"The third year of the Presidential cycle has historically been the most profitable year of the cycle in terms of stock market performance," says market historian and money manager Jim Stack.

The editor of InvesTech Market Analyst explains, "This third year of the four-year cycle is often characterized by an accommodative Fed policy, and usually accompanied by a stable and growing economy.

"Characteristically, most of the third year gains come in the first half of the year where the first and second quarters are among the strongest in the entire cycle.

Continue reading Market Historian: Top Sectors for the Presidential Cycle

Market Historian: Top Sectors for the Presidential Cycle originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"For over 50 years, Medtronic (MDT) has been the premier medical device manufacturer in the marketplace," notes Jim Stack.

The money manager and editor of InvesTech Market Analyst explains, "With the invention of the battery-powered pacemaker in the mid 1950s, Medtronic began a long string of technological innovations.

Continue reading Top Picks 2011: Medtronic (MDT)

Top Picks 2011: Medtronic (MDT) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"With short-term money markets paying close to 0% and residual stock market fears from the 2008 financial crisis, investors are being lured into bonds without recognizing the risks," says Jim Stack.

The money manager, noted for his "safety-first" investing principles, accurately forecast the financial crisis and housing bubble -- as well as many of the market's major turning points over the last two decades.

Now, the editor of InvesTech Market Analyst sees increasing risks in the bond market and offers six rules for bond investors to help avoid undue risk.

Continue reading Six 'Safety-First' Rules for Bond Investors

Six 'Safety-First' Rules for Bond Investors originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"ConocoPhillips (COP), our latest Featured Investment, is integrated energy company with world class production of more than 1.7 million barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) per day," says money manager and newsletter advisor Jim Stack.

The editor of InvesTech Market Analyst explains, "The firm's resource base is large and broadly diversified, providing a solid foundation for this "safety-first" investment.

"A top producer in North America, Conoco's global footprint and wide-ranging operations extend to the North Sea and many other key areas including Australia, Qatar and China.

Continue reading ConocoPhillips (COP): 'Safety-First' Energy Buy

ConocoPhillips (COP): 'Safety-First' Energy Buy originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"The period around mid-term elections is nearly always conducive to stock market gains, regardless of the political outcome," suggests market historian and money manager Jim Stack.

The editor of InvesTech Market Analyst explains, "We are now coming up on the strongest 3-quarter period of the 4-year Presidential Election Cycle.

"In fact, the fourth quarter of the mid-term election year has the highest average return of all quarters in the cycle (6.3%). Looking back over the last 20 election cycles since 1929, the average cumulative gain over the upcoming 3-quarter period starting in October is a healthy 18.1%.

Continue reading The Mid-Term Election Cycle: Good News for Stocks

The Mid-Term Election Cycle: Good News for Stocks originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"In looking for new opportunities, we will continue to focus on a combination of value, growth and financial strength ... all key attributes of PepsiCo (PEP), our latest featured investment," says money manager and newsletter advisor Jim Stack.

The editor of Investech Market Analyst explains, "At first mention of its name, PepsiCo might not be a company that peaks your interest. It's often viewed as just another stodgy stock that depends on its flagship soft drink line to carry the business along.

Continue reading PepsicCo (PEP): Value, Growth and Financial Strength

PepsicCo (PEP): Value, Growth and Financial Strength originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Microsoft (MSFT) and its broad product line have become such staples of modern life that the company hardly warrants an introduction," says money manager and newsletter advisor Jim Stack.

The editor of Investech Market Analyst explains, "From its ubiquitous Windows operating system and Office productivity suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) to server products and entertainment devices, the vast majority of us use numerous Microsoft products every day.

Continue reading Microsoft (MSFT): Poised for Long-Term Gains

Microsoft (MSFT): Poised for Long-Term Gains originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Here are some highlights from this past week's earnings coverage on BloggingStocks:

• Blockbuster Inc. (BBI) Q1 net loss was in line with estimates and same-store sales declined, shares also fell.
• CA Inc. (CA) shares sold off on high volume following the Q4 earnings miss and disappointing guidance.
• Cigna Corp. (CI) reported better-than-expected Q1 earnings and higher revenue, and reaffirmed its full-year outlook.
• Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO) beat Q3 earnings and revenue expectations in the "strongest quarter in our history."
• Dean Foods Co. (DF) lower Q1earnings beat analysts' estimates, but shares fell on heavy volume afterward.
• Denny's Corp. (DENN) bested consensus estimates and year-ago EPS by a penny, but said same-store sales fell.

Continue reading Earnings Highlights: BBI, CI, CSCO, DIS, DISH, ERTS, JCP, M, NVDA, PCLN, WEN, WFMI ...

Earnings Highlights: BBI, CI, CSCO, DIS, DISH, ERTS, JCP, M, NVDA, PCLN, WEN, WFMI ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 15 May 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Jim Stack: Reasons to Stay in the 'Bullish Camp'

Jim Stack: Reasons to Stay in the 'Bullish Camp' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 11 May 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Darden (DRI): A 'Bargain' in Casual Dining

Darden (DRI): A 'Bargain' in Casual Dining originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Devon Energy (DVN) is refocusing itself," says money manager and advisor Jim Stack. In his InvesTech Market Analyst he says, "We continue to view Devon as an untapped opportunity."

"Non-core holdings are being shed, and the proceeds are being used to accelerate growth of the company's premier North American assets."

Continue reading Jim Stack Sticks with Devon (DVN)

Jim Stack Sticks with Devon (DVN) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a special report, Top Picks for 2010, the 27th annual survey in which TheStockAdvisors.com asks the nation's leading advisors for their single favorite stock for the new year. See all 80 stocks listed here.

