Hot Safest Stocks For 2014

European stocks have done well in 2013. The Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF and iShares Europe ETF may still be good bets.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) Stocks are surging in the United States this year. Japan has done even better.

But if you're looking for the next big opportunity, Europe could very well be the best place to invest right now. The long recession in Europe may finally be over. And that could lead to stronger profits from European-based companies.

So what's the safest way to try and ride a European rebound?

Investing through a mutual fund: Many funds from big money managers have a fair amount of European exposure.

Take the widely held Fidelity Worldwide Fund (FWWFX), which has 30% of its assets invested in Europe. Holdings include Swiss bank UBS (UBS), German automaker Volkswagen (VLKAY) and French food and consumer products giant Danone (DANOY).

Best Defense Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Intellicell Biosciences Inc (SVFC)

Intellicell Biosciences, Inc., formerly Media Exchange Group, Inc., incorporated on March 8, 1999, is engaged in regenerative medicine company focused on the expanding regenerative medical markets using a process to separate adult autologous vascular cells (AAVC's) from blood vessels in adult adipose (fat) tissue. The Company is also exploring and undertaking, either on its own or in collaboration with a third party, providing a service for the collection, processing and storage of autologous cells for future use. As of December 31, 2011, the Company has developed technologies that allow reproducible separation of stromal vascular fraction (IntelliCell) containing adipose stem cells that can be performed in tissue processing centers and in doctors��offices. On June 3, 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of Intellicell Biosciences, Inc. The Company formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, ICBS Research, Inc.

The Company's process involves the application of ultrasonic cavitation (sound waves) to the extracted adipose tissue, which results in the separation AAVC's from the blood vessels in adult adipose (fat) tissue. This AAVC, or stromal vascular fraction (IntelliCells), are removed from the patient at the point of care, and separated at the point of care under the supervision of its certified technicians following current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs) and current good tissue practices (cGTPs), and the cells are then returned to the medical professionals at the point of care for use a patient's own body (autologous treatment), by way of a same-day clinical procedure for homologous use of these cells.

Intellicell Biosciences, Inc., formerly Media Exchange Group, Inc., incorporated on March 8, 1999, is engaged in regenerative medicine company focused on the expanding regenerative medical markets using a process to separate adult autologous vascular cells (AAVC's) from blood vessels in adult adipose (fat) tissue. The Company is also exploring and undertaking, either on ! its own or in collaboration with a third party, providing a service for the collection, processing and storage of autologous cells for future use. As of December 31, 2011, the Company has developed technologies that allow reproducible separation of stromal vascular fraction (IntelliCell) containing adipose stem cells that can be performed in tissue processing centers and in doctors��offices. On June 3, 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of Intellicell Biosciences, Inc. The Company formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, ICBS Research, Inc.

The Company's process involves the application of ultrasonic cavitation (sound waves) to the extracted adipose tissue, which results in the separation AAVC's from the blood vessels in adult adipose (fat) tissue. This AAVC, or stromal vascular fraction (IntelliCells), are removed from the patient at the point of care, and separated at the point of care under the supervision of its certified technicians following current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs) and current good tissue practices (cGTPs), and the cells are then returned to the medical professionals at the point of care for use a patient's own body (autologous treatment), by way of a same-day clinical procedure for homologous use of these cells.

The Company competes with Cytori Therapeutics, Stem Cell Assurance, Inc., Osiris, Aastrom Biosciences, Aldagen, BioTime, Baxter International, Celgene, Geron, Harvest Technologies, Mesoblast, Regenexx, NeoStem, X-Cell Center, Stem Cells, Athersys, and Tissue Genesis, Life Technologies, Asterand, pacific biosciences of california inc. and AllCells, LLC.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Bryan Murphy]

  Well, though I give myself a C for timing, it looks like I'm going to be able to give myself an A for stock-picking. Back on January 27th I deemed IntelliCell BioSciences, Inc. (OTCMKTS:SVFC) was a compelling buy, and though SVFC was stagnant for a month after that, it looks like the stock's finally getting on its horse. If you didn't get it then, you may want to get in now.

