All posts by Anthony Mirhaydari

4 Tech Stocks That Are Running Hot (and 4 That Are Cooling Down)

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U.S. equities have surged to new record highs on Wednesday, storming out of the gate led by the mega-cap tech stocks (surprise, surprise). The catalyst is ongoing hopes of a thaw in President Trump’s trade stance, after he penned a deal with Mexico that Canada is expected to join onto.

Stocks are also encouraged by the seasonal tailwinds that have historically been in play heading into mid-term elections. According to UBS, around the 17 mid-terms since 1950, the S&P 500 has returned an average of 6.8% from the end of August vs. 3.4% for other years. Why? Because the market likes the specter of gridlock, which is sort of ironic given the massive gains stocks have posted since Nov. 2016 amid excitement for Trump’s tax cut plan.

But not all stocks are participating equally, even within the hot big-tech area. To illustrate this dynamic, here are four red-hot tech stocks and four that are demonstrating weakness:

Hot Tech Stocks: Apple (AAPL)

Hot Tech Stocks: Apple (AAPL)

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) shares are pushing to new record highs above the $220 level, capping a near 40% rise from the late April low as investors prepare for the release of the iPhone product refresh in September. The iPhone X has been successful, despite a slight slowdown in units sold, thanks to its $999 price tag. The full-screen form factor is expected to be expanded into three new models, including an entry-level model with an LCD screen.

The company will next report results on Oct. 30, after the close. Analysts are looking for earnings of $2.75-per-share on revenues of $60.9 billion. When the company last reported on July 31, earnings of $2.34 beat estimates by 16 cents on a 17.3% rise in revenues.

Hot Tech Stocks: Amazon (AMZN)

Hot Tech Stocks: Amazon (AMZN)

Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) shares are going vertical now, flirting with the $2,000-a-share level to mark a doubling from the lows seen around this time last year. The catalyst for the rise was a private target increase by analysts at Morgan Stanley, who are looking for $2,500 (a Street high) in anticipation of higher profitability and upward earning estimate revisions.

The company will next report results on Oct. 25, after the close. Analysts are looking for earnings of $3.21-per-share on revenues of $56.9 billion. When the company last reported on July 26, earnings of $5.07-per-share beat estimates by $2.54 on a 39.3% rise in revenues.

Hot Tech Stocks: Microsoft (MSFT)

Hot Tech Stocks: Microsoft (MSFT)

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) shares are breaking up and out of a two-month consolidation range to push to new highs, continuing a steady uptrend that has been in play since the summer of 2016. Earnings growth has been good, driven by the company’s success in cloud-based software as a service offerings.

The company will next report results on Oct. 18, after the close. Analysts are looking for earnings of 96-cents-per-share on revenues of $27.7 billion. When the company last reported on July 19, earnings of $1.14-per-share beat estimates by 6 cents on a 17.5% rise in revenues.

Hot Tech Stocks: Alphabet (GOOGL)

Hot Tech Stocks: Alphabet (GOOGL)

Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG, NASDAQ:GOOGL) shares are up 1.3% in mid-day trading on Wednesday, pushing back toward highs not seen since late July after analysts at Morgan Stanley raised their price target to $1,515 from $1,325. This follows a price-target upgrade from analysts at MKM Partners on Aug. 22, which increased to $1,465 from $1,355.

The company will next report results on Oct. 25, after the close. Analysts are looking for earnings of $10.69-per-share on revenues of $34 billion. When the company last reported on July 23, earnings of $11.75-per-share beat estimates by $2.05 on a 25.6% rise in revenues.

Hot Tech Stocks: Twitter (TWTR)

Hot Tech Stocks: Twitter (TWTR)

Twitter (NYSE:TWTR) shares are barely lifting off of the mat, struggling to stay above their 200-day moving average after a nasty fall from the highs set in the middle of June. The company has been at the center of a growing political backlash against accusations of “shadow banning” and outright censorship of some conservative contributors — something that has attracted the ire of President Trump. CEO Jack Dorsey will testify on the subject in front of the House of Representatives on Sept. 5.

The company will next report results on Oct. 26, before the bell. Analysts are looking for earnings of 5-cents-per-share on revenues of $703.7 million. When the company last reported on July 27, earnings of 17-cents-per-share beat estimates by a penny on a 23.8% rise in revenues.

Hot Tech Stocks: Snap (SNAP)

Hot Tech Stocks: Snap (SNAP)

Snap (NYSE:SNAP) shares are drifting lower, testing the lows seen back in May for a loss of more than 21% from the highs set in June. The company continues to struggle to regain traction lost from a widely panned app redesign and loss of hype surrounding its Spectacles glasses camera. Earlier in August, the company reported a decline in daily active users.

