Silver, Gold & Miners ETF Trading Strategy – Part II

Precious Metals ETF Trading: It's been a week since my last gold & silver report which I took a lot of heat because of my bearish outlook. Friday's closing price has this sector trading precariously close to a major sell off if it's not already started.

On a percentage bases I feel precious metals mining stocks as whole will be selling at a sharp discount in another week or three. ETF funds like the GDX, GDXJ and SIL have the most downside potential. The amount of emails I received from followers of those who have been buying more precious metals and gold stocks as price continues to fall was mind blowing.

If precious metals continue to fall on Monday and Tuesday of this week selling volume should spike as protective stops will be getting run and the individuals who are underwater with a large percentage of their portfolio in the precious metals sector could start getting margin calls and cause another washout, spike low similar to what we saw in 2008.

ETF Trading Charts:

Hot Industrial Conglomerate Stocks To Own Right Now

Below are updated with Friday's closing prices showing technical breakdowns across the board..

Sweet & Sour ETF Trading Analysis:

Just to make things a little more interesting I would like to point out a couple other types of analysis.

Sweet: Through analysis of the CEF Central Fund of Canada Ltd. chart and evaluation it is clear precious metals are falling out of favor at an increased rate. This fund owns physical gold and silver bullion and investors are fleeing the fund so fast that it is now trading at a 7% discount of its asset value. While this may not seem good for metals I see it as a positive.

When everyone is running for one door after an extended moves has already taken place it tends to act as a contrarian indicator. Knowing that some of the largest percent moves in a trend takes place before reversing, I see this information as an early warning that a bottom will soon be put in place.

Sour: While the USD index has not been much help compared to 2012, I feel as though a rising dollar is likely to unfold for a couple weeks which may lend a hand to pulling the precious metals sector down. UUP ETF Trading Strategy

Precious Metals ETF Trading Conclusion:

While I am starting to get bullish for a long term investment in precious metals I know that a bottom has likely not yet been made. But even if it has been, it is better to buy during a basing pattern or breakout to the upside from a basing pattern than to be underwater with a position for an extended period of time along with all the other negatives that come along with it.

I do like the idea of CEF as a long term investment when I feel the time is right. I have invested and traded it many times in the past. The key to trading the fund is to be sure you are buying it at fair value or a discount from the net asset value. You do not want to be buying it when it is trading at a 5-7% premium. The fund owns both gold and silver making it a simple diversified precious metals play.

Get More Free ETF Trading Ideas & Analysis at: www.GoldAndOilGuy.com

Chris Vermeulen

Euro's Strength Could Provoke Action From ECB

The euro has been on a high recently as the US dollar fell due to expectations that the Federal Reserve will continue with its $85 billion per month bond buying plan.

The euro has been above $1.37 recently despite soft eurozone data and worries about the region's ability to maintain its modest recovery.

A strong euro has the potential to hurt European exporters by making the region's goods less competitive around the world. However, the European Central Bank has been firm in saying exchange rates are not a main target of the bank's policies.

Related: #PreMarket Primer: Wednesday, October 30: Markets Hope For A Mild Day

Despite ECB President Mario Draghi's claims that the bank will not act on exchange rates, many see eurozone inflation rates as reason for the bank to intervene. Reuters reported that eurozone inflation stands at just 1.1 percent, well below the ECB's 2 percent target.

With most expecting the Federal Reserve to make no changes to its easy money policies at the close of its meeting on Wednesday, eurozone policy makers are divided over the best course of action for the common currency. Several opinions have emerged regarding the ECB's position in regard to the euro's recent strength. On one hand, the bank could intervene by either implementing another round of bank loans or an interest rate cut. On the other end of the spectrum are those who believe the ECB should sit tight and wait out the common currency's strength.

Moving forward, the ECB will likely hold steady on its policies and instead try to talk the currency down. In the past, Mario Draghi's words have been able to subdue the currency's strength. In February, Draghi was able to reverse the currency's upward momentum by saying that the ECB saw the currency's strength as a risk to inflation.

Posted-In: European Central Bank Federal Reserve Mario DraghiNews Eurozone Commodities Forex Global Federal Reserve Pre-Market Outlook Markets Best of Benzinga

(c) 2013 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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Market pullback? Yes. End of bull? Unlikely

NEW YORK -- Sure, the stock market is taking back a chunk of the big gains it showered on investors last year, but it's too early to say the nearly five-year-old bull market is dying — at least not yet, says Sam Stovall, chief equity strategist at S&P Capital IQ.

There's fear in the air for sure, after another drubbing Wednesday on Wall Street, which pushed the Standard & Poor's 500 index down 1%, extending its 2014 loss to nearly 4%.

WALL STREET: Grapples with Fed changeover

Stocks again headed south, this time on news of turmoil in emerging markets and the Federal Reserve's decision to continue cutting back on its market-friendly stimulus in the final meeting under Chairman Ben Bernanke before Vice Chair Janet Yellen takes the top post on Friday.

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"Transitions are increasing uncertainty," says Stovall. "From the leadership hand-off at the Fed, to the unwinding of the emerging market carry trade, to the eclipsing of the Lunar New Year from Snake to Horse." Indeed, "global investors are re-evaluating emer-ging market growth projections."

Top 5 Blue Chip Stocks To Own Right Now

Adding to the angst is that CEOs are bumming Wall Street out with lousy profit forecasts.

"Better-than-estimated fourth-quarter results are being offset by managements' injection of increasingly somber forward guidance," Stovall says. "While these factors add up to a more cautious investment environment, we believe a resulting pullback or correction will not derail this bull market, as we see the ongoing Fed taper pointing to improving growth."

Top 10 Rising Stocks To Invest In Right Now

While not necessarily a household name like other multinational conglomerates, United Technologies (NYSE:UTX) has been a longtime stalwart in the industry. The company recently announced solid second quarter earnings, and the stock is up an impressive 41 percent in the past year.

The stock is currently trading right around its 52-week high of $105.66. Will the company continue to surge upward? Let�� use our CHEAT SHEET investing analysis to decide whether United Technologies is an OUTPERFORM, WAIT AND SEE, or STAY AWAY.

C = Catalysts for the Stock�� Movement

United Technologies acquired Goodrich ��which manufactures landing gear and engine casings for both commercial and industrial planes ��last July for $16.4 billion. CEO Louis Ch锚nevert believes the acquisition will improve the company�� position within the commercial aviation industry, which has experienced high growth in the last several years.

Pratt & Whitney ��the engines division of United Technologies ��has experienced a rise in orders as the airline industry looks to replace aging engines. Large commercial engine orders increased 15 percent during the quarter. Additionally, Pratt & Whitney is in the process of releasing a new energy-efficient ��eared turbofan engine��to help aircraft companies combat rising fuel costs. However, reduced military spending, as a result of sequestration measures, has offset some of the revenue growth in this division.

Top 10 Rising Stocks To Invest In Right Now: SAFESTORE HLDGS ORD GBP0.01 WI(SAFE.L)

Safestore Holdings plc provides self-storage space and related services for business and personal customers in the United Kingdom and France. It rents self-storage space; and sells ancillary products, which include insurance, as well as storage accessories comprising bubble wrap, boxes, and padlocks. The company offers its services for personal and household, student, and business storage. It operates 12 stores under management in the United Kingdom. As of October 31, 2011, it operated 119 stores, 96 in the U.K. and 23 in Paris under the Safestore and Une Pi�e en Plus brand names. The company is based in Borehamwood, the United Kingdom.

Top 10 Rising Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Precision Castparts Corporation(PCP)

Precision Castparts Corp. (PCC) manufactures and sells metal components and products worldwide. Its Investment Cast Products segment offers aerospace structural and airfoil castings; industrial gas turbine (IGT) castings; artificial hips and knees; parts for satellite launch vehicles; landing gear struts and engine inlets for unmanned aerial vehicles; impellers for pumps and compressors; components for armament systems; and alloys for other manufacturers of investment castings. The company?s Forged Products segment provides forged components for jet engines, including fan discs, compressor discs, turbine discs, seals, spacers, shafts, hubs, and cases; airframe structural components, such as landing gear beams, bulkheads, wing structures, engine mounts, struts, tail flaps, and housings; discs, spacers, and valve components for steam turbine and IGT engines; shafts, cases, and compressor and turbine discs for marine gas engines; mechanical and structural tubular forged produ cts for energy markets; and forged components for propulsion systems on nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers, as well as forgings for pumps, valves, and structural applications. PCC?s Fastener Products segment offers aerospace fasteners comprising bolts, nuts, nut plates, latches, expandable diameter fasteners, quick release pins, hydraulic fittings, bushings, inserts, collars, and other precision components. It also provides refiner plates and screen cylinders for the pulp and paper industry; metal-injection-molded and ThixoFormed components; grinder pumps and components for sewer systems; gas monitoring systems for the power generation industry; and thread-rolling and trimming dies, pins and steel, and carbide forging tools for fastener production. PCC sells its fastener products and services through a network of distributors and independent sales representatives, as well as through a direct sales and marketing staff. The company was founded in 1949 and is based in Por tland, Oregon.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Selena Maranjian]

  Precision Castparts (NYSE: PCP  ) , up 38%, has been busy. The aerospace components maker recently acquired Permaswage for $600 million, and sold Primus Composites to Triumph Group. Its last quarter featured double-digit revenue and earnings growth, benefiting from the acquisition of Titanium Metals. One catalyst for the company is expected growth in commercial airplane sales.

