This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

In this edition, MSCI could benefit from international markets; we are confident about EVs accelerating in China; Scotts Miracle-Gro will bloom again; and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, Estée Lauder, and Tencent Holdings.

Investors and analysts of all stripes seem amazed by the speed at which stocks are recovering from the early August swoon. Insiders, who had been so pessimistic a just few weeks ago, are included in this group. Among the positive indicators, the Insider Index from Vickers Stock Research has moved in a positive direction for a second week, marking its least-bearish reading since early May. Additionally, Vickers' Total One-Week Sell/Buy Ratio, NYSE One-Week Sell/Buy Ratio, and Nasdaq One-Week Sell/Buy Ratio are all lower (bullish) for a second week, and down dramatically from highs seen a mere three weeks ago. The above has led Vickers' Total, NYSE, and Nasdaq Eight-Week Sell/Buy Ratios to also move lower for the first time in months. And all of the above is taking place in an environment that features growing transaction volume now that earnings-related trading restrictions are falling away. On a sector basis, insider buying outpaced selling in the Energy sector by a factor of 2.75-times. On the flipside, selling by insiders last week was greatest in Information Technology, with shares valued at $157 million sold versus $25 million bought. This week, analysts at Vickers highlighted insider transactions of interest at Quanta Services Inc. (NYSE: PWR) and ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP).

In this edition, opportunity lurks in credit card issuers; something worth lauding is looming for Estee Lauder; Mercari maintaining profitability while exploring growth opportunities; and Tencent Holdings, Foshan Haitian Flavouring and Food, and Aviva.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

In this edition, diving into mining in China; initiating coverage of Amer Sports; watching the waves in the cruise line industry; and Ericsson, Estee Lauder Companies, and GE HealthCare.

In this edition, diving into mining in China; initiating coverage of Amer Sports; watching the waves in the cruise line industry; and Ericsson, Estee Lauder Companies, and GE HealthCare.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

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.

At midday Thursday, the major benchmarks are hugging the flat line. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note is also flat at around 4.36%. Crude oil is up 1% at around $79 per barrel, while Bitcoin is up 1.6% to around $65,800. Weekly unemployment claims fell 10,000 to 232,000, according to the Department of Labor. This follows last week's claims that were at the highest level since last August. This data is seen as a proxy for layoffs and is an indicator of the state of the labor market. The average number of weekly claims over the past decade is 375,000. This week's claims number brings the four-week average up to 217,750. Bigger picture, the April Jobs report did show signs that the labor market is cooling. That is what the Fed is hoping will happen.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

Stocks were mixed on Tuesday morning as investors digested new earnings results. Stocks in the news today include Palantir Technologies (PLTR), which gained 25% since reporting a stellar fourth quarter. BP plc (BP) shares are up following an earnings beat and plans to boost share repurchasing by $1.75 billion. The 10-year Treasury declined to 4.11%. The S&P 500 was up less than 0.01% and the Dow rose 0.2%, while the Nasdaq was down 0.1%. Crude Oil traded at $73 per barrel and gold was up $10 to $2053 per ounce.

Vickers Stock Research, a subsidiary of Argus Research Group, analyzes insider trading and institutional stock ownership. Form 13-Fs, which institutions must file to report their holdings, are due 45 days after the end of calendar quarters and have come in for 3Q23. We review 13Fs of major activists to determine core holdings and new purchases. Activist investing is now less about generating a short-term return and more about achieving long-term returns through an active management/investor partnership. Activists recently made progress with investments into companies such as FedEx and Union Pacific. Based on Vickers data, here are some recent new purchases and key holdings of activist investors, as well as other high-profile money managers.

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 fell on Monday morning as investors awaited the October consumer price report on Tuesday and earnings from major retailers later this week. They will also be watching developments in Washington ahead of another government shutdown deadline on Friday. On the earnings front, Tyson reported better-than-expected fiscal 4Q EPS, but offered disappointing sales guidance for the current fiscal year amid slowing demand for beef. The Dow was nearly flat, the S&P 500 was down 0.2%, and the Nasdaq 0.2%. Crude oil rose 1% to $78 per barrel while gold traded near $1944 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 largely flat on Friday morning, steadying after several days of sharp losses, as investors continued to focus on economic weakness in China, rising bond yields, and the Fed's next interest rate decisions. The CME Group's FedWatch Tool currently projects just a 10% chance of a rate hike in September, but a higher 30% chance of an increase at the November meeting. However, based on recent economic data and the FOMC meeting minutes earlier this week, many investors also expect the Fed to delay any rate cuts and leave high current rates in place for longer in 2024. The Dow rose 0.2%, the S&P was flat, and the Nasdaq fell 0.2%. Crude oil rose slightly to $81 per barrel, while gold rose $6 to $1922 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.

