomberg
By Andrew Frye and Noah Buhayar

Warren Buffett, chairman and chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK/A), said he’s “on the prowl” for large acquisitions after record earnings at the company’s railroad and energy units helped build cash holdings.

Berkshire’s cash hoard increased to $37.3 billion on Dec. 31 from $34.8 billion three months earlier, the Omaha, Nebraska- based company said yesterday in it its annual report. Fourth- quarter net income declined 30 percent to $3.05 billion on smaller gains from Buffett’s derivative bets.

Berkshire is seeking “to purchase some large operations that will give us a further boost,” the billionaire said in his annual letter to shareholders included in the report. “We now have eight subsidiaries that would each be included in the Fortune 500 were they stand-alone companies. That leaves only 492 to go. My task is clear, and I’m on the prowl.”

Buffett, 81, has spent more than $35 billion in cash and stock on takeovers since the end of 2009 including the purchases of railroad Burlington Northern Santa Fe and engine-additives maker Lubrizol Corp., both of which had record operating earnings last year. Buffett is focusing on acquisitions and buying publicly traded stocks because current yields on bonds, he said, aren’t enough to compensate for the risk of inflation... read more.

Can the Dow, S&P and Nasdaq Overcome and Stay Above Key Psychological Barriers?

2012-02-26T07:44:00.001-05:00

By Simon Maierhofer | ETFguide

RELATED QUOTES

Symbol	Price	Change
^GSPC	1,365.73999	+2.28

^IXIC	2,963.75	+6.77

^DJI	12,982.95	-1.74

VTI	70.61	+0.10

KBE	22.07	-0.09

The market's been due for a correction for more than just a couple of days. Nevertheless, the S&P 500 has gone 38 days without a single day loss of 1%.

This is the classic 'caught between a rock and a hard place' scenario, where you're doomed if you do (buy stocks) and doomed if you don't. No doubt stocks (NYSEArca: VTI - News) are due for a correction, but with every Tom, Dick and Harry (including myself) watching, the correction pot may need more time before coming to a boil.

This article will explain the reasons behind this relentless rally, when and where it might stop and how to trade safely in this tricky environment... read more.

Berkshire Selects Manager to Eventually Replace Buffett as CEO

2012-02-26T07:44:00.000-05:00

Bloomberg

Photographer: Tomohiro Ohsumi/Bloomberg

Play Video

Jan. 23 (Bloomberg) -- Billionaire Warren Buffett, chairman and chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and U.S. Representative Scott Rigell,

Warren Buffett, the chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK/A) since 1970, told shareholders that the board has decided on his eventual replacement.

Directors are “enthusiastic about my successor as CEO, an individual to whom they have had a great deal of exposure and whose managerial and human qualities they admire,” Buffett said today in his annual letter, without identifying the person. “When a transfer of responsibility is required, it will be seamless.”

Buffett, 81, is under pressure to demonstrate Berkshire is prepared for a transition. The stock trailed the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index last year as Buffett was pushed to apologize for his oversight of David Sokol, a former manager. Sokol, once considered a possible successor, left the company in April and was accused by Berkshire of violating its insider trading policies... read more.

Weekly Special Report

2012-02-25T08:47:00.006-05:00

How Do I Invest: The 3 Key Steps You Must Master To Be A Successful Investor And Trader

Stock Tips for Today: NetSuit Inc. (N)

2012-02-25T08:47:00.000-05:00

Friday was one of the most boring day on Wall Street. Volatility was extremely low and the volume of shares traded was below the daily average. The Top News most repeated in the media is Stock Market End Mixed with Lower Volume. There are differing opinions about low volume on the stock market. One of the most radical, but fun is what Larry Levin has expressed in his email newsletter. He believes there is now a manifest official intervention in the stock market.They are trying to artificially drive up the market. I recommend you to read the opinions of Larry periodically. He is a person who knows Wall Street for many years.
Anyway, one day as Friday does not offer many attractive stocks. It's hard to find good stocks with increase prices significantly, with higher volumes and also with nice price patterns. Our Stock Picks System reviews and analyzes thousands of stocks daily to find such stocks and to include in our blog. As a result of this analysis, our Stock Tips for today is NetSuit Inc (N). This stock closed on Friday at US$ 49.47, experiencing a rise of 5.26%. Its volume was 986,323 Shares, nearly triple what it is traded daily. The most interesting aspect of N, is that yesterday was a break of a major price base, started in July from last year. This company has a Market Cap. of US$ 3.36 Billions, and an EPS of -0.48. It also has 67.88 Millions of shares, of which 39% is owned by institutional investors.

