market outlook

Pundit Predictions: How Accurate Are the 'Pros' Bold Guesses?

Every day, dozens of analysts, pundits and talking heads take to the media to make startling predictions -- the bolder the better. But which of them has a winning record, and who is full of hot air? A new website called "PunditTracker" is answering that question.

Recession in Spain Breeds Pessimism in Global Markets

Markets dipped Monday after official data confirmed that Spain is back in its second recession in three years. Investors had initially bid up stocks on hopes that the Fed would provide more stimulus to the U.S. economy.

The S&P 500's 10 Best Performers of 2012 (So Far)

The S&P 500 gained 4.4% in January, the biggest increase for that month in 15 years. But the 10 best performers in the index had share gains for the month from 27% to a whopping 77%. Which are these rising stars -- and which might have more room to rise? Read on:

Feng Shui's Fiscal Predictions for the Dragon Year Ahead

Sure, you could make your investment decisions based on boring methods like research and analysis. Or you could take a more exciting approach: Leading Asian brokerage CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets has released its "feng shui index" for year of the black water dragon.

Dow Rises Despite Europe's Woes

On Friday, it looked like this week would be ugly. Standard & Poor's had just downgraded the credit ratings of France and several other E.U. countries, the latest domino to fall in Europe's slow-motion economic train wreck. But at least in the U.S., the stock market has shrugged off that news.

Stocks in 2012: Up, Up, But Not Away

The stock market's stomach-churning roller coaster will keep running, but unlike last year's flat finish, Wall Street experts anticipate stocks will end 2012 on a high note, with the S&P 500 up by 7%.

Could the S&P 500 Fall Another 20% in 2011?

After the losses of the past week, it seems hard to imagine that the S&P 500 has much further to decline. But the index took a fall to near 1,000 as recently as last July, and the issues that punished the markets then are looming over the economy again -- or perhaps, still.

Bin Laden's Death Lifts Dollar, U.S. Stock Futures

The dollar and U.S. stock futures rose following President Barack Obama's announcement late Sunday night that Osama Bin Laden had been killed. Analysts said the boost to the currency was a signal of greater confidence in the United States and a reduction in national security risks.

Three Stocks Set to Soar on Emerging Market Growth

Sky-high oil prices may slow U.S. economic growth in the quarters ahead, so prudent investors may want to put some money into companies with strong international operations that can take advantage of growth elsewhere. Here are three impressive options.

Two Years After the Bottom: What's Ahead for Stocks?

Two years after the markets hit bottom on March 9, 2009, stock prices have rebounded significantly. But will the bull market keep rolling, or is a bear around the corner? Truth is, there's just as much uncertainty now as there was then.

All Eyes Remain on Oil Prices and Mideast Instability

Last week, oil's ascent trumped a raft of healthy U.S. economic reports. With a relatively light slate of economic data scheduled this week, oil prices and political turmoil in the Middle East could play an even larger role in the trading sessions ahead. [Video]

This Week's Market:
'Time to Be a Little Careful'

The market suffered its biggest swoon since August last week as chaos swept Libya and oil prices hit multiyear highs. With the geopolitical landscape uncertain for the foreseeable future, don't be surprised if stocks come under further selling pressure in the days ahead. [Video]