Utility stocks were down Monday in the wake of the wicked winter storm that tossed the Northeast over the weekend. But it's on panicky days like these that long-term investors want to be taking a second look at utilities. Not only are they less volatile than fast-growing tech stocks, some pay hefty dividends.
Buoyed by consumers' increased confidence in the U.S. economy, most automakers reported higher sales of cars and trucks in the U.S. during October compared to a year ago -- making it the best October in three years for the auto industry.
Ford reported that sales rose to nearly 158,000 vehicles for the month, as consumers continued to respond positively to company's revamped lineup.
Initial reports show automakers having their best sales so far this year in October, despite consumer wariness about the lackluster economy. Foreign carmakers Hyundai, Kia, Subaru and Volkswagen all turned in solid performances.
Carmakers are expected to report a mixed picture for October sales: mostly better than a year ago, but down slightly from September. Still, the pace appears strong enough that the upper end of full-year forecasts is reachable.
At many companies, Columbus Day and other federal holidays are just another work day. This can wreak havoc on working parents' schedules because most school districts honor federal holidays. That's especially true if the day in question creeps up with little notice.
