Weekly Market Overview

Wall Street opened the week little changed despite rising gasoline and oil prices that threaten consumer spending. Today, investors got a little relief from a retail sales report showing an increase in consumer spending. However, the big question is whether the short term effects of an economic stimulus will be enough to offset a troubling trend. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernake also eased concerns by stating that the turmoil in the financial markets is beginning to wane. However, he was careful to caution that the credit crisis is still "far from over".

Top 10 Stocks to Watch this Week

Fundamental Analysis

1. JA Solar Holdings (JASO) - Chinese solar stocks spiked on higher-than-average volume this week following earnings announcements from many industry players. JA Solar Holdings, China Sunergy Company, ReneSola, and Trina Solar are just four Chinese solar companies that rose today as several companies reported strong earnings. (Read More)
2. Deere & Company (DE) - Deere shares surged higher this week after CNBC's Jim Cramer recommended the stock in his latest Mad Money broadcast. The television superstar hailed the $37 billion company as being in the sweet spot between the two biggest shortages of our time, oil and food. We agree. (Read More)
3. Baidu.com, Inc. (BIDU) - Baidu shares extended their losses from yesterday despite positive earnings this week from fellow Chinese firm Alibaba.com. The top Chinese e-commerce firm more than doubled its first quarter earnings on strong demand for online trade and better profit margins after cost cutting. However, the broader Chinese indexes sold off in recent weeks thanks to fears of rate hikes and inflationary concerns in mainland China. (Read More)
4. Hyperdynamics Corporation (HDY) - Hyperdynamics shares surged higher after Executive VP Jim Speer announced that he would be presenting to a group of pominent Canadian Geoscientists intersted in exploration offshore West Africa, and several of the expected attendees represent potential joint venture partners. The meeting is designed as a way to drum up interest in the company's 31,000 square mile concession area and pave the way for drilling. (Read More)
5. Spanish Broadcasting (SBSA) - Spanish Broadcasting is finding itself under increased pressure from dissident shareholders seeking to put the company up for sale. Discovery Equity Partners, which owns a 9.8% stake, encouraged shareholders to vote in favor of their candidates for the board of directors at the company's next annual meeting. The activist hedge fund said it intends to retain an investment banker to pursue strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value. (Read More)

Technical Analysis

1. Informatica Corporation (INFA) - Long-term bullish continuation diamond.
2. Gigamedia Limited (GIGM) - Intermediate-term bullish double bottom.
3. Shengdatech Incorporated (SDTH) - Intermediate-term bullish double bottom.
4. Depomed Inc. (DEPO) - Intermediate-term bullish bottom triangle.
5. Venoco Incorporated (VQ) - Intermediate-term bullish head and shoulders bottom.
   

Stock of the Week : JA Solar Holdings (JASO)

Chinese solar stocks spiked on higher-than-average volume today following earnings announcements from many industry players. JA Solar Holdings (NDAQ: JASO), China Sunergy Company (NDAQ: CSUN), ReneSola (NYSE:SOL), and Trina Solar (NYSE: TSL) are just four Chinese solar companies that rose today as several companies reported strong earnings. (Read More)

Article of the Week : Retirement Savings with Roth IRAs

Roth IRAs are a great way to supplement your retirement income without paying the government too much. The retirement account was designed in 1998 as part of the Taxpayer Relief Act and enables individuals to forego deductions on contributions to instead cash out all of your earnings tax free. The program also provides some more lenient guidelines on early withdrawal for valid purposes. (Read More)

Final Words

The future of the U.S. economy remains uncertain despite an improvement in the financial sector thanks to dealmaking. Overall, the economy seems to be heeling, but consumers may lag a bit behind as weakness in spending is seen for at least a couple more quarters.