It’s Thursday May 11, 2006, and as the street anticipated the Fed has raised the benchmark interest rate to 5% but the question that looms is what is going to happen in June. Though the Fed has hinted at a slow down aka a pause in interest rate hikes, we will not get a better idea until June. Chances are that the Fed has flipped the autopilot button off and will take that pause for a spell. But now that the Fed Factor is out of the way it’s time for companies to trade on their own merits.

Metals Mania is on fire, Gold is in the $700 range and continues to touch new highs on its way to $800, but as we have stated and continue to state on Wall Street to Main Street, do not forget about the other metals like Silver which is on its way to $20, Copper making new highs, Platinum, Palladium, Aluminum, Titanium which Airbus is stocking up on for production of their new aircrafts to satisfy the China contract that they have in place and other contracts that may come out of China and India, Aluminum and Zinc. I would put the periodic table of elements here but that would take all day.

Now Oil is not lacking in the upward movement as the tension in Iran is placing Crude Oil on a roller coast ride as it bumps up to over $72 a barrel on its way to $80.

Now on the topic of oil and natural gas, word is floating around that China is in a race to secure oil and natural gas for their country and may be looking at Florida for drilling opportunities. The area in question is the Gulf of Mexico south of Pensacola, Florida. This is also an area that Cuba is interested in, Cuba is limited with technology but have some cash in the till, they have aligned with companies in China, Spain and Canada. The world is just getting smaller and the U.S. should not underestimate any nation.

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Political Front

Israel said that it is willing to release part of the $50 million that it collects each month in Palestinian customs fees and taxes to help fund humanitarian relief programs for the region.

According to reports Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged cash bonuses to Russian women who give birth to two or more children, this is an effort to reverse what he says is the gravest problem facing contemporary Russia: a declining population. While China some years back had to stop the growth of the population, Russia is looking to beef it up. I wonder if we’ll se a surge in Viagra sales in 2006.

The U.S. Treasury Department has once again rejected claims by US manufacturers yesterday and concluded that China is not manipulating the value of its currency to gain an unfair trade advantage. China is still looking to boost their Gold bullion reserves, which makes this very interesting.

Movers and Shakers

Some major movers in yesterdays trading session included Barret Bill Corp (NYSE: BBG) which traded up $5.74 to close at $36.60, Maidenform Brands (NYSE: MFB) which traded up $1.29 to close at $12.70, Navistar International (NYSE: NAV) which traded up $2.68 to close at $27.99, RTI International Metals (NYS: RTI) which traded up $7.23 to close at $77.65, Sunrise Senior Living (NYSE: SRZ) which traded up $3.06 to close at $35.41, Hansen Natural (NASDAQ: HANS) which surged again trading up $24.82 to close at $201.06, keep a close eye on National Beverage (AMEX: FIZ) as we see this as the next Hansen situation, Baidu.com (NASDAQ: BIDU) which traded up $$22.60 to close at $83.97 on its way to $100 so look for more upward movement this week, Iris International (NASDAQ: IRIS) which traded up $2.49 to close at $13.43 and Ecollege.com (NASDAQ: ECLG) which traded up $2.62 to close at $25.22, this is a booming business which we will touch on next week.

Analyst Upgrades/Downgrades

Recent Analyst upgrades include Broadcom Corp (NASDAQ: BRCM) which was upgraded to an Above Average from a Average by Carris & Co, Parlux Fragrances (NASDAQ: PARL) which was upgraded to a Strong Buy from a Buy by Wedbush Morgan, The Cheesecake Factory (NASDAQ: CAKE) which was upgraded to a Buy from a Hold by AG Edwards and Symantec Corp (NASDAQ: SYMC) which was upgraded to an Outperfrom by Cowen & Co.

Recent Analyst downgrades include Daktronics (NASDAQ: DAKT) which was downgraded to a Hold from a Buy by Needham & Co, Darden Restaurants (NYSE: DRI) which was downgraded to an Underperform from a Hold by Jefferies & Co, and Rae Systems (AMEX: RAE) was downgraded to a Market Perform from a Market Outperform by JMP Securities.

Analyst Coverage Initiations include Akami Technologies (NASDAQ: AKAM) was initiated with a Peer Perform rating by Thomas Weisel Partners, Cobiz (NASDAQ: COBZ) was initiated with a Strong Buy rating by Raymond James and a $24 price target, Zions Bancorporation (NASDAQ: ZION) was initiated with a Market Perfrom rating by Raymond James and Ventiv Health (NASDAQ: VTIV) was initiated with a Buy rating and a $37 price target by Banc of America Securities.

Tid Bits

Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) is looking to keep Yahoo (NASDAQ: YHOO) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) from gaining ground as the company puts more focus on their core strength, Search. They are enhancing the searching capability of Google, which should thwart any rally from Yahoo and MSN as Google continues to take more search market share.

McDonalds (NYSE: MCD) to looking to get Hip as they are going to overhaul over 30,000 of their locations around the world. Discarding the hard plastic seating and replacing it with premium coffee, comfy seats and Wi-Fi Access. So if you haven’t figured it out yet they are going after the Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) market and offering all the pizzazz to go along with it. The only question that does come out is will this change have an impact on their current customer base. Only time will tell.

