Jim Cramer Blog

Target (NYSE:TGT) reported earnings today before the open, beating analyst estimates by three cents. The Short Term PowerRating for TGT is 4.
An analyst report suggesting that Chinese demand for metals lead to lower prices for shares of stocks like Alcoa (NYSE:AA), which was down more than 3% on the day. The Short Term PowerRating for AA is 2.
Home Depot (NYSE:HD) announced earnings beat lowered estimates but failed to truly impress traders and investors, who sent the stock lower by more than 5% on Tuesday. The Short Term PowerRating for HD is 5.
Solarfun Power (NasdaqGM:SOLF) reports earnings Wednesday morning before the open, with analysts expecting EPS of $1.12. The Short Term PowerRating for SOLF is 1.
Expanding its services to allow customers to watch content downloaded from the Internet on their televisions, Netflix (NasdaqGS:NFLX) was up by more than 3% in Tuesday trading. The Short Term PowerRating for NFLX is 5.
Added to Goldman Sachs "conviction buy list" today, Humana (NYSE:HUM) was one of the largest gainers in the S&P 500 today. The Short Term PowerRating for HUM is 3.
Discounts on women's clothing and accessories did not prevent Saks (NYSE:SKS) from missing analyst estimates in its earnings report on Tuesday. Saks finished the day down more than 6%. The Short Term PowerRating for SKS is 4.

Labels: AA, HD, Hot Stocks, HUM, NFLX, SKS, SOLF, TGT

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Thursday from TradingMarkets.com:
Alcoa (NYSE:AA - News) beat earnings expectations on Wednesday afternoon, announcing $0.36 EPS over a consensus of $0.33 EPS. AA's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
WD-40 Company (NasdaqGS:WDFC - News) missed analyst expectations, announcing $0.36 EPS versus a consensus of $0.41 EPS. WDFC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
CRA International (NasdaqGS:CRAI - News) reports earnings on Thursday before the market opens, with traders looking for $0.75 EPS. CRAI's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
MSC Industrial (NYSE:MSM - News) is expected to report $0.70 EPS before the bell on Thursday morning. MSM's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
IHS (NYSE:IHS - News) announces quarterly results on Thursday after the bell; watch for $0.43 EPS. IHS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
Analysts and traders are looking for Shuffle Master (NasdaqGS:SHFL - News) to report $0.10 EPS after the close on Thursday. SHFL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Synnex (NYSE:SNX - News) should report $0.53 EPS on Thursday afternoon. SNX's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.

Labels: AA, CRAI, Hot Stocks, IHS, MSM, SHFL, SNX, WDFC

Here are 7 trading ideas for today. This list comes directly from the TradingMarkets Stock Indicators page and is based upon our latest quantitative research.
Bullish
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.
Arthrocare (NasdaqGS:ARTC - News). ARTC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 7.
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.
Sohu.com (NasdaqGS:SOHU - News). SOHU's PowerRating (for Traders) is 9.
Stocks Down 10% or More: These are stocks that have lost 10% or more over the past five days and are trading above their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading above their 200-day moving average that have lost 10% or more over the past five 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.
Learning Tree International (NasdaqGM:LTRE - News). LTRE's PowerRating (for Traders) is 8.
Bearish
Laps Up 5% or More: These are stocks that lap up by 5% or more and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that lap up by more than 5% have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day, 2-days and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
US Shipping Partners (NYSE:USS - News). USS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
5+ Consecutive Up Days: These are stocks that have closed up 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 close up for five or more days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Qwest Communications (NYSE:Q - News). Q's PowerRating (for Traders) is 3.
5+ Consecutive Higher Highs: 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.
Alcoa (NYSE:AA - News). AA's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Stocks Up 10% or More: These are stocks that have gained 10% or more over the past five days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that have gained 10% or more over the past five days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Jones Soda (NasdaqCM:JSDA - News). JSDA's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AA, ARTC, Hot Stocks, JSDA, LTRE, Q, SOHU, USS

