Weekly Market Overview

Stocks rose moderately today as investors looked to recover some of last week's steep losses. However, investors remain anxious as oil prices rose yet again to $136 per barrel in premarket trading. Investors are also positioning themsevles ahead of the federal reserves two-day meeting that gets out on Wednesday. Most investors expected the fed to keep its key federal funds rate on hold and emphasize the rising threat of inflation in its economic statement.

Top 10 Stocks to Watch this Week

Fundamental Analysis

1. Transocean Inc. (RIG) - Transocean Inc. announced that a contract has been renewed for one of its ultra-deepwater rigs at a rate of about $581,000 per day compared to its prior daily rate of $208,000 per day. The news helped send shares of rivals Diamond Offshore Drilling and Rowan Companies higher on the day as well. These contractors can thank large oil companies like Petroleo Brasileiro for keeping demand for rigs (and prices) at record highs. (Read More)
   
2. Southwestern Energy Company (SWN) - Southwestern Energy Company shares moved sharply higher today after CNBC's Jim Cramer recommended the stock on his Mad Money program. The hedge fund manager turned television star said the company was the cheapest natural gas play in the market. People are focused on Haynesville, Fayetteville and Marcellus when they should be focused on Barnett Shale. (Read More)
   
3. Deere & Company (DE) - Deere & Company shares moved marginally higher after CNBC's Jim Cramer revealed that he purchased some shares for his charitable trust. The hedge fund manager turned television star recommended the stock after its recent drop, saying that it is the world's greatest agricultural equipment stock on sale for $33 billion. (Read More)
   
4. Baidu.com (BIDU) - The state-run China Internet Information Center recently reported that China will surpass the U.S. as the nation with the largest number of Internet users sometime this year. China recorded a staggering 53% increase in users from 137 million in December 2006 to 210 million in December 2007. (Read More)
   
5. Winnebago Industries, Inc. (WGO) - Recently, Winnebago announced it would suspend production at its Charles City manufacturing plant starting on August 1, as a challenging economy coupled with record-high fuel prices have killed demand for the large, gas-gulping RVs. (Read More)
   

Technical Analysis

1. Shengdatech Incorporated (SDTH) - Intermediate-term bullish symmetrical continuation triangle.
2. Golden Star Resources Ltd. (GSS) - Intermediate-term bullish symmetrical continuation triangle.
3. Kinross Gold Corporation (KGC) - Intermediate-term bullish continuation wedge.
4. Adtran Incorporated (ADTN) - Intermediate-term bullish bottom triangle.
5. Apollo Group Inc. (APOL) - Intermediate-term bullish bottom triangle.
   

Stock of the Week : Transocean Inc. (RIG)

Transocean Inc. announced that a contract has been renewed for one of its ultra-deepwater rigs at a rate of about $581,000 per day compared to its prior daily rate of $208,000 per day. The news helped send shares of rivals Diamond Offshore Drilling and Rowan Companies higher on the day as well. These contractors can thank large oil companies like Petroleo Brasileiro for keeping demand for rigs (and prices) at record highs. (Read More)

Article of the Week : Who Really Benefits from Higher Oil Prices?

Oil prices rose today to hit a new record of $126.98 per barrel as inflation continues to soar. Higher oil prices tend to hit the same groups of stocks day after day: Exploration and production companies tend to increase sharply, transportation companies rise marginally, and refiners tend to drop sharply. The rationale for this price movement is simple... (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 healing, but consumers may lag a bit behind as weakness in spending is seen for at least a couple more quarters.

Weekly Market Overview

Stocks are trading higher on the day as oil prices moved lower and Goldman Sachs beat the street's estimates. Crude moved down well below $134 per barrel after Saudi Arabia said that it would increase production. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs posted an unexpected profit of $2.05 billion amid a crisis that has rocked its industry. Tuesday's economic data, however, was troublesome to many investors. The government report showed producer prices higher by 1.4 percent in May and home construction numbers that declined some 3.3 percent.

