Jim Cramer Blog

Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW) announced its decision to raise prices on all products by as much as 20% by the first of June to deal with rising commodity costs. The Short Term PowerRating for DOW is 7.
Hedge fund manager David Einhorn claimed that the $6 billion raised by Lehman Brothers (NYSE:LEH) will not be enough to cover the company's credit-related losses. The Short Term PowerRating for LEH is 5.
Reporting earnings before the bell on Thursday, Costco (NasdaqGS:COST) is expected to announce earnings per share of $0.65. The Short Term PowerRating for COST is 5.
Shares of Dryships (NasdaqGS:DRYS) were up more than 9% on Wednesday as the business of transporting commodities across international waters continues to benefit shippers. The Short Term PowerRating for DRYS is 7.
Fears of sluggish advertising sales growth led investors and traders to sell shares of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) on Wednesday. The stock was down by more than 4% on the day. The Short Term PowerRating for VIA is 5.
Dell (NasdaqGS:DELL) is scheduled to report earnings on Thursday after the close. Analysts are expecting EPS of $0.33. The Short Term PowerRating for DELL is 5.
Expedia (NasdaqGS:EXPE) moved higher by more than 4% on Wednesday as speculation grew that Barry Diller, chairman of the company, would seek to take the company private. The Short Term PowerRating for EXPE is 4.

Labels: COST, DELL, DOW, DRYS, EXPE, Hot Stocks, LEH, VIA

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Friday from TradingMarkets.com:
Leap Wireless (NasdaqGS:LEAP - News) beat earnings on Thursday afternoon, announcing -$0.09 EPS versus -$0.15 EPS. LEAP's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Novell (NasdaqGS:NOVL - News) also beat earnings, reporting $0.06 EPS over $0.04 EPS. NOVL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Quiksilver (NYSE:ZQK - News) missed earnings on Thursday, with $0.51 EPS versus $0.52 EPS. ZQK's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
CDC Corporation (NasdaqGM:CHINA - News) reports earnings on Friday before the market opens, with traders looking for $0.08 EPS. CHINA's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
Amtech Systems (NasdaqGM:ASYS - News) dropped more than 25% on Thursday after announcing Q1 projections which did not meet analyst expectations. ASYS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Countrywide Financial (NYSE:CFC - News) fell more than 5% on Thursday after announcing that foreclosures doubled in November and late payments continue to rise. CFC's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW - News) jumped 7% today after announcing plans to allow Kuwait to buy half of Dow's plastics division for $9.5 billion. DOW's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.

Labels: ASYS, CFC, CHINA, DOW, Hot Stocks, LEAP, NOVL, ZQK

Stocks extended losses as after unexpected oil inventory drawdowns. Stocks lowered 8 times in the last 11 sessions. S&P down .1% for 2007, Dow up 3.1%, Nasdaq up 5.7%. Most of the airlines were down for the week. Latin America was also hit very hard today. Higher oil prices are approaching historic lows hitting $99.29 today. Oil inventories down 1.1 million barrels. Refinery utilization is at 87%. Crude imports dropped 700,000 barrels. Gasoline inventories up 200,000 barrels. Heating oil is up right now, which is really key. Heating oil could go up 20%. What will this mean for consumers? How to play defense against this? JJ Burns says structured investments give you a barrier protection on the upside and downside to this market. Dow leaders today are coca-cola, 3M, Boeing, Proctor & Gamble. Financials were way down today. Citigroup, FreddieMac, and JPMorgan were at 52 week lows. Crude oil came in at just $97 this afternoon, showing that some are taking profits off the table expecting oil to hit that $100 mark. Nariam Behravesh was on the show to discuss oil and the implications. He says if it comes down in the next few weeks or month, we should be ok. But if it keeps going up we could be in trouble. They also said that consumers might not feel the pressure until oil gets up around $140-150 a barrel. Consumers with larger vehicles are most affected when they have to spend $100 to fill up their tank every time. Dennis Kneale said that high oil prices have no affect on fueling inflation. Retail names have also suffered tremendously in the past month or so. Morgan Stanley Retail index has fell 10% this month to a 2-year low. In November we should expect pent-up demand, unseasonally seasonal, 06 was weak, and what's not to hate. Retail saving may not be good, but stocks could be fine. Pick your retailers carefully. Exxon Mobil is a name benefiting with oil going up. Google is also performing well right now. Some speculate that the weak dollar is responsible for some of these drops. TJ Marta thinks the dollar weakness is a historic multi-generational crisis and reflects the fact the foreign investors have lost confidence in the US market. They think our market is liquid and transparent, but it becoming less of each. Steve Liesman says the balance in the trade deficit needs to readjust. The US dollar is down 16% this year against basket of major currencies. It hit a record low against the Euro on Tuesday. FED thinks US growth will slow in 2008 between 1.8% and 2.5%. California has been hurt greatly with the number of homes sold. Jane Wells said Countrywide Finl. Is down 10%, but is projected to be profitable this quarter. They have joined other lenders to cut a deal with people who are about to see their subprime mortgage rates plummet. There are also many lawsuits brought against them for outrageous fees. Continental Air started to move up toward the end of the show. Jeff Krumpelman recommends buying Intel (INTC). They are hiking the dividend which comforts investors. 80% of their revenues come from outside the US. They have a competitive edge over AMD. He also says buy Microchip (MCHP). Final Thoughts: Be skeptical but have hope. The bad affects have not happened yet relating to the weak dollar. It is the fear that is making us worry. It has contributed to the higher price of oil

