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.

Microvision (MVIS) – A Visual Opportunity in Discounting

Microvision, Inc. (MVIS) has been one of this morning's top losers on the NASDAQ, after the company priced a deeply-discounted secondary offering. But is there more to MVIS than meets the eye?

Hot Topic (HOTT) Stock Posts Tepid Earnings

Hot Topic (HOTT), the clothing retailer, posted earnings today that were anything but hot. Based on HOTT's chart pattern, is the stock a good short?

Petsmart (PETM) Reports Better-Than Expected Earnings

Petsmart (PETM), the pet goods superstore, reported better-than-expected earnings today.

Chico’s (CHS) Handily Beats Street

Clothing retailer Chico's (CHS) handily beat Street estimates when it reported earnings today. Here is a look at what's ahead for the stock.

Taxes on Gold – Guess What Uncle Sam Has Planned for Your Gold Investments

If you have invested in gold or in precious metal ETFs, you could be looking at a tax problem you didn't anticipate when you go to sell.

Why You Do NOT Want to Invest in Gold Now

Thinking about investing in gold right now? Not so fast. Make sure you read this before you try to get in on the gold rush.

Fed Ex Stock (FDX) Gets Boost from Good Press; Can It Last?

FedEx stock (FDX) got a nice boost over the weekend from an article in Barron's that suggested the company's presence overseas could boost shares.

Lowe’s (LOW) — Will Solid Outlook Lead to New Highs?

Lowes (LOW) reported earnings today that missed analyst estimates by 1 penny per share. Here's a chart of LOW and an analysis of how the stock should perform in the months ahead.

Where Do Crude Oil Prices Go From Here?

The steep drop in crude oil prices has affected Exxon (XOM) and every major oil company. Here's what's ahead for crude oil.

Is Buffett Playing It Safe with WMT?

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-A) filed its 13-F last night, indicating the company's holdings. With boosted stakes in Wal-Mart (WMT) and Burlington Northern (BNI), the filing shows the new Buffett is very different from the old Buffett.

3 Big Lies the Street Wants to Believe

The market continues to rise in the face of awful fundamentals. I'll tell you what's behind the Street's rose-colored glasses and what you should expect for the rest of the year.

Lowe’s, Home Depot Housing Barometers?

Lowe's (LOW) reported earnings today that showed a 30% drop in profits and a 3% drop in revenues. Yet Lowe's stock did not sell off. What does this say about Lowe's and rival Home Depot (HD) as barometers for housing stocks and the housing market?

Wal-Mart (WMT), Retailers Give Mixed Signals for Holidays

Wal-Mart's (WMT) earnings report this week didn't do much to clear up investors' questions about this holiday season. Kohl's (KSS), Target (TGT) and Sears (SHLD) aren't much better at giving guidance.

Exxon (XOM) CEO Discusses Impact of Weak Dollar

Exxon Mobil (XOM) CEO Rex Tillerson this morning said that the weak U.S. dollar is adding $20-$25 to the price of a barrel of oil. The XOM chief's comments show just how weak the dollar is.

Is Frugal Out? Luxury Retail Stocks In

Retail stocks like Wal-Mart (WMT) and Kohl's (KSS) reported better than expected earnings this week, but it will be the luxury retailers like Nordstrom (JWM), Tiffany (TIF) and Coach (COH) that will be winners for investors going forward.

DryShips (DRYS) to Rise with Market Tide

DryShips (DRYS) is closing in on $7 a share. Here are the forces lifting DRYS higher.

Dow Chemical (DOW) Sets New High

Dow Chemical (DOW) reached a 52-week high today after agreeing to sell its powder coating business to Dutch-based Akzo Nobel NA. Here's what the sale means for DOW stock.

What’s Next for Blockbuster (BBI)?

Blockbuster (BBI) reports earnings tomorrow, and the numbers will not be good. How did Netflix (NFLX), Redbox (CSTR), Apple (AAPL) and Amazon (AMZN) knock Blockbuster off its throne as king of the movie delivery business?

Gold Mining Stocks Yamna Gold (AUY), Barrick Gold (ABX), Newmont Mining (NEM) Surge

With spot gold prices touching $1,100 an ounce, gold stocks like Yamna Gold (AUY), Barrick Gold (ABX) and Newmont Mining (NEM) are surging.