Top 10 Stocks to Watch this Week

Fundamental Analysis

1. Oceaneering International (OII) - Oceaneering International shares moved higher after CNBC's Jim Cramer recommended the stock on his Mad Money program. The hedge fund manager turned television star believes that the company possesses the best deep sea drilling technology in the world and represents an excellent growth play. As a result, Cramer recommended that investors buy the stock on any keeps and they will "have a winner". (Read More)
2. Petroleo Brasileiro (PBR) - Petroleo Brasileiro, better known as Petrobras, announced last week that its second well in the Santos Basin confirmed the presence of light oil after the previously announced Carioca discovery. The discovery was made at the BM-S-9 block, which is 310 kilometers off the coast of Sao Paulo, and showed the presence of 28 degree light sweet crude oil. This is another great piece of news for one of the fastest growing oil companies on earth. (Read More)
3. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT) - Wal-Mart shares continue to rise as consumers continue to pinch pennies. Shares in the discount retailer are just off their 52-week high as investors continue to see cost conscience consumers head through the doors of the world's largest discount retailer. Wal-Mart's brand strength and pricing power simply cannot be matched in the retail sector when a recession seems imminent. The only question is: How long will the bad economy persist and keep Wal-Mart shares high? (Read More)
4. Patriot Coal (PCX) - Patriot Coal shares are trading higher after recording huge gains late last week. The leading producer of coal in the eastern United States has seen its shares rally around 400% since October when coal prices first began their stratospheric rise. Patriot Coal was also recognized by CNBC's Jim Cramer as a strong buy on his latest Mad Money show, which helped boost the stock even more in today's action. (Read More)
5. LDK Solar Co., Ltd. (LDK) - LDK Solar shares jumped sharply on higher-than-average volume this morning on renewed takeover speculation. Call option volume spiked today as 2,466 contracts traded compared to an open interest of just 4,197. Some reports surfaced saying an overseas buyer may be interested in acquiring the solar company for as much as $75 per share; however, the rumors remain unsubstantiated. (Read More)
   

Technical Analysis

1. Agco Corporation (AG) - Intermediate-term bullish continuation wedge.
2. Aflac Incorporated (AFL) - Intermediate-term bullish continuation diamond.
3. Astoria Financial Corporation (AF) - Intermediate-term bullish continuation wedge.
4. Gladstone Capital Corporation (GLAD) - Intermediate-term bullish bottom triangle.
5. First Financial Bankshares Incorporated (FFIN) - Intermediate-term bullish continuation diamond.
   

Stock of the Week : DryShips Inc. (DRYS)

DryShips Inc. (NDAQ: DRYS) and Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE: DSX) shares moved higher today after a key competitor announced that it would acquire six drybulk new-builds for $530 million. Genco Shipping & Trading has agreed to purchase the new drybulk ships in a deal that instilled confidence within investors who were recently shaken up by a sharp drop in spot prices. (Read More)

Article of the Week : Who Really Benefits from Higher Oil Prices?

Oil prices rose today to hit a new record of $126.98 per barrel as inflation continues to soar. Higher oil prices tend to hit the same groups of stocks day after day: Exploration and production companies tend to increase sharply, transportation companies rise marginally, and refiners tend to drop sharply. The rationale for this price movement is simple... (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.

Weekly Market Overview

Stocks began the week mixed after yesterday's massive sell-off that left Wall Street quite nervous. Large losses at Lehman Brothers combined with higher energy costs have cast a shadow that remains well-over the marketplace. The Dow Industrial Average is up around 70 points as investors flee speculative stocks to the safer blue chips. However, it is uncertain how long even those will fare in these tough times. Many traders believe that today's move up may have simply been a 'dead cat bounce' off of yesterday's 400 point drop.

