The market and many leading stocks finally hit some resistance today, but we can’t say that’s too surprising—the market has had a great run in recent weeks, there hasn’t been any real dip since mid-May and earnings season is just around the corner. We’re not shrugging off today’s selloff; if the evidence rapidly deteriorates, we’ll change our tune. And as we’ve written lately, booking partial profits in some winners makes sense ahead of earnings season. But just as one big day off the bottom doesn’t signify a new uptrend, we can’t say one bad day has changed the overall uptrend.

This week’s list is as growth-oriented as we’ve seen it in a long time, and it includes a few stocks that only recently broke out of bases. Our Top Pick is Baidu (BIDU), a blue-chip Chinese stock that has been acting very well in recent weeks. Earnings are due out July 24, so try to buy on dips.

Stock Name	Price	Buy Range	Loss Limit
58.com (WUBA)	0.00	52-54	45-46.5
Nabors Industries (NBR)	0.00	28-29.5	26-26.5
Molina Healthcare (MOH)	0.00	44-46	41-42
Jazz Pharmaceuticals (JAZZ)	0.00	152-157	142-143
HDFC Bank Limited (HDB)	0.00	47-49	43-44
Gilead Sciences (GILD)	75.10	84-87	81-82
Bitauto Holdings (BITA)	0.00	46-48	42-43
Baidu (BIDU)	0.00	185-188	170-175
Bonanza Creek Energy (BCEI)	0.00	55-58	52-53
Arista Networks (ANET)	0.00	70-73	62-63

The market remains in full bull mode, despite the “shocking” (to some) news that the U.S. economy contracted by 2.9% in the first quarter. We’re not easily shocked, and we know that the message of the market is what matters, so we continue to recommend that you invest heavily in leading stocks, particularly those that present attractive entry points. Happily, there are plenty to choose from these days, and this week’s issue offers a fine variety, from energy to medical to retail to restaurants to automobiles.

Our favorite stock in today’s crop is Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM), a gold miner that has solid growth prospects and a great technical set-up. While the big jump in gold stocks two weeks ago got a lot of attention, Agnico’s capable management has made a lot of moves that augur well for the long term.

Stock Name	Price	Buy Range	Loss Limit
Tesla, Inc. (TSLA)	818.87	232-245	215-216
Sanchez Energy (SN)	0.00	35-37.5	32-32.5
Schlumberger (SLB)	0.00	109-113	102-103
SolarCity (SCTY)	0.00	68-70	59-60
KapStone Paper (KS)	0.00	32-33	29-30
JD.com (JD)	39.58	27-28	24-25
InterMune (ITMN)	0.00	42-45	37-38
Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD)	0.00	160-165	147-148
Allegheny Technologies (ATI)	27.78	42.5-44.5	39-40
Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM)	79.05	35-37	33-34

The market remains in good shape, with the major indexes hitting slightly higher highs and most stocks acting well. Granted, many growth stocks have been consolidating their strong mid-May to early-June advances, but we’re actually encouraged by that—despite strong run-ups back to (or somewhat above) their springtime highs, the sellers haven’t been able to make any headway. Sure, that could always change, but right now there’s no question that selling pressures are light and the buyers remain in control. Hence, it’s best to remain bullish and pick up shares of new leaders either on powerful breakouts or on dips toward support.

This week’s list has more solid growth ideas than we’ve seen in many weeks. Our favorite idea is GasLog (GLOG), which has gotten a boost from international events, but whose short- and long-term growth story is compelling. Last week, the stock blasted off on its heaviest volume ever.

Stock Name	Price	Buy Range	Loss Limit
TripAdvisor (TRIP)	55.14	99-104	92-93
SunPower (SPWR)	12.26	38-39	34-35
Royal Gold, Inc. (RGLD)	129.66	70-75	65-66
Palo Alto Networks (PANW)	236.92	77-81	70-71
Lithia Motors Inc. (LAD)	146.30	90-93	78-80
GasLog (GLOG)	21.39	28-31	26-26.5
Electronic Arts (EA)	0.00	35-37	31-32
Celgene (CELG)	0.00	160-166	148-150
Arris Group (ARRS)	0.00	31.5-33.5	30-30.5
Apple (AAPL)	248.94	89-91	83-84

After a few weeks of solid action that eased most worries, the latest shenanigans in Iraq have reminded investors that the market is a two-way street. Not that the damage has been severe—stocks have generally eased normally since Iraq grabbed the headlines last Thursday—but we’re viewing this as the rally’s first test. If dips in the indexes and individual stocks come on generally tame volume and find support, it will be highly bullish. If not … well, we’ll deal with that if we see it. Right now, the evidence remains clearly bullish, and while the bulls aren’t running wild, many stocks are making solid progress.

