From my post on MSN Money TopStocks:<\/p>\n
It\u2018s a whole new ball game. With the dollar\u2018s historic lows and oil breaking about $140 per barrel, it seems obvious that as investors, we need to revisit the basic rules when it comes to risk protection and price targets. As we saw with last week\u2018s romp on the market, the broad-based sell off was a signal that we may have finally approached the proverbial straw that \u00a0 broke the market’s back. What is next and will oil finally come down from the stratosphere?<\/p>\n
Whether it\u2018s transportation costs or materials that make up the basis of the manufacturing process, companies are going to need to be looking for cost-cutting strategies in order to maintain profitability.<\/p>\n
Unless you have a portfolio chock full of short positions and maybe a smattering of energy-related stocks, you have had a lot to be worried about. \u00a0 The most troubling part of this earnings season is that we have not seen a more publicized account showing that companies are having a difficult time reaching lowered estimates. Perhaps it is time to reflect on goals and pay attention to downside risk in an environment that is showing a much greater potential for breakdown that a breakout.<\/p>\n
Covering: (STD) (HRB) (ADBE) (CORL) (WDFC) (FDO)<\/p>\n