Archives for September 8, 2019

Firefox will encrypt web domain name requests by default

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You can expect to see DNS over HTTPS by the end of September.

Mozilla’s Firefox privacy protections will soon include one of the most basic tasks for any web browser: fielding the domain name requests that help you visit websites. The developer will make DNS over encrypted HTTPS the default for the US starting in late September, locking down more of your web browsing without requiring an explicit toggle like before. Your online habits should be that much more private and secure, with fewer chances for DNS hijacking and activity monitoring.

Not every request will use HTTPS. Mozilla is relying on a “fallback” method that will revert to your operating system’s default DNS if there’s either a specific need for them (such as some parental controls and enterprise configurations) or an outright lookup failure. This should respect the choices of users and IT managers who need the feature turned off, Mozilla said. The team is watching out for potential abuses, though, and will “revisit” its approach if attackers use a canary domain to disable the technology.

It could take some time before DNS over HTTPS is widely available. Mozilla will be watching for hiccups before expanding availability. If all goes smoothly, Firefox may become a go-to option for anyone who insists on securing as much of their web traffic as possible.

TCL is experimenting with a personal cinema visor

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It’s like the wearable screens by Royole and Sony, only smaller, and sunglass-ier.

TCL turned up at IFA this year with a couple of prototype devices that it hopes will inform the future direction of its products. The first was a “wearable display concept” that looks an awful lot like the personal cinema headsets that pop up every 18 months or so. It’s a pair of smart glasses with two OLED displays hovering over your eyes to try and trick you into thinking you’re sat in a cinema.

Unlike Sony, Avegant and Royole’s offerings, TCL has shrunk the technology into a pair of relatively svelte sunglasses with a polarizing filter on top. Sound comes out of speakers embedded into each arm, and the headset connects over USB-C to a compatible (TCL) phone. Rather than this being a device that you only use in the comfort of your home, TCL envisages this as something you could wear on the go, or on a train.

The two displays over your eyes are opaque enough for you to watch a movie in relative comfort, but around it everything is semi-transparent. So, if you’re on a train, and a conductor comes up toward you, you’ll have enough awareness to get your ticket out. Although the person next to you, who might hear the bleed coming from the small speakers, might not be your best friend.

In attempting to trick your brain into thinking you’re watching a 100-inch screen, the prototype does do a better job than some existing headsets I’ve tried. It was like sitting in the smallest room in a mall multiplex, the 30-seater venue for films soon to drop out of release. You’ve got a sight that’s a little bit bigger than a TV, although you’re still aware that it’s a trick.

The transparent halo around the displays is meant to be for safety and situational awareness, but it breaks the illusion that you’re watching a big screen. It doesn’t help, either, that you can’t relax or move your head while you play. Also, even though it’s lightweight, because you’re sitting so still, it’s quite tiring. When you turn your head, the screen remains in a fixed position and it is a little unsettling.

When you’re in a theater, you can look away from the screen if it’s too bright, or hunker down in the chair if your back is feeling sore — do that here and you’d bump into the goggles. It’s just unnatural because it’s a weight on your face.

At the same time, TCL showed off yet more of its prototypes for a folding phone, promising to release one at some point in 2020. The 7.2-inch “foldable tablet display concept” opens flat and closes flush, and doesn’t have a secondary display on the outside. Instead, you’ll have to open up its folds to expose a flexible, 2,048 x 1,536 (2K) AMOLED display. TCL says that the screen is rated for around 200,000 folds, although if you had to open it up every time you had a message, that might prove quite taxing.

Of course, the company won’t precisely say when it’ll actually release one of these things, but it’s happy to let Samsung and others make the first move. TCL’s representatives also said that it’s still researching the best way to fold and store a flexible display — including in a square, rather than a rectangle. But talk is easy, and we’ll judge the company’s efforts when it demonstrates a working, commercial version next year.

And as for the Visor, TCL says it’s firmly a concept for now.

Tesla hopes to unveil its electric pickup truck in November

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Just when you can drive one is another story.

