3 Hottest Penny Stocks -- 12/31

When I say hot that doesn't mean buy.  These are just 3 OTCBB stocks that I found on Barchart that have consistently hit new highs in the last 20 trading sessions.  If you're into technical analysis put them on your watch list and run them through your screening process.  If you're a fundamental investor better look at the companies' websites and find out what you can on the Internet.  But--please-- be cognizant that many of the Internet bulletin boards are used by churners that are either pumping a stock up or trashing it to bits while secretly holding a long or short position.  The OTCBB part of the market isn't for long term investors but is a fun place for speculators.

ALME - Alamo Energy -- an early stage oil and gas company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil and gas properties. It owns a 75% working interest in oil and gas properties in Frio County, Texas; and a 16% working interest in oil and gas leases in Adair County, Kentucky. It also has farm-in and participation rights agreements in onshore oil and gas properties in the United Kingdom. The company is based in Houston, Texas.

• 96% Barchart technical buy signal
• 16 new highs and up  60.55% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 83.31% and rising
• Trades around 1.76 well above its 50 day moving average of 1.1859

WLOC - Willow Creek Enterprises -- an exploration stage company, engages in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties. It holds 100% interest in a mineral claim, known as the Lori/Mamquam property located in the Vancouver Mining District, British Columbia, Canada. The company also has agreements to conduct mineral exploration activities in the Dolly Varden South situated in Elko County, Nevada; and the Hercules properties located in Lyon County, Nevada. Willow Creek Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 2007 and is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

• 100% Barchart technical buy signal
• 13 new highs and up 36.77% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 82.77% and rising
• Trades around 2.13 which is above its 50 day moving average of 1.3871

COUGF - Cougar Oil and Gas -- an oil and gas exploration and production company, focuses on the exploration and development of onshore oil and gas properties in Canada. Its projects include the Trout properties located in north central Alberta; the Lucy project in the Horn River Basin in northeast British Columbia; and the CREEnergy project in north central Alberta. The company was formerly known as Ore-More Resources Inc. and changed its name to Cougar Oil and Gas Canada Inc. in February 2010. Cougar Oil and Gas Canada Inc. is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.

• 96% Barchart technical buy signal
• 13 new highs and up 65.25% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 82.21% and rising
• Trades around 3.92 well above its 50 day moving average of 2.3112

Remember, these are not buy recommendations; just something interesting to put on your watch lists.

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

RF Micro Devices -- RFMD -- Sell signal

This morning I deleted RF Micro Devices (RFMD) from the Barchart Van Meerten Speculative Portfolio.  When I decide to sell a stock there is no magic rule but if a stock has a Barchart short term sell signal and is trading below its 20 day moving average I put it immediately on my sell watch list.  I then look at other momentum factors and when there are fewer pros than cons I pull the trigger.  Here's what I found:

• 40% Barchart short term sell signal
• Trading this morning below its 20 day moving average
• Off 7.26% from its recent high
• Relative Strength Index is below 50% at 45.62% and dropping

The last thing I did was to look at the chart.  My default chart is the price plus the 20, 50 and 100 daily moving averages and Trend Spotter (tm).  I just change that to an hourly chart and see where its heading.  At the moment I pulled the trigger it was trading below its 20,50 and 100 hourly moving averages and below the hourly Trend Spotter (tm).

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

3 Hottest ETFs - 12/30

I consider an ETF hot if its having positive and consistent price momentum.  Please look at the reasons I think they are hot and maybe even put them on your watch list.

DTN - Wisdom Tree Dividend Ex-Financials ETF -  WisdomTree Dividend Top 100 Fund seeks investment results that closely correspond to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the WisdomTree Dividend Top 100 Index. The WisdomTree DEFA Equity Income Index is a fundamentally weighted Index that measures the performance of companies with high dividend yields selected from the WisdomTree DEFA Index. At the index measurement date, companies within the WisdomTree DEFA Index with market capitalizations of at least $200 million and average daily trading volumes of at least $200,000 for the prior three months are ranked by dividend yield. Securities ranking in the highest 30% by dividend yield are selected for inclusion. Companies are weighted in the Index based on annual cash dividends paid.

• 96% Barchart technical buy signal
• 17 new highs and up 5.85% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index is 72.15% and rising
• Trades around 48.01 well above its 50 day moving average of 46.38 

IYZ - DJ US Telecom ETF -  The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Dow Jones U.S. Select Telecommunications Index (the "Underlying Index"). The Underlying Index measures the performance of the telecommunications sector of the U.S. equity market. The Underlying Index includes companies in the following industry groups: fixed-line telecommunications and mobile telecommunications. As of May 29, 2009, the Underlying Index was concentrated in the fixed line telecommunications and mobile telecommunications industry groups, which comprised 74% and 26%, respectively, of the market capitalization of the Underlying Index.

