Stocks gave up ground amid stalled budget negotiations. The fiscal cliff concerns intensified after House Speaker Boehner said President Obama is not serious about cutting spending. The political wrangling overshadowed a batch of economic data. Initial jobless claims dropped to the lowest level since early October as applications fell by 29,000 to 343,000. In a separate report, retail sales rose by 0.3% in November thanks to holiday shopping and a rebound in auto sales. Meanwhile, the producer price index declined by the most since May and business inventories climbed at a slower pace in October.

Overall, nearly all sectors were lower. Energy and healthcare stocks were among the leading decliners with Halliburton Co (HAL -1.59%) and Merck & Co (MRK  -1.96%) both slumping. SolarCity Corp (SCTY +47.38%) received a warm welcome after its IPO price was substantially reduced from the planned price range. 

The Nasdaq Composite Index slipped under its 50-day moving average (DMA) line today, however the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 Index remain consolidating above their respective 50-day moving average (DMA) lines in healthy shape, technically, and the market direction (M criteria) remains in a "confirmed uptrend".  New buying efforts may be justified only in worthy high-ranked leaders. See the noteworthy companies included on the Featured Stocks Page.

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PICTURED: The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped toward its 50 DMA line, finishing -3.6% off its 2012 high.

The Gold & Silver Index ($XAU -2.47%) was a standout decliner on Thursday as it erased the prior session's big gain. Weakness in energy-related shares dragged the Oil Services Index ($OSX -1.66%) and the Integrated Oil Index ($XOI -0.71%) lower. The Biotechnology Index ($BTK -1.12%) and Semiconductor Index ($SOX -1.05%) led the tech sector lower while the Internet Index ($IIX -0.22%) ended with a smaller loss, yet the Networking Index ($NWX +0.32%) eked out a small gain. Financial shares were mixed as the Broker/Dealer Index ($XBD +0.28%) posted a small gain while the Bank Index ($BKX -0.58%) edged lower. The Retail Index ($RLX -0.20%) and Healthcare Index ($HMO -0.30%) rounded out the mostly negative session with small losses.

Charts courtesy www.stockcharts.com

PICTURED: The Gold & Silver Index ($XAU -2.47%) was a standout decliner as it erased the prior session's gain after encountering resistance at its 200-day moving average (DMA) line.

Netsuite Inc (N -$0.05 or -0.08% to $63.86) was highlighted in yellow in the 12/12/12 mid-day report with a new pivot point cited based on its 10/26/12 high plus 10 cents (read here). Its fundamentals (C and A criteria) remain strong and it has been resilient since dropped from the Featured Stocks list on 11/15/12. It rallied above its 50-day moving average (DMA) line with 3 consecutive volume-driven gains this week while working up toward prior highs. However, it still faces resistance, and disciplined investors will watch for subsequent volume-driven gains above the pivot point which may trigger a technical buy signal before taking action. 

It was last shown in this FSU section on 10/26/12 with an annotated graph under the headline, "Sputtering Software Firm Rebounds for New 52-Week High Following Earnings", as it gapped up from below its 50-day moving average(DMA) line and blasted to new 52-week and all-time highs, however, it stalled afterward. The high-ranked Computer Software -Enterprise firm reported earnings +60% on +31% sales revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 versus the year ago period. Earnings above the +25% guideline (C criteria) in the 5 latest quarterly comparisons through Sep '12. Its annual earnings (A criteria) history improved from losses prior to FY '09. The number of top-rated funds owning its shares rose from 201 in Jun '11 to 275 in Sep '12, a reassuring sign concerning the I criteria. The Computer Software -Enterprise group has a Group Relative Strength Rating of B-, a reassuring sign concerning the L criteria.

Disciplined investors always limit losses by selling if any stock falls more than -7% from their purchase price. If a stock strengthens after it is sold it can always be bought back, but following strict selling rules is what keeps an investor from letting small losses become large losses. In a bullish market environment, leading stocks often flash numerous buy signals from multiple-bases.

Color Codes Explained :
Y - Better candidates highlighted by our staff of experts.
G - Previously featured in past reports as yellow but may no longer be buyable under the guidelines.