Labels: 3M Co., Citigroup Inc., CNBC, CNBC's The Call, Crude Oil, DOW, GOOG, JP Morgan Chase and Co., Nasdaq, The Call

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.
Hansen Natural Dec 80 Calls (NYSE:HANS - News). HANS's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
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.
Google Dec 620 Puts (NasdaqGS:GOOG - News). GOOG's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
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.
Amazon.com Nov 115 Calls (NasdaqGS:AMZN - News). AMZN's PowerRating (for Traders) is 6.
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.
CME Group Nov 570 Puts (NYSE:CME - News). CME's PowerRating (for Traders) is 5.
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 Chemical (NYSE:DOW - News). DOW'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.
Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW - News). EW' 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.
Ryland (NYSE:RYL - News). RYL's PowerRating (for Traders) is 4.
Published By TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AMZN, CME, DOW, EW, GOOG, HANS, RYL, stock options

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.
Pozen Inc. Sep 22.5 Calls (NasdaqGM:POZN - News). POZN's PowerRating is 7.
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.
Frontline Ltd. Aug 50 Puts (NYSE:FRO - News). FRO's PowerRating is 7.
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.
Baidu.com Aug 210 Calls (NasdaqGS:BIDU - News). BIDU'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.
Southern Copper Aug 110 Puts (NYSE:PCU - News). PCU's PowerRating is 5.
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.
Deckers Outdoor Corp. (NasdaqGS:DECK - News). DECK's PowerRating is 7.
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.
Dow Chemical Co. (NYSE:DOW - News). DOW's PowerRating 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.
Whole Foods Market Inc. (NasdaqGS:WFMI - News). WFMI's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: BIDU, DECK, DOW, FRO, Hot Stock Options, PCU, POZN, WFMI

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. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.

Xerox (NYSE:XRX) & Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW). XRX's PowerRating is 6, and DOW'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.
CKE Restaurants (NYSE:CKR) & Southwestern Energy (NYSE:SWN). CKR's PowerRating is 7, and SWN'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.
F5 Networks (NasdaqGS:FFIV). FFIV'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.
Hawaiian Electric Industries (NYSE:HE). HE'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.
Varian Medical Systems (NYSE:VAR). VAR's PowerRating is 3.
PowerRatings (for Traders) are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: CKR, DOW, FFIV, HE, Hot Stocks, SWN, VAR, XRX

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.
Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL - News) & Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW - News). CL's PowerRating is 6, and DOW'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.
Ryerson (NYSE:RYI - News). RYI's PowerRating is 8.
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.
Humana (NYSE:HUM - News) & Progress Energy (NYSE:PGN - News). HUM's PowerRating is 7, and PGN's PowerRating is 6.
Bearish
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. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Coldwater Creek (NasdaqGS:CWTR - News). CWTR'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.
KB Home (NYSE:KBH - News). KBH's PowerRating is 4.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: CL, CWTR, DOW, HUM, KBH, PGN, RYI

