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.

Cisco’s Enterprise Growth a Boom and Bust for Other Tech Companies (CSCO, ORCL, SAP, CRM, EMC, VMW, HPQ, IBM, JNPR, ALU)

Cisco's impressive earnings have key implications for the enterprise technology spending that is impacting other key technology companies.

Investing in China – Why You’d Be Crazy to Short China

Many analysts and media pundits believe we're seeing the beginning of the end of the Great China Growth Story. Don't believe it.

Is Baidu the Next Google or the Next Yahoo?

If Baidu can't capitalize on Google's troubles with the Chinese government, will Google find a way to turn Baidu into an also-ran in the search engine wars as it has done with Yahoo?

8 Policy-Proof Stocks That Will Survive Washington (F, ITRI, KMB, SMBL, ARCL, IAT, KRE, USU)

Despite all of the sweeping change that could come from Washington, some companies will survive, and even thrive, under the current administration's plans.

Smartphone Market to Get More Competitive (NOK, RIMM, AAPL, MOT, T)

In the smartphone market, Nokia (NOK) rules with about twice the market share as its leading competitors Research In Motion (RIMM) and Apple (AAPL).

January Barometer – Is 2010 Doomed?

A very reliable indicator is predicting that the markets are in for a tough year ahead.

If Microsoft Gets Well Will the PC Hardware Industry Follow? (MSFT, INTC, STX, WDC, AMD)

Microsoft's (MSFT) quarterly results came in higher than expected with Windows 7 accounting for a 60% rise in profits. But what does the news mean for the PC hardware market?

Unlimited Corporate Political Spending to Boost Media Stocks (CBS, NWS, CCO, LAMR, IPG, OMC)

The Supreme Court's decision that the government may not ban corporate political spending in elections could mean a big boost for these media stocks.

Sales and Profits Rise at Procter & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive (PG, CL)

Today's earnings reports from Procter & Gamble (PG) and Colgate Palmolive (CL) give testimony again to the power of brands.

Tempur-Pedic (TPX) Isn’t Sleeping Too Well

By all accounts, memory foam mattress maker Tempur-Pedic International (TPX) should be sleeping well right now. Unfortunately, someone forgot to tell Wall Street.

Airlines Outline 2010 Fuel Hedging Strategies (UAUA, DAL, LUV)

United (UAUA), Delta (DAL) and Southwest (LUV) have outlined their fuel hedging strategies for 2010, and the differences are interesting and instructive.

Will Berkshire Hathaway Become a Dow Component?

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway will replace BNSF in the S&P indexes, but will Berkshire be added as a Dow component?

Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) Pinning Its 2010 Hopes on China

Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) reported today that revenue was down nearly $19 billion (37%) and were earnings down 75% for full-year 2009.

Palm and RIM Face a Surging Apple

Unlike Apple (AAPL), RIM (RIMM) and Palm (PALM) present investors with special risks because they are essentially single product line companies.

WARNING: Big Correction Ahead

The odds are in favor of a severe sell-off, and it's very likely the market will move at least 10% lower before the year ends.

Verizon Grabs New Users, Loses a Bundle

Despite adding 2.2 million customers in the fourth quarter of 2009, Verizon (VZ) came in a penny short of analysts' expectations.

Will a Healthier Product Line Fatten Sara Lee (SLE) Shares?

According to an article in Barron's, shares of Sara Lee (SLE) could run up 40% or more after its push into healthier products.

Will Apple (AAPL) Earnings Take a Back Seat to iSlate Tablet and iPhone Carrier Rumors?

Apple Inc. (AAPL) is on deck to report earnings today after the bell, but what everyone is likely to focus on is the upcoming launch of the iSlate tablet.

Renewed Interest in Natural Gas is Key for Halliburton (HAL)

According to Halliburton (HAL), a recovery in natural gas demand could result from increasing industrial demand and draw-downs in storage.