BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[McDonald's may raise prices on dollar menu]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/24/mcdonalds-may-raise-prices-on-dollar-menu/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/24/mcdonalds-may-raise-prices-on-dollar-menu/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/24/mcdonalds-may-raise-prices-on-dollar-menu/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Despite high commodity prices and challenging market conditions that put pressure on consumer spending, McDonald's Corp. (NYSE: MCD) was able to surprise Wall Street by reporting a stronger-than-expected second quarter profit. However, investors' positive reaction didn't last too long as the company announced it anticipates further high beef costs, which could lead to an increase in prices on its popular dollar menu.

Back in May, McDonald's executives announced they had no plans to make changes to its "everyday affordability" concept, but the company's chief operating officer, Ralph Alvarez, recently noticed that the dollar menu is coming under pressure from rising ingredient costs. "The cost implications of having that value menu have changed when you see what's going on in beef and chicken," Alvarez stated to the Chicago Tribune.

Alvarez didn't offer too many details on how the dollar menu might change. However, the news is not great for all you lovers of the famous double cheeseburger. A spokesman for the hamburger giant said one of the company's strategies that is already tested in some markets was to lift prices for this best-selling U.S. sandwich.

Looking ahead, McDonald's said it expects cheese cost to jump by 21% this year in the U.S., while the price it pays for chicken may see a growth in a range between 5% and 6%. For 2008 U.S. beef costs, the company also anticipates an increase between 8% and 9%.

Rising commodity prices was one of the main reasons why the research firm Deutsche Bank to lower its rating on the company to a hold earlier this morning.

Eliza Popescu is a financial writer for the online investment advisory service Investor's Observer.

McDonald's may raise prices on dollar menu originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumersearningsforecastingredient costsIngredientCostsinthenewsMCDMcDonaldsThu, 24 Jul 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[America's cheapest cars]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/17/americas-cheapest-cars/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/17/americas-cheapest-cars/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/17/americas-cheapest-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We have heard a lot of news over the past 12 months about soaring fuel prices and the effect it is having on the major automakers. With record-high oil prices, and gasoline running about $4.10 a gallon, drivers are spending more and more money to fill up their tanks. One of the natural options for people has been to move towards less expensive, small, and simple cars.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) noticed that fuel-efficient vehicles will be more appealing to consumers, and announced last week plans to reduce production at its truck division (a bit late to join the party, but at least it's something for the struggling auto maker). Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE: TM) is also slashing truck production during three months at its U.S. plants.

While It is true that most less expensive cars don't offer the same luxury when compared to sedans or SUVs, they come with a lot of options that can satisfy every individual need. Among the cheapest cars available, the article points out Honda's Fit ranked No. 11 at $13,950, a small car whose standard version comes with an adjustable steering column and four-speaker audio system, and is equipped with multiple airbags in the front, rear and side. Other vehicles that follow the same logic are the Chevrolet Aveo, ranked No. 2 at $11,460; the Toyota Yaris, third at $11,550, and the Kia Spectra, fifth at $12,895.

Continue reading America's cheapest cars

America's cheapest cars originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carscheapfuelGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsgmtmToyota MotorToyotaMotortruckThu, 17 Jul 2008 14:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Nordstrom plans to open new store at Santa Monica Place]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/16/nordstrom-plans-to-open-new-store-at-santa-monica-place/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/16/nordstrom-plans-to-open-new-store-at-santa-monica-place/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/16/nordstrom-plans-to-open-new-store-at-santa-monica-place/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you are addicted to fashion, then I have good news that should brighten your shopping days. Macerich Co. (NYSE: MAC) announced Tuesday that retailer Nordstrom Inc. (NYSE: JWN) will become the anchor at Santa Monica Place after the mall reopens.

The mall itself, which is scheduled to reopen in the fall of 2009, is seeing a major renovation from an enclosed shopping center to a three-level, 550,000-square-foot open-air retail plaza linking to the Third Street Promenade.

Leading fashion specialty retailer Nordstrom has signed a letter of intent to open a three-level, 122,000-square-foot store in the fall of 2010. "The extraordinary appeal of Nordstrom is a great match for this exceptional market, and for what we believe will be a one-of-a-kind retail project two blocks from the beach in downtown Santa Monica," Randy Brant, executive vice president, real estate, for Macerich stated.

