Scott MartindaleLike any superhero or action movie star who relies upon a “trusty sidekick,” Mr. Market stays strong, confident, and bold with the Federal Reserve at his side. Chairman Bernanke (and heir apparent Janet Yellen) firmly believes that the wealth effect provided by rising stock and housing markets is essential for maintaining consumer spending and corporate earnings growth.

smartindale / Tag: iShares, sectors, ETF, SPY, VIX, IBM, iyw, IYF, IYK, IYJ, IYE, IYZ, IDU, IYC, IYH, IYM, KBWI, IXN, GOOG, CVLT, SBNY, RE / 0 Comments

The market ended last week up about 1% with Large-cap Growth leading the way, up 1.15%.  Worst was the cap/style that has led for over a year, Small-cap Growth, up only 0.08%.  Clearly, traders were cautious, as value did better than growth in Mid- and Small-caps.  Large-cap leading is another sign of caution. 

david / Tag: AAPL, HCLP, RESI / 0 Comments

As I and most other observers expected, stocks took the go-signal from Congress and burst through all prior resistance levels with barely any hesitation. And why not?

smartindale / Tag: sectors, iShares, ETF, SPY, VIX, NFLX, CACI, IACI, PB, COF, iyw, IYF, IYE, IYK, IYJ, IYM, IYZ, IYH, IDU, IYC / 0 Comments

Despite overwhelming damage to America’s global face, the dysfunctional politicians in Washington passed a temporary solution to the budget and debt ceiling problems at the very last minute.  But really they only kicked the ball two or three months down the road.  Imagine going through this again in early January after Congress takes its holiday break.

david / Tag: NPI, IGTE, GNW / 0 Comments

Sabrient's Baker's Dozen 2013 is up 37.24% since January 11, 2013.  The top 5 performers are EPL +80.10%, GNW +71.27%,  JAZZ +53.61%, STX +50.32%, and OCN +47.91%.  All 13 stocks are positive; 12 have double-digit gains, and the only single-digit performer, ASH, is doing fine at +8.09%.Baker's Dozen 2013 up 37.24% YTD.

You can track the Baker's Dozen performance here

sandra / Tag: EPL, GNW, JAZZ STX, OCN, ASH / 0 Comments

The Sabrient Earnings Busters Q4 is up 4.05% since October 1.  Its top five include SAVE +25.40%, WOR +16.46%, EPL +13.78%, BC +12.06%, and CTRX +9.52%.  Seventy-five percent of the 20 stocks are in positive territory.

sandra / Tag: SAVE, WOR, EPL, BC, CTRX / 0 Comments

Scott MartindaleAs most everyone expected, Congressional brinksmanship gave way to an eleventh hour agreement that will put the government back in business and raise the debt ceiling. However, it’s only a temporary measure that merely defers another knock-down/drag-out for a few months. The question is, how will investors react after an initial bullish burst of relief?

smartindale / Tag: iShares, sectors, ETF, SPY, VIX, IWM, IBM, YHOO, INTC, AXP, EBAY, MA, N, AAPL, RE, iyw, IYF, IYE, IYH, IDU, IYK, IYC, IYM, IYZ / 0 Comments

Gridlock is still in place.  Markets are very wary (and weary) today.  You would think that last Thursday and Friday would have demonstrated to Congress that even a hint of settlement is very welcome news.  But now it is the Democrats turn to flex their muscles and demonstrate their power.  Obviously, that is not what we elected them to do.

david / Tag: THG, REGI, SIGI / 0 Comments

Scott MartindaleThe intransigence continues in Washington, and it has kept stock market buyers at bay until they get the go signal from Congress. This has left the sellers in control as investor sentiment has temporarily shifted from a buy-the-dip mentality to protect-your-gains and preservation-of-capital.

smartindale / Tag: iShares, ETF, sectors, SPY, VIX, TSLA, CACI, QCOM, MPC, EOG, iyw, IYE, IYF, IYK, IYJ, IYC, IDU, IYM, IYZ, IYH / 0 Comments

The market had a very rough opening this morning with the Dow down over 100 points and the S&P and Nasdaq looking weak.  Yet, the market rebounded a little, cutting some of the losses. Did you hear or read anything over the weekend that made you feel good about anybody solving the budget and debt issues soon?  We have 10 days! 

david / Tag: BX, THO, CTSH, VZ, T, telecom / 0 Comments

Scott MartindaleStock market bulls have been reluctant to let the market fall very far. Support seems to arrive whenever the bears get too bold. It seems the bulls are bound and determined to have their Q4 rally, especially with the Fed continuing to blow wind in their sails. They just need Congress to wave the green flag.

smartindale / Tag: iShares, ETF, sectors, SPY, VIX, Z, P, iyw, IYF, IYE, IYK, IYC, IYM, IYZ, IDU, IYJ, IYH, CTSH, WDC, OXY, APC / 0 Comments