Wall Street Addict

Stocks took a breather following a two-day rally, as Wall Street demonstrated caution ahead of next week's Fed meeting. The Dow posted a 6-point gain to close at 13,626 for the week. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq and S&P were just off at the bell to end at 2,706 and 1,505, respectfully. Light, sweet crude traded lower on the day to settle at $88.28 for January delivery. Treasury prices dropped, while gold prices fell to close at $800.20 for February delivery. The dollar traded higher against the yen, but eased versus the euro.
In economic news, a Labor Department report showed that 94,000 jobs were added to payrolls in the month of November. Analysts had estimated 70,000 new jobs would be added. The report also showed that the unemployment rate remained unchanged in October at 4.7%. Economists had predicted a rise to 4.8%. In a separate report, the University of Michigan said its consumer confidence index fell to 74.5 in early December, down from 76.1 in November. Economists had predicted a drop to 75.0.
On the earnings front, shares of Synopsys (Nasdaq: SNPS - News) surged 9.3% on the day after the maker of semiconductor design automation software said profits jumped on higher license revenues. For the quarter, the company posted earnings of $41 million, or 27 cents per share, up from $10.1 million, or 7 cents per share, last year. Excluding one-time items, Synopsys earned $60 million, or 40 cents per share, versus $30.7 million, or 22 cents per share, a year ago. Quarterly revenue rose to $315.2 million, up 11.2% from $283.4 million in last year's period. On average, analysts were looking for earnings of 36 cents per share.
In corporate news, billionaire Rubert Murdoch named new leaders at Dow Jones (NYSE: DJ - News), the publisher of The Wall Street Journal, one week before his media empire, News Corp (NYSE: NWS - News), is set to close its acquisition of the company. Les Hinton will become the new CEO at Dow Jones following a shareholder vote. Murdoch also appointed his son, James, as News Corp's chairman and chief executive for Europe and Asia. The move has fueled speculation that James will eventually succeed his father as CEO of News Corp. Shares of Dow Jones were off slightly in trading, while News Corp's stock posted a small gain.
After the bell yesterday, Palm (Nasdaq: PALM - News) warned that it would swing to a loss in the second quarter and lowered its sales guidance citing a product launch delay. The smart-phone maker said it now expects to post a loss of -22 to -24 cents per share, off from previous estimates of a loss of -1 to -3 cents per share. Excluding one-time items, Palm expects to report a loss between -8 to -10 cents per share. The company said it now expects sales to be between $345-$350 million, down from previous guidance of $370-$380 million. On average, analysts were calling for a profit of 4 cents per share on sales of $376 million. Shares of Palm plunged in trading and were off -12.9% at the bell.
In M&A news, Macrovision (Nasdaq: MVSN - News) has agreed to acquire Gemstar-TV Guide (Nasdaq: GMST - News) in a cash and stock deal worth $2.8 billion. According to terms, Gemstar-TV Guide shareholders will receive $6.35 in cash or 0.2548 of a share in a new holding company that owns both Macrovision and Gemstar-TV Guide. Meanwhile, Macrovision stockholders will own one share of the new holding company for each share held when the deal closes. Under the terms of the deal, the cash exchange will not exceed $1.55 billion. Upon completion of the takeover, Macrovision shareholders will own a 53% stake in the newly formed company, with former shareholders of Gemstar-TV Guide holding a 47% stake. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of next year. Shares of Macrovision plummeted -21.4% on the day, while Gemstar-TV Guide's stock tumbled to close off -16.6% at the bell.
By the BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: DJ, GMST, MVSN, NWS, PALM, SNPS

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Thursday from TradingMarkets.com:
eBay (NasdaqGS:EBAY - News) smashed earnings expectations on Wednesday, announcing $0.41 EPS over an expected $0.33 EPS. EBAY's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Alliance Data (NYSE:ADS - News) also beat earnings Wednesday, with $1.01 EPS over a consensus of $0.93 EPS. ADS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Bank of America (NYSE:BAC - News) reports earnings on Thursday before the bell, with analysts looking for $1.06 EPS. BAC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Commerce Bancorp (NYSE:CBH - News) is looking to report $0.41 EPS before the market opens on Thursday morning. CBH's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
Dow Jones (NYSE:DJ - News) should report $0.22 EPS on Thursday morning before the bell. DJ's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Analysts are watching for Continental Airlines (NYSE:CAL - News) to report $2.19 EPS on Thursday before the market opens. CAL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Pfizer (NYSE:PFE - News) should announce $0.52 EPS tomorrow morning. PFE's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Published by TradingMarkets.com

