Stock Market News, Opinion & Analysis, Investing Ideas -- Seeking Alpha

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 | 11:40 AM EDT |

DJIA (DIA) S&P 500 (SPY)

Can Claymore's Wilshire ETFs Attract Significant Assets?

The latest ETF launch from Claymore covers three segments of the market that have already been the focus of other issuers, leading Ron Rowland to quip that they're 'redundant and unnecessary.' Will investors agree?

See Seeking Alpha's Market Cap ETF Data Dashboard

Second Liens: More Mortgage Stress

Banks Pressed on Second Mortgages (WSJ)

Wednesday's Market Outlook

More on: Retail, Dollar/Currencies, Market Outlook, Options, Today's Market

High Conviction: Short the Yen

Alexander Tepper, Chief Economist at global macro hedge fund TKNG Capital, sees an imminent fall in the Japanese currency due to demographic, fiscal and global trade forces.

Shorting the Yen against the U.S. Dollar is therefore his highest conviction position at present. Tepper's fund further juices the trade by using a method "akin to playing with dice loaded in our favor."

Read full story »

Cisco's Big Announcement Disappoints

When you say you're going to announce an advancement that will "forever change the Internet," how can you possibly live up to the hype? Post-announcement, CSCO -13%.

More on: CSCO, Chip stocks,, Semiconductor Majors

News From the Pharma Pipeline

Delving Into Defense

High Conviction: A Fat Dividend and Strong Growth Prospects

Barry Barker of Barker Financial Management believes "solid companies with superior management and good cash flow backed by a history of increasing dividends are prime investment candidates in an apprehensive market" such as today's.

His highest conviction pick is a regional telco with strong growth potential, and which pays an 8% dividend...

Full story »

China's Money Matters

China will eventually move away from its current exchange-rate policies, central bank Governor Zhou Xiaochuan said over the weekend, though change is unlikely in the near term. Read more >>

High Conviction: An American Legend Repositioned for the Digital Age

Cary J. Amann, founder and portfolio manager of New Orleans-based A-V Capital Management, finds Eastman Kodak "a classic turnaround story" as it aggressively moves into digital imaging markets.

Following a weak 2009, EK has now become Amann's single highest conviction holding in his portfolio. Amann sees a return to profitability this year, and effective restructuring of the company's significant debt load.

Read full story »

What's Roiling Oil Stocks?

Shell, PetroChina Bid for Arrow (WSJ)

More on: Energy, Exploration & Production, Oil Price

See all of today's headlines »

Market Currents|Top Stories

11:31 AM Foreign purchases of Treasurys last month were the lowest since at least last summer, according to Pimco's Tony Crescenzi, though he warns the slowdown needs to be put in context of huge buildups over the past two years. "In light of debt problems abroad, the U.S. remains a safe haven." Comment!
11:20 AM Any improvement in labor markets is narrowly pitched so far, with 30 states posting monthly increases in unemployment rates in January. Just nine rates decreased; the biggest drop was in Michigan, though at 14.3% it still leads the nation. NFP employment decreased in 18 states. Comment!
11:11 AM Macro funds aren't just taking PR hits from Europe's politicians - they're also losing money despite the declines of the euro and pound. The funds fell 1% in the first two months; managers say they're struggling with the lack of sustained moves in developing markets and commodities. Comment!

All today's Market Currents »

Select StockTalks

Jacob Wolinsky: Seth Klarman is a genius FACT 26.97 +10.76‎ (66.37%‎) Mar 10 11:37am I think he bought the stock in the low single digits

Seconds ago
Holly Thompson: Dow 30 leader, XOM up +.825%.

2 minutes ago
Keith Schaefer: Vero Energy (VRO-TSX) - analysts are upping their targets as low finding costs and increased production by VRO are making them happy

13 minutes ago