Best Japanese Companies To Invest In 2014

It was a tough day for stocks, with the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC  ) and the narrower, price-weighted Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI  ) both falling 1.4%. �

That sentiment is showing up in the equity options market. Predictably, the VIX Index (VOLATILITYINDICES: ^VIX  ) , Wall Street's fear gauge, rose 7.5% to close at 17.50 -- its highest close since mid-April and the third-highest close this year. (The VIX is calculated from S&P 500 option prices and reflects investor expectations for stock market volatility over the coming 30 days.)

Is the rally over?
First, investors ought to take a breath. Even after today's decline, the S&P 500 is less than 4% below its all-time closing high of 1,669.16 of May 21. The U.S. market isn't turned Japanese yet (Japan's Nikkei 225 index has now lost 16.7% in the space of 10 trading days. A few more percentage points and Japanese equities will be in a bear market.)

Wall Street seers aren't concerned, apparently. In a research note�(requires login) published today, Credit Suisse equity strategist Andrew Garthwaite is raising his year-end target for the S&P 500 to 1,730 (from 1,640), and is recommending investors "stay overweight equities" on the basis (among other reasons) that "the risk/reward balance in credit looks significantly worse than that for equities."

Top Warren Buffett Companies To Watch In Right Now: Hudson Global Inc (HSON)

Hudson Global, Inc. (Hudson) incorporated on January 1, 2003, provides specialized professional-level recruitment and related talent solutions worldwide. The Company's Core service offerings include Permanent Recruitment, Contract Consulting, Legal eDiscovery, Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) and Talent Management solutions. As of December 31, 2012, the Company operated in 20 countries with three geographic business segments: Hudson Americas, Hudson Asia Pacific, and Hudson Europe. The Company's core service offerings include Permanent Recruitment, Contract Consulting, Legal eDiscovery,RPO and Talent Management Solutions.

The Company's Permanent Recruitment services leverage the firm's more than 1,200 consultants, supported by the Company's psychologists and other scientific specialists in the development and delivery of its methods to identify, select and engage the best-fit talent for critical client roles. In Contract Consulting, Hudson provides a range of project management, interim management and professional contract staffing services. Hudson's Legal eDiscovery services consists of eDiscovery solutions, managed document review including logistical deployment, project management, process design and productivity management, and contract attorney staffing. Hudson's RPO delivers outsourced recruitment solutions tailored to the individual needs of mid- to large-cap multinational companies. Hudson RPO services include complete recruitment outsourcing, project-based outsourcing, contingent workforce solutions and recruitment consulting. Hudson's Talent Management Solutions capability encompasses services such as talent assessment, interview training, executive coaching, employee development and outplacement.

The Company's clients include small to large-sized corporations and government agencies. As of December 31, 2012 , there were approximately 460 Hudson Americas clients, 1,200 Hudson Asia Pacific clients and 2,700 Hudson Europe clients.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By John Udovich]

  Staffing 360 Solutions Inc. Having a consolidation strategy that is well suited for the highly fragmented temporary staffing industry, small cap Staffing 360 Solutions intends to become a major international publicly-held staffing organization with diversified staffing services by engaging in a targeted accretive acquisition strategy. Staffing 360 Solutions has already developed a significant pipeline of acquisition targets in the IT, financial, accounting, healthcare and banking industries. Moreover, its executive chairman Brendan Flood spent seven years at Hudson Global Inc (NASDAQ: HSON) in various roles in Europe and the United States, culminating with him leading the company's IPO and listing of its common stock on the Nasdaq National Market in 2003. During 2004 and 2005 he was the CFO/COO for Hudson North America (returning the business to profitability after several loss-making years) while�prior to the IPO, it should be noted that Hudson was part of what is now Monster Worldwide, Inc (NYSE: MWW). CEO Matt Briand also has 17 years of staffing industry experience from various recruitment, sales, management and executive roles. On Wednesday, Staffing 360 Solutions issued an updated forecast for the next three fiscal quarters is as follows: $24.1 million for the quarter ending May 31, 2014, $30.2 million for the quarter ending August 31, 2014, and $32.1 million for the quarter ending November 30, 2014. Staffing 360 Solutions has also recently completed the acquisition of�PeopleSERVE, which�provides IT professional and management consultants on a contract and direct hire basis to state and local government, multinational and regional businesses and entrepreneurial firms throughout the greater Boston area.�On Wednesday, Staffing 360 Solutions fell 0.50% to $1.99 (STAF has a 52 week trading range of $0.55 to $2.10 a share) for a market cap of $60.98 million plus the stock is down 0.5% since the start of the year, up 20.6% over the past year and up 165.3% ove