• [By Jim Jubak]

  On July 25, Precision Castparts (PCP) reported earnings for the first (June) quarter of its fiscal year of $2.88 a share. Earnings were up 22.6% from the June quarter of 2012. But the results were two cents a share short of the consensus earnings estimate on Wall Street. Revenue climbed by 20.4% year over year to $2.37 billion. That was below the $2.52 billion consensus.

5 Best Industrial Conglomerate Stocks To Own Right Now: First Niagara Financial Group Inc.(FNFG)

First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. operates as the holding company for First Niagara Bank, N.A. that provides retail and commercial banking, and other financial services to individuals, families, and businesses. It offers retail deposit accounts, which include savings, negotiable order of withdrawal, checking, money market, and certificate of deposit accounts, as well as provides business savings and checking, money market, cash management accounts, and municipal deposit accounts. The company?s loan portfolio comprises commercial real estate and multi-family loans; commercial business loans; residential real estate loans; home equity loans; and consumer loans consisting of indirect mobile home loans, and personal secured and unsecured loans. It also sells insurance products, including commercial and personal insurance, surety bond, life, disability, and long-term care coverage products. In addition, the company offers risk management consulting services comprising altern ative risk and self-insurance services, claims investigation and adjusting services, and third party administration services for self insured workers? compensation plans. Further, it provides employee benefits plan and compensation consulting services. Additionally, First Niagara Financial Group offers wealth management services that manage client funds utilizing various third party investment vehicles consisting of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and annuities, as well as other investment products, such as individual retirement accounts, education savings plans, and retirement plans. As of December 31, 2010 it operated 257 bank branches, including 115 in Upstate New York and 142 branches in Pennsylvania. The company was founded in 1870 and is based in Buffalo, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Eric Volkman]

  First Niagara Financial (NASDAQ: FNFG  ) will return money to two separate classes of its stockholders. The company has declared quarterly dividends for its common shares and its class B preferreds, both of which will be paid on May 15 to shareholders of record as of May 3.

• [By John Maxfield]

  While it's not obvious from the chart, you can separate these institutions into three different buckets. The first bucket concerns the most widely discussed too-big-to-fail banks: JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo. Then comes the unofficial too-big-to-fail lenders (those with assets in excess of $50 billion and thus subject to the Federal Reserve's more stringent stress test process). This group contains U.S. Bank (NYSE: USB  ) , PNC Financial (NYSE: PNC  ) , and BB&T Bank (NYSE: BBT  ) , among others. And the final group encompasses lesser-known banks like First Niagara Financial (NASDAQ: FNFG  ) and People's United Financial (NASDAQ: PBCT  ) with between $20 billion and $50 billion in assets.

Top 10 Rising Stocks To Invest In Right Now: E-L Financial Corp Com Npv(ELF.TO)

E-L Financial Corporation Limited operates as an investment and insurance holding company in Canada. The company, through its subsidiary, The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company, provides general insurance, such as automobile, personal and commercial property, and casualty insurance products. E-L Financial Corporation Limited, through its other subsidiary, The Empire Life Insurance Company, offers a range of life insurance, health insurance, wealth management products, employee benefit plans, and financial services to individuals, professionals, and businesses through a network of independent financial advisors, managing general agents, national account firms, and employee benefit brokers and representatives. It also owns investments in stocks and fixed income securities directly, as well as indirectly through pooled funds, closed-end investment companies, and other investment companies. The company was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

Top 10 Rising Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Grand Canyon Education Inc.(LOPE)

Grand Canyon Education, Inc. provides postsecondary education services in the United States and Canada. It focuses on offering graduate and undergraduate degree programs in education, healthcare, business, and liberal arts disciplines. The company provides its courses through traditional ground campus in Phoenix, Arizona; online; and onsite at the facilities of employers. As of December 31, 2011, it had 43,917 students enrolled in its courses. The company was formerly known as Significant Education, Inc and changed its name to Grand Canyon Education, Inc. in May 2008. Grand Canyon Education, Inc. was founded in 1949 and is based in Phoenix, Arizona.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Seth Jayson]

  Calling all cash flows
  When you are trying to buy the market's best stocks, it's worth checking up on your companies' free cash flow once a quarter or so, to see whether it bears any relationship to the net income in the headlines. That's what we do with this series. Today, we're checking in on Grand Canyon Education (Nasdaq: LOPE  ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

Top 10 Rising Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida(SBCF)

Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida operates as the holding company for Seacoast National Bank that provides various financial products and services in the United States. It offers an array of deposit accounts and retail banking services; engages in consumer and commercial lending activities; and provides various trust and asset management services, as well as securities and annuity products to its customers. The company also offers marine loans. In addition, it provides Internet banking, and brokerage and annuity services. As of June 17, 2011, the company had 39 offices in South and Central Florida. Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida was founded in 1926 and is based in Stuart, Florida.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Sean Williams]

  One that recently crossed my radar as an "avoid" is small-cap bank Seacoast Banking Corp. of Florida (NASDAQ: SBCF  ) �(henceforth known here as Seacoast to make our lives easier).

Top 10 Rising Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Sqi Diagnostics Inc (SQD.V)

SQI Diagnostics Inc., a life sciences company, develops and commercializes proprietary technologies and custom products for microarray and multiplexed diagnostics. The company offers SQiDworks diagnostics platform, a multiplex immunoassay instrument that automates the process of sample pipetting, serum dilution, plate incubation, washing, drying, and reporting of various assay marker results for each patient sample; QuantiSpot rheumatoid arthritis assay RA panel; and Celiac IgXPLEX assay, an anti-tissue transglutaminase. Its products under development include SQiDLITE platform and SQiDman analyzer; autoimmune vasculitis 4-plex; autoimmune thyroid panel 3-plex; anti-phospholipid syndrome panel 9-plex; IBD/Crohn�s panel 4-plex; IgX PLEX Lupus panel; IgX PLEX Celiac DGP panel; and IgX PLEX TNF assay, as well as IVDPlus-Plex assays that enables to multiplex diagnostic biomarkers simultaneously with therapeutic markers and drug efficacy markers for the purpose of patient thera peutic monitoring. The company also provides custom array printing, assay development, and scalable automation services. It serves clinical, academic, and diagnostic development laboratories; research laboratories; medical diagnostics manufacturers; and pharmaceutical companies. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

Top 10 Rising Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Henry Schein Inc. (HSIC)

Henry Schein, Inc. distributes healthcare products and services primarily to office-based healthcare practitioners. It operates in two segments, Healthcare Distribution and Technology. The Healthcare Distribution segment offers consumable dental products, dental laboratory products, and small equipment, including X-ray products, infection-control products, handpieces, preventatives, impression materials, composites, anesthetics, teeth, dental implants, gypsum, acrylics, articulators, and abrasives; and large dental equipment comprising dental chairs, delivery units and lights, X-ray equipment, equipment repair, and high-tech equipment. It also provides medical products, including branded and generic pharmaceuticals, vaccines, surgical products, diagnostic tests, infection-control products, and vitamins; and animal health products, such as branded and generic pharmaceuticals, surgical and consumable products and services, and equipment. The Technology segment offers softwar e and related products, and value-added products that primarily include practice management software systems for dental and medical practitioners, and animal health clinics. Its services also consist of financial services and continuing education services for practitioners. Henry Schein, Inc. primarily serves dental practitioners and laboratories, physician practices, and animal health clinics, as well as government and other institutions. It operates in the United States, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The company was founded in 1932 and is headquartered in Melville, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Charles Mizrahi]

  Several stocks in our portfolio will benefit from this trend: Drugstore chain Walgreens (WAG), healthcare products distributor Henry Schein (HSIC), and pharmaceutical maker AstraZeneca (AZN)

Top 10 Rising Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Vantex Resources Ltd (VAX.V)

Vantex Resources Ltd, a junior mining exploration company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, production, and development of gold properties in Canada. It principal project include the Galloway gold project that comprises approximately 2488 hectares, 63 claims, and 3 mining concessions located in the Dasserat Township, Abitibi district of Quebec. The company was formerly known as Vantex Oil, Gas and Minerals Ltd and changed its name to Vantex Resources Ltd in February 2004. Vantex Resources Ltd was founded in 1987 and is based in La Prairie, Canada.