• 96% Barchart technical buy signal
• 16 new highs and up 8.06% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 71.07% and rising
• Trades around 23.36 well above its 50 day moving average of 22.33

EES - Small Cap Earnings ETF --  WisdomTree SmallCap Earnings Fund seeks investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the WisdomTree SmallCap Earnings Index. The WisdomTree SmallCap Earnings Index is a fundamentally weighted index that measures the performance of earnings- generating companies within the small-capitalization segment of the U.S. stock market. The Index is created by first removing the 500 companies with the highest market capitalizations as of the Index measurement date from the WisdomTree Earnings Index. Those companies that comprise the bottom 25% of the remaining market capitalization of the WisdomTree Earnings Index are included in the WisdomTree SmallCap Earnings Index. Companies are weighted in the Index based on their earnings over their most recent four fiscal quarters preceding the Index measurement date. For these purposes, "earnings" are determined using a company''s "Core Earnings." Core Earnings is a standardized calculation of earnings developed by Standard & Poor''s that is designed to include expenses, incomes and activities that reflect the actual profitability of a company''s ongoing operations. The Index includes primarily small-capitalization securities.

• 96% Barchart technical buy signal
• 16 new highs and up 7.46% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 72.23% and rising
• Trades around 52.29 which is well above its 50 day moving average of 49.60 

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

Biotime - BTX -- deleted

This morning I deleted the unrated Biotime Inc (BTX) for the Barchart Van Meerten Speculative portfolio for very negative price trend

• Stock dropped 15.29% off its recent high
• Relative Strength Index is 51.72% but dropping rapidly

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

J C Penny -- JCP -- deleted

This morning I deleted J C Penny (JCP) from the Barchart Van Meerten New High portfolio for negative price trends.

• 40% Barchart short term sell signal
• Trading below its 20 and 50 day moving averages
• 7.63% off its recent high
• Relative Strength Index is 46.19% and dropping

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

3 Hottest NASDAQ stocks

Hot stocks not only appreciate but consistently continue to hit new highs.  I found these while screening on Barchart for the NASDAQ stock that hit the most frequent new highs. Put these on your watch lists.

Fulton Financial (FULT) -- a bank holding company. It provides retail and commercial banking and investment management and trust services in central and eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, northern Maryland and southern Delaware through its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Fulton Bank, Lebanon Valley Farmers Bank, Swineford National Bank, Lafayette Ambassador Bank, FNB Bank, N.A., Great Valley Bank, Hagerstown Trust Company, Delaware National Bank, The Bank of Gloucester County, The Woodstown National Bank & Trust Company, and The Peoples Bank of Elkton.

• 96% Barchart technical buy signal
• 18 new highs and up 20.43% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 76.51% and rising
• Trades around 10.55 well above its 50 day moving average of 9.32

Adtran (ADTN)  -- a leading global provider of networking & communications equipment, with an eighteen year history of profitability & a portfolio of more than one thousand four hundred solutions for use in the last mile of today's telecommunications networks. Widely deployed by both carriers & small & midsize businesses, Adtran solutions enable voice, data, video, and Internet communications across copper, fiber, & wireless network infrastructures. ADTRAN solutions are currently in use by every major U.S. service provider & many global ones, as well as by thousands of public, private and governmental organizations worldwide. It's product portfolio consists of different high-speed network access devices. In both service provider & enterprise networks, these products are used primarily in the last mile, or local loop, of the network, & in local area networks on the customer premises. The last mile is that segment of the network that connects end-user subscribers to a service provider's closest facility.

• 96% Barchart technical buy signal
• 17 new highs and up 16.48% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 75.72% and rising
• Trading around 36.27 well above its 50 day moving average of 33.20

Pico Holdings (PICO) -- A diversified real estate developer and holding company

• 72% Barchart technical buy signal
• 17 new highs and up 9.23% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 68.17% and rising
• Trades around 32.20 well above its 50 day moving average of 30.74

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

Chevron -- CVX -- added

This morning I added Chevron (CVX) to the Barchart Van Meerten New High portfolio.  I think that with the Gulf drilling moratorium ending and CVX's new processing of shale gas the future looks bright.  Between the capital appreciation and the generous and steady dividend long term investors should see a annual total return in the 15% range for the next 5 years.

Chevron is the fifth-largest integrated energy company in the world. Headquartered in San Ramon, California, and conducting business in approximately 180 countries, this highly competitive corporation is engaged in every aspect of the oil and natural gas industry, including exploration and production; refining, marketing and transportation; chemicals manufacturing and sales; and power generation.

The stock came to my notice when I used Barchart to screen for stocks hitting the most frequent new highs.  The stock hit 18 new highs and appreciated 12.52% in the last month earning it a 96% Barchart technical buy signal. The stock trades around 91.99 which is well above its 50 day moving average of 85.04.  The Relative Strength Index is 74.25% and still rising so there is an indication that the price rise will continue.

Wall Street brokerage analysts consider CVX a core position and have published 15 buy and 6 hold recommendations for their brokers to push to clients.  No negative reports were noted.  The consensus is for an increase in sales of 21.80% next year and a 5 year annual compounded earnings per share increase of 18.63% per annum.  That with a 3.60% dividend rate look promising.

The general investor has not let this stock go unnoticed with the CAPS members on Motley Fool voting 3,457 to 158 that the stock will beat the market.  The more experienced All Stars are in agreement with a vote of 957 to 24.  Fool notes that all 22 of the recent Wall Street columnists articles have been positive.

Although this stock is on my list for recent price movement please consider:

• 96% Barchart technical buy signal
• 18 new highs and up 12.52% in the last month
• Wall Street buy recommendations based on projections of double digit increases in both sales and earnings
• Wide and positive general investor sentiment
• Record of increasing dividend payments.

