Horacio R. Marquez

Intel Corp. (Nasdaq: INTC) is a cyclical company.  That is, its stock does extremely well when the economy is ready to accelerate, and does poorly when the economy decelerates.  So it's no wonder that last year the stock fell more than 50% from the record-high of $27.78 a share it reached December 2007. However, the […]

If NRG Energy Inc. (NYSE: NRG) were an athletic prospect, scouts would rate it as a “triple threat.” That’s because the Princeton-based wholesale power generator is involved in all three of the key energy sources of the future: Solar, wind and nuclear. And that’s only part of the reason I like this stock. Growing profit […]

The U.S. stock market has enjoyed a strong rally since the early spring, but while the economy has shown improvement, it still faces major headwinds. So it may be best to hedge against the U.S. dollar, which is likely to experience a significant decline over the next few months. There are a lot of uncertainties […]

Steel maker Nucor Corp.’s (NYSE: NUE) stock has rallied some 51% from its March 3 low of $29.84 a share and has twice bumped against its recent high of $49.91 a share.  The stock is still a far cry from its record-high level of $83.56, but is only 0% below its 52-week high of $53.46.  […]

Since I recommended PepsiCo Inc. (NYSE: PEP) on Oct. 20, the stock has greatly outperformed the market, up about 10%.  However, the stock has underperformed since the market began its rebound on March 10. And since the end of March, Pepsi’s shares have lagged those of arch rival, The Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE: KO), since the […]

Back on Feb. 17, as the market was on sell-off mode, I recommended buying The Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE: KO).  The stock is up some 16% from our entry point.  That’s because Coca-Cola recently reported a near-20% jump in profit, which soared to 67 cents a share, excluding restructuring charges.  Coca-Cola beat earnings, increased guidance, increased […]

In an earnings season that has seen a lot of positive results – as well as a few equally disquieting surprises – it may be a good time to load up on a solid, defensive stock like The Procter & Gamble Co. (NYSE: PG). In the period between last October and March 29, when the […]

With the market very near critical support levels, critical earnings reports on the docket, and inflation and employment data set for release, it was more prudent last week to keep the powder dry. But the market surprised to the upside, as key companies reported better than expectations. Participation in fixed income issuance and trading, gave investment […]

With the "not-as-bad-as-expected" news surrounding the economy and the initial government stimulus measures have been priced in to the market, we are moving into a period of profound uncertainty. With the release of Alcoa Inc.'s (NYSE: AA) earnings report, earnings season has officially begun. In most cases each company's own "easy" restructurings are also behind […]

It is high time for our political leaders to make some key decisions.  And that translates into large uncertainties for investors that have held the market in a range and with low volume. We do not know whether “Cap and Trade” legislation will pass the Senate and we do not know whether and any healthcare […]