It All Starts with Interest Rate Policy
Banks are generally free to determine the interest rate they will pay for deposits and charge for loans, but they must take the competition into account, as well as the market levels for numerous interest rates and Fed policies. The United States Federal Reserve influences interest rates by setting certain rates, stipulating bank reserve requirements, and buying and selling ��isk-free��(a term used to indicate that these are among the safest bonds in existence) U.S. Treasury and agency securities to impact the deposits that banks hold at the Fed. This is referred to as monetary policy and is intended to influence economic activity as well as the health and safety of the overall banking system. Most market-based countries employ a similar type of monetary policy in their economies.
10 Best Shipping Stocks To Own For 2015: Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc.(ISIS)
Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. engages in the discovery and development of antisense drugs using antisense drug discovery platform. The company?s antisense drug development programs focus on treating cardiovascular, metabolic, cancer, and severe neurodegenerative diseases. It has commercialized antisense drugs and has 24 drugs in development. Isis Pharmaceuticals, through Regulus Therapeutics Inc., also focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of microRNA-based therapeutics. The company has strategic alliances and collaboration agreements primarily with GlaxoSmithKline; Genzyme Corporation; Archemix Corp.; Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; and Eli Lilly and Company. Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was founded in 1989 and is based in Carlsbad, California.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Rebecca McClay]
And in the healthcare sector, Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: ISIS) is up 11% as it and Biogen Idec Inc. (Nasdaq: BIBB) have entered into a broad, multi-year collaboration to advance the treatment of neurological diseases. ISIS will receive an upfront payment of $100 million. Most of that payment will be reflected as research and development expense in BIIB's third-quarter financial results.
- [By Brian Orelli]
And Aegerion has to compete with Sanofi (NYSE: SNY ) and Isis Pharmaceuticals' (NASDAQ: ISIS ) Kynamro, which is approved for the same genetic disorder. Juxtapid is arguably a better drug with a better side-effect profile. It can also be taken orally, while Kynamro needs to be injected. Still, I think it's unreasonable to expect Aegerion to capture the entire market.
- [By Brian Orelli]
According to an abstract posted at Forbes, Amgen's PCSK9 inhibitor was able to help some patients with a rare genetic disease that causes extremely high levels of cholesterol. For some patients, the drug, dubbed AMG 145, seems to work as well as Aegerion's (NASDAQ: AEGR ) Juxtapid�or Kynamro from Isis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ISIS ) and Sanofi, without the side effects. In addition to taking some sales from Juxtapid and Kynamro, AMG145 looks poised to treat patients with less severe cholesterol problems given the clean side effect profile.
- [By Luke Jacobi]
Isis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ISIS) rose 6.71 percent to $38.48 after the company reported positive Phase 2 data on ISIS-APOCIII Rx in patients with familial chylomicronemia.
Top 10 Safest Stocks To Own Right Now: Rayonier Inc. REIT(RYN)
Rayonier, Inc. engages in the sale and development of real estate and timberland management, as well as in the production and sale of cellulose fibers in the United States, New Zealand, and Australia. The company operates in four segments: Timber, Real Estate, Performance Fibers, and Wood Products. Timber segment owns, leases, or manages timberlands and sells standing timber at auction to third parties, as well as sells delivered logs. Real Estate segment sells medium and large tracts of land with infrastructure. This segment holds development and rural properties primarily in the southeast United States. Performance Fibers segment manufactures cellulose specialties that are used principally in acetate textile fibers, cigarette filters, rigid packaging, LCD screens, photographic film, impact-resistant plastics, high-tenacity rayon yarn, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, detergents, food casings, and food products; and absorbent materials that are used in disposable baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, incontinence pads, convalescent bed pads, industrial towels and wipes, and nonwoven fabrics. Wood Products segment primarily manufactures and sells dimension lumber used for residential and industrial construction applications. In addition, Rayonier involves in trading and exporting logs, lumber, and wood panel products. As of December 31, 2005, it owned, leased, or managed approximately 2.5 million acres of timberland and real estate. The company has a joint venture with RREEF Infrastructure to own and manage timber lands in New Zealand. Rayonier has elected to be treated as a real estate investment trust (REIT) for federal income tax purposes and would not be subject to federal income tax on its REIT income that it distributes to its shareholders. The company, formerly known as Rainier Pulp & Paper Company, was founded in 1926. Rayonier is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Saibus Research]
WY and the majority of the timber, forest and paper products companies have a track record of unimpressive returns on capital, cyclical revenue and profit trends, heavy use of capital expenditures, and significant environmental regulation. We also think that WY's conversion to a REIT was a mistake. Morningstar Investment Research's Timber, Forest and Paper Products analyst Dan Rohr said it best when he rated WY and its Timber REIT peers Rayonier (RYN), Potlatch (PCH) and Plum Creek (PCL) as not possessing any economic moat. That probably explains why we only have an ancillary exposure to this industry for our proprietary portfolio based on our holdings in Brookfield Infrastructure (BIP) and Cintas (CTAS). Brookfield's Timber segment only accounts for 5% of its Fund Flows from operations and Cintas's document management business is suffering from reduced prices on recycled paper. At least Cintas Document Management only accounts for 8% of Cintas's revenue.