Continue reading Nordstrom plans to open new store at Santa Monica Place

Nordstrom plans to open new store at Santa Monica Place originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fashionjwnmacMacerichmallNordstromretailerSanta Monica PlaceSantaMonicaPlaceshoppingWed, 16 Jul 2008 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Discount merchants benefit from high sales in June]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/11/discount-merchants-benefit-from-high-sales-in-june/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/11/discount-merchants-benefit-from-high-sales-in-june/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/11/discount-merchants-benefit-from-high-sales-in-june/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Some of the country's largest retail chains had good June sales, benefitting from consumers looking for a place to spend their tax rebates, but this was not the case for higher-priced department stores. Retailers offering big discounts were among the privileges ones as consumers chose to stay away from high prices.

Consumers spent on the basics, looking for bargains, boosting sales at some companies like Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT), but resulting in losses for the others like Nordstrom (NYSE: JWN) and American Eagle (NYSE: AEO). This confirmed that retailers will face further weak demand even during the back-to-school shopping season, and more deep discounts will be needed.

As June is considered a key month for sales, merchants were hoping for a "stimulus" effect from tax rebates, despite worries tied to soaring gasoline and food costs. However, only companies offering cheaper gas like Wal-Mart, Costco (NASDAQ: COST) and BJ's Wholesale Club (NYSE: BJ) saw their dreams accomplished. Thus, Wal-Mart came with June sales growth of 4.3%, Costco reported a 9% increase in June same-store sales, while BJ's Wholesale saw a growth of 16.5%.

Continue reading Discount merchants benefit from high sales in June

Discount merchants benefit from high sales in June originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeoAmerican EagleAmericanEaglebjBJs Wholesale ClubBjsWholesaleClubcostCostcointhenewsjwnNordstromretailWal-MartwmtFri, 11 Jul 2008 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Back-to-school shopping season has started]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/09/back-to-school-shopping-season-has-started/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/09/back-to-school-shopping-season-has-started/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/09/back-to-school-shopping-season-has-started/#commentsFiled under: , ,

They say it's never too early to start getting ready for the upcoming school year, and Tuesday, Staples Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS) announced it was officially kicking off the back-to-school shopping season. This came as a reaction to a survey showing that parents would indeed like to know when they could start finding school supplies on store shelves.

And what can be easier than establishing an official start to the back-to-school shopping season? Based on the example of Black Friday, which announces the start of the winter holiday shopping season, Staples followed the same logic and decided to declare July 8 as the official opening day of the 2008 back-to-school shopping season. Staples is serious about setting an official precedent, and celebrated it by ringing the bell to open the NASDAQ Tuesday.

"Staples is giving parents a clear road map of where and when to the find the best products and deals this season," the company stated. But the more apparent reality is that the current economic environment has consumers more closely watching their spending, while at the same time stores are trying to do anything they can to get shoppers through the doors.

Continue reading Back-to-school shopping season has started

Back-to-school shopping season has started originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-to-school shopping seasonBack-to-schoolShoppingSeasonretailerSPLSStaplesstudentsWed, 09 Jul 2008 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Peugeot, Fiat face consumer spending woes]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/08/peugeot-fiat-face-consumer-spending-woes/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/08/peugeot-fiat-face-consumer-spending-woes/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/08/peugeot-fiat-face-consumer-spending-woes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We have heard a lot of news over the past 12 months about the slowing economy and the effect it is having on major American automakers like Ford Motor (NYSE: F) and General Motors (NYSE: GM), but how are some smaller overseas automakers performing? As you may have guessed, the pain is not solely being felt by American automakers, and several European automakers are taking some measures to offset the slowdown.

PSA Peugeot Citroen SA, France's biggest carmaker, warned it expects a decline of 4% for West European sales this year, while Fiat SpA, Italy's biggest automaker, announced it plans to shut Italian plants on concerns about soaring record oil prices and increased inflation.

Hurt by declining consumer spending, Fiat saw its sales plunging 16.5% in June. But this was not the worst and Peugeot warned about "an even greater slowdown" for European demand in the second half of the year. "The rest of the year is going to be a disaster for European manufacturers,'' Stephen Pope, London-based chief global market strategist at Cantor Fitzgerald Europe, stated in a report on Bloomberg.