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

Devon Energy looks for liquid growth

A stock you might want to add to your watch list is Devon Energy (DVN).  The company realizes that natural gas prices will continue to stay low but liquid oil prices will probably rise.  That being said they are cutting back on NG exploration and plowing ahead full tilt into discovering new oil reserves.

Devon Energy Corporation is an independent energy company engaged primarily in oil and gas exploration, development and production, and in the acquisition of producing properties. Devon currently owns oil and gas properties concentrated in four operating divisions: the Northern Division; the Southern Division,; Canada; and the International Division.

The company came under my radar while screening on Barchart for S&P 100 stocks enjoying recent positive price momentum.  The stock has a 100% Barchart technical buy signal.  It hit 11 new highs and was up 9.75% in the last month.  The stock trades around 77.47 which is well above its 50 day moving average of 70.93 and enjoys a Relative Strength Index of 73.99% which is on the rise.

Wall Street brokerage analysts have 20 buy and 8 hold reports published with no negative recommendations.  Although overall revenue is not expected to increase they project an annual earnings per share growth of 11.60% for at least the next 5 years.

General investor sentiment is very high with the CAPS members on Motley Fool voting 1,874 to 56 that the stock will beat the market.  The more experienced All Stars are in agreement with a vote of 611 to 5.  Fool notes that 26 of the last 27 Wall Street columnists articles have been positive.

Reasons to put on your watch lists:

• 100% Barchart technical buy signal
• Relative Strength Index of 73.99% and rising
• All 28 Wall Street brokerage analysts following the stock have released Buy or Hold recommendations
• High investor sentiment

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

Gov Ed Rendell -- Most Ignorant Bozo in America

Just when you think a public official can't make a more stupid statement along comes another political bozo that proves how the average American just throws away his vote by putting the lowest common denominator into a position of public trust.

Gov. Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania chastised football officials for calling off a football game that would have been played in the middle of one of the worst winter blizzards in over a century.  He said that proved that we were a nation of wusses and said the Chinese wouldn't have called off the game.

When there is bad weather schools across the country call off school not because they are wusses but as a safety concern to keep all the teachers, support staff, bus drivers and parents off the roads.  The school days can be made up without putting lives in danger.

Bozo ED - There was going to be a blizzard.  Roads and parking lots were buried under snow.  Public transportation was curtailed.  All the police, firemen and EMTs that would normally be needed at the game were needed elsewhere.

You wanted to put 70,000 fans plus 10's of thousands of support people at the stadium in danger, just for a game that could be postponed to another evening.

If you really believe that not venturing out in the blizzard makes you a Wuss then put your money where your big mouth is.  Declare by Executive Order that any public employee in the State of Pennsylvania who did not show up for work be declared an unexcused Wuss.  Put a reprimand in his file and dock his pay for the unexcused absences.

Hold a press conference and release the names of all the public employee wusses who didn't show up for work.

I bet you won't do it because you are afraid of the public employees unions and you are the Biggest Wuss in America.

Belo Corp - BLC -- added

This morning I'm adding Belo Corp (BLC) to the Barchart Van Meerten Speculative portfolio on purely technical reasons:

• 96% Barchart technical buy signal
• 17 new highs in the last month
• Up 24.48% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 77.09% and rising
• Trades around 7.22 well above its 50 day moving average of 6.24

Over on Motley Fool CAPS members think the stock will beat the market by a vote of 101 to 29 with the All Stars in agreement 62 to 2.

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

AudioVox -- VOXX -- added

This morning I added AudioVox (VOXX) to the Barchart Van Meerten Speculative portfolio because:

• 96% Barchart technical buy signal
• 17 new highs in the last month
• Up 29.28% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 80.88% and rising

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

Global Payments -- GPN - added

This morning I added Global Payments (GPN) to the Barchart Van Meerten New High portfolio.  They are a leading provider of electronic transaction processing services for consumers, merchants, Independent Sales Organizations, financial institutions, government agencies and multi- national corporations located throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe. Global Payments offers a comprehensive line of processing solutions for credit and debit cards, business-to-business purchasing cards, gift cards, electronic check conversion and check guarantee, verification and recovery, as well as terminal management. The company also provides consumer money transfer services from the U.S. and Europe to destinations in Latin America, Morocco, and the Philippines.

45% of the operations are outside the US and they are a leader in the Chinese markets.  Just look at the tags saying "Made in China" and you get a feel of what possibilities lie in money transfers to Asia.

GPN is enjoying recent price momentum and has a 96% Barchart technical buy signal.  The stock hit 17 new highs and is up 11.19% in the last month.  The Relative Strength Index is 74.93% and rising.  The stock trades around 45.65 which is well above its 50 day moving average of 41.27.

Wall Street brokerage analysts have noticed this Chinese connection and predict a revenue growth of 8.60% next year with earnings per share increasing 13.30% next year and continuing at a 5 year annual compounded EPS growth rate of 12.54%. I like double digit EPS growth rates.  That has earned the stock 16 buy and 13 hold reports

The general investor over on Motley Fool votes 224 to 24 that the stock will beat the market and the All Stars agree 90 to 3.  Fool notes that columnists articles have been positive 12 to 1.

