The earnings season beginning today (Tuesday) is shaping up to be an important one, as it could have a significant impact on a struggling stock market rally.

Kraft Foods Inc.’s (NYSE: KFT) $16.7 billion unsolicited takeover attempt of Cadbury PLC (NYSE ADR: CBY) is the latest sign of consolidation in the highly competitive food industry, and will likely lead to two things: A bidding war for Cadbury and further consolidation in the sector.

Since I recommended PepsiCo Inc. (NYSE: PEP) on Oct. 20, the stock has greatly outperformed the market, up about 10%. 

Back on Feb. 17, as the market was on sell-off mode, I recommended buying The Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE: KO). The stock is up some 16% from our entry point.  That’s because Coca-Cola recently reported a near-20% jump in profit, which soared to 67 cents a share, excluding restructuring charges.

Pickens’ Wind Farm Delayed; Apple Tarnished by SEC Scrutiny; UBS May Settle Tax Dispute; Higher Gas Prices Help Reduce Traffic; Discount Retailer Thrives in Recession; Pepsi Bottling Profits Rise

When you are about to invest in a penny stock, the number one question you need to ask yourself is: What’s the catalyst?

Reports Point to Housing Market Bottom; Big Three Automakers Beat Estimates; Microsoft Will Unveil New Operating System in Time for XMAS; Dallas Fed President: Economy ‘Getting Less Worse’; European Jobless Rate Climbs;  Pepsi Bottling Chief Could Cash In

Only one of the 19 financial institutions that received a bank stress test would require additional capital, the controversial government initiative has reportedly concluded.

The Coca-Cola Co. (KO) said Friday that it would invest $2 billion in China over the next three years. That’s 25% more than the $1.6 billion Coke has invested in China during the past 30 years.

The brutal market sell-off in emerging markets has led many to doubt their importance in the global economy. But Horacio Marquez says the ‘right’ countries in Latin America will thrive in the New Year. Top of the class is Brazil, but Horacio also sees good opportunities in Chile and Mexico.