- [By Dan Caplinger]
Even with those unfavorable conditions, though, fellow forest-products REIT Rayonier (NYSE: RYN ) reported second-quarter sales that more than doubled from year-ago levels thanks to the company's boost in ownership of a joint venture in New Zealand from 26% to 65%. Even excluding those effects, higher sawlog demand in its Gulf of Mexico region and strong export demand for its Pacific Northwest products offset higher logging costs. Those gains were much healthier than what Rayonier experienced in its performance-fibers division, but the company expects to exit the higher-cost portion of that business segment. Rayonier's results set the stage for similar performance from Plum Creek.
Top 10 Safest Stocks To Own Right Now: Nanosphere Inc.(NSPH)
Nanosphere, Inc. develops, manufactures, and markets molecular diagnostics platform, the Verigene System that enables genomic and protein testing on a single platform. Its Verigene System includes a bench-top molecular diagnostics workstation with nanoparticle technology that provides the ability to run multiple tests simultaneously on the same sample. The Verigene System is used for testing infectious disease assays, human and pharmacogenetic assays, and ultra-sensitive protein assays. The company serves hospital-based laboratories and academic research institutions in the United States. Nanosphere, Inc. was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Jon C. Ogg]
Nanosphere Inc. (NASDAQ: NSPH) is not exactly a household name in molecular diagnostics, and apparently it needs better name recognition for boosting sales. Its sales were disappointing and the stock was down almost 18% at $2.40, and now we have indications down around $2.35 in Wednesday trading indications.
- [By Roberto Pedone]
One under-$10 medical equipment player that's quickly moving within range of triggering a major breakout trade is Nanosphere (NSPH), which develops, manufactures and markets an advanced molecular diagnostics platform, the Verigene System, which enables simple, low-cost and highly sensitive genomic and protein testing on a single platform. This stock has been hit hard by the bears so far in 2013, with shares off by 27%.
If you take a look at the chart for Nanosphere, you'll notice that this stock is just starting to spike sharply higher today back above its 50-day moving average of $2 a share. This spike is quickly pushing shares of NSPH within range of triggering a major breakout trade. That breakout will trigger once NSPH manages to take out the upper-end of its recent sideways trading chart pattern.
Traders should now look for long-biased trades in NSPH if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $2.17 to $2.20 a share and then once it takes out its gap down day high from August at $2.29 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above those levels with volume that hits near or above its three-month average action of 652,718 shares. If that breakout hits soon, then NSPH will set up to re-fill some of its previous gap down zone from August that stated just above $3 a share. If that gap gets filled with volume, then NSPH could easily tag $3.50 to $4 a share.
Traders can look to buy NSPH off any weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below some key near-term support levels at $1.81 to $1.77 a share. One can also buy NSPH off strength once it clears those resistance levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point.
