Author: Stock Picker

In the intricate tapestry of global oil markets, seemingly disparate threads often weave together to present unexpected opportunities. Today, we delve into one such potential game-changer: how U.S. shale plays, particularly from the Utica formation in Ohio, could ameliorate the mounting challenges faced by Canadian oil sands producers by providing the much-needed condensate for blending. Canadian oil-sands producers may want to sing “I Want to Be Free” right about now. They’re grappling with a slew of obstacles: high production costs, stiff regulatory pressures, and transportation inefficiencies loom large. The European Union’s proposal of penalties targeting oil sands underscores these geopolitical…

In the ever-evolving playing field of stock investments, the spotlight often swings towards companies embroiled in high-stakes dramas. Currently, Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE: DELL) is capturing the market’s attention with its skyrocketing stock performance—an anomaly driven not by its operational performance but by a riveting buyout saga. The critical question lingering: Should investors jump on the Dell bandwagon now, or are there safer, more profitable alternatives? Dell’s Market Performance: A Tale of Two Realities Over recent months, Dell’s stock has performed remarkably well, posting gains that have kept investors buzzing. However, this surge is not a reflection of triumphs in…

Welcome, Market Monitors! Today we delve into a seismic shift in the tech world—the rise of tablets and the corresponding decline of traditional PCs. This trend is not just reshaping consumer behavior, but it’s also drawing a clear line of opportunity for savvy investors who can read these powerful currents. The Computing Landscape in Flux Are you ready to ride the wave of technological revolution? Tablets are here, and they’re not just nibbling at the PC market; they’re devouring it. This is more than a mere trend; it’s a computing paradigm shift characterized by changing consumer behaviors and enterprise strategies.…

As summer driving season draws nearer, gas prices are inching back up to their February highs, averaging $3.66 per gallon across the U.S. This hike spells trouble for wallets nationwide, making many consumers question: Who’s to blame? Is it the oil companies? Or perhaps government subsidies are to blame? Or is it Iran’s commitment to keep oil prices high, pegging them at $100 a barrel? One thing’s clear: Your own state and federal representatives play a substantial role in keeping gas prices high. Federal gasoline taxes sit at $0.18 per gallon, but state taxes add an average of $0.25 per…

Last week was anything but calm for the **Dow Jones Industrial Average** (DJI). Despite a shorter trading week due to the long holiday weekend, the market was brimming with drama, volatility, and a plethora of investment opportunities. The Dow Jones opened strong on Tuesday, climbing 106 points, but by Wednesday it slid back down 106 points. Thursday seemed promising until a late-afternoon downturn led to a modest 21-point gain. Friday, however, saw the Dow flat for most of the day before a significant 208-point drop in the last two hours, culminating in a weekly loss of 187 points or 1.22%.…

Welcome, savvy investors! Today we delve into a pressing issue—one that has far-reaching implications for your portfolio and financial well-being. You’ve likely marveled at the bullish surge of the stock market, perhaps even reassured by it. However, troubling signs beneath the surface hint that this enthusiasm might be masking deeper economic woes. It’s hard to bemoan a bull market, especially one as robust as we’ve seen since the summer of 2011. During this period, the S&P 500 lost 17% of its value over a month but has surged by 46% since. This meteoric rise has been a boon for anyone…

In the world of investing, there’s one golden rule: never lose sight of the long-term strategy. Matt Thalman’s latest article reinforces this principle with compelling arguments and actionable insights, making it an essential read for Market Monitors’ audience. The core message is clear: whether the market soars or plummets, maintaining a steady, long-term investment strategy is the key to financial success. The Nature of Market Corrections Let’s face it: market corrections are as certain as death and taxes. It’s been a well-documented fact that the market typically undergoes multiple corrections each year. Historically, investors can expect three 5% corrections, one…

Ford, a legendary American automobile manufacturer, is taking daring strides to expand its SUV market beyond its traditional U.S. stronghold. This strategic maneuver resonates strongly with Market Monitors’ readers, highlighting an ambitious growth strategy that aims to capitalize on the shifting global automotive landscape. Ford aims to catapult its EcoSport SUV from a modest presence in 10 markets to a staggering 60 international markets within the next four years. Simultaneously, the Escape SUV is poised to make waves in China, one of the largest and most promising automotive markets globally. Ford’s success hinges on its ability to penetrate the European…

Cancer remains one of the most formidable challenges in the medical field, and as such, the business of fighting cancer translates into compelling investment opportunities. Investors looking to back advancements in cancer treatments while achieving substantial financial returns would do well to focus on the most diagnosed cancers in the U.S. after a recent three-month study that highlights promising high-risk biotech stocks and more stable pharmaceutical giants. Dive into this comprehensive breakdown to stay ahead of the curve. High-Risk, High-Reward Investment Opportunities Editor’s Note: Analysis and insight for this article were originally sourced sourced from our friends at The Motley…

General Motors was once a titan of the auto industry, synonymous with American manufacturing prowess. For decades, it enjoyed unchallenged dominance. However, the 2000s unveiled the chinks in its armor. June 1, 2009, saw GM, the world’s largest automaker at that time, file for bankruptcy. This monumental collapse was precipitated by a series of missteps and external shocks. Overexpansion and overreliance on gas-guzzling SUVs came back to haunt them as fuel prices soared. Trade union pressures exacerbated the situation, inflating labor costs. Adding salt to the wound, fierce competition from more efficient Japanese automakers steadily eroded GM’s market share. The…