The company will next report results on Nov. 6, after the close. Analysts are looking for a loss of 27-cents-per-share on revenues of $282.7 million. When the company last reported on Aug. 7, a loss of 14-cents-per-share beat estimates by 3 cents on a 44.4% rise in revenues.

Hot Tech Stocks: Facebook (FB)

Hot Tech Stocks: Facebook (FB)

Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) shares continue to languish below their 200-day and 50-day moving averages as the company continues to suffer from tepid user growth metrics, political pressure and investor confusion surrounding its pivot to focus on privacy over profits. A breakdown here would imperil the long uptrend the stock has enjoyed going back to the summer of 2013.

The company will next report results on Oct. 24, after the close. Analysts are looking for earnings of $1.48-per-share on revenues of $14.3 billion. When the company last reported on July 25, earnings of $1.74-per-share beat estimates by 4 cents on a 41.9% rise in revenues.

Hot Tech Stocks: Netflix (NFLX)

Hot Tech Stocks: Netflix (NFLX)

Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) shares are fighting hard to cross back over their 50-day moving average, an attempt to reverse the 20%+ decline from the June/July double-top high. But growing doubts about the company’s user growth metrics, fast-rising cost of content and increasing competitive pressures from the likes of Disney (NYSE:DIS) suggest downside pressure should resume soon.

The company will next report results on Oct. 15, after the close. Analysts are looking for earnings of 68-cents-per-share on revenues of $4 billion. When the company last reported on July 16, earnings of 85-cents-per-share beat estimates by 6 cents on a 40.3% rise in revenues.

Anthony Mirhaydari is the founder of the Edge (ETFs) and Edge Pro (Options) investment advisory newsletters. Free two- and four-week trial offers have been extended to InvestorPlace readers.

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8 Stocks to Sell Immediately

stocks to sell

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Stocks are rolling over badly on Wednesday, reversing early session strength, as investors are spooked by headlines President Trump may increase the import tariffs on Chinese goods further as well as a hawkish statement from the Federal Reserve. Policymakers upgraded their assessment of the economy to “strong”, which raised fears of an accelerated rate hike pace.

From a gain of roughly 80 points, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 120 points as I write this. Narrowing breadth has been a problem for weeks, with the recent push to new highs by the Nasdaq Composite coming solely on the back of the mega-cap technology stocks.

A number of stocks are rolling over strongly now. Here are eight stocks to sell right now:

Stocks to Sell: MGM Resorts (MGM)

MGM Resorts (NYSE:MGM) shares are plummeting out of a multi-week trading range above their 50-day moving average, returning to lows seen in early July. The stock is falling in sympathy with losses for Caesars Entertainment (NASDAQ:CZR) after management issued a cautious outlook on its conference call. More downside looks likely now, with a break of support at $28 likely giving way to a fall back to early 2017 lows.

The company will next report results on Aug. 2, before the bell. Analysts are looking for earnings of 26-cents-per-share on revenues of $2.9 billion. When the company last reported on April 26, earnings of 29-cents-per-share missed estimates by a penny on a 3.8% rise in revenues.

Stocks to Sell: American States Water (AWR)

Stocks to Sell: American States Water (AWR)

American States Water (NYSE:AWR) shares are falling out of a multi-month uptrend pattern, closing in on their 50-day moving average, which was tested multiple times over the spring. Adding to the downside pressure, and impetus to sell, is a recent downgrade by Atwater Thornton analysts on valuation concerns.

The company will next report results on Aug. 6, after the close. Analysts are looking for earnings of 48-cents-per-share on revenues of $116 million. When the company last reported on May 7, earnings of 29-cents-per-share missed estimates by 6 cents on a 4.1% decline in revenues.

Stocks to Sell: Concho Resources (CXO)

Stocks to Sell: Concho Resources (CXO)

Concho Resources (NYSE:CXO) shares have broken down below their 200-day moving average, succumbing to downside pressure following a “death cross” of the 50-day moving average below the 200-day moving average back in late June. The downside acceleration comes despite an upgrade from Goldman analysts back on July 18.

The company will next report results on Aug. 1, after the close. Analysts are looking for earnings of 92-cents-per-share on revenues of $906.8 million. When the company last reported on May 1, earnings of $1-per-share beat estimates by 23 cents on a 54.7% rise in revenues.

Stocks to Sell: Wynn Resorts (WYNN)

Stocks to Sell: Wynn Resorts (WYNN)

Like MGM, Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ:WYNN) shares are being punished by the negative impact of negative guidance by competitor CZR. Shares have dropped out of a multi-week consolidation range that capped a 20% decline from the double-top high near $200. If support near $155 doesn’t hold, shares could fall a long way back to early 2017 levels near $85, which would be worth a decline of roughly 50% from here.

