WSJ.com: Ahead of the Tape

The Loneliness of the Newspaper Stockpicker

Thu, 18 May 2017 17:33:05 EDT

The Wall Street Journal’s Ahead of the Tape column has been trying to predict markets, earnings and indicators for 15 years. It hasn’t always been easy.

Wal-Mart Gets Credit for E-Commerce

Wed, 17 May 2017 17:10:33 EDT

It has been an earnings season to forget for retailers. Wal-Mart Stores, the biggest of all, at least appears better-positioned than most.

Cisco's Future Is Looking More Secure

Tue, 16 May 2017 20:49:58 EDT

Cisco’s underperforming stock is due for a lift with the tech giant’s security business in focus as it reports earnings.

Home Depot, TJX: Retail Isn't All Doomed

Mon, 15 May 2017 16:14:35 EDT

As department stores struggle and retail job losses accelerate, Home Depot Inc. and TJX Cos. are among the few traditional brick-and-mortar chains bucking the ugly trend.

Amazon's IPO at 20: That Amazing Return You Didn't Earn

Mon, 15 May 2017 12:20:10 EDT

Amazon’s stock has surged in its 20 years of trading, but few investors stayed on the roller-coaster to get those gains.

Don't Be Fooled: Consumer Spending Is Just Fine Despite Department-Store Turmoil

Fri, 12 May 2017 11:50:22 EDT

Friday’s retail-sales report will likely show consumer spending rebounded swiftly in April following yet another difficult start to the year.

Why Shorts Are Betting on Big Markdowns in Department Stores

Wed, 10 May 2017 16:43:50 EDT

Short sellers have targeted department-store operators ahead of a slew of earnings this week.

Snap Earnings: The Moment of Truth

Wed, 10 May 2017 12:59:20 EDT

Snap’s first earnings report as a public company is likely to leave investors wanting more.

Disney Earnings: Why the News Won't Be All Bad at ESPN

Tue, 09 May 2017 08:35:33 EDT

Disney’s stock has underperformed over the past two years thanks to ESPN; why the stock could be due for a rebound.

U.S. Companies Strike an Earnings Gusher

Mon, 08 May 2017 02:05:02 EDT

Earnings season has offered plenty of reasons for investors to be optimistic. Even more good news is on the way.

Jobs Report: This Is What Full Employment Looks Like

Thu, 04 May 2017 17:18:00 EDT

The economy could use a dose of good news. Friday’s jobs report should do the trick.

Shake Shack's Fat Valuation Isn't Healthy

Wed, 03 May 2017 17:22:06 EDT

Shake Shack shares are down 5% so far this year and have fallen 26% since the closing price on the day it began trading in January 2015—among the worst performers of so-called fast-casual dining chains.

Instagram Saps Snap and Flatters Facebook

Wed, 03 May 2017 16:51:18 EDT

Facebook is now benefiting from sharpened focus on its photo-sharing app Instagram. That has catapulted the social network’s market value north of $440 billion, the fifth highest in the S&P 500.

Coach Browses the Sale Rack

Tue, 02 May 2017 17:18:22 EDT

As Coach’s turnaround takes shape, a buying spree might be next.

Apple Has More Room to Grow

Sun, 30 Apr 2017 12:04:27 EDT

Apple’s shares are expected to continue rallying ahead of the release of the highly anticipated new iPhone later this year.

First 100 Days: The Trump Trade's 'Ridiculous Standard'

Fri, 28 Apr 2017 09:17:31 EDT

Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office have produced a strong stock market but weak economic growth; he should get an incomplete for both

Can Under Armour Rebound?

Thu, 27 Apr 2017 09:49:40 EDT

Under Armour is the worst-performing S&P 500 stock so far this year. Thursday’s earnings might finally be the catalyst it needs to give shares a lift.

Get Ready for Another Grim Quarter for Twitter

Wed, 26 Apr 2017 14:37:29 EDT

The social-media site is expected to suffer declines in revenue, user engagement and advertising.

Time to Hit the Brakes on Caterpillar's Rally

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 14:27:47 EDT

Caterpillar’s stock appears to have outrun the company’s fundamentals ahead of Tuesday’s earnings report

A Moment of Truth for Alcoa-Arconic Split

Tue, 25 Apr 2017 13:01:31 EDT

Alcoa’s and Arconic’s big gains following last year’s split will be put to the test when both report earnings this week.

GE Is Overdue for Some Good News

Thu, 20 Apr 2017 20:57:44 EDT

GE’s earnings report Friday could be the needed catalyst to get the conglomerate’s shares going again.