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.
American Home Mortgage June 25 Calls (NYSE:AHM). AHM's PowerRating is 2.
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.
Dow Chemical May 45 Puts (NYSE:DOW). DOW's PowerRating is 6.
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.
Dendreon May 17.5 Calls (NasdaqGM:DNDN). DNDN's PowerRating is 9.
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.
Google Inc. June 430 Puts (NasdaqGS:GOOG). GOOG'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.
None today
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.
WellCare Health Plans (NYSE:WCG). WCG'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.
Monster Worldwide (NasdaqGS:MNST). MNST's PowerRating is 5.
Lexmark International (NYSE:LXK) . LXK's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of TradingMarkets.com

Labels: AHM, DNDN, DOW, GOOG, LXK, MNST, stock options, WCG

Bullish calls:
Downey Financial (NYSE: DSL): 'Let's go buy some Downey.'Nokia (NYSE: NOK): 'Reported a pretty good number.'Apple (NasdaqGS: AAPL): 'Marking time ... one of just three tech stocks I said you could own right through to the summer.'Quicksilver Resources (NYSE: KWK): 'That's the good Quicksilver ... happens to be in my sweet spot.'Dow Chemical (NYSE: DOW): 'They decided they don't want value ... you take the dividend, you hold the stock. Dow will be acquired.'XTO Energy (NYSE: XTO)Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG): 'I think it's a coiled spring ... I like management very much ... I say it's at the right level ... step up to the plate and buy it before it hits 65.'RPM International (NYSE: RPM): 'Kind of has been lost in the shuffle. ... The long-term record with RPM is so good, we're giving them the benefit of the doubt.'St. Jude Medical (NYSE: STJ): 'Two ways to win ... get the heart business pumping much faster or we get a takeover. Do not abandon St. Jude even though it's had a nice run.'Google (NasdaqGS: GOOG)Domino's Pizza (NYSE: DPZ): 'Surprised the stock has pulled back .... We stay long Domino's, and I want you to buy some.'Diageo (NYSE: DEO): 'When the stock got to 74, quite an anomaly after they reported a fantastic quarter ... Stock just up 9 straight points. ... I want you to wait for a pullback to 80 before I want you to get involved.'Broadridge Financial (NYSE: BR): 'I do like the brokerage business, and that's what it's levered to.'Tiffany (NYSE: TIF): 'Holy cow is that ever a great company.'Coach (NYSE: COH): 'Coach, Ralph Lauren, Guess? those are all premium brands that you can buy and pay high multiples for.'Polo Ralph Lauren (NYSE: RL)Guess? (NYSE: GES)
Bearish calls:
Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (NYSE: RIO): 'We've liked this stock literally for 15 points ... Let it come in, then you'll have to buy it back. Rio is a great growth story ... as is Brazil.'BHP Billiton (NYSE: BHP)TrustCo Bank Corp (NasdaqGS: TRST): 'Seemingly inexpensive ... problem is on a book value basis, it is very expensive. ... I say ixnay on the TrustConay. Let's go buy some Downey.'Motorola (NYSE: MOT): 'I've been right to stay away from Moto ... they sent me a press release about how Carl Icahn is not welcome on their board. ... Motorola, let Carl Icahn on your board. And if not, until then, stay away.'Southern Copper (NYSE: PCU)
Published By SeekingAlpha

Labels: BR, COH, DEO, DOW, DPZ, DSL, GES, Jim Cramer, KWK, Lightning Round, Mad Money, MOT, NOK, PG, RIO, RPM, STJ, TIF, XTO

Dow Chemical (NYSE: DOW - News): Cramer says it seems fishy that DOW is up 3 % after the firing of two executives who were involved in an unauthorized leveraged buyout. He suspects that one of the dismissed executives, former finance chief Pedro Reinhard, will lead a bid for DOW. "Where there's smoke, there tends to be a gigantic 200-million-acre conflagration," Cramer said. He criticized chief Andrew Liveris, who is also on the board of Citigroup as "pro status quo."
Pepsico (NYSE: PEP - News) Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS - News): Cramer praised Sanford Bernstein's upgrade of PEP on its "Frito-Lay number, going from 5.5% to 7.0% with raw costs coming down" and was happy to see some decent homework. Gap's "Old Navy is back!" declared Cramer.
MGIC Investment Corp. (NYSE: MTG - News): This stock is up, and Cramer expressed his disbelief, particularly because the company insures sub-prime mortgages; "That's not a business I want to be in," he said.

