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The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Chevron, Caterpillar, Apple, Cisco Systems and Exxon Mobil

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For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – October 4, 2018 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Chevron Corp. (CVX - Free Report) , Caterpillar Inc. (CAT - Free Report) , Apple Inc. (AAPL - Free Report) , Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO - Free Report) and Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM - Free Report) .

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Here are highlights from Wednesday’s Analyst Blog:

5 Terrific Stock Picks for a Dow at All-Time Highs

On Oct 2, the Dow 30 — one of the equity markets’ most closely watched indexes — reached an all-time high. The 30-stock index has been performing exceptionally well during the last three months.

Recent optimism related to global trade war concerns and robust U.S. economy bolstered investors’ confidence enabling the blue-chip index to climb out of the rut. Consequently, investment in some of the Dow 30 stocks with favorable Zacks Rank and strong growth potential bodes well.

Dow Closes at All-Time High

On Oct 2, the Dow closed at 26,773.94, breaking its previous all-time high closing of 26,656.98, which was set on Sep 21. During the day’s trading the index reached its all-time high level of 26,824.78 exceeding its previous high of 26,769.15 recorded on Sep 21.

Despite severe stock market volatility, the index is up 8.3% year to date. The Dow has provided positive returns in six of the first nine months in 2018. In third-quarter 2018, the index provided positive returns in each month. The index also provided positive returns in eleven of the last 12 quarters.

Moreover, 21 components of the total portfolio of 30 stocks in the Dow 30 index have provided positive returns so far this year. A strong bunch of ten stocks have provided positive double-digit returns.

Trade-Related Concerns are Easing

At present, trade-related conflicts are somewhat easing. On Sep 30, the United States and Canada reached a landmark deal, which replaces the North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”). The new trilateral agreement will now be called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (“USMCA”). Notably, Mexico has given its nod in August.

Formation was USMCA was very important for strategic reasons as these two countries are immediate neighbors of the United States. Moreover, Canada is the second largest trading partner of the United States. Additionally, Trump administration is hopeful that its tariff-related conflicts with the European Union will be settled amicably.

However, trade relations between the United States and its largest trading partner China remains a major concern. President, Trump has threatened to impose a new set of tariffs worth $267 billion on Chinese goods if the situation demands.

Inflationary Concerns Overblown

On Oct 2, the Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell stated that inflation is under control and unlikely to be exaggerated in near future despite a tight labor market, historically-low unemployment and rising wages.

On Sep 28, the Department of Commerce reported that the U.S. Personal Consumption expenditure (“PCE”) index grew 0.2% in August. However, the 12-month increase in PCE index fell to 2.2% in August from 2.3% in July. The core PCE index (excluding food and energy) — Fed’s preferred gauge of inflation measure — remained steady at 2%.

Out Top Picks

Stock market momentum has remained largely unhindered despite volatility. Massive tax cut, business-friendly policies and steady economic activities resulted in robust earnings results. U.S. markets are well positioned to attract investors’ attention by offering high yields.

At this stage, we have narrowed down our search to five stocks within the Dow 30, each having a Zacks Rank # 2 (Buy) and strong growth potential. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Chevron Corp.: the company has expected earnings and sales growth of 120.8% and 17.7%, respectively, for current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved by 1% over the last 60 days.

Caterpillar Inc.: the company has expected earnings and sales growth of 69.2% and 20.1%, respectively, for current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved by 0.5% over the last 60 days.

Apple Inc.: the company has expected earnings and sales growth of 14.3% and 4.9%, respectively, for current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved by 1.5% over the last 60 days.

Cisco Systems Inc.: the company has expected earnings and sales growth of 14.2% and of 4.4%, respectively, for current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved by 3.1% over the last 60 days.

Exxon Mobil Corp.: the company has expected earnings and sales growth of 28.3% and 12%, respectively, for current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved by 0.9% over the last 60 days.

Best Electric Car Stock? You'll Never Guess It.

Zacks Research has released a report that may shock many investors. One stock stands out as the best way to invest in the surge to electric cars. And it's not the one you may think!

Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium battery power is set to shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge. With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, revenues that were already at $31 billion in 2016 are expected to blast to over $67 billion by the end of 2022.

See Zacks Best EV Stock Free >>

About Zacks Equity Research

Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.

Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.

Strong Stocks that Should Be in the News

Many are little publicized and fly under the Wall Street radar. They're virtually unknown to the general public. Yet today's 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buys" were generated by the stock-picking system that has nearly tripled the market from 1988 through 2015. Its average gain has been a stellar +26% per year. See these high-potential stocks free >>.

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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.