Most stock indices didn't rock the world in September, but any progress in that historically difficult month should be considered a bonus -- especially after the gains already booked so far in 2024. The minor and major indices all rose between 1% and 2.7%, with the larger indices doing the best. Turning to sectors, Consumer Discretionary (XLY) and Utilities (XLU) led, both gaining 7%. Communication Services was up 4%, while Information Technology, Materials, Real Estate, and Industrial were all up about 3%. Energy was last, with a 3% loss, with Healthcare down 2% and Financial off 0.6%. Overall, that's a healthy-looking performance report for the month. The biggest S&P 500 individual stock gainers for September were primarily from Discretionary, with some help from Industrial. The largest XLY monthly winners were LVS (+29%); TSLA (+22%); CPRI (19%); UAA, HBI, and TPR, all up 16%; NCLH (+15%); RL (+14%); and CCL and KSS, both up 12%. While there were plenty of retailers on the list of stocks with nice gains, four out of the six were comeback stories. Taken together, this list of Discretionary stocks certainly indicates that investors are not overly worried about consumer spending or the economy. Industrial winners were focused in airlines and included UAL, ALK, DAL, and FBIN. That also seems like a plus for the economy. On the downside list, there were plenty of Energy, Healthcare, and Information Technology stocks. In Energy, APA, DVN, FANG, and NOV all fell between 10% and 14%. Weak Healthcare names included MCK, REGN, HUM, and PRGO. From Information Technology, QRVO, SWKS, and ADBE all lost 10% to 11%.

The third quarter of 2024 has been rewarding for equity investors, as the S&P 500 increased another 5% and has gained almost 20% year to date. Surprise, surprise, though, as value was the segment leader in the quarter. The S&P 500 Value Index advanced approximately 7% in the period, while the S&P 500 Growth Index edged only 3% higher. Leading sectors included Real Estate, Utilities, Financial, Healthcare and Industrials, while lagging sectors for the past three months included Information Technology and Energy. The average stock in the Argus Universe of Coverage rose almost 8% during the quarter, while the median stock increased 9%. The average BUY-rated stock rose 8.3%, while the average HOLD-rated stock gained 6.7%. Here are the top-10 and bottom-five performers from the Argus Universe in 3Q24.

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- outperformed growth stocks in 2022. That's a recent rarity, as for the past decade-plus, the performance record has favored growth. But in 2022, The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines gave a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy and regional banks) that had lagged in recent quarters, and value stocks outpaced growth stocks that year. While growth stocks have retaken the lead since 2023, the Federal Reserve continues to keep interest rates high to fend off inflation. This could possibly cap multiple expansion for growth companies in coming quarters. In any event, the value sector is the place to achieve income.

U.S. stocks are up, at midday. The mood feels optimistic with some caution sprinkled in as Wall Street hasn't forgotten the drubbing two days ago. Today's start was helped again by Japan's Nikkei, which rose 1% overnight after the dramatic fall a few nights ago. A Bank of Japan official commented that the central bank wouldn't raise rates further given the market volatility. Earnings reports continue to drive movement in individual U.S. stocks.

Can AI Still Drive the Market?

Confounding the Experts

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- outperformed growth stocks in 2022. That's a recent rarity, as for the past decade-plus, the performance record has favored growth. But the tide turned in 2022. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines gave a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy and regional banks) that had lagged in recent quarters, and value stocks outpaced growth stocks that year. While growth stocks have retaken the lead since 2023, the Federal Reserve continues to keep interest rates high to fend off inflation. This could possibly cap multiple expansion for growth companies in coming quarters. In any event, the value sector is the place to achieve income.

This weekend, in Vegas, it's the Chiefs versus the 49ers. Usher is the halftime show; Tom Brady appears in a commercial; and Taylor Swift fans add a whole new demographic to the fan base. But aside from all that, there is big money at stake. For our list this week, we present possible ways to invest in the Super Bowl.

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 again on Wednesday morning as investors weighed new retail sales and producer price data, along with strong earnings from Target. The Commerce Department said that U.S. retail sales fell 0.1% in October after a revised 0.9% increase in September. The Reuters consensus forecast had called for a decline of 0.3%. Meanwhile, producer prices pointed to continued progress on inflation. The Labor Department said that its producer price index for final demand fell 0.5% in October, the largest decrease since April 2020, after a 0.4% increase a month earlier. The Dow rose 0.3%, the S&P 0.2%, and the Nasdaq 0.2%. Crude oil fell nearly 2% to $77 per barrel, while gold traded near $1965 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.