The S&P 500 (SPX) slightly exceeded the top of its bullish channel on June 15, but sold off on Friday and is back inside the channel. A sustained break above the channel brings the next key area of resistance into play, as a 78.6% retracement of the bear-market low is at 4,535. Chart resistance from the March 2022 high is at 4,628.

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 finished mostly lower on Thursday amid more signs of weakness at regional banks, continued debt ceiling concerns, and new inflation and employment data. The Labor Department's producer price index showed progress against inflation, as prices rose at a slower annual rate in April. First-time claims for state unemployment benefits also rose from the prior week, pointing to a tighter labor market. On the earnings front, Disney shares dropped nearly 9% after the company reported disappointing earnings and a decline in Disney+ subscribers. The Dow fell 0.66%, the S&P fell 0.17%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.18%. Crude oil traded near $71.50 per barrel, while gold fell $17 to $2021 per ounce.

Innovation may be hard to define but, to borrow from former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, you know it when you see it. The United States economy is full of innovation. It has to be. Manufacturing industries that dominated the economy decades ago - textiles, televisions, even automobiles, to a large degree - have moved overseas, where costs are lower. Yet the U.S. economy is at its largest point in history and still growing. If U.S. corporations weren't innovating, creating new products and services, and moving into new markets and applications, the domestic economy would be contracting, not expanding, and capital would not be flooding into the country. Particularly at this juncture of the market and economic cycles, when uncertainty is high due to high inflation and rising interest rates, we look to innovative companies to successfully navigate the challenges. At Argus, an 88-year-old independent research firm that has innovated a time or two in its long history, we have focused on four types of innovative companies: Industry Disruptors; First to Market; New Product Specialists; and Product & Process Perfectors. Here are some examples of companies, featured in our Innovation Theme Model Portfolio.

Innovation may be hard to define. But to borrow from former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, you know it when you see it. The United States economy is full of innovation. It has to be. Manufacturing industries that dominated the economy decades ago - textiles, televisions, even automobiles to a large degree - have moved overseas, where labor and materials costs are lower. Yet the U.S. economy, even during the pandemic and the current period of high inflation, has expanded to record levels. If U.S. corporations weren't innovating, creating new products (such as vaccines) and services (such as Zoom calls) and moving into new markets and applications, the domestic economy would not be growing, and capital would not be flooding into the country. The current high level of the U.S. dollar relative to currencies around the world attests to the confidence that global investors have in the durable and innovative U.S. economy.

Stocks extended their Fed-driven rally on Thursday, led by strong gains in the Communication Services, Consumer Discretionary, and Technology sectors. Meta Platforms jumped 23%, despite disappointing 4Q earnings, as investors focused on the company's better-than-expected revenue, cost-cutting efforts, and new share buyback plan. On the employment front, first-time claims for state unemployment benefits fell by 3,000 to 183,000 for the week ended January 28, below the Reuters consensus forecast of 200,000. The data came ahead of the government's January employment report on Friday morning. The consensus estimate calls for 185,000 new payroll jobs, down from 223,000 in December, and an unemployment rate of 3.6%, up from 3.5% a month earlier. The Dow fell 0.11%, the S&P rose 1.47%, and the Nasdaq soared 3.25%. Crude oil traded near $76 per barrel, while gold fell $16 to $1927 per ounce.

Rally in October, Stumble on the Fed: Our Monthly Survey of the Economy, Interest Rates, and Stocks

The U.S. stock market tends to rise, as a profitable October demonstrated. This long-term upward trajectory has its foundation in the country's democratic political system and its market-based, capitalist economic system. In theory, the stock market efficiently allocates the nation's capital to generate solid investment returns. Theory typically turns into reality in November, which since 1980 has been the best month for equity performance, with an average 1.9% gain, ahead of April (up 1.70%), December (up 1.4%), October (up 1.4%), and July (up 1.3%). November's batting average is high as well: stocks rise during the month 71% of the time. The best Novembers have been 1980 (up 10.2%), 2001 (up 7.5%), 1996 (up 7.3%), 1985 (up 6.5%), and 1998 (up 5.9%). There have been some clunkers: 2000 (down 8%), 2008 (down 7.5%), and 1987 (down 5.9%). Last year, the S&P 500 declined 0.8% for the month. November usually starts at a fast pace, as some companies are still reporting 3Q earnings and nonfarm payrolls are reported. This year, midterm elections will play a role. As well, the Fed meets this week and will likely announce another 75-basis-point hike in the federal funds rate. If the central signals that this is the last major hike in the series, the rally that began in October may well continue.

