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Consumer Discretionary Stocks

Consumer discretionary stocks refer to a wide range of consumer goods and services generally considered non-essential. These include car manufacturers, luxury goods, hospitality companies, and more. Many of the biggest retailers fit into the consumer discretionary umbrella. As such, especially when the economy is strong, consumer discretionary stocks tend to shine.

Recent Consumer Discretionary Stocks Articles

Toyota in the Comeback Driver’s Seat for 2012

Toyota is projected to drop from No. 1 to No. 3 in global sales this year, but ambitious plans could propel TM back to the top spot.

6 Clothing and Accessories Stocks to Buy

The retail sector moves at the slightest hint of market volatility. However, 2011 has been forgiving for clothing and accessory stocks like Coach.

Blame Bargains for Best Buy’s Demise

Best Buy's problem isn't unique among retailers -- businesses need sales to bring in price-conscious consumers, but their revenues are getting killed.

5 Cruise and Car Stocks to Sell

Cruises and new cars are becoming too luxurious for the recession-weary investor not lucky enough to win a showcase showdown on the Price Is Right.

7 Specialty Retail Stocks to Sell

The recent holiday cheer on Wall Street and record-setting holiday shopping hasn't stopped some specialty retail stores from singing the Christmas blues.

LightSquared’s 4G Plans Facing Dead Air

Congress, in a defense funding bill, further restricts a 4G wireless network's launch over concerns about interference with flight safety systems.

Short Europe and BRICs, Buy Hershey for New Year

The euro zone debt crisis will hurt Europe stocks and emerging markets that export to the continent. But consumer staples stocks like Hershey will soar.

5 Best Emerging Market Plays for 2012

Cell phones, brewers, soda, airlines -- all offer opportunity for investors looking to ride the biggest trend of all: globalization. Here are five picks to consider.

Despite Record Orders, Boeing’s McNerney Could Be Ejected

James McNerney's uneven tenure could be over soon. Would Ford's Alan Mulally move in? Plenty of folks are rooting for the former Boeing exec's return.

Domino’s Pizza Ready to Be Sliced

It reinvented itself and has watched its stock double in 2011 as a result, but that climb looks ready to end.

The Danger of Investing in Retail Stocks

When it comes to investing in retail, slow and steady wins the race. Avoid companies like these crash-and-burn victims.

The Big Cloud on Airlines’ 2012 Horizon: Europe

As if the euro zone mess weren't enough, throw in high fuel prices, and airlines face yet another tough year.

Best Buy’s Holiday Celebration Cut Short

Dismal third-quarter earnings slammed BBY stock early Tuesday as the retailer sacrificed margins to push product. The 10% stock slide may be just the beginning.

Dollar General Stock — 3 Pros, 3 Cons

Dollar General stock recently reported strong earnings, and its stock is at an all-time high -- but can the discount retailer stay on momentum's good side?

Costco Shares — 3 Pros, 3 Cons

Its stock has been solid this year. In fact, its average annual return has been 17.8% for the past three years. Here's a look at whether it can keep up the momentum.

Alan Mulally’s Ford Is One Focused Carmaker

Rumors of a hunt for a successor to Alan Mulally have everyone talking. Here are three top prospects to become the next CEO at Ford.

5 Retail Stocks to Buy in 2012

After a record-breaking 2011 Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Americans will continue to shop going into 2012. And these stocks have great upside.

Euro Zone’s New Chapter — Friday’s IP Market Recap

The euro zone debt crisis reached a new chapter as most of the region agreed on a deal Friday. We take a look at this and other big stories of the week.

Toyota Puts the Brakes on Outlook

Thai flooding, strong yen force Toyota to slash its fiscal year outlook by more than half. How long can TM stock stay sturdy?