"The uncertain market has changed our risk appetite and shifted our focus to stocks deemed safe enough for even the most conservative investors," says Jonas Elmerraji.

The editor of The Rhino Stock Report suggests, "Among them are regulated utilities, including our latest recommendation -- NRG Energy (NRG), which is involved in wholesale power generation.

"Investors have long favored utilities for a few very good reasons: predictable, recession-resistant revenues; steady streams of dividends; and government-sanctioned monopolies. They're a safe haven for stressed investors in the midst of a recession.

Continue reading NRG Energy (NRG): 'Wholesale' power play

NRG Energy (NRG): 'Wholesale' power play originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Suddenly, no one likes Research in Motion (RIMM) any more, at least that's the impression you get from the media," observes Gordon Pape. In his Internet Wealth Builder, he offers a contrary -- and bullish -- view of the smartphone maker.

"To hear some analysts tell it, the BlackBerry maker is going the way of Nortel. It's just a matter of time. For example, analyst Jim Suva of Citigroup Global Markets recently issued a sell signal on the shares, saying that RIM's long-time dominance of the smart phones market is over.

"For the record, many analysts disagree with Suva's assessment. Credit Suisse has reiterated its 'outperform' rating with a target price of $95. Bank of America/Merrill Lynch has a $100 target, Scotia Capital has a $103 target and CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets has a target of $100.

Continue reading Research in Motion (RIMM): A 'love-hate' relationship

Research in Motion (RIMM): A 'love-hate' relationship originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Daniel Frishberg -- a former Wall Street insider and the current host of BizRadio -- offers an intriguing glimpse behind the scenes of the gold market.

In his The Moneyman.com Gold & Oil Report, he questions the role of not just overall market fundamentals, but short positions held by institutions. He also looks to a new long positions in silver.

Frishberg explains, "There are plenty of reasons to be bullish on the future of gold prices, including a weak US dollar. Further, India's Central Bank recently announced their purchase of gold from the IMF. Russian and Chinese Central Bankers have also expressed an interest in purchasing the remaining IMF gold.

Continue reading Gold and silver: Frishberg looks behind the scenes

Gold and silver: Frishberg looks behind the scenes originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"The hands-down choice for growth in the insurance sector is in China, where the industry is just getting off the ground." says says growth stock expert Timothy Lutts.

In The Cabot Stock of the Month Report, he suggests, "CNinsure (CISG) is the king of the Chinese insurance industry. We believe the stock most attractive insurance industry investment in China today.

"When properly managed, a property and casualty insurance company is an excellent vehicle for participating in a region's growth. However, the average age of top insurance companies in the U.S. is 108 years and their assets of the U.S. are growing slowly.

Continue reading CNinsure (CISG): The 'king of China's insurance industry'

CNinsure (CISG): The 'king of China's insurance industry' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"We're finding positive opportunities in Asia," says Richard Schmidt. In his Stellar Stock Alert, he looks to a play on China's infrastructure: Rino International (RINO).

"China is very aware of the need for infrastructure to power economic growth. The better your energy production and transportation systems, the better your economy is going to do.

"As a result, China has made a massive investment into expanding and shoring up its infrastructure. We see this as a major investment opportunity.

Continue reading Rino (RINO): A bet on China's infrastructure

Rino (RINO): A bet on China's infrastructure originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Direct Investment Plans -- or DRIPs -- are a great way to investor regardless of the market environment; in fact, avoiding the emotional decisions usually made by the typical investor may be their greatest strength," observes DRIP specialist Vita Nelson.

In her MoneyPaper's Direct Investing, she reviews the basics of DRIP investing and discusses her latest "Bargain Corner" stock pick -- Regions Financial (RF).

Vita Nelson explains, "This strategy involve the four Ds -- dividend reinvestment, dollar-cost averaging, diversification, and discipline.

Continue reading Bank on Regions Financial (RF) ... and DRIPs

Bank on Regions Financial (RF) ... and DRIPs originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"New Oriental Education (NYSE: EDU), which offers English language instruction to Chinese students, recently fell sharply after disappointing the Wall Street crowd," says Tony Sagami.

In his The Asia Stock Alert. the China stock specialist suggests, "This pullback is creating a buying opportunity. Indeed, this is your big chance to buy it on sale.

