Rare News Desk
Last week’s dip in the stock market shook people’s confidence in the economy, a recent Gallup poll found. Despite a negative economic outlook among Americans, six trading companies remain at the top of their game in the midst of Federal cutbacks that helped revive financial industries.
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After five years, the U.S. central bank has pumped $3 trillion of Federal funding into stimulating the economy. As a result of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, the American economy has been strengthened though government support will taper off through 2014 which leaves many market watchers concerned.
The recent price drops in market staples Dow Jones, Nasdaq and Standard & Poor’s 500, have happened while Federal funding shrinks from $85 billion to $75 billion this month.
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke has said the program will continue to phase out by the end of the year, leaving mortgage companies, banking institutions and the stock market on its own to succeed.
At the top of the success charts are up-and-coming companies and age-old entities.
1. Caterpillar (CAT)
Among industrial companies, Caterpillar is fairing well at $92 per share. The heavy equipment maker peaked at $116 per share in mid-2012.
2. CostCo Wholesale Corporation (COST)
After 28 years, CostCo weighed in at $114 per share. The price has doubled since 2010 and been a steady climber in the last three years. CostCo succeeds on selling in bulk, which many Americans consider a cheaper way of purchasing food versus paying a higher price per item at major grocery store chains.
3. NetFlix (NFLX)
Movie renting and television viewing company, NetFlix, has been unstoppable with its hold on the entertainment market. Hollywood Video and Blockbuster could not evolve fast enough, thus leaving NetFlix in control and thriving because of its successes. Since 2010 and again in late 2012, when shares were at $50 each, NetFlix has jumped to $381 in recent weeks. It closed at $333 on Jan. 22 and opened the following day at $380 and eventually hitting its highest mark ever, $393 per share. With upcoming series debuts from House of Cards on Feb. 14 and Orange is the New Black in the spring.
4. Google (GOOG)
Google debuted nearly a decade ago and has seen enormous growth as competition Apple (AAPL) has seen decreasing share prices. Just a year ago, Google was flirting with the $700-line and despite losses last week, has remained above $1,100.
5. Family Dollar Stores, Inc. (FDO)
In the last few years, families and individuals have looked to cut back on spending, which has led some to cheaper, smaller stores for every day needs. Family Dollar’s stock debuted in 1987 and remained under $10 a share for more than a decade. Since the Recession, stock has grown to last year’s peak at $74 and is still holding around $63 this week.
6. Boston Beer Company (SAM)
Samuel Adams or Boston Beer Company has been traded for 19 years but remained off the radar with share prices lurking under $50 until the Recession. In four years, America’s favorite alcoholic beverage pulled in $259 per share by late 2013 but has shrunk down to just above $210 since then. Nevertheless, for a bottle of beer, that number means sellers have a lot to celebrate, maybe over a beer.
