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How Merrill trampled the little guys
The financial giant found itself in a bind, so its CEO pulled a stunt, and the company's core customers got hosed. But there is something they can do to fight back.
The Olympics: Let's root for China
A strong showing by the home team in this summer's games would be good for everyone. Here's why China's gold-medal haul could affect the global economy.
5 big winners in the banking crisis
It's clear these financial companies will pick up the pieces of their troubled competitors. The question is how much market share they'll walk away with.
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16 top picks for a confusing market
As the first week in the latest round of our Strategy Lab closes, a quizzical market and a broad array of player strategies and picks provide plenty to think about.
Are cell phones the next cigarettes?
It took years for the hazards of smoking to come to light. Now there's debate over the safety of mobile phones, but studies on their possible health effects are far from definitive.
5 hot stocks for a cold market
However rough the Street gets, there are always stocks going up -- and the best of them are likely to keep winning. Here are 5, plus a screen to help you find more.
Your lifestyle may hurt credit score
Lenders might be monitoring your behavior via your credit card spending -- and certain purchases could cost you.
Dow off 225 on economic worries, higher oil
Moody's may downgrade American Express. Wal-Mart sees slower sales because stimulus checks are spent. Oil jumps to $120. AIG's big loss slams its shares. Intel leads chip stocks higher. Jobless claims hit their worst level in 6 years.
Hudson City rides out banking storm
The consumer-oriented bank holding company appears on an MSN Money list of stocks with momentum. Here are StockScouter’s top picks.
Lexus, Mercury, Cadillac top reliability survey
Widely watched gauge of long-term dependability finds almost all makes improving; 3-year-old Hondas, Chevrolets among brands slipping, J.D. Power study shows. See the complete lists.
No free rides: This means you
I ruffled some feathers writing about being broke. You're angry, and I've heard you. But you probably have more control over your finances than you think.
Your 5-minute guide to saving money
Saving for a rainy day but feeling like you can't get ahead of the storm? You're not alone. These 13 tips can help you get your financial umbrella ready.
One L of a global banking crisis
An expert on the world financial picture sees a painfully drawn-out recession spreading through financial institutions nearly everywhere. He also offers suggestions for riding it out.
Which way do the numbers point now?
The popping of the real-estate bubble offers a lesson on heeding the information at hand. In the coming months, the numbers say tighter credit will put the squeeze on many otherwise stable companies.
A messy market calls for discipline
Volatile oil prices, a credit crisis and numerous other woes will test the rigors and strategies of even the savviest investors in the coming months.
Dow up 40 as crude falls below $119
Investors cheer another oil price drop, and the market shrugs off Freddie Mac's big loss. Cisco Systems powers a tech rally. A UBS analyst says Microsoft may buy back up to $20 billion in stock. American International Group reports its third straight loss.
US indicts 11 in credit card scheme
A federal grand jury has indicted men in 5 countries for allegedly hacking into computers of 9 retailers and stealing more than 41 million credit and debit card numbers.
Is retiring early unpatriotic?
By staying on the job longer, boomers could help spur the economy and ease America's worker shortages, the Social Security mess and the national debt.
Business is booming at MasterCard
The credit card giant posted a quarterly loss and the stock slipped, but revenue grew 25%. That makes this a buy for me.
Save gas: Learn from 'hypermilers'
Fanatics say their techniques can wring 50 or even 90 miles out of every gallon. But you don't have to go to their controversial extremes to make a big dent in fuel consumption.
Time for 1 more stock to short
Screening points me to Ciena, which is trading well below its 50-day moving average.
Will Olympic sponsors strike gold?
Companies will spend more than a billion dollars in coming weeks to link their names to the Olympics, but will it pay off? The evidence, including a unique stock index, says yes.
4 solid stocks for a rocky market
In a market this tough, it may actually be safer to buy rock-solid stocks than trying to pick the right sector funds or ETFs. I'm buying Dolby, Qualcomm, IBM and Johnson & Johnson.
The emerging weakness in emerging markets
I believe the break in commodity prices will lead to lower stock prices in many emerging markets. So I'm going to limit my exposure to them.
Dow up 332 as Fed leaves rates alone
Stocks jump as oil falls below $120 for the first time since May. The Federal Reserve leaves its key rates unchanged. But the central bank says it won't let inflation get out of control. Cisco earnings cheer the Street; Whole Foods earnings do not.
