An update on two short positions: McDonald's Corporation (NYSE: MCD), recommended on June 26, 2009 at a price of $57.00, and Fortune Brands (NYSE: FO), recommended on the same day at a price of $35.56.McDonald's: Hold Short. MCD's shares remain under pressure. The era of the 'frugal consumer' is well underway in the United States, to McDonald's detriment. There's also a trend away from standardized fast food, and toward local, 'roadside' hamburger joints and diners: they offer unique flavors and recipes, fresher food, and often atmospheres that can't be beat.
This market remains a stock picker's market. Select the wrong stock, and there's a 30-40% haircut up ahead; select the correct stock, and you're positioned for the recovery with modest downside exposure. For a chance at the latter, consider 
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