Best Japanese Companies To Invest In 2014: ProShares UltraShort S&P500 (SDS)

ProShares UltraShort S&P500 (the Fund), formerly UltraShort S&P500 ProShares, seeks daily investment results that correspond to twice the inverse daily performance of the S&P 500 Index. The S&P 500 Index is a measure of large-cap United States stock market performance. The S&P 500 Index is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 United States operating companies and real estate investment trusts (REITs) selected by an S&P committee through a non-mechanical process that factors criteria, such as liquidity, price, market capitalization, financial viability and public float.

The S&P 500 Index is a price return index. Reconstitution of the Index occurs both on a quarterly and on an ongoing basis. The Fund takes positions in securities and/or financial instruments that, in combination, should have similar daily return characteristics as 200% of the daily return of the index. The Fund�� investment advisor is ProShare Advisors LLC.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By John Udovich]

  The so-called Hindenburg Omen predicting a major market crash is increasingly popping into the headlines; but regardless of whether or not you believe in the prophecy,�short ETFs like ProShares UltraShort S&P500 ETF (NYSEARCA: SDS), ProShares Short Dow30 ETF (NYSEARCA: DOG) and�ProShares UltraShort QQQ ETF (NYSEARCA: QID) can off you some protection or insurance. We have also periodically added short ETFs to our�SmallCap Network Elite Opportunity (SCN EO) portfolio as a�hedge against short-term�market downturns or�short-term trend reversals and right now, we have the ProShares UltraShort S&P500 ETF in our portfolio.

Best Japanese Companies To Invest In 2014: Green Automotive Co (GACR)

Green Automotive Company, incorporated on November 15, 1996, is a vehicle design, engineering, manufacturing and distribution company. The Company also provides after sales program. It possesses a portfolio of businesses and is active in three main market segments: Cutting edge technology development, engineering and design with a focus on zero and low emission vehicle solutions; Manufacturing and customization of vehicles for markets with the potential to be converted into low emission or electric vehicles, such as shuttle buses, taxis, commercial vehicles, and After sales services for electric or low emission vehicles, including servicing and repair. On December 14, 2012, the Company closed its merger with Matter of Time I Co. As per the merger agreement, Matter of Time I Co. dissolved into and became a part of Green Automotive Company, with Green Automotive Company being the surviving corporation. In January 2014, Green Automotive Co Inc acquired a 21.63% interest in Viridian Motor Corp Inc.

The Company's two divisions servicing the three segments are Liberty Electric Cars Ltd and Newport Coachworks Inc. Liberty Electric Cars Ltd designs and develops EV technologies for use in its own converted vehicles and for sale to original equipment manufacturers (OEM��) for incorporation into its production. In addition, it provides an aftermarket program for electric vehicle users to ensure the longevity of their vehicles. Newport Coachworks Inc. specializes in building shuttle buses, running on a variety of energy sources from petrol and diesel though to compressed natural gas (CNG).

The Company competes with Zytec, AMPD, Siemens, Tiffany, Krystal, Ford, and General Motors, Cummins and Freightliner.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By John Udovich]

  The electric vehicle industry and stocks like Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA), Kandi Technologies Group Inc (NASDAQ: KNDI) and Green Automotive Co (OTCMKTS: GACR) continue to produce a steady flow of interesting and relevant news for investors and traders alike with the following news being worth paying close attention to:

• [By Bryan Murphy]

  There's one budding company that finds itself squarely in the middle of common sense and practically in terms of battery-operated vehicles, however, even if it's not a household name yet. It's Green Automotive Co. (OTCMKTS:GACR), and the company understands EVs have to be affordable as well as functional. It also understands that passenger cars aren't the only great opportunity for electric drive train technology. That's why GACR is poised to be a compelling long-term investment idea for those who truly believe electric vehicles are here to stay.