The company will next report results on Aug. 1, after the close. Analysts are looking for earnings of $2.03-per-share on revenues of $1.7 billion. When the company last reported on April 24, earnings of $2.30 beat estimates by 28 cents on a 20.5% rise in revenues.

Stocks to Sell: PepsiCo (PEP)

Stocks to Sell: Pepsico (PEP)

PepsiCo (NASDAQ:PEP) shares are testing their 20-day moving average, threatening to break the post-May uptrend that saw shares gain some 20% from their lows. The company reported solid results in early July, helped by the ongoing success of the sparkling water/no-calorie category. But lots of overhead resistance is in play now going back to May 2017. Profit taking should result in a 50% retracement, returning shares to the $106 level.

The company will next report results on Oct. 4, before the bell. Analysts are looking for earnings of $1.58-per-share on revenues of $16.4 billion. When the company last reported on July 10, earnings of $1.61-per-share beat estimates by 8 cents on a 2.4% rise in revenues.

Stocks to Sell: Oshkosh (OSK)

Stocks to Sell: Oshkosh (OSK)

Oshkosh (NYSE:OSK) shares are reversing sharply lower, breaking out of a three-month uptrend pattern and setting up a test of the late June low near $67.50. If that doesn’t hold, watch for a return to the lows seen in late 2016 and early 2017 near $65, which would be worth a loss of more than 8% from current levels as the tailwinds from a surge of military truck orders fades and profits are taken off the table.

The company will next report results on Oct. 30, before the bell. When the company last reported on July 31, earnings of $2.20-per-share beat estimates by 17 cents on a 6.8% rise in revenues.

Stocks to Sell: Dominion Energy (D)

Stocks to Sell: Dominion Energy (D)

Dominion Energy (NYSE:D) shares are lurching lower following earnings on Wednesday, breaking below their 20-day moving average and ending a very tight three-month uptrend pattern. This represents a failed breakout attempt above its 200-day moving average, which maintains the downtrend that has been in place all year.

The company reported results this morning before the bell. Earnings of 86-cents-per-share beat estimates by 7 cents on a 9.8% rise in revenues. Previously, the company reported results on April 27 when earnings of 86-cents-per-share beat estimates by 7 cents on a 9.8% rise in revenues.

Stocks to Sell: HanesBrands (HBI)

Stocks to Sell: HanesBrands (HBI)

HanesBrands (NYSE:HBI) shares are being slammed. Currently down nearly 19%, shares are returning to levels last seen in early June, after HBI reported disappointing quarterly results. Investors were spooked by word Target (NYSE:TGT) will not renew their contract for an exclusive line of C9 by Champion activewear apparel when the contract expires at the end of January 2020.

The company reported results this morning, with earnings of 45-cents-per-share missing estimates by a penny on a 4.2% rise in revenues. When the company last reported on May 1, earnings of 26-cents-per-share beat by 2 cents on a 6.6% rise in revenues.

Anthony Mirhaydari is the founder of the Edge (ETFs) and Edge Pro (Options) investment advisory newsletters. Free two- and four-week trial offers have been extended to InvestorPlace readers.

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Source: Investor Place

10 Big-Cap Turnaround Stocks for Value-Hunting Investors

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Large-cap stocks are inching higher on Monday, continuing the push they’ve enjoyed over the past couple of weeks led largely by the mega-cap technology stocks in the Nasdaq Composite — which has enjoyed a rally to new record highs.

The rest of the market, however, has lagged behind. The pressure keeping performance in check comes amid a drag in the markets’ weakest areas, including consumer staples and yield-sensitive equities, such as utilities and telecoms.

That’s good news for value-hunting investors, though, who are piling into these stocks in droves, setting the stage for impressive turnarounds.

The picks that follow are not recommendations to buy, as volatility continues to play out in the markets with investors remaining on edge. That said, here are 10 blue-chip stocks experiencing turnarounds worth watching:

Turnaround Stocks: Procter & Gamble (PG)

Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) shares are rising off of a three-month consolidation range to arc back above its 50-day moving average returning to levels not seen since April. Consumer products stocks like PG have been under pressure for months amid margin pressure from higher costs and limited ability to pass through the increases to consumers amid intense competition from store brands and online retailers.

The company will next report results on July 26 before the bell. Analysts are looking for earnings of 91 cents per share on revenues of $16.7 billion. When the company last reported on April 19, earnings of $1.00 per share beat estimates by a penny on a 4.3% rise in revenues.

Turnaround Stocks: Travelers (TRV)

Travelers (NYSE:TRV) shares are consolidating below their 200-day moving average and look ready to break to the upside, setting the stage for a return to highs last seen in March as financial stocks, in general, receive a lift here.

The company will next report results on July 19 before the bell. Analysts are looking for earnings of $2.44 per share on revenues of $6.7 billion.

