bull market forecast

'Dow 36,000' Co-Author Says This Time, It'll Happen

With the Dow back to record highs, James K. Glassman, co-author of the most infamously wrong investment book of all time, 1999's "Dow 36,000: The New Strategy for Profiting From the Coming Rise in the Stock Market," has resurfaced to insist that he and Kevin Hassett weren't wrong, just ahead of their time.

The Bulls Are Optimistic Despite Global Turmoil

Despite turbulent times, U.S. markets are rising again. But is this a temporary bump, or the return of a bull market? The sharp-eyed analysts of Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs say its the latter, and their money is on strong growth ahead.

Yes, Stocks Are Extremely Volatile. But Don't Panic!

Some investors have been running scared after the quake and tsunami that devastated parts of Japan and left it with an ongoing nuclear crisis. But when there's gloom in the air, there's also opportunity to buy on the dip and gain from the rebound.

A Stock Market Breakout Is Likely -- but in Which Direction?

The technical signs suggest we're at a crucial point for stocks: Either a decisive rise or a dramatic fall is coming. And if you're the type to dismiss technical analysis as unscientific voodoo, you're missing the point: It's not about pattern matching, it's about human psychology.

It's Not Too Late to Buy Into the Bullish Stock Market

The S&P 500 has nearly doubled from its post-crash lows, and small investors are finally getting off the sidelines again. Normally, that would be a danger sign for a correction, but right now, all signs point to the upward stock market trend continuing in 2011. Here's why:

Consumer Sentiment Index Jumps to Three-Year High

The markets may have had a rough weak as U.S. GDP growth was revised down and Middle East unrest caused oil prices to rise, but the consumer sentiment index rose to its highest level since January 2008. Sentiment has risen for about six months -- an encouraging sign -- but oil prices could sour the mood.

Investors Are Keeping Their Eyes on the Wrong Ball

There's a frenzy of stock buying going on now, because no one wants to be left out of the stock market recovery. But all those who are betting on short-term gains are engaged in what I call "wrong ball investing." Here's how to keep your eye on the right ball.

As Companies Beat Estimates in 2011, Expect Stocks to Soar

Last year, stocks rose as cost-cutting helped businesses set record profits. But its not too late to buy in, says venture capitalist Peter Cohan: With the corporate world's focus shifting to sales growth, and profits likely to beat expectations, stocks still look undervalued.

What Investors Should Expect After Davos 2011

Reports from the ultra-elite Swiss meeting show that CEOs are far more optimistic than they've been for years. Considering their cash hoards, an M&A wave is likely. But they're unmoved by the idea that they should create societal value.

A More Bullish Forecast From Deutsche Bank

The bank now says positive trends in consumer spending, employment and the stock market will likely boost U.S. economic growth higher than the 3% most analysts had previously predicted. Deutsche's chief equity strategist is predicting a 23% rise in the stock market for 2011.

Striking a Balance Between Stocks' Profits and Bonds' Safety

With stock markets rallying lately, cautious investors are looking to get some profits from equities while keeping conservative portfolios. Mark Caner, president of W&S Financial Group Distributors, discusses a new variable annuity product that aims to do exactly that.

Lower Volatility Might Not Signal a Market Correction

The CBOE's Volatility Index, known as the VIX, has been trending lower, which many analysts consider a sign that stocks are due for a fall. But another argument says it's all relative, and in today's environment a lower VIX may suggest a continuing rally.

Attention Investors: Enjoy the Ride, Go With the Flow

Here's a short answer for those who wonder what could transport the market still higher: the economy. The unexpected and sudden advance that started last September foresaw favorable economic news. The continuing rebound will now propel the market to even headier levels.

Rising Bullishness: A Sign to Sell or Justified Optimism?

A supposed truism on Wall Street is that betting against the crowd is always a wise move. And these days, the crowd is decidedly bullish. Yes, that's often a sign that the end is near. But right now, a good argument can be made that things will still get better.

Are Bullish Investors Signaling a Bear Market?

With analysts expecting the stock market to rally, investors are feeling bullish. But are they too bullish? High investor confidence has often signaled a market turn for the worse in the past. Other indicators also show cause for caution.

Technical Market Analysis Warns: Mind the Gaps

Financial markets are becoming increasingly schizophrenic, ruled by erratic ups and downs. It's at times like these when technical analysis can help investors manage the emotional roller coaster, which is why for chart watchers, the catchphrase of the next few months could be "mind the gaps."

What the Stocks vs. Dollar Seesaw Is Saying Now

For a host of reasons, when the dollar spikes, stocks drop, and when the dollar falls, stocks soar. Right now, with dollar sentiment reaching maximum bearishness, contrarians are preparing for the next shift. If the dollar rises again, stocks could reverse.

What's Reviving Investors' Hunger for Stocks

The far-sighted ones are looking beyond the election and Fed and seeing a robust global manufacturing rebound and impressive corporate earnings. These strong fundamentals are finally overcoming risk aversion -- and could set the stage for an equity rally.

Plenty of Optimism Could Signal a Bear Market Ahead

Investor sentiment is a remarkably accurate contrarian indicator: When investors become exuberantly bullish, the market is nearing a high, and when investors are strongly bearish, market lows are a good bet. Be warned: Right now, the charts show the sort of optimism that precedes a fall.

The Case for the September Rally's Sustainability

Although the market naysayers will talk down early September's upside rush as just another bear market rally, investors shouldn't doubt the sustainability of what now appears to be the next upswing of a bull market.

An Investor's Best Approach to the Bull vs. Bear Battle

Big money managers can change their strategy at any time. But for individual investors -- who are betting their own money -- the decision to be bearish or bullish is much tougher. Here's the key question: What lets you sleep at night?