• [By Bryan Murphy]

  So much fuss has been made over its battery-powered bus division (Newport Coachworks) and its EV maintenance and design division (Liberty Electric Cars) that it's been easy - too easy - to overlook a Green Automotive Co. (OTCMKTS:GACR) entity that's just as compelling.... GoinGreen. That may be because the first two units have had much more to tout of late, like the fact that Liberty is involved in the development of a new electric vehicle that's being sanctioned and managed by an EU consortium. Meanwhile, it's only been the past few months that Newport Coachworks completed the assembly of its first 100% electric buses. Or, perhaps GoinGreen hasn't gotten much media attention because it's the most ubiquitous of the three business under the GACR umbrella. Whatever the reason, the situation is being remedied today, on the heels of a major announcement from Green Automotive Company about GoinGreen.

• [By John Udovich]

  When most people think of electric vehicle stocks, they probably think of troubled Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA) or one of the several Chinese stocks active in the space, but North America based large cap Magna International Inc (NYSE: MGA) and small caps Polypore International, Inc (NYSE: PPO), UQM Technologies Inc (NYSEMKT: UQM) and Green Automotive Company (OTCMKTS: GACR) are all players, one way or the other, in the electric vehicle space that most investors have probably overlooked or just aren�� aware of. Of course, we can argue�about whether or not purely electric vehicles or some sort of hybrid vehicles are the way of the future, but what cannot be argued about is the fact that the following electric vehicle stocks are at the forefront of EV or�hybrid technology and design:

Best Japanese Companies To Invest In 2014: Rofin-Sinar Technologies Inc (RSI)

Rofin-Sinar Technologies Inc., incorporated on July 19, 1996, is engaged in the designing, development, engineering, manufacturing and marketing of laser-based products used for cutting, welding and marking a range of materials. The Company offers a range of laser products and related services for three material processing applications: cutting, welding, and surface treatment (macro applications); marking, and fine cutting, fine welding, micro drilling, and micro structuring (micro applications). It provides a range of laser sources and laser-based system solutions to markets, such as the machine tool, automotive, semiconductor, electronics, and photovoltaic industries. Its product categories include Laser macro products, Laser marking products, Laser micro products and Components. The products are sold directly to end-users and to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

As of September 30, 2013, the Company had over 4,000 customers (including multinational companies with multiple facilities purchasing from the Company). During the year ended September 30, 2013 (fiscal 2013), approximately 38%, of the Company�� revenues related to sales of laser products for macro applications, approximately 13%, related to sales of components, and approximately 49%, related to sales of laser products for marking and micro applications.

LASER MACRO PRODUCTS

The Company�� carbon dioxide laser products for macro applications consist of DC Slab Series, SC Series, XL Series, STS Series, FH Series and SM Series. Its XL, STS, FH and SM Series fast-axial flow carbon dioxide lasers are used for both cutting and welding applications and are marketed under the PRC and NELC brand. XL, STS, FH, SM, FA, and PLS Series products are used primarily by the machine tool industry. Its SC Series diffusion cooled, wave-guide carbon dioxide lasers are developed and produced by Rofin-Sinar UK Ltd. The SC Series are sealed-off lasers, used for cutting and structuring applications. Markets for the! se include machine tool, electronics, and packaging industries. The Company�� DQ Series of Q switched, solid-state lasers are designed for applications, such as removal, cleaning and insulation of various materials in the automotive, consumer electronics and photovoltaic markets. The Company�� FL Series of high-brightness single or multi-mode fiber lasers use fiber optics as the active medium. These fiber lasers are used for cutting and welding applications, as well as for new applications, such as remote cutting. Its diode lasers are designed to meet the requirements of a range of welding, soldering and surface treatment applications.

LASER MARKING PRODUCTS

Rofin offers standardized and customized laser marking systems in different power ranges and wavelengths for use in various industrial segments. The Company�� standard PowerLine marking products consist of a range of lasers with output power from 2 watts to 100 watts with a galvo-head, a personal computer with processor, and Rofin�� VisualLaserMarker software. Special options and accessories include a double marking head allowing speeds of up to 1,600 characters per second in certain applications, as well as beam-switching and -splitting options for marking of products in multiple production lines using a single laser. It is used in the semiconductor and electronics industries. MultiScan vector scanning marker utilizes a 100 watts sealed-off carbon dioxide laser. It is used in marking of consumer goods in the packaging industry. LabelMarker Advanced is a laser-based system is Rofin�� solution. This laser system is used in any production area without additional safety requirements. The EasyMark is a transportable desktop device. The EasyMark offers a program-controlled z-axis and a rotary axis, which can optionally be integrated. An aluminum T-slot plate facilitates mounting of customer-specific work piece carriers. The EasyJewel is a transportable desktop device developed to mark jewellery. CombiLine Cube/CombiLi! ne Advanc! ed compact laser workstations have been designed for small and medium-size batches. NuQ pulsed fiber laser sources are produced and marketed under the Nufern brand and are designed for OEM customers and integrators.