Labels: DOW, GPS, Jim Cramer, Jim Cramer's Stop Trading, MTG, PEP

Stocks were narrowly mixed Tuesday as investors refrained from major moves ahead of first-quarter earnings reports that begin with Alcoa Inc.'s results after the closing bell.
The aluminum producer is expected to post a profit of 75 cents per share. Wall Street looks to results from the component of the Dow Jones industrial average to not only gauge the pace of earnings for the quarter but as a proxy for the health of the overall economy.
Stocks also showed little overall movement Monday as investors awaited news of how companies fared during the first quarter, and also their expectations for the coming quarters. In the fourth quarter, Standard & Poor's 500 companies snapped an 18-quarter streak of double-digit profit gains, and Wall Street expects profit growth to remain in the single digits for the first three months of the year. In midday trading, the Dow fell 13.17, or 0.10 percent, to 12,555.97.
Broader stock indicators were slightly higher. The S&P 500 edged up 0.44, or 0.03 percent, to 1,445.05, and the Nasdaq composite index rose 2.75, or 0.11 percent, to 2,471.93.
Bonds continued to recover, with the yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note falling to 4.71 percent from 4.75 percent late Monday. Gold prices rose, while the dollar was mixed against other major currencies after the United States filed two complaints against China at the World Trade Organization over copyright policy. The currency is at a two-year low against the euro.
Oil prices rose after selling off Monday following doubts about Iran's comments about its uranium-enrichment achievements. A barrel of light, sweet crude for delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange rose 36 cents to $61.87. Investors were also awaiting minutes from the Fed's most recent meeting at which it left short-term interest rates unchanged for the sixth straight time. In corporate news, Dow Chemical Co. fell $1.23, or 2.6 percent, to $45.40 after the chemical and plastics maker said it has had no discussions about a leveraged buyout. Citigroup Inc. rose 52 cents to $52.10 ahead of a major restructuring announcement, where some 26,000 workers will be reassigned or their jobs eliminated, according to a report in The New York Times. D.R. Horton Inc., the nation's largest homebuilder by deliveries, said its second-quarter sales orders fell 37 percent, led by even steeper declines in California and the Southwest. Shares fell 33 cents to $21.71.
Adolor Corp. fell $5, or 57.3 percent, to $3.72 after the biopharmaceutical company stopped clinical studies and withdrew an application for a constipation-relief drug, leading to a series of downgrades.
Shares of drug maker Mylan Laboratories Inc. jumped 65 cents, or 3.1 percent, to $21.85 after the company raised its profit forecast, citing continued strength in its generics business and new product sales.
Declining issues outnumbered advancers by about 9 to 5 on the New York Stock Exchange, where volume came to 551.4 million shares.
The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 2.61, or 0.32 percent, to 814.25.
Overseas, Japan's Nikkei stock average closed down 0.45 percent. In afternoon trading, Britain's FTSE 100 rose 0.32 percent, Germany's DAX index rose 0.94 percent, and France's CAC-40 rose 0.43 percent.
Source: AP

Labels: AA, ADLR, C, DHI, DOW, MYL

Here are 7 stocks for traders for Tuesday from TradingMarkets.com:
Cascade (NYSE:CAE - News) beat earnings Monday afternoon, with $0.80 EPS over an expected $0.75 EPS. CAE's PowerRating is 6.

