Intel Corp. (Nasdaq: INTC) is a cyclical company.  That is, its stock does extremely well when the economy is ready to accelerate, and does poorly when the economy decelerates.  So it’s no wonder that last year the stock fell more than 50% from the record-high of $27.78 a share it reached December 2007. However, the company has rallied more than 50% from its Feb. 23 low of $12.08 a share. It closed Friday at $19.64. So, what’s next?

Anyone who follows a chart knows that the 200-day moving average can give clear signals whether a stock is in a bull run or a bear run. Since the moving average is for 200-days, it gives you a clearer picture of the fundamentals driving a company.

Long-short investing strategies aren’t just for hedge funds anymore. Many investors believed diversified “long-only” portfolios would always serve them well, regardless of the market conditions. They expected certain asset classes would perform well even as others were struggling.

At a time when U.S. employers are laying off workers in record numbers, Intel Corp. (INTC) announced yesterday (Tuesday) that it would spend $7 billion over the next two years to build advanced manufacturing facilities while safeguarding 7,000 high-wage jobs.

President Barack Obama’s $825 billion stimulus plan heads to the floor of the House of Representatives this week, with House Minority Leader John A. Boehner, R-Ohio, saying many in his party will vote against the package unless significant changes are made.

Earnings season kicked off last week and the results were mixed. Alcoa disappointed investors and quickly dropped 13 percent in the ensuing days. J.P. Morgan (NYSE:JPM) beat estimates, but continued to fall thanks to ongoing concerns about the banking industry as a whole (I know Andy Gordon is planning an article for tomorrow discussing the continuing problems in the banking industry, so you won’t want to miss that).  Intel reported Thursday night and they met lowered expectations.

The U.S. unemployment rate, currently at a level of 6.5%, could rise to 8% next year. But it could also find a ceiling sooner than expected, as more companies implement unpaid vacations and four-day workweeks to preserve jobs.

Hewlett-Packard Co. (NYSE:HPQ) is making big strides even as the economy falls deeper into recession. HP’s superior products and exemplary execution are key factors behind this trend, says Horacio Marquez. And with the stock beaten down by broad market panic, Horacio says the company is a steal. He recommends building up a position in increments over the coming four months.

The slump in stock markets this year has value investors licking their lips. But Louis Basenese says there are at least three value traps for every true deal out there. How do you spot a bargain from a lost cause? Louis provides the 10 questions that every value investor must ask before making a purchase.

While investors remain extremely concerned about the volatility of the U.S. stock market, the weakness of the American economy and the uncertainty of the global financial markets, last week brought “slight” relief from the excessive panic of the eight-trading-session losing streak.