Alcoa (NYSE:AA - News) today reported third quarter income from continuing operations of $558 million, or $0.64 per diluted share. Third quarter income from continuing operations increased three percent from $540 million, or $0.62, in the third quarter of 2006. Income from continuing operations was $716 million, or $0.81, in the second quarter of 2007.
As a result of the Company's strong capital structure and healthy cash flows, Alcoa's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to 25 percent of the company's outstanding common stock, or approximately 217 million shares. Under the earlier repurchase program, 43 million shares, or approximately five percent, had already been repurchased by the end of the third quarter, leaving the company with authorization to buy back approximately 174 million shares.
"The Chalco sale, combined with proceeds from the upcoming sales of our packaging and auto castings businesses, give us a strong balance sheet, increased flexibility to ramp-up share repurchases, and deliver greater shareholder value," said Alcoa Chairman and CEO Alain Belda.
Net income for the third quarter of 2007 was $555 million, or $0.63, compared to $537 million, or $0.61, in the third quarter of 2006 and $715 million, or $0.81, in the 2007 second quarter. Third quarter results were impacted by the Chalco sale, charges associated with planned asset sales and restructuring, higher petroleum and energy costs, seasonality, lower metal prices and softness in the North American economy.
In the first nine months of 2007, net income was $1.93 billion, or $2.20, compared with $1.89 billion, or $2.16, in 2006. Year-to-date income from continuing operations was $1.95 billion compared with $1.90 billion in 2006.
Revenues for the quarter were $7.4 billion, compared with $7.6 billion in 2006 and $8.1 billion in the 2007 second quarter. This quarter's results were primarily impacted by the exclusion of the company's soft alloy extrusion business as a result of forming a joint venture with Sapa in June, lower metal prices, seasonality and softness in the North American markets.

Labels: AA, Alcoa Inc.

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Tuesday from TradingMarkets.com:
YUM! Brands (NYSE:YUM - News) beat earnings on Monday afternoon, announcing $0.50 EPS over an expected $0.45 EPS. YUM's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Commerce Bancshares (NasdaqGS:CBSH - News) reports earnings on Tuesday before the bell, with analysts looking for $0.80 EPS. CBSH's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
When M&T Bank (NYSE:MTB - News) announces quarterly earnings on Tuesday morning, watch for $1.95 EPS. MTB's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Oxford Industries (NYSE:OXM - News) is looking to announce $0.46 EPS tomorrow morning. OXM's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
LDK Solar (NYSE:LDK - News) fell 26% today, on a Barron's report that the company may be overstating earnings and inventories. LDK does not have a PowerRating (for Traders) due to the company's short trading history.
Earnings season for Q4 starts tomorrow afternoon when Alcoa (NYSE:AA - News) announces earnings after the bell; watch for $0.66 EPS. AA's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Google (NasdaqGS:GOOG - News) closed above $600 a share for the first time today. GOOG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.

Labels: AA, CBSH, GOOG, Hot Stocks, LDK, MTB, OXM, YUM

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Monday:
Merix (NasdaqGM:MERX - News) reports earnings on Monday morning before the bell; watch for -$0.08 EPS.
Qmed (NasdaqCM:QMED - News) announces quarterly results on Monday afternoon, with analysts looking for -$0.54 EPS.
YUM! Brands (NYSE:YUM - News) is expected to report $0.45 EPS on Monday afternoon after the market closes. YUM's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Alcoa (NYSE:AA - News) officially kicks off the last earnings season of the year, when the company reports earnings on Tuesday afternoon. AA's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Google (NasdaqGS:GOOG - News) gained over 2.5% on Friday to $593.80, after Bear Stearns analysts predicted the company's stock will reach $700 by the end of 2008. GOOG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
MetroPCS Communications (NYSE:PCS - News) fell nearly 10% after missing analyst new subscriber estimates; rival Leap Wireless International (NYSE:LEAP - News) also fell 8% on the news. LEAP's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AA, GOOG, Hot Stocks, LEAP, MERX, PCS, QMED, YUM