Tesla missed its goal of unveiling its electric pickup truck this summer, but it does have some idea of when to expect its smaller cargo hauler. Elon Musk told Twitter followers that the electric pickup’s reveal will “most likely” take place in November. We’d take that with a grain of salt — remember how Enhanced Summon is still a no-show 10 months after Musk said it was coming in six weeks? Still, it shows that Tesla is bent on showing the truck before 2020 arrives.

The truck mostly remains a mystery. Tesla has hinted at a “cyberpunk” design (you’re looking at a teaser above) that will purportedly offer the carrying ability of a Ford F-150 and the performance of a base Porsche 911, but not much more than that. The EV maker has strong incentives to show more, at least. Challengers like Rivian are working on electric pickups of their own, and Ford’s electric F-150 prototype is undoubtedly a shot across Tesla’s bow. The sooner Tesla can unveil its fabled pickup, the sooner it can steal the thunder from its rivals.

Stocks to Watch: Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL)

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Taking a look at the current quarter EPS consensus estimate for Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL), we can see that the number is standing at 2.32. This estimate is comprised of 6 contributing analysts polled by Zacks Research. For the last reporting period, the company reported a quarterly EPS of 2.62. Professional Wall Street analysts have the job of analyzing companies and giving their opinions and estimates relating to future results. A large amount of weight is placed on analyst estimates, and earnings beats or misses revolve around these analyst projections. Sometimes these estimates are spot on, and other times they are not. When a company announces actual earnings results, the surprise factor can cause a stock to move sharply. If a company beats estimates and posts a positive earnings surprise, the stock may see a near-term jump in price. Conversely, a negative surprise may send the stock downward. Many investors will choose to be cautious around earnings releases and wait to make a move until after the dust has settled.

Investors often have to make the decision of how aggressive they are going to invest. Some investors looking to make a quick dollar may jump in head first without a plan. This can be dangerous for the health of the portfolio in the long-term. Taking a chance on a risky stock may provide high returns, but investors often need to calculate whether the risk is worth the reward. Managing that risk in turbulent markets may help keep the average investor afloat when the markets inevitably turn sour for an extended period. Doing all the necessary stock research may include keeping a close tab on technicals, fundamentals, relevant economic data, and earnings reports. Investors may have to find a way to keep the rational side from being consumed by irrational behavior when studying the markets.

Watching stock price activity for Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL), we have spotted shares trading close to the 143.67 level. Investors will often monitor stock price levels relative to its 52-week high and low marks. The 52-week high is currently 144.96, and the 52-week low is presently 93.18. When a stock price is nearing the 52-week high or 52-week low, investors may closely follow activity to watch for a breach. Over the past 12 weeks, shares have moved 4.27%. Moving back to the start of the year, we can see that shares have changed 42.93%. Zooming in to the past 4 weeks, shares have seen a change of 1.97%. Over the last week, the stock has moved 1.45%.

Focusing in on analyst opinions, we note that the current average broker recommendation on shares of Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL) is presently 2. The recommendation falls on a scale between 1 and 5. A broker rating of 1 would translate into a Strong Buy. A rating of 5 would indicate a Strong Sell recommendation. This consensus broker rating may help shed some light on how the sell-side is currently viewing company stock. Based on sell-side analysts polled by Zacks Research, 3 have rated the stock a Strong Buy or Buy.

Equity analysts will routinely provide stock price target projections. Many investors are highly interested in where the analysts view the stock heading in the future. Presently, analysts polled by Zacks Research have set a consensus target price of $149.75 on shares of Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL). Price target estimates can be calculated using different methods, and they may vary depending on the individual analyst. A thoroughly researched analyst report will typically provide detailed reasoning for a specific target price estimate. Some investors may track analyst targets very closely and use the data to complement their own stock analysis.