When the company last reported on April 24, earnings of $2.46 per share missed estimates by 23 cents.

Turnaround Stocks: United Technologies (UTX)

United Technologies (NYSE:UTX) has bounced twice off of its 200-day moving average and looks set for a rally back to its March highs, which would be worth a gain of more than 5% from current levels.

The company is set to rise on exposure from defensive spending (jet engines) but also from any possible clarity on trade tensions between the U.S. and China/NAFTA.

The company will next report results on July 24 before the bell. Analysts are looking for earnings of $1.84 per share on revenues of $16.2 billion. When the company last reported on April 24, earnings of $1.77 beat estimates by 26 cents on a 10.3% rise in revenues.

Turnaround Stocks: Verizon (VZ)

Verizon (NYSE:VZ) shares are emerging from an upward-tilting consolidation range going back to February. This continues a sideways range that has been in play since 2016.

Analysts at JPMorgan upgraded shares back in May ahead of what is expected to be a big iPhone upgrade cycle this year (new phones, lower price points) and the fact that industry consolidation is likely to relieve some of the competitive pressures being seen on price.

The company will next report results on July 24 before the bell. Analysts are looking for earnings of $1.15 per share on revenues of $31.7 billion. When the company last reported on April 24, earrings of $1.11 per share matched estimates on a 6.6% rise in revenues.

Turnaround Stocks: Caterpillar (CAT)

Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT) shares look ready for a rise above double-top resistance near $160 ahead of a possible run to prior highs near $170 — which would be worth a gain of roughly 10% from current levels.

The company’s fortunes have risen and fallen based on the outlook for trade deals between the United States and its trading partners. Hopes are rising that an agreement with North Korea this week (on denuclearization) could spur a broad deal with China.

The company will next report results on July 30 before the bell. Analysts are looking for earnings of $2.72 per share on revenues of nearly $14 billion. When the company last reported on April 24, earnings of $2.82 per share beat estimates by 72 cents on a 30.9% rise in revenues.

Turnaround Stocks: Walt Disney (DIS)

Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS) shares are rising off of support near the $100-a-share level, moving above the 200-day moving average ahead of what’s likely to be a run at the January high near $113 — which would be worth nearly a 8% move from here — as hype builds for the Incredibles 2 due out this week.

The company will next report results on Aug. 7 after the close. Analysts are looking for earnings of $1.96 per share on revenues of $15.4 billion. When the company last reported on May 8, earnings of $1.84 per share beat estimates by 14 cents on a 9.1% rise in revenues.

Turnaround Stocks: DowDuPont (DWDP)

DowDuPont (NYSE:DWDP) shares are rising over their 200-day moving average, exiting a multi-month consolidation range, as traders look for margin relief thanks to the recent cooling of crude oil prices.

As a reminder, chemical companies have petroleum as a key expensive item. So the decision by OPEC to consider easing their production cap at their policy meeting later this month is set to provide badly needed relief.

The company will next report results on Aug. 2 before the bell. Analysts are looking for earnings of $1.27 per share on revenues of $23.6 billion. When the company last reported on May 3, earnings of $1.12 per share beat estimates by three cents on a 62.6% rise in revenues.

Turnaround Stocks: Goldman Sachs (GS)

Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) shares have been in a persistent downtrend since March after the initial excitement over higher long-term Treasury yields gave way to a more measured response including healthy concern over the health of the bond market.

Particularly, high-yield bonds, which are poised to suffer losses in response. But with the economy continuing to grow strongly, these concerns are fading now.

The company will next report results on July 17 before the bell. Analysts are looking for earnings of $4.57 per share on revenues of $8.6 billion. When the company last reported on April 17, earnings of $6.95 beat estimates by $1.38 on a 25% rise in revenues.

Turnaround Stocks: Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) shares are set for a lift as the broader healthcare sector lifts up and out of a multi-month consolidation range. Watch for a run at the 200-day moving average, which would be worth a gain of more than 7% from current levels.

The company will next report results on July 17 before the bell. Analysts are looking for earnings of $2.06 per share on revenues of $20.4 billion. When the company last reported on April 17, earnings of $2.06 beat estimates by six cents on a 12.6% rise in revenues.

Turnaround Stocks: Coca-Cola (KO)

Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) shares have rallied nearly 10% off of their mid-May lows to make a run at the 200-day moving average, moving to the upper end of a multi-month consolidation range rising the tailwind of an upgrade from Barclays analyst at the end of May.

The company will next resort results on July 26 before the bell. Analysts are looking for earnings of 61 cents per share on revenues of $8.6 billion. When the company last reported on April 24, it reported earnings of 47 cents per share beating estimates by a penny.

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Source: Investor Place 

7 Cheap Stocks to Invest In NOW

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Investors typically overlook cheap stocks. It’s easy to conflate the word “cheap” with the lack of value or even with underperformance. These are only investments that suckers would buy, right?

