This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq have moved higher in 16 of the last 18 weeks, and the indices as well as many individual stocks are printing all-time highs on a regular basis. Yet insider-sentiment data from Vickers Stock Research continues to suggest that the major move higher in stock prices is overdone and that caution should be the order of the day.

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- outperformed growth stocks in 2022. That's a recent rarity, as for the past decade-plus, the performance record has favored growth. But the tide turned in 2022. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines gave a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy and regional banks) that had lagged in recent quarters, and value stocks outpaced growth stocks that year. While growth stocks have retaken the lead since 2023, the Federal Reserve continues to keep interest rates high to fend off inflation. This could possibly cap multiple expansion for growth companies in coming quarters. In any event, the value sector is the place to achieve income.

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- outperformed growth stocks in 2022. That's a recent rarity, as for more than a decade, the performance record favored growth. Since 2010, the Russell 1000 Growth Index has climbed more than 575%, compared to an advance of almost 200% for the Russell 1000 Value Index. In 10 of the past 13 years, growth stocks have topped value stocks. That hasn't always been the case. In the 2000-2010 decade, including the Great Recession, value stocks were better performers than growth stocks, advancing an admittedly low 8% (but still better than growth, which declined 15% during the decade). Value investors trace their roots to the famous "Security Analysis" textbook, written by Ben Graham, an economics professor at Columbia University. Warren Buffett was one of his students. Why the recent deviation in performance? Several reasons, including changes in the make-up of the economy, growth in intangible assets, and the current level of interest rates. But the tide turned back in 2022, at least for a while, as the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines gave a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy and regional banks) that had lagged in recent years. While growth stocks have recaptured the lead since 2023, the Federal Reserve continues to keep interest rates high to fend off inflation. This could possibly cap multiple expansion for growth companies in coming quarters. In any event, the value sector is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 2.0%, compared to the 0.7% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. For our list this week, we have screened our coverage universe for stocks that are BUY-rated by Argus Research analysts, have an Argus Financial Strength Rating of at least Medium, and have a yield of 3.0% or higher. Here's a baker's dozen that meet the criteria. These stocks are also featured in our High-Yield theme model portfolio.

The Vickers Top Buyers & Sellers is a daily report that identifies the five companies the largest insider purchase transactions based on the dollar value of the transactions as well as the five companies the largest insider sales transactions based on the dollar value of the transactions.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

Stocks were little changed on Tuesday morning following more 3Q earnings reports and new housing market and consumer confidence data. The Federal Housing Finance Agency said that U.S. home prices rose 5.6% from the prior year in August, up from 4.6% in July. The reading marked the third straight monthly increase. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index also reported a 2.6% year-over-year increase in August, accelerating from 1% in July. Meanwhile, The Conference Board said that its consumer confidence index fell to 102.6 in October, down from 104.3 in September but above the Reuters consensus forecast of 100. The Dow was flat, the S&P rose 0.2%, and the Nasdaq fell 0.1%. Crude oil rose to $83 per barrel, while gold traded near $2004 per ounce.

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- outperformed growth stocks in 2022 for the first time since 2016. Indeed, for the past decade, the performance record has favored growth. Since 2010, the Russell 1000 Growth Index has climbed more than 550%, compared to an advance of almost 300% for the Russell 1000 Value Index. In eight of the past 10 years, growth stocks have topped value stocks. That hasn't always been the case. In the 2000-2010 decade, which included two Bear Markets and the Great Recession, value stocks were better performers than growth stocks, advancing an admittedly low 8% -- but still better than growth, which declined 15% during the decade. Value investors trace their roots to the famous "Security Analysis" textbook, written in 1934 (the year Argus Research was founded) by Ben Graham, an economics professor at Columbia University. Warren Buffett was one of his students. Looking ahead, the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has given a lift to some of the cyclical companies (Energy sector companies in particular) that have lagged in recent years, and value stocks outpaced growth stocks in the past year. Now, the Federal Reserve is lifting interest rates to fend off inflation, which likely will cap multiple expansion for growth companies. In any event, value is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 2.0%, compared to the 0.7% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. For our list this week, we screened our coverage universe for stocks that are BUY-rated by Argus Research analysts, have an Argus Financial Strength rating of at least Medium, and have a yield of 3.0% or higher. Here's a baker's dozen of stocks that meet the criteria.

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- outperformed growth stocks in 2022 for the first time since 2016. Indeed, for the past decade, the performance record has favored growth. But the tide turned in 2022. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines gave a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy companies and regional banks) that had lagged in recent quarters, and value stocks outpaced growth stocks over the past year. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve continues to lift interest rates to fend off inflation, which could possibly cap multiple expansion for growth companies for a few more quarters. Regardless, the value sector is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 2.2%, compared to the 0.9% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. For our High-Yield Theme Model Portfolio, we are seeking stocks with yields of at least 3.0%. This moves us deep into the value segment of the market.