Following its split from the North American cereal business, Kellanova (previously the global snacking arm of Kellogg) is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of salty snacks, snack bars, frozen breakfast fare, meat alternatives, and other packaged foods. Its offerings are manufactured in around 20 countries and marketed in more than 180 countries. Its product mix includes well-known brands such as Pringles, Cheez-It, Rice Krispies Treats, Pop-Tarts, Eggo, Nutri-Grain, and Morningstar Farms. Sales beyond its home turf account for about half of Kellanova's consolidated sales base.

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- outperformed growth stocks in 2022 for the first time since 2016. Indeed, for the past decade, the performance record has favored growth. But the tide turned in 2022. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines gave a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy companies and regional banks) that had lagged in recent quarters, and value stocks outpaced growth stocks over the past year. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve continues to lift interest rates to fend off inflation, which could possibly cap multiple expansion for growth companies for a few more quarters. Regardless, the value sector is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 2.2%, compared to the 0.9% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. For our High-Yield Theme Model Portfolio, we are seeking stocks with yields of at least 3.0%. This moves us deep into the value segment of the market.

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- outperformed growth stocks in 2022 for the first time since 2016. Indeed, for the past decade, the performance record has favored growth. But the tide turned in 2022. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines gave a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy companies and regional banks) that had lagged in recent quarters, and value stocks outpaced growth stocks over the past year. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve continues to lift interest rates to fend off inflation, which could possibly cap multiple expansion for growth companies for a few more quarters. Regardless, the value sector is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 2.2%, compared to the 0.9% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. For our High-Yield Theme Model Portfolio, we are seeking stocks with yields of at least 3.0%. This moves us deep into the value segment of the market.

Overall insider sentiment, based on proprietary data from Vickers Stock Research, continues to improve - with sentiment from executives at companies that trade on the Nasdaq leading the charge. We are not ready to call for a bullish stampede, as the short-term and long-term readings from Vickers are not yet fully aligned. But they are clearly moving in that direction. Here are some highlights.

After a calm June and July, during which the VIX Volatility Index eased to levels not seen since before the pandemic, the closely watched Fear Index has kicked into a higher gear in August while the S&P 500 has fallen almost 5% during the month. What's causing the nervousness? For one thing, earnings remain under pressure after 2Q represented another negative quarter for corporate profit growth. For another, interest rates have shot upward in recent weeks in the wake of the Fitch downgrade, the Treasury Department's issuance of $1 billion of debt-ceiling-related debt, and Japan's actions to raise its sovereign rates. What's more, geopolitical threats continue to simmer (Russia, China), and the 2024 U.S. presidential election campaign has launched with the first GOP debate. Today, investors will be anxiously awaiting the latest thoughts from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, when he speaks at the Kansas City Fed's annual economic symposium in Jackson Hole, WY. Is the Fed finished with the rate hike cycle, or is there more pain ahead? All that said, the VIX near 17 remains below the long-run historical average of 20 -- and readings below 20 generally have correlated with bull market rallies, most recently the long bull market that began after the Great Recession and ran until March 2020. Still, given the ongoing risks in the marketplace, we think investors should continue to focus on well-managed companies with clear growth objectives and clean balance sheets.

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.

Monday Tee Up: All Eyes on Last Week and Next Week

Vickers Stock Research, a subsidiary of Argus Research Group, tracks and analyzes insider trading and institutional stock ownership trends. Form 13-Fs, which institutions must file to report their holdings, are due 45 days after the end of calendar quarters, and have now come in from 1Q23. We review the 13Fs of the major activist investors, including Carl Icahn, Trian Fund Management, Jana Partners and ValueAct Holdings, among others, in order to determine their core holdings and new purchases. Activist investing has evolved in recent years and is now less about generating a short-term return on an underpriced stock and more about achieving long-term returns through an active management/investor partnership. Activists have made progress in the past year with high-profile investments into blue-chip companies such as FedEx Inc. and Union Pacific. Based on Vickers data, here are some recent new purchases and key holdings of Activist investors, as well as other high-profile money managers such as Warren Buffet of Berkshire Hathaway and Ken Griffin of Citadel Advisors LLC.

