It’s drizzling this morning and while it’s not exactly freezing, I’m reminded that rainy, yucky, cold season is right around the corner. Oh, how I do not miss the days. The mornings will soon be filled with running out of the shower to throw on my linty coat and heading to class. On one hand its nice to get ready in under ten minutes, but on the other I don’t like looking like I rolled out of bed for an entire quarter. The only solace I can take is half the student body looks just as bad as me as students tread to class in Uggs and sorority sweatshirts. At least I don’t wear Uggs anymore.
Apple (AAPL) is holding an event today in San Francisco with rumors buzzing that a launch of new generation iPods is to be announced. While the company has remained mum in the upcoming weeks, numerous analysts believe an unveiling of new iPods at lower prices because the events invitation featured the typical silhouette dancer listening to white head phones. After reading this news, I went to predict on PredictWallStreet.com and noticed that an alarming 86% of users predicted Apple to close up today. Currently AAPL is down .63%. One week sentiment shows slight increases, although the changes are minimal when looking at one month sentiment. I predicted up for Apple today on the news that an unveiling of any sort of new product will help boost the company in the upcoming holiday season. Apple has shown in the past to increase returns from now until the holidays as consumers load up on gadget gifts. Furthermore, Apple has recently obtained distribution deals with Russia and China which will help increase international iPhone sales. I would think right now is a good time to get in on and hold on for awhile.
Today I also looked into McDonald’s (MCD) after seeing several articles reporting a rise in sales. Same store sales (stores that have been open for over a year) increased 8.5% in August. Now I don’t normally eat at McDonalds unless I voluntarily want to feel sick afterwards because, I promise you, this will happen. You will be sitting there thinking “Why God, why would I do this to myself? I will never eat here again as long as I live!” And then its next week. And you can’t resist the golden arches, like a heaven of complex carbohydrates and fatty solubles waiting to wrap you in there greasy arms and cradle you gently. But, this is a big butt, like the one you get from eating at McDonald’s, there coffee is a whole ‘nother story. I mean it really is on a level to compete with Starbucks. I realize that is a very bold statement to claim but its just that good. There iced coffee promotions have been a hallmark in the company’s latest 5 year rally and have most likely contributed to some of the sales increase in the past months. I personally have seen an increase in my McDonald visits per morning. Have you ever noticed how things magically taste better when they are inexpensive? In wake of recent economic events, Mickie D’s coffee fits perfectly into many American’s new constrained budget without having to compromise taste. There hamburgers, on the other hand, I cant attest for…
So I decided to predict on McDonalds (MCD) to see if any of my elementary analysis is correct. I am predicting UP based on the aforementioned information. HA! 86% of predictors also think McDonald’s will close up, just like AAPL. Now to check the sentiment graph you have to make a prediction first, which takes like, what’s smaller than a milli second? A nano second? It takes less than a nano second, so do it. The widget is a giant rainbow. You must make a prediction to get at that pot of gold on the other side: the investor sentiment graph, the news links, the poll results. So take a walk on the rainbow. Sentiment for MCD is in the normal zone right but appears to be moving upwards. If this stock is like most, the price will follow the sentiment give in can sustain this upward trend. I am hoping that the recent sales reports are able to boost sentiment and that price will follow it.
Ah! And just in! Ben Patterson at Yahoo! Tech just reported that Apple did indeed release new updated iPods at lower prices as well as a new version of iTunes and iPhone firmware. The new iPhone Nano is long and thin and the new iPod touch has some added features like built in speakers. Sort of underwhelming. My favorite feature: if you want to shuffle the songs on your iPod Nano, just shake it! 
In case you were wondering, the Ikea trip yesterday was a success! Not only did I eat Swedish meatballs and Lingonberry juice, we spent a minimal amount of money and our living room and kitchen look completely redesigned. Now onto cleaning the carpets….
Stumble It!
