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.

Gold Stocks – The No. 1 Sector to Invest in for 2010

We have now entered the second leg of the mega rally in gold, and the profits to be had in this sector next year will blow 2009 away.

Airline Outlook for 2010 Is Not Flying High (AAI, ALK, CAL, DAL, JBLU, LUV, AMR, LCC, UAUA)

Airlines will face higher fuel costs or fewer passengers depending on the state of the economy in 2010.

Don’t Sweat the BlackBerry Outages (RIMM, AAPL, GOOG, T, MSFT, AMZN, EBAY)

After two outages in one week for Research In Motion's (RIMM) Blackberry smartphone, some are wondering if this is a win for Apple (AAPL) and Google's (GOOG) smartphones.

Cintas (CTAS) Falls Short of Expectations

After a gloomy earnings report, shares of Cintas stock (CTAS) fell significantly in Tuesday's after-hours trade, gapping down more than 7% in the session.

Using the Santa Claus Rally as a Market Indicator

Investors need to keep an eye on the next seven trading days, because if the 'Santa Claus rally' doesn't materialize, it could be a bad sign for the markets.

5 Sectors to Avoid in 2010

There are a number of sectors that are getting talked up right now that are downright dangerous for investors to have their money in. Find out what they are and which ETFs you should be trading to take advantage of them.

The 10 Scariest Things That Could Happen in 2010

Investors have plenty of cause for concern in the upcoming year. Check out my list and get prepared, because there's a good chance what I'm about to tell you could happen.

What’s OPEC Done for You Lately?

At today's OPEC meeting, production levels are expected to remain the same. However, there is little evidence that manipulating supply affects crude oil pricing. It has more to do with demand growth and wild card Iraq.

Wall Street Bonuses – The Scariest Thing About Wall Street Bonuses

Am I the only one wondering how the banks paying back TARP can be construed as a positive thing? First of all, you must realize that the repayment of the TARP money is simply for one reason ...

A Look at the Week Ahead – (BMY, JBL, OSIP, RHT, SQNM, V)

Trading ideas for the week include BMY, JBL, OSIP, RHT, SQNM, and V.

RIM, Palm – A Tale of Two Smartphone Stocks

Smartphone players Research In Motion and Palm both announced Q3 earnings today, and while RIM reported blowout results, it looks like Palm shares will continue being dead money as we head into 2010.

Stuff Your Stocking With These 10 Hot Stocks

It's the holidays, and that means you've probably been hard at work writing up those holiday shopping lists. Well, I want you to make a little shopping list for yourself. This list of hot stocks could deliver you the kinds of gifts that keep on giving.

Citigroup’s Offering a Blueprint for TARP Players to Avoid

Citigroup's offering should become a blueprint of what not to do if you are a bank indebted to Uncle Sam via the TARP.

Solar Equipment Makers on the Rise (ASYS, AMAT, KLAC, FSLR, SOL, YGE)

Solar equipment companies like Amtech (ASYS), Applied Materials (AMAT) and KLA-Tencor (KLAC) could do very well as module makers race to increase capacity.

Investors Not Biting on Apple (AAPL)

If Apple (AAPL) is not able to recover from several recent mistakes and does not report strong earnings for the holiday quarter, shares of AAPL stock could sell off to its early September support level of $165 per share.

Housing ETFs – Time to Invest in the Housing Sector?

Housing stocks responded well to the better-than-expected housing starts data reported Wednesday, but the technicals of the 'real' homebuilder ETF paint a slightly different picture.

Will Delta Petroleum (DPTR) Be the Next Natural Gas Company for Sale?

Exxon Mobil's (XOM) acquisition of XTO has roiled the waters in the natural gas sector, potentially preventing the sale of Delta Petroleum (DPTR).

Intel and the FTC: Implications Far Beyond AMD

This morning's key legal action from the FTC against Intel (INTC) has many caught off guard.

5 New Year’s Resolutions for Traders

It's time for you to reflect on your portfolio, and think about where you hope to be at this time next year and how you'll get there. Here are five 'rules of the trade' to help you achieve your financial dreams in 2010.