LASER MICRO PRODUCTS

The Company markets and sells a range of laser products, including, pulsed, fiber and other solid-state lasers for various spot welding and fine cutting applications; carbon dioxide Slab lasers for perforating applications; Q switched, solid-state lasers for surface structuring, and diode lasers for soldering and plastic welding applications. The Company's manual welders for micro applications, which are sold under the name Performance Tool Open and Internal, consist of pulsed, solid-state lasers in the range of 60 watts to 200 watts, which are primarily used for fine welding applications in the medical device, jewelry and mold making industries. The StarPulse Series consists of pulsed Nd:YAG rod lasers with power ratings from 40 to 500 watts. These are designed for use in fine welding applications, such as laser welding of reflective materials in the medical device and electronics industry.

The StarFiber Series achieve nominal powers of 100 watts up to 600 watts. The lasers can be operated in either pulse-modulated or continuous wave mode. The StarFiber Series is designed for a range of applications for fine welding and fine cutting, such as welding of electromechanic components or fine cutting. The X-Lase Series consists of picosecond pulse mode-locked fiber laser systems with an output power of upto 24 watts. Markets are in the semiconductor, electronics and display industries. In these industries, the X-Lase products can be used for thin film patterning, ablation and scribing applications. Its StarFemto Series consists of femtosecond pulse mode-locked laser systems with a maximal output power of 5 watts. Main markets are medical implants and other fine cutting or structuring applications. The PerfoLas Systems consist of a carbo! n dioxide! laser in combination with a galvo scanning head and is used for precise cutting, drilling, and surface structuring.

The Universal Workstation (UW) and Modular Processing System (MPS) Series are modular laser-based systems that are designed to meet a variety of applications, including welding, cutting, surface modification and ablation. Depending on the application, the UW and MPS Systems can be equipped with different laser sources (femtosecond, fiber, diode, or solid-state laser) and modified for specific handlings. Series 800 are flash-lamp pumped, solid-state lasers sold to OEM customers, and system integrators for various micro and marking applications. Series LDP and LEP are diode pumped, solid-state lasers sold to OEM customers and system integrators for various micro and marking applications. Series LDPP are diode pulse-pumped Nd:YAG lasers that are designed to cut thin metals. Market is the medical devices industry. Series LFP are hybrid diode pumped, solid state, picosecond lasers that are produced and marketed under the Lee Laser brand and are sold to OEM customers and system integrators for various micro applications.

The COMPACT and MINI Diode Laser System Series are laser systems are available in a range of output powers and wavelengths, including fiber-coupled direct beam or line source solutions, and are engineered for utilization in industrial laser materials processing, mainly for plastic welding, soldering and brazing applications in the automotive, medical device and electronic industries. The KLS Series lasers are pulsed solid-state lasers which are used for fine cutting, drilling and scribing applications. The FLS Series are lamp pumped, pulsed, solid-state lasers with high peak power for deep penetration cutting, welding and drilling. SLS CL Series are pulsed Nd:YAG solid-state lasers with output powers in the range of 5 to 250 watts. The KLS 246, FLS, LFS and SLS CL Series are all manufactured by the Company's Switzerland-based subsidiary LASAG.

COMP! ONENT PRODUCTS

The Company offers power supplies for pulsed and continuous wave solid-state lasers, carbon dioxide lasers, diode lasers, as well as radio frequency (RF) generators for acousto-optic Q-switches through its wholly owned subsidiary PMB Elektronik GmbH. Fiber and Optics Technology are special fiber lasers, fiber coupling products and optical engines, for use in fiber lasers are manufactured and marketed by the Company�� Finland-based subsidiary Corelase Oy. Laser Diodes and Modules are high-power semiconductor components, such as high power, high-brightness laser diodes and modules are manufactured and marketed by the Company�� subsidiaries Dilas Diodenlaser GmbH, Dilas Diodelaser Inc., Dilas Diodelaser China and m2k-laser GmbH. Fibers, fiber components, beam splitters or switches and beam combiners designed for use in industrial lasers or as beam delivery systems are manufactured and marketed by Optoskand AB. Fibers and fiber laser technology components are developed, manufactured and marketed by Nufern, East Granby. The Company�� high-technology components are either integrated by other laser manufacturers into their products or are used for the Company�� own product portfolio.