The stock has what I look for:

• 96% Barchart technical buy signal
• 17 new highs and up 11.19% in the last month
• Wall Street buy recommendations based on 5 year double digit earnings projections
• Positive investor sentiment

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

Thai Fund -- TTF -- deleted

This morning I deleted the Thai Fund (TTF) from the Barchart Van Meerten New High portfolio for negative price momentum:

• 80% Barchart short term sell signal
• Trend Spotter (tm) sell signal
• Trading below its 20, 50 and 100 daily moving averages
• Lost 5.43% in the last week
• Relative Strength Index 38.02% and dropping

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

PDL Biopharma -- PDLI -- added

I added PDL Biopharma (PDLI) to the Barchart Van Meerten Specualtive portfolio --Protein Design Labs Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the research, development and commercialization of novel therapies for inflammation and autoimmune diseases, acute cardiac conditions and cancer. PDL markets several biopharmaceutical products in the United States through its hospital sales force and wholly-owned subsidiary, ESP Pharma, Inc. As a leader in the development of humanized antibodies, PDL has licensed its patents to numerous pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, some of which are now paying royalties on net sales of licensed products.

Recent price momentum has given the stock a 100% Barchart technical buy signal -- With 16 new highs and an 11.80% price appreciation in the last 20 sessions the stock looks great.  The Relative Strength Index is 74.94% and rising.  The stock trades around 6.31 which is above its 50 day moving average of 5.66.

Wall Street analysts look for sales to increase by 12.50% next year with earnings per share increasing by 37.40% for the same period.  The 5 year projected  EPS annual growth rate of 26.00% has resulted in 2 buy and 5 hold recommendations for their clients.

The Fools on Motley Fool have the CAPS members voting 807 to 34 that the stock will beat the market with the more experienced All Stars voting 301 to 9.  Fool notes that the last 6 articles in Wall Street periodicals have all been positive.

The stock was added because:

• 100% Barchart technical buy signal
• 16 new highs and up 11.80% in the last month
• Wall Street brokerages\project double digit increases in sales and earnings
• Positive investor sentiment

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

BMC cuts through the cloud

I added BMC Software (BMC) to the Barchart Van Meerten New High portfolio.  BMC provides software products on a worldwide basis that significantly increase the productivity, reliability and recoverability of its customers' core information technology operations, including their software applications and the systems on which they run. The company's goal is to help its customers improve the efficiency and productivity of their mainframe and distributed IT systems.

Their Enterprise Service Management Group looks to be a leader in the cloud computer managment technology.  No don't ask me to explain it but I know that's the future.

The stock has a 96% Barchart technical buy signal and hit 15 new highs and gained 10.55% in the last month.  With a price around 48.54 its Relative Strength Index is 71.89% and rising.

Wall Street brokerages think the sales will increase 6.10% next year and earnings per share should increase 7.00%.  I like their 5 year annual EPS growth rate estimated to be 13.07%

The fools on Motley Fool have notice this one too with the CAPS members voting 192 to 21 for the stock to beat the market.  The more experienced All Stars vote 78 to 7.  The Wall Street columnists articles have been positive 14 to 4.

I don't understand cloud technology but I understand the price movement:

• 96% Barchart technical buy signal
• Relative Strength Index of 75.27% and rising
• Wall Street brokerages pushing the stock based on an estimate of a 5 year annual EPS growth rate of 13.07%

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

Roper measures up

This morning I added Roper Industries (ROP) to the Barchart Van Meerten New High portfolio.  Roper Industries, Inc. designs, manufactures and distributes specialty industrial controls, fluid handling and analytical instrumentation products worldwide, serving selected segments of a broad range of markets such as oil & gas, scientific research, medical diagnostics, semiconductor, microscopy, chemical and petrochemical processing, large diesel engine and turbine/compressor control applications, bulk-liquid trucking, power generation, and agricultural irrigation industries.  Lot's of stuff to monitor!

The stock earned a 96% Barchart technical buy rating as well a hitting 16 new highs and price appreciation of 12.01% in the last 20 trading session.  With a 75.27% rising Relative Strength Index the stock trades around 78.56.

Wall Street brokerages are using 9 buy and 7 hold reports to push this stock to their clients.  A forecast of an 11.60% increase is sales and an 18.80% increase in earnings is nice but the 5 year annual increase of EPS of 15.00% gets my attention for the long term.

Investor sentiment on Motley Fool is high with the CAPS members voting 100 to 7 that the stock will beat the market and the All Stars are in agreement by a vote of 37 to4.  Fool notes that 12 of the last 13 articles about the company have been positive.

I like Roper because:

• 96% Barchart technical buy signal
• Rising Relative Strength if 75.27%
• Wall Street on board with buy report based on double digit increase in sales and earnings
• Positive general investor sentiment

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

Steris Corp - STE - Added

This morning I added Steris Corp (STE) to the Barchart Van Meerten New High portfolio.  Steris is a leading provider of infection prevention, contamination prevention, and surgical support systems, products, services, and technologies to healthcare, scientific, research, and industrial Customers throughout the world. The Company has over 4,000 Associates (employees) worldwide, including more than 1,200 direct sales, service, and field support personnel. Customer Support facilities are located in major global market centers with manufacturing operations in theUnited States, Canada, Germany, and Finland.

I bought it for price trends but it just might be an Obama Care recipient.