Wrong.

There are plenty of “cheap” stocks that have solid charts. The ones listed below, in particular, look especially close to a breakout.

That’s not to say cheap stocks can’t blow up in your face. They sure can. But if you find the right ones like we believe we have, then you can reap the high reward for taking the high risk.

Read on to find out what cheap stocks to invest in today:

Cheap Stocks to Invest in Today: Northern Oil and Gas (NOG)

Shares of Northern Oil & Gas, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:NOG) are breaking up and out of a year-to-date downtrend range with a move above its 50-day moving average for a gain of 8%. Watch for a move back to its January high, which would be worth a move of nearly 60% from current levels.

Shares are well off of the highs above $17 set back in 2014. But with crude oil pushing over the $70-a-barrel threshold once more, shares look ready for a sustained uptrend.

The company reported results this morning, with earnings of 17 cents per share beating estimates by five cents on a 61.8% rise in revenues. Daily production exceeded guidance by 35% on an annual basis.

Management raised their full-year production guidance as well, barging an increase of upwards of 30% from last year.

Cheap Stocks to Invest in Today: Yamana Gold (AUY)

With the job market continuing to tighten and inflationary pressures building, precious metals look ready for a leg higher. And that should benefit the beaten down gold mining sector, which has been in a sideways doldrum since late 2016.

Yamaha Gold Inc (NYSE:AUY) should catch a tailwind, setting up a run at the January high for a gain of nearly 30% from current levels.

The company will next report results on July 26 after the close. Analysts are looking for earnings of three cents per share on revenues of $488.8 million.

When the company last reported on May 2, a loss of 17 cents per share missed estimates by 18 cents on an 11.4% rise in revenues.

Cheap Stocks to Invest in Today: Nokia (NOK)

Nokia (NYSE:NOK) shares have pushed up and out of double-top resistance going back to February, returning to the trading range seen last summer. This caps a 35% rally off of the lows seen back in December.

The stock has been rangebound since late 2013 as it tries to engineer a comeback after badly bungling the smartphone revolution. Analyst sentiment is turning around, however, as it focuses on providing infrastructure products and services to the wireless industry.

The company will nexts report results on July 26 before the bell. Analysts are looking for earnings of four cents per share on revenues of $5.2 billion.

When the company last reported on April 26, results missed estimates on an 8.5% decline in revenues amid an ongoing focus on cost cutting ahead of hopes for revenue growth via the rollout of the 5G wireless standard.

Cheap Stocks to Invest in Today: BlackBerry (BB)

BlackBerry (NYSE:BB) shares look set to rise up and out of a three-month consolidation range — which in turn, marked. Return to the trading range seen last fall — potentially setting up a return to its January high.

That would be worth a gain of more than 30% from current levels. Shares are only now beginning to recover from a negative response to the reporting of quarterly results back in late March.

The company will next report results on June 21 before the bell. Analysts are looking for a breakeven result on revenues of $210 million.

When it last reported on March 28, earnings of five cents per share beat estimates despite a 16.4% decline in revenues. Gross margins hit a record of 76%.

Cheap Stocks to Invest in Today: Mattel (MAT)

Mattel (NYSE:MAT) shares look ready to bounce off of multi-month support with an upward cross of its 50-day moving average.

Sentiment has been a drag in the wake of the Toys R Us bankruptcy and widespread trouble in the toys industry. But with the retailer’s liquidation over, the stage is set for a turnaround.

The company will next report results on July 26 after the close. Analysts are looking for a loss of 29 cents per share on revenues of $885.7 million.

When the company last reported on April 26, a loss of 60 cents per share missed estimates by 21 cents on a 3.7% decline in revenues. Gross margins fell by 3.8%.

Cheap Stocks to Invest in Today: Supervalu (SVU)

SuperValu (NYSE:SVU) shares are peaking up and out of a long, bottom-forming trading range going back to October setting up what looks like a possible run at the 200-day moving average.

That level hasn’t been crossed since late 2016 as worries about retailing and the threat to the traditional grocery business from Amazon has weighed. But now, the industry is fighting back and M&A rumors are swirling.

The company will next report results on July 24 after the close. Analysts are looking for earnings of 63 cents per share on revenues of $4.8 billion. When the company last reported on April 24, earnings of 86 cents per share beat estimates by seven cents on a 42% rise in revenues.

Cheap Stocks to Invest in Today: Uranium Energy Corp. (UEC)

Uranium Energy (NYSE:UEC) shares are emerging out of a February-April trading range to move in on its January high. A rally back to the $2-a-share level would be worth a 20% gain from here.

The stock has been trendless and rangebound for years as nuclear energy has lost favor with politicians, who battle back and forth between renewables and “clean” fossil fuel alternatives like clean coal (a favorite of the Trump Administration).

