Stocks spent most of today's session above water with the�Dow Jones Industrial Average� (DJINDICES: ^DJI ) testing intraday record highs at one point, but an afternoon sell-off led the�S&P 500�and�Nasdaq�to a negative finish, while the blue chips finished 32 points, or 0.2% higher. No major news item drove the market today as investors responded to further remarks from Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen, and a drop in initial unemployment applications.
New jobless claims fell to 319,000 last week from a previous mark of 345,000, beating estimates at 325,000. While the weekly number tends to be volatile, the drop seems to indicate strong employment growth continuing from April into May. Also favorable was news that the four-week moving average in continuing unemployment claims hit a low not seen since December 2007, at 2.715 million, showing the job market is on track to return to pre-recession levels.
In her second day in a row of speaking before Congress, Yellen again defended the central bank's actions to stimulate the economy and said second-quarter growth looked solid. She also said that the committee has not yet made a decision on the Fed's portfolio, which has grown from $800 billion to $4.5 trillion after years of bond buying, and that it could take five to eight years to reduce it to pre-crisis levels.
10 Best Medical Stocks To Watch For 2015: International Business Machines Corporation(IBM)
International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) provides information technology (IT) products and services worldwide. Its Global Technology Services segment provides IT infrastructure and business process services, including strategic outsourcing, process, integrated technology, and maintenance services, as well as technology-based support services. The company?s Global Business Services segment offers consulting and systems integration, and application management services. Its Software segment offers middleware and operating systems software, such as WebSphere software to integrate and manage business processes; information management software for database and enterprise content management, information integration, data warehousing, business analytics and intelligence, performance management, and predictive analytics; Tivoli software for identity management, data security, storage management, and datacenter automation; Lotus software for collaboration, messaging, and so cial networking; rational software to support software development for IT and embedded systems; business intelligence software, which provides querying and forecasting tools; SPSS predictive analytics software to predict outcomes and act on that insight; and operating systems software. Its Systems and Technology segment provides computing and storage solutions, including servers, disk and tape storage systems and software, point-of-sale retail systems, and microelectronics. The company?s Global Financing segment provides lease and loan financing to end users and internal clients; commercial financing to dealers and remarketers of IT products; and remanufacturing and remarketing services. It serves financial services, public, industrial, distribution, communications, and general business sectors. The company was formerly known as Computing-Tabulating-Recording Co. and changed its name to International Business Machines Corporation in 1924. IBM was founded in 1910 and is based in Armonk, New York.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By WALLSTCHEATSHEET]
IBM is a global technology company that provides essential products and services to companies and consumers worldwide. The company�announced plans to create a new unit dedicated to Watson. The stock has been struggling over the last couple of years and is currently trading sideways. Over the last four quarters, earnings have been rising while revenues have been declining, which has left investors optimistic about IBM�� earnings announcements. Relative to its peers and sector, IBM has been a relative year-to-date performance leader. WAIT AND SEE what IBM does this coming quarter.
- [By Jon C. Ogg]
Again, Buffett talks up intrinsic value as the real yardstick. After all, he is not going to give short sellers and critics a reason to bash him. Berkshire Hathaway purchased additional shares of Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE: WFC) to a 9.2% stake versus 8.7% a year earlier, and International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE: IBM) to a 6.3% stake versus 6.0%. Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM) is far from being one the “Big Four” holdings, but that may change in time.
- [By ICRAOnline]
NetApp is one of the key players in the network storage operating software space. IT research firm Gartner believes that growing demand for NetApp�� Clustered Data ONTAP operating system is helping the company to achieve above-industry growth, outshining storage giants EMC Corp (EMC), IBM (IBM) and Hewlett-Packard (HPQ).
- [By Rich Smith]
IBM (NYSE: IBM ) is going to buy cloud computing provider�SoftLayer.
For months, reports have been circulating that IBM and EMC were competing for the right to acquire privately held, Dallas-based SoftLayer, which provides an infrastructure for cloud-centric, performance-intensive applications for�mobile computing and gaming,�social�media, and�analytics. However, an EMC spokesman said today the company was not competing with IBM. "EMC was initially approached, uninterested and decided not to bid," said Senior Director for Public Relations Dave Farmer.
Top 10 Blue Chip Companies To Invest In Right Now: Apple Inc.(AAPL)
Apple Inc., together with subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and markets personal computers, mobile communication and media devices, and portable digital music players, as well as sells related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications worldwide. The company sells its products worldwide through its online stores, retail stores, direct sales force, third-party wholesalers, resellers, and value-added resellers. In addition, it sells third-party Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iPod compatible products, including application software, printers, storage devices, speakers, headphones, and other accessories and peripherals through its online and retail stores; and digital content and applications through the iTunes Store. The company sells its products to consumer, small and mid-sized business, education, enterprise, government, and creative markets. As of September 25, 2010, it had 317 retail stores, including 233 stores in the United States and 84 stores internationally. The company, formerly known as Apple Computer, Inc., was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Cupertino, California.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Steve Symington]
Shares of the streaming music specialist plummeted 11% Monday, then followed up with an additional 5.5% drubbing Tuesday after The Wall Street Journal�reported�Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ) �had just signed a licensing deal with Warner Music. Of course, that wasn't particularly bad news for Pandora investors until it was noted that Apple is also launching its own streaming music service, aptly named "iRadio."