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- outperformed growth stocks in 2022 for the first time since 2016. Indeed, for the past decade, the performance record has favored growth. But the tide turned in 2022. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines gave a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy companies and regional banks) that had lagged in recent quarters, and value stocks outpaced growth stocks over the past year. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve continues to lift interest rates to fend off inflation, which could possibly cap multiple expansion for growth companies for a few more quarters. Regardless, the value sector is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 2.2%, compared to the 0.9% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. For our High-Yield Theme Model Portfolio, we are seeking stocks with yields of at least 3.0%. This moves us deep into the value segment of the market.

Bonds have not provided a safe haven over the past year, with the benchmark Core U.S. Aggregate Bond Index down 10% for the trailing 12 months. But we do anticipate improved performance from fixed income over the next few quarters. Looking ahead, we think the worst of the damage at the long end of the curve for this cycle has already been done. Our forecasts for the 10-year Treasury Note yield call for an increase of approximately 25 basis points from current levels through 2023, compared to the 200-basis-point jump that has occurred over the past year. At the short end of the curve, we now look for a measured move higher into 1H23, and then a flat-line. It is now our view now -- in the wake of the recent CPI and jobs reports as well as recent speeches from members of the Federal Reserve -- that the Fed will hike the federal funds rate two more times in 1H23 before moving to the sidelines and hoping that inflation continues to decline. What will these hikes do to the economy? Right now, the economy is in a growth mode and may be able to handle higher rates for a few more months. Still, in light of the rate hikes already implemented, unemployment may soon start to rise toward 5.0%, stalling growth in the consumer sector. What will the hikes do to the yield curve? Right now, the two-to-10 section of the yield curve is inverted, as investors already expect the Fed has gone too far and is pushing the economy into recession. If the central bank can avoid a downturn -- no easy task now that GDP has fallen for two of the past three quarters -- the yield curve should again slope upward, which is our forecast for the end of next year. For more information on specific strategies to take advantage of the interest-rate environment, see our Fixed Income Strategies report.

Stocks rose strongly on Monday morning ahead of key inflation data, the January consumer price index, on Tuesday. Investors will be looking closely at the CPI report for more clues about the trajectory of Fed rate hikes in the coming months. In Europe, the European Commission raised its forecast for 2023 eurozone GDP growth to 0.9% from a prior 0.3%, and trimmed its inflation forecast to 5.6% from 6.1%. The Dow rose 0.9%, the S&P 0.9%, and the Nasdaq 1.4%. Crude oil traded near $79 per barrel, while gold fell $11 to $1863 per ounce.

We anticipate that activity in the consumer sector, which was the primary driver of GDP growth in 2022, will slow as the Federal Reserve continues to raise interest rates and companies keep cutting jobs. The sector is all-important to the economy and accounts for about two-thirds of GDP. The main driver to the consumer sector is the jobs market. While the domestic employment environment is in better shape than it was two years ago, it is starting to show signs of deterioration. Though the unemployment rate is 3.5%, it seems headed inevitably higher in the wake of layoff announcements from high-profile companies such as Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon.com, Salesforce.com, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley. Meanwhile, consumer balance sheets appear to be weakening somewhat after multiple quarters of spending growth. A combination of pandemic-related factors -- such as economic shutdowns and aggressive fiscal spending -- resulted in a sharp improvement in household finances in 2020. Indeed, the stimulus program initially lifted personal savings to almost $5 trillion. But that money has been spent, and then some: the personal savings level has come down to $625 billion, below the $1 trillion average level in the decade prior to the pandemic. With savings tapped, a slowdown in the all-important consumer sector seems likely in 1H23. Here are some of our top "cautious consumer" stocks for 2023.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stocks rose on Monday morning ahead of the Tuesday midterm elections and new inflation data on Thursday. Meta shares rose more than 6% following reports that the company would lay off thousands of workers in order to cut costs. Apple fell 1% after warning of reduced iPhone 14 production due to COVID restrictions in China. The Dow rose 0.7%, the S&P 0.4%, and the Nasdaq 0.1%. Crude oil traded near $94 per barrel, while gold rose $5 to $1682 per ounce.

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.

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: 3Q Earnings and CPI

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.

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.

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.

