Barron's Summary: Positive on ADSK and on auto parts firms that sold off in react to VW scandal
Cover story: To care for elderly parents, wealthy families are increasingly turning to their private bankers for advice; There are a growing number of situations in which two generations of retirees coexist within a single family, as baby boomers retire while their elderly parents are still alive; People 85 and older constitute the fastest-growing age group in the country.
Features: 1) Positive on BWA, DLPH, GNTX, HAR: Shares of companies with exposure to Volkswagen have sold off in the wake of the automaker's emissions scandal, but their growth prospects remain strong and shares are cheap; 2) Positive on ADSK: Design-software maker's move to a cloud-based subscription service has dented the share price, but the benefits of the new strategy could be substantial in a few years, and pay off for investors; 3) Emerging markets have yet to hit bottom, and though "there is value to be had in emerging-market bonds and currencies," it's unclear when that value will materialize; some bond ETFs remain good options (Positive on LEMB, EMB, CEW).
Tech Trader: Positive on PANW, FTNT, IMPV, PFPT, RPD: Security technology firms continue to thrive amid the growing concern about cyberattacks, and their shares now carry high multiples; less-than-stellar earnings reports could be a buying opportunity, while investors seeking bargains could opt for names such as FEYE, RDWR, and SYMC.
Trader: The market is likely to face more volatility through seasonally weak October; Positive on BBT: Shares are down along with other financials, but firm-which gets lumped in with traditional banks-isn't as sensitive to rates as most regionals are, and it could be a growth story; Cautious on DWRE: Sales are growing at seller of cloud-based services to retailers and consumer brands, but after nearly a decade in business the firm still lacks strong profits, and its expenses are outpacing sales.
Small Caps: Positive on EPC: Share price of personal-care product company has dropped since it was spun off from ENR, but it still owns well-known brands and the stock is likely to head back up.
Profile: Jeff Osher, portfolio manager, Harvest Small Cap Partners Strategy, focuses on business-model changes that could create opportunity in technology, consumer, and financial- and business-services stocks.
Interview: John Buckingham, chief investment officer, Al Frank Asset Management, says that "the fact that most investors aren't buying stocks en masse indicates a tremendous amount of fear out there" (picks: DIS, AMGN, NOV, GM, AUY).
Follow-Up: Cautious on JBLU: Airlines' shares have risen 150% in the past year amid a host of management changes, but the improvements may be priced in at this point and investors may want to take profits.
European Trader: Positive on DEO: Spirits company's outlook is improving after a few years of less-than-stellar growth, which could lead to a modest improvement in earnings and a 25% return during the next 12 months.
Asian Trader: An improving housing market in China might seem a ray of hope for investors in developers, but only a handful of shares are likely to benefit (Positive on China Resources Land, China Overseas Land & Investment, KWG, Shui On Land.
Emerging Markets: Vietnam is becoming one of the top Asian stock markets, and with strong GDP growth, increasing stature as a manufacturing hub, decent earnings growth and cheap valuations, it could be the answer for investors in the region.
Commodities: "After a relentless decline in recent months to a five-year low, palladium could be about to motor higher."
Streetwise: Cautious on Volkswagen: The recent emissions scandal has hammered shares, but "could pave the way for the auto company to overhaul management and implement reforms." Penta: America's top 40 wealth management firms; A look at India's undervalued modern and contemporary art market; How investors should handle overseas dividends; Trusts paired with low-cost infrafamily loans can create rich and tax-free returns.