The stock is on a a tear with a 96% Barchart technical buy signal. It was up in 16 of the last 20 session, 5 of the last 5 and up 12.21% in the last month.  It trades around 37.93 and has a Relative Strength Index of 72.59% and rising.

Wall Street analysts approve and have published 5 buy and 2 hold reports.  They predict a 5.50% increase in sales and 11.70% increase in earnings next year with a 10.00% increase in EPS to be expected annually for at least 5 years.

The general investing public as expressed by Motley Fool CAPS members think the stock will beat the market by a vote of 86 to 14 with the more experienced All Stars voting 31 to 1.  Fool notes that of the 10 articles recently written about the company only 1 has been negative.

I bought the stock because:

• 96% Barchart technical buy singal
• 16 new highs and up 12.21% in the last month
• Wall Street predicts double digit increases in EPS for the next 5 years
• Investor sentiment is positive

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

Star Bulk Carrier - SBLK -- deleted

This morning I deleted Star Bulk Carrier (SBLK) from the Barchart Van Meerten Speculative portfolio for negative price trends:

• 60% Barchart short term technical sell signal
• Trend Spotter (tm) sell signal
• Trading below its 20,50 & 100 day moving averages
• 11.65% off its high
• Relative Strength Index 35.43% and falling

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

Agnico-Eagle Mines -- AEM -- deleted

This morning I deleted Agnico-Eagle Mines (AEM) from the Barchart Van Meerten New High portfolio for negative price trends:

• 40% Barchart short term technical sell signal
• Trend Spotter (tm) sell signal
• Dropped 9.25% in just a week
• Trading below its 20 and 50 Day moving average
• Relative Strength Index only 36.74% and falling

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

3 hottest ETFs - 12/16

Hot ETFs are not like hot stocks they move much slower because they are baskets.  On Barchart I use the new high list then sort for frequency.  Lastly use the flipchart feature so you can see for yourself how consistent the current momentum is.  Take a peek at these 3 and put them on your watch lists.

ISE Water Index - (FIW)  --The First Trust ISE Water Index Fund is an exchange-traded fund. The investment objective of the Fund is to seek investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield, before fees and expenses, of an equity index called the ISE Water Index. The ISE Water Index is a modified market capitalization-weighted index comprised of exchange-listed companies that derive a substantial portion of their revenues from the potable and wastewater industry. The Index selects the top 36 stocks in the industry by market capitalization. The Index is rebalanced on the application of the above model on a semi-annual basis.

• 96% Barchart technical buy signal
• 16 new highs in the last month
• Up 9.58% in the last month
• Realative Strength Index 72.22% and rising
• Trading around 22.16 which is above its 50 day moving average of 20.70

PJG - Dynamic Mid-Cap -- The PowerSahres Dynamic Mid Cap Portfolio seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield (before the Fund's fees and expenses) of an equity index called the Dynamic Mid Cap Intellidex Index (the "Underlying Intellidex"). The Underlying Intellidex is comprised of stocks of 150 U.S. mid capitalization companies. Stocks are selected principally on the basis of their capital appreciation potential as identified by NYSE Arca pursuant to a proprietary Intellidex methodology. The Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its total assets in common stocks of mid capitalization companies.

• 96% Barchart technical buy signal
• 14 new highs in the last month
• Up 7.52% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 67.84% and rising
• Trading around 24.95 which is above its 50 day moving average of 23.69

XLVS - S&P Small-Cap Health Care -- The PowerShares S&P SmallCap Health Care Portfolio ("the Fund") seeks investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the price and yield performance of the index called the S&P SmallCap 600 Capped HealthCare Index (the "Underlying Index"). The Underlying Index is comprised of common stocks of U.S. healthcare companies. These are companies that are principally engaged in the business of providing healthcare-related products and services, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical technology and supplies, and facilities. The Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its total assets in common stocks of small capitalization healthcare companies.

• 100% Barchart technical buy signal
• 15 new highs in the last month
• Up 10.13% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 75.61% and rising
• Trading around 27.84 which is above its 50 day moving average of 26.03

Remember these are hot only because of recent positive and consistent price momentum.  Do more research before pressing the buy button.

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Enzo Biochem - ENZ - added

This morning I added a long shot, dark horse candidate Enzo BioChem (ENZO) to the Barchart Van Meerten Speculaive portfolio. The company develops, manufactures and markets health care products based on molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques, and also provides diagnostic services to the medical community. The business activities of the company are performed by one of the company's three wholly-owned subsidiaries--Enzo Diagnostics, Inc., Enzo Therapeutics, Inc., and Enzo Clinical Labs, Inc. The primary focus of the company's research is the development of products based on two technology platforms -- genetic modulation and immune modulation.


I'm calling this a speculative long shot because a lot of analysts including Value Line have beaten this stock up for a long time.  I'm only looking at the recent price momentum and one lone analyst's opinion.


Lately the stock has momentum with 16 new highs and price appreciation of 25.60% in the last 20 trading sessions.  The stock has a 96% Barchart technical buy signal and a Relative Strength Index of 68.30% that is rising.  It recently traded at 5.21 which is well above it's 50 day moving average of 4.47.


The lone analyst made a Strong Buy report based on his thoughts that sales will increase 12.50% this year and 18.20% next year.  As with most pharma companies increases in sales usually effect the bottom line very well.  He estimates an earnings per share increase of 62.70% this year, 109.10% next year and a 5 year annual EPS growth rate of 14.00%.