Stocks were mixed on Tuesday morning following earnings from Walmart and new housing market data. Walmart shares rose more than 5% after the retailer topped second-quarter earnings expectations and raised its full-year guidance. The results came after the company sharply lowered its guidance in late July. The Commerce Department said that U.S. housing starts fell 9.6% to an annualized 1.446 million in July, below the Reuters consensus of 1.540 million. Building permits also fell 1.3% to an annualized 1.674 million. The Dow rose 0.2%, the S&P fell 0.3%, and the Nasdaq fell 0.5%. Crude oil fell 1% to $88.50 per barrel, while gold traded near $1794 per ounce.

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.

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.

Stocks have struggled in 2Q 2022, with the S&P 500 on its way to a double-digit drop for the period. Absent the rally in recent days, the decline would be closer to 20%. Growth stocks have again been the weakest performers, as sectors such as Technology, Communication Services, and Consumer Discretionary all have lagged the major market indices. The leading sectors were value-oriented, including Energy, Consumer Staples, Basic Materials, and Utilities. The average stock in the Argus Universe of Coverage has declined 13.1% thus far during the quarter, and the median stock declined 12.5%. The average BUY-rated stock dropped 12.6%, while the average HOLD-rated stock fell 14.4%. Will investors continue to favor value in 2022? Will high inflation drive continued outperformance in Energy and Basic Materials? Given interest rates that remain historically low, we expect growth stocks to resume outperformance over time, and think 2022 may be a "one-in-five year" that value leads. Investors seeking value are encouraged to focus on dividends and look for yields in the 3%-4% range. Concerning sectors, our current Over-Weights are Energy, Financial, Healthcare, Industrials, and Basic Materials. Here are the top-10 and bottom-five performers from the Argus Universe in 2Q.

In this edition, ServiceNow well-poised, electric components on verge of a surge, Illumina's shares have fallen, and Bayer, Carnival, and Kellogg.

Stocks were mostly higher on Thursday morning as investors weighed new economic data and a second day of congressional testimony from Fed Chair Jerome Powell. The S&P flash U.S. Composite PMI fell to 51.2 in June from a final May reading of 53.6. The manufacturing PMI fell to 52.4, down from 57.0 last month and below the consensus forecast. The Dow fell 0.1%, the S&P rose 0.3%, and the Nasdaq rose 1.0%. Crude oil traded near $106 per barrel, while gold fell $4 to $1835 per ounce.

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.

In this edition, lofty margin targets for GlobalFoundries, a moment of reckoning for trucking companies, cable companies face future, and Beyond Meat, WPP, and Kellogg's.

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.

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.

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.

Stocks continued to fall sharply on Monday morning amid a range of economic and geopolitical negatives, as investors awaited new inflation data later this week. On the earnings front, Tyson shares rose modestly after the company posted better-than-expected fiscal 2Q results, helped by soaring meat prices, and raised its full-year sales guidance. The Dow fell 1.8%, the S&P 2.7%, and the Nasdaq 3.5%. Crude oil fell more than 4% to $104.50 per barrel, while gold traded near $1862 per ounce.

Markets have faced difficult times before, with challenging economic environments, wars, disease, banking and housing crises, and inflation much worse than we are seeing now, to name but a few. Of late, stock investors had it very good for a very long time -- but now, finding opportunities requires much more work. There is no secret sauce, but there are principals that are worth reviewing: 1) diversify; 2) look for strong management; 3) look for solid balance sheets; 4) do your homework; and 5) adapt. To assemble this week's list, we looked across several sectors that historically are considered to be the most-shielded from high inflation and high interest rates. We then cross-referenced our coverage universe for companies where our analysts recently raised target prices; that have an Argus Financial Strength rating of at least Medium-High; and that pay dividends of least 3%. Some companies also are featured in our model portfolios (Growth & Income, Equity Income, Growth, and Institutional). Here is our list of companies we believe to be recession-proof, all of which are rated BUY at Argus.

This edition features GE Aviation's soaring potential, the downshifting price of CarMax, opportunities in the Europe chemicals sector, and Shimano, Biogen, and Kellogg.

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.

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.

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 fell again on Thursday morning as the Fed's latest meeting minutes, released on Wednesday, raised prospects for a 50-basis-point interest rate hike in May. The minutes suggested that the Fed had held back on a 50-point hike in March due to uncertainty related to the war in Ukraine. The Dow fell 0.6%, the S&P 0.5%, and the Nasdaq 0.9%. Crude oil fell 1.5% to $95 per barrel, while gold rose $11 to $1935 per ounce.