"We're seeing tremendous opportunities in China, which should move up regardless of U.S. market gyrations," says Richard Schmidt. In Stellar Stock Alert, he offers his current favorite China plays.

In addition, Jim Trippon, editor of The China Stock Alert, discusses the latest addition to his model portfolio, China's largest life insurance company -- and one with large exposure to Chinese equities.

And finally, fund expert Jim Lowell -- editor of Fidelity Investor -- says, "Investors should be buying Chinese stocks, Hong Kong real estate and Taiwanese technology." He offers some favorite funds for China region exposure.

This post is part of a featured report on stocks in the Chinese online gaming sector.

"One lesson we learned long ago is that it often pays to recognize stocks showing unusual strength -- one such stock is NetEase (NASDAQ: NTES)," says Mike Cintolo in The Cabot Market Letter.

"In terms of stocks, NetEase is showing unusual strength. The stock started moving ahead in a powerful manner as soon as (actually a bit before) the market bottomed in March.

"In fact, NTES recently notched nine straight up weeks, all on above-average volume, breaking out of a three-year base in the process!

This post is part of a featured report on stocks in the Chinese online gaming sector.

John Reese assesses stocks based on the criteria of a select group of well-known investors with very strong track records of long-term success.

In his Validea advisory, he looks at Chinese gaming stock, Netease (NASDAQ: NTES) based on the investment strategy of Martin Zweig, a long established growth investor. Here's his review.

"Netease operates an interactive online community in China, and is a provider of Chinese language content and services through its online games, Internet portal and wireless value-added services businesses.

One month ago, we featured a special report featuring the favorite China-based stocks among financial newsletter advisors. Since then, the 14 stocks covered in the report have risen an average of more than 15%.

The performance of these stocks -- along with the overall China market -- has far exceeded the 3% gain in the S&P 500 index over the same time period. That report can be viewed here.

Despite these gains, many of the leading advisors remain bullish on China; in particular, several have recently focused on the online gaming sector in Asia. Indeed, Timothy Lutts notes that while the video game market in the U.S. is slowing, the video game market in China is expected to show 20%+ annual growth in coming year.

Much of the attention this week will no doubt be on how the impending General Motors (NYSE: GM) bankruptcy will shake out, as well as the usual economic concerns: Has the housing market bottomed? Will oil prices keep rising? Is the employment situation getting any better? And so on (see highlights of the economic calendar below).

What probably won't get much attention are quarterly earnings, as the earnings season for this quarter winds down. But there are a few reports that analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters have high hopes for.

Last week we got a good look at how the apparel retailers have been doing when JCPenney Inc. (NYSE: JCP), Kohl's Corp. (NYSE: KSS), Nordstrom Inc. (NYSE: JWN), and Urban Outfitters Inc. (NASDAQ: URBN) all reported better-than-expected earnings for the most recent quarter. On the other hand, Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE: ANF), Eddie Bauer Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: EBHI), Liz Claiborne Inc. (NYSE: LIZ), and Macy's Inc. (NYSE: M) reported quarterly losses, reflecting the ongoing reluctance of consumers to spend.

Those surprised by the market's strength in recent weeks should be even more impressed with the rebound in China, where both their market and economy have proven among the most resilient in the world.

Global specialist Nicholas Vardy adds, "While the US markets are rising, Asian stocks are on fire." ETF expert Paul Tracy adds, "China funds have screamed to the top of the performance charts."

In large part, this strength is due to the country's stimulus program. Tracy points out, "To combat the sagging global economy, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao orchestrated a massive 4 trillion yuan ($586 billion) stimulus package.

• Goldman upgraded Gerdau AmeriSteel (NYSE: GNA) to Buy from Neutral and has a $5.50 target on shares. Shares were upgraded due to the potential impact from infrastructure spending. Note that Goldman downgraded Steel Dynamics (NYSE: STLD) and Olympic Steel (NYSE: ZEUS) to Neutral from Buy.
  
• Banc of America/Merrill upgraded Coca-Cola Enterprises (NYSE: CCE) to Buy from Neutral and raised the price target to $18 from $15. The firm the strong Q1 report gives them greater confidence in shares.
  
• Roth Capital upgraded Halozyme (NASDAQ: HALO) to Buy from Hold due to increased clarity into Roche programs, the discontinuation of the chemophase program, and progress on insulin delivery.
• American Movil (NYSE: AMX) was raised to Overweight from Neutral at JP Morgan and to Hold from Sell at Citigroup.
  
• Barclays (NYSE: BCS) and Lloyds TSB Group (NYSE: LYG) were upgraded at HSBC to Overweight from Neutral.

SINA Corp (NASDAQ: SINA), a Chinese online media company, is scheduled to report Q2 EPS on August 6. SINA August option implied volatility is at 78; September is at 55. SINA average option implied volatility over the last 26-weeks is 58 according to Track Data, suggesting larger August price movement.

The9 (NASDAQ: NCTY), an online game operator headquartered in Shanghai, closed at $22.73. NCTY is scheduled to report Q2 EPS on August 7. NCTY August option implied volatility is at 101, September at 81; above its 26-week average of 69, suggesting larger price movement.

NetEase (NASDAQ: NTES), an interactive online community in China, is scheduled to report Q2 EPS after the market close on August 13. NTES August option implied volatility of 70 is above its 26-week average of 45, suggesting larger price fluctuations.

