Today marked the final trading day of the third quarter, and
selling was a central theme following yesterday's euphoric reaction
to the latest in a string of global bailouts.
Looking at some of the stock-specific movers making headlines.
Nike (
NKE
) shares ended lower following the company's latest earnings
results. If you remember, the company warned its numbers would be
weak last quarter, and the stock sold off back then as well. Moving
in the opposite direction on better-than-expected earnings news
were shares of consultant giant Accenture (
ACN
), which also raised its dividend payout rather handsomely.
Elsewhere, Wall Street analyst moves are certainly abundant.
Bucking the early selling were shares of Cisco Systems (
CSCO
) and Deere & Co. (
DE
), as both names moved up on the backs of positive analyst
commentary. Not faring as well and moving lower on cautious analyst
notes were shares of McDonald's (
MCD
), Ross Stores (
ROST
), and DuPont (
DD
).
Now I Know Where the Market Anxiety Comes From
Every once in a while, we'll receive an email here at
Dividend.com from a panicky subscriber who recently bought a stock
we recommend, only to see the shares fall a buck or so after buying
it. I always scratch my head in these situations, since a
relatively small short-term drop shouldn't be enough to give
dividend investors any anxiety. Upon examining some recent calls by
mainstream Wall Street analysts, however, I now better understand
the culture of fear surrounding one-day price moves.
For example, check out the following analyst call this morning
on McCormick & Company (
MKC
):
"…We do not think that MKC's story is broken but rather think
that mgmt is prudently cautious…"
Oh, really? You don't think MKC's story is broken? The stock
pulled back just 2% yesterday and currently sits only $2 off
ALL-TIME HIGHS. Thanks for the revelation!
Folks, pay attention closely and try try understand what is news
and what isn't. Adding drama is a common ingredient to business
reporting these days. Please don't let it affect your long-term
vision on accumulating quality dividend-paying stocks that can help
build you a hefty nest egg in the years to come.
Grabbing the Microphone
It's tough being a New York Jets fan these days, as the team
continues to struggle to find any sort of consistency.
Unfortunately the only area the team does show consistency in is
boasting. Whether it's their head coach Rex Ryan proclaiming the
team has a top-five defense, or how this is the best team he has
have ever coached, or Antonio Cromartie proclaiming he is the best
cornerback in the league now that teammate Darrelle Revis suffered
a season-ending knee injury, the Jets always seem to be digging
themselves some kind of hole. It's easy to see how the team has
become one of the NFL's most hated. This fact doesn't sit well with
me, especially when all the talking doesn't correlate with winning
championships.
Remember, people that achieve true success are rarely the ones
boasting the most. Most real successes simply let their work speak
for themselves. When looking at your own career, I can offer no
better advice than to just put your head down and get things done.
For would-be entrepreneurs who keep complaining about their
everyday jobs, either step up and make things happen or give it a
rest. We could all do with less noise and more results, if you ask
me.
A Look to Next Week and a Weekend Preview
Looking ahead to next week, third quarter earnings will continue
to be very light, but we will get results from companies such as
Yum Brands (
YUM
), Monsanto (
MON
), and Marriott International (
MAR
). The focus will also continue to be on the economic data as well
as the latest Wall Street analyst calls.
Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the
Best Dividend Stocks
, as well as a detailed explanation of
our ratings system here
.