Top 10 Stocks to Watch this Week

Fundamental Analysis

1. DWS Global Commodities Stock Fund, Inc. (GCS) - DWS Global should be benefiting from the boom in commodity prices, but shares have remained relatively stagnant over the past year. Western Investment LLC, which owns a substantial of the fund, has taken notice and demanded change. The activist hedge fund nominated its own directors to the fund's board of directors in an attempt to effect change. (Read More)
2. Patriot Coal (PCX) - Patriot Coal shares are trading higher after recording huge gains late last week. The leading producer of coal in the eastern United States has seen its shares rally around 400% since October when coal prices first began their stratospheric rise. Patriot Coal was also recognized by CNBC's Jim Cramer as a strong buy on his latest Mad Money show, which helped boost the stock even more in today's action. (Read More)
3. LDK Solar Co., Ltd. (LDK) - LDK Solar shares jumped sharply on higher-than-average volume this morning on renewed takeover speculation. Call option volume spiked today as 2,466 contracts traded compared to an open interest of just 4,197. Some reports surfaced saying an overseas buyer may be interested in acquiring the solar company for as much as $75 per share; however, the rumors remain unsubstantiated. (Read More)
4. VAALCO Energy, Inc. (EGY) - VAALCO shares surged higher after CNBC's Jim Cramer recommended his stock on the popular Mad Money program. The hedge fund manager turned television star has been recommending the stock since $4 per share despite the company's operations being off the west coast of Africa. Cramer insists that with oil at $127 per barrel, it is hard to resist this energy company regardless of the political and technical difficulties. (Read More)
5. Windstream Corporation (WIN) - Windstream shares moved higher in early trading today after Jim Cramer mentioned the stock on CNBC's Mad Money. The hedge fund manager turned television star believes that Windstream is the best play off of the Verizon (NYSE:VZ) merger with Alltel. (Read More)
   

Technical Analysis

1. Compania De Minas Buenaventura (BVN) - Intermediate-term bullish symmetrical continuation triangle.
2. Rostelecom (ROS) - Long-term bullish continuation diamond.
3. Cal-Maine Foods (CALM) - Intermediate-term bullish symmetrical continuation triangle.
4. Silver Wheaton Corporation (SLW) - Intermediate-term bullish symmetrical continuation triangle.
5. Cybersource Corporation (CYBS) - Long-term bullish continuation diamond.
   

Stock of the Week : DWS Global Commodities Fund (DWS)

DWS Global Commodities Fund (NYSE: DWS) should be benefiting from the boom in commodity prices, but shares have remained relatively stagnant over the past year. Western Investment LLC, which owns a substantial of the fund, has taken notice and demanded change. The activist hedge fund nominated its own directors to the fund's board of directors in an attempt to effect change. (Read More)

Article of the Week : Who Really Benefits from Higher Oil Prices?

Oil prices rose today to hit a new record of $126.98 per barrel as inflation continues to soar. Higher oil prices tend to hit the same groups of stocks day after day: Exploration and production companies tend to increase sharply, transportation companies rise marginally, and refiners tend to drop sharply. The rationale for this price movement is simple... (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.

Weekly Market Overview

U.S. markets rose today after Ben Bernanke reiterated his belief that the economy will improve later this year. Recent interest rate cust, loans to banks and tax rebates were cited as catalysts for a recovery in the second half of the year. The confidence helped the dollar rally on the day, which sparked a much-needed drop in oil prices. Meanwhile, better-than-expected results from Toll Brothers helped to cool concerns about the troubled housing market - which remains the biggest problem with the economy. Overall, this was good news for the markets.

Top 10 Stocks to Watch this Week

Fundamental Analysis

1. Agrium Inc. (AGU) - Agrium shares continued their rally today as the agricultural chemicals industry continues to skyrocket. The global producer of agricultural nutrients is one of the few publicly traded suppliers of fertilizer, which is a product that is in extremely high demand these days.
2. NCI Building Systems, Inc. (NCS) - NCI is up significantly in midday trading Tuesday on about six times average trading volume after releasing surprising second quarter results. Houston-based NCI, a producer of metal components for commercial construction, reported second quarter net income more than double to $14.9 million, or 76 cents per share, from $6.5 million, or 31 cents per share, a year earlier – despite having a 9 cent charge on the most recent quarter’s earnings. Sales were also strong, rising 13.1% to $416.1 million.
3. Brigham Exploration Company (BEXP) -Brigham Exploration Company is up more than 22% in midday trading Monday on higher than average trading volume after announcing the completion of three new wells and an increase in available credit.
4. Foster Wheeler Ltd. (FWLT) - Foster Wheeler is one of the largest energy construction companies and is up more than 200% since the beginning of 2007. The company designs and constructs onshore and offhsre oil and gas processing facilities and related infrastructure. Despite strong growth, Foster Wheeler still trades at a reasonable 27x earnings while its return on equity stands at a strong 89.66%.
5. McDermott International (MDR) - McDermott International is another such energy construction company that has profited handsomely from the increase in energy prices and decline in the construction industry. The company has experienced some troubles with its most recent quarter, but continues to see better spending than most construction companies. Meanwhile, McDermott trades at just 25x earnings with a 59.25% return on equity.

