The old adage “buy on the rumor, sell on the news” might not be a very solid principle on which to build a longer term portfolio. However, it often presents interesting opportunities for short-term speculators who might want to bet on a quick turn in a company’s share price, particularly after a sharp run-up. Such a case...
Clearly, there’s a consolidation of sorts underway in the global agribusiness sector. Reports circulated last week of a possible takeover of Canada’s largest grain handler, Viterra Inc. (TSX: VT, Friday’s close $16.21) by a consortium consisting of Agrium Inc. (TSX: AGU, $85.22), closely-held Canadian grain handler...
“Coal” is a four letter word long demonized by the environmental lobby as the ultimate villain in pollution-creating carbon-based fuel. Even so, coal continues to be abundant, relatively cheap and a much needed source of energy for a world trying to reduce its dependence on oil. Power grids in emerging Asia, especially...
We’ve been a friend to the financial sector since last November when we looked at bullish positions in the Canadian financial services sector. Turns out that was very near the bottom of the market for the iShares S&P/TSX Capped Financial Services Index Fund (TSX: XFN). Since then, XFN has advanced 16%. We also suggested...
In Canada, the phrase “double double” is instantly associated with donut-and-coffee chain Tim Hortons Inc. (TSX: THI, Frodays Close $52.81). The chain, whose ubiquitous stores, counters, and outlets seem to be on every corner, just reported fourth-quarter results, with net income of $0.65 per share. That was down...
The natural gas market is suffering from an embarrassment of riches. Everywhere you look, everyone’s got gas, and plenty of it. Production has increased, storage tanks are bulging (US gas storage is 13% higher than last year), and with a warmer-than-usual North American winter winding to a close, supplies could reach a record...
Thomson Reuters Corp. (TSX: TRI, Friday’s close $26.66) is the giant global data and information company that was once headquartered in Canada, and now resides in New York. It’s known in the financial services business for its dedicated Eikon data terminals, which supply all manner of real-time market data and research to...
Commodities, especially metals, hit a soft patch late in 2011. The concern among analysts was weak demand coming from the emerging markets… specifically China. But sentiment is beginning to change. All because China, the world’s largest commodity gobbler, seems headed for a “soft” landing rather than the “hard” fall...