Why Netflix, Petroleo Brasileiro Petrobras and FXCM are 3 of Today’s Best Stocks

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Investors who loved roller-coaster rides in their youth were back in their element today, as the Dow Jones Industrial Average bounced off a 119-point loss, rose to a 90-point margin and then finished the day up 39 points, or 0.2% higher. The S&P 500 was up nearly 0.5% and the Nasdaq Composite was nearly 0.3% to the good.

Why Netflix,Petroleo Brasileiro Petrobras, and FXCM are 3 of Today's Best StocksClearly giving markets a boost today was crude oil, which ascended nearly 3%, and a Commerce Department report that housing starts climbed 4.4% in December, the highest level in more than six years. Still, investors seemed uncertain ahead of the European Central Bank’s decision on whether to purchase bonds on a large-scale one-year program, and that kept a lid on stock prices all day.

Energy and telecommunications were the two hottest sectors, as noted by the strength of two of the best stocks today, Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) and Petroleo Brasileiro Petrobras SA (ADR) (NYSE:PBR). Rounding out the third best stock for today is FXCM, Inc (NYSE:FXCM).

Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX)

NFLX stock was a huge winner today, blasting up more than 17% on strong volume of 9.3 million shares. Late yesterday, the company blew away the street by posting earnings per share of 72 cents, far ahead of the 46 cents per share expected by analysts. International subscriber numbers came in well ahead of expectations as well.

NFLX also announced it will begin streaming the recently controversial film from Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE), The Interview. Another boost to NFLX stock today came from an upgraded price target by analysts at Stifel Financial Corp. from $380 to $500.

Petroleo Brasileiro Petrobras SA (ADR) (NYSE:PBR)

PBR’s ascension today was purely tied to the rise in oil prices. Brent crude rallied to near $49 after OPEC Secretary General Abdullah al-Badri expressed confidence that oil prices will rebound from current low levels, and defended OPEC’s decision not to cut production.

PBR stock rose more than 7% on 33 million shares. However, PBR stock has fallen from a September high at $21 to a recent low near $6 as oil has tumbled. But the stock has rallied back 20% so far this month.

FXCM Inc (NYSE:FXCM)

FXCM, a New York-based currency market maker, is the ulcer-producing stock of the week. Yesterday, FXCM shares tumbled from $12.63 to $1.60 by the closing bell, as several law firms announced they were bringing suits against FXCM for possible violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Today, FXCM stock rebounded more than 45% higher on a spectacular 92.3 million shares after raising margin requirements for its gold and currency accounts. They also reassured investors that the company is solvent, and that they have not filed for bankrupcty.

Also on Tuesday, FXCM received a $300-million rescue package from Leucadia National Corp. (NYSE:LUK). Last week’s decision by the Swiss National Bank to remove the cap on its currency knocked the wind out of FXCM stock, causing it to tumble some 87%. Now that’s a roller coaster that few investors want to ride. 

 As of this writing, Ethan Roberts did not hold any positions in the aforementioned securities.

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Article printed from InvestorPlace Media, https://investorplace.com/2015/01/netflix-nflx-pbr-fxcm-3-todays-best-stocks/.

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