New-home sales dip after 4 straight monthly gains

2012-02-25T08:46:00.002-05:00

By Derek Kravitz, AP Real Estate Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sales of new homes dipped in January but the final quarter of 2011 was stronger than first estimated.

The Commerce Department said Friday that new-home sales fell 0.9 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 321,000 homes. That followed four straight months of gains in which home sales rose 10 percent.

The gains came after the government...read more

Miracle diet pill? A safe drug is elusive

2012-02-25T08:46:00.001-05:00

By Matthew Perrone, AP Health Writer

RELATED QUOTES

Symbol	Price	Change
VVUS	22.13	+3.40

JNJ	64.46	-0.07

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The battle of the bulge has been a big, fat failure for U.S. drugmakers. But that hasn't stopped them from trying.

For nearly a century, scientists have struggled to make a diet pillthat helps people lose weight without side effects that range from embarrassing digestive issues to dangerous heart problems.

Earlier this week, a government panel recommended the FDAapprove the latest diet drug Qnexa. The recommendation raises hopes that the U.S. could approve the first anti-obesity drug in more than a decade. It also highlights how challenging it is to create a pill that fights fat in a variety of people without negative side effects. Even Qnexa was previously rejected over concerns that it can cause heart palpitations and birth defects if taken by pregnant women.

"Having a drug for obesity would be like telling me you had a drug for the fever," said Dr. Mitchell Roslin, chief of bariatric surgery at Northern Westchester Hospital in New York. "There can be millions of different reasons why someone is obese; it's really a symptom of various underlying mechanisms."... read more.

Free Up Trend Stock Picks: LGF - SPPI - QCOR

2012-02-25T08:46:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, in practice, the market was flat. Almost the same number of stocks that rose, too low. Also, most of the stocks had little daily variation. Rally on Wall Street to be put to test. In our effort to show them, our best stock picks, we have reviewed thousands of them. Some of these, we present here every day. Next, we show three of them. All are good candidates to take long positions.

Lions Gate Entertainment (LGF).- Price: US$ 13.91 (Var: +7.83%). Volume: 3.81 Millions of shares (daily MA: 1.21M). Good stock trade, from our comment in late January, this stock has risen more than 20%. LGF jump on "Hunger games" tickets.

Spectrum Pharm Inc. (SPPI).- Price: US$ 14.25 (Var: +3.94%). Volume: 1.40 Millions of shares (daily MA: 1.47M). This stock traded higher by 10% over the last three days, ever since the company's earnings date was announced.

Questcor Pharmaceuticals (QCOR).- Price: US$ 38.90 (Var: + 3.84%). Volume: 4.15 Millions of Shares (daily MA: 3.41M). Yesterday broke the Simple Moving Average 50 days and now its ready to go up. Next stop around US$ 44.00. The volume was low, like the market.

Free Up Trend Stock Picks includes three stocks that have experienced daytime significant price Hikes. These stocks have been selected from a list includes stocks that have shown the best performance of the last 26 weeks.This means these are stocks with a medium-term upward trend.

Free Down Trend Stock Picks: IAG - MCP - NIHD

2012-02-25T08:45:00.000-05:00

The market continued rising slightly on Friday. But it seems to have run out of steam. What's more, some speak again of a correction. Although this is not entirely clear, I think it should consider taking some short positions. Companies with poor results, a downward trend in the medium term and an increase in the volume, are some of the characteristics we seek. Next, you will find three "hot stock picks", three good candidates for short positions.

Iamgold Corp. (IAG).- Price: US$ 15.90 (Var: -8.88%). Volume: 4.61 Millions of shares (daily MA: 2.28M). Big fall with High volume. Next stop around US$14.70. Our Stock pick system it point out as a good sell short. See NYSE stock posting largest percentage decreases.