Top 10 Safest Stocks To Own Right Now: Quanta Resources Inc (QR)
Quanta Resources Inc. (Quanta), formerly T S Telecom Ltd., is a Canada-based mineral exploration company. The Company focuses on acquiring, exploring and developing of mineral properties. The Company has been seeking and reviewing exploration opportunities in Canada and other parts of the world. The Company's property included White Pelican Property. The White Pelican Property lies in the Cariboo Mining Division and consists of 13 mining claims totaling approximately 5,994 hectares. As of March 31, 2012, the Company had no revenues. Advisors' Opinion:- [By Chuck Carnevale]
Next, I run graphs on liquidity ratios and additional data on various valuation ratios to include price to book value (pb), price to cash flow (pcfl), price to free cash flow (pfcfl) and others that can be seen as options on the navigation bar to the left of the sample graph which only plots the current ratio (cr), a quick ratio (qr) and for those diehards concerned with volatility [size=11.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">��/p>
Top 10 Safest Stocks To Own Right Now: Imagination Technologies Group PLC (IGNMF.PK)
Imagination Technologies Group plc is engaged in multimedia and communication technologies. The Company operates in two segments: Technology business and the Pure business. The Company�� Technology business segment is engaged in the development of embedded graphics, video, display and multi-threaded processor and multi-standard broadcast receiver and connectivity technologies for licensing to semiconductor companies for incorporation into silicon devices. The Company�� Pure business segment is engaged in the development and marketing of consumer products to showcase the technologies of the Technology business and to develop markets for such technologies. In March 2012, Toumaz Ltd completed the exchange of Imagination Technologies Group plc's interest in Toumaz Ltd�� Toumaz Microsystems subsidiary. In February 2013, it acquired the operating business and certain patent properties of MIPS Technologies, Inc. Advisors' Opinion:- [By Ashraf Eassa]
However, I expect that Intel is at risk of having a significant marketing problem trying to sell a dual core product into a world of quad core phones, even if the dual core part delivers better performance/watt. I further expect that from what is currently known about Bay Trail's GPU (4 EU Gen7 GPU), it is unlikely that -- unless Intel is either using Imagination's (IGNMF.PK) next generation PowerVR 6 or a beefed up Gen7 design for the "Merrifield" SoC -- it will be as competitive with the Snapdragon 800 on the GPU side of things, which could pose as an additional headwind to adoption. I also believe that the Q1 2014 launch curtails any hope that there will be a 14nm smartphone product launched in 2014 (although Mr. Krzanich's comments about "acceleration" could be a source of optimism here), which means that the company's process lead could ultimately prove to be ephemeral in this particular end market. Fortunately, product cycles in this space are short, so it may be okay to have Merrifield be reasonably short lived.
Top 10 Safest Stocks To Own Right Now: Interleukin Genetics Inc (ILIU.PK)
Interleukin Genetics, Inc., incorporated on March 28, 2000, is a personalized health company, which develops genetic tests to provide information to manage health and specific health risks. The Company�� business focuses on personalized health, by providing genetic tests with clinical value. Its tests are made available through marketing partners or directly to end users. The Company's primary business focus and strategy is to continue the Company's commercialization efforts with its PST genetic test. In addition, the Company plans to continue to develop and sells tests for its own business needs under the Inherent Health brand.
The Company's genetic tests that are being commercialized includes PST is a genetic test, which analyzes genetic variations associated with inflammation and identifies individuals who are at increased risk for more severe periodontal disease; Weight Management Genetic Test determines whether a low fat, low carbohydrate or balanced diet may normal or vigorous exercise, which is needed to lose existing body fat; Bone Health Genetic Test is designed to identify whether an individual is more likely to be susceptible to spine fractures and low bone mineral density associated with osteoporosis; Heart Health Genetic Test is designed to identify genetic predisposition to excess inflammation, which is a risk factor for heart attack, and Wellness Select Genetic Test allows buyers to purchase any combination of Inherent Health genetic tests at a discounted price. The Company is also focusing its genetic test development efforts on the development of an Osteoarthritis, or OA, genetic test to identify individuals at increased risk for severe OA.
Genetic Test for Risk of Periodontal Disease
PST is a genetic test that analyzes genetic variations associated with inflammation and identifies individuals who are at increased risk for more severe periodontal disease. The PST genetic test identifies specific polymorphisms (genetic variations) in genes that! regulate the production of interleukin cytokines.Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is well-established as one of the critical regulators of periodontal disease, and studies in non-human primates have shown that drugs specifically blocking IL-1 alone or IL-1 plus TNFa reduces tissue destruction even when the bacterial challenge is not reduced.
Inherent Health Brand of Genetic Tests
The Company's Weight Management Genetic Test helps take the guesswork out of finding an effective diet and exercise solution by revealing actionable steps to achieve weight goals based on genetics. The test provides new information beyond traditional assessments, so that nutritional intake and fitness routines can be tailored for improved, sustainable results. This test identifies five SNPs in four human genes: fatty acid binding protein 2 (FABP2); adrenergic receptor beta 2 (ADRB2 two variations); adrenergic receptor beta 3 (ADRB3); and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR- ). These markers are involved in certain physiological pathways relating to body weight. Certain patterns of markers are associated with differential response to certain diet and exercise regimens.