Top 10 Rising Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Amalphi AG (AMI)

Amalphi AG is a Germany-based company that offers multivendor services for the maintenance of hardware and software of all kinds of Information Technology (IT) equipment. Its main activity is the sale of services including quality assurance, whereas the physical services are provided via international service providers. The Company's products include amalphi ip and ip-pack. amalphi ip is a maintenance service concept for IT-, office- and other technical equipment based on electronic components, which include hardware and software maintenance, help desk service, patch management and asset management. ip-pack offers service packs for the OEM with Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for Hewlett-Packard and IBM products. The Company has a sales network throughout Germany. ES Investment GmbH holds approximately a 49%-stake in the Company.

Top 10 Rising Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Dajin Resources Corp (DJI)

Dajin Resources Corp. (Dajin) together with its subsidiaries, is engaged in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties located in the Province of British Columbia, Canada and Argentina. The Company owns a 100% interest in 29 mineral claims with a 1,500 meter long, linear gold in soils anomaly adjacent to Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd.�� Spanish Mountain gold discovery. The Company also owns a 100% interest in 47 mineral claims in the Addie 2 property which is located south of Quesnel Lake and adjacent to the Frasergold deposit. The Company owns a 65% interest in 32 certain mineral claims and 100% interest in 23 additional minerals claims which make up the Cowtrail Property where Dajin has intersected 1.16 grams per ton gold and 0.043% copper mineralization over 60.0 feet (18.3 meters). The Company holds a 100% interest in concessions or concession applications in Salta and Jujuy Provinces.

Top 10 Rising Stocks To Invest In Right Now: World Energy Solutions Inc(DE)

World Energy Solutions, Inc. provides a range of energy management solutions to commercial and industrial businesses, institutions, utilities, and governments. It offers technology-enabled solutions, such as online audits of facilities to identify retrofit options and project management services for retrofit implementation, as well as cross-selling opportunities for commodity auctions. The company primarily focuses on retail and wholesale energy procurement clients via its online auction platforms, including the World Energy Exchange, the World Green Exchange, and the World DR Exchange. The World Energy Exchange enables energy consumers in North America to negotiate for the purchase or sale of electricity, natural gas, and other energy resources from energy suppliers who have agreed to participate on auction platform. The World Green Exchange enables buyers and sellers to negotiate for the purchase or sale of environmental commodities, such as renewable energy certificates , verified emissions reductions, and certified emissions reductions. The World DR Exchange enables curtailment service providers and energy consumers to negotiate in structured auction events designed to yield price transparency. The company was formerly known as World Energy Exchange, Inc. World Energy Solutions, Inc. was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Given Fisher’s mixed message, it shouldn’t come s a surprise that Caterpillar is little changed today at $90.52, even as Terex (TEX) has fallen 0.8% to $41.03 and Joy Global (JOY) has dropped 1.1% to $55.19. Deere has (DE) gained 0.4% to $90.10.

• [By Lauren Pollock]

  Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in Wednesday’s session are J.C. Penney Co.(JCP), Deere(DE) & Co. and Lowe's Cos.(LOW)

Best Quality Companies To Own In Right Now

Goldman Sachs showed its support of the Supreme Court's same-sex marriage ruling this summer by flying a rainbow flag outside of its offices.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) It's been a record year for gay rights.

Not only did the Supreme Court overturn the Defense of Marriage Act, the law preventing same-sex couples from receiving federal spousal benefits, but hundreds of American corporations have been rallying for the cause, publicly supporting same-sex marriage and ramping up benefits and protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Heading into 2014, a record 304 U.S. companies boast perfect "corporate equality" scores of 100 from the Human Rights Campaign, according to the LGBT advocacy group's new report examining more than 900 businesses on 40 different policies and practices. That's up from 252 perfect scores last year and 189 two years ago.

Best Quality Companies To Own In Right Now: Biox Corp(BX.TO)

BIOX Corporation, a renewable energy company, engages in the design, building, ownership, and operation of a biodiesel production facility in Canada. It produces biodiesel from various feedstock, including recycled vegetable oils, agricultural seed oils, yellow greases, and tallow. The company was incorporated in 2000 and is headquartered in Oakville, Canada.

Best Quality Companies To Own In Right Now: Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc (INO)

Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., incorporated on June 29, 1983, is engaged in the development of a new generation of vaccines, called synthetic vaccines, focused on cancers and infectious diseases. The Company's SynCon technology enables the design of universal vaccines capable of providing cross-protection against existing or changing strains of pathogens, such as influenza and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The Company's electroporation delivery technology uses brief, controlled electrical pulses to increase cellular uptake of the vaccine. Its clinical programs include cervical dysplasia (therapeutic), avian influenza (preventive), prostate cancer (therapeutic), leukemia (therapeutic), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV vaccines. It is advancing preclinical research and clinical development for a universal seasonal/pandemic influenza vaccine, as well as preclinical work for other products, including malaria and prostate cancer vaccines. Its partners and collaborators include University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, National Microbiology Laboratory of the Public Health Agency of Canada, Program for Appropriate Technology in Health/Malaria Vaccine Initiative (PATH/MVI), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Merck, ChronTech, University of Southampton, United States Military HIV Research Program (USMHRP), the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) and HIV Vaccines Trial Network (HVTN). As of December 31, 2011 it owned 16.1% interest in VGX Int��.

Inovio�� Solution

The Company�� synthetic vaccine platform consists of its SynCon vaccine design process and electroporation delivery technology. It has developed a preclinical and clinical stage pipeline of vaccines. The Company�� synthetic vaccines are designed to prevent a disease (prophylactic vaccines) or treat an existing disease (therapeutic vaccines). Its synthetic vaccine consists of a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) plasmid encoding a selected antigen! (s), which is introduced into cells of humans or animals with the purpose of evoking an immune response to the encoded antigen. The Company�� synthetic vaccines are designed to generate specific antibody and/or T-cell responses.

The Company�� SynCon technology provides processes that employ bioinformatics, which combine extensive genetic data and sophisticated algorithms. Its design process uses the genetic make-up of a common antigen(s) from multiple strains of a virus within a viral sub-type or taxonomic group (family) of pathogens, such as HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), human papillomavirus (HPV), influenza and other diseases to synthetically create a new antigen for the desired pathogen target that does not exist in nature. Its synthetic vaccine candidates are being delivered into cells of the body using its electroporation (EP) DNA delivery technology.

Cancer Synthetic Vaccines

The Company has two broad types of cancer vaccines: preventive (or prophylactic) vaccines, which are intended to prevent cancer from developing in healthy people, and treatment (or therapeutic) vaccines, which are intended to treat an existing cancer by strengthening the body�� natural defenses against the cancer. Two types of cancer preventive vaccines are available in the United States. The United States Food and Drug Administration (the FDA) has approved two vaccines, Gardasil and Cervarix that protect against infection by the two types of HPV-types 16 and 18-that cause approximately 70% of all cases of cervical cancer worldwide. In addition, Gardasil protects against infection by two additional HPV types, 6 and 11, which are responsible for about 90% of all cases of genital warts in males and females but do not cause cervical cancer.

Cervarix manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, is composed of virus-like particles (VLPs) made with proteins from HPV types 16 and 18. Cervarix is approved for use in females��ages 10 to 25 for the prevention of cervical cancer caused by! HPV type! s 16 and 18. Gardasil manufactured by Merck, is approved for use in females for the prevention of cervical cancer, and some vulvar and vaginal cancers, caused by HPV types 16 and 18 and for use in males and females for the prevention of genital warts caused by HPV types 6 and 11. The vaccine is approved for these uses in females and males ages 9 to 26. The FDA has also approved a cancer preventive vaccine that protects against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Inovio�� VGX-3100 is designed to raise immune responses against the E6 and E7 genes of HPV types 16 and 18 that are present in both pre-cancerous and cancerous cells transformed by these HPV types. E6 and E7 are oncogenes that play an integral role in transforming HPV-infected cells into cancerous cells. In March 2011, it initiated a randomized, double-blind Phase II study of VGX-3100 delivered using the CELLECTRA intramuscular electroporation device in women with HPV Type 16 or 18 and diagnosed with, but not yet treated for, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2/3. The study is designed to enroll 148 subjects. In January 2011, it announced the publication of a scientific paper in the journal Human Vaccines detailing potent immune responses in a preclinical study of its SynCon vaccine for prostate cancer targeting two antigens, prostate specific antigen (PSA) and prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA).

In January 2011, the Company announced the regulatory approval of a Phase II clinical trial (WIN Trial) to treat leukemia utilizing its new ELGEN 1000 automated vaccine delivery device. The single dose level, Phase II study, called WT1 immunity via DNA fusion gene vaccination in haematological malignancies by intramuscular injection followed by intramuscular electroporation. Cancer Vaccines encodes for hTERT, an antigen related to non-small cell lung, breast and prostate cancers. The vaccine is delivered using its electroporation delivery technology.

