The market opened the New Year with a bang last week, partially thanks to a peaceful conclusion to the Fiscal Cliff deal. But, really, the market has been acting well enough for many weeks, and with some of the uncertainty finally in the past, the buyers flexed their muscle. At this point, we’re seeing excellent strength in many cyclical- and turnaround-type companies—financials, industrials, transports and the like, so that’s where your focus should be today. Growth stocks are doing well enough but we can’t say they’re leading quite yet ... though earnings season, which gets underway soon, can always change the landscape.
This week’s list is heavy on the cyclical side of the list, with many stocks coming back to life after 18- to 24-month rest periods—big launching pads that have the potential to generate sustained upmoves. Our favorite of the week is (believe it or not) General Motors (GM), whose business is at its best levels in five years and whose stock is acting like it has much more upside ahead. Buy on any weakness.
| Stock Name | Price | Buy Range | Loss Limit |
|---|
| TripAdvisor (TRIP) | 55.14 | 42-44 | - |
| SodaStream (SODA) | 142.91 | 45-48 | - |
| Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. (RS) | 117.45 | 62-64 | - |
| Robert Half (RHI) | 78.58 | 31-32.5 | - |
| Cheniere Energy (LNG) | 63.82 | 18.5-19.5 | - |
| General Motors Company (GM) | 0.00 | 28-29.5 | - |
| Ctrip.com International Ltd. (CTRP) | 34.94 | 22-24 | - |
| Citigroup Inc. (C) | 0.00 | 39.5-41.5 | - |
| Ashland Inc. (ASH) | 0.00 | 80-83 | - |
| ARM Holdings (ARMH) | 0.00 | 37-39 | - |