Trying to predict the day to day short-term movements of the stock market can be nearly impossible. Stocks have the tendency to make sudden moves on even the slightest bit of news or for apparently no reason at all. The daily trader may be looking to capitalize on swings or momentum, but the long-term investor may be searching for stability and consistency over a sustained period of time. During trading sessions, stock movements can seem like a popularity contest from time to time. Even after meticulous study, there may be no logical reason for a particular stock move. Riding out the waves of uncertainty may not be easy, but having a full-proof plan for when markets turn bad might be a great help to investors for long-term portfolio health.

Stocks to Watch: Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (:ATNM)

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Analysts on the sell-side are offering a consensus “Buy” rating on shares of Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (:ATNM).  Using the following ratings scale: 1.0 Strong Buy, 2.0 Buy, 3.0 Hold, 4.0 Sell and 5.0 Strong Sell, analysts have an average recommendation of 1.70 on the shares.  Based on a recent trade, the shares are hovering around $0.22 which, according to the Street, yields significant upside potential to the $3.17 consensus price target

Coming up with a viable and solid stock investment plan might be on the minds of many individual investors. A solid plan might entail defining the overall objective and recognizing tangible restraints. Figuring out these details may help the investor focus on the most important aspects of investing in the stock market. Following strategies set forth by others may work, but they may also leave the investor in a quandary. What worked in the past for one person may not work in the future for another. Investors may need to craft the plan keeping in mind the long-term goals. Although some investors and traders focus on the short-term, many investors are more interested in making the grade over a number of years, and not a number of days or months. Plans may need to be set up so that they are flexible and have the ability to withstand unforeseen shifts and rapidly changing stock market scenarios. Flexibility may end up being the key to a successful plan down the road. Investors may also want to do regular check-ins on portfolio performance in order to keep tabs on how well the plan is working.

Traders may be using technical analysis to help spot ideal entry and exit points. One idea behind technical analysis is that historical price movement trends have the ability to repeat themselves. Technical analysis involves the use of chart patterns to examine market movements and to help define trends. Trends in the stock market are not always easy to spot. Many chartists will strive to determine whether the trend is up, down, or sideways. After defining a trend, the technical analyst may look to see what type of timeframe the trend encompasses. Some traders will look to identify whether the trend is major or long-term, short-term, or intermediate. Being able to decipher what the data is saying may assist the trader with finding potential entry and exit points on a particular trade. There are many different indicators that can be employed when undertaking technical analysis. Many traders will do numerous chart studies to find out which indicator or indicators tend to project the most relevant trading assistance. Learning how to spot these trends might help the trader develop specific charting skills that will hopefully lead to future market success.

RSI 

Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (:ATNM)’s shares may have a significant upside to the consensus target of 3.17, but how has it been performing relative to the market?  The stock’s price is 0.22 and their relative strength index (RSI) stands at 44.31.  RSI is a technical oscillator that shows price strength by comparing upward and downward movements.  It indicates oversold and overbought price levels for a stock.  

Investors are often dealing with the decision of whether to sell a stock that has been a solid performer or hold on to it for more profit. This can be almost as trying as deciding when to buy a certain stock. Once investors have latched on to a certain stock, they may find it hard to let go. On the flip side, investors may also have to deal with cutting ties with a losing stock. With both scenarios, it may be important for investors to try to keep emotion out of the decision making process. Investors may feel that giving up on a losing stock can be admitting that a mistake was made. No matter what the circumstance, not letting go of a losing stock may lead to poor portfolio performance in the long run. Constantly keeping a close watching on fundamental and technical data can provide important information needed to stay afloat in the equity markets.

Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (:ATNM) shares are moving -2.47% trading at $0.22 today.

As the next earnings season comes into focus, investors will be keeping watch on the performance of companies that they own. A company that continually exceeds earnings projections is most likely on the right track. On the other end of the spectrum, a company that frequently misses earnings projections might provide some insight to the fact that something isn’t right. Although it is important to keep track of earnings estimates and results, it shouldn’t be the only thing that the investor is looking at regarding the stock. Just because a company misses or beats expectations for one quarter may not mean anything super special. Tracking performance over a longer period of time can help paint the bigger picture of what is going on with the company. Sharp investors often have the ability to look deeper into the numbers to see the actual causes of an earnings hit or miss. Of course estimates are just that, estimates, and some analysts may be more accurate than others. 