Infectious Disease Synthetic Vaccines

In Marc! h 2011, the Company announced the initiation of a follow-on open label, single dose Phase II clinical study in collaboration with ChronTech of the ChronVac-C HCV DNA vaccine delivered using its electroporation technology in treatment naive HCV infected individuals. Its HIV vaccines consist of candidates for HIV prevention, as well as therapy or treatment. PENNVAX-B is designed to target HIV clade B (most commonly found in the United States, North America, Australia and the European Union (EU). PENNVAX-G is designed to target HIV clades A, C and D, which are more commonly found in Asia, Africa, Russia and South America. This Phase I clinical study of PENNVAX-B (HVTN-080) vaccinated 48 healthy, HIV-negative volunteers to assess safety and levels of immune responses generated by Inovio�� PENNVAX-B vaccine delivered with its CELLECTRA electroporation device. PENNVAX-B is a SynCon vaccine that targets HIV gag, pol, and env proteins.

The Company�� VGX-3400X targets H5N1. The vaccine consists of three distinct DNA plasmids coded for a consensus hemagglutinin (HA) antigen derived from different H5N1 virus strains; a consensus neuraminidase (NA) antigen derived from different N1 sequences; and a consensus nucleoprotein (NP) fused to a small portion of the m2 protein (m2E) based on a broader cross-section of influenza viruses in addition to H5N1 and H1N1. Conventional vaccines are strain-specific and have limited ability to protect against genetic shifts in the influenza strains they target. They are therefore modified annually in anticipation of the next flu season�� new strain(s). It is focused on developing DNA-based influenza vaccines able to provide broad protection against known as well as newly emerging, unknown seasonal and pandemic influenza strains.

Animal Health/Veterinary

VGX Animal Health, Inc. (VGX AH), a majority-owned subsidiary, has licensed LifeTide, a plasmid-based growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) technology for swine. LifeTide is one of onl! y four DN! A-based treatments approved for use in animals and is the only DNA-based agent delivered using electroporation that has been granted marketing approval (Australia). VGX AH is also developing a GHRH-based treatment for cancer and anemia in dogs and cats. It is developing a synthetic vaccine for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) administered by its vaccine delivery technology. The FMD virus is one of the most infectious diseases affecting farm animals, including cattle, swine, sheep and goats, and is a serious threat to global food safety.

The Company competes with Crucell N.V, Sanofi-Aventis, Novartis, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Merck, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Inc., Novartis, Inc., MedImmune and CSL.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By George Budwell]

  Inovio Pharmaceuticals (NYSEMKT: INO  ) develops DNA-based vaccines and delivers them using a proprietary electroporation technique. Shares of Inovio have been a roller coaster all year long, and have certainly been the playground of day traders. Last week, Inovio shares lost more than 10% of their value on heavy volume, suggesting the stock may continue to experience downward pressure. This rapid move downward is surprising because the company recently signed a licensing deal with Roche (NASDAQOTH: RHHBY  ) to commercialize Inovio's multi-antigen DNA immunotherapies for prostate cancer and hepatitis B. As part of the deal, Inovio received $10 million upfront, and milestone payments could go as high as $412 million.

Best Stocks To Invest In: UTStarcom Inc.(UTSI)

UTStarcom Holdings Corp. designs and sells Internet protocol (IP)-based telecommunications infrastructure products to telecommunications service providers and operators worldwide. It provides solutions in IPTV, interactive (iD) TV, Internet TV, and broadband, as well as related installation and maintenance services. It offers multimedia communications products, including RollingStream, an IPTV solution that enables a service provider to deliver broadcast television and on-demand video services to residential and commercial premises over a switched network architecture; mSwitch, a next generation network solution that enables service providers to migrate from existing circuit platforms to a next generation IP-based switch architecture, or to launch new applications in new deployment environments that have no legacy infrastructure; and a personal access system, as well as provides related consulting, technical, project, quality, and maintenance support-level services. The co mpany also provides broadband infrastructure products comprising broadband access products consisting of multi-service access node products; digital subscriber line (DSL) products, such as DSL modems, set-top boxes, and voice over the internet devices for residential and business customers; and gigabit Ethernet passive optical network products, as well as optical transport products, including packet optical transport network products, multi-service transport platform, and resilient packet ring. It sells its products through direct sales, original equipment manufacturers, distributors, resellers, agents, and licensees primarily in China, Japan, India, and other Asian markets; the United States; Latin America; and Europe. The company was formerly known as UTStarcom, Inc. and changed its name to UTStarcom Holdings Corp. in June 2011. UTStarcom Holdings Corp. was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Beijing, China.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dan Radovsky]

  Today the satellite pay-TV provider filed a letter with the Federal Communications Commission pointing to media reports about a Department of Justice investigation into charges of bribery by telecommunications equipment provider UTStarcom (NASDAQ: UTSI  ) , also known as UTSI. The DOJ says the company gave $7 million to Chinese government officials in return for telecommunications sales contracts. In 2009 UTStarcom admitted to bribery and agreed to pay $1.5 million.

• [By Dan Radovsky]

  DISH's reply
  As expected, DISH was ready with a response, but it wasn't one that defended its numbers. Instead, DISH filed a letter with the Federal Communications Commission repeating media accounts regarding a Department of Justice investigation of bribery charges against telecommunications equipment provider UTStarcom (NASDAQ: UTSI  ) . The DISH filing says Masayoshi Son was chairman of the board of UTStarcom during part of the time in which the bribery was said to occur.

Best Quality Companies To Own In Right Now: New York & Company Inc.(NWY)

New York & Company, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a specialty retailer of women's fashion apparel and accessories in the United States. The company offers a range of wear-to-work, and casual apparel and accessories, including pants, jackets, knit tops, blouses, sweaters, denim, T-shirts, activewear, handbags, and jewelry. It sells its products under the New York & Company, Lerner, Lerner New York, New York Style, City Stretch, City Style, and NY&C brand names. The company sells its branded merchandise through its network of retail stores and E-commerce store at nyandcompany.com. As of March 15, 2012, it operated 532 stores in 43 states. The company, formerly known as NY & Co. Group, Inc., was founded in 1918 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Anna Prior]

  New York & Co(NWY).’s fiscal third-quarter loss narrowed as the women’s apparel retailer recorded comparable-store-sales growth and benefited from lower costs.

• [By Jeremy Bowman]

  What: Shares of New York & Company (NYSE: NWY  ) were looking sharp, gaining as much as 10% two market days after reporting earnings, as Janney Montgomery Scott today reaffirmed its buy rating and upped its price target by 50% to $6.

Best Quality Companies To Own In Right Now: ACCSYS TECHNOLOGIES ORD EUR0.01(AXS.L)

Accsys Technologies PLC, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the development and commercialization of various technologies for the manufacture of Accoya branded acetylated wood in the United Kingdom. It also engages in the ownership and exploitation of intellectual property rights relating to the acetylation of cellulose and the production of acetic anhydride; provision of technical and engineering services to licensees; technical development of fiber board opportunities; manufacture of Accoya, the acetylated wood; and provision of sales, marketing, and technical services. The company is based in London, the United Kingdom.

Best Quality Companies To Own In Right Now: Cimpor Cimentos de Portugal SGPS SA (CPR.LS)

Cimpor Cimentos de Portugal SGPS SA is a Portugal-based holding company engaged in the construction materials sector. The Company is primarily active in the production and sale of cement and clinker. It also involved in the manufacturing and marketing of ready-mix concrete, dry mortars and aggregates. As of December 20, 2012, the Company operated in Portugal, Egypt, Cape Verde, Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. The Company�� investments are held essentially through two subsidiaries: Cimpor Portugal SGPS SA, which holds the investments in companies dedicated to the production of cement, concrete, aggregates and mortar in Portugal, and Cimpor Inversiones SA, which holds the investments in companies operating abroad.

Best Quality Companies To Own In Right Now: Delcath Systems Inc.(DCTH)

Delcath Systems, Inc., a development stage company, operates as a specialty pharmaceutical and medical device company. It focuses on cancers in the liver. The company involves in the development and clinical study of the Delcath chemosaturation system. Its clinical trial include a Phase III multi-center study for patients with unresectable metastatic ocular or cutaneous melanoma exclusively or predominantly in the liver; and a multi-arm Phase II clinical trial of the Delcath chemosaturation system with melphalan in patients with primary and metastatic liver cancer, which comprise neuroendocrine tumors, hepatocellular carcinoma, ocular or cutaneous melanoma, and metastatic adenocarcinoma. Delcath Systems, Inc. was founded in 1988 and is based in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By John Udovich]

  Biotech in general has been one of the market�� hottest sectors this year thanks to plenty of mostly good news�along with�new IPOs while small cap biotech stocks Delcath Systems (NASDAQ: DCTH), ZIOPHARM Oncology Inc (NASDAQ: ZIOP), Recro Pharma (NASDAQ: REPH), TetraLogic Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: TLOG)�and TNI BioTech (OTCMKTS: TNIB) have also produced their share of news�this week or in recent weeks. Just consider the following:

Best Quality Companies To Own In Right Now: Lustros Inc (LSTS)

Lustros, Inc., incorporated on July 30, 1980, is a development-stage company. The Company manufactures copper sulfate from traditional mining and leftover tailings. The Company's manufacturing facilities are located in Chile, South America. In October 2013, Lustros Inc announced that its subsidiary, Sulfatos Chile SA, completed its first sale of Pentahyrdate Copper Sulfate.