Molycorp Inc. (MCP).- Price: US$ 26.81 (Var: - 7.84%). Volume: 7.99 Millions of shares (daily MA: 3.92M). Good volume and now its ready to go to new low. Near -term trends are worrisome, some say.

Nii Holdings (NIHD).- Price: US$ 20.25 (Var: - 4.53%). Volume: 7.56 Millions of shares (daily MA: 3.20M). Yesterday we said: "Its ready to new low. Stock trade because the next stop is around US$ 18.90.". Is Nii the perfect stock?

Free Down Trend Stock Picks includes three stocks that have experienced daytime significant price falls. These stocks have been selected from a list includes stocks that have shown the worst performance of the last 52 weeks.This means these are stocks with a medium-term downward trend.

Dow 13,000 is a big number, but it's just a number

2012-02-25T08:44:00.002-05:00

By Christina Rexrode, AP Business Writers

RELATED QUOTES

Symbol	Price	Change
BAC	7.88	-0.14

Big, round numbers are hard to ignore. That's why we pay attention when the odometer clicks over to 100,000 miles, and why the world threw a party at the dawn of 2000 instead of the technical start of the millennium in 2001.

It's no different on Wall Street. When the Dow Jones industrial average briefly crossed 13,000 this week, a milestone it hadn't reached since before the financial crisis, people took notice.

Some observers said it was a sign of a stronger U.S. economy. Casual investors wondered whether it was time to get back into stocks after fleeing to bonds or just stuffing their money under the mattress in the terrifying economic meltdown.

But a word of caution: 13,000 is just a number.

It gives politicians something to talk about. It gives regular people something to measure against. It can stir up excitement, but it doesn't change the elements of the economy, like the number of people out of work or the number of empty houses... read more.

Obama calls for 'all-of-the-above' energy policy in radio address

2012-02-25T08:44:00.001-05:00

Fox News

WASHINGTON – President Obama says there is no easy answer to the problem of rising energy prices, dismissing Republican plans to address the problem as little more than gimmicks.

"We know there's no silver bullet that will bring down gas prices or reduce our dependence on foreign oil overnight," Obama said Saturday in his weekly radio and Internet address. "But what we can do is get our priorities straight and make a sustained, serious effort to tackle this problem."

Oil prices are approaching last year's highs as tensions increase over Iran's nuclear program. The rise pushed gasoline prices Friday to a national average of $3.65 a gallon, the highest ever for this time of year. A spike in gas prices is normal in spring, but it came earlier than usual this year in large part because of world fears that the growing confrontation with Iran will crimp oil supplies. Iran is the world's third-largest crude supplier.

Rising oil prices weigh on the economy, pushing leisure and business travel costs higher. Every 1-cent increase in the price of gasoline costs the economy $1.4 billon, analysts say...read more.

Berkshire Pegs Buffett Successor

2012-02-25T08:44:00.000-05:00

The Wall Street Journal

By SERENA NG

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. has identified a successor to Warren Buffett as chief executive, Mr. Buffett said Saturday in his annual letter to shareholders.

Mr. Buffett didn't name the candidate. The 81-year-old Mr. Buffett has run the Omaha, Neb., company for nearly half a century and has built it into a conglomerate with interests in railroads, retail and utilities as well as a closely watched portfolio of publicly traded stocks.

Enlarge Image

Reuters

Warren Buffet

Buffett's Letter to Shareholders

In his 22-page letter accompanying his company's annual report, Mr. Buffett said he still has no plans to step down from his multiple roles as Berkshire's chairman, chief executive and chief investment officer. Mr. Buffett said in the letter that he is in "excellent health" and isn't "going anywhere," and that readers shouldn't take the comments about the succession plan as a sign the next CEO will take over any time soon...read more.

Stock Tips for Today: Tempur-predict Inc. (TPX)

2012-02-24T08:09:00.000-05:00

On Thursday, the market returned to show his strength. All major indices rose and many stocks showed a very attractive pattern of prices. Of course, a greater volume would have been better. Our Stock Picks System detected 18 new highs with very favorable patterns. This is a very high number for a single day. Today, I want to shows to Tempur-predict Inc. (TPX). This stock made yesterday a very interesting break. Especially when seen in a weekly frame. Yesterday, this stock closed at US$ 77.04, showing a rise of 3.34%. Its volume was 2.4 millions of shares, 20% more than its daily average. TPX today broke a "W" price formation or "double bottom" pattern, started in August last year. The breakout of this pattern is very attractive for stocks, and there are many professionals Traders who seek this type of investments.