***Last / Change / Volume data in this table is the closing quote data***

Symbol/Exchange Company Name Industry Group	PRICE	CHANGE (%Change)	Day High	Volume (% DAV) (% 50 day avg vol)	52 Wk Hi % From Hi	Featured Date	Price Featured	Pivot Featured
								Max Buy
CELG - NASDAQ Celgene Corp DRUGS - Drug Manufacturers - Major	$79.84	-1.35 -1.66%	$81.28	2,873,551 103.41% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 2,778,700	$82.78 -3.55%	12/11/2012	$82.24	PP = $81.34
								MB = $85.41
Most Recent Note - 12/12/2012 6:50:26 PM Y - Pulled back today and finished just below its pivot point. Triggered a technical buy signal on the prior session. Disciplined investors always limit losses if any stock falls -7% from their purchase price. See the latest FSU analysis for more details and a new annotated graph. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 12/12/2012. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
CFNL - NASDAQ Cardinal Financial Corp BANKING - Regional - Southeast Banks	$15.80	+0.07 0.45%	$15.90	74,025 36.39% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 203,400	$16.21 -2.53%	12/3/2012	$15.20	PP = $16.31
								MB = $17.13
Most Recent Note - 12/11/2012 6:33:40 PM Y - Traded above average volume today, but the gain was not big enough to help it rally above its pivot point to trigger a proper new (or add-on) technical buy signal. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 12/10/2012. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
CMCSA - NASDAQ Comcast Corp Cl A MEDIA - CATV Systems	$36.94	-0.48 -1.28%	$37.56	10,663,473 90.87% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 11,734,400	$37.96 -2.69%	12/3/2012	$37.08	PP = $38.06
								MB = $39.96
Most Recent Note - 12/12/2012 1:02:24 PM Y - Perched only -0.8% off its 52-week high today, quietly wedging higher without great volume conviction. Disciplined investors will watch for gains above the pivot point backed by at least the bare minimum +40% above average volume threshold to trigger a proper new (or add-on) technical buy signal before taking action. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 12/7/2012. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
LKQ - NASDAQ L K Q Corp WHOLESALE - Auto Parts	$20.93	-0.33 -1.55%	$21.44	1,623,201 75.69% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 2,144,500	$22.29 -6.08%	8/9/2012	$18.97	PP = $18.72
								MB = $19.66
Most Recent Note - 12/11/2012 6:25:18 PM G - Volume totals have been cooling while consolidating. Previously noted a worrisome "negative reversal" on 11/26/12 followed by additional losses on above average volume. Results below the +25% minimum earnings guideline (C criteria) for Sep '12 recently raised fundamental concerns. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 11/30/2012. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
MIDD - NASDAQ Middleby Corp MANUFACTURING - Diversified Machinery	$127.16	-0.08 -0.06%	$129.48	88,341 114.88% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 76,900	$129.99 -2.18%	10/8/2012	$118.46	PP = $122.67
								MB = $128.80
Most Recent Note - 12/11/2012 7:00:05 PM G - Color code is changed to green after a volume-driven gain today above its "max buy" level. Earnings +23% on +18% sales for the Sep '12 quarter, below the +25% minimum earnings guideline (C criteria), raised concerns. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 12/6/2012. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
Symbol/Exchange Company Name Industry Group	PRICE	CHANGE (%Change)	Day High	Volume (% DAV) (% 50 day avg vol)	52 Wk Hi % From Hi	Featured Date	Price Featured	Pivot Featured
								Max Buy
N - NYSE Netsuite Inc DIVERSIFIED SERVICES - Business/Management Services	$63.86	-0.05 -0.08%	$64.21	407,883 85.03% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 479,700	$67.02 -4.72%	12/12/2012	$64.75	PP = $67.12
								MB = $70.48
Most Recent Note - 12/13/2012 5:36:00 PM Y - Fundamentals (C and A criteria) remain strong and it was highlighted in yellow with new pivot point cited based on its 10/26/12 high plus 10 cents. Disciplined investors will watch for subsequent volume-driven gains above the pivot point which may trigger a technical buy signal before taking action. See the latest FSU analysis for more details and a new annotated graph. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 12/13/2012. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
NSR - NYSE Neustar Inc TELECOMMUNICATIONS - Diversified Communication Serv	$42.12	-0.22 -0.52%	$42.77	333,516 95.62% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 348,800	$43.29 -2.70%	12/11/2012	$41.85	PP = $41.41
								MB = $43.48
Most Recent Note - 12/12/2012 12:40:43 PM Y - Off earlier highs after rallying near its "max buy" level today. Its strong finish on heavy volume clinched a technical buy signal on the prior session as it hit new 52-week highs and rallied from a 10-week base. Quarterly comparisons through Sep '12 showed 3 consecutive increases of more than the +25% minimum earnings guideline (C criteria). See the latest FSU analysis for more details and a new annotated graph. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 12/11/2012. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