Technical Analysis

1. Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc. (DO) - Long-term bullish continuation diamond.
2. Compania De Minas Buenaventura Sa Ads (BVN) - Intermediate-term bullish symmetrical continuation triangle.
3. Solera Holdings Llc (SLH) - Intermediate-term bullish upside breakout.
4. Ultralife Batteries Incorporated (ULBI) - Intermediate-term bullish megaphone bottom.
5. Ada-Es Inc. (ADES) - Long-term bullish diamond bottom.
   

Stock of the Week : Agrium (AGU)

Agrium Inc. (NYSE: AGU) shares continued their rally today as the agricultural chemicals industry continues to skyrocket. The global producer of agricultural nutrients is one of the few publicly traded suppliers of fertilizer, which is a product that is in extremely high demand these days. Global food prices have soared in recent months as demand for ethanol has taken up millions of acres of corn fields. The high prices can be traced all the way down to the most basic level - fertilizer. Demand is so great for fertilizer that prices have skyrocketed. As a result, farmers must charge more in order to cover costs. (Read More)

Article of the Week : Who Really Benefits from Higher Oil Prices?

Oil prices rose today to hit a new record of $126.98 per barrel as inflation continues to soar. Higher oil prices tend to hit the same groups of stocks day after day: Exploration and production companies tend to increase sharply, transportation companies rise marginally, and refiners tend to drop sharply. The rationale for this price movement is simple... (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.

Weekly Market Overview

The markets moved higher on better-than-expected consumer confidence numbers today despite poor housing news. The S&P/Case-Shiller home-price index showed a 14% drop in the first quarter compared with a year earlier, which is the sharpest drop in nearly two decades. Meanwhile, the dollar gained against the Euro and Yen, which helped relieve oil prices while the market continues to attempt to gauge the threat of inflation. Other big news of the day included Bank of America's interesting plan to acquire an 11% stake in China Construction Bank. In the end, investors are still waiting to see just how quickly the market will be able to recover, or if we are headed into a recession.

Top 10 Stocks to Watch this Week

Fundamental Analysis

1. Petroleo Brasileiro (PBR) - Petroleo Brasileiro SA (NYSE: PBR), known as Petrobras, announced a discovery in the Gulf of Mexico today. The diversified oil and gas company confirmed the discovery of hydrocarbons in ultra-deep waters in the Central Gulf of Mexico. The Stones #3 well, located in Block WR 508, found oil in multiple sandy lower tertiary reservoirs and is 25% owned by Petrobras. Future drilling and assessment activities are planned to define size and viability. (Read More)
2. EMC Corporation (EMC) - announced earlier this week that it plans to keep its 86% stake in VMWare Inc. (NYSE: VMW). Many investors may have been looking forward to at least some divesture given the fact that the market doesn't appear to be valuing its VMWare stake anywhere close to its intrinsic value. However, the company is clearly betting that the market will eventually come around. (Read More)
3. Cheniere Energy, Inc. (LNG) - Cheniere shares fell sharply today amid a broad decline in oil futures and weakening prospects for the company itself. The liquid natural gas producer has dropped from over $40 per share just a year ago to its current levels around $5 per share amid growing operational losses and a liquidity crisis. (Read More)
4. MercadoLibre, Inc. (MELI) - MercadoLibre shares continued their free fall today after it announced disappointing earnings earlier this week. Shares in the Latin American eBay-clone are down nearly 20 percent this week, but how much more will this stock drop. After all, the results may have been negative on the surface but are a bit better when you look under the hood and consider growth characteristics for such businesses. (Read More)
5. Verigy Ltd. (VRGY) - Verigy shares moved up about 9% in pre-market trading Friday after besting estimates with its second quarter results Thursday. The Singapore-based semiconductor company reported a drop in net income for the quarter to $14 million, or 23 cents per share, from $22 million, or 36 cents per share, a year earlier. Verigy's revenue was also down, dropping 11% to $162 million; however, both results beat Wall Street estimates of net income of 19 cents per share on $161.5 million in revenue. (Read More)
   

Technical Analysis

1. Matrixx Initiatives (MTXX) - Intermediate-term bullish bottom triangle.
2. Washington Mutual (WAHCU) - Intermediate-term bullish bottom triangle.
3. Kforce Inc. (KFRC) - Intermediate-term bullish diamond bottom.
4. Synovis Life Technologies (SYNO) - Intermediate-term bullish diamond bottom.
5. Universal Display Corporation (PANL) - Intermediate-term bullish diamond bottom.
   