Medium Term Growth Portfolio

2012-02-24T07:24:00.000-05:00

In recent weeks, I have received a lot of emails from readers interested in our Medium Term Growth Portfolio (MTGP). The impressive returns generated by this portfolio as well as ease of handling, make it very attractive. Especially, for people who have their own occupations and professions. That is, people who daily work and have little time for their investments. MTGP benefit from the capitalization of stocks that are showing rapid growth. The rotation within the portfolio is low but the profitability of each stock is high. Few days ago, NVLS reached a gain of nearly of 70% in just six months.

Medium Term Growth Portfolio (MTG) includes two types of stocks. One the one hand, select stocks that are showing outstanding performance in the last 26 weeks. Stock picks are carefully performed taking into consideration various factors such as the Daily volume of shares, the price performance during this period and the momentum. In this process we used five technical indicators. Some of them, try to identify the trend of stocks and others are oscillators.These elements allow us to select "long positions".

On the other hand, consider stocks that are showing very poor performance in the last 52 weeks. Stock picks are made carefully taking into consideration various factors such as the daily volume of shares (must be high enough to close a position quickly), the evolution of prices during this period and the momentum. In this process, we use also, five technical indicators. Some of them try to identify the trend of stocks and other are oscillators. These elements allow us to select the "short positions".

The average tenure of a stock in this portfolio varies between 10 and 26 weeks. The number of stocks in this portfolio varies between 8 and 12.

Short Term Growth Portfolio

2012-02-24T07:23:00.000-05:00

Our Short Term Growth Portfolio (STGP), significantly recovered yesterday. And now is in position to offer more stock winners. At the end of Thursday, we could detect up to 12 candidates for inclusion in this portfolio. Today is likely to incorporate one or two stocks to STGP. Remember, the objective of this portfolio is the rapid rotation of stocks with returns fluctuate between 1% and 5%. If you re an active investor, this is your best option.

Short Term Growth Portfolio (STG) includes two types of stocks. One the one hand, select stocks that are showing outstanding performance in the last 26 weeks. Stock picks are carefully performed taking into consideration various factors such as the Daily volume of shares, the price performance during this period and the momentum. In this process we used five technical indicators. Some of them, try to identify the trend of stocks and others are oscillators.These elements allow us to select "long positions".

The average tenure of a stock in this portfolio varies between 1 and 30 days. The number of stocks in this portfolio varies between 8 y 10.

Dow flirts with 13,000 again but can't make it

2012-02-24T07:22:00.003-05:00

By Christina Rexrode, AP Business Writer

RELATED QUOTES

Symbol	Price	Change
SWY	20.95	+0.00

TGT	54.50	+0.00

WMT	58.54	+0.00

SHLD	61.80	+0.00

HSNI	36.94	+0.00

NEW YORK (AP) -- The Dow Jones industrial average made another run at 13,000 but couldn't quite get there.

Stocks recovered from an early loss Thursday and pushed the Dow within four points of the milestone. Investors were encouraged by more good news on U.S. jobs, but gains were limited by poor results from retailers such as Safeway and Kohl's.

The Dow finished up 46.02 points at 12,984.69. The Standard & Poor's 500 index gained 5.80 points to close at 1,363.46. The Nasdaq composite index climbed 23.81 points to 2,956.98.

The Dow pierced 13,000 three times Tuesday but could not hold the milestone. The average hasn't closed above 13,000 since May 19, 2008, four months before the financial crisis.

Investors were encouraged Thursday after the government reported that the number of people seeking unemployment benefits last week was unchanged. The four-week average was the lowest in four years.

High unemployment has been a problem for retailers, which have been forced to slash prices even though they are paying more to make and ship their goods. The burden showed in Thursday's earnings reports... read more.