The Company has conducted a number of studies that demonstrate a gene-diet interaction based on the multi-locus patterns . In the original study, 311 overweight/obese (body mass index, 27-40 kg/m2), nondiabetic, premenopausal, generally healthy women were randomly assigned for 12 months to either the Atkins-like ( low carbohydrate), Zone-like (low carbohydrate), LEARN-like (balanced), or Ornish-like (low fat) diets for the primary purpose of losing weight. The data collected in that study included dietary intake assessment (three unannounced 24-hour recalls for each time point administered by a dietitian and analyzed using NDS-R, University of Minnesota), anthropometric measures including weight, and related physiological variables, all collected at baseline, two, six, and 12 months.
Bone Health Genetic T! est
The Company's Bone Health Genetic Test is designed to identify whether an individual is more likely to be susceptible to spine fractures and low bone mineral density associated with osteoporosis. Although it typically starts later in life, early intervention can help prevent osteoporosis. Preventive measures can reduce the risk for bone loss and fractures, which in the case of vertebral fractures leads to a hunched over appearance. The test identifies a SNP in each of three genes involved in processes that affect bone; estrogen receptor alpha (ER1 Xba1), vitamin D receptor (VDR), and interleukin-1 (IL-1). Certain patterns of variations are associated with increased risk of spine fracture and/or low bone mineral density. The test can be used as an aid to making diet, exercise, and other lifestyle choices to maintain and improve bone health.
Nutritional Needs Genetics Test
The Company's Nutritional Needs Genetics Test is designed to identify DNA variations in genes crucial to B-vitamin metabolism and the ability to manage oxidative stress. Individuals with certain variations in these genes may be at increased risk for ineffective utilization of B-vitamins and potential for cell damage caused by oxidative stress, both of which can in some cases lead to increased risk for certain diseases. The test identifies the presence or absence of human genotypic markers methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and transcobalamin II (TCN2) involved in vitamin B metabolism and markers superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), glutathione S-transferase 1 deletions (GSTM1), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), X-ray repair cross complementing group 1 (XRCC1) in response to oxidative stress. Certain variations are associated with less efficient B-vitamin metabolism or reduced activity of endogenous anti-oxidant systems. The test may be used to aid individuals in deciding whether to supplement their diet with B vitamins and/or antioxidants.
Genetic Test Pipeline
The Company is focusing! its gene! tic test development efforts on programs, including Osteoarthritis Genetic Test. OA is the common adult joint disease, increasing in frequency and severity in all aging populations. The estimated U.S. prevalence is 20-40 million patients or five times that of rheumatoid arthritis. The Company's OA program plans to investigate whether interleukin gene variations together with several other inflammatory gene variations is associated with the occurrence of multi-joint OA for the development of a genetic risk assessment test.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Brian Marckx]
Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (ILIU.PK) develops genetic tests focused on personal health. Through applied genetics research and scientific collaborations, the company has made significant progress in understanding how genetic make-up can affect an individual's predisposition and risk of suffering from certain diseases. Interleukin's research has specifically focused on a form of genetic variation called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and how it can have an impact on a person's health. The company has applied this knowledge in the development of genetic tests focused on areas such as weight management, cardiovascular health and periodontal disease. Interleukin sells its Inherent Health line of tests, which launched in 2009, to the consumer market and maintains a CLIA-certified lab at its headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts, where consumers send test samples for processing.
Top 10 Safest Stocks To Own Right Now: Tropicana Entertainment Inc (TPCA)
Tropicana Entertainment Inc. (TEI) is an owner and operator of regional casino and entertainment properties located in the United States and one casino resort development located on the island of Aruba. TEI�� United States properties include three casinos in Nevada, three casinos in Mississippi, and one casino in each of Indiana, Louisiana and New Jersey. Its properties offer a range of gaming options. TEI�� properties include Tropicana AC in the East; Casino Aztar in Central; Tropicana Laughlin, River Palms and MontBleu in the West; Lighthouse Point, Jubilee, Belle of Baton Rouge, Horizon Vicksburg and Tropicana Aruba in the South and Other.
Tropicana AC
Tropicana Casino and Resort, Atlantic City (Tropicana AC) is situated on a 14-acre site with approximately 660 feet of ocean frontage in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In addition to gaming facilities, the property features The Quarter, a Havana-themed, Las Vegas-style, approximately 200,000 square-foot indoor entertainment and retail center, hosting several restaurants, shops and an IMAX theatre. Other amenities include a 2,000-seat showroom, a full service spa and salon, a health club and indoor pool, a beach and pool bar and approximately 99,000 square feet of meeting and convention space.