Stock of the Week : EMC Corporation (EMC)

EMC Corporation (NYSE: EMC) announced earlier this week that it plans to keep its 86% stake in VMWare Inc. (NYSE: VMW). Many investors may have been looking forward to at least some divesture given the fact that the market doesn't appear to be valuing its VMWare stake anywhere close to its intrinsic value. However, the company is clearly betting that the market will eventually come around. (Read More)

Article of the Week : Who Really Benefits from Higher Oil Prices?

Oil prices rose today to hit a new record of $126.98 per barrel as inflation continues to soar. Higher oil prices tend to hit the same groups of stocks day after day: Exploration and production companies tend to increase sharply, transportation companies rise marginally, and refiners tend to drop sharply. The rationale for this price movement is simple... (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.

Weekly Market Overview

The stock market was mixed early today while investors awaited a report on leading economic indicators from last month. The reports are expected to show that the economy, after two quarters of slow growth, remains sluggish due to the ongoing housing slump. The sluggish earnings by the two largest home improvement chains only intensified such concerns. Meanwhile, Microsoft has renewed talks with Yahoo about a possible deal to bolster the companies' position in the online search and advertising market. There is no indication as to whether or not these talks will lead to an acquisition, but Yahoo said its directors remain open to the idea at the right price.

Top 10 Stocks to Watch this Week

Fundamental Analysis

1. Transocean Inc. (NYSE: RIG) - Transocean continued its rise today on the heels of surging oil prices. Saudi Arabia disclosed a boost in production, but it wasn't enough to stop a rise in oil. World prices crept towards $127 during the Asian trading session after hitting a record high of $127.98 on Friday. Further weakness in the U.S. dollar has caused many analysts to revise their target prices for oil much higher. (Read More)
2. Zoltek Companies Inc. (NDAQ: ZOLT) - Zoltek was up more than 15% in midday trading Friday on about double average trading volume. Though there have been no major news developments Friday, the company has had a strong week after announcing a second quarter profit compared to a loss a year earlier. Possibly more important for Friday's share movement, Zoltek CEO Zsolt Rumy said in the second quarter conference call that no more accounting errors at the company have been discovered in the wake of Kevin Schott's forced departure as Chief Financial Officer. (Read More)
3. China Precision Steel Inc. (NYSE: CPSL) - China Precision Steel shares are surging more than 30% on more than ten times average trading volume Friday after releasing third quarter results. Though based in Colorado, the company primarily conducts business in China through a wholly owned subsidiary and reported a 230% increase in net income to $4.6 million, or 10 cents per share, from $1.4 million, or 5 cents per share, the third quarter a year earlier. China Precision Steel was able to record staggering growth in net income on only a 61.3% increase in revenue to $18.7 million from $11.6 million. (Read More)
4. Noah Education Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NED) - Noah Education is up more than 10% on four times average trading volume Friday after releasing third quarter results. The China-based provider of interactive learning materials usually included in Chinese grade school and high school textbooks reported a 114% increase in net income to $7.9 million for the third quarter of the company's fiscal year. Noah Education's diluted earnings per share rose to 20 cents on an 8.5% increase in net revenue from a year earlier to $26.3 million. (Read More)
5. China TechFaith (NDAQ: CNTF) - China Techfaith shares moved sharply higher in pre-market trading today following a strong close on Friday. Shares surged more than 20% last week ahead of an earnings announcement set to be released tonight. Historical earnings growth rates suggest a strong quarter, but some investors worry that restructuring charges will hurt the company's first quarter. (Read More)
   

Technical Analysis

1. Mobile Telesystems Ojsc Ads (MBT) - Intermediate-term bullish diamond botom.
2. Mcdermott International Inc. (MDR) - Long-term bullish ascending continuation triangle.
3. Amphenol Corporation Cl A (APH) - Long-term bullish continuation diamond.
4. Compania de Minas Buenaventura SA ADS (BVN) - Intermediate-term bullish continuation wedge.
5. Acergy S.A. American Depositary Shs (ACGY) - Intermediate-term bullish bottom triangle.
   

