remaining extraordinarly bullish....
Another historic week in the stock market! The interest rate slashing, cash infusing, stock buying Federal Government sent stocks on a wild, roller coaster ride of heavy volatility and record moves.
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An epic battle is taking place, creating massive opportunity for the savvy investor, between those who attempt to reign in the free market and the marketplace him/herself. I am anticipating more of the same market tweaking attempts by those who control the economy, resulting in often unexpected short term reactions from the market.
Although no one knows for certain, I remain extraordinarily bullish and positive feeling about the market, believing all time highs will again be reached in the near future. Let's take a closer look at the action this week. Monday had the first inklings of something positive about to happen with better than expected housing figures pushing stocks up for the first half of the day. Around 2:00 P.M. EST on Monday, waves of profit taking hit, knocking the indexes back down the steep steps into negative territory. News of Deutsche Bank's massive losses in the derivative marketplace did little to lift floundering stocks by the close.
Tuesday saw the biggest point gain of all time in the major indexes despite sharply lower Consumer Confidence numbers. Bargain hunters and others anticipating good things in the future, stepped in with aggressive buying, ignored the negatives, and triggered the record rally.
Those forecasting a 50 basis point cut hit the nail on the head on Wednesday, when the Feds cut rates by the anticipated 50 basis points. This sent stocks on a steep rally, after selling off on the news, only to be knocked back into negative land by the close. Oil was the unexpected initial beneficiary of the cut, rallying in hopes of lower rates spurring economic activity, hence demand for the black gold.
Thursday saw the expected rate cut buying furthered fueled by a better than expected GDP figure pushing stocks nicely into positive territory. Stocks continued their volatile ways into Friday morning, flirting back and forth across the break even point so far today. Negative news on the Consumer Spending front is acting as a drag so far today.
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Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC - News) - This defense contractor has just been upgraded from a 4 to a 5 Long Term PowerRating. Surprisingly this company has been down trending since September, 2008. However, it appears to have found support around the $40.00/share level. The third quarter results were solid with EPS up 6%, guidance increased by 0.10 cents per share, and sales are up 6%. In addition, $70 billion in new orders are backlogged. This is a huge number! NOC looks like a good stock to consider for your long term portfolio right now.
Carter's Inc (NYSE:CRI - News) - The popular baby clothes maker beat third quarter estimates and appears to be bouncing on the chart. It was just upgraded from a 3 to a 4 Long Term PowerRating and look like a good choice here for your watch list.
McDonald's (NYSE:MCD - News) - The popular burger and American made international fast food giant has earned a 6 Long Term PowerRating. They recently announced a 6.1% global sales increase, strong growth in franchised and corporate owned stores and a 44% increase in adjusted EPS. Technically, the stock was knocked down to the $46.00/share area due to the global economic rout and has since appears to have stabilized around the $52.00/share level. Price is still below the 50 and 200-day simple moving averages.
Campbell Soup (NYSE:CPB - News) - This popular food company has recently announced full fiscal year results. Sales are up 8% with earnings per share up 7% on the year. It has earned a 7 rating. Technically, the stock spiked down to around $30.00/share during the massive sell off earlier in the month but has bounced back to $36.00/share range.
Alcoa (NYSE:AA - News) - Believe it or not, this 3 Long Term PowerRated stock is the highest rated stock on the request screener today. Price has been down trending since May and has hit a low in the $10.00/share area. Primarily, the worldwide economic crisis is the cause of the down move. In fact, the surging dollar caused $54 million dollars in losses just in currency conversion. Falling aluminum prices and softening demand have simply knocked the company down. However, a base may be forming around the $10.00/share area and global demand may be close to a bottom. Savvy investors should keep a close eye on this one!
Stocks In The News
Here is a sampling of stocks that caught my eye from the wires this week:
Dillard's Inc (NYSE

DS - News) - Soared after two shareholders in the department store chain moved to oust the reigning CEO William Dillard.
Savient Pharmaceuticals (NasdaqGM:SVNT - News) - Crashed an astounding 73.49% or $8.51 to $3.07/share when news of adverse cardio vascular health effects during drug tests hit the news.
Metavante Tech (NYSE:MV - News) - Soared 32.69% or $3.88 to $15.75/share as the maker of banking technology products said it was increasing its forecast.
IntercontinentalExchange (NYSE:ICE - News) - The futures exchange decided to purchase its partner, Clearing Corp, in securing trades in the multi-trillion dollar CDS market. This news thrilled investors who sent the shares rocketing up 33.13% or $20.24 to $82.03/share.
Omnicare (NYSE:OCR - News) - The larges provider of pharmaceuticals to nursing homes climbed 24.38% or $5.37 to $27.40/share after beating third quarter estimates.
This Weeks Top Performers
Owens & Minor Inc (NYSE:OMI - News)
Strayer Education (NasdaqGS:STRA - News)
IPC Holdings (NasdaqGS:IPCR - News)
This Weeks Worst Performers
Savient Pharma
Horizon Lines (NYSE:HRZ - News)
Kendle International (NasdaqGS:KNDL - News)
What To Watch For Next Week
Monday - ISM Index, Construction Spending
Tuesday - Auto Sales, Factory Orders
Wednesday - ADP Employment
Thursday - Initial Claims
Friday - Non Farm Payrolls, Consumer Credit, Initial claims