AZZ Incorporated (NYSE:AZZ - News) announces earnings on Tuesday before the bell; watch for $0.84 EPS. AZZ does not have a PowerRating due to volume restraints.
Alcoa (NYSE:AA - News) and Electro Scientific (NasdaqGM:ESIO - News) announce earnings Tuesday after the close, so watch for heightened volume and price action ahead of the close. AA's PowerRating is 5, and ESIO's PowerRating is 4.
Despite reports and rumors that Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW - News) is on the table for an acquisition for $50 billion, the company's CEO continues to deny those speculations. DOW's PowerRating is 6.
Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE:AMD - News) warned that Q1 profits would be less than expected, but also announced other positive restructuring and cost-reducing initiatives. AMD's PowerRating is 3.
Apple (NasdaqGS:AAPL - News) announced that the company has sold 100 million iPods in just over five years. AAPL's PowerRating is 5.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: AA, AAPL, AMD, AZZ, CAE, DOW, ESIO, Hot Stocks

Wall Street flattened Monday as investors theorized that last week's robust jobs data lessens the likelihood that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates. Their disapppointment offset upbeat speculation about a takeover bid for Dow Chemical Co.
Since the market was closed for Good Friday, traders got their first opportunity to react to Labor Department data that showed stronger-than-expected job growth in March. The numbers indicated the economy might be in better shape than previously thought, and helped offset concerns about a continued slowdown in the housing market.
That initially lifted stocks, but investors apparently had second thoughts about the data, and so the market turned lower.
Takeover news provided some lift to the markets, with reports that Dow Chemical has been targeted by Middle Eastern investors and U.S. buyout firms in a deal that could be worth $50 billion. It would be the biggest leveraged buyout on the books.
In addition, Citigroup Inc. expanded its Asian operations by acquiring a Taiwan-based bank for $426 million. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. said it became the largest shareholder of railroad company Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. In midmorning trading, the Dow Jones industrial average rose 1.46, or 0.01 percent, to 12,561.66. The Standard & Poor's 500 index was up 0.04, or less than 0.01 percent, at 1,443.80, and the Nasdaq composite index fell 4.67, or 0.19 percent, to 2,466.67.
The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies was down 3.27, or 0.40 percent, at 810.08. The Labor Department reported showed nonfarm payrolls rose by 180,000 in March, above forecasts of 135,000. The unemployment rate fell to 4.4 percent, a five-month low. Bonds did regain some traction from the selloff, with the yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note falling to 4.73 percent from 4.75 percent. The dollar rose against other major currencies, while gold prices edged higher.
Oil continued to fall, with a barrel of light sweet crude dropping 63 cents to $63.65 on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Dow Chemical spiked $2.72, or 6.1 percent, to $47.19 after British tabloid The Sunday Express reported it could receive a buyout offer of $50 billion as soon as this week. Citigroup fell 5 cents to $51.52 after it announced the acquisition of Bank of Overseas Chinese to broaden operations in Asia, and particularly in the greater China region. The bank also said it will detail a long-expected cost cutting plan on Wednesday.
Burlington Northern Santa Fe rose $6.56 cents, or 7.9 percent, at $88.28 after Berkshire Hathaway announced it bought a 10.9 percent stake. Berkshire's class A shares rose $141 to $108,890.
Advanced Micro Devices Inc. expects its first-quarter revenue to miss Wall Street expectations due to sharply weaker sales results at its computing solutions unit. However, shares rose 46 cents, or 3.6 percent, at $13.32 after the chip maker said it will cut costs.
Sanmina-SCI Corp. fell 15 cents, or 3.9 percent, to $3.66 after cutting its second-quarter revenue forecast. The contract electronics manufacturer said it was seeing weaker demand in the communications and the high-end computing markets.
Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by about 8 to 7 on the New York Stock Exchange, where volume came to 218.3 million shares.
Source: AP

Labels: AMD, BNI, BRK-A, C, DOW, SANM, TXU

Shares of Dow Chemical Co. rose more than 6 percent Monday after a British newspaper reported a group of Middle Eastern investors and U.S. buyout firms was preparing a bid for the huge chemicals and plastics maker.
The Sunday Express, a British tabloid, reported over the weekend that the group has secured financing backing for a $50 billion bid for the Midland, Mich.-based chemicals company. That would be the biggest leveraged buyout ever.
The Express reported the investment team, which includes private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., is preparing a bid of $52 to $58 per share. At the low end, that would be a 17 percent premium over Dow Chemical's closing stock price of $44.47 on Thursday on the New York Stock Exchange. The market was closed on Good Friday.
Dow Chemical's stock jumped $2.70 to $47.17 in morning trading on the New York Stock Exchange after rising to a new 52-week high of $47.60 earlier in the session.
The newspaper said a bid of between $52 to $58 a share could come this week, with half the financial backing coming from investors in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, and half from U.S. investors.
Source: AP

Labels: DOW, Dow Chemical Co.