"Digging deeper, EDU's numbers contain both bad and good news. Among the good news, EDU earned $1.57 per share of profits last quarter, which is exactly what the consensus forecast was and 27% more than the same period last year.

Continue reading New Oriental (EDU): Language instructor 'on sale'

New Oriental (EDU): Language instructor 'on sale' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Being socially responsible means different things to different people; however, in the mutual-fund world, it refers to funds that combine progressive 'social' mandates with investment criteria," explains fund expert Mark Salzinger.

In The No-Load Fund Investor, he suggests, "We have no problem with the concept of socially responsible funds for an investor who wants his investments to reflect his values, provided that the funds have also provided good risk-adjusted returns." Here, he looks at two favorites.

"Funds that call themselves socially responsible usually avoid stocks that don't meet progressive, or politically liberal, standards of environment impact, workplace environment, and diversity/tolerance and community involvement.

Continue reading Parnassus: Favorite funds for socially responsible investors

Parnassus: Favorite funds for socially responsible investors originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In his Ticker Tape Digest, technician Leo Fasciocco looks for "breakout" stocks; his latest feature is HMS Holdings (HMSY), which coordinates benefits for government healthcare programs.

"With annual revenues of $185 million, HMSY helps ensure that healthcare claims are paid correctly and by the responsible party.

"As a result of the company's services, government healthcare programs recover over $1 billion annually and avoid billions of dollars more in erroneous payments.

Continue reading HMS Holdings (HSMY): Breakout in health care

HMS Holdings (HSMY): Breakout in health care originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"We believe it is prudent to lock in some profits, and focus on developing an income stream in the event that we get either a major correction or double-dip recession," says Glenn Rogers.

The contributing editor to The Internet Wealth Builder suggests, "It seems to me to that the most promising areas worth considering are high-yield bond funds and international real estate funds, preferably with some underlying income." Here, the reviews four income ideas.

"I like high-yield bond funds, even though there is concern that interest rates will rise in 2010.

Continue reading A four-pack of income fund favorites

A four-pack of income fund favorites originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"I'm excited about Quanta Services (PWR), a contracting company that specializes in building utility transmission and distribution infrastructure," says Ian Wyatt.

In his Top Stock Insights, he explains, "The current focus in the U.S. of projects that improve energy conservation, utilize renewable resources, and improve air quality make Quanta an excellent long-term growth opportunity.

"Its customers are in the electric power, gas, telecommunications, and cable television industries. These are stimulus spending customers; i.e., big government organizations and utilities companies.

Continue reading Quanta Services (PWR): Infrastructure power play

Quanta Services (PWR): Infrastructure power play originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Jack Adamo looks to Novatel Wireless (NVTL) as a new buy. In his Insiders Plus newsletter, he assesses the firm's newest products and recent insider buying.

"Novatel provides wireless broadband access solutions for the mobile communications market worldwide. The company offers third generation (3G) wireless PC card and ExpressCard modems, embedded modems, USB modems and other fixed-mobile convergence solutions. It also provides many related support services.

"Novatel recently pulled back from a huge run-up to a near-term high of $14 after announcing a mixed shelf-offering. The market did not like the possibility of earnings dilution from more shares.

Continue reading Insiders eye Novatel (NVTL)

Insiders eye Novatel (NVTL) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In his The Energy Strategist, he explains, "Strong demand for coal from India and China is a growth story that will play out in 2010."

Gue explains, "Peabody reported its third quarter results and share prices have reacted positively. The weakness in US coal markets remains a challenge, but Peabody has taken steps to shore up profitability in the US, cutting back planned production and locking in contracts for 2010 at fixed prices.

Continue reading Peabody (BTU): Energy expert looks to coal

Peabody (BTU): Energy expert looks to coal originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD) develops treatments for life-threatening diseases and specializes in drugs for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS," notes Hannah Choe.

The contributing editor to Personal Finance explains, "Already the market leader in HIV antivirals, Gilead is in the beginning stages of developing Quad, the first-ever, four-in-one AIDS pill.

"The manufacture of HIV drugs, which accounts for more than three-quarters of revenue, is Gilead's highest-grossing business. This segment has held up through the recession; in the second quarter product sales for the antiviral franchise grew 26% from a year ago to $1.41 billion.

