aDECEMBER 18, 2008 (Dow 8605, down 219) - Bush's indecision regarding the auto bailout snd the potential ratings downgrade of GE's debt hurt the market today. Sharp moves down in oil contributed to fears of a deepening global recession. The chemicals are the biggest beneficiaries of lower oil prices. The newspaper stocks are toxic.
in this market you can make money by buying stocks of cos that pay dividends, have a buyback cushion and could be acquired - no sector is more ripe for consolidation than American utilities - now legal - MDU is buying CGC for 25x 2006 earnings estimates - CPK pays 3.7% div - sells at only 18x 2006 earnings estimates - takeover could be at a premium