Continue reading Peugeot, Fiat face consumer spending woes

Peugeot, Fiat face consumer spending woes originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automakerscarsEuropeFFiatFordGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMPSA Peugeot CitroenPsaPeugeotCitroenrecessionVolkswagenTue, 08 Jul 2008 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Adidas plans to open new stores in China]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/03/adidas-plans-to-open-new-stores-in-china/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/03/adidas-plans-to-open-new-stores-in-china/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/03/adidas-plans-to-open-new-stores-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you love Adidas' clothing and footwear then I have some good news for you. Adidas is eying to open about 2,300 new stores in China by 2010, lifting its total number to 6,300. The company's decision came as a result of strong demand from China even in times when we might expect to see some downturns.

Frederic Seiller, a vice president in charge of retail operations for Greater China, stated that the the global economic slowdown had no impact on Adidas's sales in China. In addition, the company is optimistic about its further gains, and forecast a nice demand from the local sportswear market. From this point of view, total sales in China are expected to come to 1 billion euros by 2010.

As well as getting growth in revenue, by opening its biggest store in the world in central Beijing Adidas aims to beat rival Nike Inc. (NYSE: NKE). Back in 2007, China became Nike's second-largest market, and its Chinese sales reached $1 billion in 2008.

Continue reading Adidas plans to open new stores in China

Adidas plans to open new stores in China originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdidasChinaNikeNKEsportswearThu, 03 Jul 2008 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[BusinessWeek: Be wary of stocks under $10]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/02/businessweek-be-wary-of-stocks-under-10/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/02/businessweek-be-wary-of-stocks-under-10/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/02/businessweek-be-wary-of-stocks-under-10/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The weak market conditions have caused many stock prices to fall under $10. Not only smaller -- and perhaps lesser known -- stocks trade under $10 these days, but also some big and famous names such as Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F), Motorola Inc. (NYSE: MOT), Sprint Nextel Corp. (NYSE: S), Washington Mutual Inc. (NYSE: WM) and Del Monte Foods (NYSE: DLM), as well as many airline companies like Northwest Airlines (NYSE: NWA) and JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU).

While those names could sound tempting for investors who may think they are cheap, BusinessWeek's Karyn McCormack reminds us that not everything that is cheap is a good bargain, and there are some risks that need to be taken into account.

One common problem for most of these stocks is that they trade under $10 for a reason. That reason is usually hardly any earnings growth, if any at all. And with a weak economy, these companies would have an even harder time to stimulate growth. Add to the mix the fact that institutional investors don't like to touch stocks under $10 and the potential for recovery is not good.

Continue reading BusinessWeek: Be wary of stocks under $10

BusinessWeek: Be wary of stocks under $10 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaplAppleDel Monte FoodsDelMonteFoodsDLMFFord MotorFordMotorJBLUJetBlueMOTMotorolNorthwest AirlinesNorthwestAirlinesNWAResearch in MotionResearchInMotionrimmSSprint NextelSprintNextelWashington MutualWashingtonMutualWMWed, 02 Jul 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Commodities may face declines ahead]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/30/commodities-may-face-declines-ahead/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/30/commodities-may-face-declines-ahead/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/30/commodities-may-face-declines-ahead/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Despite being on the verge of the best first six months of a year in the past 35 years, there are some concerns we may see a reversal in commodities over the next six months. This would come as a result of higher oil, copper and other raw materials prices that could put pressure on consumer spending and lead to a growth in supply.

The negative effects have already started to become visible as gasoline demand has slipped in the U.S. due to high costs, while gold purchases in India saw a plunge of 50% year-over-year. "I've probably been positive for seven years and this is the first time I think there could be really a dramatic secular reversal, that it's not just a pullback" Michael Aronstein, president of Marketfield Asset Management in New York, stated.

The impact will not pass unobserved for airline companies, who will face a decline in the number of travelers over the Fourth of July holiday, following soaring jet-fuel expenses. Copper and gold demand are also facing weak levels after the price for copper reached $4.2605 a pound May 5, the highest ever, while the price for gold reached a record $1,033.90 an ounce March 17, and is expected to average $850 this year and $750 next year.







