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Foreign Markets

Overnight, stocks finished higher in Asia after recovering from losses stemming from concern over the financial sector. The Nikkei 225 average closed up 119.71 points, or 1.4 %, to 8,847.01. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was up 2.3 % at 15,214.46, and South Korea’s Kospi added 0.9 % to 1368.80.

Markets in Europe were mixed and relatively calm following trading in Asia. The FTSE 100 index of leading British shares was up 22.87 points, or 0.6 %, at 4,053.53, while France’s CAC-40 rose 5.53 points, or 0.2 %, 3,030.77. Germany’s DAX was 8.74 points, or 0.2 %, lower at 4,585.68.

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Despite Putrid Economy, Investors Increasingly Rolling the Dice on Speculative Small- Cap Stocks 

“Economic hardships prompt people to justify small-stakes gambles even as they cut back on nonessential goods and services.”

Did you know that lottery sales continue to rise in nearly 1/2 of all U.S. states despite a putrid economic environment? Mounting financial fears are driving American consumers to roll the dice on $1 to $5 daily drawings and scratch tickets in hopes of striking it rich. 

In today’s edition, let’s look at  how this relates to the world of small-cap stocks and also take a look at a company poised to benefit from increased investor focus on speculative stocks. Read the rest of this entry »

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” - George Santayana

Far too many of us would love to forget that last year ever happened (more specifically our portfolios). But, too many lessons were learned and key trends uncovered to simply sweep ‘08 under the rug.  ILet’s take a look at a number of key trends identified during 2008 and see why they will impact some of the more compelling opportunities stocks going forward. 

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Foreign Markets

Asian stocks fell, dragging the regional benchmark index to the lowest in five weeks, after Japanese machinery orders and U.S. retail sales dropped at more than double the pace economists expected. The Nikkei plunged 415.14 points, or 4.9%, to 8,023.31, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 461.65 points, or 3.4%, to 13,242.96
In Europe, where the European Central Bank meets later today in an expected rate cut. markets were marginally better than in Asia. The FTSE 100 index of leading British shares was down 16.81 points, or 0.4%, at 4,163.83, while Germany’s DAX dropped 20.85 points, or 0.5%, to 4,401.50. France’s CAC-40 fell 23.30, or 0.8%, to 3,028.70.

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