This week’s list has a bunch of great stories, as well as a nice mix of newer and older names. Our Top Pick is Restoration Hardware (RH), which is going about business in a unique way, leading to outstanding results. The stock is getting going after a multi-month rest.

Stock Name	Price	Buy Range	Loss Limit
RH Inc. (RH)	252.93	79-84	72-73
VeriFone Systems, Inc. (PAY)	0.00	35-36	32-33
Netflix, Inc. (NFLX)	423.92	410-430	370-380
Health Net (HNT)	0.00	38.5-40	35-36
GT Advanced Technologies (GTAT)	0.00	18-19	15-16
Keurig Green Mountain (GMCR)	0.00	115-121	105-107
Eagle Materials Inc. (EXP)	0.00	90-94	84-85
Con-way (CNW)	0.00	46.5-48.5	43.5-44
Charter Communications (CHTR)	0.00	144-147	134-135
Baidu (BIDU)	0.00	170-175	158-160

There remain a few warts on the market’s current rally, including some meaningful divergences (the Nasdaq and Russell 2000 have yet to reach new highs like some of the broader big-cap indexes) and a lack of decisive breakouts from big-cap leaders (most are still working on launching pads). But the evidence is rarely going to line up perfectly; the fact is that during the past few weeks, more and more stocks have been acting well as selling pressures ease. Now’s a time to grow gradually more optimistic as the stocks you own and follow improve.

This week’s list includes one of those classic, big-cap breakouts that we alluded to above. Top Pick Applied Materials (AMAT) is in the process of completing a major acquisition that should boost its market dominance in a big way, and the stock has exploded out of a nice consolidation on very big volume.

Stock Name	Price	Buy Range	Loss Limit
Zebra Technologies (ZBRA)	154.94	72-76	69-70
Skyworks Solutions (SWKS)	0.00	45-47	41-42
MeadWestvaco (MWV)	0.00	42-44	39-40
Lannett Company (LCI)	0.00	45-46	42-43
Illumina Inc. (ILMN)	289.74	160-170	154-155
Carrizo Oil & Gas (CRZO)	24.03	59-61	55-56
Consol Energy Inc. (CNX)	0.00	45-48	43-43.5
Bonanza Creek Energy (BCEI)	0.00	52-55	48-49
Arris Group (ARRS)	0.00	32-34	28.5-29.5
Applied Materials (AMAT)	0.00	20-22	18-19

After two and a half months of a choppy-to-down environment, the bulls have done enough good things to turn the intermediate-term trend back up. And that means our Market Monitor is back in bullish territory and you should adopt a more positive market outlook. You shouldn’t buy hand over fist, though—it’s best to pick up shares of some strong, resilient stocks (preferably newer names most investors haven’t heard of) … and then watch closely to see if the market can hold (and build on) its gains in the days and weeks ahead. If it does, you can look to extend your line.

This week’s list again contains an array of stocks from a variety of industries. Our Top Pick is Cavium (CAVM), which looks like a new leader in the still-strong chip sector. It’s very volatile, so handle it with care, but we think you can start a position around here.

Stock Name	Price	Buy Range	Loss Limit
TripAdvisor (TRIP)	55.14	94-97	88-89
T-Mobile US (TMUS)	0.00	33.5-35	31-31.5
Synaptics (SYNA)	0.00	65-68	60-61
Sanchez Energy (SN)	0.00	32-34	30-31
Palo Alto Networks (PANW)	236.92	71.5-75.5	65-67
Nabors Industries (NBR)	0.00	25.5-26.5	24.5-25
Molina Healthcare (MOH)	0.00	41.5-43	39.5-40
Cavium (CAVM)	0.00	46.5-49	43.5-44.5
Baker Hughes (BHI)	0.00	69-71.5	66-67
Air Lease (AL)	0.00	39.5-41	36-36.5

During the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen the major indexes push higher (including new all-time highs from the S&P 500), we’ve seen some growth stocks get off their duffs and we’ve seen a gradual improvement in stocks and sectors hitting new highs. In other words, the evidence has improved, and while we would prefer to see some real buying power (volume has been whisper-quiet for the most part), we’re tilting our Market Monitor a bit toward the bullish side. Bottom line: It’s OK to put some more money to work here, and then see if stocks can build on their recent gains.

This week’s list has a broad array of solid stories from a variety of industries. Our favorite is BitAuto (BITA), a great (and easy to understand) Chinese growth story that is quickly rounding out its launching pad.

