BOA -Bank of America profits decrease 77%

Another indication of a recession was shown today when Bank of America announced a 77% decrease in profits. Bank of America had not previously shown the wounds of some of it's largest competitors. This still remains true. However, many departments including investment banking were hit hard this quarter.

Although shares did inch further down this morning, there was not a huge dip. Moreover,There is speculation of a cut on their large dividend. At the current dividend rate, I find this stock a buy and a bargain. It will just take patience to ride out this year to year and a half wave.

XOM

I've been steadily increasing my shares of XOM for the past 10 years and they have yet to disappoint. I find the dividend a little low for oil stocks, but solid growth potential. I don't see the demand for oil decreasing either.

I've heard speculation of the stock reaching $120. I feel that's optimistic, but do see it hitting $100 by the summer. I'm going to increase my position on the next dip.

PTR -a sinking ship

PTR (PetroChina Company Limited)

Mr. Buffet was smart when he jumped ship on PTR at a price well above $200. PTR has been on a decline ever since. The company has l0ts of room for growth, but like most of China it's inflated.

I'm planning to purchase some shares if it hits $100.

Smarter Money

I keep reading the same question every morning when I read the daily financial news. With the economy coming to a virtual recession where should I look to invest my money? I keep thinking necessities and international market share. With blue chips stocks at such a bargain, I have been grabbing them up and upping my position at an increasing rate.

I just purchased BUD (Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. Common St ) on a down day. According to Forbes, the US beer market growing at just 1% to 2% a year. Budweiser currently has about 50% of the US market share of Beer. They currently own 27% of Tsingtao,China's leading domestic premium brewer as well.

BUD currently has a 2.76 yield and great international growth potential. Historically, beer has performed well in recessions. I believe in the short term this stock will be dropping. However, with the current dividend to make and growth prospects there could be pretty good gains made in the next year and a half.