Here are 7 options to watch for today. This list comes directly from the TradingMarkets Options Indicators page. The list 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 Oct 220.0 Calls (NYSE:GS - News). GS' PowerRating is 4.
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.
Ctrip.com International Aug 40 Puts (NasdaqGS:CTRP - News). CTRP'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.
Foster Wheeler Aug 110.0 Calls (NasdaqGS:FWLT - News). FWLT's PowerRating is 6.
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.
Bear Stearns Sep 90.0 Puts (NYSE:CFC - News). BSC's PowerRating 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.
Cymer Inc. (NasdaqGS:CYMI - News). CYMI's PowerRating 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.
Motorola (NYSE:MOT - News). MOT's PowerRating is 5.
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.
Alcoa (NYSE:AA - News). AA's PowerRating is 6.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AA, CFC, CTRP, CYMI, FWLT, GS, MOT, stock options

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.
Fuel Tech (NasdaqGM:FTEK - News). FTEK's PowerRating is 7.
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.
Albany International (NYSE:AIN - News). AIN'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.
Hess Corporation (NYSE:HES - News). HES's PowerRating is 8.
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.
Sony Corporation (NYSE:SNE - News). SNE's PowerRating is 6.
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.
Alcoa (NYSE:AA - News). AA'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.
InvesTools (NasdaqGM:SWIM - News). SWIM's PowerRating is 2.
Stocks Up 10% or More: These are stocks that have gained 10% or more over the past five days and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving average that have gained 10% or more over the past five days have shown negative returns, on average, 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Whole Foods (NasdaqGS:WFMI - News). WFMI's PowerRating is 3.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AA, AIN, FTEK, HES, Hot Stocks, SNE, SWIM, WFMI

Bullish Calls:
Woodward Governor (NasdaqGS: WGOV - News): 'That's in the bull market of aerospace. It's in the bull market of infrastructure.'Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT - News)Sears Holdings (NasdaqGS: SHLD - News): 'Everybody's decided ... it's too hard ... am not giving up on Eddie Lampert. Let everyone else give up. I am not. I'm with him.'Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM - News): 'Long term, Toyota's the winner. ... In 2010, this company's going to own the world. Now, if you can't take the pain between now and 2010, by all means, go buy a mutual fund.'Macy's (NYSE: M - News): 'They've all given up on Macy's. ... Me? I don't know. Terry Lundgren's pretty good. .... I'd rather pull the trigger. I'd rather run toward what looks like a house of pleasure.'
Bearish calls:
Manitowoc (NYSE: MTW - News): 'This stock has just been hammered unfairly. ... We've got to wait till it settles, and it's not going to settle, because it's still in freefall.'Alcoa (NYSE: AA - News): 'It did not get the bid in the end ... it's trading only on fundamentals. On fundamentals, it's worth $35. ... I got too greedy on Alcoa.'
Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: AA, CAT, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, M, Mad Money, MTW, SHLD, TM, WGOV

The stock market rallied across the board today, with the Dow Jones surging almost 284 points, the Nasdaq gaining nearly 50, and the S&P 500 up about 29 points. The Dow and S&P hit all-time closing highs. Stocks were buoyed by retail sales numbers as well as strong deal flow. Upbeat economic data also sparked a rally for the bulls.

In economic news, economists raised U.S. growth estimates following a report that showed exports rose to a record in May. Economists predict that the export data will add at least 1% to second quarter GDP. U.S. foreclosures, meanwhile, jumped to a record amid rising rates and falling home prices. RealtyTrac reported that foreclosures reached 926,000 in the first half of the year.
Shares of the nation's second-largest discount retailer Target (NYSE: TGT - News) notched an all-time high after it reported a 3.3% rise in June same-store sales. Also helping the shares gain steam was the news that activist shareholder William Ackman of Pershing Square Capital has accumulated a 5% stake in the retailer. Target finished the day higher by 6.8%.
In other retailing news, Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT - News) said June sales rose 2.4%, which easily beat consensus estimates of 0.9%. The world's largest retailer noted that the environment remained "challenging." Macy's (NYSE: M - News), meanwhile, sank -2.9% after the company said June same-store sales declined -2.7%, more than analysts had expected. The company previously forecasted a range of flat to negative -2% for same-store sales. Macy's also cut its earnings for the upcoming quarter to 20-30 cents a share from a previous forecast of 35-45 cents a share.
In merger news, Rio Tinto agreed to purchase rival Alcan (NYSE: AL - News) for $38.1 billion, smashing a hostile bid by Alcoa (NYSE: AA - News). The offer is 33% higher than Alcoa's recent bid. Rio Tinto's output in aluminum will expand fourfold once the merger is completed. In earnings news, Marriott International (NYSE: MAR - News) said earnings rose 11% to $207 million. Excluding certain items, EPS was 57 cents a share. The company said it benefited from its strong timeshare business. However, shares fell on reports that its REVPAR (revenue per average room) outlook will fall for the upcoming quarter. The company expects REVPAR growth of 5.6% in the Americas, below estimates of 6.4%. Shares fell -2.8%.

