Apple (AAPL)
Today, Apple (AAPL) surpassed $500 per share. This stock continues to be a bargain, even at $500. There are a few reasons why I believe Apple on any pullback and low stochastic indicator screams “BUY”.
First, Apple absolutely dominates in multiple categories. The iPhone is not only a huge selling handheld device, it is also a fashion symbol. The iPad is dominating and gaining market share in the tablet industry. Mac computers does not dominate their field, unless you talk to people in art categories (music, video, etc.), but their quality is considered widely to be far superior to other PC makers.
Second, Apple destroyed the projections for the quarter ending December of 2011. Sales beat the previous year’s quarter by over 20 Billion dollars (Yes, with a B)! It is only going to get better. Face it, this company is the best on the planet.
Third, new releases. Apple just released its iPhone in China and it is set to release its iPad3 in March. I could see this stock break $600 before the end of the year.
Fourth, Apple is collecting cash like it is sea shells on the beach. Pretty soon it is going to have to do something with the cash. A few years ago, Microsoft (MSFT) found themselves in the exact same position. They were hoarding cash in 2004, and had steady cash flow coming in. They decided to issue a $30 Billion dollar share buyback program, issue a one-time $3 per share payment and began a $.08 per share quarterly dividend. With something beneficial to shareholders on the horizon, it is worth it to be long Apple.
Do not invest on advice alone. Research the companies you plan to invest in before taking the plunge.
Full disclosure: I am long Apple in my Roth IRA.
Government Woes Hurt Stocks
There are many factors that lead to where the markets go, but one of the biggest recently has been stability of government finances. Take a look at the United States as an example.
Economically, the climate in the US has been slowly recovering from the 2008 Collapse. Earnings from companies have been looking good. The economic outlook for the private sector has been great. There is a positive outlook on corporate profits, yet the stock market has not recovered fully. Why is that?
On August 5, 2011 Standard & Poors downgraded the credit rating for the United States for the very same reason the stock markets have been weighed down. The government is accumulating debt at a rate that is unsustainable. Stocks plummeted. There is fear that the government is incapable of reducing spending and getting their deficits under control.
On Monday, November 21, 2011, a deficit reduction super committee failed to come to an agreement on how to get the deficit problem under control. Stocks plummeted. There is fear that the government is not capable of coming to an agreement on how to get the debt problem under control.
Keep the government situation in mind when considering investing in the United States stock market. It is not a bad idea to invest, since I believe Wall Street is optimistic about a change of power coming in the 2012 election.
The problem has not been a lack of ideas, but a lack of agreement. I believe the election is going to bring unity in the congress, and allow lawmakers to try to fix the deficit problem.
Get back on a stable financial track in life, practice mortgage modification
Financial challenges are all unforeseeable in life; they can surface virtually any time in life. Out of all the troubles they bring along, the one that is most difficult is clearing those bills or mortgage payments. Today there are a number of solutions available that can help all trapped in such financial exigencies come out with a clean credit report. Out of all others the solution that is liked by many is mortgage modification. Always keep in mind when searching for a loan modification, speaking out clearly with the lenders can help in finding assistance easily. Never hide from the one to whom you owe the loan amount.
Mortgage modification requires meeting some eligibility criterias to know more about such plans one can always seek for professional assistance which is easily available from many mortgage companies out there. There is a special department in any mortgage company that can be enquired for as a loss mitigation department or even as a foreclosure deterrence department. Enquiring in such places directly with the apt knowledge you may have gathered by researching can actually help you in figuring about the best mortgage modification plan for your current situation.
Advising the representative from the mortgage company about your hardship and then asking for mortgage modification must be adopted as the primary step in the plan of action. Maintaining a professional approach and a neutral tone while being in-defensive or patient can help greatly. Answering all the questions the concerned representative asks politely and hiding nothing can make the mortgage modification easier and best as per your needs.
Being sure about that how exactly and to what extent the modification will help in enhancing your financial situation must be practiced. Also, mortgage modification programs are many, some target on lowering the rate of interest thereby helping you pay a lowered monthly payment every month. Another benefit one can enjoy after mortgage modification is negotiation in terms of the tenure of repayment or even in the mortgage amount that they owe to the lending company. All in all, modification is a possibility but only if you are trapped in a financial trouble, don’t just take it because others are also doing it, adhere to mortgage modification only if it’s vital and may act as an escort to help you get out of this big trouble.
Next step after being acquainted about the best mortgage modification plan for you will be sending the required documents and supplying the company with the additional and complete information needed. Mortgage companies work with all, be it the government agencies, mortgage investors and even the mortgage insurance companies, where all have different pre-requisites which you need to fulfill in order to get an approval.
Remember, mortgage modification can be an umbrella to save you from those stormy rains of foreclosure or bankruptcy, but only when opted with great care, after thorough research and with someone who can offer you the best of help.