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.

Smith & Wesson on Fire – But Can It Last?

Smith & Wesson (SWHC) will announce earnings after the close today. With forecasts putting earnings at a spectacular 10 cents per share -- a 100% increase over the same quarter last year -- and the stock enjoying a 133% rise since the beginning of the year, the question is how much further can SWHC go?

Korn/Ferry Beats Expectations

In a very challenging environment for employment staffing firms, Korn/Ferry International managed to beat Wall Street's expectations for earnings. Although the company lost money, the earnings beat sent Korn/Ferry (KFY) stock soaring.

Pep Boys Puts the Pedal to the Metal

Pep Boys (PBY) got a nice boost in advance of its earnings release Tuesday, and the earnings statement did not disappoint. Pep Boys was able to post a 42% increase in quarterly year-over-year profit, largely due to cost-cutting.

10 Sectors That Could Use a Bailout

If giving cash away for broken-down cars works, why not apply that same logic elsewhere? Let's take a look at a few industries that could use a little government stimulus.

Apple’s Soft Spot – The iPod

Recent sales figures for Apple's iPod indicate that market saturation has been reached. The question now becomes: How will Apple improve earnings when the company's top-selling product line is losing its growth potential.

What Is Fueling the Boom in Online Travel Stocks?

The tough economy has led to belt tightening in almost every area. You would think travel stocks would have been hit hard, given that fewer people are likely to vacation when they fear for their jobs. Yet online travel stocks like Expedia (EXPE), Orbitz Worldwide (OWW) and Priceline (PCLN) have enjoyed sharp gains in recent months. Why?

The Case for Emerging Markets

Global stocks have been on a slide lately as traders worry about the developing world's ability to grow without the U.S. consumer and about fallout from the Chinese government's decision to cut back on the massive expansion of credit that has kept its factories busy. Here are two ways to take advantage of the recent slide.

Wal-Mart — Paragon of Virtue

When Wal-Mart (WMT) releases its earnings this week, it will undoubtedly unleash a new set of jeers and jibes from Wal-Mart detractors. But if you look at WMT purely from an investment perspective, it truly is a paragon of virtue. Here's why.

Is It Time to Take a Trip with Travel Stocks?

In tough economic times, both corporations and consumers look to save every dime, and one way to do this is to book flights and hotels using online travel sites. As a result, online travel stocks are on fire.

Dial Me a River: Sprint (S) Misses Estimates

Sprint's (S) Palm Pre is breathing new life into the company, but the question now is will it breathe enough life into Sprint shares?

3 Steps for Surviving the Summer Trading Madness

We are dealing with a mad, mad market, but that shouldn't stop you from making money.

Freeport-McMoRan Beats Estimates, But Should You Own Gold Stocks?

Freeport McMoRan (FCX) earnings were better than analyst expectations, but was it enough to send gold stocks soaring? More importantly, should you invest in gold stocks now?

Time to Get Bullish

When the market reverses against all odds, it's important to not be emotional, get back on the bullish bandwagon, and start making money.

Gazelle, Windows 7 and Chrome OS: How the Google-Microsoft Wars Will Reward Investors

The struggle between Microsoft (MSFT) and Google (GGOG) is nothing new, and bing.com is just another salvo in that war. The real combat is taking place on another front: the operating system or OS market.

How to Cash in on the ETF Craze

The recent explosion of ETFs has truly become a phenomenon. But just what is an ETF and, more importantly, how can you use them in your portfolio?

Why This Rally Can’t Last

This rally may last for a while, but the market is simply setting itself up for something much worse than a decline -- another crash may be on the way.

Semi-Tough: Do Intel Earnings Signal Green Shoots For Tech Stocks?

Tuesday's Intel (INTC) earnings blowout was just the catalyst buyers needed to get back into techs in a big way.

The Best Alternative Energy Stocks Out There

These five stocks could have you seeing a lot of green in the future.

Don’t Buy Into the Green Shoots Hype

We have received a lot of what appears to be positive economic news this month, including a decline in continuing unemployment claims -- playing into the green shoot hypothesis perfectly. But if you look at the data closely, it's possible that any recovery that does occur over the next year could be jobless and joyless.