With most major indexes still within 2% or 3% or their recent peaks, we can’t say the market is a horror show. But the evidence pointing toward a fatigued market continues to pile up, with last week’s waves of distribution (on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday) telling us sellers are gaining strength. We’re not predicting anything, but right now, making lots of money is very difficult; even the strong defensive sectors are choppy, and if you buy a stock at the wrong time, forget about it. Thus, we’re leaving our Market Monitor in neutral territory, and advise you to play things cautiously—keep positions small, keep your laggards on tight leashes and hold some cash.
Just as important, though, you should also keep your eyes open for a resumption of the uptrend. This week’s list has a few potential shooting stars, though there’s also a flavor of safety to some of the names. Our favorite of the week is
First Solar (FSLR), which is dancing to its own drummer after a bullish near- and long-term earnings forecast a couple of weeks ago.
| Stock Name | Price | Buy Range | Loss Limit |
|---|
| Santarus (SNTS) | 0.00 | 17.5-18.5 | 15-16 |
| Shutterfly (SFLY) | 94.71 | 42.5-44.5 | 39-40 |
| ONYX Pharmaceuticals (ONXX) | 0.00 | 95-99 | 87-88 |
| ServiceNow (NOW) | 341.86 | 36-39 | 33-34 |
| NetSuite, Inc. (N) | 0.00 | 77-79 | 73-74 |
| Medicines Company (MDCO) | 56.98 | 33-34 | 29-30 |
| Cheniere Energy (LNG) | 63.82 | 25-26 | 22-23 |
| Home Depot (HD) | 0.00 | 73-74.5 | 70-71 |
| First Solar (FSLR) | 83.74 | 36-37.5 | 32-34 |
| Actavis (ACT) | 0.00 | 95-97 | 90-91 |