Stock Name	Price	Buy Range	Loss Limit
Stillwater Mining (SWC)	0.00	16-17	14.5-15
Skechers (SKX)	0.00	41-43	38-39
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (LYV)	0.00	23-24	21.5-22
Kate Spade & Company (KATE)	0.00	35-36.5	32-33
ICICI Bank (IBN)	0.00	48-50	44-45
Electronic Arts (EA)	0.00	33-35	30-30.5
Dillard’s (DDS)	0.00	106-112	99-100
Ctrip.com International Ltd. (CTRP)	34.94	53-55	48-49
Bitauto Holdings (BITA)	0.00	42-44	37-38
American Airlines Group Inc. (AAL)	0.00	38-40.5	36-36.5

The market continues to chop around, with forays into new-high ground inviting plenty of sellers and sharp dips quickly attracting bargain-hunting buyers. We are seeing more set-ups out there, which is a good sign—if the market does kick into gear, there should be some solid leadership. However, until then, this is about as neutral and choppy an environment as we can remember. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take any action (this isn’t 2008!), but it’s best to wait for the market to show some bullish action before getting heavily invested. Patience and cash are your allies today.

This week’s list is the first in a while that has a growth tilt to it; there are still some cheap, stable-type stocks, but also some real potential leaders of the next advance. Our favorite is Arris Group (ARRS), which has excellent growth prospects, a huge backlog and a nice-looking launching pad.

Stock Name	Price	Buy Range	Loss Limit
WhiteWave Foods (WWAV)	0.00	29.5-31	26.5-27
Vipshop Holdings (VIPS)	14.25	150-160	138-140
Trinity Industries (TRN)	0.00	78-82	73-74
Rice Energy (RICE)	0.00	29.5-31	27.5-28
Pacira Biosiences (PCRX)	54.85	72.5-75.5	67-68
InterMune (ITMN)	0.00	36-38	33-34
Gilead Sciences (GILD)	75.10	79-83	75.5-76.5
CBRE Group (CBG)	0.00	28-29	26-26.5
Arris Group (ARRS)	0.00	29-31	26.5-27.5
Apple (AAPL)	248.94	580-600	530-540

This remains a split tape, with many defensive and some commodity stocks testing new-high ground, while most of the market is chopping around, and growth stocks are still lagging. That said, we have seen a few rays of light lately—the mid-cap indexes are back above their 50-day lines, many growth stocks have held support for many weeks, and we’re seeing a few more potential leaders emerge on earnings or other good news. We’re sticking with our neutral Market Monitor until we see more bullish action among a variety of stocks and sectors, but the next week or two will be interesting.

This week’s list is still relatively heavy on commodity names, but our Top Pick is a growth stock that just completed a game-changing acquisition. Avago Technologies (AVGO) has great projected earnings growth, but the company reports earnings on May 29 so keep new positions small.

Stock Name	Price	Buy Range	Loss Limit
Zillow (Z)	76.64	95-100	88-90
Nabors Industries (NBR)	0.00	25-26.5	23-24
Lazard (LAZ)	0.00	47-49	45-46
Diamondback Energy (FANG)	0.00	72-74	66-67
Extra Space Storage (EXR)	0.00	49-51	46-47
Constellium (CSTM)	0.00	29-31	27-27.5
Carrizo Oil & Gas (CRZO)	24.03	53.5-55.5	50-50.5
Broadcom Limited (AVGO)	266.26	66-69	61-62
Athlon Energy (ATHL)	0.00	39-41	36-37
AerCap (AER)	0.00	45.5-47.5	41.5-42

Not much has changed with the market’s big picture—some energy stocks are still doing well and the broad market is holding up near its highs, but many growth stocks and sectors are still in base-building phases. The goal as investors isn’t to discern what comes next (a leg up or leg down), but to be ready to act in either scenario. That means having your watch list ready (there are a good number of growth stocks beginning to set up), but also remaining defensive until you see evidence that the trend has turned up.

This week’s list is chock-full of energy stocks, which remains the clear leading group in the market. Our favorite of the week is Weatherford (WFT), a turnaround in the oil services space that recently staged a monstrous breakout on bullish earnings.

Stock Name	Price	Buy Range	Loss Limit
Weatherford International plc (WFT)	0.00	19.5-21	17-18.5
US Silica Holdings, Inc. (SLCA)	0.00	43.5-45.5	39-40
RPC Inc. (RES)	0.00	21-22.5	19.5-20
Patterson-UTI Energy (PTEN)	0.00	32-33	30-30.5
Micron Technology, Inc. (MU)	43.31	25-26	23.5-24
Level 3 Communications (LVLT)	0.00	42-43	38-39
Itaú Unibanco Holding S.A. (ITUB)	0.00	15-16.5	14.5-15
Garmin (GRMN)	97.45	55-57	52-53
Greenbrier (GBX)	57.73	48-50	45-46
Consol Energy Inc. (CNX)	0.00	42.5-44	40.5-41

Hello from sunny Florida!