On June 25, 2012, the Company created a new subsidiary, Mineraltus S.A. (Mineraltus). The Company owns 80% interest of Mineraltus. On August 22, 2012, the Company formed Lustros Chile SpA as a 100% owned subsidiary. On March 25, 2012, the Company sold the assets (including the Power-Save name) of its renewable energy and energy savings product business.

Best Quality Companies To Own In Right Now: NB&T FINANCIAL GROUP INC(NBTF)

NB&T Financial Group, Inc. operates as a bank holding company for The National Bank and Trust Company that provides commercial banking and financial services to individuals and corporate customers in southwestern Ohio. The company offers various deposit products, including checking accounts, savings accounts, money market deposit accounts, and term certificate accounts. Its loan portfolio includes commercial and industrial loans, such as loans to automobile dealers and loans guaranteed by the small business administration; loans secured by commercial real estate; real estate construction loans for constructing commercial and residential buildings; agricultural loans, including loans to finance farm operations, equipment purchases, and land acquisition; loans secured by one- to four-family residential real estate and multifamily real estate; and consumer installment loans, such as home equity loans, automobile loans, recreational vehicle loans, and overdraft protection. The company also offers credit card services; and trust services that consists of trust administration, investment purchase and management, estate planning and administration, tax and financial planning, and employee benefit plan administration. As of December 31, 2010, it operated a main office in Wilmington, as well as 23 full-service branch offices and 1 remote drive-through automated teller machine facility in Brown, Clermont, Clinton, Highland, Montgomery, Warren, and Cuyahoga counties in Ohio. The company was founded in 1859 and is based in Wilmington, Ohio.

Disney Plans Massive Share Buyback (DIS)

Walt Disney Corporation (DIS) announced that it will be increasing its share buyback in fiscal 2014.

In the last few years, Disney has been buying back approximately $4 billion in shares every year, but that was planned to be $6 billion next year. The company has now announced that fiscal 2014 will see $8 billion in share buybacks, sending Disney’s stock surging for the day.

The company also promises to approach high budget films with a higher sense of caution after a disastrous summer movie season that saw films like “The Lone Ranger” flop; that film is now expected to lose around $190 million when all is said and done.

Disney shares were up $1.55, or 2.37%, at market close today. The stock is up over 31% this year.

Top 10 Diversified Bank Stocks To Buy For 2014

Bank of America's (NYSE: BAC  ) stock is taking a beating this morning, in a startling turnaround from last week's rally that buoyed the share price above $13, where it hovered all weekend. Unfortunately, it looks as if the great news of the bank's settlement with monoline insurer MBIA (NYSE: MBI  ) , which brought an unpleasant legal skirmish to an end, has worn off with the advent of Monday morning.

Bank of America's peers aren't looking too perky, either. Both Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC  ) and JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM  ) are down so far, as is Citigroup (NYSE: C  ) . Of course, JPMorgan has a right to be depressed, as the legal and political problems mount, both for the bank and for CEO Jamie Dimon himself. The others have legal problems bubbling up, too: Wells, along with B of A, is being sued by New York's Attorney General for mortgage settlement abuses, and Citi faces an action��over a secretary it provided to William Salomon, of the late-but-not-so-great Salomon Brothers investment firm.

Top 10 Diversified Bank Stocks To Buy For 2014: Tintina Mines Ltd (TTS.V)

Tintina Mines Limited, a development stage company, engages in the evaluation, acquisition, and exploration of gold and base mineral properties in Canada. Its principal asset includes the Red Mountain molybdenum deposit located in the Whitehorse Mining district in Yukon, Canada. The company was incorporated in 1961 and is based in Toronto, Canada.

Top 10 Diversified Bank Stocks To Buy For 2014: Books-A-Million Inc.(BAMM)

Books-A-Million, Inc. operates as a book retailer in the southeastern United States. The company operates superstores and traditional bookstores that offer a selection of hardcover and paperback books, magazines, and newspapers. It also offers other merchandise, including gifts, cards, collectibles, magazines, music, DVDs, and electronic accessories, as well as coffee, tea, and other edible products. The company markets its products under the trademarks of Books-A-Million, BAM! Books-A-Million, Bookland, Books & Co., Millionaire?s Club, Sweet Water Press, Thanks-A-Million, Big Fat Coloring Book, Up All Night Reader, Read & Save Rebate, Readables Accessories for Readers, Kids-A-Million, Teachers First, The Write-Price, Bambeanos, Hold That Thought, Book$mart, BAMM, BAMM.com, BOOKSAMILLION.com, Chillatte, Joe Muggs Newsstand, Page Pets, JOEMUGGS.com, FAITHPOINT.com, Faithmark, Joe Muggs, Anderson?s Bookland, Snow Joe, Summer Says, On the John University, OTJU, American Whole sale Book Company, AWBC, and NetCentral. It also offers its products over the Internet at Booksamillion.com. As of August 11, 2011, the company operated 231 stores in 23 states and the District of Columbia. Books-A-Million, Inc. was founded in 1917 and is based in Birmingham, Alabama.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By John Udovich]

  Vitamin Shoppe Inc (NYSE: VSI), Books-A-Million, Inc (NASDAQ: BAMM) and Perfumania Holdings, Inc (NASDAQ: PERF) have the dubious distinction of being�the worst performing small cap�specialty retail stocks for this year (according to Finviz.com) with losses of 4.85% and�3% and a gain of 0.61%, respectively, since the start of the year (See my previous article: This Year�� Best Performing Small Cap Specialty Retail Stocks? UNTD, TA & HZO). I should mention that the definition of specialty retail stocks might vary from one stock screener to another, but what�� clear is that these three small cap retail stocks have been heading in the wrong direction for investors for much of this year. �With that in mind, what sort of performance should investors expect from these small cap specialty retail stocks on Black Friday and for the all important holiday season? Here is what you need to be aware of:

Top Communications Equipment Stocks To Buy Right Now: Sutron Corporation(STRN)

Sutron Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets products and solutions for the collection and monitoring of hydrological, meteorological, and oceanic data for the management of critical water resources and optimization of hydropower plants, as well as for warning of disastrous floods, storms, or tsunamis. The company?s Hydromet Products division manufactures real-time data collection and control products consisting of dataloggers, satellite transmitters/loggers, water level and meteorological sensors, and tides monitoring systems. Its Integrated Systems division provides system integration services consisting of the design, integration, installation, and commissioning of customer-specific hydrological and meteorological monitoring and control systems. These systems also include software applications based on it XConnect database software and Ilex Tempest database software. This division also integrates and installs airport weather systems. The company?s Hydrological Services division provides hydrologic services, including data interpretation and analysis, flow modeling, field studies, hydrologic studies, environmental permitting, legal or expert witness and equipment integration, installation, commissioning, and maintenance services. Its Ilex division offers Tempest database software, DOMSAT systems, custom software, and engineering services. The company primarily serves federal, state, local, and foreign governments; engineering companies; universities; and hydropower companies. Sutron Corporation markets its products through direct sales force in the United States, as well as through resellers and agents in Canada, Latin and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The company was founded in 1975 and is headquartered in Sterling, Virginia.

Top 10 Diversified Bank Stocks To Buy For 2014: Solazyme Inc (SZYM.O)

Solazyme, Inc. (Solazyme), incorporated on March 31, 2003, makes oil. The Company�� technology transforms a range of plant-based sugars into oils. Its renewable products can replace or enhance oils derived from the world�� three existing sources-petroleum, plants and animal fats. The Company is focused on commercializing its products into three target markets: fuels and chemicals, nutrition, and skin and personal care. In 2010, the Company launched its products, the Golden Chlorella line of dietary supplements. In March 2011, the Company launched its Algenist brand for the luxury skin care market through marketing and distribution arrangements with Sephora S.A. (Sephora International), Sephora USA, Inc. (Sephora USA), and QVC, Inc. (QVC).

The Company is engaged in development activities with multiple partners, including Chevron U.S.A. Inc., through its division Chevron Technology Ventures (Chevron), The Dow Chemical Company (Dow), Ecopetrol S.A. (Ecope trol), Qantas Airways Limited (Qantas) and Conopoco, Inc., doing business as Unilever (Unilever).

In 2010, the Company entered into a 50/50 joint venture with Roquette Freres, S.A. (Roquette). In November 2010, the Company entered into a joint venture and operating agreement for Solazyme Roquette Nutritionals with Roquette. In December 2010, the Company entered into an exclusive distribution relationship with Sephora International, and in January 2011, the Company entered into a distribution relationship with Sephora USA. Under the arrangements, each of Sephora International and Sephora USA will distribute the Algenist product line in their respective territories.