Casino Aztar
Casino Aztar Evansville (Casino Aztar) is a casino hotel and entertainment complex in the state of Indiana. Over 60% of Casino Aztar's revenues come from customers within a 50-mile radius. The property's casino operations are located dockside on the three-deck City of Evansville riverboat. Located adjacent to the casino, the Company owns two distinctive hotels: the Casino Aztar Hotel, a 251-room hotel that offers guests a restaurant, conference rooms and banquet facilities; and Le Merigot Hotel, a luxurious 96-room boutique hotel with an upscale martini lounge. A 44,000-square-foot pavilion adjacent to the riverboat features three restaurants, an entertainment lounge, gift shop, coffee shop, pla! yers club and VIP lounge. The District at Casino Aztar includes two restaurants and the Le Merigot Hotel. Casino Aztar also includes a seven-story parking garage, as well as surface parking.
Tropicana Laughlin
Tropicana Laughlin Hotel and Casino (Tropicana Laughlin) is located on an approximately 31-acre site on Casino Drive, Laughlin. The casino at Tropicana Laughlin features a gaming floor. Non-gaming amenities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, seven restaurants, three full service bars, an entertainment lounge with live music, a lounge for high-end players, an 800-seat multi-purpose showroom and concert hall, meeting space, retail stores, an arcade and a covered parking structure. The property features 1,495 hotel rooms.
River Palms
River Palms Hotel and Casino (River Palms) is located on an approximately 35-acre site also on Casino Drive, with approximately 1,300 feet of frontage on the Colorado River. Non-gaming amenities include 1,001 hotel rooms, 10,500 square feet of meeting and convention space, an outdoor pool, fitness center, three restaurants, three full service bars, a showroom, two entertainment lounges with live music and a covered parking structure.
MontBleu
MontBleu Casino Resort & Spa (MontBleu) is situated on approximately 21 acres in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In addition to the casino, the property offers guests a choice of three restaurants and various non-gaming amenities, including retail shops, two nightclubs, a 1,500-seat showroom, approximately 14,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, a parking garage, a full service health spa and workout area, an indoor heated lagoon style pool with whirlpool and a 120-seat wedding chapel.
Lighthouse Point
Lighthouse Point Casino (Lighthouse Point) is a 210-foot, three-deck, dockside riverboat located in Greenville, Mississippi. In addition to slot machines, the riverboat inc! ludes a d! eli and bars on each floor while the dockside facility includes a buffet, a bar and 386 onsite surface parking spaces.
Jubilee
Bayou Caddy's Jubilee Casino (Jubilee), a 240-foot dockside riverboat, is located in Greenville. In addition to the casino facilities, the property includes a bar on each floor, a deli and approximately 700 parking spaces. The property also owns and operates the Greenville Inn & Suites, a 41-room suite hotel located less than a mile away, which offers free shuttle service to and from Jubilee and Lighthouse Point.
Belle of Baton Rouge
Belle of Baton Rouge Casino & Hotel (Belle of Baton Rouge) is a dockside riverboat situated on approximately 23 acres on the Mississippi River in the downtown historic district of Baton Rouge, across from the River Center, a 70,000-square-foot convention center. The three-deck, dockside riverboat casino is one of two casino facilities in the Baton Rouge market. Baton Rouge is located 75 miles north of New Orleans. Non-gaming amenities include 300 hotel rooms, 25,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, two restaurants, a deli, and an entertainment venue inside a 50,000-square-foot glass atrium that also encloses a tropical lobby.
Horizon Vicksburg
Horizon Vicksburg Casino (Horizon Vicksburg) is a dockside riverboat situated on approximately six acres in downtown Vicksburg, Mississippi. The property features a 297-foot multi-level, antebellum style, dockside riverboat casino housing. Additional amenities include 117 hotel rooms, a restaurant, two covered parking garages as well as additional surface parking. In December 2010, the Company entered into an agreement to sell all of the assets and certain liabilities associated with the operation of Horizon Vicksburg.
Tropicana Aruba
The Company operates timeshare and rental units at Tropicana Aruba Resort & Casino (Tropicana Aruba), a casino resort und! er develo! pment in Noord, Aruba. This resort will have approximately 361 timeshare and rental units, an approximately 16,000 square foot permanent casino, two pools, a swim-up bar & grill, a fitness center and tennis courts, which will be located on approximately 14 acres near Eagle Beach.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Igor Greenwald]
A majority stake in casino operator Tropicana Entertainment (TPCA) also began with a Chapter 11 restructuring.
From January 1, 2000 to June 10, 2013, Icahn Enterprises has averaged a 20% annual return, multiplying investors' money nearly 12-fold. Berkshire-Hathaway (BRK-B) has managed only a triple over the same span.
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