• [By Bryan Murphy]

  To say that shares of IntelliCell BioSciences, Inc. (OTCMKTS:SVFC) has been disappointing since 2011 would be an understatement. SVFC has been an outright disaster since 2011, falling from a peak of $19.00 to a low of, well, just a few pennies as of late last year. In fact, there are those who are understandably wondering how the company is still alive, only producing about a half a million dollars in revenue in 2012, and then dialing that figure back down to nothing for the last few quarters. Yet, there's just something about a company that refuses to go away.... something compelling now.

Hot Safest Stocks For 2014: Clearbridge Energy MLP Fund Inc (CEM)

ClearBridge Energy MLP Fund Inc. (the Fund) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund�� investment objective is to provide a high level of total return with focus on cash distributions. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in master limited partnerships (MLPs) in the energy sector. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its managed assets in MLPs in the energy sector (the 80% policy). Entities in the energy sector are engaged in the business of exploring, developing, producing, gathering, transporting, processing, storing, refining, distributing, mining or marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids (including propane), crude oil, refined petroleum products or coal. Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC is the Fund�� investment manager and ClearBridge Advisors, LLC is the Fund�� subadviser. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Robert Abbott]

  For OTEX, this includes five distinct groups of services:

  Enterprise Content Management (ECM), which includes records management, archiving, and email services Business Process Management (BPM), including software for analyzing and optimizing business processes Customer Experience Management (CEM), includes software that integrates internal and external content to enhance the ��ustomer experience�� Information Exchange (iX), "...a set of offerings that facilitate efficient, secure, and compliant exchange of information inside and outside the enterprise." Discovery, which includes the indexing, navigation, and retrieval of information in databases (for a fuller description of these segments, see the 10-K Report for 2014).

  As of June 30, 2014 it employed about 8,000, including 2,000 in cloud services, 1,900 in product development and 1,400 in sales and marketing.

Hot Safest Stocks For 2014: International Tower Hill Mines Ltd (THM)

International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. (ITH) is an exploration-stage company. The Company is engaged in the business of acquiring, exploring and evaluating mineral properties, and either joint venturing or developing these properties further or disposing of them when the evaluation is completed. As of December 31, 2011, the Company controlled a 100% interest in its Livengood project in Alaska, the United States. The Livengood property is located approximately 115 kilometers northwest of Fairbanks, Alaska in the Tolovana Mining District within the Tintina Gold Belt. The property is approximately 145 square kilometers and consists of fee land leased from the Alaska Mental Health Trust. The project area is centered on Money Knob. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Bryan Murphy]

  With no revenues, and therefore no profits, International Tower Hill Mines Ltd (NYSEMKT:THM) shouldn't qualify as "investment worthy" in any way, shape, or form. Indeed, the near-100% loss that THM shares have suffered since early 2011 might scare off even the gutsiest of traders. Yet, there's something undeniably bullish about this stock right now.

• [By Anthony Mirhaydari]

  For now, I continue to recommend investors maintain a cautious stance, focusing on the buying interest coming into safe-haven assets like U.S. Treasury bond and precious metals while booking profits in biotech stocks that have been red hot this month. The leveraged Direxion 3x Treasury Bond Bull (TMF) is up nearly 7% in my Edge Letter Sample Portfolio since it was added on Jan. 10. I just sold Tower Hill Mines (THM) and Rosetta Genomics (ROSG) for gains of 46% and 18% respectively.

• [By Holly LaFon]

  He increased his holdings in gold companies in the fourth quarter accordingly. Gold stocks he found attractive in the fourth quarter are: Novagold Resources (NG), Randgold Resources (GOLD), Iamgold Corp. (IAG), Barrick Gold Corp. (ABX), Agnico Eagle (AEM) and International Tower Hill (THM).