In Fuels and Chemicals market its renewable oils can be refined and sold as drop-in replacements for marine, motor vehicle and jet fuels, as well as replacements for chemicals that are traditionally derived from petroleum or other conventional oils. The Company work with its refining par tner Honeywell UOP to produce Soladiesel (renewable diesel! ),! Soladiesel renewable diesel for United States Naval vessels, and Solajet renewable jet fuel for both military and commercial application testing. In nutrition market the Company has developed microalgae-based food ingredients, including oils and powders that enhance the nutritional profile and functionality of food products while reducing costs for consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies. In Skin and Personal Care market the Company hs developed a portfolio of branded microalgae-based products. Its ingredient is Alguronic Acid, which the Company has formulated into a range of skin care products with anti-aging benefits. The Company is also developing algal oils as replacements for the oils used in skin and personal care products.

The Company competes with BP p.l.c., Royal Dutch Shell plc, and Exxon Mobil Corporation, jatropha, camelina, SALOV North America Corporation, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill, Incorporated, DSM Food Specialties and Danisco A/S< /p>

Top 10 Diversified Bank Stocks To Buy For 2014: United Therapeutics Corporation(UTHR)

United Therapeutics Corporation, a biotechnology company, engages in the development and commercialization of therapeutic products for patients with chronic and life-threatening diseases in the United States and internationally. It offers Remodulin, Tyvaso, and Adcirca for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The company also develops Oral Treprostinil (UT-15C), a new drug application filed with the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of PAH. Its development products under Phase III clinical trials include Oral Treprostinil (UT-15C) Combination Therapy for PAH; Ch14.18 monoclonal antibody (MAb) targeting Neuroblastoma; and Remodulin for the treatment of PAH in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan. The company?s development products under Phase I clinical trials comprise Beraprost-MR for PAH in North America, Europe, Mexico, South America, Egypt, India, South Africa, and Australia; 8H9 MAb targ eting Metastatic brain cancer; and IW001 for the treatment of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and primary graft dysfunction. Its pre-clinical stage products consist of Glycobiology Antiviral Agents for viral infectious diseases; PLacental eXpanded cells targeting PAH; and pulmonary tissue replacement and remodeling products for the treatment of end-stage lung disease. The company serves pharmaceutical wholesalers through specialty pharmaceutical distributors and other distributors. United Therapeutics Corporation was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By John Udovich]

  Yesterday, mid cap biotech stock�United Therapeutics Corporation (NASDAQ: UTHR) soared�30.36% after announced FDA approval of Orenitram as�an oral treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), meaning investors should take a closer look at the stock along with the performance of peers like the iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology Index ETF (NASDAQ: IBB) and the�SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (NYSEARCA: XBI).

• [By Monica Gerson]

  United Therapeutics (NASDAQ: UTHR) shares reached a new 52-week high of $91.13. United Therapeutics' PEG ratio is 1.64.

  DENTSPLY International (NASDAQ: XRAY) shares touched a new 52-week high of $47.65. DENTSPLY's trailing-twelve-month ROE is 15.95%.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Look up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Santa Claus! No. It’s United Therapeutics (UTHR).

  Reuters

  Shares of the United Therapeutics have surged 23% to $107.65, on what’s looking to be a pretty decent day for biotech stocks. The iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index ETF (IBB) has gained 0.9% to $225.75, as Gilead Sciences (GILD) has risen 0.7% to $75.16 and Celgene (CELG) has ticked up 0.4% to $168.09.

Top 10 Diversified Bank Stocks To Buy For 2014: Celeste Mining Corp.(C.V)

Celeste Mining Corp., a junior natural resource company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Chile. It primarily explores for tin, copper, gold, and silver ores. The company holds an option agreement to acquire a 100% interest in seven exploration concessions, Celeste IV�X, covering approximately 2,765 hectares located in the Cabeza de Vaca mineral district, Chile. It also holds three exploration concessions in the Manto Medio district of Chile. The company was formerly known as Celeste Copper Corporation and changed its name to Celeste Mining Corp. in November 2012. Celeste Mining Corp. was incorporated in 2007 and is based in Calgary, Canada.

Top 10 Diversified Bank Stocks To Buy For 2014: Express Scripts Holding Co (ESRX)

Express Scripts Holding Company, incorporated in 2011, provides healthcare management and administration services on behalf of its clients, which include health maintenance organizations (HMOs), health insurers, third-party administrators, employers, union-sponsored benefit plans, workers compensation plans, and government health programs. The Company operates in two segments: Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) and Emerging Markets (EM). PBM services include network claims processing, home delivery services, patient care and direct specialty and fertility home delivery to patients, benefit plan design consultation, drug utilization review, formulary management, drug data analysis services, distribution of injectable drugs to patients homes and physicians offices, bio-pharma services, and fulfillment of prescriptions to low-income patients through manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs. EM segment provides distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies to providers and clinics, healthcare account administration and implementation of consumer-directed healthcare solutions. In September 2013, it announced the acquisition of the SmartD Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP).

On July 20, 2011, Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI) entered into a merger agreement (the Merger Agreement) with Medco Health Solutions, Inc. (Medco). During the year ended December 31, 2011, it reorganized its FreedomFP line of business from its EM segment into its PBM segment. On April 2, 2012, the Company completed the Merger Agreement, and after which ESI and Medco became the wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company. The Company�� customers include HMOs, health insurers, third-party administrators, employers, union-sponsored benefit plans, government health programs, office-based oncologists, renal dialysis clinics, ambulatory surgery centers, primary care physicians, retina specialists and others.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Sean Williams]

  Another challenge for Walgreen is its still impaired relationship with pharmacy-benefits management company Express Scripts (NASDAQ: ESRX  ) and its members. Although Walgreen and Express Scripts came to a multi-year agreement that allowed Express Scripts members to again fill their prescriptions at Walgreen as of September, close to eight months went by last year where the two weren't partners, allowing its competitors to gobble up pharmacy prescriptions for Express Scripts members. Express Scripts may have forgiven and forgotten, but consumers may not be so easy to win over.�

• [By Adam Levine-Weinberg]

  Strong results, modest outlook
  Rite Aid's profit was driven by three major one-time or short-term impacts. First, the company gained a number of new customers from Walgreen's dispute with pharmacy benefits manager Express Scripts (NASDAQ: ESRX  ) . Walgreen's stores rejoined the Express Scripts network as of Sept. 15, and customers are beginning to trickle back, but Rite Aid still saw a significant benefit from the dispute in fiscal year 2013. On Rite Aid's Thursday morning conference call, executives estimated the full-year benefit at $70 million�-- more than half of the company's fiscal year 2013 profit.

• [By Holly LaFon] ss Scripts is a pharmacy benefit manager that generates revenue through delivering prescription drugs through its network of contracted retail pharmacies, specialty pharmacy services, home delivery and EM services.

  Express Scripts��stock tumbled to a 52-week low of $34.37 at the end of the third quarter, from a high of $60.89. Cooperman bought 719,000 shares of the company at an average of $43 per share. He previously owned shares of Express Scripts in 2007 when the price was about $23 per share, and sold over the next several quarters as the stock climbed to $34 in the second quarter of 2008, when he closed his position.

  Express Scripts Inc. has a market cap of $24.76 billion; its shares were traded at around $50.17 with a P/E ratio of 17.8 and P/S ratio of 0.5. Express Scripts Inc. had an annual average earnings growth of 28.6% over the past 10 years. GuruFocus rated Express Scripts Inc. the business predictability rank of 5-star.

  Over the past decade, Express Scripts has generated strong and growing free cash flow, which grew from $1.6 billion in 2009 to a record of almost $2 billion in 2010.

  In October, the company had to lower its earnings per share guidance from the previously expected $3.15 to $3.25, to a range of $2.95 to $3.05. The decrease was due to multiple factors: a greater shortfall in claims versus expectations, a stagnant economy impacting claims volumes, additional expenses, including accelerating spending on projects in preparation for the integration of Medco Health Solutions Inc., expenses to support clients and members as they transfer from Walgreen�� pharmacies and to comply with new regulations. The company is also facing heightened competition.

  Later, on October 25, the company announced that it expects 95% of its clients��prescription volume to continue after it loses Walgreens as a network supplier in 2012. It also expects that the merger with Medco, another PBM, will be slightly accretive to EPS in

• [By Keith Speights]

  The aftermath of the dispute with Express Scripts (NASDAQ: ESRX  ) also continues to play a factor for Walgreen. After the two sides couldn't come to an agreement, Walgreen allowed its contract with Express Scripts to expire at the end of 2011.