Labels: ADS, BAC, CAL, CBH, DJ, EBAY, Hot Stocks, PFE

Here are 7 options to watch for today.
Most Under-Priced Calls: These are the most under priced calls of all stocks in our database. This stock comes from today's list and is among the most under-priced individual calls.
Amazon.com Oct 100 Calls (NasdaqGS:AMZN - News). AMZN's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7. Most Under-Priced Puts: These are the most under priced puts of all stocks in our database. This stock comes from today's list and is among the most under-priced individual puts.
priceline.com Oct 85 Puts (NasdaqGS:PCLN - News). PCLN's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Most Overpriced Calls: These are the most overpriced calls of all stocks in our database. This stock comes from today's list and is among the most overpriced individual calls.
Google Oct 640 Calls (NasdaqGS:GOOG - News). GOOG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Most Overpriced Puts: These are the most overpriced puts of all stocks in our database. This stock comes from today's list and is among the most overpriced individual puts.
Las Vegas Sands Oct 540 Puts (NYSE:LVS - News). LVS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Stocks with Abnormal Call Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual call option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Call Volume Alerts list suggests a possible takeover, extraordinarily good earnings report, or other news which may favorably affect the stock.
Dow Jones (NYSE:DJ - News). DJ's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Stocks with Abnormal Put Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual put option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Put Volume Alerts list suggests an extraordinarily negative earnings report, or other news which may negatively affect the stock.
Pediatrix Medical Group (NYSE:PDX - News). PDX's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Abnormal Put/Call $ Volume: These stocks have the highest dollar put volume in relation to their call volume. These high ratios are indicative of extreme bearish sentiment in the underlying stock.
Countrywide Financial (NYSE:CFC - News). CFC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
Published by TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AMZN, CFC, DJ, GOOG, Hot Stock Options, LVS, PCLN, PDX

Stocks surged in early trading Tuesday, lifting the Dow Jones industrials more than 100 points, as strong earnings from General Motors Corp. and Sun Microsystems Inc. helped Wall Street extend its recovery from last week's plunge.
Investors' inflationary fears were also alleviated after the Commerce Department reported that in June, year-over-year core personal consumption expenditures -- one the Federal Reserve's preferred gauges of inflation -- was up 1.9 percent. That rate is within the Fed's comfort zone.
The tame core PCE appeared to offset some disappointment that June personal spending rose 0.1 percent, weaker than expected and below May's 0.6 percent jump. High gasoline prices and the housing market slump dampened consumer spending to the slowest pace in nine months.
Investors remained optimistic after quarterly results from server and software maker Sun Microsystems and automaker GM, which both posted better-than-expected profits.
Merger and acquisition activity also helped lift the stock market, which rebounded Monday following a sharp plunge last week on worries that a deteriorating lending environment would dampen dealmaking and growth. Billionaire investor Nelson Peltz's Triarc Cos. said he is willing to offer $37 to $41 a share to buy Wendy's International Inc., while the Wall Street Journal reported that its parent company, Dow Jones & Co., and Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. are getting closer to a deal.
In early trading, the Dow Jones industrial average rose 104.53, or 0.78 percent, to 13,462.84, after gaining more than 100 points at the market's open.
Broader stock indicators also rose. The Standard & Poor's 500 index was up 10.23, or 0.69 percent, at 1,484.14, and the Nasdaq composite index was up 16.77, or 0.65 percent, at 2,600.05.
Bonds were little changed, and the 10-year Treasury note's yield was at 4.81 percent, the same as late Monday.
The stock market slipped only slightly after the Chicago purchasing manager's index indicated weaker-than-expected growth in July than in June. The report is considered a precursor to the Institute for Supply Management's national manufacturing index, which will be released Wednesday.
Published by AP

Labels: DJ, GM, NWS, SUNW, WEN

A branch of the Bancroft family will vote against News Corp's (Other OTC:NWSAF.PK - News) $5 billion bid for Dow Jones & Co Inc (NYSE:DJ - News), putting pressure on Rupert Murdoch to raise his offer, The Wall Street Journal reported on its Web site on Friday.
Shares of Dow Jones, which publishes The Wall Street Journal, were down 1.06 percent at $53.15 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
The newspaper also reported that the Denver branch of the family, which holds 9.1 percent of Dow Jones's voting stock and supports the News Corp deal, wants Murdoch to raise his $60-per-share bid.
The Denver trust has argued that shareholders who own super-voting Class B shares should get a 10 percent to 20 percent premium.
News Corp has no intention of raising its bid, the newspaper reported.

