It could be a great time to invest in Oracle (ORCL) after CEO Larry Ellison announced that the company would debut its much anticipated cloud computing software next week. The stock is currently trading at around $26, staying in the same $10 range or so for the last decade. Based on the new cloud software rolled out by the charismatic Ellison, as well as favorable buzz over the safety of the always-consistent stock, I think Oracle could be poised for a solid rise.

The debut of its cloud software – which, according to Ellison, would give Oracle a significant leg up over competitor SAP (SAP) – represents a significant step up in technology for the tech giant. The concept of cloud computing, which has had a meteoric rise over the last few years, is having data access from pretty much anywhere, as opposed to locating data on a physical server. One example of cloud computing most are familiar with is Google’s (GOOG) Google Docs, which allow users to work on documents in the “cloud,” wherever they are. Users are then able to come back to their documents in other places at other times. Cloud software even allows users to work collaboratively in real-time on the same document, since it is in “the cloud” and not based in a physical server room based in any one location. PCMag explains cloud computing as “having every piece of data you need for every aspect of your life at your fingertips and ready for use.” To continue reading, click here.

Europe may be getting its act together to impose austerity, but there are no concrete proposals to promote growth. After all, eurozone unemployment stands at 10.4%, in Spain, it is 22.9%, and in Greece, it is 19.2%. Additionally, the US personal saving rate in December climbed to 4.0% from 3.5% in November, signaling a risk-averse mood by American consumers. The US Q4 GDP report was disappointing as well, with growth in inventories leading the way, instead of showing some other organic form of growth. As such, consumer sentiment fell unexpectedly to 61.1 in January, according to the Conference Board. You may want to build a nuclear fallout shelter, but good dividend yields may help your portfolio survive in the future.

It may be time to consider adding more fixed-income instruments to your portfolio. More particularly, I like preferred stocks because you can smooth out the bumps and erratic moves of the market through consistent dividend payments. Also, these instruments do not ebb and flow like common shares and equities. Keep in mind that companies aim to make the dividend payments to avoid credit rating downgrades. With dividend paying consumer staples stocks running up and reaching overvalued levels, preferred stocks offer reasonable alternatives.

I ran a stock screen to focus on the energy sector, which tends to be speculative, and thus have higher yielding securities.To continue reading, click here.

The ten years have been known as the “lost decade,” with many large-cap blue chips hovering around even over the past ten years. Consensus on the Street: now is a great time to invest.

Here are a few market buys that can lead your portfolio performance in the 2012. Natural gas assets have decreased in value, hurting the energy sector, but Hess (HES), Chevron (CVX), and Conoco Phillips (COP) are well poised to bounce back in 2012. Intel (INTC) is putting up record profits, Bank of America (BAC) has a better capital ratio than ever with a positive outlook in all business operations, and Altria Group (MO) holds a lot of potential with a consistent cash flow and great margins.

Intel reported a record year in 2011: full-year revenue of $54 billion, operating income of $17.5 billion, net income of $12.9 billion and EPS of $2.39 – all records. “2011 was an exceptional year for Intel,” said Paul Otellini, Intel president and CEO. “With outstanding execution the company performed superbly, growing revenue by more than $10 billion and eclipsing all annual revenue and earnings records. With a tremendous product and technology pipeline for 2012, we’re excited about the global growth opportunities presented by Ultrabook systems, the data center, security and the introduction of Intel-powered smartphones and tablets.”

A company with the experienced track record of Intel is still breaking records? Don’t underestimate Intel, particularly with, as I’ve noted, the demand for touchscreen products.To continue reading, click here.