I am on vacation with my family this week, taking a much-needed break from the harsh, snowy Vermont winter (and narrowly making it down here ahead of the latest blizzard to dump another foot or two of snow on the Northeast). But with so much going on in the market – tariffs rejected! GDP growth slowing! AI panic! – I wanted to provide an update on everything that’s going on with our stocks.

It’s the same basic market story as it has been for the last four months. Technology is floundering while other sectors are killing it. But a couple of events occurring this week could potentially change the dynamic.

For value-focused investors, this year’s prologue has been a welcome change from the turmoil experienced in early 2025.

In just the past few weeks, some of last year’s most ignored or underappreciated laggards have posted outsized gains, with rallies that have made even momentum-driven tech stock traders envious. Even more remarkable is the fact that much of that strength has been concentrated in ultra-defensive areas of the market like consumer staples, utilities and healthcare.

The market rotation continues to be the main story out there this week, though rumblings of a potential strike on Iran, an update from the January FOMC meeting, and a slew of earnings reports and economic data releases have been giving investors plenty to think about.

In terms of the rotation, the equal‑weight S&P 500 ETF (RSP) is up 5.5% so far this year, illustrating that leadership is broadening beyond the narrow group of mega‑cap stocks that drove much of last year’s performance.

Year to date, the S&P 600 SmallCap Index is up 8.3% and the S&P 400 Mid‑Cap Index is up 7.9%. Both are comfortably outperforming the S&P 500, which is up just 0.1%, and the Nasdaq, which is down 2.1%.

Happy Chinese New Year! The year of the horse is upon us.

China is expecting an incredible 9.5 billion trips to be made during the 40-day Lunar New Year travel period. Chinese automakers are also on the move as the country’s numerous brands sold nearly 200,000 vehicles in Britain last year, doubling their market share to almost 10%.

As U.S. investors have shifted from risk-on to risk-off mode in recent months, a clear disparity between the “haves” and the “have-nots” has materialized.

Let’s start with the “have-nots.” Financials have fared the worst so far this year (-4.7%), followed by technology (-3.1%), communication services and consumer discretionary (-2.8% each). The downturn in the two tech-related sectors in particular is a stark departure from recent years, when technology led the charge of the current bull market.

Cyclical stocks are soaring and technology is floundering in the transformed market.

The bull market is turned upside down. For most of the first three years, technology, and particularly AI stocks, soared while most other stocks did very little. Now, previously meandering stocks are killing it while technology sinks.

Strong fourth-quarter earnings are confirming what the market was already doing.

Current estimates based on earnings reported so far are for 13.2% overall S&P earnings growth for the quarter. It’s a solid quarter and the fifth straight quarter of double-digit earnings growth. In terms of sector performance, cyclical companies are killing it, and technology is floundering, just like before earnings.

Like many coffee aficionados, I have something of a love/hate relationship with Starbucks (SBUX). My main gripe is that the company’s food and beverage offerings have always been pricey compared to the fare served in most fast-food restaurants and run-of-the-mill coffee houses.

The outperformance of small caps continues.

Through Tuesday’s close, the S&P 600 is up 10% year to date versus just 1.6% for the S&P 500.

All but three small-cap sectors are outperforming their large-cap counterpart. The strongest small-cap sectors are materials (+20%), energy (+23%), industrials (+17%), and tech (+11.4%).

Let’s talk about the power of staying invested.

Sure, when the market turns south – and I’m not even sure last week’s mini-dip qualifies – it makes sense to pare back on your weakest stocks and put a larger portion of your portfolio in cash. But taking your ball and going home – selling out of all of your stocks when times are tough – is not a winning strategy. Here’s why.

NOTE: We’re sending this a day early as I’m soon to embark on a trip with the kiddos over the next week. I will be working a good amount from the road, though, and will have updates if need be. Also, next week’s issue will be published as scheduled.

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WHAT TO DO NOW: The market remains very mixed, with growth measures still generally pointed sideways to down, while the broad market remains in solid shape. What’s interesting, though, is that we’re seeing more growth stocks kick into gear, along with some huge buying action in a few “cyclical growth” names. Tonight we’re making one move—adding a half-sized stake in Macom Tech (MTSI)—but are keeping our eyes open for a broader character change among growth stocks. Our cash position will be around 53%.

Shares of online travel company The Priceline Group (PCLN, 1,240.12) are up $129.44 or 11.65% as of midday today after reporting stronger-than-expected full-year 2015 results.

Our Cabot Top Ten Trader’s market timing system consists of two parts—one based on the action of three select, growth-oriented market indexes, and the other based on the action of the fast-moving stocks Cabot Top Ten features.