"PepsiCo (PEP), my top pick for 2010, remains underrated by the market," says Jim Stack.

The money manager and editor of InvesTech Market Analyst suggests, "All too often, it's viewed as a stodgy soft drink company, fully reliant on its namesake soda line. That's a misconception." Here, he sets the record straight.

Continue reading Top Picks for 2010: PepsiCo (PEP)

Top Picks for 2010: PepsiCo (PEP) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Is a stock market correction imminent?" asks market historian, timer and money manager Jim Stack.

In his Investech Market Analyst, he answers, "Yes. But, actually, one could answer that question the same way at almost any stage of every bull market in history. Corrections are always imminent in bull markets, with the only question being how severe the next correction will be."

Here, he looks at the market's history to help forecast both the likelihood of an upcoming correction as well as the historical evidence for a "Santa Claus rally."

Continue reading Corrections, seasonality and Santa Claus

Corrections, seasonality and Santa Claus originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"We're always ready to shift to an individual stock when we see an attractive investment opportunity like Equifax (NYSE: EFX)," says money manager and advisor Jim Stack, who incidentally, accurately called both the 2008 market top and the March bottom.

In his InvesTech Market Analyst, he explains, "The stock is attractively valued based on revenue, cash flow, and earnings power of the company." Here's his review of the credit reporting agency.

"Equifax is in the business of supplying clients with the power of information and is most commonly known as a credit reporting agency. The 'credit score' your banker looks at when you apply for a loan is derived from information supplied by Equifax and its competitors.

Continue reading Equifax (EFX): A good credit

Equifax (EFX): A good credit originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"There's a misconception out there about PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP); all too often, it's viewed as a stodgy soft drink company, fully reliant on its namesake soda line," says money manager and newsletter advisor Jim Stack.

In his InvesTech Market Analyst, he suggests, "In reality, PepsiCo owns some of the most sought after brands in the world, including Gatorade, Tropicana, Frito-Lay and Doritos." Here's his review of the company and its outlook.

"PepsiCo does business in more than 200 countries worldwide, including key emerging market economies like China and India and, perhaps most important of all, it's a growth company with analysts expecting long-term future earnings growth of 10-12% per year.

Continue reading PepsiCo (PEP): An 'under-rated' growth company

PepsiCo (PEP): An 'under-rated' growth company originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Any company that can consistently create revenue out of air is worth a look," says Jim Stack, referring to Air Products & Chemicals (NYSE: APD).

In his InvesTech Market Analyst, the advisor and money manager explains, "We especially like a company that can create over $10 billion a year in sales ... from air (actually industrial gases)." Here, he explains the reasons he rates the shares a 'buy' in his model portfolio.

"For APD, much of that 'air' revenue comes from the sale of tonnage gases. Tonnage gas delivery involves the on-site or pipeline delivery of hydrogen and other chemicals to oil refineries.

Continue reading Air Products (APD): More than hot air

Air Products (APD): More than hot air originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"The conditions are in place for a 'Best Buy' opportunity," says Jim Stack, whose buy signal should receive special attention give the accuracy of his sells signals which side-stepped the bear market.

In addition, the money manager and editor of Investech Market Analyst is beginning to increase his equity positions, such as Nike (NYSE: NKE). He states, "With a portfolio of iconic brands, an identified growth strategy, recognized innovation, and sound financial footing, Nike fits the bill of being a great company."

"Very rarely do we have all these conditions in place - that's only occurred five times in the last 45 years. Historically, this means we should give the growing evidence of a new bull market every benefit of doubt.

Continue reading Step up to Nike (NKE): A 'great company'

Step up to Nike (NKE): A 'great company' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Being a great company is just half of the equation; buying a great company at a great price is the key to successful investing," says Jim Stack, a money manager noted for having accurately forecast the market's troubles over the past year.

In InvesTech Market Analyst, he looks to one stock that meets this criteria. He states, "An enviable line-up of dominant brands, outstanding profitability, financial strength, and attractive valuation make United Technologies (NYSE: UTX) a compelling buy."

"For most people, UTX is a behind-the-scenes powerhouse, providing many of the everyday industrial components we take for granted, but rarely think about.

Continue reading United Technologies (UTX): A 'compelling' buy

United Technologies (UTX): A 'compelling' buy originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 28 May 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Our confidence in this market is growing... albeit slowly; the fundamental blocks are already in place for a market bottom, and the technical blocks seem to be following," says Jim Stack, well known for having accurately forecast the market. housing and economic downturn.

In InvesTech Market Analyst, he suggests, "We are now stepping up our allocation. The newest addition to our Model Portfolio is VF Corp. (NYSE: VFC)."

"VF Corporation is the world's largest publicly held apparel manufacturer and distributor. It owns an incredibly diverse line of brands; including such well known names as Wrangler, Lee, North Face, Vans, and Nautica.

Continue reading VF Corp. (VFC): Dressed for success

VF Corp. (VFC): Dressed for success originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 05 May 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"We are selectively taking advantage of deep values such as Waste Management (NTSE: WMI), which is selling at a compelling valuation," says Jim Stack, a safety-first money manager.

In his InvesTech Market Analyst he adds, "Waste Management displays the characteristics we search for in new investments including a distinct competitive advantage and solid financials.

"It is a giant in its industry; Waste Management is the largest solid waste management company in North America. Founded in 1894, it serves nearly 20 million customers.

"With the nation's largest network of landfills, Waste Management has significant pricing power and can charge fees to competitive waste haulers who don't own, or have access to, their own landfills.

Continue reading Waste Management (WMI): 'Deep value' in waste

Waste Management (WMI): 'Deep value' in waste originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.