Monday Tee Up: A Busy, Busy Week

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.

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.

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.

Weekly Tee Up: Bank Earnings and Housing

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 rose on Monday morning as investors prepared for a heavy week of 3Q earnings reports and continued to weigh developments in the Israel-Hamas war. Charles Schwab shares rose strongly following mixed results as adjusted EPS came in slightly above the consensus forecast but still fell 30% from the prior year. Pfizer shares also rose after the company announced a substantial cost-cutting program amid sharply lower sales of its COVID vaccine and antiviral therapy Paxlovid. The Dow rose 1.0%, the S&P 1.1%, and the Nasdaq 1.2%. Crude oil fell 1% to $87 per barrel while gold fell $12 to trade near $1930 per ounce.

In this edition, analyzing new bank regulatory proposals; PFA may shake up atrial fibrillation ablation market; CEO change at Dollar General may make sense to frustrated investors; and Microsoft, Wells Fargo, and Anta Sports Products.

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.

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.

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.

Monday Tee Up: Earnings and an Eye on Next Week

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 were flat on Monday morning at the start of a heavy earnings week. Charles Schwab shares, which fell sharply in the wake of the Silicon Valley collapse, rose nearly 3% after the company reported better-than-expected first-quarter results. On the negative side, State Street Corp. fell 13% after posting below-consensus 1Q earnings, hurt by lower fee income. The Dow rose 0.1%, the S&P was flat, and the Nasdaq rose 0.1%. Crude oil traded near $82 per barrel while gold fell $10 to $2005 per ounce.

In this edition, a new era for Ritchie Bros.; ESG risks and opportunities crop up in food and agri; bank stocks are cheap again for now; and Scentre Group, Chart Industries, and UnitedHealth Group.

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.

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.

At least for the short-term, the stock market appears to be at a crossroads and doesn't know which way to go. Put another way, the market has fallen asleep at the stop sign. Indecision and confusion are hallmarks of the current equity and bond markets, and many believe we won't get out of this prison until future Fed actions and the status of corporate earnings are clearer.

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.

Weekly Tee Up: Earnings, Inflation, Housing, Fedspeak

Last week, the headline that came from the insider-transaction data supplied by Vickers Stock Research was that insider sentiment on the Nasdaq was noticeably weaker than on the NYSE. That said, overall insider sentiment remained bullish - as it has been since early September. This week, Nasdaq insiders again remains more cautious than others do, but not to the same degree as last week. And, again, overall insider sentiment remains bullish.

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- are outperforming growth stocks in 2022 for the first time since 2016. Indeed, for the past decade, the performance record has favored growth. In nine of the past 10 years, growth stocks have topped value stocks. But the tide may be turning. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has given a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy companies and regional banks) that have lagged in recent quarters, and value stocks have kept up the pace with growth stocks in the past year. Now, the Federal Reserve lifting interest rates to fend off inflation, which will likely cap multiple expansion for growth companies. Regardless, the value sector is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 2.1%, compared to the 0.8% 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: Housing and Earnings

In this edition, Global Beauty Looking Good, Paypal Looks Promising, Utilities Facing Challenges, and Hasbro, Ipsen, and Toast ties up with Sling.

Stocks were mixed on Thursday morning after giving up strong early gains. Tesla shares rose more than 6% after the carmaker posted better-than-expected 1Q sales and earnings, helped by price increases that more than offset the impact of higher costs. American Airlines shares also rose strongly after the company posted a narrower-than-expected 1Q loss and forecast a return to profitability in the second quarter. The Dow rose 0.3%, the S&P rose 0.2%, and the Nasdaq fell 0.1%. Crude oil rose more than 1% to $103.50 per barrel, while gold fell $14 to $1942 per ounce.

Our rating on the Financial Services sector is Over-Weight. Based on positive vaccine developments and actions from the administration in Washington, interest rates have started to move higher at the long end of the yield curve. We expect banks to benefit from wider net interest margins and lower loan-loss provisions as the economy normalizes. We also expect insurance companies to generate higher income in their investment portfolios. The sector accounts for 10.7% of the S&P 500, down from 16.3% following the exclusion of Real Estate stocks. Over the past five years, the weighting has ranged from 9% to 17%. We think the sector should account for 11%-12% of diversified portfolios. Here is how we use our analysts' Financial Services sector ideas in our Focus List and Model Portfolios. All of the following stocks currently are rated BUY at Argus.

Despite wild intraday gyrations in the stock market last week, the S&P 500, the Nasdaq, and the Nasdaq 100 were all basically flat for the week. But at the end of it all, that was an improvement relative to recent weeks. The market saw a huge rally on Friday, with the S&P 500 soaring 2.4%, while both the Nasdaq and QQQs rocketed 3.1% higher. It was the largest daily gain for the "500" since June 2020 and the biggest jump for the other two indices since March 2021.

Stocks fell sharply on Tuesday morning amid rising Treasury yields. The selloff was led by the Financial, Communication Services, and Technology sectors, with only Energy in positive territory. Goldman Sachs shares fell more than 8% after the company posted lower 4Q earnings and missed the consensus EPS estimate. The Dow fell 1.6%, the S&P 1.7%, and the Nasdaq 2.2%. Crude oil rose more than 1% to $85 per barrel, while gold fell $4 to $1813 ounce.

We continue to see numerous apparent catalysts for a market pullback, yet only the Russell 2000 (IWM) has cooperated. From its intraday high on 11/8 to its intraday low on Tuesday, IWM has fallen 6.5%. The ETF is testing its breakout area from the beginning of November near $228. The 50-day average also comes in at that level. So this is not yet a false breakout, but the IWM better turn quickly. That said, all the other major indices remain very close to all-time highs, so there is not a compelling case for worry.

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.

Sentiment, as measured by at least a few indicators, has backed off from euphoric levels, which is a bullish sign. Quite simply, when the market goes down quickly and leaders turn into laggards, pessimism among market players can jump quickly. However, it works both ways -- so don't be surprised if there is a surge in bullishness very soon.

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 were mostly flat on Monday morning as investors weighed more 3Q earnings reports and new manufacturing and housing market data. The Federal Reserve reported that U.S. manufacturing output fell 0.7% in September after a revised 0.4% decline in August. The Reuters consensus forecast had called for an increase of 0.1%. On the housing front, the National Association of Home Builders said that its housing market index rose 4 points to 80 in October, above the Reuters consensus of 76. The Dow fell 0.2%, the S&P was flat, and the Nasdaq rose 0.2%. Crude oil rose to more than $82 per barrel, while gold traded near $1771 per ounce.