Today’s Daily Alert is the final installment in our updates on the 2012 Top Picks. In addition to updates on stocks beginning with letters T through Z, this Daily Alert includes updates on all the Top Pick funds.
T
Tata Motors Ltd. (TTM, $27), picked by Global Investment Strategist, is up over 30% since the recommendation. In his latest update, Editor Benjamin Shepherd wrote, “I expect the pace of Tata’s sales growth to accelerate early next year. As India’s gross domestic product growth continues to slow, the country’s central bank is increasingly likely to cut interest rates; high rates have been a key deterrent to auto buyers in recent months. ... Even though Tata is currently the leading automaker in India, it can easily grow sales in its domestic markets. Only one in every 125 Indians owns an automobile, giving India one of the lowest automobile penetration rates in the world. As Indian incomes grow, vehicle demand should rise too, particularly if lower interest rates make auto financing more affordable. With sales growth likely to increase early next year, continue buying Tata Motors under 30.”
Tesla Motors (TSLA, $34), picked by Cabot Stock of the Month Editor Timothy Lutts, is up almost 30% since the recommendation. In his latest update, Lutts wrote, “Tesla Motors hit resistance last week at 36, which was its high in July, and now it looks like the stock will take its time getting through that level. But when it does, is next stop should be its all-time (closing) high of 37, hit back in March. Business at this revolutionary company appears to be right on track, and we’re very optimistic that as more and more people come to recognize that, they will want to become investors and own a piece of the revolution. BUY.”
W
Walgreen Company (WAG, $38), picked by The Option Strategist, is up about 13% since the recommendation.
Z
Zhongpin, Inc. (HOGS, $13), picked by PAD System Report, was sold in the December 5 Investment Digest. PAD System Report Editor Daniel Seiver wrote, “Our willingness to hold on and ‘double down’ on our Zhongpin shares has been rewarded. The stock has jumped to $12.50 with an official offer by the CEO to buy all remaining shares at $13.50. Rather than hang on to squeeze out the last dollar, we will sell all our Zhongpin shares now, sadder, and a bit wiser. We still think the company has excellent growth prospects, but we will not have a chance to participate.” SOLD.
FUNDS
BBH Core Select (BBTEX) was picked by No-Load Fund Analyst. BBTEX was closed to new investors on November 30, 2012, in response to assets in the fund reaching the managers’ previously announced limit of approximately $3.5 billion. If you own the fund, No-Load Fund Analyst Editor Stephen Savage still rates it as Recommended, writing in his latest update, “Those with investments prior to the fund’s closing will be allowed to continue to invest. We applaud the decision to close BBH Core Select to new investors, and believe this action will help preserve the team’s investment flexibility, which is especially important for a fund with a relatively concentrated approach (typically holding between 20-30 stocks). Their commitment to running a manageable asset base supports our opinion that this team (and firm) is shareholder-oriented.”
Fidelity Blue Chip Growth (FBGRX) was picked by Fidelity Monitor & Insight, which still rates the fund Buy.
iShares Silver Trust (SLV, $29), picked by The Sovereign Advisor, is trading at about break-even for the year.
PowerShares DB Agriculture Fund (DBA, $28) and PowerShares DB Double Long Agriculture ETN (DAG, $12) were both picked by The Inger Letter Editor Gene Inger. DBA has lost about 2% this year, while DAG is up about 14%.
PowerShares QQQ Trust (QQQ, $66) was picked by No-Load Fund-X Editor Janet Brown. Brown recommended selling 100% of QQQ in her November issue as part of the newsletter’s “Upgrading” strategy. SELL.
ProShares UltraShort 20+ Year Treasury (TBT) calls were recommended by Options Advantage. TBT split 1 for 4 in October.
Rydex Dyn Inverse Nasdaq-100 2X Strategy (RYVNX), picked by Crawford Perspectives, is down about 30% this year.
SPDR Gold Trust (GLD, $160), picked by Wall Street Sector Selector, is about break-even for the year.
T. Rowe Price New Era Fund (PRNEX) was picked by No-Load Portfolios. No-Load Portfolios was still holding PRNEX when it ceased publishing, in December.