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.

Japan’s exports were cut nearly in half last month as the global downturn crushed demand for the country’s electronics and automobiles, a development that increases the odds that the Japanese yen could be poised for a tumble.

Sony Forecasts Steel Loss; Parsons New Citi Chairman; Potash Doubles 4Q Profit; Lockheed Post Profit, Issues Warning; Thain resigns from BofA; Geithner Nomination Moves Ahead; GE May Cut Dividend

Deutsche Bank Drops $6.3 Billion in 4Q; Nortel Files for Chap. 11; Lehman Out of Chap. 11 in 18-24 Months; Work on World’s Tallest Building Delayed; Yahoo Tunes in to Asian Players; Record Job Cuts; More Adults Downloading TV; D-TV Switch Could be Delayed

Joining a chorus of ailing U.S. automakers, Toyota Motor Co. (TM) yesterday (Monday) forecast its first operating loss in 71 years on plummeting demand and sharp appreciation of the Japanese yen. The announcement prompted Moody’s Investors Service to consider downgrading the company’s top-rated credit.

Surrounded by global recession, Tokyo-based Sony Corp. (ADR: SNE) said it plans to eliminate 16,000 jobs, the biggest of several moves intended to cut more than $1.1 billion (100 billion yen) from its annual expenses by March 31, 2010.

The video game industry has a reputation for being recession proof. And soaring sales this year suggest there are some great profit opportunities in the sector. That’s why the Money Morning team have created this comprehensive guide to virtual investing.

Electronics retailer Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) slashed its full-year outlook today, saying it was “the most difficult climate we’ve ever seen.” But Paul Moore says Best Buy isn’t likely to head the same way as mismanaged Circuit City (NYSE:CC). In fact, BBY should even get a lift from the bankruptcy of its main rival just before the holiday season.

The recent devastation in global stock markets makes US bears look relatively cuddly. Japan’s Nikkei index is hitting 26-year lows. And the resurgent Yen is creating even more problems for Japanese exporters. Andrew Snyder says companies like Sony (NYSE:SNE) and Toyota (NYSE:TM) face a very difficult period ahead.

Microsoft Profit Up; Goldman Slashes Jobs; Dow Reports 6% Jump in Profits; Sony Slashes Earnings Outlook; WaMu Debt Value Set; Crude Gains on OPEC Expectations