By the BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: AA, AL, M, MAR, TGT, WMT

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Friday from TradingMarkets.com:
Marriott (NYSE:MAR - News) announced beating earnings during trading hours today, with $0.57 EPS over an expected $0.53 EPS. MAR's PowerRating is 5.
Commerce Bancshares (NasdaqGS:CBSH - News) also beat earnings during the day, with $0.79 EPS over a consensus of $0.77 EPS. CBSH's PowerRating is 4.
General Electric (NYSE:GE - News) announces earnings on Friday morning, with analysts expecting $0.52 EPS. GE's PowerRating is 5.
Rio Tinto (NYSE:RTP - News) announced on Thursday it has reached an agreement to buy aluminum producer Alcan (NYSE:AL - News) for $38.1 billion. RTP's bid bested rival Alcoa's (NYSE:AA - News) offer of $28 billion. RTP's PowerRating is 6, and AL's PowerRating is 3 and AA's PowerRating is 5.
Motorola (NYSE:MOT - News) warned that the company's Q2 results would be lower than expected, on slow sales in Europe and Asia. MOT's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AA, AL, CBSH, GE, Hot Stocks, MAR, MOT, RTP

Stocks surged Thursday, carrying the Dow Jones industrials into record territory as investors gleaned some positive consumer spending trends from retailers' generally sluggish June sales reports.
A new bid for aluminum maker Alcan Inc. added to the upbeat mood on Wall Street, which drove the Dow up more than 100 points to a new intraday high. Helping stocks was a move by Wal-Mart, one of the 30 companies that make up the Dow Jones industrial average. The company's report helped ease some investors' worries about the health of the consumer ahead of the Commerce Department's Friday report on U.S. retail sales. The stock market got an additional boost after mining company Rio Tinto offered to buy Canadian aluminum producer Alcan for $38.1 billion. The offer topped a bid from Alcoa Inc. that Alcan's board rejected in May, and Alcoa is considering whether to make another bid. In late morning trading, the Dow Jones industrial average rose 143.55, or 1.06 percent, to 13,721.42, after climbing to 13,724.11, an intraday record. The Dow's record close is 13,676.32, set June 4.
Broader stock indicators also surged higher.
The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 12.35, or 0.81 percent, to 1,531.11, nearing its record close of 1,539.18, which also came on June 4.
The Nasdaq composite index rose 18.81, or 0.71 percent, to 2,670.60. Light, sweet crude rose 72 cents to $73.28 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
Alcan and Alcoa shares jumped Thursday following Rio Tinto's move to top Alcoa's hostile bid for Alcan.
Source: Madlen Read, AP Business Writer