Continue reading Gilead (GILD): New potential in 4-in-1 HIV drug

Gilead (GILD): New potential in 4-in-1 HIV drug originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"We have very few buy recommendations currently; one exception is Franco-Nevada (Toronto: FNV.CA)," says resource expert Adrian Day.

In his The Global Analyst, the advisor explains, "Franco Nevada is one of our all-time favorites; it has top management, a solid balance sheet, and risk-averse business plan.

He continues, "The company previously merged with Newmont, and was reborn in a spin off nearly two years ago. Although the stock has nearly doubled since the IPO, it still represents good value.

Continue reading Franco Nevada (FNV): A core holding in gold

Franco Nevada (FNV): A core holding in gold originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"One way to build an inflation hedge into your investment cash flows is to focus on stocks that are likely to boost their dividends on a regular basis," explains dividend specialist Chuck Carlson.

In his The DRIP Investor, which focuses on blue chip companies offering dividend reinvestment programs, he notes, "Since dividends are paid with cold cash, they can't be faked. Either you pay the dividend or you don't. They can't be some figment of accounting magic." Here, he looks at three favorite blue chips with strong dividend records.

Continue reading Dividend growth trio: Aflac, Medtronic and Colgate-Palmolive

Dividend growth trio: Aflac, Medtronic and Colgate-Palmolive originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Two of the newsletter industry's leading growth stock advisors remain bullish on the prospects of online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN), based on growth in not only online retailing but new market areas ranging from the Kindle e-reader to cloud computing.

Mike Cintolo, editor of The Cabot Top Ten Report, explains, "Amazon.com recently blew away earnings expectations." Meanwhile, Alexander Green, investment director at The Oxford Club, says, "In our view, the best lies ahead for the company." Here are their reviews.

Mike Cintolo continues, "Amazon announced that its Kindle e-book reader is now its most popular selling item, both in units and in dollars. That led to a big acceleration in revenue growth (28%, the fastest in five quarters), while earnings leaped 67%.

Continue reading Amazon (AMZN): 'The best is still ahead'

Amazon (AMZN): 'The best is still ahead' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"We're adding Brazil's Vale S.A. (NYSE: VALE), the world's leading iron ore producer, to our model growth portfolio," says growth stock expert Stephen Leeb.

In his The Complete Investor, he explains, "This outstanding company offers investors simultaneous stakes in two key areas: iron ore-a commodity essential to any and all infrastructure projects-and Brazil's appreciating currency, the real.

"When it comes to understanding the importance of a commodity such as iron ore, the tale starts with China. Even with China's GDP growth again approaching double digits, the Chinese government continues to aggressively promote growth, offering consumers incentives to buy cars and investing in infrastructure, from roads to bridges to sewers to energy plants.

Continue reading Vale S.A. (VALE): Mining for value in iron ore

Vale S.A. (VALE): Mining for value in iron ore originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Shanda Interactive, a Chinese purveyor of interactive entertainment and media technology, offered U.S. investors a piece of its video game business, Shanda Games (NASDAQ: GAME)," notes Brandon Clay.

In his Invest with an Edge, he explains, "Shanda Games has its risks but also packs a lot of potential, especially as a speculative China play.

"GAME was one of the most widely-anticipated IPOs of 2009. The buzz surrounding Shanda Games was so intense that the company raised the offering from 63 million to 83.5 million shares just to meet demand.

Continue reading Shanda Games (GAME): Video games 'pack potential'

Shanda Games (GAME): Video games 'pack potential' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"The U.S. Energy Department is sponsoring a race to develop an obscure industrial process -- carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) -- and the winners of the race will receive $1.4 billion -- yes, billion, with a B," says Andy Obermueller.

In Government-Driven Investing, he says, "My pick to profit from among the 12 companies selected to compete in this scientific 'Olympiad' is Praxair (NYSE: PX)."

"This industrial-gas company owns hundreds of CCS patents, technology that could turn a coal-fired power plant -- about the dirtiest thing in the world, emissions-wise -- into one of the cleanest.

Continue reading Praxair (PX): The 'race' for carbon capture

Praxair (PX): The 'race' for carbon capture originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.