It Is Time for Verizon to Make a Deal

Wed, 19 Apr 2017 16:54:00 EDT

Verizon’s growth is slowing and its stock is sputtering ahead of Thursday’s earnings report

On the Right Track, CSX Is Now One Pricey Bet

Wed, 19 Apr 2017 08:08:42 EDT

Investors are optimistic about CSX’s new CEO Hunter Harrison, but he faces a high bar following the stock’s sharp rally.

Investors Are Giving IBM Too Much Credit

Wed, 19 Apr 2017 08:51:33 EDT

IBM’s sharp rally, which caught many off guard, looks due for a breather.

United Continental Will Get Some Much-Needed Good News

Mon, 17 Apr 2017 11:33:17 EDT

Earnings should be healthy at the airline, but investors will be watching bookings and the outlook.

Retail Sales: It Isn't the Weather This Time

Thu, 13 Apr 2017 11:33:37 EDT

Weak consumer spending growth can be blamed on slower auto sales and higher savings, but could weigh on the economy.

Inflation Is Back, But Don't Worry

Wed, 12 Apr 2017 12:39:50 EDT

Inflation is up but expectations are showing consumers aren’t expecting a much bigger rise, which is good news for the economy.

WhyBanks Could Regain Momentum

Thu, 13 Apr 2017 06:31:53 EDT

Expectations have been lowered for major banks’ first-quarter earnings, but 2017 should still be good year for the sector.

Small Caps Are Losing the Earnings Race

Mon, 10 Apr 2017 21:53:01 EDT

After a strong rally, the Russell 2000 has lagged behind this year, a trend that looks set to continue.

Nothing to Fear but the Lack of Fear in Markets

Mon, 10 Apr 2017 09:09:41 EDT

Investors have taken recent geopolitical events in stride, but that won’t last forever.

March Jobs Report Could Be Under the Weather

Fri, 07 Apr 2017 13:09:16 EDT

Economists warn that Friday’s jobs report will likely be skewed by winter storm Stella.

Constellation Brands: This Trump Trade Has More Upside Ahead

Thu, 06 Apr 2017 15:39:38 EDT

Shares of Constellation Brands have suffered from President Donald Trump’s posturing toward Mexico, but the selloff looks overdone

Why Contrarians Won't Clean Up in Bed Bath & Beyond

Tue, 04 Apr 2017 15:14:59 EDT

Bed Bath & Beyond’s shares are trading near their lowest level since September 2010 and analysts don’t see an end to the slump.

This Volatility Warning Has a Different Ring to It Today

Mon, 03 Apr 2017 16:29:10 EDT

Extreme volatility hasn’t played out like James Dimon predicted a year ago, but low volatility is creating a whole bunch of new concerns.

Manufacturing's Recovery Is a Double-Edged Sword

Sun, 02 Apr 2017 18:43:11 EDT

Stronger manufacturing activity bodes well for economic growth but isn’t necessarily great for stock investors

Sentiment vs. Reality: The Economy Is Telling Two Different Stories

Fri, 31 Mar 2017 01:27:26 EDT

The difference between what people say about the economy and actual economic performance is at a record.

Investors Don't Have Too Much of a Good Thing

Thu, 30 Mar 2017 09:16:06 EDT

There are plenty of warning signs in today’s market, but earnings growth isn’t one of them.

Time for Lululemon to Get Off the Mat

Wed, 29 Mar 2017 13:38:43 EDT

Lululemon’s historically rich valuation finally looks compelling enough ahead of Wednesday’s earnings results.

Harley-Davidson's Profitable Trip

Mon, 11 May 2015 13:54:54 EDT

Harley’s appeal is growing abroad even as its core U.S. customer base ages.

Working to Make Every Day Cyber Monday

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 09:12:42 EST

This holiday season, some retailers may be content to see shoppers stay home. Online shopping has gained steam as retailers beef up Web offerings.

Falling Gas May Be Gone as a Stimulus

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:20:17 EST

Higher gasoline prices sometimes crowd out consumer spending on other stuff, but they will bolster January retail-sales numbers due Thursday.

Cutting Rates Need Not Rely on Fed Action

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 01:24:00 EDT

Many on Wall Street expect the Fed to cut interest rates, but borrowing costs may fall even without a rate cut.

Goldman, Morgan Grasp at Bitter Prize

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 04:14:00 EDT

Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley look like survivors in Wall Street's purging of stand-alone investment banks, but the prize will be bitter.

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