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- outperformed growth stocks in 2022 for the first time since 2016. Indeed, for the past decade, the performance record has favored growth. But the tide turned in 2022. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines gave a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy companies and regional banks) that had lagged in recent quarters, and value stocks outpaced growth stocks over the past year. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve continues to lift interest rates to fend off inflation, which could possibly cap multiple expansion for growth companies for a few more quarters. Regardless, the value sector is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 2.2%, compared to the 0.9% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. For our High-Yield Theme Model Portfolio, we are seeking stocks with yields of at least 3.0%. This moves us deep into the value segment of the market.

Stocks Hit Early August Speedbump as Earnings, Economy Roll On

Monday Tee Up: Heavy Data Week: Earnings, Inflation, GDP

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- outperformed growth stocks in 2022 for the first time since 2016. Indeed, for the past decade, the performance record has favored growth. Since 2010, the Russell 1000 Growth Index has climbed more than 500%, compared to an advance of almost 300% for the Russell 1000 Value Index. In eight of the past 10 years, growth stocks have topped value stocks. That hasn't always been the case. In the 2000-2010 decade, which included two bear markets and the Great Recession, value stocks were better performers than growth stocks, advancing an admittedly low 8% -- but still better than growth, which declined 15% during the decade. Value investors trace their roots to the famous "Security Analysis" textbook, written in 1934 (the year Argus Research was founded) by Ben Graham, an economics professor at Columbia University. Warren Buffett was one of his students. Looking ahead, the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has given a lift to some of the cyclical companies that have lagged in recent years, and value stocks outpaced growth stocks in the past year. Now, the Federal Reserve is lifting interest rates to fend off inflation, which likely will cap multiple expansion for growth companies. In any event, value is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 2.2%, compared to the 0.9% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. For our list this week, we have screened our coverage universe for stocks that are BUY-rated by Argus Research analysts, have a Financial Strength rating of at least Medium, and have a yield of 4.0% or higher. Here's a baker's dozen that meet the criteria.

The Vickers Top Buyers & Sellers is a daily report that identifies the five companies the largest insider purchase transactions based on the dollar value of the transactions as well as the five companies the largest insider sales transactions based on the dollar value of the transactions.

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- outperformed growth stocks in 2022 for the first time since 2016. Indeed, for the past decade, the performance record has favored growth. But the tide turned in 2022. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines gave a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy companies and regional banks) that had lagged in recent quarters, and value stocks outpaced growth stocks over the past year. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve continues to lift interest rates to fend off inflation, which could possibly cap multiple expansion for growth companies for a few more quarters. Regardless, the value sector is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 2.2%, compared to the 0.9% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. For our High-Yield Theme Model Portfolio, we are seeking stocks with yields of at least 3.0%. This moves us deep into the value segment of the market.

Monday Tee Up: Inflation, GDP, Walmart Earnings

We anticipate that activity in the consumer sector, which was the primary driver of GDP growth in 2022, will slow as the Federal Reserve continues to raise interest rates and companies keep cutting jobs. The sector is all-important to the economy and accounts for about two-thirds of GDP. The main driver to the consumer sector is the jobs market. While the domestic employment environment is in better shape than it was two years ago, it is starting to show signs of deterioration. Though the unemployment rate is 3.5%, it seems headed inevitably higher in the wake of layoff announcements from high-profile companies such as Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon.com, Salesforce.com, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley. Meanwhile, consumer balance sheets appear to be weakening somewhat after multiple quarters of spending growth. A combination of pandemic-related factors -- such as economic shutdowns and aggressive fiscal spending -- resulted in a sharp improvement in household finances in 2020. Indeed, the stimulus program initially lifted personal savings to almost $5 trillion. But that money has been spent, and then some: the personal savings level has come down to $625 billion, below the $1 trillion average level in the decade prior to the pandemic. With savings tapped, a slowdown in the all-important consumer sector seems likely in 1H23. Here are some of our top "cautious consumer" stocks for 2023.

As earnings season began in mid-October, insider sentiment was solidly positive and we wrote the following: 'Insiders just won't give in to the dire mood on Wall Street.' Over the next three weeks, insider-sentiment gauges from Vickers Stock Research turned in a cautious direction based on light transaction volume (with insiders broadly prohibited from trading during earnings season). Now, with earnings season drawing to a close and insiders starting to trade again, the rubber meets the road.

