Q4 2013 Earnings Scorecard: Commodity Stock Hits and Misses
2013′s fourth quarter earnings season saw companies across all sectors reporting both hits and misses. Alcoa set the tone for the commodity space, reporting a fourth quarter net loss of $2.3 billion and missed analysts’ EPS estimates. While other commodity stocks also managed to post better-than-expected results, some showed signs of weakness from 2013′s commodity slump. Overall, most companies managed to post better-than-expected earnings during the fourth quarter as compared to the third [for more commodity news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].
Commodity Stocks To Buy On The Dip: MON, NUE, PSX
U.S. markets have managed to rebound ferociously over the last two weeks as bargain shoppers stepped in following the Fed stimulus-fear induced sell-off which started on 5/22/2013. With earnings seasons upon us however, the bull may be in for a rude awakening as volatile trading and profit taking can sweep over Wall Street at the slightest sign of industry bellwethers missing the mark and revising their outlooks[for more commodity futures news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].
Nucor (NUE) Fights To Stay In Trading Channel
Last week’s disappointing employment report put a dent in the bulls’ confidence; however, the parade has resumed with full force this week thanks to a solid start to earnings season with better-than-expected results from Alcoa. While major equity indexes have resumed their ascent to record highs, the skeptics continue to call for a market top in the face of rising prices. With no major fundamental changes taking place over the last few weeks, it’s difficult to gauge when the long-overdue correction will actually strike, as traders and investors alike have more reasons to buy on the dips rather than take profits [for more market news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter]. Steel manufacturer Nucor Corporation (NUE) presents an intriguing opportunity at the moment that warrants a closer look from swing traders looking to get a piece of the action on Wall Street.