This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

U.S. stocks, at midday, appear stable and are making some headway up. The major indices are up more than 1%. The mood is cautious. The start was helped by Japan's Nikkei which rose 10% overnight after the dramatic fall the day before. The U.S. is deep into earnings season and reports are driving individual stock moves. Overall, global markets continue to recalibrate.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

At midday Wednesday, the major benchmarks were higher after the Consumer Price Index showed flat prices from the prior month. All of the major indices are higher, with the S&P 500 up 1.2%, the Nasdaq Composite up about 1.9%, the Russell 2000 popping almost 3%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average bringing up the rear with a gain of 0.4%. So all is well, for now. Still ahead today is the release of the Federal Reserve's so-called 'dot plot,' which certainly has the power to impact sentiment. Elsewhere, the yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note was down 12 basis points to 4.28%, crude oil was up 1% at $78 per barrel, and Bitcoin was about 4% higher.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

U.S. stocks were lower on Monday morning as investors await key inflation data (CPI) on Tuesday. Expectations are for headline CPI to tick up sequentially to 0.4% from 0.3% last month, leaving the annual rate unchanged at 3.1%. Core CPI is expected to increase at 0.3%, down from 0.4% -- which will bring annual core CPI to 3.7%, down from 3.9% last month. The Dow fell 0.3%, the S&P 500 was down 0.4%, and the Nasdaq lost 0.4%. Crude oil traded near $78 per barrel, while gold rose $4 to $2189 per ounce.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

In this edition, we think the lithium market will be reenergized; the election year means advertisers are jumping on the bandwagon; we think Johnson Controls is a margin expansion opportunity; and JD.com, Hitachi Heavy Machinery Company, and Sealed Air.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

Many investors are getting a nice holiday present this December, as 2023 is closing out with a burst higher for stocks. The gains have been swift in the last month or so and are spread across sectors and market caps. Yet some companies have not joined in the party - and we think they may present opportunities. We used the Argus screening tool to generate a list of companies that have clean balance sheets and a proven track record for profits. We also like the management teams and strategies at these companies. For our list, we identified 11 BUY-rated large- or mega-cap companies across numerous industries that are selling at more than 25% below their 52-week highs. The list includes stocks in multiple sectors.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

Stocks rose on Monday morning, led by gains in the Technology and Communication Services sectors. Microsoft shares rose on news that Sam Altman, the former head of OpenAI, would join the company and lead a new advanced AI research team. On Tuesday, investors will weigh earnings from chipmaker Nvidia as well as the Fed's latest meeting minutes. The Dow rose 0.3%, the S&P 0.5%, and the Nasdaq 0.8%. Crude oil rose $2 to $78 per barrel while gold traded near $1976 per ounce.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

The Portfolio Selector features the Argus Focus List, a group of 30 "best idea" stocks generated and regularly updated by Argus' analysts and investment policy committee. It also includes the director of research’s monthly investment strategy column, stock recommendations and sector picks, economic forecasts, and an asset allocation model. This month, the Focus List additions are Linde Plc. (LIN); Crowdstrike Holdings Inc (CRWD); Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD); Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (VRTX) and the Focus List deletions are Adobe Inc (ADBE); Albemarle Corp. (ALB); Catalent Inc. (CTLT); Intel Corp. (INTC).

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

Stocks were mostly higher on Monday morning as investors awaited earnings from Home Depot and Walmart, along with July retail sales data and the Fed's latest meeting minutes later this week. In M&A news, U.S. Steel shares jumped 27% after an unsolicited buyout offer from competitor Cleveland-Cliffs. U.S. Steel rejected the offer, but said that it would review its options and noted that it had offers from other bidders. The Dow was flat, the S&P rose 0.4%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.7%. Crude oil fell slightly to $83 per barrel while gold traded near $1942 per ounce.

Argus has published its latest Portfolio Selector, which features its popular Focus List. Each month, Director of Research Jim Kelleher, CFA, surveys the team of Argus Research industry analysts for their timeliest recommendations out of the company's fundamental universe of approximately 500 stocks. The Focus List typically includes 30 stocks: turnover is high, as Jim typically adds three or four new stocks per month. Below are the latest additions, all of which are rated BUY at Argus.

CPI, the top-level inflation rate, was higher on a year-over-year basis last month in the U.S., but most prices nonetheless appear to be cooling. The rate of core inflation ticked lower. The CPI numbers generally were in line with consensus expectations and Argus forecasts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 3.2% increase in overall inflation year-over-year through July, compared to a 3.0% rate through June and a 9.1% rate back in June 2022. The core rate, excluding the impact of food and energy prices, declined slightly -- to 4.7% in July, versus 4.8% in the prior month. Month-over-month, both inflation indices rose a modest 0.2% in July, in line with June rate. Segments of the economy with stable/easing prices year-over-year included Gasoline (-19.9%), Used Cars & Trucks (-5.6%), and Medical Care Services (-1.5%). The overall rate was propped up by Transportation Services (9.0%), Shelter (7.7%), and Food (4.9%), which tend to have prices that are less likely to fall sharply. Looking ahead, we continue to think that the June 2022 CPI rate of 9.1% was the peak reading for the index this cycle, as the housing market cools, supplies of new vehicles are replenished, and the price of oil stays below $90 per barrel. The Federal Reserve has lifted the feds fund rate from 0.0% to above 5.0% over the past 17 months, and the rate hikes appear to be reducing inflationary pressures. But will the rapid rate of increases will tip the economy into a recession as inflation continues to head toward 2.0%?

