The accompanying table [click to enlarge] includes an updated version of the ETF Innovators [ETFI] ETFI Highly Defensive PerformIdex of 36 companies based in the U.S., Canada, and Europe with market caps over $10B, which are the leaders by market cap in their defensive industry groups. This update includes a 10% reduction in the number of companies with an equal distribution of 12 each from consumer staples and healthcare, with the remaining 12 companies chosen from a variety of defensive industry groups.
As a follow-up to the top rated companies highlighted from the ETF Innovators [ETFI] healthcare and transport indexes, below are some top rated companies from other sectors and industry groups.
From the Global Tobacco Index , Altria Group (MO) is a top rated stock with a dividend yield near 8% which is set to acquire smokeless tobacco maker UST Inc. (UST) early next year and is poised to capitalize on a strong U.S. Dollar (UUP) compared to the international operations of Philip Morris (PM).
Given the state of the economy, I am long on Walmart for the obvious reasons of scared consumer spending. People are nervous about spending their money and Walmart is the perfect place for these people to shop.
The daily toil at WMT gives me the chance to see what the Biggest mover and shaker is doing on the lenolium floor. Almost on a bi weekly basis this comp can jack up a prod price 31% and slam it down 28.3%. BUT, the making is in the pudding, and the sweet smell of 2.7% fills the kitchen.
They can go up on a heart beat, and fall on three quarters of a heartbeat. The game is in the percentages. Everything in that place is factored percentage wise--- even the the employee"s.
Apple (AAPL) still hasn't announced any plans to sell its iPhones at Walmart (WMT) stores this month, as mobile blog Boy Genius Report suggested in November. And Apple definitely hasn't announced any plans to sell a $99 iPhone at Walmart, as a Boy Genius Report source suggests it will today. But we don't think it's a stupid idea.
Apple is in the first stage of a smartphone platform land-grab against companies like Google (GOOG), Microsoft (MSFT), and BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIMM). So far, none of these companies have made a phone as good as the iPhone. But they're getting close
Even though Black Friday sales were better than expected, most retailers saw their November sales plunge. As I posted in April, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) would likely benefit from consumers' recession diet. That has proven to be a fairly safe bet, but the scary thing is that just about every other retailer is taking a hit.
A glimmer of good news is that for many of those that hurt, the results were not as bad as expected. Here are the actual results of five retailers (with expected results in parenth
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) and Chrysler executives are returning to Congress for what many see as a crucial hearing as the automakers hope will persuade skeptical lawmakers to bail them out with a $34 billion in emergency aid. Still, a top Senate Democrat wants to hand t...
After the sell off on Monday the market has developed so far 2 consecutive up days that retrace partially the horrible plunge of more than 8%. The 8850 level is absolutely critical now for the continuation of the rebound toward 9500. I am positive although prices look trapped in a very wide trading range. The market is trying to develop a base and we should not see lower lows in the next weeks as prices should move to the higher side of the range in my opinion. XOM, T, MCD, HD, VZ continue to do well and should be followed.
In the Figure you can see a summary of the trend conditions of th...
Portfolio results thru 8/8/08
- Portfolio at www.updown.com - started 1/11/08
9.8% return includes dividends and commission.
Started socialpicks on 6/30. some stocks here are not in...
The Big Box Battle: Dogs or Discounts?
- There has been been some great battles in recent years between big box stores. Winners like Walmart, Best Buy and losers like Kmart and Ultimate Elect...
Stock update and watch list 7/29/08
- Due to difficulties understanding the socialpicks system regarding changing rating from buy to hold and thus resetting the performance, I wanted to sum...
How to reform US health care?
- Jim Jubak in a recent article argued that the best method to reform health care was to hand it to Walmart.They would cut down on salaries,medicine cost...
Data powered by QuoteMedia.
All Rights Reserved.
Data delayed 15 to 20 minutes unless otherwise indicated.
Terms of Use.
None of the information contained on SocialPicks.com constitutes a recommendation by SocialPicks or its users that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. SocialPicks is not responsible for the posts, discussions, and recommendations of the users on the Site. SocialPicks does not provide investment advice. You must make your own independent decisions regarding any security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy mentioned on the website. SocialPicks' users' past results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Neither SocialPicks nor any of its users guarantees any specific outcome or profit, and you should be aware of the real risk of loss in following any strategy or investments discussed on the website. You understand and agree that you use the Site and Services at your own discretion and risk and that you will be solely responsible for any damages that arise from such use. Before acting on any information contained on the website, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and strongly consider seeking advice from your own financial or investment adviser.
Even though Black Friday sales were 