Innovation may be hard to define. But to borrow from former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, you know it when you see it. The United States economy is full of innovation. It has to be. Manufacturing industries that dominated the economy decades ago - textiles, televisions, even automobiles to a large degree - have moved overseas, where labor and materials costs are lower. Yet the U.S. economy, even during the pandemic and the current period of high inflation, has expanded to record levels. If U.S. corporations weren't innovating, creating new products (such as vaccines) and services (such as Zoom calls) and moving into new markets and applications, the domestic economy would not be growing, and capital would not be flooding into the country. The current high level of the U.S. dollar relative to currencies around the world attests to the confidence that global investors have in the innovative U.S. economy.

Innovation may be hard to define, but to borrow from former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, you know it when you see it. The United States economy is full of innovation. It has to be. Manufacturing industries that dominated the economy decades ago - textiles, televisions, even automobiles, to a large degree - have moved overseas, where costs are lower. Yet the U.S. economy is at its largest point in history and still growing. If U.S. corporations weren't innovating, creating new products and services, and moving into new markets and applications, the domestic economy would be contracting, not expanding, and capital would not be flooding into the country. Particularly at this juncture of the market and economic cycles, when uncertainty is high due to high inflation and rising interest rates, we look for innovative companies to navigate the challenges successfully. At Argus, an 88-year-old independent research firm that has innovated a time or two in its long history, we have focused on four types of innovative companies: Industry Disruptors; First to Market; New Product Specialists; and Product & Process Perfectors. Here are some examples of companies, featured in our Innovation 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.

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 fell on Friday morning, led by sharp declines in the Consumer Discretionary, Materials, and Financial sectors. On the earnings front, Deere shares fell 2% after the farm equipment maker posted mixed fiscal 3Q results and lowered its full-year earnings forecast. Bed Bath & Beyond plunged 40% after meme stock investor Ryan Cohen sold his 9.8% stake in the company. The Dow fell 0.8%, the S&P 1.2%, and the Nasdaq 2.0%. Crude oil rose slightly to $91 per barrel, while gold fell $10 to $1761 per ounce.

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 Wednesday morning following hotter-than-expected inflation data. The Labor Department reported that consumer prices rose 8.3% year-over-year in April, down only slightly from 8.5% in March and above the Bloomberg consensus forecast of 8.1% growth. The core CPI, excluding food and energy, rose 6.2% last month, down from 6.5% in March but above the consensus forecast of 6.0%. The Dow rose 0.7%, the S&P rose 0.5%, and the Nasdaq fell 0.2%. Crude oil rose more than 5% to $105.50 per barrel, while gold rose $10 to $1851 per ounce.

Stocks edged higher on Monday morning, led by the Energy and Financial sectors, as investors continued to weigh the impact of Fed interest rate hikes beginning next month. On the earnings front, Tyson Foods rose more than 10% after the company reported strong fiscal 1Q earnings, helped by soaring beef prices. Peloton shares rose 19% on speculation that the company could be acquired by Amazon or Nike. The Dow rose 0.2%, the S&P 0.1%, and the Nasdaq 0.2%. Crude oil fell to $92 per barrel, while gold traded near $1815 per ounce.

Stocks were mixed on Tuesday morning following new manufacturing and employment data. The Institute for Supply Management said that its manufacturing index fell to 58.7 in December, down from 61.1 in November and below the Reuters consensus forecast of 60.1. On the employment front, the Labor Department, in its monthly JOLTS report, said that U.S. job openings dropped by 529,000 to 10.6 million on the last day of November, below the consensus forecast of 11.075 million. The number of Americans quitting jobs also rose to a record 4.5 million in November. The Dow rose 0.6%, the S&P fell 0.1%, and the Nasdaq fell 1.6%. Crude oil rose more than 1% to $77 per barrel, while gold rose $16 to $1816 ounce.

Often overlooked amid gyrations in the stock market is dividend income, which is an important element of total return. Between 1930 and 2012, dividend income accounted for 42% of total return of the S&P 500, according to Hartford Funds. And that's just the average. In some decades, dividends accounted for more than 50% of total returns and even 100% of returns. More recently, dividends have accounted for 15%-20% of returns. Still, in 2018, dividend payments softened the blow when most market indices declined as the Federal Reserve hiked rates. But not all dividends are created equal, though, and it is important to understand the difference between the two main categories: high-yield stocks and dividend-growth stocks.

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.