Free Up Trend Stock Picks: AKRX - HALO - PHM

2012-02-24T07:22:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, our stock trade system detected a large number of stocks with good patterns of rising prices. A stock advice would have many options to choose from so good results shown yesterday. However, only a few good patterns allow to obtain good results. That's what we do with our daily stock picks. Analyze thousands of stocks and were the best. Some of these, we present here every day. Next, we show three of them. All are good candidates to take long positions.

Akorn Inc. (AKRX).- Price: US$ 12.82 (Var: +7.82%). Volume: 1.55 Millions of shares (daily MA: 1.48M). Good stock picks. Nice advance and its ready to go up.

Halozyme Therapeutics Inc. (HALO).- Price: US$ 11.65 (Var: +6.20%). Volume: 847,760 shares (daily MA: 947K). One day reversal. Its a hot stock picks.

Pulte Homes Inc. (PHM).- Price: US$ 8.73 (Var: + 4.80%). Volume: 10.64 Millions of Shares (daily MA: 14.83M). Good stock investment. Restart a new leg up.

Free Up Trend Stock Picks includes three stocks that have experienced daytime significant price Hikes. These stocks have been selected from a list includes stocks that have shown the best performance of the last 26 weeks.This means these are stocks with a medium-term upward trend.

Free Down Trend Stock Picks: PPO - NIHD - FSLR

2012-02-24T07:22:00.001-05:00

On a day so good for Wall Street, could be difficult to find stocks with good patterns to fall. However, our "best stock picks system" has identified a number of candidates for dropping. Companies with poor results, a downward trend in the medium term and an increase in the volume, are some of the characteristics we seek. Next, you will find three "hot stock picks", three good candidates for short positions.

Polypore International Inc. (PPO).- Price: US$ 38.61 (Var: -11.28%). Volume: 8.59 Millions of shares (daily MA: 2.96M). After our comment of the past few days, this stock falls back. And now with high volume.

Nii Holdings (NIHD).- Price: US$ 21.21 (Var: - 9.78%). Volume: 11.28 Millions of shares (daily MA: 2.907M). Other important gap down. Its ready to new low. Stock trade because the next stop is around US$ 18.90.

First Solar Inc. (FSLR).- Price: US$ 37.20 (Var: - 8.03%). Volume: 7.92 Millions of shares (daily MA: 4.76M). Please read the comment that we made yesterday.

Free Down Trend Stock Picks includes three stocks that have experienced daytime significant price falls. These stocks have been selected from a list includes stocks that have shown the worst performance of the last 52 weeks.This means these are stocks with a medium-term downward trend.

Oil Prices Rise: What Happens Next?

2012-02-24T07:22:00.000-05:00

CNBC
By: Catherine Boyle

Analysts are divided on the immediate future for oil prices after recent rises, but caution that emerging markets and energy stocks could be affected.

Daniel Hurst | Photographer's Choice | Getty Images

Prices have been driven higher because of renewed concerns about Iran’s political situation and sanctions imposed on Iran oil by Western governments.

At the same time, concerns about the Western economies – particularly Europe – could dampen the cost of oil. [LCOCV1 123.77 0.15 (+0.12%) ]

“Even if everyone loves each other, oil prices have very little downside potential. The market doesn’t have enough supply and we are running quite tight,” Johannes Benigni, Managing Director, JBC Energy, told CNBC...read more.

Tips & News

2012-02-24T07:21:00.001-05:00

Gingrich's $2.50 gas promise
Sales of New Homes in the U.S. Probably Climbed to Highest in Nine Months
Mentor of Central Bankers Fischer Rues Complacency as Economy Accelerates
India Said to Propose BRICS Development Bank to Finance Emerging Nations
Copper Traders Most Bullish in Two Months as Hedge Funds Buy: Commodities
Lloyds 2012 Income to Decline After Full-Year Profit Slumps
Cost-cutting plan targets mail facilities
Gap's 4th-quarter profit falls 40 percent
Pepsi's mid-calorie soda aims to win back drinkers
EU prepares to evict Iran's banks from banking hub
Oil rises to fresh 9-month high above $108 in Asia
IPhone sucks subscribers away from T-Mobile USA
Sears shedding some stores, reports 4Q loss
AIG's profit surges on tax-related accounting gain

U.K. Economy Shrank in Fourth Quarter as Companies Scaled Back Investment

2012-02-24T07:21:00.000-05:00

Bloomberg

By Svenja O’Donnell

The U.K. economy shrank in the fourth quarter as companies scaled back investment, underscoring the risks to a recovery that Bank of England Governor Mervyn King says will be “slow and uncertain.”

