By Roberto Pedone
Posted on Nov. 2, 2009

Big Money Stock Picks: This Barron’s article says the bulls are still in charge according to a survey of the top money managers in their latest edition of the Big Money Poll. Despite the optimism, the bulls also see reasons to be cautious about how much is left in the rally. Among the stocks mentioned are Apple (AAPL), American International Group (AIG) and General Electric (GE).

Hedge Fund Strategies: This Barron’s article highlights how three newbie hedge fund managers are navigating the current trading landscape post-crisis. These three managers all agree on three broad ideas: stick to what you know best, have rigorous and systematic risk controls, and recognize the credit crisis isn’t over. Among the stocks mentioned are Deckers Outdoor (DEK), First Solar (FSLR) and Suntech Power (STP).

Bullish and Bearish: Each week, Barron’s publishes bullish and bearish stories on a variety of stocks. We present summaries of those stories in this portfolio. This week, there are bullish stories on Progressive (PGR) and the Royal Bank of Canada (RY), plus a bearish piece on Google (GOOG).

’Speaking of Dividends’: This Barron’s column highlights the latest dividend increases, initiations and cutbacks. This week there’s information on Digital Realty Trust (DLR) and Principal Financial Group (PFG).

Latest Activist Purchases: Which companies are the top hedge funds chasing? This week’s list includes names like Longtop Financial Technologies (LFT), iPCS (IPCS) and Adaptec (ADPT).

Top Insider Purchases of the Week: Insider purchases are a lot more predictive than insider selling. Barron's lists companies where managers are buying stock, and we build a portfolio with those companies’ stocks. There has been interesting activity in General Electric (GE), Bank of America (BAC) Dole Food (DOLE) and Huntington Bancshares (HBAN).

Research Reports: The latest analyst research reports highlighted by Barron’s, including reports this week on Honeywell (HON), Ceradyne (CRDN) and A.K. Steel Holding (AKS).

Roberto Pedone, based out of Pewaukee, Wis., is an independent trader who focuses on stocks, options, futures, commodities and currencies. He is also an outside contributor to Beconequity.com and maintains the website Maddmoney.net, which he sold to Blue Wave Advisors in 2008. Roberto studied International Business at The Milwaukee School of Engineering, and he spent a year overseas studying business in Lubeck, Germany.