In the Performance with Protection model, manager Leif Eriksen takes a top-down, fundamental approach and favors large and mid cap companies. The goal of the model is to protect capital while outperforming the market. This month, Eriksen added Medtronic Inc (NYSE: MDT) to the model. MDT’s net revenues have been increasing steadily since 2007. Most recently, they increased from $14.6 billion in 2009 to $15.8 billion in 2010. On December 21st, money.CNN.com reported that their dividend yield was 2.44 percent. According to Yahoo! Finance, the stock price has risen from a closing price of $33.65 on October 6th to $37.62 on December 20th.
Model manager Braver Wealth Management uses a quantitative ETF allocation strategy in their Diversified model. This month they added PowerShares QQQ Trust Series 1 (QQQQ), a fund that attempts to deliver results that mirror the performance of the Nasdaq-100 index. In order to do so, the underlying assets of the fund consist of shares on all the stocks on the index. According to Morningstar.com, on December 21st QQQQ was trading at a premium to NAV.
Model manager Mitch Jones focuses on the short-term momentum of small cap stocks in his Price Momentum model. This month, he added Paramount Gold and Silver Corp (AMEX: PZG) to the model, a stock whose price has been on the rise in December. According to Yahoo! Finance, PZG had a closing price of $1.72 on December 8th. On December 20th, PZG’s closing price was $3.20.