RAX - NYSE Rackspace Hosting Inc INTERNET - Internet Software and; Services	$67.03	-0.82 -1.21%	$68.60	1,030,291 68.70% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 1,499,600	$70.00 -4.24%	11/26/2012	$66.26	PP = $67.18
								MB = $70.54
Most Recent Note - 12/12/2012 1:06:25 PM Y - Still quietly perched -2.6% off its 52-week high today, holding its ground just above its pivot point. Previously noted - "Confirming gains above its pivot point with at least +40% above average volume would be a welcome reassurance. Disciplined investors may be wise to use a tactic called 'pyramiding' to allow the market action to dictate their weighting in new buys while always limiting losses by selling if any stock ever falls more than -7% from their purchase price." >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 11/27/2012. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
RGR - NYSE Sturm Ruger & Co Inc CONSUMER DURABLES - Sporting Goods	$47.73	-0.82 -1.69%	$48.53	466,107 90.70% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 513,900	$55.66 -14.24%	11/20/2012	$52.23	PP = $52.65
								MB = $55.28
Most Recent Note - 12/11/2012 7:02:18 PM G - Managed a positive reversal today after early weakness. The current pullback may be a high handle forming on its larger 7-month cup shaped base, but the volume is supposed to be light in the handle portion of a cup-with-handle base. Instead, it has been enduring distributional pressure in recent days since trading ex-dividend 12/05/12 following its previously noted $4.50/sh special dividend. Prior highs and its 50 DMA line define near-term chart support. Patience may allow for an ideal new base and breakout to be noted. See additional details in the article "Ken's Mailbag Q&A 12/10/12 - Challenges of when to lock in a profit or accumulate more shares" >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 11/21/2012. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
RNF - NYSE Rentech Nitrogen Ptnr Lp CHEMICALS - Agricultural Chemicals	$37.97	-0.83 -2.14%	$39.00	335,549 98.34% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 341,200	$41.15 -7.73%	11/1/2012	$39.11	PP = $40.15
								MB = $42.16
Most Recent Note - 12/13/2012 1:00:48 PM Y - Slumping near its 50 DMA line today with volume picking up while retreating from its 52-week high. Recent gains with below average volume indicated lackluster buying demand from the institutional crowd. Disciplined investors may watch for volume-driven gains for a new high close to trigger a technical buy signal. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 11/26/2012. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
Symbol/Exchange Company Name Industry Group	PRICE	CHANGE (%Change)	Day High	Volume (% DAV) (% 50 day avg vol)	52 Wk Hi % From Hi	Featured Date	Price Featured	Pivot Featured
								Max Buy
ULTA - NASDAQ Ulta Salon Cosm & Frag SPECIALTY RETAIL - Specialty Retail, Other	$94.25	-1.15 -1.21%	$96.23	1,002,647 130.16% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 770,300	$103.52 -8.95%	12/4/2012	$100.29	PP = $103.62
								MB = $108.80
Most Recent Note - 12/11/2012 7:05:33 PM Y - Damaging loss today on higher volume indicated distributional pressure against a mostly positive market backdrop, retreating from new its 52-week high. Disciplined investors will watch for volume-driven gains above the pivot point to trigger a new technical buy signal. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 12/4/2012. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
VSI - NYSE Vitamin Shoppe Inc SPECIALTY RETAIL - Specialty Retail, Other	$56.52	-0.12 -0.21%	$57.39	222,668 92.28% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 241,300	$61.89 -8.68%	12/3/2012	$59.06	PP = $61.99
								MB = $65.09
Most Recent Note - 12/13/2012 1:02:47 PM G - Still sputtering below its 50 DMA line today. Technically, the longer it lingers below its important short-term average the worse its outlook gets. The $61 area has been a stubborn resistance level in recent months. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 12/3/2012. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M
WPI - NYSE Watson Pharmaceuticals DRUGS - Drugs - Generic	$88.16	-0.76 -0.85%	$88.96	663,129 86.47% of 50 DAV 50 DAV is 766,900	$90.39 -2.47%	8/24/2012	$82.90	PP = $81.10
								MB = $85.16
Most Recent Note - 12/11/2012 6:26:59 PM G - Challenged its 52-week high today and finished at a best-ever close with a solid gain on slightly above average volume. No resistance remains due to overhead supply. Quarterly comparisons for sales revenues and earnings increases have shown sequential deceleration in its growth rate raising some fundamental concerns, as recently noted. >>> The latest Featured Stock Update with an annotated graph appeared on 11/23/2012. Click here. View all notes | Alert me of new notes | CANSLIM.net Company Profile | SEC | Zacks Reports | StockTalk | News | Chart |  Request a new note C A N S L I M