The Portfolio Selector features the Argus Focus List, a group of 30 "best idea" stocks generated and regularly updated by Argus' analysts and investment policy committee. It also includes the director of research’s monthly investment strategy column, stock recommendations and sector picks, economic forecasts, and an asset allocation model. This month, the Focus List additions are Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc (ODFL); D.R. Horton Inc. (DHI); Northrop Grumman Corp. (NOC); Albemarle Corp. (ALB) and the Focus List deletions are Corteva Inc (CTVA); Sonoco Products Co. (SON); RTX Corp. (RTX); Cracker Barrel Old Country Sto (CBRL).

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

In this edition, a sunny outlook on energy transition amid clouds; Medpace Holdings; Australian retail's momentum; and AGL Energy, Delta Air Lines, and Interactive Brokers.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

In this edition, railroads on an appropriately valued track; get ready to charge your lithium portfolio; initiating coverage of Penn Entertainment; and Deere & Co., Walmart and Farfetch.

Stocks were seesawing but mostly higher on Wednesday morning following cooler inflation data. The Labor Department said that its consumer price index rose 4.9% from the prior year in April, below the consensus estimate of 5.0% and down from 5.0% in March. The core CPI, excluding volatile food and energy costs, rose a higher 5.5%, in line with consensus and down slightly from the prior month. On the earnings front, Airbnb shares fell sharply, despite solid 1Q results, after the company issued disappointing revenue guidance.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

The Vickers Top Buyers & Sellers is a daily report that identifies the five companies the largest insider purchase transactions based on the dollar value of the transactions as well as the five companies the largest insider sales transactions based on the dollar value of the transactions.

Monday Tee Up: Barrage of Retail Earnings

Stocks pared early losses on Thursday, but still finished in negative territory. Investors weighed earnings reports from major retailers and tech companies, along with new housing market and employment data. Housing starts fell a sharp 4.2% to an annualized 1.425 million in October, but topped the consensus forecast. Building permits fell 2.4% to 1.526 million, also above consensus. On the employment front, first-time claims for state unemployment benefits rose by 4,000 to 222,000 for the week ended November 12, below the consensus forecast. Continuing claims rose slightly from the prior week to 1.507 million. The Dow fell 0.02%, the S&P 0.31%, and the Nasdaq 0.35%. Crude oil fell 4% to $82 per barrel, while gold fell $13 to $1763 per ounce.

Stocks rose modestly on Monday morning, led by the Consumer Staples sector, after recovering from early losses. Chinese economic data was weak, as retail sales and industrial output both fell in July and missed consensus forecasts. On the housing front, the National Association of Home Builders said that its homebuilder sentiment index fell to 49 in August, down from 55 in July and the eighth straight monthly decline. The Dow rose 0.3%, the S&P 0.2%, and the Nasdaq 0.4%. Crude oil fell $3 to $89 per barrel, while gold fell $20 to $1796 per ounce.

As we start the second half of 2022, we remain disciplined by looking at stocks and sectors in which we have confidence. Stocks took a beating in the first half, and at times like this, investing principles are critical. This week, we look at Basic Materials. This is not a flashy sector, often overlooked because other sectors garner headlines where consumers are more familiar with brand names. That's partly why we like the sector (it's under-the-radar), but that's not enough. The companies we examine within the sector have to stand on their own, with solid fundamentals and growth outlooks. Challenges in the supply chain persist, but have eased. Inflation is high and the Fed is raising interest rates to quell higher prices. In this environment, we expect demand for commodities to remain robust and for pricing to remain strong. The sector currently accounts for 2.8% of the S&P 500, and includes industries such as chemicals, paper, metals, and mining. Over the past five years, the weighting has ranged from 2% to 4%. We think investors should Over-Weight the sector and allocate 3% of diversified portfolios to stocks in the sector. Basic Materials is slightly over-performing the S&P 500 thus far in 2022, with a loss of 18.7% compared to the S&P's loss of 20.6%. Here are some of our BUY-rated Basic Materials companies, which were selected using the Argus screening tool and requiring that the stocks be BUY-rated and with an Argus Financial Strength rating of at least Medium-High. We feel these companies currently are best in class for this sector. Some of these companies also are included in our Model Portfolios.

Following April's miserable performance, May isn't shaping up much better, at least so far. The S&P 500 took a 9% drubbing into April, and 14 trading days into the new month the index is off another (almost) 6%. Since its closing peak on January 3 at 4,796.56, the "500" made a minor new low on Thursday and is down 896 points (or 18.7)%. The Nasdaq has declined 29% from its November 2021 closing high, while the Nasdaq 100 is off 28%.

Stocks fell on Monday morning amid continued interest rate and inflation concerns. Weak economic data in China, reflecting the impact of COVID lockdowns, also weighed on sentiment. The Chinese National Bureau of Statistics said that retail sales fell a sharp 11.1% year-over-year in April, and that factory production fell 2.9%. The Dow fell 0.4%, the S&P 0.7%, and the Nasdaq 1.2%. Crude oil rose 1% to $112 per barrel, while gold traded near $1812 per ounce.

Volatility in West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil has started to shrink a bit, with the recent range between the high $90s and $110 and with WTI currently sitting at $105/barrel. After going parabolic in March and reaching $130, crude oil pulled back to $93.50, rallied back to $116.65, and fell to an intraday low of $93 on April 11 before rallying back above $107. It is still possible that WTI is tracing out symmetrical triangle, although the past breakout attempt in early May failed.

This edition features Broadridge's potential, trends in utility companies, new coverage of Datadog, and Eastman, Atlassian, and Comcast.