- [By Andrew Tonner]
As many of the world's developed markets move toward saturation with smartphone penetration, emerging markets have become increasingly critical in driving growth for handset makers like�Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ) and�Samsung. The crown jewel of emerging markets is China, the world's largest smartphone market. And it's exactly that size that makes it one of the most closely watched markets by analysts and investors alike. In the video below, Fool contributor Andrew Tonner tells investors about one significant trend in this major market.
- [By Markos Kaminis]
Since the news about the metadata sharing was made public, rumors rose about another secret government program said to be named PRISM, which many major media providers are saying today is more than rumor. Under such a supposed program, the NSA is alleged to have access to emails and other Internet data. However, major service providers in the field have denied any knowledge of any such program and any participation in such a program. Apple (AAPL) says it does not provide any government agency with direct access to its servers. Google (GOOG) says it does not have a back door for the government to access data. Microsoft (MSFT), Facebook (FB) and Yahoo (YHOO) have also all denied being a party to any such effort. Still, at least one name remains tied to what many Americans seem to be feeling is an infringement on their privacy, and that is Verizon.
Top 10 Blue Chip Companies To Invest In Right Now: Philip Morris International Inc(PM)
Philip Morris International Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products in markets outside of the United States. Its international product brand line comprises Marlboro, Merit, Parliament, Virginia Slims, L&M, Chesterfield, Bond Street, Lark, Muratti, Next, Philip Morris, and Red & White. The company also offers its products under the A Mild, Dji Sam Soe, and A Hijau in Indonesia; Diana in Italy; Optima and Apollo-Soyuz in the Russian Federation; Morven Gold in Pakistan; Boston in Colombia; Belmont, Canadian Classics, and Number 7 in Canada; Best and Classic in Serbia; f6 in Germany; Delicados in Mexico; Assos in Greece; and Petra in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It operates primarily in the European Union, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Canada, and Latin America. The company is based in New York, New York.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Dan Caplinger]
Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM ) will release its quarterly report on Thursday, and projections suggest that it will manage to deliver decent results for investors. But shareholders don't seem convinced about Philip Morris earnings, as they've recently sent the stock down substantially from its May highs.
Top 10 Blue Chip Companies To Invest In Right Now: Visa Inc.(V)
Visa Inc., a payments technology company, engages in the operation of retail electronic payments network worldwide. It facilitates commerce through the transfer of value and information among financial institutions, merchants, consumers, businesses, and government entities. The company owns and operates VisaNet, a global processing platform that provides transaction processing services. It also offers a range of payments platforms, which enable credit, charge, deferred debit, debit, and prepaid payments, as well as cash access for consumers, businesses, and government entities. The company provides its payment platforms under the Visa, Visa Electron, PLUS, and Interlink brand names. In addition, it offers value-added services, including risk management, issuer processing, loyalty, dispute management, value-added information, and CyberSource-branded services. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Mike Deane]
On Wednesday, Visa (V) announced that it will be raising its quarterly dividend from 33 cents to 40 cents per share.
Visa’s 21.2% dividend hike will bring the company’s annualized payout to $1.40. The dividend will be payable on December 3 to all shareholders on record as of November 15. The ex-dividend date is Novembers 13.
Visa’s shares down $1.09, or 0.55%, at Wednesday’s market close, and were sinking lower in after-hours trading. The company’s stock is up 28.7% YTD.