Continue reading Commodities may face declines ahead

Commodities may face declines ahead originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agriculturecommoditiescorninthenewsoil pricesOilPricesMon, 30 Jun 2008 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Some REITs for your portofolio from Kiplinger]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/26/some-reits-for-your-portofolio-from-kiplinger/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/26/some-reits-for-your-portofolio-from-kiplinger/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/26/some-reits-for-your-portofolio-from-kiplinger/#commentsFiled under: ,

Over the last few months, real estate investment trusts (REITs) have shown that they are able to survive in tough conditions, at least compared with most other stocks. However, there have been signs of weakness for REITs lately and this is likely to continue.

With recession fears still looming, real estate operators are facing yet another difficult situation brought on by rising unemployment, which could result in lower office and retail space demand. And rising inflation will come with higher interest rates, leading to higher borrowing expenses for REITs. Considering these circumstances, the outlook for REITs is not all that promising.

With all these concerns and obstacles tied to the market and the industry, you may think it wise to stay away from real estate, at least until we see an improvement in consumer spending and the banking sector. Kiplinger suggests that we reconsider these thoughts, and actually suggests some names to invest in that could offer us the advantages we are all looking for.

Continue reading Some REITs for your portofolio from Kiplinger

Some REITs for your portofolio from Kiplinger originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Entertainment PropertiesEntertainmentPropertieseprFirst IndustrialFirstIndustrialfrhcnHCPHealth Care REITHealthCareReitKiplingeroRealty Income CorpRealtyIncomeCorpreitThu, 26 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Recent market turmoil makes Citigroup break its promise]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/25/recent-market-turmoil-makes-citigroup-break-its-promise/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/25/recent-market-turmoil-makes-citigroup-break-its-promise/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/25/recent-market-turmoil-makes-citigroup-break-its-promise/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The recent challenging market conditions created much not only on traders and companies, but also cause some big names to break promises they had made to consumers. Eric Dash of The New York Times tells of one such promise that may now be repealed. Last year, Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) promoted the "deal is a deal" slogan, promising to millions of people that the company would no longer lift reserve interest rates on cards at any time, for any reason.

However, as Dash explains, times have changed and in the current weak environment the bank is reconsidering its decision because of financial troubles. A year ago, the company said it would no longer use the "universal default" practice where a card issuers can raise the holder's rate when that person is late paying any bill. What the bank still held was the right to raise rates every two years, when people renew their cards.

At the time, it looked like Citigroup's decision was efficient as rivals such as Chase Card Services followed the company by announcing it would abandon the "universal default."

Continue reading Recent market turmoil makes Citigroup break its promise

Recent market turmoil makes Citigroup break its promise originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankcCitigroupcreditrecessionWed, 25 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BusinessWeek looks at solar stocks]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/24/businessweek-discusses-solar-stocks/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/24/businessweek-discusses-solar-stocks/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/24/businessweek-discusses-solar-stocks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

With the high fuel prices over the past year, solar stocks have been making some nice gains. But there are some signs that they may not be as safe as they appear. Investors' interest in solar companies increased due to soaring crude futures, but there are some factors to take into account before investing money into solar.

The current BusinessWeek looks at stocks such as First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR), SolarWorld and Evergreen Solar (NASDAQ: ESLR), which have been facing increased volatility based on contract deal news or the lack thereof.

A major impact came in May, with speculation that Germany would lower subsidies given to companies and individuals who install alternative energy equipment. But the cut was not as deep as expected and stocks rebounded nicely.

Continue reading BusinessWeek looks at solar stocks

BusinessWeek looks at solar stocks originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Akeena SolarAkeenaSolaraknsamatApplied MaterialsAppliedMaterialseslrEvergreen SolarEvergreenSolarFirst SolarFirstSolarfslrinthenewsMEMC Electronic MaterialsMemcElectronicMaterialsoilsolarSolarWorldwfrTue, 24 Jun 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[S&P thinks telecom stocks may be poised for a rebound]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/23/sandp-thinks-telecom-stocks-may-be-poised-for-a-rebound/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/23/sandp-thinks-telecom-stocks-may-be-poised-for-a-rebound/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/23/sandp-thinks-telecom-stocks-may-be-poised-for-a-rebound/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

During the challenging market conditions over the past year, the telecom sector has felt its fair share of the pain. BusinessWeek brings Standard & Poor's Todd Rosenbluth who suggests that some of these telecommunication stocks could now be good investments for traders as they have a safe dividend.

