For traders with a more short-term time horizon, we have compiled a list of the S&P 1500 stocks that have the largest intraday high-low ranges (based on the average percent spread between the intraday high and low over the last fifty days). We then grouped the stocks based on whether they have a rising or falling 50-day moving average. Stocks highlighted in gray are new to the list this month.

Below is a summary of sector performance for the week of September 14th-18th. Conglomerates, the smallest of the group based on the number of stocks, was the best performer. The sector was led by Gencorp and GE, up 14.4% and 13.17% for the week.

On a forward looking basis, healthcare still looks like the most attractive based on valuation. However, one should watch Washington closely in the coming weeks as any healthcare bill could lead to added volatility in the sector. (For momentum based portfolio strategies, please visit Scott's Investments.)

For traders with a more short-term time horizon, we have compiled a list of the S&P 1500 stocks that have the largest intraday high-low ranges (based on the average percent spread between the intraday high and low over the last fifty days). We then grouped the stocks based on whether they have a rising or falling 50-day moving average. Stocks highlighted in gray are new to the list this month.

This month's most volatile stock is AIG, which has an average intraday range of 14.6%. A couple of years ago the stock was considered a conservative and safe investment. Today, it has become a daytrader's dream. As the market becomes more stable, we are also beginning to see an increase in the number of stocks with share prices in the double digits. While AIG's double digit share price is somewhat artificial given the 1:20 reverse split, seven other stocks with prices above $10 are also on the list.

4:12 PM, Jul 7, 2009 --

• NYSE down 115.4 (2%) to 5,654.64.
• DJIA down 161.3 (1.9%) to 8,164.
• S&P 500 down 17.7 (2%) to 881.02.
• Nasdaq down 41.2 (2.3%) to 1,746.

GLOBAL SENTIMENT

At the end of each trading week, our market direction radar scans the Hillbent 3000 universe (minimun average daily volume of 100k and largest 3000 market capitalization stocks) for the top 3 and bottom 3 sectors based upon aggregate performance and analyzes their winners and losers.

Using this weekly sector report on a regular basis allows Hillbent.com’s readers to efficiently monitor sector rotations and investor sentiment biases.

F3Q08 Earnings Call

September 26, 2008 11:00 am ET

Q2 2008 Earnings Call

June 30, 2008 5:00 pm ET

F1Q08 Earnings Call

March 26, 2008 8:00 am ET

The declines took place across the board, with 18 of the 25 stocks (72%) failing to beat the S&P. Sym’s (SYM), a discount clothing retailer, fell nearly 14% to lead the decliners. Shares of OfficeMax (OMX) also continued to trend lower, as did beleaguered homebuilder Pulte (PHM), both of which dropped 7%.

I built a simple stock screen to identify companies with multiple characteristics common to the persistent wave of buyouts we have been seeing, and the results are included below.

I was happy when I logged on to the Internet Monday morning and learned that a company I purchased on Friday was a buyout target, and its price was up 7% (not a bad return for one business day).

Raised Stakes

While the holdings of these top 10 funds number over 150 stocks, I have used a consensus approach to gather a portfolio. Any stock that is held by more that one fund will be included in the mock portfolio I will call Activist Consensus.

Arrow International Inc. (ARRO)
FQ4 2006 Revenue Estimate: $125.95M
FQ4 2006 EPS Estimate: $0.38
FQ1 2007 Revenue Estimate: $126.90M
FQ1 2007 EPS Estimate: $0.37

Business has not been very profitable lately. GenCorp reported a loss of $23.3 million on sales of $167.4 million in 1H 2006, a FY 2005 loss of $230 million on sales of $624 million and a FY 2004 loss of $ 398 million on sales of $ 499 million.

I guess by now you’re wondering why I like GenCorp and why I’ve just gone long GenCorp at $15.25?

This weekend's catch includes five NYSE companies: Sanofi-Aventis (SNY), Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY), GenCorp Inc. (GY), PrimeWest Energy (PWI) and Talisman Energy Inc. (TLM).