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.

Price of Gold Moving Up Again, But for How Long? (GLD, ABX, GG, NEM, AU)

By Paul Ausick Feb 8, 2010

Although spot gold prices traded as high as $1074.30 an ounce this morning, it is unlikely that the events leading to today's rise signal a move back to highs over $1,200/ounce.

3 Option Trades for a Market Crash

By Jon Ogg Feb 8, 2010

The latest stock market pullback has many traders looking for ways to hedge against a market crash. Here are three option trades that will allow you to protect yourself from a crash -- AND profit from it.

Chinese ETFs, Funds Take a Hit in Latest Sell-Off (FXI, HAO, GXC, AAXJ, EEB, BKF, CHN, GCH, CAF, CYB)

By Paul Ausick Feb 8, 2010

China's attempts to enhance its domestic economy at the same time that it tries to reduce its enormous trade surplus has affected the value of Chinese-based ETFs, ETNs and closed-end funds traded in the U.S.

Winners & Losers of January’s Retail Roundup (ANF, GPS, M, DDS, URBN, BKE)

By Jim Woods, Editor-in-Chief, Successful Investing, Intelligence Report, Bullseye Stock Trader Feb 5, 2010

A bevy of big-time retailers reported solid January same-store sales numbers today, while others, like URBN, DDS and BKE, did not fare as well.

Monster Buys Yahoo HotJobs for $225M (MWW, YHOO)

By Paul Ausick Feb 4, 2010

Monster Worldwide (MWW) will buy HotJobs from Yahoo! (YHOO) for $225 million in cash, solidifying Monster's position as the No. 2 player in the Internet career field behind leader CareerBuilder.

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

By Jon Ogg Feb 4, 2010

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

By Keith Fitz-Gerald Feb 3, 2010

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?

By Paul Ausick Feb 2, 2010

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)

By Jon Ogg Feb 2, 2010

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)

By Paul Ausick Feb 1, 2010

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?

By Ron Ianieri Feb 1, 2010

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)

By Paul Ausick Jan 30, 2010

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)

By Jim Woods, Editor-in-Chief, Successful Investing, Intelligence Report, Bullseye Stock Trader Jan 30, 2010

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)

By Paul Ausick Jan 29, 2010

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 Jim Woods, Editor-in-Chief, Successful Investing, Intelligence Report, Bullseye Stock Trader Jan 28, 2010

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)

By Paul Ausick Jan 28, 2010

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