Apple is the most valuable company after shares jump more than 19% since mid-April. The catalyst: the company's decision to boost its dividend 15% and buy back billions of dollars in shares.
Companies that pay out a healthy yield without eating into profits can help investors keep ahead of inflation over the long haul.
Last week's better-than-expected US nonfarm payroll data fueled yet another market rally Friday. Here are 4 attractive candidates to buy on a pullback.
The Dow briefly tops 15,000, and the broader S&P 500 tops 1,600 for the first time after the government reports 165,000 jobs created in April, more than expected. The unemployment rate drops to 7.5%.
Stocks recovered just about all of Wednesday's losses. But the big drama comes Friday when the government issues its April jobs report. A bad report could hurt the market.
The group just seems right for rotation and appreciation.
Much reviled -- and still rejected by investors -- the oil giant now offers the potential for higher reward than rivals such as Exxon.
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TOP STOCKS
Plus, after much ado, Softbank is oh-so-close to acquiring Sprint.
MARKET DISPATCHES
The Market Dispatches column has been discontinued. Here's where to find the latest stock and business news on MSN Money, and the latest from market writer Charley Blaine.
FRUGAL COOL
Starting Monday, this site is joining forces with MSN Money Smart Spending. Here's why.
MONEY & POLITICS
Breaking up big banks is an untested solution to the too big to fail problem that attempts to isolate and dismantle large, troubled institutions while protecting the rest of the economy.
SMART SPENDING
Those shackled with student loan debt are increasingly being targeted by scams and shady companies promising relief.
SMART TAXES
The IRS is struggling to combat identify thieves who file fraudulent tax returns in the names of older residents who don't need to file.