Some small investors have noticed these projections and the CAPS members on Motley Fool vote 63 to 9 that the stock will out perform the market with the All Stars in agreement 23 to 1.  There have only been 2 articles about the company but both have been positive.


There is a reason the portfolio is called a SPECULATIVE portfolio.  I look for momentum not fundamentals so many of the pick are undiscovered long shots and you need to do your own research before you press the buy button.

• 96% Barchart technical buy signal
• 16 new highs and up 25.60% in the last month
• Only 1 lone analysts liking this stock
• Some positive investor sentiment

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

Ameron International -- AMN

With the world wide economy poised for expansion there's a lot of money to be made in infrastructure construction projects, so this morning I added Ameron International ( AMN) to the Barchart Van Meerten New High Portfolio.

They are a multinational manufacturer of highly-engineered products and materials for the chemical, industrial, energy, transportation and infrastructure markets. Traded on the New York Stock Exchange, Ameron is a leading producer of water transmission lines; fiberglass-composite pipe for transporting oil, chemicals and corrosive fluids and specialized materials and products used in infrastructure projects. The Company operates businesses in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. It also participates in several joint-venture companies in the U.S. and the Middle East.

Basically AMN will supply the pipes and poles to move petroleum, chemical, water and electricity  They make their products in concrete, steel and fiberglass.

The stock came under my radar when screening on Barchart for stocks hitting new highs.  The stock currently has momentum hitting new highs in 18 of the last 20 trading sessions for a 25.59% gain.  That earned the stock a 96% Barchart technical buy signal.  The Relative Strength Index is 83.69% and rising.  It currently trades around 84.10 which is well above its 50 day moving average of 69.85.

Wall Street brokerage analysts are beginning to notice this company and both of the analysts following them have published Strong Buy reports.  The concensus is for a 9.40% increase in sales and a 32.40% increase in earnings for the coming year.  EPS growth at an annual rate of 12.00%  is expected for the next 5 years.

It seems small investors have beaten the big boys to this stock with the CAPS members on Motley Fool voting 208 to 15 that the stock will beat the market.  The vote of the more experienced All Star group is a solid 81 to 2 for the same result.  Fool notes that the last 4 articles by Wall Street columnists have been positive.


Put this one on your watch list and remember:

• 96% Barchart technical buy signal
• 18 new highs and up 25.59% in the last 20 trading sessions
• Wall Street Strong  Buy recommendations based on increased sales and earnings
• Positive investor sentiment

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

Reading International -- RDI -- Deleted

This morning I deleted Reading International (RDI) from the Barchart Van Meerten Speculative portfolio for negative price trends:

• 60% Barchart short term technical sell signal
• Trend Spotter (tm) sell signal
• Trading below 20 and 50 day moving averages
• Relative Strength Index 38.27% and dropping

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

Cypress Sharpridge Investments - CYS - Deleted

This morning I deleted Cypress Sharpridge Investments (CYS) from the Barchart Van Meerten New High portfolio for negative price trends:

• 40% Barchart technical sell signal
• Trend Spotter (tm) sell signal
• Trading below its 20, 50 and 100 daily moving averages
• Relative Strength Index is only 39.09% and tanking

My major rule is always cut losses as soon as possible.

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

3 stocks for your NASDAQ watch list

Here are 3 NASDAQ stocks that float to the top of my watch list today.  I found them on the Barchart new high lists

Pega Systems (PEGA) -- a leading provider of Customer Relationship Management software that enables transaction-intensive organizations to manage a broad array of customer interactions. Their software enables organizations to deliver high-quality, consistent customer service across today's preferred interaction channels, from the traditional call center environment to Internet self-service. The company's customers represent a wide range of industries, including banking and financial services, insurance, healthcare management, and telecommunications.

• 96% Barchart technical buy signal
• 19 new highs in the last month
• Up 22.41% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 75.66% and rising
• Trades around 36.50 which is above its 50 day moving average of 29.46

Connecticut Water Systems (CTWS) -- a non-operating holding company whose income comes solely from its subsidiaries. The core business is water service to people throughout towns in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

• 100% Barchart technical buy signal
• 17 new highs in the last month
• Up 10.68% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 73.79% and rising
• Trades around 27.03 which is above its 50 day moving average of 25.03

Cohu Inc (COHU) -- designs and manufactures electromechanical systems (handlers) that physically put semiconductors in place for testing and interface directly with electronic test equipment (tester) which performs the electrical test of the semiconductor devices. Other products include television cameras, microwave radios and metal detectors for industrial and hobbyist use.

• 96% Barchart technical buy signal
• 16 new highs in the last month
• Up 13.49% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 69.76% and rising
• Trades around 16.20 which is above its 50 day moving average of 14.36

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

Perrix Therapeutics Holdings -- PTX -- added

This morning I'm adding a highly speculative stock -- Perrix Therapeutics Holdings ( PTX) to the Barchart Van Meerten Speculative portfolio based mainly on price momentum.