Wall Street extended its advance Monday after last week's robust jobs data and a report that Dow Chemical Co. could be in play helped energize investors about the economy.
With the stock market closed for Good Friday, traders got their first opportunity to react to data that showed stronger-than-expected job growth in March. This indicated the economy might be in better shape than previously thought, and helped offset concerns about a continued slowdown in the housing market.
Takeover news added ballast to the markets, with reports that Dow Chemical has been targeted by Middle Eastern investors and U.S. buyout firms in a deal that could be worth $50 billion. It would be the biggest leveraged buyout on the books.
In addition, Citigroup Inc. expanded its Asian operations by acquiring a Taiwan-based bank for $426 million. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. said it became the largest shareholder of railroad company Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.
In the first hour of trading, the Dow Jones industrial average rose 13.89, or 0.11 percent, to 12,574.09.
Broader stock indicators were also higher. The Standard & Poor's 500 index was up 1.71, or 0.12 percent, at 1,445.47, and the Nasdaq composite index added 3.02, or 0.12 percent, to 2,474.36.
The advance built on last week's gains, where the major indexes rose each day and returned to positive territory for the year. Most major European markets were closed Friday and Monday for an extended Easter holiday.
Bonds regained some traction after falling in a shortened session Friday on the employment report. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note fell Monday to 4.73 percent from 4.75 percent.
Published by Joe Bel Bruno, AP Business Writer

Labels: BNI, BRK-A, C, DOW

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.
VCG Holding (NYSE:PTT - News). PTT's PowerRating is 8.
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.
Dollar General (NYSE:DG - News) & Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW - News). DG's PowerRating is 9, and DOW's PowerRating is 6.
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.
La Jolla Pharmaceutical (NasdaqGM:LJPC - News). LJPC's PowerRating is 9.
Bearish
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. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Biotech HOLDRS (NYSE:BBH - News). BBH's PowerRating is 4.
2-Period RSI Above 98: These are stocks that have a 2-period RSI reading above 98 and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving with a 2-period RSI reading above 98 have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Intel (NasdaqGS:INTC - News). INTC's PowerRating is 3.
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.
Infousa (NasdaqGS:IUSA - News). IUSA's PowerRating is 3.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: BBH, DG, DOW, Hot Stocks, INTC, IUSA, LJPC, PTT

U.S. stock futures rose Monday, pointing to a higher opening on Wall Street, as investors reacted to last week's robust jobs data and a report that Dow Chemical Co. is the target of a $50 billion buyout offer.
The Labor Department reported Friday, a stock market holiday, that nonfarm payrolls rose by 180,000 in March, above forecasts of 135,000. The unemployment rate fell to 4.4 percent, a five-month low.

Labels: DOW, Dow Chemical Co., TXU

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.
VCG Holding (NYSE:PTT - News). PTT's PowerRating is 8.
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.
Dollar General (NYSE:DG - News) & Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW - News). DG's PowerRating is 9, and DOW's PowerRating is 6.
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.
La Jolla Pharmaceutical (NasdaqGM:LJPC - News). LJPC's PowerRating is 9.
Bearish
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. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Biotech HOLDRS (AMEX:BBH - News). BBH's PowerRating is 4.
2-Period RSI Above 98: These are stocks that have a 2-period RSI reading above 98 and are trading below their 200-day moving average. Our research shows that stocks trading below their 200-day moving with a 2-period RSI reading above 98 have shown negative returns, on average, 1-day and 1-week later. Historically, these stocks have provided traders with a significant edge.
Intel (NasdaqGS:INTC - News). INTC's PowerRating is 3.
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.
Infousa (NasdaqGS:IUSA - News). IUSA's PowerRating is 3.
PowerRatings are courtesy of PowerRatings.net

Labels: BBH, DG, DOW, Hot Stocks, INTC, IUSA, LJPC, PTT