Hot Safest Stocks For 2014: TASER International Inc.(TASR)

TASER International, Inc. develops, manufactures, and sells electronic control devices (ECD) for use in the law enforcement, military, corrections, private security, and personal defense markets. ECDs transmit electrical pulses along the wires and into the body affecting the sensory and motor functions of the peripheral nervous system. Its products for the law enforcement, military, corrections, and professional security market include the TASER X26 product line, which consists of TASER X26, various cartridges, a digital power magazine, data download software and equipment, extended warranties, and a range of holstering options and accessories; TASER X3, a multi-shot ECD that would engage three separate targets; and ADVANCED TASER M26 product line comprising the ADVANCED TASER M26, various cartridges, rechargeable batteries, a battery charging system, data download software and equipment, extended warranties, and various holstering options and accessories. The company also provides TASER XREP, a self-contained, wireless ECD that deploys from a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun; and TASER Shockwave security system for safety and stand-off capability during hostile situations. In addition, it manufactures TASER C2, TASER X26C, and ADVANCED TASER M26C devices for the personal defense market, as well as provides various cartridges and other accessories. The company sells its products worldwide through its direct sales force, distribution partners, online store, and third-party resellers. TASER International, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Smith]

  In its latest update on stun-gun sales, TASER International (NASDAQ: TASR  ) reported Wednesday that it has booked several new orders for its eponymous stun guns. These orders should ship in the current first fiscal quarter of 2014 and will show up in this quarter's revenues when earnings are next released. Specifically, TASER has sold:

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Taser International (TASR) has been on a tear–and JPMorgan says it’s now time to take profits on the maker of stun guns and other products.

  Getty Images

  As I noted yesterday, Taser’s been on quite a roll–the stock has gained more than 30% during the past month of trading. At that’s reason enough for JPMorgan’s Paul Coster, Mark Strouse and Paul Chung to cut its shares to Neutral from Overweight. They write:

  We are downgrading TASR to Neutral based on valuation. The stock has increased 36% in the past two weeks (SP500 down 3.7%), is up over 30% YTD, and is trading very close to our December 2014 price target of $12.00. While we remain constructive regarding TASR�� fundamentals owing to the ECD upgrade cycle and adoption of the Evidence.com video solution, we believe risk/reward is now balanced and we look for pullbacks to potentially add to positions.

  Taser has dropped 4% this morning after gaining 33% during the past month. That gain would have put it in the top-ten in the S&P 1500 if it were a member of� the index, behind Questcor Pharmaceuticals (QCOR), which has gained 36%, healthcare company Amedisys (AMED) and Affymetrix (AFFX), which has gained 44%, among others.

• [By Rich Smith]

  TASER International (NASDAQ: TASR  ) has landed another large order of its eponymous stun guns. On Tuesday, the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based weapons maker announced that the San Diego Sheriff's Department has ordered 1,200 upgraded X2 "Smart Weapons."

• [By Louis Navellier]

  Another stock that has had a great year in 2013 is Taser (TASR). The company has seen strong order flow from military and police customers this year, and sales and earnings have just exploded along with TASR stock price. TASR stock price has doubled, but the earnings have more than tripled so far in 2013. Business has improved so rapidly that analysts have been caught flatfooted, and the company has posted three consecutive positive earnings surprises. The company is also seeing strong orders from police departments around the country for the new wearable cameras that have helped curb complaints and resolve accusations of bad behavior by officers. The stock is rated “B” by Portfolio Grader and remains a “buy.”

Hot Safest Stocks For 2014: KeyCorp (KEY)

KeyCorp is a bank holding company for KeyBank National Association (KeyBank). Through KeyBank and certain other subsidiaries, the Company provides a range of retail and commercial banking, commercial leasing, investment management, consumer finance and investment banking products and services to individual, corporate and institutional clients through two business segments: Key Community Bank and Key Corporate Bank. As of December 31, 2011, these services were provided through KeyBank�� 1,058 full-service retail banking branches in 14 states, additional offices, a telephone banking call center services group and a network of 1,579 automated teller machines (ATMs) in 15 states. On January 17, 2012, the Company opened another national bank subsidiary.