Labels: AA, AL, HD, JCP, M, MOT, RTP, SHLD, WMT

After a seesaw day, the Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq all closed down, but not by much. Oil prices rose again on threats of a labor strike by Nigerian workers. Futures ended the day up 1.6% to $69.09, above Friday's close of $68.00. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released its builders' housing market index for June with a score of 28, the lowest since February 1991. The index, which tracks builders' outlooks for the housing market, is down from 42 one year ago. The chief economist for the NAHB said that the organization expects home prices to be a drag on the economy for the rest of 2007. This announcement comes a day ahead of the U.S. government releasing its new housing starts and building permits statistics for May.
Fast-food restaurant Wendy's (NYSE: WEN - News) is reportedly putting itself on the market after cutting its full-year earnings guidance. While there is no timetable for the sale, a special committee of the board of directors is overseeing the process after making the initial recommendation. The earnings forecast is now $295-$315 million, or $1.09-$1.32 per share. Analysts put the EPS at $1.27. While the company struggles with a shrinking market share, it announced same-store sales growth of 3.8% in the first quarter and 0.7% thus far in the second quarter through June 15th.
Australian-based mining company BHP Billiton (NYSE: BHP) is apparently in a buying mood. One source said the company is exploring options regarding a potential $40 billion takeover of Pittsburgh-based Alcoa (NYSE: AA), while Reuters said late in the day that it was looking to buy Alcan (NYSE: AL). Alcoa was recently in the news for its failed bid to take over Alcan. Alcoa was up 0.7% on the day, Alcan rose 0.9%, and BHP saw an increase of 1.3%.
General Electric (NYSE: GE) is reportedly working with Financial Times publisher Pearson Plc (NYSE: PSO) to structure a bid for Dow Jones (NYSE: DJ). The two companies plan to combine The Wall Street Journal with its current offerings of CNBC and The Financial Times. The Bancroft family, owners of the company, are currently developing a proposal to submit to original suitor News Corp. (NYSE: NWS) that would maintain the company's editorial independence.
Friendly Ice Cream (Amex: FRN) has agreed to be taken private by private equity firm Sun Capital Partners. Sun Capital Partners will acquire the ice cream parlor and casual restaurant chain for $15.50 per share, or $337.2 million. The stock has been criticized in recent months by shareholders, including a letter sent in March by activist investors. The day after the letter was sent, the company announced that it would seek to be acquired.
Finish Line Inc. (Nasdaq: FINL), a sports-clothing retailer, announced today that it would pay $1.5 billion in cash to acquire Genesco, Inc. (NYSE: GCO). Genesco recently rejected an offer from Foot Locker (NYSE: FL) to be acquired saying that the offer was too low. Finish Line Inc. says that the combined operations would have sales of about $2.8 billion from 2,870 stores in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
By the BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: AA, AL, BHP, DJ, FINL, FL, FRN, GCO, GE, PSO

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
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.

Longs Drug Store (NYSE:LDG) & Mattel (NYSE:MAT). LDG's PowerRating is 7, and MAT's PowerRating is 7.
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.
Alcoa (NYSE:AA). AA's PowerRating is 6.
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.
Merck (NYSE:MRK) & Everest Re Group (NYSE:RE). MRK's PowerRating is 7, and RE's PowerRating is 7.
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.
Mannatech (NasdaqGS:MTEX). MTEX's PowerRating is 3.
5+ Consecutive Higher Highs: 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.
FreightCar America (NasdaqGS:RAIL). RAIL's PowerRating is 3.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AA, Hot Stocks, LDG, MAT, MRK, MTEX, RAIL, RE