Pernix Therapeutics Holdings Inc.,  is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing pharmaceutical products to meet medical needs primarily in pediatrics. The Company's product families include Aldex, Pediatex, Z-Cof, Brovex, ReZyst and QuinZyme. Its ALDEX products are indicated for the treatment of allergies and symptoms of the common cold. PEDIATEX TD is for the treatment of respiratory allergies. Z-COF 8DM is for the treatment of allergies and symptoms of the common cold. The BROVEX products are indicated for the treatment of allergies and symptoms of the common cold. REZYST IM is a chewable tablet probiotic indicated to replace active cultures that are destroyed by diet and antibiotics and to reduce symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome and various gastrointestinal issues. QUINZYME is a dissolve tablet for patients with depleted ubiquinone levels and for patients on statin therapy. Pernix is based in Magnolia, Texas.

The stock has shown recent positive price momentum and came up on my Barchart screens of stocks hitting the most frequent new highs and having high technical buy signals.  They have a 100% Barchart technical buy signal after hitting 16 new highs in the last month and price appreciation of 19.47%.  The Relative Strength Index is a solid 68.32% and rising.

The stock is not covered by many Wall Street analysts and those that do follow predict a 86.00% increase in sales and a 68.10% increase in earnings per share for the next year.  They also stick their neck out with a 5 year annual EPS growth rate of 43.00%,

If your looking of an undiscovered company with current price momentum and high double digit growth prospects you might want to put Perrix Therapeutics (PTX) on your watch list.

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

PFSWeb -- PFSW - Deleted

This morning I'm deleting PFSWeb Inc (PFSW) from the Barchart Van Meerten Speculative portfolio for negative price trends:

• 100% Barchart short term technical sell signal
• Trading below its 20, 50 and 100 day moving averages
• Lost 12.77% in the last week
• Lost 18.76% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 33.24% and dropping

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

Evergreen Utilities and High Income Fund - ERH -- deleted

This morning I'm deleting the Evergreen Utilities and High Income Fund (ERH)  from the Barchart Van Meerten New High portfolio for negative price trends:

• 80% Barchart short term technical sell signal
• Lost 3.39% in the last week
• Trading below its 20 and 50 daily moving averages
• Relative Strength Index 35.28% and falling

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

Right Now Technologies -- RNOW -- deleting

Today I'm deleting Right Now Technologies (RNOW) from the Barchart Van Meerten New High portfolio for negative price trends:

• 100% Barchart short term sell signal
• Lost 10.86% in the last month
• Trading below its 20 and 50 day moving averages
• Relative Strength Index 36.87% and dropping

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

3 AMEX stocks for your watch list -- 12/14

Here are 3 AMEX stocks I found on Barchart while screening for those stocks hitting the most frequent new highs:

Golf Trust of America (PTX) -- Pernix Therapeutics Holdings Inc., formerly known as Golf Trust of America, Inc., is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing pharmaceutical products to meet medical needs primarily in pediatrics. The Company's product families include Aldex, Pediatex, Z-Cof, Brovex, ReZyst and QuinZyme. Its ALDEX products are indicated for the treatment of allergies and symptoms of the common cold. PEDIATEX TD is for the treatment of respiratory allergies. Z-COF 8DM is for the treatment of allergies and symptoms of the common cold. The BROVEX products are indicated for the treatment of allergies and symptoms of the common cold. REZYST IM is a chewable tablet probiotic indicated to replace active cultures that are destroyed by diet and antibiotics and to reduce symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome and various gastrointestinal issues. QUINZYME is a dissolve tablet for patients with depleted ubiquinone levels and for patients on statin therapy. Pernix is based in Magnolia, Texas.

• 100% Barchart technical buy signal
• 16 new highs in the last month
• Up 21.33% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 69.68% and rising

Gormann-Rupp Co (GRC) --The Gorman-Rupp Company designs, manufactures and sells pumps and related equipment (pump and motor controls) for use in water, wastewater, construction, industrial, petroleum, original equipment, agricultural, fire protection, military and other liquid-handling applications. 

• 100% Barchart technical buy signal
• 14 new highs in the last month
• Up 20.66% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 76.06% and rising

Emergent Group (LZR) -- through its wholly owned subsidiary, PRI Medical Technologies, Inc., provides mobile medical laser and surgical equipment in sixteen states on a per-procedure basis to hospitals, outpatient surgery centers and physicians' offices. Surgical equipment is provided to customers along with technical support personnel to ensure that such equipment is operating correctly. PRI Medical currently offers its services in five states in the western United States and 11 states along the eastern seaboard.

• 88% Barchart technical buy signal
• 12 new highs in the last month
• Up 62.79% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 90.38% and rising

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

Mom please send money by Western Union

How many of you when in college or in the service ran into a temporary cash flow problem and placed the call:  "Mom can you please send me a few bucks by Western Union to tide me over?"

The Western Union Company (WU) is a leading provider of global money-transfer services. Together with its affiliates, Orlandi Valuta and Vigo, Western Union provides consumers with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, as well as send payments and purchase money orders.

They now have over 410,000 locations in over 200 countries.  I know in my local area some of the customer services desks at the grocery stores are WU locations.  Transaction fees account for 79% of their revenues and consumer to consumer transactions are up over 10%

I noticed this stock on my Barchart screening of S&P 500 companies experiencing recent upward price momentum.  The stocks enjoys a 96% Barchart technical buy signal with the price up 12.67% for the quarter, 3.87% for the month and 2.48% for the last week.  The Relative Strength Index is 52.58% and rising.  The stock trades around $18.72 well above its 50 day moving average of $18.10.