In addition to the banking services of accepting deposits and making loans, the Bank and trust company subsidiaries offer personal and corporate trust services, personal financial services, access to mutual funds, cash management services, investment banking and capital markets products, and international banking services. Through its bank, trust company and investment adviser subsidiaries, the Company provides investment management services to clients that include corporate and public retirement plans, foundations and endowments, individuals and trust funds. The Company provides other financial services - both within and outside of its primary banking markets - through various nonbank subsidiaries. These services include community development financing, securities underwriting and brokerage. It is also an equity participant in a joint venture that provides merchant services to businesses.

Lending Activities

As of December 31, 2011, the Company�� Commercial, Financial and Agricultural loans, also referred to as Commercial and Industrial, represented 39% of its total loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2011, commercial real estate loans represented approximately 19% of its total loan portfolio. These loans include bo! th owner and nonowner-occupied properties and constitute approximately 27% of its commercial loan portfolio. Its commercial real estate lending business is conducted through two primary sources: its 14-state banking franchise, and Real Estate Capital and Corporate Banking Services. The Company conducts financing arrangements through its equipment finance line of business. Commercial lease financing receivables represented 17% of commercial loans at December 31, 2011. The home equity portfolio is the largest segment of its consumer loan portfolio.

Investment Activities

The Company�� securities portfolio totaled $18 billion at December 31, 2011. Available-for-sale securities were $16 billion at December 31, 2011. Held-to-maturity securities were $2.1 billion at December 31, 2011. At December 31, 2011, it had $2.1 billion in collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) in its held-to-maturity securities portfolio. At December 31, 2011, the Company had $15.9 billion invested in CMOs and other mortgage-backed securities in the available-for-sale portfolio. Federal Agency CMOs constitute most of its held-to-maturity securities along with foreign bonds and preferred equity securities. The investments in equity and mezzanine instruments made by its principal investing unit represented 61% of other investments at December 31, 2011. They include direct investments (investments made in a particular company), as well as indirect investments (investments made through funds that include other investors).

Sources of Funds

Domestic deposits are the Company�� primary source of funding. During the year ended December 31, 2011, these deposits averaged $58.5 billion and represented 80% of the funds it used to support loans and other earning assets. Wholesale funds, consisting of deposits in its foreign office and short-term borrowings, averaged $3.4 billion during 2011. At December 31, 2011, the Company had $4.7 billion in time deposits of $100,000 or more.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By David Hanson]

  However, some regional banks are posting more impressive numbers and flying under the radar. In this video, Motley Fool banking analyst David Hanson discusses recent results from PNC Financials Services (NYSE: PNC  ) , KeyCorp (NYSE: KEY  ) , and Huntington Bancshares (NASDAQ: HBAN  ) .

Hot Safest Stocks For 2014: Alliance Creative Group Inc (ACGX)

Alliance Creative Group Inc. (ACG), incorporated on June 1, 2000, is a printing, packaging, product development, management, marketing and consulting company. The Company comprises of five key components: Creative & Design, Printing & Packaging, Product Development, Event Marketing and Business Consulting & Strategic Marketing. It maintains and operates six Websites, including: alliancecreativegroup.com, stlouispackaging.com, stlgraphics.com, snapgraphics.com, IMAGEchicago.com and TicketHotLink.com.

Creative & Design

The Company offers graphic design services. It specializes in print and Web design solutions. The Company�� Creative & Design services include advertising campaigns, brand identity, brochures, business cards, catalogs, direct mail, flyers, logos, manuals/media kit, marketing materials, package design, POP display, postcards, PowerPoint template design, sales kit, stationary and Websites.

Printing & Packaging

Printing & Packaging

The Company�� printing division, STL Graphics Group offers printing services from design to delivery. Snap Graphics is a commercial printing company specializing in off-set, large format, silk screen, and digital printing. It printing services include design support, digital printing, direct mail, inventory management, mailing services, media, packaging, sheet-fed, and Web. The Company�� Bindery services include collating, drilling, folding, GBC binding, padding, saddle stitching and tabbing. Its Logistics services include local, regional, and national warehousing, inventory control and analysis, multi carrier freight, auto replenishment, automated and manual pick and pack, around-the-clock distribution, order tracking, assembly and kit building, order consolidation and direct field requisition.