Investors' early-warning system
The MSN CAPS community's ratings aren't always right, but participants did a remarkable job of predicting some of this year's winners and losers among energy and financial stocks.
McDonald's to change Dollar Menu
The Dollar Menu helped spark a turnaround in 2003 by drawing more traffic to the chain's restaurants. But as food costs rise, the menu is squeezing profits.
Spending more and getting less?
The battle for breakfast
Under siege by the fast-food giants, IHOP and Denny's fight back with offerings like to-go meals and curbside pickup.
Can tech stocks lead a rebound?
The time is right for technology to shake the market out of its doldrums, and investors will want to take part. But be careful: The landscape has changed.
And now, a fee to pay your bill
Even if you settle that phone or cable bill on time, you might be dinged for doing so. Here are some companies' nickel-and-dime strategies -- and how to beat them.
I'm betting on the greenback
With the world economy slowing and the Fed taking action, the US dollar should strengthen. I'm also buying ETFs to play biotech and midcap stocks, and to bet on a China decline.
How Merrill trampled the little guys
The financial giant found itself in a bind, so its CEO pulled a stunt, and the company's core customers got hosed. But there is something they can do to fight back.
Crude oil plunges, but Dow falls 42
Oil drags energy stocks lower as investors see Tropical Storm Edouard causing few problems for rigs and pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico. Metals stocks tumble; health care shares rally. The Fed is expected to leave rates unchanged Tuesday.
When should you spend to save?
Are warehouse store memberships a good deal? How about extended warranties? It all depends on the products -- and on you, the shopper.
Wal-Mart denies vote-swaying charge
The retailer responds to a newspaper report saying company officials warned employees that a Democratic win in November could pave the way for more workers to unionize.
When a bear market doesn't matter
Market downturns are no fun, but don't let the labels concern you. You should instead concentrate on your own circumstances and portfolio.
Elan is way down and I'm buying
The drug maker has plunged 60% on concerns about test results for 1 drug and 2 patient illnesses linked to another. The damage is way too deep, which means a buying opportunity.
As market roils, I just need a few winners
With the market in turmoil, it's hard to tell whose numbers and statements you can trust. So I'll follow the market data to pick my stocks.
Going all in, guided by 5 gurus
A bearish market has its share of risks, but plenty of opportunities, too. This 20-stock buy is based on strategies devised by the masters of the market.
Betting against oil and for the dollar
I'm buying Ultra-Short Oil and Gas ProShares, US Dollar Index Bullish Fund, Adobe Systems, Ansys, ITT Educational Services and UltraShort S&P500 ProShares.
How did Merrill miss a $5.7B hole?
Just 2 weeks after reporting earnings, Merrill Lynch said it would have to take a huge write-down in the third quarter. Hmm, had the financial giant's fortunes really changed that quickly?
The end of the commodity run?
The Wall Street herd is rapidly changing direction, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you should buy all the most beaten-up stocks and expect them to skyrocket.
GM's huge loss will keep the Fed in check
GM loses $15.5 billion in the second quarter equal to two Corvettes a minute. Coupled with the industry's terrible July sales mean the Fed won't raise rates on Tuesday. Oil prices move higher. Northwest Air to add $80 to tickets; US Airways will charge for water.
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16 top picks for a confusing market
As the first week in the latest round of our Strategy Lab closes, a quizzical market and a broad array of player strategies and picks provide plenty to think about.
5 hot stocks for a cold market
However rough the Street gets, there are always stocks going up -- and the best of them are likely to keep winning. Here are 5, plus a screen to help you find more.
Dow off 225 on economic worries, higher oil
Moody's may downgrade American Express. Wal-Mart sees slower sales because stimulus checks are spent. Oil jumps to $120. AIG's big loss slams its shares. Intel leads chip stocks higher. Jobless claims hit their worst level in 6 years.
Hudson City rides out banking storm
The consumer-oriented bank holding company appears on an MSN Money list of stocks with momentum. Here are StockScouter’s top picks.
One L of a global banking crisis
An expert on the world financial picture sees a painfully drawn-out recession spreading through financial institutions nearly everywhere. He also offers suggestions for riding it out.
Which way do the numbers point now?
The popping of the real-estate bubble offers a lesson on heeding the information at hand. In the coming months, the numbers say tighter credit will put the squeeze on many otherwise stable companies.
A messy market calls for discipline
Volatile oil prices, a credit crisis and numerous other woes will test the rigors and strategies of even the savviest investors in the coming months.