But a turnaround could be underway if Trump adopts more of an “all of the above” approach, and reconsiders nuclear.

When the company last reported back on December 11, a loss of three cents per share just missed the single analyst estimate by a penny.

Anthony Mirhaydari is the founder of the Edge (ETFs) and Edge Pro (Options) investment advisory newsletters. Free two- and four-week trial offers have been extended to InvestorPlace readers.

 

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Source: Investor Place

7 Monster Market Trends and 7 Ways to Invest

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It’s been a treacherous few months for investors. As of this writing, stocks remain range bound between two major technical support levels. On the upside, the S&P 500 is contending with its 50-day moving average. Last week, the 200-day average provided critical support.

What happens throughout the rest of the year depends in large part on how the market resolves this stalemate.

But from this vantage of volatility and uncertainty, a few major trends are clear. And for investors trying to cut through the noise, here are seven monster trends and seven ways to ride these catalysts toward a better 2019:

Monster Market Trends: Amazon (AMZN) Eats the World

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Multiple Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) related headlines have crossed in recent days, serving as a reminder just how quickly and aggressively the company is diversifying into new business areas.

Like shipping logistics. And meal boxes. And possible initiatives in the healthcare space.

The company will next report results on April 26 after the close. Analysts are looking for earnings of $1.30 per share on revenues of nearly $50 billion.

When the company last reported on Feb. 1, earnings of 36 cents per share beat estimates by 36 cents on a 38.2% rise in revenues.

Monster Market Trends: Combat Syria With Lockheed (LMT)

lmt stock

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President Trump’s decision late Friday to launch cruise missiles into Syria for the second straight year is lifting a bid into defense stocks amid a realization this is likely the first stage of a multi-part escalation involving Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Israel.

As a result, Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) shares are breaking up and out of a multi-month consolidation range ahead of a possible rally to the late February highs near $360, which would be worth a 4% gain from here.

The company will next report results on April 24 before the bell. Analysts are looking for earnings of $3.35 on revenues of $11.3 billion.

Monster Market Trends: Volatility Is Here to Stay With the iPath Short-Term VIX (VXX)

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After one of the quietest rallies in market history in 2017, investors have been rudely awakened by the reappearance of dynamism in the markets.

Bespoke Investment Group notes that compared to 2017 when there were just eight moves of 1% or more, so far in 2018 there have been 28 with 11% just over the last month.

Yet despite the volatility, actual price movement has been subdued: At 3 pm Friday, the S&P was trading at the exact same price that it was on Feb. 5.

Watch for this short-term volatility to continue until some medium-term volatility manifests into a major repositioning of the major market averages. That’ll be a boon to the VXX.

Monster Market Trends: Uncertain Bull Market Helps SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)

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Precious metals and the related exchange-traded funs like the SPDR Gold Trust ETF (NYSEARCA:GLD) have been in the doldrums for years amid low volatility and calm conditions.

But that could be set to change thanks to a number of tailwinds, including higher inflation pressures, geopolitical tension, a deepening trade rift, and the ongoing Russia collusion probe involving President Trump, his administration and his 2016 campaign.

Any developments on these fronts should send investors into safe havens like gold. Which, in turn, should lift the GLD out of its three-year trading range to levels not seen since early 2014.

Monster Market Trends: iPhone Notches for Everyone With Apple (AAPL)

 

Apple Stock Is Still One of the Best Long-Term Picks Out There

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Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) shares have been treading water since the iPhone X with its $1,000 price tag and iconic screen “notch” was unveiled.

Shares have stalled on underwhelming demand, production woes, and a surprisingly warm reception for the iPhone 8. But this year’s models, according to reports, will replicate the iPhone X’s notch screen across three new handsets including an entry-level model with an LCD screen instead of the more expensive OLED option.

The company will next report results on May 1 after the close. Analysts are looking for earnings of $2.70 per share on revenues of $61.2 billion.

When the company last reported on Feb. 1, earnings of $3.89 beat estimates by four cents on a 12.7% rise in revenues.

Monster Market Trends: Merck (MRK) Takes the Fight to Cancer

merck stock

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Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) shares jumped 2.4% on Monday, popping back over its 200-day moving average, after the company announced positive clinical results from its Keytruda treatment for lung cancer and melanoma.

Immunotherapies like Keytruda are enjoying increased clinical success and set to play a larger and more lucrative role in the healthcare market.

The company will next report results on May 1 before the bell. Analysts are looking for earnings of $1 per share on revenues of $10.10 billion.

When the company last reported on Feb. 2, earnings of 98 cents per share beat estimates by four cents on a 3.1% rise in revenues.