Archer Daniels (NYSE: ADM) is planning to meet the demand of the Ethanol boom as they are looking to build a new dry-mill ethanol plant in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that will allow the company to produce an additional 275 million gallons of the corn-based fuel each year. The professional car racing industry is taking notice as for the first time Ethanol fuel is being used in an Indy 500 car. The Indy Racing League’s IndyCar Series has partnered with the ethanol industry to become the fuel supplier beginning with the 2006 season, including the Indianapolis 500. The Ethanol industry will sponsor the racing team that will feature Rookie Paul Dana as the driver, the car will be fielded by 1996 Indy 500 Champion Hemelgarn Racing.

Urban Outfitters (NASDAQ: URBN) reported earnings yesterday and their Net income declined to $20.3 million, or 12 cents per share, from $27.4 million, or 16 cents per share, for the same period a year ago. Revenue grew 17 percent to $270 million from $231.3 million last year. The average analyst estimate was 15 cents a share. This was not one of our “Furious Five” companies that were featured on Wall Street to Main Street. We see American Eagle Outfitters (NASDAQ: AEOS) as being a better play in this sector, above Pacific Sunwear of California aka Pac Sun (NASDAQ: PSUN) and The Gap (NYSE: GPS). Pac Sun is scheduled to report earnings today but even if they beat the estimate, which may not happen, American Eagle is a better play. In certain strip malls that we visited the Pac Sun store was replaced with an American Eagle Outfitter store, as we mentioned on WSMS. Other companies that should be looked at include True Religion Apparel (NASDAQ: TRLG), G-III Apparel (NASDAQ: GIII), Under Armour Apparel (NASDAQ: UARM) and Crocs, Inc (NASDAQ: CROX), all featured on Wall Street to Main Streets “Furious Five.”.

In the Spotlight

In a special Investors Corner Segment late yesterday we featured a company that we see being the next Hansen Natural Corp (NASDAQ: HANS). If you have followed Hansen you would know that in a 12 month time frame the stock went from the $30 range to where it closed yesterday at $201.06 and moving, now that is a “Monster” jump. Now for those that missed our views and outlook on National Beverage Corp (AMEX: FIZ) here it is once again.

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FURIOUS FIVE

This is the Fourth of our “Furious Five” companies that we see excelling in their industry in 2006. The fourth addition to this week’s Furious Five is Intervest Bancshares Corp (NASDAQ: IBCA) it trades on the Nasdaq under the symbol IBCA.

For our outlook, and other vital information on the companies that we feature as the “FURIOUS FIVE” on Wall Street to Main Street just subscribe for FREE at www.namcnewswire.com

We cannot stress enough that investors need to do their due diligence, call the companies, get the information, consult with your investment advisor and if you do not have one consider getting one. Put the same time into investigating these companies as you do when you go to purchase a new television, it’s only for your protection. When it comes to thinly traded securities stagger your orders or put a limit order in to avoid a run up.

NAMC Newswire Note

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Louis Victor
NAMC Newswire
888-463-9237

Disclaimer:
None of the information contained on the NAMC Newswire constitutes a recommendation by the NAMC Newswire, its journalist, nor its parent company that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy is suitable for any specific investors or person. Each individual investor must make their own independent decisions regarding any security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy featured on the NAMC Newswire or NAMC Radio Any past results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. The NAMC Newswire, its journalist nor its parent company does not guarantee any specific outcome or profit, and all investors should be aware of the real risk of loss in following any strategy or investments featured on the NAMC Newswire or the NAMC Radio. The strategy or investments discussed may fluctuate in price or value and investors may get back less than you invested. Before acting on any information featured on the NAMC Newswire website or the NAMC Radio segment, investors should consider whether it is suitable for their particular circumstances and strongly consider seeking advice from their own financial or investment adviser. Investors are also urged to do their own due diligence before investing in any security.

All opinions featured on the NAMC Newswire or NAMC Radio are based upon information that is considered to be reliable, but neither the NAMC Newswire, its journalist, its parent company, affiliates nor assigns warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. The statements and opinions featured on the NAMC Newswire by its journalist are based on their outlook at the time of the statement or opinion, and are subject to change without notice. NAMC may at times hold a position in the companies that it features, in these cases appropriate disclosure is made.

Louis Victor is the host of the syndicated radio show and financial newsletter “Wall Street to Main Street” which is featured on the NAMC Newswire Radio. He has been involved in the financial industry for over two decades, on the retail and investment banking ends. He is also well versed in the advertising and marketing industries, which has given him insight into market trends and unqiue companies that may be under the radar.

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Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is without a doubt the 800 pound gorilla in the business world, from computer software to video games, they have dominated. For the past few years they pretty much sat on the sidelines in the Internet industry, not really making that their main focus, but all of that has changed.

