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Markets. About 90% of the US companies she holds have reported earnings and have come in better than expected. Earnings so far are up about 10% year-over-year. Going in, it was about 6%. Doing this is one of the reasons the US market has done so well off the lows in October. TSX has a larger energy component and there is a cautious tone because none of the companies really know what is going to happen in 2015. The US economy recovery is definitely underway with strong employment numbers and very strong manufacturing activity. The “new order” number was actually at 64, a very high number, which is a good signal for future business activity. GDP has come in at 3.5% for the 3rd quarter, better than expected. Because of lower energy prices, consumer is at a new recovery high, a good signal for future consumer spending. Going forward, as long as we don't see a deep recession in Europe and China stays at the 7%-7.5% level, and as long as the US companies can still post relatively attractive profit growth, then equities have more upside. There are still geopolitical risks in the Middle East and Russia, which is always a concern.

Has done well, particularly in the last year. This is a very large global company, and some would argue that it is too big to grow. They took on some debt to buy back stock. Fairly expensive at this level. If you own, consider taking some profits.

A mature technology company. In their end markets, spending is not as strong and somewhat moderating their CapX spending as their networks have primarily been built out. Also, they are seeing a lot of weakness in emerging markets. Restructuring and reducing their employment base by about 8000 jobs. Trading at a relatively low multiple of 11X forward earnings and gives a pretty attractive yield, but not a lot of earnings growth. New competitors are coming in, and they are losing share.

They reset their expectations in China because they are having difficulty collecting the royalties. Indicated the total adjustable market is growing at 15% plus, but this company is now guiding to 3%-4%. They are under regulatory scrutiny for anti-competition practices in China as well. Emerging markets is really the growth market for smart phones now, and the average selling prices are much lower. Earnings visibility is very low. She would go somewhere else where there is more visibility of growth.

She hasn't owned a telecom for the last 1.5 years. It feels like the Canadian regulator wants more competition in the space. Of the 3 major telcos, this is the one that has not been doing as well.

Provides a pretty attractive yield. Of all the US telcos, this would be the one she would buy if she wanted to be in this space. She has tended to stay in Canada for yield. Trading at a reasonable multiple and have a bit more growth on the wireless side.

Feels the dividend is safe. They tend to hedge out part of their production to ensure that they can pay the dividend as well as fund their CapX. She is not actively looking to add to energy right now. She'd like to see crude oil prices stabilize. There are a few events happening at the end of this month, which will give her an idea of what OPEC tends to do. Also, there will start to be some draw downs in inventories when refineries come back up for the winter season. Also, believes Libya is ramping down somewhat.

Reported this morning and results were disappointing. Their end markets are weakening. Her preference for the engineering/construction space is to be more global, such is Fluor Corp (FLR-N).

Metallurgical coal prices have been weakening. It is at the point where a lot of the producers are not making money and there have been supply cuts announced, but they haven't fully come on stream. This is a low-cost producer in coal as well as copper. Have restructured their balance sheet and have no debt maturing in the next few years. Feels the dividend is sustainable, at least for the next year. At this price and a yield of 3.5%, it is probably an attractive entry point if you are a long-term holder.

(A Top Pick Oct 29/13. Up 22.2%.) A diversified health company. About 40% of their branded generic business is in emerging markets. They expect to increase that percentage. Also, a large player in the nutritional business. Their 3rd division is medical devices and diagnostics.

(A Top Pick Oct 29/13. Up 29.62%.) Stock has done very well but she would not be buying here. They report on Nov 18. They’re in a very nice spot. Housing at 1 million starts is really just starting to ramp up, way below its normalized level. Energy prices have come off which has caused gas prices to come down 20%, and that has boosted consumer spending. Expects they will report a very nice number, but it is already near her target price.

(A Top Pick Oct 29/13. Up 4.34%.) A diversified global company. Share price has not performed well because of concerns about China’s growth slowing, which it has. Have a very strong presence there through Otis elevators. Well-positioned for the infrastructure spend that she sees going on in the emerging markets. Still likes the name and feels it is very reasonably priced. Yield is in excess of 2%. Sees this at $125 in 12 months.

This company has done well, but she prefers United Technologies (UTX-N) which has a bigger presence in China. Although the absolute growth in China is better than other parts of the world, it has been slowing, which is a negative for United Technologies, but earnings are a little less cyclical in a downturn.

This is a company that grows through acquisitions. They buy the R&D and then, when they buy the company, they cut costs and go from there. When the company announces an acquisition, the stock usually jumps. If you own, she would suggest you take your money and go elsewhere. She prefers a clearer picture of where the growth is coming from.

3-D printing. The stock has come off quite a bit. Was trading at a very high multiple and continues to do so. Missed on earnings and have had some management changes. She is keeping an eye on the sector. Very early stage. There is still a lot of volatility.