Top 10 Diversified Bank Stocks To Buy For 2014: Merit Medical Systems Inc.(MMSI)

Merit Medical Systems, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for use in interventional and diagnostic procedures worldwide. It offers cardiology and radiology devices, which assist in diagnosing and treating coronary arterial disease, peripheral vascular disease, and other non-vascular diseases. The company?s cardiology and radiology devices include inflation devices; hemostasis valves; vascular retrieval devices; vascular access products; diagnostic catheters; guide wires and torque devices; and angiography and angioplasty accessories. Its cardiology and radiology devices also comprise safety and waste management systems; radial artery compression devices; drainage catheters and accessories; paracentesis, thoracentesis, and pericardiocentesis catheters; therapeutic infusion catheters; embolic microspheres; multipurpose microcatheters; and dialysis and interventional nephrology products. The company also provides gastroenterology and pulmonolog y devices that assist in the palliative treatment of expanding esophageal, tracheobronchial, and biliary strictures caused by malignant tumors. Its gastroenterology and pulmonology devices consist of airway, esophageal, and biliary stents; stent sizing devices; guide wires for non-vascular procedures; bipolar coagulation probes; inflation devices; and cholangiography rapid refill continuous injection kits, as well as specialty devices and accessories, such as discography products and pressure sensors. The company sells its products through direct sales force, distributors, original equipment manufacturer partners, and custom procedure tray manufacturers. Its customers include hospitals and clinic-based cardiologists, radiologists, anesthesiologists, physiatrists, neurologists, nephrologists, vascular surgeons, interventional gastroenterologists and pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, technicians, and nurses. Merit Medical Systems, Inc. was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in South Jordan, Utah.

Top 10 Diversified Bank Stocks To Buy For 2014: Glen Eagle Res Inc(GER.V)

Glen Eagle Resources Inc. engages in the acquisition, exploration, production, development, and operation of mining properties. The company explores primarily for lithium and gold ores. Its principal property includes the Authier lithium project, which is located in Lamothe, Quebec. The company was formerly known as Temoris Resources Inc. and changed its name to Glen Eagle Resources Inc. in August 2008. Glen Eagle Resources Inc. is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.

Top 10 Diversified Bank Stocks To Buy For 2014: Electrovaya Inc Com Npv (EFL.TO)

Electrovaya Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, development, manufacture, and marketing of batteries, battery systems, and battery-related products for the electric transportation, utility scale energy storage and smart grid power, consumer, and healthcare markets in Canada. It develops portable power technology products using its Lithium Ion SuperPolymer technology. The company offers battery systems for plug in hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles, and two-wheel vehicles, as well as for commercial truck and offroad applications; and PowerPad series of batteries for notebook computers and other mobile applications, as well as Scribble Tablet PC products for the health care industry. It also provides cells and battery modules; and intelligent battery management systems for automotive, utility-scale, and other integrated systems. The company was formerly known as Electrofuel Inc. and changed its name to Electrovaya Inc. in March 2002. Electro vaya Inc. was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Mississauga, Canada.

Top 10 Diversified Bank Stocks To Buy For 2014: Indico Resources Ltd. (IDI.V)

Indico Resources Ltd., an exploration stage company, engages in the exploration for and development of natural resources in South America. It holds an option to acquire a 100% indirect interest in the Ocana copper gold porphyry project consisting of 22 concessions in south-central Peru. The company was founded in 1996 and is based in Vancouver, Canada.

Morning Market Movers

Silicom (NASDAQ: SILC) jumped 33.10% to $61.88 as the company announced upbeat quarterly results.

Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) moved up 16.86% to $389.98 after the company reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results.

Logitech International SA (NASDAQ: LOGI) rose 16.84% to $15.45 after the company reported strong FQ3 results and lifted its full-rear guidance.

Fusion-io (NYSE: FIO) shares jumped 14.75% to $10.81 on stronger-than-expected quarterly results.

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3 Big Stocks on Traders' Radars

BALTIMORE (Stockpickr) -- Put down the 10-K filings and the stock screeners. It's time to take a break from the traditional methods of generating investment ideas. Instead, let the crowd do it for you.

>>5 Stocks Under $10 Set to Soar

From hedge funds to individual investors, scores of market participants are turning to social media to figure out which stocks are worth watching. It's a concept that's known as "crowdsourcing," and it uses the masses to identify emerging trends in the market.

Crowdsourcing has long been a popular tool for the advertising industry, but it also makes a lot of sense as an investment tool. After all, the market is completely driven by the supply and demand, so it can be valuable to see what names are trending among the crowd.

While some fund managers are already trying to leverage social media resources like Twitter to find algorithmic trading opportunities, for most investors, crowdsourcing works best as a starting point for investors who want a starting point in their analysis. Today, we'll leverage the power of the crowd to take a look at some of the most active stocks on the market today.

>>5 Big Short-Squeeze Stocks Ready to Pop

These "most active" names are the most heavily-traded names on the market -- and often, uber-active names have some sort of a technical or fundamental catalyst driving investors' attention on shares. That's especially true now that earnings season is officially underway. And when there's a big catalyst, there's often a trading opportunity.

Without further ado, here's a look at today's stocks.

Bank of America

Nearest Resistance: $14.75

Nearest Support: $14

Catalyst: Technical Setup

>>5 Big Trades for a September Bounce

Bank of America (BAC) is no stranger to making the list of the NYSE's most active stocks purely because of its size -- the $155 billion bank is one of the most visible names in the financial sector. But today's price action is especially warranted thanks to a technical setup taking shape in shares of BAC.

BofA has been trending lower in the near-term since the middle of July, but since its price action has been constrained in a tight range, that correction has at least been easily measured. Today, BAC is testing trendline resistance; a breakout above $14.75 should be seen as a buy signal for the big bank.

Louisiana-Pacific

Nearest Resistance: $17.50

Nearest Support: $14.75

Catalyst: Ainsworth Lumber Acquisition

>>5 Stocks Insiders Love Right Now

Small-cap building product manufacturer Louisiana-Pacific (LPX) is up more than 10% today on big volume, following news that the Nashville-based firm was acquiring Canadian lumber firm Ainsworth Lumber. The news came at the same time as a ratings hike from DA Davidson to "buy" -- not long after a similar upgrade at Deutsche Bank. That increasing analyst sentiment for LPX is helping to spur upside potential after a pretty poor start to the year.

Technically, LPX is forming a double bottom pattern, a reversal setup that's formed by two major swing lows that bottom out at approximately the same price level. The double bottom triggers a buy signal when and if LPX pushes through resistance at $17.50.

Petrobras

Nearest Resistance: $15

Nearest Support: $13.50

Catalyst: Libra Auction Announcement

>>5 Rocket Stocks to Buy in September

Last up is Petrobras (PBR), the $94 billion Brazilian oil and gas supermajor that's been a volatile name for the last month on emerging market news. Shares of PBR are up close to 6% in this afternoon's trading following the announcement that Brazil's government will auction off the Libra offshore oil field on Oct. 21. The deal is likely to be the most expensive energy project in history -- and it'll also likely mean that the buyer will have to partner up with Petrobras to develop the project.

PBR has been consolidating sideways in a tight rectangle pattern since the last week of July, and while today's move higher is big, it's not big enough to break PBR free of that sideways channel. Resistance at $15 is the level to watch for that. Expect a move through $15 to get followed up by more of the same.

PBR has been a volatile name of late, so make sure you keep a tight stop in place if you decide to trade PBR.

To see these stocks in action, check out the at Most-Active Stocks portfolio on Stockpickr.



-- Written by Jonas Elmerraji in Baltimore.

RELATED LINKS:

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Follow Stockpickr on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

At the time of publication, author had no positions in stocks mentioned.

Jonas Elmerraji, CMT, is a senior market analyst at Agora Financial in Baltimore and a contributor to

TheStreet. Before that, he managed a portfolio of stocks for an investment advisory returned 15% in 2008. He has been featured in Forbes , Investor's Business Daily, and on CNBC.com. Jonas holds a degree in financial economics from UMBC and the Chartered Market Technician designation.

Follow Jonas on Twitter @JonasElmerraji

What's the Next Step for Tesco?

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Everyone's always looking for the very best buying and selling opportunities in today's uncertain market, and here to help you analyze the long-term prospects of a multinational retailer is Zarr Pacificador, from The Motley Fool UK.

What are the long-term prospects for Tesco Plc (LSE:TSCO) (NQ:TESO)?

I'm always searching for shares that can help ordinary investors like you make money from the stock market.

Right now I am trawling through the FTSE 100 and giving my verdict on every member of the blue-chip index.

I hope to pinpoint the very best buying opportunities in today's uncertain market, as well as highlight those shares I feel you should hold...and those I feel you should sell!

I'm assessing every share on five different measures. Here's what I'm looking for in each company:

1. Financial strength: low levels of debt and other liabilities;

2. Profitability: consistent earnings and high profit margins;

3. Management: competent executives creating shareholder value;

4. Long-term prospects: a solid competitive position and respectable growth prospects, and;

5. Valuation: an underrated share price.

A look at Tesco

Today I'm evaluating Tesco, a British multinational retailer, which currently trades at 363p. Here are my thoughts:

1. Financial strength: Tesco is in solid financial position. Net debt/operating cash flow is less than 2 times; net gearing is 50%; interest cover is an adequate 7.5 times; and free cash flow has averaged nearly £2bn per year over the last 3 years.

