Short sellers face two major risks when they bet against stocks, hoping they’ll sharply decline. First, their research needs to be right on the mark, correctly predicting negative future events will come to pass. Second, they hope and pray the broader market doesn’t rise… Read More

Since July 22, a global market rout has caused — almost daily — price swings of up to 300 basis points in the S&P 500. Such market volatility and fears of an imminent recession have triggered a… Read More

The year 1880 ushered in a new era of for America, setting the stage for technology leadership that would last for more than a century. That was the year that Wabash, Ind., became the first electrically lit city in the world, Thomas Edison conducted his first tests of an electric-power… Read More

With the proper focus, it’s sometimes possible to see a business headed for trouble long before it occurs. Last summer, I told readers wireless service provider Clearwire Corp. (Nasdaq: CLWR) was in deeper trouble than Wall Street analysts were publicly conceding. The analysts were carrying “buy” ratings, even when the… Read More

Stocks have been in a deep slump since July 22. Is it a coincidence that earnings season for most companies in the S&P 500 was winding down during this time? As corporate commentary grew quieter, there were fewer fresh positive data points coming… Read More

Gregg Engles is a very lucky man. The CEO of Dean Foods (NYSE: DF) is surrounded by a very friendly group of board members who want him to make lots of money, no matter how he performs. And frankly, his performance has been dismal. Read More

In recent weeks I’ve been focusing on the myriad buying opportunities that have been uncovered as the market grinds ever lower. Am I being naive? Am I being a mere cheerleader for the financial establishment? Not hardly. I just know investors should question the… Read More

Every year, Goldman Sachs hosts the “Communacopia Conference,” an investor gathering that focuses on various public companies involved in mass media and advertising. The conference, which is now in its 20th edition, is a real chance for firms to hobnob and glad-hand, but amid all the buzz at this year’s… Read More

A weak stock market sure can make short sellers look wise. So I’ll give a bit of credit to the broader market for my mostly successful set of recent short predictions. Back in May, I highlighted five stocks that looked… Read More

You hear it all the time. Save for retirement! Many financial experts — including my favorite, Suze Orman — tell you to contribute to a Roth IRA or traditional IRA outside of your… Read More