Stock of the Week : VeraSun Energy Corporation (VSE)

VeraSun Energy Corporation’s (NYSE: VSE) down-trodden shares are surging Monday on the strength of the ethanol sector. South Dakota-based VeraSun, which owns five ethanol production facilities with a combined capacity of 560 million gallons of ethanol a year, had its shares near an all-time record low last week as increasing corn prices raised concerns about the company’s ability to maintain profitability. (Read More)

Article of the Week : Who Really Benefits from Higher Oil Prices?

Oil prices rose today to hit a new record of $126.98 per barrel as inflation continues to soar. Higher oil prices tend to hit the same groups of stocks day after day: Exploration and production companies tend to increase sharply, transportation companies rise marginally, and refiners tend to drop sharply. The rationale for this price movement is simple... (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.

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.

Weekly Market Overview

The markets ended lower today as investors were downbeat on the Yahoo-Microsoft situation over the weekend. Mergers and acquisitions activity has traditionally worked to boost shareholder value and Microsoft's decision to abandon their bid led to an immediate decline in Yahoo shares. Meanwhile, investors continued to digest economic reports from last week that suggested a recovery in the credit crisis may be closer than once thought.

Top 10 Stocks to Watch this Week

Fundamental Analysis

1. Monsanto Company (MON) - Monsanto is up about 2% in midday trading Monday to $117.55 on a quiet day for a stock that almost exactly a year ago closed at $59.71 per share. The obvious question is with a market capitalization of over $64 billion, how much more phenomenal share price growth can the company muster? Based on recent results, market developments, and Wall Street sentiment Monsanto may have only started to blossom. (Read More)
2. Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL) - Ralph Lauren's high-end apparel may not be the best market right now, but the economic decline may create a buying opportunity for bargain hunters. Apparel makers dropped today amid a broader market decline fueled by last week's economic reports and the failed merger between Yahoo and Microsoft. (Read More)
3. Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (RIO) - Vale is the world's largest producer of iron ore which is used as a raw material in the production of the steel. The company has seen record growth in recent years as developing nations like China have consume an increasing amount of steel to build up their infrastructure. (Read More)
4. Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (FCX) - Freeport shares surged higher today amid strength in the two commodities. Gold prices rose $7 per ounce to $857.90 while copper prices jumped $0.12 per pound to $3.82. Many investors are also bullish on the firm's prospects as copper price assumptions for 2009 have been raised substantially from $2.75 per pound to $4.50 per pound. The result has been at least one analyst raising his target to $200 per share. (Read More)
5. iStar Financial Inc. (SFI) - iStar shares are up nearly 10% in midday trading Friday after reporting mixed first quarter results. The New York city-based financial company that primarily lends to owners of commercial real estate announced earnings of 87 cents per share for the first three months of the year compared to 93 cents per share a year earlier. Despite this 6.5% drop in earnings, the company matched Wall Street estimates of 87 cents per share earnings, while revenues of $422.4 million actually beat estimates of $411 million. (Read More)
   

Technical Analysis

1. Marathon Oil Corporation (MRO) - Intermediate-term bullish bottom triangle.
2. Micron Technology Inc (MU) - Long-term bullish double bottom.
3. Whole Foods Market Incorporated (WFMI) - Intermediate-term bullish double bottom.
4. Regions Financial Corporation (RF) - Long-term bullish head and shoulders bottom.
5. Sun Healthcare Group Incorporated (SUNH) - Intermediate-term bullish double bottom.
   

Stock of the Week : Ag Giant Monsanto Poised for More Growth

Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) is up about 2% in midday trading Monday to $117.55 on a quiet day for a stock that almost exactly a year ago closed at $59.71 per share. The obvious question is with a market capitalization of over $64 billion, how much more phenomenal share price growth can the company muster? Based on recent results, market developments, and Wall Street sentiment Monsanto may have only started to blossom. (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.