Monster Market Trends: U.S. Shale Returns to Form, Boosting Kinder Morgan (KMI)

Energy pipeline stocks like Kinder Morgan Inc (NYSE:KMI) have been hit by the post-2014 weakness in energy prices. But a recent strengthening, with crude oil pushing back towards the $70-a-barrel threshold, has reinvigorated interest as U.S. shale producers ramp up production in response.

The company will next report results on April 18 after the close. Analysts are looking for earnings of 21 cents per share on revenues of $3.5 billion. When the company last reported on Jan. 17, earnings of 21 cents per share beat estimates by three cents on a 7.2% rise in revenues.

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Source: Investor Place

Stocks Make Strong Comeback Despite Recent Turbulence

Stocks rebounded strongly on Wednesday in the wake of what looked, on the surface, to be a strong Consumer Price Inflation report.

In the aftermath of that February jobs report, which showed faster-than-expected wage growth, this looked like it would be a negative. But it wasn’t, as the expiration of February contracts on the CBOE Volatility Index unleashed a torrent of VIX selling, which pushed stock prices higher in an epic short-covering rally.

In the end, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1%, the S&P 500 gained 1.3%, the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.9% and the Russell 2000 gained 1.8%. Treasury bonds weakened, pushing the 10-year yield up to 2.91% — approaching the 3% threshold that is widely seen as a critical level as GDP growth, fiscal largesse and inflation pressures push up borrowing costs.

The dollar was hit hard as well, with Societe Generale’s Albert Edwards worried the drop is being driven by the seemingly limitless spending being condoned in Washington by President Trump and Congressional Republicans. Both gold and crude oil moved higher.

Dow Jones

Breadth was positive, with advancers outpacing decliners by a 2.2-to-1 ratio. Troubled burrito maker Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) gained 15% on the announcement of a new CEO and hopes he can emulate the success he enjoyed at Taco Bell. At the sector level, gold miners led the way with a gain of 4.1%, while REITs were the laggards on the drag from the backup in rates.

On the economic front, both core CPI and CPI beat estimates on a monthly basis, but the annualized rates remain tepid. Core year-over-year CPI is running at just 1.8%. Retail sales disappointed as well, playing into hopes that the Federal Reserve continues to go slow with its rate hikes, with sales down 0.3% month-over-month for the first decline since September’s report on August sales.

Conclusion

Stocks Make Strong Comeback Despite Recent Turbulence

Volatility was intense today, with the Nasdaq up 3% off of its post-CPI futures low. The dollar and bond prices are collapsing. Gold and short volatility ETFs are soaring. The Dow Jones has now climbed above its 50% retracement of its peak-to-trough losses. And the 10-year yield has hit its highest level since January 2014.

This is short-covering, pure and simple. And a relief for risk parity funds that depend on stocks and bonds moving in opposite directions. As long as stocks can keep rising to offset T-bond weakness, the show can go on.

But once higher yields start to bite economic growth and earnings growth expectations — driven by the inevitability of higher inflation — we will see a repeat of the recent market unpleasantness.

My guess is we have a couple of months, at least, before that happens. Until then, the volatility meltdown is creating a number of new trading opportunities. Including the nice gain Edge Pro subscribers are enjoying on their iPath S&P 500 VIX Short Term Futures TM ETN(NYSEARCA:VXX) puts.

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Source: Investor Place

3 of the Top Apple Inc. Acquisition Targets

You’ve probably heard: Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has a ton of cash, with some $252 billion on its balance sheet, a majority of which is held overseas.

Thanks to the new GOP tax cut legislation, the company is planning on bringing it back home. After accounting for taxes and money already promised (such as dividend and share repurchase announcements and capital expenditure plans) the company should have around $40 billion in its pockets to spend.

That’s likely to fire up expectations of M&A activity — something that’s perennially assigned to AAPL given its deep pockets. Especially since many of the companies thought to be buyout candidates are troubled technology stocks with not much else to bolster their prices.

Here are three to watch:

Apple Acquisition Targets: Twitter (TWTR)

(AAPL) Apple Acquisition Targets: Twitter (TWTR)

Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) shares were recently upgraded to buy by analysts at Aegis Capital on expectations of another 17% rise in price this year — following a 40% increase since the company’s third-quarter earnings report. This is based on predictions of an acceleration in ad sales growth, stable user growth, profitability expansion and, yes, the specter of an acquisition.

The company will next report on Feb. 8, before the bell. Analysts are looking for earnings of 6-cents-per-share on revenues of $689.5 million. When the company last reported on Oct. 26, earnings of 10 cents beat estimates by 4 cents on a 4.2% drop in revenues.