The Company competes with Trumpf, GSI Group, Unitek Miyachi, Han's Laser, Fanuc, Synrad, Coherent, IPG, Laserline and Jenoptik.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Greg Harmon]

  The Fresh Market (TFM), has been rising off of a bottom in March. It recently went through a 'W' consolidation and jumped higher, but is now retesting the top of the 'W'. The relative strength index (RSI) has held the mid line during the pullback and remains bullish while the moving average convergence divergence indicator (MACD) is not as positive. A turn higher, back over 53.50 could be a catalyst for a long entry, but a fall under 52 sets a target for a measured move (MM) lower to 50. This stock does not report earnings until late August.

• [By Joon Choi]

  Currently, the monthly relative strength indicator (RSI) reading is 83.7. (A reading over 70 is considered to be overbought.) To put this figure in perspective, the monthly RSI of the Nasdaq Composite was 85.9 on March of 2000 (the index peak), and we know what happened afterwards.

Best Japanese Companies To Invest In 2014: Kandi Technolgies Corp.(KNDI)

Kandi Technologies Corp., through its subsidiaries, engages in the design, development, manufacture, and commercialization of off-road vehicles, motorcycles, mini-cars, and special automobile related products. Its off-road vehicles include all-terrain vehicles, specialized utility vehicles, and go-karts. The company sells its products through third-party and independent distributors in the People?s Republic of China, Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia. Kandi Technologies Corp. is based in Jinhua, the People?s Republic of China.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Garrett Cook]

  Shares of Kandi Technolgies Group (NASDAQ: KNDI) got a boost, shooting up 6.36 percent to $14.89 after the company announced a subsidy of $31.8 million for sales of more than 3,000 electric vehicles between June and December of 2013.

Best Japanese Companies To Invest In 2014: Leggett & Platt Incorporated(LEG)

Leggett & Platt, Incorporated designs and produces various engineered components and products worldwide. Its Residential Furnishings segment offers bedding components, such as innersprings and wire forms; furniture components, including steel mechanisms, springs, seat suspensions, steel tubular seat frames, bed frames, ornamental beds, and power foundations; and structural fabrics, carpet underlay materials, and geo components. This segment serves manufacturers of finished bedding products or upholstered furniture. The company?s Commercial Fixturing & Components segment provides shelving, counters, showcases, and garment racks; standardized shelvings; point-of-purchase displays; and bases, columns, back rests, casters, and frames. This segment offers its products to retail chains and specialty shops; brand name marketers; distributors of consumer products; and office, institutional, and commercial furniture manufacturers. Its Industrial Materials segment provides steel rod s, drawn wires, steel billets, fabricated wire products, welded steel tubing, and fabricated tube components to bedding and furniture, and mechanical spring makers; automotive seating, and lawn and garden equipment manufacturers; and waste recyclers, waste removal businesses, and medical supply businesses. The company?s Specialized Products segment offers manual and power lumbar support and massage systems; seat suspension systems; automotive control cables; low voltage motors; actuation assemblies; formed metal and wire components; quilting machines; machines for shaping wire into springs; industrial sewing/finishing machines; van interiors; and docking stations, as well as specialty trailers for telephone, cable, and utility companies. It serves bedding and automobile seating manufacturers. The company sells its products through its sales representatives and distributors. Leggett & Platt, Incorporated was founded in 1883 and is based in Carthage, Missouri.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Holly LaFon]

  Leggett & Platt (LEG) is a leading manufacturer of engineered products and components. As the pioneer of steel coil springs found in mattresses and furniture, the company continues to supply a variety of components to bedding and furniture manufacturers. Additionally, Leggett & Platt's broader product line includes retail store fixtures, office furniture components, automotive seating components and industrial steel wire and tubing. Customers choose Leggett & Platt as a supplier because the company's manufacturing scale and processes result in lower costs than customers can produce themselves. We believe earnings should grow based on the contribution of new products, cost reduction efforts and the improving housing market. Moreover, future dividend growth appears likely based on a 42-year record of dividend increases. We believe Leggett & Platt is an attractive investment based on its 3.8% dividend yield and positive growth outlook.

• [By Dividends4Life]

  Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Leggett & Platt Inc. (LEG). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

  Company Description: Leggett & Platt Inc. makes a broad line of bedding and furniture components and other home, office and commercial furnishings, as well as products for non-furnishings markets.