Bond yields fall on economic weakness, and the bond market has been sensing weakness since Dec. 31, when the 10-year T-note yielded 3.03%. Driving yields lower:
��Economic weakness. Gross domestic product gained a tiny 0.1% in the first quarter, according to the first calculation from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, and revisions are likely to show a contraction. Home prices lost momentum in the first quarter, as well.
��World weakness. Sluggish economic activity around the world has pushed other counties' interest rates lower than U.S. rates. The German 10-year government bond, for example, yields 1.34%, the French 10-year bond yields 1.72%, and the Japanese 10-year government bond yields 0.57%.
5 Best Consumer Stocks To Invest In Right Now: SPDR S&P International Consumer Discretionary Sector ETF (IPD)
SPDR S&P International Consumer Discretionary Sector ETF (the Fund) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the total return performance of the S&P Developed Ex-U.S. BMI Consumer Discretionary Sector Index (the Index), an index that tracks the consumer discretionary sector of developed global markets outside the United States. The Index represents the non-United States consumer discretionary sub-industry of developed countries included in the S&P Broad Market Index (the Global BMI Index). The Global BMI Index captures the full universe of institutionally investable stocks in developed and emerging markets with float-adjusted market capitalizations of at lease $100 million. The Fund�� investment advisor is SSgA Funds Management, Inc. Advisors' Opinion:- [By WilliamBriat]
The SPDR S&P International Consumer Discretionary Sector (NYSE: IPD) is an ETF that tracks the consumer discretionary sector of developed global markets. Holdings include luxury brand stock juggernaut LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton SA and Swedish luxury brand stock multinational retail clothing company H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB.
Hot Diversified Bank Stocks To Invest In 2014: Descartes Systems Group Inc (DSGX)
The Descartes Systems Group Inc. (Descartes) is a global provider of federated network and global logistics technology solutions that help its customers make and receive shipments and manage related resources. The Company�� network-based solutions, which primarily consist of services and software, connect people to their trading partners and enable business document exchange (bookings, bills of lading and status messages); regulatory compliance and customs filing; route and resource planning, execution, monitoring and reporting; inventory and asset visibility; rate and transportation management, and warehouse operations. Its pricing model provides its customers solutions either on a perpetual license, subscription or transactional basis. In December 2013, the Company acquired Compudata and Impatex Freight Software Limited.
The Company�� focus is on serving transportation providers (air, ocean and truck modes), logistics service providers (including third-party logistics providers, freight forwarders and customs brokers) and distribution-intensive companies. To help deliver the resources in motion management solutions (RiMMS) solutions to customers, Descartes developed the Logistics Technology Platform. Descartes��Logistics Technology Platform is synthesis of network, applications and community. The Logistics Technology Platform fuses Descartes��Global Logistics Network (GLN), logistics networks covering multiple transportation modes, with an array of modular, interoperable Web and wireless logistics management applications.
The applications available over the Logistics Technology Platform that work in conjunction with the GLN, help transportation companies and logistics service providers (LSPs) control their shipment management process, comply with regulatory requirements, expedite cross-border shipments and connect and communicate with their trading partners. Applications are also available on the Logistics Technology Platform to help manufacturer, retailer, distribu! tor and mobile service provider (MRDM) enterprises. Its applications are designed to support global trade and compliance systems (GT&C), which encompasses the preparation and filing of the necessary electronic documentation relating to a shipment, such as cross-border customs documentation, freight waybills or manifests; supply chain execution (SCE), which entails the processes related to managing shipments from their point of origin to their point of destination, as well as the documents related to those shipments (booking data, orders, contracts and rates, shipment status, proof of delivery, invoices and payments), and mobile resource management applications (MRM), which involves tracking, information gathering, measuring, reporting, compliance filing, delegating and optimizing the use of mobile assets and people that are involved in the movement of goods.
The Logistics Technology Platform supports a community of over 35,000 trading partners sending over one billion messages annually in over 160 countries. Designed specifically for logistics processes and their users, the Logistics Technology Platform enables organizations to centrally manage information, deliver messages and transform data.Customers use its modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, schedule, track and measure delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; file customs and security documents for imports and exports.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Rich Smith]
Waterloo, Ontario-based Descartes Systems Group (NASDAQ: DSGX ) has acquired KSD Software Norway AS, a company described as a "leading Scandinavia-based provider of electronic customs filing solutions for the European Union ('EU')."