Despite worries tied to the slowing U.S. economy and increased competition, "we think that some of the concerns are overdone and believe selective stocks are attractively valued," Rosenbluth stated. Rosenbluth also noted that telecom stocks have started showing signs of recovery for the past few weeks, helped by the launch of new handsets and merger and acquisition agreements.

Some of investors' favorite companies are AT&T Co. (NYSE: T) and Citizens Communications Co. (NYSE: CZN). Rosenbluth believes that the launch of Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL)'s new iPhone, 3G iPhone, will stir increased demand for smartphones, helping such companies, while putting pricing pressure on some of their competitors.

Continue reading S&P thinks telecom stocks may be poised for a rebound

S&P thinks telecom stocks may be poised for a rebound originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AAPLAlltelAppleATTCitizens CommunicationsCitizensCommunicationsczniPhonesmartphonesStandard PoorsStandardPoorsttelecomVerizonVerizon WirelessVerizonWirelessVZMon, 23 Jun 2008 13:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Some agricultural stocks to consider from BusinessWeek]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/20/some-agricultural-stocks-to-consider-from-businessweek/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/20/some-agricultural-stocks-to-consider-from-businessweek/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/20/some-agricultural-stocks-to-consider-from-businessweek/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

When natural disasters happen, there are always some companies that can turn the circumstances in their favor. Recent downpours in the Midwest provided such an opportunity as they came not only with high damages for people in the area, but also with floods for crop production, causing even higher agricultural commodity prices. The rise in corn and soybeans prices could easily lead to an increased demand for seeds, agricultural equipment, and fertilizers. BusinessWeek suggests some big names to invest in that could offer us the advantages we are looking for.

One such company is Archer Daniels Midland (NYSE: ADM), which could also benefit from higher ethanol prices, after purchasing seven businesses in 2007. Bunge Limited (NYSE: BG) is also amid possible winners, having forecast better-than-expected fertilizer earnings. Shell eggs producer Cal-Maine Foods (NASDAQ: CALM) is also on the selected list; the company saw its shares climb 15% year to date, and has just revealed a new dividend payout policy.

Another important name is Mosaic Co. (NYSE: MOS), whose stock prices have surged 70% so far this year. BusinessWeek cites Mosaic as being able to benefit from higher prices for fertilizer and potash. Following the same logic, the article points out potash provider Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan (NYSE: POT) and fertilizer distributor CF Industries Holdings (NYSE: CF), which should be able to take advantage of the weak dollar and higher sales prices.

Continue reading Some agricultural stocks to consider from BusinessWeek

Some agricultural stocks to consider from BusinessWeek originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>admagricultureArcher Daniels MidlandArcherDanielsMidlandbgBunge LimitedBungeLimitedCal-Maine FoodsCal-maineFoodscalmcropdefertilizerJohn DeereJohnDeeremonMonsantomosMosaicpotPotash Corp. of SaskatchewanPotashCorp.OfSaskatchewanFri, 20 Jun 2008 15:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Stocks to consider under $10 from CNBC]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/19/stocks-to-consider-under-10-from-cnbc/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/19/stocks-to-consider-under-10-from-cnbc/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/19/stocks-to-consider-under-10-from-cnbc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Dragged down by the challenging market conditions, many stocks have fallen under $10 lately. CNBC's Cindy Perman suggests that some of these stocks could be become good investments for traders. However, not everything that is cheap could be such a good bargain, Perman reminds us. You must always do your homework on potential investment before buying.

For example, Ford Motor (NYSE: F) fell down to around $6 compared with $38 nine years ago -- is it a good investment? Well, while the automaker revealed its plans to shift production from trucks to cars and give a boost to its turnaround plan, it also warned it won't be profitable until 2010 at the earliest.

