SIRI Coiling

Keep an eye on this coil in SIRI. Interesting to see this range contraction in the midst of today's extremely strong broad tape.

SIRI, 30-min. Chart

Stocks to Watch -- Wednesday, December 1

Why "Imbalances" Don't Matter

Why do people get their panties in a bunch over so-called imbalances? As long as the Chinese control private capital flows, they can make sure that their export proceeds get channeled into the central bank's official foreign exchange reserve account, from which they can then buy dollar-denominated assets. There is no "imbalance" when Asian central banks invest all the money we send them back into the US capital markets, right?

Chat Room Open from 8AM-9AM, Eastern Time

It's true that the discussion can range from the nutritional benefits of pork rinds to an appreciation of David Lynch's weirdness, but the morning chat group always has a thing or two to say about stocks on the move. Don't be shy, come on in.

Chart of the Day -- Potash, Monthly Chart

POT hit a new all-time high yesterday. Impressive price appreciation over the last fifteen years, and don't forget about the dividends.

POT, Monthly Chart

Best and Worst Performing Small-Cap Stocks (last 4 weeks)

Best:

• Wellman Inc (WLM)
  Up ~45% {packaging resins, polyester staple fibers, engineering resins}
• Ionics Inc (USA) (ION)
  Up ~37% {water purification and wastewater treatment - GE Buyout}
• NYFIX Inc (NYFX)
  Up ~35% {trading technology, industry network connectivity and execution services}
• IMCO Recycling Inc (IMR)
  Up ~33% {recycler of aluminum and zinc}
• Commonwealth Industries Inc (CMIN)
  Up ~32% {manufacturer of aluminum sheet}

Worst:

• Noven Pharmaceuticals Inc (NOVN)
  Down ~23% {transdermal drug delivery technology}
• Hot Topic, Inc (HOTT)
  Down ~18% {mall-based retailer}
• Fossil Inc (FOSL)
  Down ~15% {fashion watches and accessories}
• Advanced Energy Industries Inc (AEIS)
  Down ~14% {vacuum process systems}
• Fedders Corp (FJC)
  Down ~13% {air treatment products}

Quid Pro Quote

Yesterday the British Pound closed at a new high for the year. As Hugh Laurie's Prince Regent might say: Hurrah!

British Pound futures, Weekly Chart