- [By CRWE]
Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, reported that Salient Management Company, a leading provider of performance management solutions, has selected Descartes’ advanced geographic information system (GIS) platform for incorporation into Salient’s performance management solution.
Hot Diversified Bank Stocks To Invest In 2014: Cadence Design Systems Inc (CDS)
Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (Cadence) develops electronic design automation (EDA), software, hardware, and silicon intellectual property (IP). Cadence licenses software and IP, sells or leases hardware technology and provides engineering and education services worldwide to help manage and accelerate electronics product development processes. The Company�� customers use its products and services to design and develop complex integrated circuits (ICs) and electronics systems. The Company combines its products and technologies into platforms for four design activities: Functional Verification; Digital IC Design and Implementation; Custom IC Design and Verification, and System Interconnect Design. It sells software using three license types: subscription, term and perpetual. It also offers a number of fee-based services, including engineering and education services. In June 2010, Cadence acquired Denali Software, Inc. (Denali). In May 2011, it acquired Altos Design Automation, Inc. On July 11, 2011, the Company acquired Azuro, Inc. In July 2012, the Company acquired Sigrity, Inc. In April 2013, Cadence Design Systems Inc announced the acquisition of Tensilica, Inc. In May 2013, the Company acquired Cosmic Circuits Pvt Ltd. In June 2013, Cadence Design Systems Inc announced that it has completed the acquisition of the IP business of Poland-based Evatronix, SA SKA. In February 2014, Cadence Design Systems Inc completed the acquisition of Forte Design Systems.
The four Cadence design platforms are branded as Incisive functional verification, Encounter digital IC design, Virtuoso custom design and Allegro system interconnect design. In addition, the Company augments these platform product offerings with a set of design for manufacturing (DFM), products that service both the digital and custom IC design flows. These solutions and their constituent elements are marketed to users who specialize in areas, such as system design and verification, functional verification, logic design, digital imple! mentation, custom IC design and printed circuit board (PCB), and IC package / SiP design.
Functional Verification
Cadence�� functional verification offerings consist of two categories: Logic Verification and System Design and Verification. Logic Verification offering consists of planning, property checking, testbench simulation, verification IP, and environment capabilities within the Incisive functional verification platform. This offering enables the Company�� customers to employ enterprise-level verification process automation, including metric-driven verification planning, process tracking and management. System Design and Verification offerings consist of hardware-assisted verification with emulation and acceleration, including the verification computing platform Palladium XP, Palladium and Xtreme platforms, system-level design capabilities, verification IP, estimation of system-on-chip (SoC), consulting services, and methodologies. The QuickCycles program allows customers access to its simulation acceleration and emulation products, either on their secure Internet site or remotely over a secure network connection. The products obtained through the acquisition of Denali include verification IP, memory models, and design IP.
Digital IC Design and Implementation
Cadence�� Digital IC offerings are used by its customers to create logical representations of a digital circuit or IC. The Company�� Digital IC offerings include two categories: Logic Design and Physical Implementation. Logic Design offering consists of formal verification, equivalency checking, synthesis and test capabilities within the Encounter digital IC design platform and property checking, simulation, and environment capabilities within the Incisive functional verification platform. This offering provides chip planning, design, verification and test technologies and services to customers across all digital design end markets. Physical Implementation offering consists of a ra! nge of th! e Encounter digital IC design platform capabilities. The Physical Implementation offering includes timing analysis, signal integrity, power analysis, extraction, physical verification, and place and route capabilities within the Encounter digital IC design platform. It enables the customers to create a physical representation of logic models, analyze electrical and physical characteristics of a design and prepare a design for manufacturing.
Custom IC Design and Verification
Cadence�� Custom IC Design and Verification offerings are used by its customers to create schematic representations of circuits down to the transistor level for analog, mixed-signal, custom digital, memory and radio frequency (RF) designs. These logical representations are verified using simulation tools optimized for each type of design. The offering includes the environment, IC layout and simulation capabilities within the Virtuoso custom design platform. Other tools in the Custom IC portfolio are used to prepare the designs for manufacturing.
System Interconnect Design
Cadence�� System Interconnect Design offerings are used by its customers to develop printed circuit board (PCBs), and IC packages. The offerings include the capabilities within the Allegro system interconnect design platform: PCB, IC package, SiP, design management and collaboration. The Company�� offerings also include the simulation capability within the Virtuoso custom design platform. These offerings enable engineers who are responsible for the capture, layout and analysis of advanced PCB and IC packages to design electronic products across the domains of IC, IC package and PCB. For PCB customers, the Company provides the OrCAD family of offerings that is marketed worldwide through a network of resellers.
