Before March 2000, in the bull market, whisper numbers were all the rage. In fact, these estimates became so popular for the outlandish pre-”tech bubble” gainers that Wall Street often notched real estimates lower than actual expectations just to be able to “beat the consensus.” Today, earnings whispers are still used, but not as confidently as before.

Barron's analyst recommends Oceaneering International as demand for deepwater exploration for oil and natural gas continues to increase, and company's stock has dropped 20% since last October (creating a buying opportunity).

commentary on the technical analysis and why it is important

Icahn picked up 800k shares back in February as a result of a spin-off. Analysis of company and recommendation on buying or selling.

analyst(s) reasons for selling Sears from the bad timing of the investment to the bad economy to the bad company, and input from blogger.

Global stock markets have experienced a relatively strong recovery since the middle of March. Although markets in general are still well below previous highs, it makes for interesting reading to reflect on the extent of the correction and subsequent rally, and to review how valuation levels have been impacted.

Forbes list of top 5 worst-performing CEOs in 2007 based on compensation vs. stock performance during the past 6years. Link to track performance of stocks since 1/2/08.

my thoughts on todays trading activity. some advice on how to be aware of sectors while you are day trading

Investools (SWIM) is hammered but are the parts worth more than the whole? Think or Swim is growing well and the market may be way off.

My post from 4/24/08 about Atticus' investment in Legend International. I thought something was up and it was. The stock has just about doubled in two weeks.

A downside risk reduction strategy involving the simultaneous purchase of a put option with the sale of a covered call option. This is known as the Equity Collar.

Despite the conventional wisdom of "buy what you know", Consumer Services contains some businesses like retail and restaurants that are very difficult to build a lasting moat in. However, there are opportunities here. This article outlines the criteria for attractive Consumer Services picks from the Magic Formula.

Even movies can help you live a better, more economical lifestyle. Remember to plan for the worst, and keep your finances in order if you really want to live the dream!

Gene Marcial, Business Week's Stock Investing Guru, gives the readers his latest three picks. Link is to the picks with explanation of why he is in favor of the stocks and tracks the performance of the picks (and his previous picks) vs. the S&P 500.

“The world's favorite season is the spring. All things seem possible in May,” said Edwin Way Teal. And so it seemed during the past week as we witnessed a further improvement in investor sentiment and risk appetite, supported by the viewpoint that the worst of the credit crisis might be behind us.