24/7 Wall St.

U.S. stocks fluctuated this week on record oil, mixed earnings

Wall Street was down at the beginning of the week due to two consecutive days of record-breaking oil prices and weak earnings in the financial sector. On Wednesday, better-than-expected earnings from Boeing boosted U.S. stocks out of the two-day slump, and Thursday saw another rise thanks to the financial sector and surprisingly upbeat earnings from Ford. The TSX was higher Monday on energy stocks as oil reached record levels; however, Canadian shares spent most of the week down on financials and the energy sector, despite oil’s skyrocketing price. The Dow closed up more than 42 points on Friday, despite consumer confidence concerns, and the TSX was up over 137 points, thanks in part to oil’s rising prices.

On Monday… 

In this week’s uranium news, Luke Brocki reported that the global energy sector is embracing nuclear power with increasing investments.

William Patalon III asked if last week’s surge in stocks could signal a rebound ahead in First step or false signal?

In the Mid-day Minute, is gold diverging from the dollar?

SH member Diopside returned to the front page with Cutting the hype: numbers that really matter.

Colin Cieszynski reported that Equities continue to test key resistance levels.

Danny Deadlock looked at Motapa Diamonds and its unusual diamond play.

SH market reporter Robert Arber continued his look at carbon trading with The REDDs are coming.

If you missed it over the weekend, SH market reporter Cheryl Mascarenhas rounded up more ideas for profiting in a down market, looking at bull traps, spin-offs, and bond funds, while SH member Gabrielgray said, Let’s call it the LIE-BOR.

Then on Tuesday…

AllPennyStocks.com looked at Small caps feasting on solving the world food shortage.

Italy’s new prime minister could bring “La Dolce Vita” to investors, wrote Martin Hutchinson.

Steven Saville investigated the The Decade Cycle, and explained why commodities will continue to gain strength into 2009.

In the Mid-day Minute, IWM may test support.

Boris Sobolev reported on the Stock bull and gold stock bull, explaining why they are such different animals.

Colin Cieszynski reported that Equity markets consolidate near key resistance levels.

In the Weekly Wizards, market analysis from Mike Paulenoff, Jay Matulich, and Harry Boxer, find out if gold is anticipating the dollar’s peak.

SH market reporter Robert Arber continued to look at carbon trading, with Happy Earth Day, here come the regulators.

On Wednesday…

Martin Hutchinson reported on how to Profit from oil’s long-term gusher.

Gabrielgray, SH member, asked, Are these markets for real?

Colin Cieszynski asked, Are we entering a stealth bull market?

In the Mid-day Minute, the Q’s look poised to reach the next target.

Peter Leeds gave us Insight from sector performance.

SH market reporter Robert Arber added to his continuing series on carbon trading with myclimate spearheads retail offset market.

Darryl Robert Schoon returned to the front page with Stock market history and the great depression.

SH member TheRock07 wrote about water treatment stocks.

On Thursday…

Joseph Hargett, of Schaeffer’s Research, looked at First Solar, a company profiting from the heightened interest in solar power.

William Patalon III gave us Six ways to protect – and profit – from a global food crisis.

Save tax by claiming charitable donations on one spouse’s return, said Preet Banerjee.

Colin Cieszynski reported that equities have stalled and gave a commodities check-up.

In today’s Mid-day Minute, a Retail ETF punches through resistance.

Tom Konrad looks at Stocks we love to hate.

Finally, on Friday…

Nancy Zambell of Financially Fit explained Master limited partnerships – an alternative path to high yields.

Martin Hutchinson wrote, Election 2008: U.S. economy cries “No mas” to the Democrats.

John Whitefoot reported on Bucking the penny stock trend.

Casey Research managing director David Galland asked, Gold shares: different this time? 

Colin Cieszynski said that Today’s close could be a critical indicator of investor sentiment.

In today’s Mid-day Minute, Mike Paulenoff is Looking for IWM to kick in.