Stocks to Watch: Chiasma, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHMA)

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Sell-side analysts are offering a consensus “Buy” rating on shares of Chiasma, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHMA). Using the following ratings scale: 1.0 Strong Buy, 2.0 Buy, 3.0 Hold, 4.0 Sell and 5.0 Strong Sell, analysts have an average recommendation of 2.00 on the shares. Based on a recent trade, the shares are hovering around $5.19 which, according to analysts, yield significant upside potential to the $12.60 consensus target price.

Coming up with a viable and solid stock investment plan might be on the minds of many individual investors. A solid plan might entail defining the overall objective and recognizing tangible restraints. Figuring out these details may help the investor focus on the most important aspects of investing in the stock market. Following strategies set forth by others may work, but they may also leave the investor in a quandary. What worked in the past for one person may not work in the future for another. Investors may need to craft the plan keeping in mind the long-term goals. Although some investors and traders focus on the short-term, many investors are more interested in making the grade over a number of years, and not a number of days or months. Plans may need to be set up so that they are flexible and have the ability to withstand unforeseen shifts and rapidly changing stock market scenarios. Flexibility may end up being the key to a successful plan down the road. Investors may also want to do regular check-ins on portfolio performance in order to keep tabs on how well the plan is working.

Traders may be using technical analysis to help spot ideal entry and exit points. One idea behind technical analysis is that historical price movement trends have the ability to repeat themselves. Technical analysis involves the use of chart patterns to examine market movements and to help define trends. Trends in the stock market are not always easy to spot. Many chartists will strive to determine whether the trend is up, down, or sideways. After defining a trend, the technical analyst may look to see what type of timeframe the trend encompasses. Some traders will look to identify whether the trend is major or long-term, short-term, or intermediate. Being able to decipher what the data is saying may assist the trader with finding potential entry and exit points on a particular trade. There are many different indicators that can be employed when undertaking technical analysis. Many traders will do numerous chart studies to find out which indicator or indicators tend to project the most relevant trading assistance. Learning how to spot these trends might help the trader develop specific charting skills that will hopefully lead to future market success.

RSI

Chiasma, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHMA)’s shares may have a significant upside to the consensus target of 12.60, but how has it been performing relative to the market? The stock’s price is 5.19 and their relative strength index (RSI) stands at 44.77. RSI is a technical oscillator that shows price strength by comparing upward and downward movements. It indicates oversold and overbought price levels for a stock.

Investors are often dealing with the decision of whether to sell a stock that has been a solid performer or hold on to it for more profit. This can be almost as trying as deciding when to buy a certain stock. Once investors have latched on to a certain stock, they may find it hard to let go. On the flip side, investors may also have to deal with cutting ties with a losing stock. With both scenarios, it may be important for investors to try to keep emotion out of the decision making process. Investors may feel that giving up on a losing stock can be admitting that a mistake was made. No matter what the circumstance, not letting go of a losing stock may lead to poor portfolio performance in the long run. Constantly keeping a close watching on fundamental and technical data can provide important information needed to stay afloat in the equity markets.

Chiasma, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHMA) shares are moving 1.17% trading at $5.19 today.

As the next earnings season comes into focus, investors will be keeping watch on the performance of companies that they own. A company that continually exceeds earnings projections is most likely on the right track. On the other end of the spectrum, a company that frequently misses earnings projections might provide some insight to the fact that something isn’t right. Although it is important to keep track of earnings estimates and results, it shouldn’t be the only thing that the investor is looking at regarding the stock. Just because a company misses or beats expectations for one quarter may not mean anything super special. Tracking performance over a longer period of time can help paint the bigger picture of what is going on with the company. Sharp investors often have the ability to look deeper into the numbers to see the actual causes of an earnings hit or miss. Of course estimates are just that, estimates, and some analysts may be more accurate than others.