Labels: DJ, NWSAF.PK, Rupert Murdoch, Wall Street Journal

Wall Street pulled back sharply in early trading Tuesday following several disappointing earnings reports and amid renewed concerns about the mortgage lending market. The Dow Jones industrials lost more than 100 points.
Among the many earnings reported before the opening bell, chemical maker DuPont Co. reported flat second-quarter profit as higher sales offset the cost of energy and research. American Express Co. reported late Monday that quarterly profit climbed 12 percent on record card member spending. However, the nation's third-largest credit card brand said cardholders are also shirking more payments.
Both companies are Dow components. In early trading, the Dow fell 101.20, or 0.73 percent, to 13,842.22.
Broader stock indicators declined. The Standard & Poor's 500 index shed 12.26, or 0.80 percent, to 1,529.31. The Nasdaq composite index lost 21.06, or 0.78 percent, trading at 2,669.52.
Bonds rose, with the yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note down to 4.94 Tuesday from 4.96 percent late Monday. The dollar traded mixed against other major currencies, while gold prices climbed.

Labels: AXP, CFC, DD, DJ, MCD, NFLX, NWS, TXN

Here are 7 trading ideas for today. These lists come directly from the TradingMarkets Stock Indicators page and are based upon our latest quantitative research.
Bullish
Gaps Down 5% or More: These are stocks that gap down by 5% or more and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that gap down by more than 5% have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Expedia (NasdaqGS:EXPE - News). EXPE's PowerRating is 8.
Laps Down 5% or More: These are stocks that lap down by 5% or more and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that lap down by more than 5% have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Western Refining (NYSE:WNR - News). WNR's PowerRating is 6.
5+ Consecutive Down Days: These are stocks that have closed down for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that close down for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Boyd Gaming (NYSE:BYD - News). BYD's PowerRating is 6.
5+ Consecutive Lower Lows: These are stocks that have made a lower low for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that make lower lows for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange (NYSE:CME - News). CME's PowerRating is 7.
2-Period RSI Below 2: These are stocks that have a 2-period RSI reading below 2 and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving with a 2-period RSI reading below 2 have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Home Depot (NYSE:HD - News) & Dow Jones (NYSE:DJ - News). HD's PowerRating is 6, and DJ's PowerRating is 8.
Bearish
5+ Consecutive Up Days: These are stocks that have made a higher high for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that make higher highs for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
ZOLL Medical (NasdaqGS:ZOLL - News). ZOLL's PowerRating is 1.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: BYD, CME, DJ, EXPE, HD, Hot Stocks, WNR, ZOLL

Here are 7 trading ideas for today. These lists come directly from the TradingMarkets Stock Indicators page and are based upon our latest quantitative research.
Bullish
Gaps Down 5% or More: These are stocks that gap down by 5% or more and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that gap down by more than 5% have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Expedia (NasdaqGS:EXPE - News). EXPE's PowerRating is 8.
Laps Down 5% or More: These are stocks that lap down by 5% or more and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that lap down by more than 5% have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Western Refining (NYSE:WNR - News). WNR's PowerRating is 6.
5+ Consecutive Down Days: These are stocks that have closed down for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that close down for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Boyd Gaming (NYSE:BYD - News). BYD's PowerRating is 6.
5+ Consecutive Lower Lows: These are stocks that have made a lower low for five or more consecutive days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that make lower lows for five or more days have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange (NYSE:CME - News). CME's PowerRating is 7.
2-Period RSI Below 2: These are stocks that have a 2-period RSI reading below 2 and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving with a 2-period RSI reading below 2 have shown positive returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Home Depot (NYSE:HD - News) & Dow Jones (NYSE:DJ - News). HD's PowerRating is 6, and DJ's PowerRating is 8.
Bearish
5+ Consecutive Up Days: These are stocks that have made a higher high for five or more consecutive days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that make higher highs for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
ZOLL Medical (NasdaqGS:ZOLL - News). ZOLL's PowerRating is 1.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: BYD, CME, DJ, EXPE, HD, Hot Stocks, WNR, ZOLL