Dow up 40 as crude falls below $119
Investors cheer another oil price drop, and the market shrugs off Freddie Mac's big loss. Cisco Systems powers a tech rally. A UBS analyst says Microsoft may buy back up to $20 billion in stock. American International Group reports its third straight loss.
Business is booming at MasterCard
The credit card giant posted a quarterly loss and the stock slipped, but revenue grew 25%. That makes this a buy for me.
Time for 1 more stock to short
Screening points me to Ciena, which is trading well below its 50-day moving average.
Will Olympic sponsors strike gold?
Companies will spend more than a billion dollars in coming weeks to link their names to the Olympics, but will it pay off? The evidence, including a unique stock index, says yes.
4 solid stocks for a rocky market
In a market this tough, it may actually be safer to buy rock-solid stocks than trying to pick the right sector funds or ETFs. I'm buying Dolby, Qualcomm, IBM and Johnson & Johnson.
The emerging weakness in emerging markets
I believe the break in commodity prices will lead to lower stock prices in many emerging markets. So I'm going to limit my exposure to them.
Dow up 332 as Fed leaves rates alone
Stocks jump as oil falls below $120 for the first time since May. The Federal Reserve leaves its key rates unchanged. But the central bank says it won't let inflation get out of control. Cisco earnings cheer the Street; Whole Foods earnings do not.
Investors' early-warning system
The MSN CAPS community's ratings aren't always right, but participants did a remarkable job of predicting some of this year's winners and losers among energy and financial stocks.
McDonald's to change Dollar Menu
The Dollar Menu helped spark a turnaround in 2003 by drawing more traffic to the chain's restaurants. But as food costs rise, the menu is squeezing profits.
Spending more and getting less?
The battle for breakfast
Under siege by the fast-food giants, IHOP and Denny's fight back with offerings like to-go meals and curbside pickup.
Can tech stocks lead a rebound?
The time is right for technology to shake the market out of its doldrums, and investors will want to take part. But be careful: The landscape has changed.
I'm betting on the greenback
With the world economy slowing and the Fed taking action, the US dollar should strengthen. I'm also buying ETFs to play biotech and midcap stocks, and to bet on a China decline.
How Merrill trampled the little guys
The financial giant found itself in a bind, so its CEO pulled a stunt, and the company's core customers got hosed. But there is something they can do to fight back.
Crude oil plunges, but Dow falls 42
Oil drags energy stocks lower as investors see Tropical Storm Edouard causing few problems for rigs and pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico. Metals stocks tumble; health care shares rally. The Fed is expected to leave rates unchanged Tuesday.
Wal-Mart denies vote-swaying charge
The retailer responds to a newspaper report saying company officials warned employees that a Democratic win in November could pave the way for more workers to unionize.
When a bear market doesn't matter
Market downturns are no fun, but don't let the labels concern you. You should instead concentrate on your own circumstances and portfolio.
Elan is way down and I'm buying
The drug maker has plunged 60% on concerns about test results for 1 drug and 2 patient illnesses linked to another. The damage is way too deep, which means a buying opportunity.
As market roils, I just need a few winners
With the market in turmoil, it's hard to tell whose numbers and statements you can trust. So I'll follow the market data to pick my stocks.
Going all in, guided by 5 gurus
A bearish market has its share of risks, but plenty of opportunities, too. This 20-stock buy is based on strategies devised by the masters of the market.
Betting against oil and for the dollar
I'm buying Ultra-Short Oil and Gas ProShares, US Dollar Index Bullish Fund, Adobe Systems, Ansys, ITT Educational Services and UltraShort S&P500 ProShares.
How did Merrill miss a $5.7B hole?
Just 2 weeks after reporting earnings, Merrill Lynch said it would have to take a huge write-down in the third quarter. Hmm, had the financial giant's fortunes really changed that quickly?
The end of the commodity run?
The Wall Street herd is rapidly changing direction, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you should buy all the most beaten-up stocks and expect them to skyrocket.
GM's huge loss will keep the Fed in check
GM loses $15.5 billion in the second quarter equal to two Corvettes a minute. Coupled with the industry's terrible July sales mean the Fed won't raise rates on Tuesday. Oil prices move higher. Northwest Air to add $80 to tickets; US Airways will charge for water.
Portfolio
Biography
Strategy
Transactions
23 common-sense investing rules
To summarize my core principles: Keep a proper portfolio balance, use discretion in short-selling -- and leave your emotions out of your trading decisions.
