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.

Kraft-Cadbury Merger Looks More Complicated (KFT, CBY, BRK.A, MO, HSY)

The merger between Kraft (KFT) and Cadbury (CBY) keeps getting more complicated, including a potential wrench thrown in by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A), but the real issue for investors is whether Kraft's move adds more risk than upside.

Mesa Air (MESA) Files for Chapter 11 Protection

Mesa Air Group (MESA) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection today further highlighting the dismal outlook for regional air carriers.

Time Warner and Fox Kiss and Make Up (TWX, NWSA)

Time Warner Cable has agreed to pay News Corp. a subscriber fee in exchange for the right to carry Fox network programming, but the war between content providers and media delivery services has just begun.

The Kraft Cadbury Saga – Merger Makes More Mergers (KFT, CBY, HSY, UN, CAG, GIS, HNZ)

Kraft Foods (KFT) is expected to raise its bid for Cadbury (CBY), but some of the smaller food and candy companies might become more viable as buyout candidates as a result.

What the Government is Hiding From You

The government is trying to keep things from you, because if the world learned all its secrets it would make the September 2008 sell-off look like a walk in the park.

Wall Street Bonuses – Why Wall Street Screwed You Over

After bailing the financials out, and saving them from themselves and their uncontrollable greed, they pay us back by treating themselves.

5 Smart Investing Strategies for 2010

Put these five investing strategies to work within the first few weeks of the New Year for a payoff that will keep on giving for months and years to come.

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.