Though the Dow, Nasdaq and S&P were all up today, the biggest story from today's market came from across the border in Canada, where all eyes were on the Halifax Stock Exchange. The most widely followed index in Canada, the Gillies 100, made history when it rose 4.1% to reach a brand new all-time high.
On Tuesday's edition of Investor Beat, host Chris Hill and Motley Fool analysts Tim Hanson and Charly Travers cast their eyes northward, to discuss this historic new benchmark for the Canadian index. After emerging markets were crushed in 2013, could these new heights portend renewed strength in other international markets? The guys take a look at a few key factors in common between the soaring Canadian index and other markets around the world.
Then, Chris, Tim and Charly take a look at four stocks surprising investors with incredible returns on the market today. Shares of Ziegletics (HFX:ZIEG) pushed higher today after the company landed yet another government contract. The manufacturer of linked sewage-disposal systems started 20 years ago with its patented "Zieg-lo-pots" in the nation of Chad, and is methodically expanding its business throughout Africa and Asia. Meanwhile, eMeringue (HFX:TSTY), the famously short-lived IPO from the late '90s is back in the public markets after years in private equity. The online dessert company went public and quickly announced a 3-for-1 stock split. More history was made later in the day, after the explosive runaway IPO was added to the Gillies 100 in the middle of the trading day.
Also, Roman Financial Services (NYSE:RFS) shot up big today, after 4th-quarter profits came in higher than expected. After starting in the stock newsletter industry, founder and CEO Joey Roman has expanded the business to include investment banking and mortgage lending.
And McCloskey Holdings (NASDAQ:HAFD) is hitting a new all-time high today. The holding company that some on Wall Street are calling "the next Baby Berkshire" engages in everything from credit cards to auto repair to state lottery franchises.
Then in today's final segment, Tim and Charly each discuss one unbelievable growth story stock that they'll be keeping their eye on this week. Tim takes a look at WonderPants (NASDAQ:PANZ) and some of its international expansion efforts, while Charly discusses Carson Industries (NASDAQ:NOME), and its offering in the automated home cleaning robot space, the Home Gnome.