Earnings from major companies will continue on Friday, with 2Q reports from Twitter, Verizon, and Schlumberger. On Thursday, stocks extended their winning streak, with strong gains in the Consumer Discretionary and Healthcare sectors. Tesla shares rose nearly 10% following strong 2Q results, while AT&T fell more than 7%, despite above-consensus earnings, after management lowered its free cash flow guidance. On the employment front, first-time claims for state unemployment benefits rose to 251,000 for the week ended July 16, up from 244,000 a week earlier and above the Bloomberg consensus estimate. The Dow rose 0.51%, the S&P 0.99%, and the Nasdaq 1.36%. Crude oil fell more than 3% to $96.50 per barrel, while gold rose 1% to $1718 per ounce.

Simply put, the trading week ended Friday, April 22, was just ugly, with a two-day S&P 500 collapse of 4.2% (the largest two-day slide since September 2020). The Nasdaq and the Nasdaq 100 (QQQ) gave up 4.6%.

The Vickers Top Buyers & Sellers is a daily report that identifies the five companies the largest insider purchase transactions based on the dollar value of the transactions as well as the five companies the largest insider sales transactions based on the dollar value of the transactions.

Stocks gave up early gains on Wednesday morning as investors continued to watch developments in Ukraine, and Western nations imposed a first round of sanctions on Russia. On the earnings front, Lowe's shares rose 3% after the home improvement retailer posted better-than-expected 4Q results and raised its sales and earnings guidance for 2022. The Dow fell 0.1%, the S&P 0.4%, and the Nasdaq 0.5%. Crude oil traded near $92 per barrel, while gold rose $3 to $1911 per ounce.

With the emergence and rapid spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, financial markets reacted wildly as world leaders once again imposed travel restrictions on certain areas of the globe and as investors wondered whether the return to a semblance of normalcy was at risk. Having reached a high of nearly $4,750, the S&P 500 retreated about 5% to lows around $4,500 and the VIX volatility index rose to its highest level since January 2021.

With the emergence and rapid spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, financial markets reacted wildly as world leaders once again imposed travel restrictions on certain areas of the globe and as investors wondered whether the return to a semblance of normalcy was at risk. Having reached a high of nearly $4,750, the S&P 500 retreated about 5% to lows around $4,500 and the VIX volatility index rose to its highest level since January 2021.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

Stocks rose on Monday morning as investors awaited earnings from major tech companies this week. Facebook will report after the close on Monday. Tesla shares rose nearly 6% after the company reported that Hertz had ordered 100,000 Tesla cars. The Dow rose 0.2%, the S&P 0.3%, and the Nasdaq 0.5%. Crude oil rose to more than $84 per barrel, while gold traded near $1809 per ounce.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

The Vickers Top Buyers & Sellers is a daily report that identifies the five companies the largest insider purchase transactions based on the dollar value of the transactions as well as the five companies the largest insider sales transactions based on the dollar value of the transactions.

Stocks edged higher on Thursday as investors weighed a new round of earnings reports along with employment and housing market data. AT&T posted better-than-expected 2Q results, reflecting strong growth in wireless subscribers, and raised its full-year guidance. Texas Instruments also topped consensus estimates, though the shares fell 5% on a lower-than-expected 3Q sales forecast. On the housing front, the National Association of Realtors said that sales of existing homes rose 1.4% to an annualized 5.86 million units in June, slightly below the consensus forecast. First-time jobless claims rose to 419,000, up from the prior week and above consensus. Continuing claims fell by 29,000 to 3.236 million. The Dow rose 0.07%, the S&P 0.20%, and the Nasdaq 0.36%. Crude oil rose 2% to $71.50 per barrel, while gold rose $4 to $1808 per ounce.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

The Vickers Top Buyers & Sellers is a daily report that identifies the five companies the largest insider purchase transactions based on the dollar value of the transactions as well as the five companies the largest insider sales transactions based on the dollar value of the transactions.

The stock market moved lower last week, then rallied on Friday, ultimately finishing flat-to-down. Tech stocks and blue chips performed similarly, with tech narrowly outperforming. During Friday's session, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 228 points, or 0.67%. The S&P 500 was up 1.09%, and the Nasdaq Composite was up 1.44%. For the week, the DJIA was down 0.46%, the S&P 500 was up 0.13%, and the Nasdaq Composite was down 0.25%. Year-to-date, the DJIA is up 11.23%, the S&P 500 is up 11.29%, and the Nasdaq Composite is up 8.76%.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

Stocks gave up early gains on Wednesday morning as investors weighed new consumer price data and awaited an afternoon speech from Fed Chair Jerome Powell. The Labor Department said that its consumer price index rose 0.3% in January, up from a revised 0.2% gain in December and in line with the Reuters consensus forecast. Prices also rose 1.4% on an annual basis through January, up slightly from 1.3% in December. The Dow was flat, the S&P fell 0.2%, and the Nasdaq fell 0.4%. Crude oil traded near $59 per barrel, while gold fell $2 to $1836 per ounce.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.