The company is very much so focused on search engine technology and paid advertising, they have begun to go head to head with Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) on that level. They are now looking to rain on Yahoo’s(NASDAQ: YHOO) and eBay’s (NASDQ: EBAY) parade as they enter the Internet phone business. Being strategic, Microsoft has aligned themselves with MCI who soon will be under the umbrella of Verizon (NYSE:VZ).

So now that Microsoft has become a real player in the Internet game things should not only heat up but become more advanced. Google is still a great situation to be in and we are not diverting from that, 2006 should be a great year for the company as they add more services for their visitors, more options for their advertising clients and increase their reach.

Microsoft is becoming intriguing, they have their hands in all the right things. From expanding abroad to going after the Internet giants with new services and a potential deal with Time Warners (NYSE: TWX) America Online. So the growth for Microsoft has not hit a plateau, this looks to be a rebirth of sorts, look for 2006 to be very interesting in the Internet Industry.

I know that we touch on Seamless Wi-Fi (OTCBB: SLWF) in yesterdays segment but since we are on the subject of the Internet, we need to make mention of how this company fits into the overall picture.

Microsoft is not making their intentions a secret, they know where the money is. It’s in search engine advertising, the more they enhance the services that they provide to their members and visitors the more visitors that will receive. More visitors’ equals higher advertising revenue and this goes for Yahoo and Google as well. Now as they do the 100 yard dash down the information super highway they are making Internet technology advance rapidly. Now why are we mentioning something that is a no brainer, well as they advance this technology it will make more businesses mobile. It has already begun to open the doors to global business, which means more people will be using the Internet to conduct business both in and out of the office. They are starting to move from cables to wireless, and that means these companies will need to provide a secure way for their employees to access both the Internet and their Intranet network.

Seamless has the technology that allows a business to be in a totally secure wireless environment, a person can walk around with their laptop from office to office without the worry of that information being hijacked. The price at this point does not reflect what the company has as of yet, they have not received the media attention because they have kept a relatively low profile. So we will continue to follow this stock as companies like Microsoft, Yahoo and Google make the advances in the Internet industry that will draw more interest to Wireless Internet/Intranet security.

General Motors (NYSE: GM) is just having a bad time, from downgrades to rumors of the company going bankrupt. All that needs to be said at this point is that GM’s CEO Rick Wagoner needs to focus on the shareholders and not the board nor himself. The company needs someone involved that has a history of success in the automotive industry, Kerkorian offered that and as of now it has not happened. According to reports Wagoner has the board behind him but what does that do for the shareholders? , if they get thrown into bankruptcy it will be damaging to shareholder equity. So until GM puts someone in play that can turn the company around they will continue to spiral out of control. The street is brutal, as we have said time and time again, so they should expect to get kicked when they are down.

Yesterday, NAMC Newswire correspondent Peter Farrell reported that the biggest takeover in the Natural Gas industry could happen and it looks like it is. ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) is lined up to acquire natural gas producer Burlington Resources Inc. (NYSE: BR) for a price tag of over $35 billion. This will make it the biggest deal in the Natural Gas industry since Chevron (NYSE: CVX) acquired Texaco.

Now, just today, Jonathan Jacoby of Banc of America downgraded Sirius Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) from a Neutral to a Sell while raising their price target for XM Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: XMSR). Jacoby is off target and I think that he is not looking at the big picture. Both companies have not even tap their potential, the satellite radio industry is just beginning to develop, similar to the internet industry when it was evolving and continues to evolve. The difference is that right now there are only two players in the game and one has locked up the automobile market while the other has the retail market wide open. Even though the arrival of Howard Stern is much anticipated, I really doubt that he is the end all of Sirius. He does add value but Mel Karmazin is a smart businessman and he is not solely banking on the success of Sirius on Stern. So we are ignoring Jacoby’s downgrade and do agree with his target on XM Satellite. As we stated 2006 will be the catapult year for the company. Keep it on your stock watch.

Information contained herein is the opinion of Louis Victor and is intended to be used strictly for informational purposes. You should be aware that Mr. Victor attempts to assure himself of the accuracy of the information contained in the analyses he publishes. None of the information contained in this opinion constitutes a recommendation by Mr. Victor, New Age Media Concepts nor the NAMC Newswire that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. You must make your own independent decisions regarding any security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy mentioned on the program. The companies that are discussed in this opinion have not approved the statements made in this opinion Louis Victor’s past results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Neither Mr. Victor, New Age Media Concepts nor the NAMC Newswire guarantees any specific outcome or profit, and you should be aware of the real risk of loss in following any strategy or Investments Opinion posted here. This opinion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. This material is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. The strategy or investments discussed may fluctuate in price or value and you may get back less than you invested. Before acting on any information contained here, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and strongly consider seeking advice from your own financial or investment advisor. Louis Victor, New Age Media Concepts nor the NAMC Newswire are not licensed brokers, broker dealers, market makers, investment advisors, analyst or underwriters

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Louis Victor
NAMC Newswire
888-463-9237

Tags: bears, buls, finance, financial industry, investing, investor, market news, wall streetbears, buls, finance, financial industry, investing, investor, market news, wall street

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