The way out of the credit crunch
We know we're in a financial bind, but the ins and outs are hard to understand. Here are 5 things you need to know, including how to escape the mess.
Biography
Transactions
Transactions
Biography
Ken Kam has a team of 100 all-star investors that help him select and research stocks for the mutual fund he manages, the Masters 100 Fund.
Strategy
Transactions
Biography
Strategy
The incredible shrinking Doritos bag
Big companies are protecting profits with subtle repackaging, putting a little less into boxes of cereal, containers of ice cream, rolls of paper towels and other products. Guess who's paying for it.
Mix long and short trades to beat the market
My strategy is pretty simple: Find stocks with prices that are rising faster than the market and go long on those, and find stocks that are falling faster than the market and short those.
Biography
The Olympics: Let's root for China
A strong showing by the home team in this summer's games would be good for everyone. Here's why China's gold-medal haul could affect the global economy.
Is the bear about to break?
The next 6 months will bring two momentous events -- the Olympics and a presidential election -- to help lift the economy, so prepare for the next bull market.
Biography
Strategy
Making money in a down market
When stocks are down, opportunities abound. But it's not time to be anything but cautious, or you'll lose instead of win.
In tough times, team up to win
I set out years ago to find investors who can perform well in any market so we could share our best ideas. In tough times, you need a team more than ever.
Stay with your long-term strategy
Markets get more volatile toward the bottoms of bear markets, as investors grow weary of bad news and become eager to sell. This volatility can become dangerous if you don't follow your plan.
Transactions
Transactions
Dow off 206 on economic worries, Exxon miss
ExxonMobil reports the biggest quarterly profit by any company, but Wall Street is unimpressed. Economic growth in the second quarter is less than expected. Boeing falls on strike worries. The Dow's small gain in July is a big improvement over June.
50 stocks worth a look in August
StockScouter, MSN Money's stock-picking tool, identifies companies with momentum. Health care concerns dominate the August list, which is also notable for an absence of energy companies.
Strategy
Is market 'fix' tomorrow's crisis?
A year into the debt debacle, radical change looms as the US government ponders drastic measures to revive the financial system. Will they work? Who knows?
Dow up 186 as energy stocks surge
Energy stocks power the market higher as crude nears $127 on a surprising decline in gas supplies. Starbucks and Visa earnings cheer Wall Street. Disney's outlook is a concern. Indications are that Friday's jobs report will be bullish.
An iPhone screen for new Apple laptops?
The company's computers are due for an overhaul, and an Apple official has promised a 'future product transition.' Giving the MacBook a new touch screen is the likely next step, analysts say.
7 highly rated stocks on sale
Despite being beaten down in recent weeks, these stocks remain well-regarded by the MSN CAPS investing community. Are they ready to rebound?
What's really killing the land-line business
The days when a cell phone was a luxury are gone. Today, it's the home-based telephone that's as expendable as Starbucks lattes and Coach handbags.
Dow jumps 266 on lower oil, higher confidence
Crude oil falls to $122, and stocks rebound from Monday's loss. Consumer confidence is a touch better than expected. Merrill Lynch's plans to raise $8.5 billion and write down $5.7 billion boost financial stocks. American Airlines shares have doubled in 10 days.
The high price of raising an Olympian
The death of value investing
Sure, value funds are great for the long term. But in the long term, we're all dead. These days, value as an investing strategy is dead, too -- and you probably own a bunch of it.
5 big winners in the banking crisis
It's clear these financial companies will pick up the pieces of their troubled competitors. The question is how much market share they'll walk away with.
Weak financials, higher oil mug market
The Dow falls more than 240 points as financial shares sag. Merrill Lynch takes a new $5.7-billion write-down. Crude rises partly on worries about Iran. Concerns about Steve Jobs' health hit Apple. Amgen earnings cheer Street.
10 funds finding calm in the storm
Looking to park some money for the long term? Despite the market's recent rough ride, these hot-selling funds are keeping their losses down.
The repugnant bailout nation
There seems to be little outrage as the US, a country where free enterprise is supposed to reign, moves to nationalize losses without even contemplating reform.
Oil's big decline fails to excite Wall Street
Worries about financial stocks will dominate next week's market. But crude's big fall has started to ease the pain at the gas pump. Techs enjoy a big rally, but auto stocks slide. New-home sales and durable goods orders aren't as bad as expected.
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