The Company competes with Synopsys, Inc., Mentor Graphics Corporation and Magma Design Automation, Inc.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By cody56]
The top contributors to performance during the period were Trimble Navigation (TRMB), Sensata Technologies�(ST) and Cadence Design Systems (CDS).
Trimble Navigation provides location-based solutions to its customers that enhance their productivity and profitability. The recovery in construction end markets and continued strong demand from the farm economy resulted in strong overall financial results for the company and a strong stock price. We trimmed the position as it began to exceed the upper end of the market cap range that we invest in. Sensata Technologies develops, manufactures and sells sensors and controls. We are attracted to the company�� large growth opportunity, which is driven by increased sensor penetration in industries such as automobiles and general industrial opportunities. We find Sensata�� business model to be attractive given the stability of its revenues, strong operating leverage and excellent management team. During the period, the company benefited from a rebound in European automobile sales and deployed capital in several small accretive acquisitions. We have been trimming the position modestly as the stock approaches our price target.Meridian Growth Fund performance
Hot Diversified Bank Stocks To Invest In 2014: Bonamour Inc (BONI)
Bonamour, Inc., incorporated on August 21, 2002, is a developer, distributor and reseller of health and beauty products and originator of the mind-body system. The Company�� products are sold under the Bonamour name. It has three skin care products, which it markets as Bonamour�� Rejuvenating Trio. These products include a rejuvenating skin cleanser, a cellular renewal complex and an anti-aging eye cream. All three products are formulated with its Bonamour Blend Active Plant Stem Cell Technology.
KLENZ is Bonamour�� rejuvenating skin cleanser. The cleanser is designed to cleanse and soften the skin, while minimizing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation irregularities using the exfoliating benefits of glycolic acid. HI-DRAT is its cellular renewal complex. It utilizes antioxidants to protect against free radical damage. HI-DRAT is suitable for all skin types and formulated to help smooth away fine lines and wrinkles while rejuvenating the overall skin�� health.
KE-REKT is its anti-aging eye repair cream. It contains Argan, which accelerates skin�� natural repair process and helps combat chronological aging and loss of firmness. AKTE-VAT is its activating mineral mist. This weightless mist has been formulated to purify the skin and stimulate enzymatic activity to help increase the fibroblast production of pre-collagen. The mist locks in moisture and supplies vital nutrients to help give the skin a younger appearance. Its nutraceutical under development is DE-TOX, a hand, skin and nail detoxification treatment designed to help defend the body against aging free radical damage.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Peter Graham]
Small cap stocks Bonamour Inc (OTCBB: BONI), Firstin Wireless Technology Inc (OTCMKTS: FINW) and Microchannel Technologies Corp (OTCBB: MCTC) have been attracting attention from variosu investment newsletters lately with at least two of these stocks being the subject of paid promotions. Of course, there is nothing wrong with properly disclosed paid promotions or investor relation types of activities as its up to investors and traders alike to do their due diligence. So how hot are these small cap stocks? Here is a quick reality check that might cool your appetite:
Hot Diversified Bank Stocks To Invest In 2014: The Blackstone Group L.P.(BX)
The Blackstone Group, L.P., together with its subsidiaries, provides alternative asset management and financial advisory services worldwide. The company operates in five segments: Private Equity, Real Estate, Hedge Fund Solutions, Credit Businesses, and Financial Advisory. The Private Equity segment involves in private equity investing through five general private equity funds and one specialized fund focusing on communications-related investments. This segment engages in various transactions comprising leveraged buyout acquisitions of seasoned companies, transactions involving growth equity or start-up businesses in established industries, minority investments, corporate partnerships, distressed debt, structured securities, and industry consolidations. The Real Estate segment manages general opportunistic real estate funds and internationally focused opportunistic real estate funds. This segment also has debt investment funds targeting non-controlling real estate debt-rel ated investment opportunities in the public and private markets, primarily in the United States and Europe. The Hedge Fund Solutions segment manages funds of hedge funds, and Indian-focused and Asian-focused closed-end mutual funds. The Credit Businesses segment manages credit-oriented funds, CLOs, credit-focused separately managed accounts, and publicly registered debt-focused investment companies. The Financial Advisory segment offers financial and strategic advisory, including corporate finance, and mergers and acquisitions advice; restructuring and reorganization advisory; and fund placement services for alternative investment funds. Blackstone Group Management L.L.C. operates as the general partner of the company. The Blackstone Group, L.P. was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Matt Jarzemsky]