Top 10 Blue Chip Companies To Invest In Right Now: McDonald's Corporation(MCD)
McDonald?s Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a worldwide foodservice retailer. It franchises and operates McDonald?s restaurants that offer various food items, soft drinks, coffee, and other beverages. As of December 31, 2009, the company operated 32,478 restaurants in 117 countries, of which 26,216 were operated by franchisees; and 6,262 were operated by the company. McDonald?s Corporation was founded in 1948 and is based in Oak Brook, Illinois.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By WWW.DAILYFINANCE.COM]
Alamy McDonald's (MCD) is not in a good place these days, with sales slumping, quality concerns rising, and activists pushing for it to start paying its employees a living wage. It's against this backdrop of McDespair that a radical tech-fueled test may be the ticket to giving customers and some -- but not all -- employees what they want. The world's largest burger chain is expanding a test that started in two stores in California's Orange County where patrons could build customized gourmet burgers using tablets -- but still heading to the cashier to ring up the sale. The test is expanding this month in geography -- to two stores in San Diego -- and in scope. According to U-T San Diego, the new experience is upscale and convenient. Customers use the touch-screen devices to assemble gourmet burgers with 20 toppings like guacamole and garlic aioli and two roll choices (artisan or brioche). The cost? $5.49 plus tax. "Bacon, the only extra that costs extra, adds 80 cents," U-T San Diego reported. But, wait, there's more: The tablets now allow customers to scan credit and debit cards so orders are processed right away. Guests don't have to wait by the counter. Employees bring orders to the table on metal baskets. Employees bus the table afterward. In short, this tablet test finds McDonald's behaving more like a fast-casual chain or gourmet burger shop than the struggling fast-food behemoth that it is today. Take Two Tablets and Call Me in the Morning Folks who want to order meals outside of the custom-built upscale sandwiches still have to hit up a cashier. However, it's not much of a stretch to see these tablets eventually being able to handle the entire menu. A single person troubleshooting questions or tech issues can replace an army of cashiers. If McDonald's is able to run efficiently with fewer employees, couldn't it take these savings and give "Fight for $15" activists what they want: better wages for the folks whom they do keep around? In its present
- [By Jon C. Ogg]
This week we have seen dividend hikes from Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA)�components Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) and McDonald’s Corp. (NYSE: MCD). 24/7 Wall St. expects that there will be five, maybe six, more big dividend hike announcements from major companies before the end of 2013.
Top 10 Blue Chip Companies To Invest In Right Now: Colgate-Palmolive Company(CL)
Colgate-Palmolive Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets consumer products worldwide. It offers oral care products, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouth rinses, as well as dental floss and pharmaceutical products for dentists and other oral health professionals; personal care products, such as liquid hand soap, shower gels, bar soaps, deodorants, antiperspirants, shampoos, and conditioners; and home care products comprising laundry and dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, household cleaners, bleaches, dishwashing liquids, and oil soaps. The company offers its oral, personal, and home care products under the Colgate Total, Colgate Max Fresh, Colgate 360 Advisors' Opinion:
- [By TaniaC]
Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) is a consumer products company whose products are marketed in over 200 countries and territories throughout the world. It operates in two segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care and Pet Nutrition.
- [By Motley Fool Staff]
Andres Cardenal:�Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE: CL ) , generates most of its sales and cash flows from its leadership position in the oral care industry. Management estimates that the company owns a global market share of 44.4% in toothpastes, 33.2% in toothbrushes, and 38.9% in mouthwashes.
- [By Laura Brodbeck]
Friday
Earnings Expected From: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY), Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE: CL), Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation (NYSE: COG), Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), Moody’s Corporation (NYSE: MCO), Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG), Shire plc (NASDAQ: SHPG) Economic Releases Expected: German consumer confidence, Italian retail sales, British GDP, U.S. new home salesPosted-In: Earnings News Previews Top Stories Economics Pre-Market Outlook Markets Trading Ideas Best of Benzinga
- [By Sean Williams]
But, have you ever stopped to consider which toothpaste is America's favorite? If you've walked down the toothpaste aisle in the grocery store you've probably noticed that it goes on forever, which can make choosing a toothpaste a chore. Well, here's a big hint toward the answer: America's favorite toothpaste comes down to either Colgate, which is made by Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE: CL ) , or Crest made by Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG ) .
Top 10 Blue Chip Companies To Invest In Right Now: Chevron Corporation(CVX)
Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in petroleum, chemicals, mining, power generation, and energy operations worldwide. It operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment involves in the exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas; processing, liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as holds interest in a gas-to-liquids project. The Downstream segment engages in the refining of crude oil into petroleum products; marketing of crude oil and refined products primarily under the Chevron, Texaco, and Caltex brand names; transportation of crude oil and refined products by pipeline, marine vessel, motor equipment, and rail car; and manufacture and marketing of commodity petrochemicals, plastics for industrial uses, and fuel and lubricant additives. It a lso produces and markets coal and molybdenum; and holds interests in 13 power assets with a total operating capacity of approximately 3,100 megawatts, as well as involves in cash management and debt financing activities, insurance operations, real estate activities, energy services, and alternative fuels and technology business. Chevron Corporation has a joint venture agreement with China National Petroleum Corporation. The company was formerly known as ChevronTexaco Corp. and changed its name to Chevron Corporation in May 2005. Chevron Corporation was founded in 1879 and is based in San Ramon, California.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By WALLSTCHEATSHEET]
Chevron is an oil and gas bellwether that provides essential energy products and services to consumers and companies worldwide. The company�released its earnings update for the first two months of the fourth-quarter in 2014, which showed results the company noted were comparable to the the third-quarter of last year. The stock has been moving higher, but is now pulling back. Over the last four quarters, earnings have been decreasing while revenues have been increasing, which has produced conflicting feelings about recent earnings announcements. Relative to its peers and sector, Chevron has been a poor year-to-date performer. WAIT AND SEE what Chevron does this coming quarter.
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