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.

U.S. stocks were lower on Friday morning following higher-than-expected inflation numbers, which lowers expectations for a rate cut in the near term. The Producer Price Index (PPI) rose 0.3%. Core PPI rose 0.6%, the largest increase since January 2023, with both readings well ahead of their expected 0.1% increase. The latest readings bring annual PPI to 0.9% and core PPI to 2.6%. On the earnings front, Coinbase Global (COIN) shares rose 15% after it reported a profit. The S&P 500 was nearly flat, up 0.01%, the Dow was down less than 0.1% and the Nasdaq fell 0.2%. Crude oil traded above $78 per barrel and gold was up 0.3% to $2021 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.

In this edition, we think utilities have good buzz; there are bargains in Asia if you shop carefully; Big Pharma is building some immunity to patent losses; and PayPal, Crown Castle, and Domino's Pizza.

In this edition, we think utilities have good buzz; there are bargains in Asia if you shop carefully; Big Pharma is building some immunity to patent losses; and Paypal, Crown Castle, and Domino's Pizza.

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.

In this edition, Singapore Exchange still undervalued; shares cheap for Ramsay Healthcare; multitude of issues faces multifamily construction in U.S.; and Singapore Exchange, Baxter International, and Etsy.

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 again on Wednesday morning as investors weighed new retail sales and producer price data, along with strong earnings from Target. The Commerce Department said that U.S. retail sales fell 0.1% in October after a revised 0.9% increase in September. The Reuters consensus forecast had called for a decline of 0.3%. Meanwhile, producer prices pointed to continued progress on inflation. The Labor Department said that its producer price index for final demand fell 0.5% in October, the largest decrease since April 2020, after a 0.4% increase a month earlier. The Dow rose 0.3%, the S&P 0.2%, and the Nasdaq 0.2%. Crude oil fell nearly 2% to $77 per barrel, while gold traded near $1965 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.

In this edition, can regulators stop utilities' fall?; more mobile data means more towers; Hayward swimming well; and Splunk, Yum China, and Keurig Dr Pepper.

With earnings season and summer now over, a few back-to-business months lie ahead. Insider-sentiment data from Vickers Stock Research during earnings season was encouraging, especially for stocks that list of the tech-heavy Nasdaq. But Vickers' short-term (one-week) data has yet to align with the long-term (eight-week) data -- so a convincing bullish call was not achieved. Investor attention is now turning to the economy, the Fed, and the presidential-election season, events that generally don't carry with them the fast reaction of a blowout (or awful) earnings report. And the current sentiment data from Vickers seems to reflect that murkier outlook.

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. 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.

In this edition, Duke Energy focuses on organic growth opportunities; blow to trucking sector is headache for Knight-Swift; Bread Financial faces a crunch; and Compass Minerals, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, and Target.

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.

In this edition, a sunny outlook on energy transition amid clouds; Medpace Holdings; Australian retail's momentum; and AGL Energy, Delta Air Lines, and Interactive Brokers.

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 Friday morning amid signs that the White House and congressional Republicans were close to a debt ceiling deal. The deal would reportedly raise the debt ceiling for two years while capping nondefense discretionary spending at current-year levels. Meanwhile, the Commerce Department reported increases in both consumer spending and inflation. Consumer spending rose 0.8% in April, up from a revised 0.1% increase in March and above the Reuters consensus forecast of 0.4% growth. The personal consumption expenditures price index, the Fed's preferred measure of inflation, rose 4.4% on a year-over-year basis in April, up from 4.2% in March and above the consensus forecast of 4.3%. Excluding food and energy prices, the core PCE rose 4.7% from the prior year, up from a 4.6% rate in March and also slightly above consensus. The Dow rose 0.9%, the S&P 1.0%, and the Nasdaq 1.6%. Crude oil rose to $72.50 per barrel, while gold traded near $1941 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.

Stocks were flat on Wednesday morning, pausing after Tuesday's sharp selloff. Investors weighed hawkish comments from Fed officials and awaited the release of the latest FOMC meeting minutes for more clues about the Fed's plans for additional rate hikes. On the earnings front, Palo Alto Networks rose 11% after the cybersecurity company posted strong fiscal 2Q results and raised its full-year earnings guidance. The Dow rose 0.1%, and the S&P and the Nasdaq were flat. Crude oil fell more than 2% to $74.50 per barrel, while gold rose slightly to $1844 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. 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 were mostly lower on Tuesday morning after an early rally faltered. Housing data was weak. The Commerce Department said that U.S. housing starts fell 0.5% in November to an annualized 1.427 million units, slightly above the Reuters consensus forecast of 1.4 million. The decline reflected rising mortgage rates and a 4.1% drop in single-family housing starts, partly offset by an increase in multi-family projects. Building permits also plunged a sharp 11.2% last month. The Dow rose 0.1%, the S&P fell 0.1%, and the Nasdaq fell 0.3%. Crude oil fell slightly to $75 per barrel, while gold rose $28 to $1825 per ounce.

Stocks close on Thursday higher after a volatile day. Weekly jobless claims unexpectedly declined to 222,000 unemployment claims, against estimates for 246,000 claims. Fed Chair Powell emphasized that he is committed to fighting inflation, leading to expectations that the central bank will raise rates by 75 basis points at the next policy meeting. Crude oil traded at $82.73 per barrel, while gold fell to $1719 per ounce. The Dow rose 0.6%, the S&P 500 rose 0.7% and the Nasdaq was up 0.6%.

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.

