BAD SIGN: Wal-Mart, McDonald's Lone Dow '08 Gainers

The only two Dow stocks to rise in 2008 were Wal-Mart Stores, with a 18% gain, and McDonald's, up nearly 6%.

General Motors fell 60 cents, or 16%, to $3.20 and finished the year down 87%, the biggest decliner on the Dow. The auto maker needed an emergency loan from the government just to make it to 2009.

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[neocon6716]

I vowed I would never shop at Walmart. However, a few years ago, I sold out of CA and moved to the boonies in Wisconsin. The only store around was- you guessed it, Walmart.

I now shop the mart, even though it does have a very creepy vibe. I like others also noticed however that they don't seem very busy, so I'm sure they are cooking the books like everyone else.

Hopefully Target will come to town someday. Until then, "Welcome to Walmart, can I get you a cart".

[KCFreedom]

Arn't there Wal-Marts with McDonalds actually in them?

You can get fatter while exercising down the Wal-Mart aisles. A win-win situation!

[mredder4]

Two somethings cannot together be a lone anything. No wonder business in America sucks, even the reporters don't know math.

The Lone Ranger- one man on a mission

The Lone Rangers- a sad attempt at irony.

[chicago25624]

Here's a novel idea. Instead of bashing these two, why not get in on the gravy train, earn dividends, see your investment grow, then sell off all your stock and donate it all to charity?

[dandypuddin]

Some people don't invest in companies, ala Wal Mart, that we are morally opposed to. Some people have a moral compass.

[drymartini1]

most people are morally opposed to investing in lousy companies that lose money. they have moral compass too. :)

[ibsteve2u]

Good old Wal*Mart....like leeches and mosquitoes, the more it feeds, the fatter it gets.

[Oahspe]

NEW YORK (AP) -- Manufacturing activity fell more than expected in December, hitting the lowest reading in 28 years as new orders and employment continue to decline.

The Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing executives, said Friday its manufacturing index fell to 32.4 in December from 36.2 in November. Wall Street economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters had expected the reading to fall to 35.5.

Component readings of the index hit historic lows. New orders fell to their lowest level on records going back to 1948. Prices fell as the number of respondents saying they had paid more in December than in November sank to its lowest monthly reading since 1949.

Any reading for the overall index above 50 signals growth, while a reading below 50 indicates contraction. The index is based on based on a survey of the institute's members, has fallen steadily for the last five months as the economy deteriorated.


Read more: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/ECONOMY?SITE=AP&...___________So,as this country makes LESS,WalMart and McDonald's make MORE!

[chicago25624]

Thank you both for paying dividends again this year to me. I love when MY money makes ME money!

[dandypuddin]

eeewww, you're gross.

[chicago25624]

I'm gross for wanting to make money so I can take care of myself? I, unlike you, don't llok for someone else to take care of me. I take care of me.

[drymartini1]

good job chicago !! i totally missed the boat on WMT and MCD years back when they were trading at much undervalued levels (MCD especially during their ceo fiascos).

Even in this recession, MCD & WMT never reached huge undervalued territory..tsk...:(

hopefully can pick up some leaders of tomorrow in todays market..:)

[Samalabear]

Well, my son's father went to Wal-Mart yesterday and picked up a formerly $39 comforter for $14 and he said the place was dead. So, I dunno. The Christmas Wal-Mart rush is over and we'll get to see if China-Mart can continue to sustain itself. I haven't been there since Thanksgiving eve. Will Wal-Mart make it through this recession/depression? Most likely, since they are that ruthless. McDonald's, likewise, they also are that ruthless.

Yes, I made it through the whole season and found that the everyday items I bought there could be gotten for the same or better prices elsewhere.

[leeman79]

Unhealthy fast food and junk from China. What a sad commentary. What has happened to this country? We've gone from cutting edge producers to lazy, subserviant sheep led to slaughter. Wake up americans!!!

[dandypuddin]

My exact thoughts. And when you have a heart attack from eating all that garbage you can wish you had health care. So sad that the worse we all do, the better Wal Mart does. 2009 should be a banner year for them.

[ErnestineBass]

When these two fail, maybe the gubmint will finally decide we're in a depression.