Weekend Reading: 12.9.2006

• Fundamental analysis of Microsoft (MSFT)

• Can media cliches such as "goldilocks" economy or "soft landing" be contrarian indicators? This was cited by Barron's (behind firewall) and Barry Richoltz at The Big Picture website. This link is what got this line of thinking started. Note in link #2 the suggestion investors might want to consider high quality, low risk and low U.S. cyclicality type stocks.

• Steve Halpern at www.thestockadvisors.com has an article on Duke Energy and the company's upcoming spin off of its gas operations. Investors should consult their tax advisers regarding holding, in their IRA, the MLP that will be created after the spin off. MLPs can generate unrelated business taxable income.

• If the market serves as a predictor of future economic activity, why are both stocks and bonds rallying? Who's Got It Right? Stocks or Bonds.