Perman quotes several investment specialists on the matter. John Schloegel, vice president of investment strategies at Capital Cities Asset Management says, "An investment in Ford today feels like being in the wrong place at the wrong time." And Greg Womack, president of Womack Investment Advisers, advices to stay away from the sector, which doesn't look promising now, for the next three to five years to find out the "winner."

Continue reading Stocks to consider under $10 from CNBC

Stocks to consider under $10 from CNBC originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citCit GroupCitGroupdynDynegyfFord MotorFordMotormotMotorolasSprint NextelSprintNextelTenet HealthcareTenetHealthcarethcThu, 19 Jun 2008 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Barron's offers a survey of momentum plays in hot sectors]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/17/barrons-offers-a-survey-of-momentum-plays-in-hot-sectors/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/17/barrons-offers-a-survey-of-momentum-plays-in-hot-sectors/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/17/barrons-offers-a-survey-of-momentum-plays-in-hot-sectors/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With crude oil prices soaring, shares in coal and fertilizer companies have also been climbing for the past year. Barron's offers a survey of the momentum plays, pointing out some opportunities and risks when investing in coal and fertilizer stocks.

Talking about risks, Barron's underlines the fact that it can be difficult for investors to put their hard earned money into a stock that is already trading near its highs. But as they say, the trend is up unless proven otherwise, and we might take this into account when picking our trades. For example, back in April, it looked like Mosaic Co. (NYSE: MOS) was facing technical weakness, but this did not last long and the company was able to rebound.

Now let's take a took at the coal sector. Data shows that the Dow Jones U.S. coal index gas gained more than 50% for the past year. While James River Coal Co. (NASDAQ: JRCC) has quadrupled this year, Peabody Energy Corp. (NYSE: BTU) has been seeing some weakness, and this might be a sign that the sector could face tough times ahead. The first concern tied to supply and demand appeared for Peabody when we began to notice that volume on rally days slipped, while volume on declining days has increased.

Continue reading Barron's offers a survey of momentum plays in hot sectors

Barron's offers a survey of momentum plays in hot sectors originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BTUcoalenergyfertilizerinthenewsJames River CoalJamesRiverCoaljrccmosMosaicPeabody EnergyPeabodyEnergyUnited States SteelUnitedStatesSteelxTue, 17 Jun 2008 15:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Some oil stocks for your portofolio from Kiplinger]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/16/some-oil-stocks-for-your-portofolio-from-kiplinger/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/16/some-oil-stocks-for-your-portofolio-from-kiplinger/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/16/some-oil-stocks-for-your-portofolio-from-kiplinger/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

With the economy facing soaring crude oil prices for the past year, consumers and drivers have seen a major impact on their savings. It could seem as though the good old times are over. Gasoline at $4 a gallon is not something we can ignore, and if we take into account that Americans consume nearly 40% of the world's gasoline, you can see where the problems begin. So the surge in oil prices came with an imminent effect on consumers, who had to cut back on their spending.

But since we are already in this unpleasant situation, Kiplinger offers some solutions to help investors fight against high oil prices. Kiplinger underlines in this article that one smart move would be to minimize the cost of driving by making some good energy-related investments.

Gerry Jordan, manager of Jordan Opportunity, recommends investors invest in oil companies such as Schlumberger Ltd. (NYSE: SLB) and Weatherford International (NYSE: WFT), citing strong international business. In addition, Jordan believes that higher crude prices will increase drilling demand. On the other hand, Jordan also loves power companies like Calpine Corp. (NYSE: CPN) and Reliant Energy Inc. (NYSE: RRI) as he anticipates huge power outages across the globe during this year.

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Some oil stocks for your portofolio from Kiplinger originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CalpineConocoPhillipscopcpnEnsco InternationalEnscoInternationalesvinthenewsinvestoilReliant EnergReliantEnergrriSchlumbergerslbWeatherford InternationalWeatherfordInternationalwftMon, 16 Jun 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[SmartMoney suggestions to avoid the pitfalls of falling oil prices]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/13/smartmoney-suggestions-to-avoid-the-pitfalls-of-falling-oil-pric/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/13/smartmoney-suggestions-to-avoid-the-pitfalls-of-falling-oil-pric/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/13/smartmoney-suggestions-to-avoid-the-pitfalls-of-falling-oil-pric/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With the soaring oil prices, oil bulls have been benefiting from nice gains lately but there are some pessimistic signs that this may be about to change. The Fed's comments related to inflation stirred some worries among investors that interest rates could be lifted soon. A boost in interest rates will immediately lead to a stronger dollar, and could (and should) result in a sell off in crude.

