Market Insight

Markets rarely move at random. InvestorPlace’s leading analysts break down macro trends, sector dynamics, and recurring market patterns to help investors understand what is changing, what matters most, and where opportunities may emerge.

Kmart Customer Finds Plea for Help in Unopened Package

By Nate Wooley, InvestorPlace Writer Dec 28, 2012

A letter, found in a sealed box of Halloween decorations, implores whoever finds it to contact human rights groups about forced-labor camps in China.

Make Big Profits Trading in … LEGOs?

By Nate Wooley, InvestorPlace Writer Dec 28, 2012

Collectors are now taking advantage of LEGO-mania and making tidy profits on sets of the plastic bricks.

Is the Russell 2000 Fund a Pointless ETF?

By James Brumley, InvestorPlace Feature Writer Dec 28, 2012

In recent years, the archetype iShares Russell 2000 Index ETF hasn’t shown any stronger returns than its large-cap counterpart, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF.

10 Highest-Paid CEOs

By Nate Wooley, InvestorPlace Writer Dec 27, 2012

The Associated Press released a list of the top earning CEOS of 2011, which is dominated by communications and technology leaders.

Unintended Acceleration Case to Cost Toyota $1.1 Billion

By Nate Wooley, InvestorPlace Writer Dec 27, 2012

Toyota Motor has agreed to settle a class action suit concerning sudden acceleration in its cars for $1.1 billion.

Why Japan’s ‘Lost Decades’ Are Headed to America in 2016

By Keith Fitz-Gerald Dec 27, 2012

The trend in Japan is to have fewer children, and the result is an aging population supported by fewer workers coming on board: is it the same in the U.S.?

Top 50 Spots to Celebrate New Year’s Eve

By Christopher Freeburn, InvestorPlace Writer Dec 26, 2012

Priceline.com has compiled a list of the 50 top places to ring in 2013, with New York City topping the list for the second consecutive year.

December Rate Roundup: CDs, Money Markets and Mortgages

By Dan Burrows, InvestorPlace Feature Writer Dec 26, 2012

Investors have a lot of cash on the sidelines and still aren't getting much for it. Savings yields mostly fell in December, while borrowing costs mostly rose.

Retailers See Weak Holiday Sales

By Christopher Freeburn, InvestorPlace Writer Dec 26, 2012

U.S. consumers didn't hit the mall as hard as hoped for this holiday season, with retail sales growing just 0.7% over last year, well below predicted growth.

5 Mistakes You Don’t Have to Make in 2013

By Richard Band Dec 26, 2012

Even Warren Buffett slips up sometimes. But if you follow these five basic rules and use common sense, you’ll be richer for it in 2013.

Why You Can’t Trust Toll’s 2013 Home Price Prediction

By Keith Fitz-Gerald Dec 22, 2012

Bob Toll's predictions of a 20% rise in home prices for 2013 goes against the historical measures and is a lure for what he needs to happen; don't trust it

3 Biggest Restaurant Nutrition Trends in 2012

By Christopher Freeburn, InvestorPlace Writer Dec 21, 2012

Calorie counts on menus, allergy awareness and bans on large-size sugary drinks topped the trends for restaurants this year.

NYSE Finds an $8.2 Billion Escape

By Dan Burrows, InvestorPlace Feature Writer Dec 20, 2012

After months of seeing the Big Board's business deteriorate and its stock price wither, its shareholders finally have something to cheer.

Dr Pepper to Roll Out 5 New 10-Calorie Sodas

By Nate Wooley, InvestorPlace Writer Dec 20, 2012

Dr Pepper is launching 5 new diet versions of its sodas, all of them with 10 calories, in the new year.

13-Year-Old Gets Hasbro to Make Gender-Neutral Version of Popular Toy

By Nate Wooley, InvestorPlace Writer Dec 20, 2012

A petition by 13-year-old McKenna Pope has led toymaker Hasbro to produce a gender-neutral Easy-Bake Oven.

Forget Alcoa — This Company Is a Better Earnings Barometer

By James Brumley, InvestorPlace Feature Writer Dec 20, 2012

Alcoa's results are often used as barometer of earnings success, but that’s an antiquated (and possibly dangerous) assumption. Here's who to watch instead.