Stock prices appeared headed to a lower opening Tuesday as investors digested a number of key earnings reports including disappointing results from DuPont Co. and Texas Instruments Inc.
Stock prices had rebounded on Monday amid another round of buyout news, and optimism about second-quarter results after Merck & Co. surpassed analysts' expectations. Dozens of companies in the Standard & Poor's 500 index are set to report on Tuesday.
There will be little in the way of economic news, and some investors might position themselves ahead of key housing data to be released Wednesday when the National Association of Realtors reports on existing home sales for June.
Dow futures expiring in September fell 53, or 0.38 percent, to 13,958, while Standard & Poor's 500 index futures shed 4.30, or 0.28 percent, to 1,544.70. Nasdaq 100 index futures dropped 9.00, or 0.44 percent, to 2,044.50.

Labels: AXP, CFC, DD, DJ, MCD, MRK, NFLX, NWS, TXN

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Thursday from TradingMarkets.com:
Bank of America (NYSE:BAC - News) reports quarterly earnings on Thursday before the market opens; look for $1.20 EPS. BAC's PowerRating is 4.
Continental Air (NYSE:CAL - News) should report $1.79 EPS on Thursday morning before the bell. CAL's PowerRating is 4.
When Dow Jones (NYSE:DJ - News) releases earnings on Thursday morning, look for $0.45 EPS. DJ's PowerRating is 7.
Analysts are watching for International Game Technology (NYSE:IGT - News) to report $0.39 EPS on Thursday morning. IGT's PowerRating is 5.
Motorola (NYSE:MOT - News) looks set to announce flat earnings ($0.00) tomorrow morning. MOT's PowerRating is 4.
Nucor (NYSE:NUE - News) announces earnings on Thursday morning, with most analysts expecting $1.15 EPS. NUE's PowerRating is 6.
Reliance Steel (NYSE:RS - News) is hoping to report $1.57 EPS on Thursday morning. RS's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: BAC, CAL, DJ, IGT, MOT, NUE, RS

Here are 7 options to watch for today. This list comes directly from the TM Options Indicators page and is created using OptionVue options analysis software.
Most Underpriced Calls: These are the most under priced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Goldman Sachs July 260 Calls (NYSE:GS - News). GS's PowerRating is 5.
Most Underpriced Puts: These are the most under priced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Explosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are under priced, this list finds the most under priced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely under priced.
Altria Jun 70 Puts (NYSE:MO - News). MO's PowerRating is 5.
Most Overpriced Calls: These are the most overpriced calls of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of calls for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual calls. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Apple July 120 Calls (NasdaqGS:AAPL - News). AAPL's PowerRating is 5.
Most Overpriced Puts: These are the most overpriced puts of all stocks in our database. While the Equities Implosion List finds groups of puts for individual equities that are overpriced, this list finds the most overpriced individual puts. Thus, the options listed here will tend to be more severely overpriced.
Dow Jones June 50 Puts (NYSE:DJ - News). DJ's PowerRating is 6.
Stocks with Abnormal Call Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual call option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Call Volume Alerts list suggests a possible takeover, extraordinarily good earnings report, or other news which may favorably affect the stock.
Sun Microsystems (NasdaqGS:SUNW - News). SUNW's PowerRating is 4.
Stocks with Abnormal Put Volume: These are stocks which showed unusual put option volume not easily explained by arbitrage operations. The appearance of a stock on the Put Volume Alerts list suggests an extraordinarily negative earnings report, or other news which may negatively affect the stock.
Network Appliance (NasdaqGS:NTAP - News). NTAP's PowerRating is 7.
Abnormal Put/Call $ Volume: These stocks have the highest dollar put volume in relation to their call volume. These high ratios are indicative of extreme bearish sentiment in the underlying stock.
Genentech (NYSE:DNA - News). DNA's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com.

Labels: AAPL, DJ, DNA, GS, MO, NTAP, SUNW