Option Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com

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

• Activision Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI) beat Q4 expectations and raised its fiscal 2009 guidance.
• Air France-KLM swung to a loss in the fourth quarter and warned of tough times ahead.
• BJ's Wholesale Club (NYSE: BJ) Q1 earnings soared, beating expectations, and it raised its forecast.
• Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: CSIQ) beat Q1 estimates on robust demand and favorable exchange rates.
• Foot Locker Inc. (NYSE: FL) Q1 profit declined, hurt by an impairment charge and nearly flat sales.
• Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) beat Q1 earnings estimates by managing costs and inventory.
• Home Depot Inc. (NYSE: HD) Q1 earnings tumbled on a one-time charge and the housing slump.
• Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ: INTU) beat Q3 expectations and announced a share buyback program.
• Lenovo Group Ltd. (OTC: LNVGY) Q4 earnings more than doubled on strong global distribution.
• Lowe's Companies Inc. (NYSE: LOW) reported a so-so first quater in line with Wall Street expectations.
• NetEase.com Inc. (NASDAQ: NTES) Q1 earnings declined due to increased tax burden.
• Saks Inc. (NYSE: SKS) missed Q1 earnings estimates but beat revenue expectations.
• Solarfun Power Holdings Co. (NASDAQ: SOLF) Q1 revenue surged 529% from the previous quarter.
• Suntech Power Holdings Co. (NYSE: STP) Q1 revenues soared and earnings more than doubled.

Additional earnings highlights:
Hewlett-Packard, Target, Barnes & Noble, Campbell, Staples and others
Ford, Hormel, Limited Brands, Intuitive Surgical, PetSmart and others

Upcoming results to watch for include Borders (NYSE: BGP), Polo Ralph Lauren (NYSE: RL), TiVo (NASDAQ: TIVO), Big Lots (NYSE: BIG), Costco (NASDAQ: COST), Dell (NASDAQ: DELL), HJ Heinz (NYSE: HNZ), Sears (NASDAQ: SHLD), Lions Gate (NYSE: LGF), and Tiffany (NYSE: TIF).

Visit AOL Money & Finance for more earnings coverage.

NetEase (NASDAQ: NTES), an interactive online community in China is scheduled to report Q1 EPS after market close on May 21.

NTES June option implied volatility of 58 is above its 26-week average of 45 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price fluctuations.

Focus Media (NASDAQ: FMCN), a digital media company in China utilizing live motion displays, is scheduled to report Q1 EPS on June 5.

FMCN June option implied volatility of 68 is near its 26-week average according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional price risks.

Option Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com

The9 (NASDAQ: NCTY) implied volatility elevated into 8/29 EPS.

NCTY, an online game operator headquartered in Shanghai, is recently down $0.10 to $38.65. NCTY is expected to report EPS on 8/29/07. NCTY has a market cap of $996 million. NCTY September option implied volatility of 79 is above its 26-week average of 59 according to Track Data, suggesting larger risk.

Shanda Interactive (NASDAQ: SNDA) September implied volatility elevated into EPS.

SNDA, an interactive entertainment media company and operator of on line games in China, is recently up $1.56 to $30.68. SNDA has a market cap of $2.2 billion. SNDA is expected to report second quarter EPS on 8/28. SNDA September option implied volatility of 70 is above its 26-week average of 46 according to Track Data, suggesting larger risk.

NetEase (NASDAQ: NTES) implied volatility of 43 above 26-week average of 36.

NTES, an interactive online community in China, is recently down .10 to $16.33. NTES over all option implied volatility of 43 is above its 26-week average of 36 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price fluctuations.

Daily options Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com.

MOST NOTEWORTHY:

• JP Morgan upgraded Lowe's (NYSE: LOW) to Overweight from Neutral based on improved risk/return and conservative near-term estimates. UBS upgraded Lowe's to Buy from sell on valuation.

• Cooper Tire & Rubber (NYSE: CTB) was upgraded to Buy from Sell, as the firm thinks Copper is benefiting from surging demand for tires in Asia and considers the recent weakness a buying opportunity.

• UBS upgraded shares of Campbell Soup (NYSE: CPB) to Buy from Neutral, citing expected growth acceleration, productivity savings, and attractive valuation.

• Deutsche Bank is positive on the Thomson (TOC)-Reuters combination and expected synergies, upgrading Reuters Group (NASDAQ: RTRSY) to Buy from Hold.

• Netease.com (NASDAQ: NTES) was upgraded to Positive from Neutral at Susquehanna based on valuation and checks that indicate better than expected performance of Westward Journey Online III...

• Georgia Gulf (NYSE: GGC) was raised to Neutral from Sell.

• US Airways (NYSE: LCC) was upgraded to Buy from Neutral.

• Banc of America upgraded Glu Mobile (NASDAQ: GLUU) to Buy from Neutral.

• Think Equity upgraded Jazz Technologies (AMEX: JAZ) to Buy from Source of Funds.

MOST NOTEWORTHY:

• BMO Capital expects upside to EMC Corp's (NYSE: EMC) June quarter estimates, but only sees limited share upside from current levels. The firm started shares with a Market Perform rating and $21 target.

• Pali Research believes NetEase.com (NASDAQ: NTES) must address the discontinuity in its growth and started shares off with a Neutral rating.

• Barrington expects Wireless Ronin (NASDAQ: RNIN) to benefit from growth towards broadcasting to the outdoor component of out-of-home and views the company as an emerging growth opportunity that is starting with a strong technological base and management team. The firm started shares with an Outperform rating.

• First Albany initiated shares of GameStop (NYSE: GME) with a Buy rating, citing upside potential to 2008 estimates.

• Activision (NASDAQ: ATVI) was also initiated at First Albany, with a Buy rating, as the firm is expecting strong results and guidance...

• Jefferies initiated Polycom (NASDAQ: PLCM) with a Buy rating.

• Deutsche Bank started Zoran (NASDAQ: ZRAN) with a Buy rating.

• Stanford initiated Urban Outfitters (NASDAQ: URBN) with a Buy rating.

• Banc of America initiated Garmin (NASDAQ: GRMN) with a Neutral rating.