Talking about this circumstance, SmartMoney is thinking about the best way to protect ourselves against losing money. As a first step, SmartMoney suggests that we reduce commodities and increase our allocation in stocks. To back up this idea, the article cites Simeon Hyman, equity strategist of the portfolio advisory group at Lehman Brothers' private investment management unit, who said the company is currently lighter on commodities and "fully invested" in stocks.

 David Reilly, director of portfolio strategies at Rydex Investments, is taking into account the possibility of investing in Japan, which "is the most oil-dependent of all major economies. Reilly cites companies such as Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM) and Canon (NYSE: CAJ) which could benefit from investors' attention due to declines in crude oil prices.

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SmartMoney suggestions to avoid the pitfalls of falling oil prices originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cajCanonduginthenewsinvestoiltmToyota MotorToyotaMotorUltraShort Oil Gas ProSharesUltrashortOilGasProsharesUnited States OilUnitedStatesOilusoFri, 13 Jun 2008 15:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Best stocks to retire on from Fortune 40]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/12/best-stocks-to-retire-on-from-fortune-40/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/12/best-stocks-to-retire-on-from-fortune-40/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/12/best-stocks-to-retire-on-from-fortune-40/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Many of us would be happy to benefit from a quiet retirement without facing concerns of losing all of our hard earned money. Fortune 40 gives us a helping hand by suggesting some big names to invest in that could offer us the results that we are looking for.

One such company is Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT), whose earnings surged 35% during its last quarter, helped by its famous anti-inflammatory drug Humira and HIV treatment Kaletra. Looking ahead to the company's performance, CEO Miles White is planing to keep his main attention on its medical devices unit which is seen as a key element against strong competition.

Fortune 40 also looks at beverage maker The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO), which benefits from strong international gains able to beat recent weakness in U.S. In addition, it looks like the company's acquisition of Glacéau and its VitaminWater brand offer it a good support to outperform on the market.

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Best stocks to retire on from Fortune 40 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Abbott LaboratoriesAbbottLaboratoriesABTCisco SystemsCiscoSystemsCLCoca-ColaColgate-PalmoliveCSCOJNJJohnson JohnsonJohnsonJohnsonKOMicrosoftMSFTPGProcter GambleProcterGambleThu, 12 Jun 2008 16:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Kiplinger suggests five stocks for Father's Day]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/11/kiplinger-suggests-five-stocks-for-fathers-day/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/11/kiplinger-suggests-five-stocks-for-fathers-day/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/11/kiplinger-suggests-five-stocks-for-fathers-day/#commentsFiled under: ,

Father's Day is a special occasion for many of us, a day to show our daddies how much we love them. We give dad some extra attention that day and usually also a present that could make him happy. Kiplinger.com has an interesting idea -- one that I really like -- for a Father's Day present you may want to consider: Find a good stock that could bring him a lot of money.

Let's look at some of the companies Kiplinger's Anne Kates Smith believes would be good options this year:
  • O'Reilly Automotive (NASDAQ: ORLY) is an auto parts retailer that is facing weak demand as a result of soaring crude oil prices. However, analysts believe the company's strategy to buy CSK Auto will bring a lot of national success. ORLY is expected to show earnings of $1.76 per share this year and $2.02 next year.
  • Stanley Works (NYSE: SWK), headquartered in New Britain, Conn., has the advantage of being one of only two companies offering a complete line of hand tools for consumers. The company focuses its performance on both its industrial tool division and a security business. Analysts forecast a profit of $4.18 this year, and $4.63 a share for next year.

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Kiplinger suggests five stocks for Father's Day originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbyBest BuyBestBuydeoDiageoDicks Sporting GoodsDicksSportingGoodsdksfeaturedforecastsOReilly AutomotiveOreillyAutomotiveorlyretailersswkThe Stanley WorksTheStanleyWorksWed, 11 Jun 2008 16:44:00 EST