Hot Stocks

The stock market changes from minute to minute, and what’s hot today may not be hot tomorrow. Our expert analysts spot hot stocks that are heating up before the crowd swoops in to bid prices higher, and our journalists sift through the noise to shine a light on trending investments -- in spaces ranging from quantum computing to marijuana stocks -- to determine whether they’re actually worth your time.

Medtronic Bonds Offer Alternative to Stock

The strength of the dollar, active litigation, regulatory hurdles, a stressed out economy and strong competition from smaller, more adept companies that can change quickly in response to changing markets and new products are all cited to explain the latest disappointing earnings report from Medtronic (MDT).

Low Oil Benefits American Airlines (AMR)

Back in May, J.P. Morgan forecast a significant sell-off in crude oil in the fourth quarter, down to $92 per barrel. I said even a modest decline in oil prices will spark a relief rally in the airline industry that will send their shares soaring. Boy, was I right. 

Is an S&P Rally in Store?

Chances are high stocks will sell off further, but be alert for a dead-cat bounce after such a dramatic breakdown.

MGM Mirage Bonds: The Real Thing?

In spite of what the commercials suggest, not all things that happen in Vegas stay in Vegas. In fact, events affecting the gambling segment of the entertainment business are having an impact on virtually all segments of the gambling industry.

Yang Out, Yahoo’s Rejoice

Does the Chief Yahoo get to wear a dunce cap? What a fitting and ignominious end to what will go surely go down as the biggest CEO gaffe in history.

CAT Ready to Roar

CAT, the blue-chip of its industry, is the first to attract attention when it's time to dress up a portfolio.

General Mills, A Five-Star Bond

Pursuing a consistent growth strategy has produced a stable company in General Mills (GIS) that is structured and poised for prosperity over the long haul.

How “Lowe” Can You Go?

If the past few months have taught us anything it's to sell on strength. In other words, get out while the getting is good. While a company like home improvement giant Lowe's (LOW) is solid, the company is at the complete and utter mercy of the broader economy.

Take a Bite Out of Apple

Buy signals from our internal indicator tell us that AAPL may be ripening.

Nordstrom (JWN): Consumers Aren’t Biting

Proving that the high-end is not immune to the nation's current financial woes, luxury retailer Nordstrom, Inc. (JWN) reported that its third quarter profit fell 57 percent while same-store sales declined 11.1 percent compared to a year ago.

Glorious Food Stocks

In a market with very little that can be counted on, investors can find the same comfort by intently focusing on food. Sales of goods are plummeting across the economy, but food purchases are sure to hold steady. They always do even during horrible economic conditions like we now face.

Best Buy: When It Rains, It Pours

Every day it seems there's a new shoe to drop. On Wednesday, it was electronics retailer Best Buy (BBY) that put a scare into the market as it slashed its 2009 earnings estimate and called the current retail environment the worst in its 42 year history.

How to Turn Your 401(k) Into an 801(k)

Forget about the running joke about how your 401(k) has shrunk into a 201(k) -- this is no time to cry over spilled milk. Instead, this is a time for action. It's not too late to build wealth and prepare for retirement. Even if your account has shrunk significantly in value, you can recover. I'll show you how.

Yield Hog Alert: Buy GM Bonds

Are you a hog for yield? If so, General Motors (GM) bonds are a screaming buy. The automaker is in absolute distress, but the government has your back. Why not take a shot at some very juicy returns here?

UPS: Delivering Profits or Bad News?

What can brown do for you? How about turbocharging a portfolio that is stuck in the red? UPS has been caught up in the decline of the economy, but perhaps its fortunes are changing.

Bailout for Detroit? Hold that Tiger!

The nation voted last Tuesday with no less than a dozen or more critical issues to decide before selecting a new leader. Rarely have we as a nation faced a time where the path of history hits the proverbial fork in the road.

Sector Play – Infrastructure

As the call for infrastructure improvement projects becomes louder and louder and a new administration comes to the White House I find it interesting that shares of the very companies providing such services are being sold off in the marketplace.

What Was Yahoo Thinking?

Jerry Yang has to be the worst CEO in the history of capitalism. Today his chosen partner, Google (GOOG) announced that it was walking away from the joint venture with Yahoo (YHOO) that would have seen the company place advertising on the giant internet portal.

The Trader’s Game Plan

Trends can be found anywhere. It can be specific stock, an industry or an economy. It can be a commodity, a trading methodology or investment style. There is a reason successful investors say to let your winners win. So what trend can we follow today to make super size profits?