Wall Street brokerage analysts love this stock with 18 buy and 9 hold reports published for their brokers to push to clients.  Although the analysts only look for a 1.60% increase in sales this year and a 4.10% increase next year they have good earnings estimates of an EPS increase of 7.80% this year, 7.90% next year and a 12.46% annual increase for at least the next 5 years.

The general investing public overwhelmingly favors this stock with the CAPS members on Motley Fool voting 1,500 to 44 that the stock will beat the market.  The more experienced All Stars also vote 484 to 6 for the same result.

Of the Wall Street columnists Fool follows all of the last 16 articles have been positive.

If your portfolio needs an S&P 500 core positions consider Western Union (WU) :

• 96% Barchart technical buy signal
• Relative Strength Index 62.58%  and rising
• Wall Street brokerages releasing positive reports based on 5 year EPS growth of double digits
• Wide and positive general investor sentiment
• Financial columnists writing positive articles

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

3 NYSE stocks -- 12/13

Here are 3 NYSE stocks you might want to add to your watch list.  They were found on the Barchart most new highs list.

Biglari Holdings (BH) -- formerly known as The Steak n Shake Company, is engaged primarily in the ownership, operation, and franchising of restaurants in the United States. Steak n Shake Operations, Inc. (Steak n Shake) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Steak n Shake is an American brand serving burgers and milk shakes. It offers its patrons full-service dining with counter and dining room seating, as well as drive-thru and carry-out service. Biglari Holdings is based in San Antonio, Texas.

• 100% Barchart technical buy signal
• 15 new highs in the last month
• Up 21.46% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 76.74%

Robbins & Myers (RBN) -- is engaged in the design, manufacture, and marketing of fluids management equipment, primarily progressing cavity pumps, chemical reactor and storage vessels, agitators and mixers, and fluoropolymer corrosion-resistant coatings.

• 96% Barchart technical buy signal
• 15 new highs in the last month
• Up 19.22% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 82.39% and rising

International Coal Group (ICO) -- is a leading producer of coal in Northern and Central Appalachia and the Illinois Basin. The company has eleven active mining complexes, of which ten are located in Northern and Central Appalachia and one in Central Illinois. ICO's mining operations and reserves are strategically located to serve utility, metallurgical and industrial customers throughout the Eastern United States.

• 96% Barchart technical buy signal
• 15 new highs in the last month
• Up 39.22% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 78.40% and rising

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

Sappi Ltd -- SPP - deleted

I deleted Sappi Ltd (SPP) from the Barchart Van Meerten Speculative portfolio for negative price trends.

• 40% Barchart short term technical sell signal
• Trading below its 20 and 50 day moving average
• Lost 5.10% in the last week
• Lost 8.73% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 41.08% and dropping

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

Hudson is hiring

Hudson Highland Group, Inc.(HHGP) was added to the Barchart Van Meerten Speculative portfolio.  They are a leading provider of permanent recruitment, contract professionals and talent management services worldwide. From single placements to total outsourced solutions, Hudson helps clients achieve greater organizational performance by assessing, recruiting, developing and engaging the best and brightest people for their businesses.

• 100% Barchart technical buy signal
• 14 nedw highs in the last month
• Up 23.94% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 85.52% and rising

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

Vail Resorts reaches new peaks

Vail Resorts, Inc. (MTN) was added to the Barchart Van Meerten New High portfolio.  They are one of the leading resort operators in North America. The company's operations are grouped into two segments, Resort and Real Estate. In the company's Resort segment, they own and operate resort properties which provide a comprehensive resort experience throughout the year to a diverse clientele with an attractive demographic profile. The company's Real Estate segment develops, buys and sells real estate in and around the their resort communities.

• 100% Barchart technical buy signal
• 14 new highs in the last month
• Up 23.94% in the last month
• Relative strength Index 82.14% and rising

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.

Exide has the charge

I added Exide Technologies (XIDE) to the Barchart Van Meerten Speculative portfolio/  It is one of the world's largest producers and recyclers of lead-acid batteries. The Company's four global business groups - Transportation North America, Transportation Europe and Rest of World, Industrial Energy North America and Industrial Energy Europe and Rest of World - provide a comprehensive range of stored electrical energy products and services for industrial and transportation applications. Transportation markets include original-equipment and aftermarket automotive, heavy-duty truck, agricultural and marine applications, and new technologies for hybrid vehicles and forty two-volt automotive applications. Industrial markets include network power applications such as telecommunications systems, electric utilities, railroads, photovoltaic i.e. solar-power related and uninterruptible power supply, and motive-power applications including lift trucks, mining and other commercial vehicles.

• 100% Barchart technical buy signal
• 14 new highs in the last month
• Up 26.37% in the last month
• Relative Strength Index 84.60% and rising

Jim Van Meerten is an advisor to Marketocracy Capital Management who uses his model portfolios not only to manage their mutual funds but also their clients Separately Managed Accounts. You can read his blogs about those model portfolios and investing here and on Barchart Portfolio Blogs. Please leave a comment below or email JimVanMeerten@gmail.com.

Disclosure: Jim Van Meerten through Marketocracy Capital Management has an interest in the stocks mentioned in this blog.