Kennametal's (KMT) stock has slid 30% since mid-March, sharply underperforming the broad market, as investors have abandoned this sector because of growing apprehension about global growth. In addition to general investor rotation out of the sector, Kennametal orders are trending in the wrong direction, Barron's "The Trader" column notes. The company is getting disproportionately hurt by the economic slowdown -- about 25% of its sales are tied to the relatively hard-hit energy and mining-related industries. Investors will closely examine Kennametal's FQ4 results Thursday. Scott Sindelar, a portfolio manager at LaSalle Street Capital Management, warns that the earnings and revenue numbers are likely to be "light" and that there could be some negative spillover into earnings expectations for FY13. If he's right, the gloom may give the patient investor an even more advantageous entry point. For the long-term investor, the stock looks cheap at $34, one money manager argues. Another bull says management may be pushed to implement a share-buyback plan.
Chairman Ben Bernanke is telling Congress Wednesday that the U.S. job market remains weak and that it is too soon …