Bullish:
Networks (NasdaqGM: ARUN): 'Blowout quarter last week ... How about we wait for a pullback, before we back up the truck... If it goes below $20, you've got to be willing to pull the trigger.'Merrill Lynch (NYSE: MER): ' MER is not going to have any problem going over $100.00 ... Because MER is incredibly well-run. The sub-prime problems are in the past ... That stock needs to go higher right now. Buy, buy, buy!'Level 3 Communications (NasdaqGS: LVLT): 'I think this stock is going to finish the year - yes, and if I may be so bold... - at between $7 and $8. So any one of these declines is just another opportunity to load the boat up with LVLT.'Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT): 'I got behind WMT in the mid-$40s, and I am not backing away now at $50. It's got much more upside.'Alcoa (NYSE: AA): ' I think Alcoa and Alcan are going to merge... You know I think that AA is not going to be public in a year if they don't get that deal...'Alcan (NYSE: AL)Dominion Resources (NYSE: D): 'I think that one may be a better diversified utility company than yours (Targa Resources). So let's make that switch.'Research In Motion (NasdaqGS: RIMM): 'That has the better fundamentals (than Palm.)'Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE: FCX)Qualcomm (NasdaqGS: QCOM): 'If you want to be in a semiconductor play that has to do with cell, I will send you to QualComm.'BHP Billiton (NYSE: BHP) CVRD (NYSE: RIO): ' ... among the cheapest mineral stocks ... It's just too darn cheap, too well-run and, ever since they were able to buy the largest nickel company ... this thing wreaks of monopoly!'Barnes & Noble (NYSE: BKS): 'I actually like very much the Barnes & Noble quarter, and they're buying back a lot of stock.'
Bearish calls:
Target (NYSE: TGT): ' ... sell, sell, sell... let's take a little off the table, and go into Wal-Mart.Aluminum Corp. of China (NYSE: ACH) 'The Chinese market is overheated. I liked this stock initially as a dividend play. Now that it only yields 2%.'Targa Resources (NasdaqGM: NGLS)Palm (NasdaqGS: PALM): 'You got lucky. I need you out of PALM. I would rather see you in Research In Motion ... You just lucky with that Elevation bid... I want to head to the hills, PALM. Sell, sell, sell!'Scholastic (NasdaqGS: SCHL): 'Oh, way too inconsistent. It's really hurt a lot of people.'Tesoro (NYSE: TSO): 'I want you to sell that. That move has peaked. Those margins cannot be sustained ... 'Valero Energy (NYSE: VLO): 'I want TSO and VLO sold.'RF Micro Devices (NasdaqGS: RFMD): 'I am not going to bless RFMD. Not on this show. No way ... I understand the speculative desire for RFMD, but I am not going to tell you to stay with it.'

Labels: AA, ACH, AL, ARUN, BHP, BKS, D, FCX, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, LVLT, Mad Money, MER, NGLS, PALM, QCOM, RIMM, RIO, TGT, WMT

Lower volume marked the beginning of the summer, as the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all closed up. Gold and silver were up, while oil, on news that the Nigerian oil workers' strike was over and a new president sworn in, fell more than -$2. While last week's reports showed that both new and existing home inventories are up, year-over-year prices dropped almost -1.5% from Q1 2006 according to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Consumers, meanwhile, continue to remain confident, with the Consumer Confidence Index for May coming in a better-than-expected 108.0.

The news continued to be dominated by discussion of M&A activity. Alcan (NYSE: AL) and Alcoa (NYSE: AA) are at the center of a maelstrom of speculation following the latter's failed attempt to purchase the former. Some analysts are now predicting that Alcan will reverse the tables and try to make a bid for Alcoa. Theories are being tossed around as to whether there are other potential buyers for either company, as demonstrated by the fact that Alcoa options for July have risen.
The FTC opened an investigation today, examining the proposed Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) acquisition of DoubleClick. The deal, which is worth approximately $3.1 billion, was originally criticized by competitors Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT ) and Yahoo (Nasdaq: YHOO), but both companies have since made moves that mimic Google's purchase. Representatives from Google have stated that they expect the deal to fly through the regulatory phase and be approved by year's end.
Apartment REIT Archstone Smith (NYSE: ASN) has agreed to be acquired by Tishman Speyer and Lehman Brothers (NYSE: LEH) in a deal estimated at $22.2 billion. The buyers have agreed to acquire Archstone for $60.75 per share in cash, a premium of 22.7% on May 24th, before news of the deal broke.
Avaya (NYSE: AV - News) is reportedly beginning the process of putting itself on the market and speaking with potential suitors. So far, the company is speaking both with Silver Lake Partners, a private equity firm, and Nortel Networks (NYSE: NT - News), a technology company. The company seems to be a promising target for a buyout based on its lack of debt and high level of cash flow. The stock finished up 15.3%.
Barclay's (NYSE: BCS ) may have some competition in its purchase of ABN Amro (NYSE: ABN). The Royal Bank of Scotland is reportedly making a move to purchase the smaller investment bank, offering more than Barclay's. While ABN Amro does not seem interested in pursuing the RBS deal, the would-be suitor is threatening to bring the deal straight to the shareholders if it feels that management does not give it enough attention.
VeriSign (Nasdaq: VRSN) announced today that Stratton Sclavos has resigned as CEO of the company, but no reason was given for the move. William Roper, Jr., a former independent director, has been named as CEO and president. VeriSign has also postponed an analyst call that was scheduled for June 6th.