Gross domestic product dropped 0.2 percent from the third quarter, the same as previously estimated, the Office for National Statistics said inLondon today. Economist predicted no revision, according to the median of 36 forecasts in a Bloomberg survey. Business investment fell 5.6 percent, the most since the first quarter of 2011.

A 0.5 percent rise in consumer spending, the first increase for 1 1/2 years, fuelled optimism that Britain will avoid recession. Still, King said Feb. 15 the central bank is ready to expand stimulus further if needed to aid an economy facing “substantial headwinds.” Unemployment (UKUEILOR) is climbing, credit is tight and the government is pushing through the deepest budget cuts in British peacetime...read more.

Why Warren Buffett Avoids Gold

2012-02-23T06:44:00.006-05:00

Investopedia
Written by Rebecca Lipman

Warren Buffett may have been born an investing genius, but he received help along the way from his mentor, famed value investor Benjamin Graham. Together, the "godfather and godson of value investing" have made quite a fortune.

Their conquests over the market have also earned them devoted followers. If Buffett buys IBM, his fans are influenced to buy IBM stock too. If Buffett says Bank of America is undervalued, it just may be.

Buffett on GoldBuffett has taken a controversial, if not contrarian, attitude towards gold. He sees gold as an inanimate object that investors flock to when they fear other assets. It holds little actual value beyond some industrial and decorative utility, both of which is "limited and incapable of soaking up new production." Therefore, any investor holding gold instead of stocks is acting out of irrational fear. (via Ritholtz)

David Galland, managing director of Casey Research asks "How can it be that Buffett, perhaps the most successful (and definitely the most well-known) investor of our time, believes that gold has no place in an intelligently allocated investment portfolio?" Consider that gold has been the most popular "counter-trend investment" in periods when stocks and bonds were underperforming...read more.

Stock Tips Investment

Stock Tips for Today:

3 Rallying Biotech Stocks Short Sellers Expect To Underperform

Adding A Dose Of Emerging Market Dividends

Free Stock Picks with Down Trend: GNTX - YPF - DWA

Auto Stocks Driving Higher

Tips & News

Euro-Zone Data Disappoints

By PAUL HANNON

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Stock Picks: Portfolios Update

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Stock Advice: Weekly Special Report

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Medium Term Growth Portfolio

Short Term Growth Portfolio

5 Stocks Set to Soar off Bullish Earnings

Free Stock Picks with Up Trend: NLST - FTK - CLNE

Free Stock Picks with Down Trend: YPF - NIHD - IBN

4 Dividend Darlings

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3 Stocks Set To Climb By More Than 25%

Purchase Cash Value Life Insurance, or Buy Term and Invest the Difference?

G20 to Europe: Show us the money

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Exclusive: China's State Grid in talks to buy AES' U.S. wind

Reuters

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Weekly Special Report

How Do I Invest: The 3 Key Steps You Must Master To Be A Successful Investor And Trader

Stock Tips for Today: Teradata Corp. (TDC)

Buffett Is ‘On the Prowl’ for Acquisitions as Cash Hoard Climbs

Can the Dow, S&P and Nasdaq Overcome and Stay Above Key Psychological Barriers?

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Berkshire Selects Manager to Eventually Replace Buffett as CEO

Weekly Special Report

How Do I Invest: The 3 Key Steps You Must Master To Be A Successful Investor And Trader

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New-home sales dip after 4 straight monthly gains

Miracle diet pill? A safe drug is elusive

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Free Up Trend Stock Picks: LGF - SPPI - QCOR

Free Down Trend Stock Picks: IAG - MCP - NIHD

Dow 13,000 is a big number, but it's just a number

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Berkshire Pegs Buffett Successor

By SERENA NG

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Short Term Growth Portfolio

Dow flirts with 13,000 again but can't make it

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