This weekend in Barron's online: a robust forecast for the U.S. economy, a special report on master limited partnerships, as well as the prospects for American Airlines, CVS Caremark, EPL Oil & Gas and more.
Cover Story
"The Case for 4% Growth" by Gene Epstein.
Demand for new homes and the outlook for economic growth are understated, say three economists from Applied Global Macro Research in this week's cover story in Barron's. Their four percent outlook for real economic growth is contrary to the broad consensus, as well as the central bank's Federal Open Market Committee.
Pent-up demand for housing should boost the sector's contribution to economic growth, believe the Copenhagen-based economists. If the economy does grow as they predict, the unemployment rate likely will fall to six percent by the fourth quarter, which should be low enough to prompt the FOMC to boost the fed funds rate.
See the article for more detail on the basis of contrarian forecast from these economists and fund managers.
See also: Feds Announce Guidance For Banks To Work With Marijuana Businesses
Feature Stories
"EPL Oil & Gas Looks Ready to Rally" by David Englander makes the case that after a four-month slide in its shares, Gulf of Mexico focused exploration and production company EPL Oil & Gas (NYSE: EPL) is undervalued, even though its production and reserves are increasing.
Jack Willoughby's "A New American Team Goes for the Gold" points out that the merger of U.S. Airways and American Airlines (NASDAQ: AAL) has created the biggest carrier on the planet. It may hit a few bumps over the next 12 months, but that should not discourage investors.
In "Master Limited Partnerships: It's Time to Get Picky" by Michael Aneiro, the Barron's MLP Roundtable offers tips for evaluating master limited partnerships. See common mistakes even savvy stock investors make when trying to gauge an MLP's value.
What drug store chain and pharmacy-benefit manager CVS Caremark (NYSE: CVS) loses from its recent decision to halt tobacco sales, it should more than make up for with new prescription contracts, says Jack Hough's "Healthy Gains for CVS."
"Intent on Value" by Leslie P. Norton is a profile of fund manager Andrew Peck of Baron Asset Fund. Peck seeks high-quality mid-cap stocks that his fund can own for years. See why he likes Gartner and IDEXX Laboratories.
In Jacqueline Doherty's "Garlock Asbestos Decision Brightens EnPro's Outlook," it is suggested that shares of EnPro Industries (NYSE: NPO) could rally another 25 percent following the landmark court victory by its Garlock Sealing Technologies unit.