Apple Acquisition Targets: Fitbit (FIT)

(AAPL) Apple Acquisition Targets: Fitbit (FIT)

Fitbit Inc (NYSE:FIT) shares have been under pressure lately, down roughly 25% from the highs set in early December to return to levels not seen since August. Analysts at ROTH Capital recently initiated coverage with a $10 price target, but that wasn’t enough to get the bulls motivated. The company hasn’t been able to capitalize on its first-mover advantage in wearables despite solid growth in the area, with IDC expecting shipments to double by 2021. All of this makes an AAPL buyout appealing because it could more easily expand its footprint in this area (by offering a cheaper alternative to the Apple Watch).

The company will next report results on Feb. 21, after the close. Analysts are looking for a loss of 6-cents-per-share on revenues of $583.6 million. When the company last reported on Nov. 1, a loss of 1-cent-per-share beat estimates by 3 cents, despite a 22.1% drop in revenues.

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Source: Investor Place

Hot Start to 2018 Pushes Markets Higher

U.S. equities pushed confidently higher on Tuesday, the first trading day of the new year, resulting in the best kickoff for the tech-heavy Nasdaq since 2013. Bitcoin was hot. Gold well bid. But bonds were slammed, pushing up yields, in a possible sign that inflation and economic growth expectations are rising and will put further pressure on the fixed-income market.

In the end, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.4%, the S&P 500 gained 0.8%, the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.5% and the Russell 2000 gained 0.9%. Treasury bonds declined, the dollar weakened again, gold gained 0.5% for its eighth consecutive gain and crude oil lost 0.1% after a run of strength.

Energy stocks led the way, in what could be possible sector rotation as crude oil tests above the $60-a-barrel threshold for the first time since 2015. Utilities were the laggards on yield pressure, falling 0.9%.

Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) gained 4.8% after being upgraded by analysts at Macquarie noting changing consumer preferences to ad-free television and the impact of a second round of price increases. Citigroup analysts believe there is a 40% chance the company is acquired by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL).

Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE:JWN) gained 3.7% on an upgrade at JPMorgan on expected tailwinds from stock market gains and tax cut stimulus. On the downside, Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:SIRI) lost 2.9% on a downgrade from JPMorgan on increased royalty costs.

On the economic front, the Market U.S. Manufacturing PMI came in slightly better than the flash reading, indicating the strong pace of factory activity in 11 months. Job growth was at the strongest since September 2014. And Eurozone activity increased to its best level since the survey began in June 1997.

Conclusion

With the books closed on 2017, the die has been cast: It was a record year, with stocks rising on a total return basis in each and every month for the first time in history.

For now, the consensus on Wall Street is that the uptrend will continue.

Goldman Sachs is looking for “rational exuberance” in 2018 on a combination of strong GDP growth, low and slowly rising interest rates, and profit growth driven by the recently passed GOP tax cut legislation. JPMorgan says investors should “Eat, drink, and be merry” in the new year on higher consumer spending and an even tighter labor market.

The latter, courtesy of strategist Michael Hartnett, fears a 1987/1994/1998-style “flash crash” within the next three months caused by rising interest rates.

Checking in with seasonality, the folks at the Almanac Trader note that January has had a volatile reputation since 2000, with 10 of the last 18 years featuring nasty declines starting with the 5.1% pullback that kicked off the dot-com collapse. January 2009 featured a 8.6% loss that was the worst January on record going back to 1930.

Mid-term election year performances were also tepid, as shown above. SentimenTrader notes that options traders are betting heavily on a spike in volatility in the coming weeks. And these folks tend to be right at extremes.  

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Source: Investors Place

Bitcoin Feels the Pain as Stocks Inch Higher

Stocks moved slightly higher on Thursday in a quiet holiday session. Bitcoin provided a dose of excitement, however, with prices falling back below $14,000 in the wake of reports of a possible regulatory crackdown in South Korea — including requiring exchanges to verify user identities to fight money laundering activity — and work of another “hard fork” before the end of the year.

In the end, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.3%, the S&P 500 gained 0.2%, the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.2% and the Russell 2000 gained 0.3%. Treasury bonds declined, the dollar fell, gold gained 0.4% and crude oil added 0.5%.

Defensive telecom stocks led the way with a 0.5% gain while consumer staples were the laggards, down 0.2%. Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) gained 3.5% in an attempt to push back up and over its 50-day moving average. Altria (NYSE:MO) fell 1.6%. When Netflix and cigarettes are the height of the action, you know Wall Street is mostly shut down.

Conclusion

The overbought situation just keeps getting more and more ridiculous, with the weekly RSI indicator hitting levels not seen since the late 1950s as risk and worry fade away; replaced by ebullience and extreme confidence.

There is evidence that some areas of the market are braced for a possible changing of the tide come January, with the yield curve collapsing to its flattest levels since 2007, utility stocks rolling over, and the Nasdaq suffering mid-day sell-offs as traders exit crowded big-cap tech stock positions.

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Source: Investor Place