The Weekly Highlights Chosen by The Motley Fool's Editors
In the current economic climate, soaring gas prices have been a significant concern for many households. However, a household using 60 gallons of gas per month may find some relief as the decreased price of natural gas offsets the entire recent spike at the pump.
Meanwhile, the financial sector has been in the spotlight, and Banco Santander is making headlines by raising capital through the offering of stakes in its Latin American units. Another company worth considering is ArcelorMittal, which boasts a dividend yield of 3.2% and a price-to-book ratio of 0.55. Dan Caplinger, a Fool analyst, suggests ArcelorMittal as a dividend bargain.
ArcelorMittal and Banco Santander are not confined to European markets, with both companies conducting substantial business beyond the continent. For instance, Banco Santander offers a dividend yield of 5.9% and a price-to-book ratio of 0.71, making it an attractive option for investors.
In the telecommunications sector, France Telecom, the French equivalent to AT&T or Verizon, has international reach as one of its advantages. Anand Chokkavelu, another Fool analyst, deems France Telecom "dirt cheap" in terms of profitability and suggests it as a stock to buy in March. The Motley Fool's newsletter services have also recommended buying shares of France Telecom.
However, France Telecom is not without its risks. The company faces sovereign-debt risk in the eurozone and has a debt-laden balance sheet. It's essential for investors to consider these factors when making decisions.
Looking ahead, if gas prices remain around $4, Dan Caplinger suggests ArcelorMittal and Banco Santander, along with three other unspecified stocks, as potential purchases. Meanwhile, Morgan Housel, a Fool analyst, suggests ExxonMobil as an attractively priced stock to consider if oil prices are expected to rise further.
Interestingly, despite the $4-a-gallon gas prices, home heating costs have fallen to decade-low levels, providing a silver lining for consumers. On the other hand, Morgan Housel asserts that $4-a-gallon gas will not derail the U.S. economy.
Lastly, it's worth noting that The Motley Fool owns shares of ArcelorMittal, and news of slower growth in China is likely to have a more negative impact on ArcelorMittal's stock than issues in weaker European countries.
As always, it's crucial for investors to conduct thorough research and consider their individual financial situations before making investment decisions. The Motley Fool's free report "3 Stocks for $100 Oil" offers valuable insights for those interested in exploring further.
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