The Packaging division at ACG (St. Louis Packaging) provides a variety of solutions. It offers options catered to individual needs, as well as over 10,000 stock supplies for everyday use. It offe! rs a range of standard supplies used in everyday packing and shipping, from corrugated boxes to fasteners and adhesive. The Company offers over 10,000 products from brands, such as 3M, Sealed Air, Intertape, Rubbermaid and Ivex. St. Louis Packaging offers a variety of products, including recycled cartons, recycled stuffing and wrapping papers and recycled polyethylene.

Product Development

Alliance Creative Group has created a product development division focused on getting products to retail and building brand equity for clients. ACG offers services in every phase of the product life cycle, including creation, marketing, placement, distribution and management. It offers services, such as product creation, product marketing, product placement, product distribution and brand management.

Event Marketing

The Company�� event marketing division has experience in strategy, creative, production, promotion, execution, and evaluation of events ranging from 20-4000 attendees. Its services include Creative design, Entertainment, Email blasts, Event planning and marketing, Event strategy, Food and drinks, Mobile marketing, Partnerships, Site selection and venue contacting Survey and evaluation, Theme development and Ticket Brokering.

Business Consulting & Strategic Marketing

Alliance Creative Group (ACG) is the Company�� consulting division. The division offers business advisory, consulting and marketing services. ACG develops business and marketing plans, draft press releases, create and maintain social media campaigns, provide funding, make introductions to investment bankers or other funding and take companies public. ACG helps with Business Development, Strategic Planning, Marketing and Product Development.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Peter Graham]

  Small cap stocks Alliance Creative Group Inc (OTCMKTS: ACGX), Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure Inc (OTCMKTS: DJRT), Inscor Inc (OTCMKTS: IOGA) and Solar Thin Films Inc (OTCMKTS: SLTZ) have all been getting some attention lately in various investment newsletters and it should come as no surprise that two out of four of these stocks have been the subject of paid promotions ��which tend to benefit traders. However, two out of four of these stocks also have pretty good financials for being small cap OTC stocks and that might make them attractive to investors with a long term time horizon. So which of these stocks might make traders some profits in the short term and investors some profits over the longer term? Here is a closer look to help you decide:

Hot Safest Stocks For 2014: Siebert Financial Corp.(SIEB)

Siebert Financial Corp., through its subsidiary, Muriel Siebert & Co., Inc., engages in the retail discount brokerage and investment banking operations in the United States. The company provides Internet and traditional discount brokerage and related services to retail investors; independent retail execution services; and retail customer services. It also offers various self-directed retirement accounts, for which it acts as agent on various transactions; and lends customers a portion of the market value of certain securities held in the customer?s account through its clearing agent. In addition, the company, through its other subsidiary, Siebert Woman?s Financial Network, Inc., provides products, services, and information to serve women?s financial needs. Further, Siebert Financial Corp. offers equity execution services on an agency basis, as well as equity and fixed income underwriting and investment banking services to institutional investors, and issuers of equity a nd fixed-income securities. The company provides its discount brokerage services through a broker on the telephone, through a wireless device, or via the Internet. It maintains seven retail discount brokerage offices in New York; Jersey City, New Jersey; Boca Raton, Surfside, West Palm Beach, and Naples, Florida; and Beverly Hills, California. The company was founded in 1886 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jon C. Ogg]

  Muriel Siebert, founder of Siebert Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: SIEB), passed away over the weekend. Many new investors may not know her nor may they know just how important and influential she was on Wall Street and in the financial services industries. Ms. Siebert died at the age of 80 years old, and we wanted to list some of her accomplishments that have led to at least more equality among women in what had been a men-only club before she came on the stage.