Stocks were higher on Friday morning. The headline PCE figure showed inflation rose less than expected in April, while the core figure met expectations for a 0.3% rise. Meanwhile, personal spending rose more than expected in April at a pace of 0.9%. On the earnings front, Marvell Technology Inc. (MRVL) is up 4.7% after the semiconductor company edged out earnings and revenue estimates while offering in line earnings and revenue guidance for the second quarter. The Dow rose 1.1%, the S&P 1.9%, and the Nasdaq 2.7%. Crude oil rose slightly to $114 per barrel, while gold traded near $1858 per ounce.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine, skyrocketing inflation, and concerns over the upcoming actions of the Fed have led to a 10% correction in the S&P 500 and are threatening U.S. equity investors with the first bear market since the start of the pandemic. (A bear market is typically defined as a 20% decline from the S&P 500's latest peak.) The S&P 500 set an all-time high on January 3, 2022, at 4797; by March 8, the index was 14% below that level. A 20% decline would be reached at 3838, and that's not too far off given today's environment of computer trading coupled with the growth of passive investment vehicles. What can investors expect if stocks do enter bear territory? The record is not pretty. The average peak-to-trough decline during the past six bear markets has been 38%; that would drop the S&P 500 down to 2974. And bear markets do not tend to be short, with an average duration of 16 months. If January 3 was indeed the start, we are less than four months in. Bear markets typically occur amid rising uncertainty (economic, geopolitical, health-related, etc.) and crumbling market fundamentals. Current events have delivered on the uncertainty, but also obscured recent positive fundamentals of solid economic growth, record-high corporate profits, and historically low interest rates. We think the Fed will be able to control inflation over the next few quarters without causing a U.S. recession. It is harder to predict Vladimir Putin's next moves.

Stocks rose strongly on Tuesday morning, recovering after interest rate concerns drove a down session on Monday. The rally was led by the Technology and Communication Services sectors, while Energy and Utility stocks traded lower. On the earnings front, Nike shares rose 4% following better-than-expected fiscal 3Q results, while Carnival fell after the cruise operator warned of rising fuel costs and projected a loss in fiscal 2022. The Dow rose 0.7%, the S&P 1.2%, and the Nasdaq 2.0%. Crude oil fell 1% to $110 per barrel, while gold dropped $15 to $1915 per ounce.

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 -- are outperforming growth stocks in 2022. For the past decade, the performance record has favored growth, 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 is poised to lift 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 1.6%, compared to the 0.5% 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 edition features Broadridge's potential, trends in utility companies, new coverage of Datadog, and Eastman, Atlassian, and Comcast.

Stocks rose on the first trading day of January, but since then have endured an as-predicted bumpy ride. The DJIA has fared the best, down just 0.29% in the first trading week of 2022. The S&P 500 is now down 1.87% year-to-date. The Nasdaq has fared the worst, down 4.53% in the first trading week of the new year.

Value stocks are outperforming growth in 2021 (for the first time since 2016), though a recent rally in growth stocks has narrowed the performance advantage for value. But in an environment of historically low interest rates, many investors are still searching for high levels of income, which often can be found in value stocks. During recent years, the performance record has favored growth. Since 2010, the Russell 1000 Growth Index has climbed more than 450%, compared to an advance of 180% 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 previous 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. The tide may now be turning. Progress on COVID-19 vaccines has given a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy companies and banks) that have lagged in recent quarters, and value stocks have kept pace with growth stocks in the past year. In any event, value is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 1.6%, compared to the 0.5% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. This is important, as the current yield on the 10-year Treasury bond is 1.30%. 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. New stocks in our portfolio include the following.

Value stocks are outperforming growth in 2021 for the first time since 2016. While a recent rally in growth stocks has narrowed the performance advantage for value in the year to date, an environment of historically low interest rates is one in which many investors are still searching for high levels of income -- which often can be found in value stocks. When we look for attractive high-yield/deep-value stocks at Argus, we look for low valuations on metrics such as price/earnings, price/sales, price/book, yield, and price/cash flow. We also look for companies with clean balance sheets, high levels of profitability, high-quality earnings, and experienced management teams. We seek to avoid companies in industries that are in secular decline, or with dividend yields that are so high that the payout is clearly at risk. Based on numerous requests from clients, we have designed a portfolio of companies that are BUY-rated at Argus Research, have a Financial Strength rating of at least Medium, and have a yield of 3.0% or higher.

We recently raised our rating on the Utilities sector to Market-Weight from Under-Weight. Regulated electric and gas distribution operations are benefiting from the recovery in commercial and industrial demand as workers return to offices, plants, factories, and showrooms. Hotter summers are also pushing up demand for air conditioning across most of the U.S. The sector is underperforming the market thus far in 2021, with a gain of 1%. It underperformed in 2020, with a gain of 3.9%, and in 2019, advancing 22.2%. The sector accounts for 2.6% of the S&P 500. Over the past five years, the weighting has ranged from 2.0% to 4.0%. We think the sector should account for about 2%-3% of diversified portfolios. The sector includes the electric, gas, and water utility industries. Here is how we use our analysts' Utility sector ideas in our Focus List and Model Portfolios. All stocks are rated BUY.

Stocks closed at record levels on Thursday after President Biden announced that a bipartisan $1.2 trillion infrastructure agreement had been reached. The Street's optimism may be premature as this is only the first step. In other news, the initial jobless claims for the week ended June 19 totaled 411,000, down from 418,000 a week ago. New orders for durable goods in May rose 2.3% to $253.3 billion. The S&P closed up 0.6%, the Nasdaq was up 0.7% and the Dow 1.0%. Crude oil traded near $73 per barrel, while gold fell $8 to $1774 per ounce.