Hotel chain Extended Stay America Inc.’s debut, expected to raise up to $593�million after today’s close, will kick off another busy week for U.S. IPOs, with�11 deals slated to price. The hotel chain is returning to the public market�three years after Blackstone Group L.P(BX)., Centerbridge Partners L.P. and New York�hedge fund Paulson & Co. led a $3.9 billion buyout, enabling Extended Stay to�exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Hot Diversified Bank Stocks To Invest In 2014: Banro Corp (BAA)
Banro Corporation (Banro) is a Canada-based gold exploration company. The Company holds, through four wholly owned subsidiaries, a 100% interest in four gold properties, which are known as Twangiza, Namoya, Lugushwa and Kamituga. These properties are covered by a total of 13 exploitation permits and are found along the 210 kilometer-long Twangiza-Namoya gold belt in the South Kivu and Maniema Provinces of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Company also holds 14 exploration permits covering an aggregate of 2,638 square kilometers. Its 10 of the permits are located in the vicinity of the Company's Twangiza property and four are located in the vicinity of the Company's Namoya property. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company was engaged in the construction of the Company�� Twangiza Phase I oxide mine, and continued its exploration activities at its Twangiza, Namoya and Lugushwa properties. Advisors' Opinion:- [By Anthony Mirhaydari]
I’ve added shares of BVN to my Edge Letter Sample Portfolio.
Breakout Gold Stocks to Buy: Banro (BAA)
Click to Enlarge Banro (BAA) is a gold mining outfit with operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The company recently announced a 15% increase in gold production in the fourth quarter thanks to expansion and efficiency gains at its Twangiza facility. - [By Bryan Murphy]
Looking for a couple of long (bullish) trading ideas on a day when the market is dragging pretty much everything lower? There are two names that fit the bill...CombiMatrix Corp. (NASDAQ:CBMX) and Banro Corporation (NYSEMKT:BAA). CBMX is an "almost" small cap stock that deserves a place on your watchlist while we wait for it to do one more thing. Meanwhile, BAA is something worth going ahead and taking a swing on now, not despite the market's tumble, but because of it.
Hot Diversified Bank Stocks To Invest In 2014: Sigma Designs Inc.(SIGM)
Sigma Designs, Inc. provides integrated system-on-chip solutions (SoC) for the Internet protocol television (IPTV), media processor, connected home and media player, prosumer and industrial audio/video, high definition television, and PC-based add-in markets. The company offers semiconductors with a suite of real-time software that enables synchronous processing of video, audio, and graphics streams for various applications. Its media processor product line represents a family of SoC solutions that are a component of multiple consumer applications, which process digital video and audio content comprising IPTV, connected media players, and portable media players. The company?s home networking product line consists of wired networking solutions based on HomePNA, HomePlug AV, and G.hn standards, as well as wireless connectivity solutions based on Ultra-wideband technology. Its standards are used for transferring Internet protocol content across coaxial cables, phone lines, a nd power lines to enable service providers to deliver IPTV solutions and other media-rich applications. The company?s video image processor product line comprises of semiconductors that provide video output for professional and prosumer applications. Its home control and energy management automation product line includes wireless transceiver devices along with a mesh networking protocol. The company offers its home connectivity products under the CopperGate; wireless connectivity solutions under the CoAir; video image processors under the VXP; and wireless transceiver devices under the Z-Wave brands. It also provides software elements, such as multimedia library, security management software, and porting adaptations. In addition, the company offers PC-based solutions. It sells its products through direct sales force, manufacturer representatives, and independent distributors primarily in Asia, Europe, and North America. The company was founded in 1982 and is headquartered i n Milpitas, California.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By GuruFocus]
According to GuruFocus Insider Data, these are the largest CEO buys during the past week. The overall trend of CEOs is illustrated in the chart below:
Sigma Designs, Inc. (SIGM): President & CEO Thinh Q Tran Bought 454,546 SharesPresident & CEO of Sigma Designs, Inc. (SIGM) Thinh Q Tran bought 454,546 shares on 12/20/2013 at an average price of $4.65. Sigma Designs, Inc., a California corporation was incorporated in January 1982. Sigma Designs, Inc. has a market cap of $160.902 million; its shares were traded at around $4.65 with and P/S ratio of 0.77.
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