2. Profitability: Tesco has delivered outstanding growth for nearly two decades. However, with the continuing weakness in Europe and facing stiff competition at home, the company has struggled of late. In the last fiscal year, underlying profit before tax declined by 15%, while underlying earnings per share fell by 14%. Forced to compete in price, the company's margins have contracted from to 3.4% from 5.6% the previous year. Also, international trading profit declined by 22%, due to the impact of regulatory changes in South Korea and impairment of businesses in Turkey, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

3. Management: I believe the company's new direction under Philip Clarke, which focuses on developing its multichannel footprint, strengthening its core UK business, and adopting a more prudent international growth strategy, places the company in a better position moving forward.

4. Long-term prospects: Tesco has fallen out of favor with investors recently after a rough 18 months, where it was rocked by the horsemeat scandal, several quarters of declining market share and like-for-like sales, and write-offs of its Fresh and Easy US business and several UK properties of more than £1bn and £804m, respectively. However, despite the grim outlook, I believe Tesco's competitive position remains solid. It is still the largest UK grocer with a market share of 30%—almost doubling that of its closest rival Wal-Mart's ASDA. It also owns the UK's widest store network, with around 3,000 stores and the world's largest and most profitable online supermarket, which reached a record-high revenue of over £3bn last year. In addition, it is the number one or two retailer for general merchandise in eight out of nine of its international markets. Furthermore, to adapt to the rapidly changing retail environment, the company has announced new strategic objectives which include: a shift from traditional large-store formats to building its multichannel retail capabilities, such as convenience and online retailing; focusing on its core UK operations to maintain its leading position—the company has invested around £1bn to overhaul its superstores; and adopting a more disciplined approach to international expansion, concentrating only on markets that could deliver strong investment returns.

5. Valuation: With a market cap of £30bn, Tesco trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 11—slightly below its 10-year median P/E of 13 and the industry average of 12—and a prospective dividend yield of 4%, twice covered.

My verdict on Tesco

Although recent results have been disappointing and with competition in the UK likely to remain competitive, I think the company still owns a distinct advantage with its scale and size. Also, its profitable international business—29% of the company's profits come from outside the UK—and established online presence could be a source of future growth opportunities.

Moreover, the company intends to tighten capital spending during the next few years—around 3.5% to 4% of revenue—which will add to its already strong cash flow. What's more, shares are trading at an undemanding P/E of 12, a discount compared to its peers Wal-Mart and Carreouflour. So overall, I believe Tesco at 363p looks like a buy.

Zarr does not own any share mentioned in this article. The Motley Fool owns shares in Tesco.

Read more from The Motley Fool UK here...

Financial plans not implemented could be a futile exercise

Top 5 Canadian Stocks To Watch Right Now

Mr. Kartik Mahadevan is a salaried individual holding a senior position in a telecom company. He is always hard pressed for time and has been postponing his own financial planning to a future date. On and off he has been investing for getting some tax benefits and to honor certain relationship commitments of buying certain products from friends and relatives. He then one day decided to take services of a financial planner and got his complete plan done. However after the plan presentation his planner gave him a list of things which has to be implemented to achieve hi set goals. However as soon as the plan was completed there was no implementation on his part.  It�s almost more than a year and Mr. Kartik decides to go back to his financial planner just to realize that his financial commitments have increased for the same goal as he has lost considerable time period of investing.

The story of Kartik is a story of many today. We many at times end up getting good advice from our financial planners but a plan which is not implemented falls flat. Let�s analyze the reasons of why this happens:-

1) Time poverty: - People are hard pressed for time as there are steep commitments on professional front. But what we seem to forget is that we work hard in order to satisfy your personal goals which gets lost in the process.

2) Fear of commitment: - when a plan is discussed many times it recommended starting investing in certain specific instruments in order to achieve ones goals. But on seeing the commitment needed at time there is a fear of not being able to do it currently and that leads to not starting anything. The fact is that it might not always be possible to touch the idealistic investment figure needed to achieve you goals but alteast a start in that direction needs to be done. This is so because goals might change and there could always be changes in our income and expenses so we might be able to catch up with the figure needed even at a slightly future date. But not starting anything will lead us nowhere. we need to remember that � a journey of a 1000 miles starts with a single step�

3) Waiting for something wrong to happen before starting:-  we many a times ignore some work in our life which is important and one day it becomes urgent. The decisions taken in panic most of the times end�s up in an unfavorable result. The same rule applies to financial planning. I have seen people not taking a term insurance plan till they encounter an unexpected death in their family. This aspect of human nature makes them postpone their financial planning implementation.

However genuine these reason might sound but the fact remains that goals cannot be achieved by reasons alone but there needs to be an active participation by the entire family in order to ensure that the milestones set by us turns into reality in the future.

Mukund Seshadri is a partner at MSVentures Financial Planners.

Does Bank of America Belong in Your Portfolio?

With shares of Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) trading around $17, is BAC an OUTPERFORM, WAIT AND SEE, or STAY AWAY? Let's analyze the stock with the relevant sections of our CHEAT SHEET investing framework.

T = Trends for a Stock’s Movement

Bank of America is a financial institution serving individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses, corporations, and governments with a range of banking, investing, asset management, and other financial and risk management products and services. With its banking and various non-banking subsidiaries throughout the United States and international markets, the company provides a range of banking and non-banking financial services and products through several business segments: consumer and business banking, consumer real estate services, global banking, global markets, global wealth, investment management, and other.

Bank of America on Wednesday reported net income of $3.4 billion, or 29 cents per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2013, compared to $732 million, or 3 cents per diluted share in the year-ago period. Revenue, net of interest expense, on an FTE basis rose 15 percent from the fourth quarter of 2012 to $21.7 billion.

“We are pleased to see the core businesses continue to perform well, serving our customers and clients,” said Chief Executive Officer Brian Moynihan. “While work remains on past issues, our two hundred forty thousand teammates continue to do a great job winning in the marketplace.” "We enter this year with one of the strongest balance sheets in our company's history," said Chief Financial Officer Bruce Thompson. "Capital and liquidity are at record levels, credit losses are at historic lows, our cost savings initiatives are on track and yielding significant savings, and our businesses are seeing good momentum."

T = Technicals on the Stock Chart Are Strong

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Bank of America stock has been flying higher in recent quarters. The stock is currently trading near highs for the year and looks poised to continue. Analyzing the price trend and its strength can be done using key simple moving averages. What are the key moving averages? The 50-day (pink), 100-day (blue), and 200-day (yellow) simple moving averages. As seen in the daily price chart below, Bank of America is trading above its rising key averages which signal neutral to bullish price action in the near-term.

Source: Thinkorswim

Taking a look at the implied volatility (red) and implied volatility skew levels of Bank of America options may help determine if investors are bullish, neutral, or bearish.

	Implied Volatility (IV)	30-Day IV Percentile	90-Day IV Percentile
Bank of America options	19.92%	0%	0%

What does this mean? This means that investors or traders are buying a very small amount of call and put options contracts, as compared to the last 30 and 90 trading days.

	Put IV Skew	Call IV Skew
February Options	Flat	Average
March Options	Flat	Average

As of Wednesday, there is an average demand from call buyers or sellers and low demand by put buyers or high demand by put sellers, all neutral to bullish over the next two months. To summarize, investors are buying a very small amount of call and put option contracts and are leaning neutral to bullish over the next two months.

On the next page, let’s take a look at the earnings and revenue growth rates and the conclusion.

E = Earnings Are Increasing Quarter Over Quarter

Rising stock prices are often strongly correlated with rising earnings and revenue growth rates. Also, the last four quarterly earnings announcement reactions help gauge investor sentiment on Bank of America’s stock. What do the last four quarterly earnings and revenue growth (Y-O-Y) figures for Bank of America look like and more importantly, how did the markets like these numbers?

	2014 Q4	2013 Q3	2013 Q2	2013 Q1
Earnings Growth (Y-O-Y)	866.67%	20%	68.42%	233.3%
Revenue Growth (Y-O-Y)	364.48%	-1.52%	3.46%	4.13%
Earnings Reaction	2.68%*	2.24%	2.8%	-4.72%

*As of this writing.

Bank of America has seen increasing earnings and revenue figures over the last four quarters. From these numbers, the markets have been pleased with Bank of America’s recent earnings announcements.

P = Excellent Relative Performance Versus Peers and Sector

How has Bank of America stock done relative to its peers – JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM), Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC), and Citigroup (NYSE:C) — and sector?

	Bank of America	JPMorgan Chase	Wells Fargo	Citigroup	Sector
Year-to-Date Return	10.34%	0.97%	2%	5.47%	5.69%

Bank of America has been a relative performance leader, year-to-date.

Conclusion

Bank of America is a bank and financial services giant that operates in a recovering financial industry, the backbone of the United States economy. The company reported fourth quarter earnings that left investors pleased. The stock has been exploding to the upside in recent quarters and is currently trading near highs for the year. Over the last four-quarters, earnings and revenue figures have been have been increasing. Relative to its peers and sector, Bank of America has been a year-to-date performance leader. Look for Bank of America to OUTPERFORM.