Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over daily movements, we do like to keep an eye on market changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.
Earlier in today's session, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI 0.64%) hit an all-time intraday record high of 15,732, before pulling back. As of 1:15 p.m. EST the index is up 103 points, or 0.66%, to 15,721. The cause for the jump is difficult to explain; little economic data was released this morning, and none of the Dow components reported earnings last night or this morning. Furthermore, the move is not spread across the markets: The S&P 500 is only up only 0.3%, while the Nasdaq is actually down 0.28% this afternoon.
A few big winners and losers
Shares of fashion designer Fossil (FOSL -1.24%) are down 5.2% today after the company reported third-quarter earnings in which it beat analyst expectations on both the top and bottom lines. Despite the win, the company lowered its revenue and earnings guidance for the fourth quarter to a level below what analysts had expected. While a 5% drop may seem a little rash after beating this quarter, some of the move can be attributed to the 3% rise the stock enjoyed yesterday after Michael Kors (CPRI -2.92%) reported earnings. The two companies work together on a number of items, so investors believed that if Kors performed well, Fossil would follow suit, making for a slightly irrational share-price gain that was given back (and then some) today.
Another retailer getting hammered today is Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF 2.07%), which has fallen more than 11% after the company released a revised forecast. While analysts had expected the company to report earnings of $1.95 per share, A&F now believes EPS will fall in the range of $1.40-$1.50 for the year ending in January. The reason given for the revision was that younger shoppers are slowing their spending. The teen retail space is a challenge, as that age group is constantly changing styles and preferences. Only investors who have a high risk tolerance should attempt to profit from this sector.
On the other side of the coin is Ralph Lauren (RL 3.38%), which is up more than 4% today after the company reported earnings and lifted its full-year revenue forecast. The company posted a 3% climb in sales, while net profit slipped 4% to $2.23 per share. The company believes that revenue will increase by 5% to 7% during 2014, raising its forecast from a 4% to 7% growth rate. Lastly, the fashion icon increased its dividend by 12.5% to $1.80 per share.
The world of retail is hard to crack, and predicting which company will make it this year or next is extremely difficult. But investors who are patient, buy at the right times, and don't act irrationally can realize market-beating returns by investing in the sector.