By the BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: AA, ABN, AL, ASN, AV, BCS, GOOG, LEH, MSFT, NT, VRSN, YHOO

Apple (NasdaqGS: AAPL - News): 'Let's buy it down. You want to have 200 shares of AAPL, you buy 50 tomorrow at the opening, and then you pray it comes down... until five days before the iPhone is shipped, and then you've got to skee-daddy out of that guy... 'Alcoa (NYSE: AA - News):' ... even though it has had a monster run, and we believe in the stock, I am sticking with AA here.'Sony (NYSE: SNE - News): 'House of pleasure. I think that SNE goes higher ... How many companies come out with a totally third-rate product, that nobody likes, and then goes up 25% because of it ... I think it goes to $53, and there I want to pull the trigger.'Pall (NYSE: PLL - News): ' ... if you really want to go with that filtration game - that you go with Pall.'Tetra Tech (NasdaqGS: TTEK - News): ' ... if you want clean water, they've got it.'NYSE Euronext (NYSE: NYX - News): 'The NYX is not going to go up until everybody sells it, and everybody gets short it, and all the analysts come around and admit that they're wrong about being negative... and then it's going to fly.'
Bearish calls:
Resources Connection (NasdaqGS: RECN - News): ' I would not buy this stock. Don't buy, don't buy.'Skechers USA (NYSE: SKX - News): ' ... they had an inventory problem earlier in the year ... I think that SKX is too dangerous.'Calgon Carbon (NYSE: CCC - News)Verasun Energy (NYSE: VSE - News): 'You're kidding me, right? ... That stock was just created by bankers in order to be able to take the money from you - sell, sell, sell! '
Published by SeekingAlpha

Labels: AA, AAPL, CCC, Jim Cramer, Lightning Round, NYX, Pll, RECN, SKX, SNE, TTEK, VSE

The Dow Jones and S&P 500 continue to flirt with record closings, but today both ended further away than when trading opened. Both fell fractionally, and they were joined by the Nasdaq, which fell -0.47%. Today followed the same pattern of the past two sessions with all three indices climbing early before falling back. At 2:00PM, the downward decline for the day came about, and although there was a slight rebound, it was not enough to push the markets into positive territory for the day's end.
The Energy Information Association announced the weekly gas inventories this morning. The stockpiles rose higher than analyst estimates, almost doubling the prediction of 800,000 barrels. Crude oil stocks also rose by approximately 2 million barrels.
There were a number of retailers out with earnings today, with Target (NYSE: TGT), Men's Wearhouse (NYSE: MWH), and GameStop (NYSE: GME) all reporting results. Target saw first-quarter profits jump 18%, as same-store sales rose 4.3%. Earnings per share rose to 75 cents from 65 cents in 4Q06, an increase of 8%. Target's credit card was also a major profit center, adding $143 million in pretax earnings. Bull Market Report subscribers can read our report on Target's earnings in today's edition.
Men's Wearhouse saw an earnings increase of 49.1%, as sales rose 14.2%. Another growth indicator -- tuxedo rentals in its Men's Wearhouse stores, which accounts for 12% of its revenue stream -- jumped 34.2%. The company also saw benefits from its acquisition of After Hours Formalwear, which analysts expect to bring increased value and revenue to the company.
GameStop also released higher-than-expected earnings today, topping the charts at 111% net earnings growth. The company saw total sales grow 23%, with same-store sales increasing 15.3%, bolstered by the release of next generation hardware such as Sony's (NYSE: SNE) Playstation3 and Nintendo's Wii. A strong game market also helped. The stock fell -4.9%, though, as investors were disappointed with Q2 guidance.
In other news, Alcan (NYSE: AL) rejected a bid made by Alcoa (NYSE: AA). Both companies' stocks rose on the news. Meanwhile, Payless Shoe Source (NYSE: PSS) moved forward in its attempt to purchase Stride Rite shoes, and Boston-based women's health companies Hologic (Nasdaq: HOLX) and Cytyc (Nasdaq: CYTC) agreed to merge.
By the BullMarket.com Staff

Labels: AA, AL, CYTC, GME, HOLX, MWH, PSS, SNE, TGT