Investors are constantly trying to gain any little advantage when studying potential stocks to add to the portfolio. Keeping close tabs on Wall Street analyst price targets may help investors stay tuned in to current sentiment. After a recent check, we have noted that Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. (NYSE:SQM) has an average target price of 53.5. Even though professional analysts may have better information about a certain company, investors may need to proceed with caution when it comes to following price targets. Price targets are essentially educated guesses on what will happen with the stock price going forward. Investors who buy or sell strictly on analyst targets may be banking on analysts being correct about their projections. Although this strategy may work out more often than not, investors may be better served to conduct their own research and then use price target estimates as a comparison tool.
Investors might be preparing to do a portfolio evaluation as we move towards the close of the year. There may be plenty of big winners from the first half of the year, but there may also be some underperformers that need to be reviewed. Making sure that the portfolio stays in balance can help prepare the investor for success over the next few quarters. With the stock market still riding high, investors may be wondering how to play the market into the near future. If market momentum starts to shift, investors may need to be ready to make some tougher decisions. Being prepared for any market situation can help the investor cope with rough waters when the time comes.
Investors may be sizing up shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. (NYSE:SQM). After a recent check, we see that the current quarter EPS consensus estimate provided by Zacks is standing at 0.56. This EPS estimate is comprised of 3 sell-side analysts polled by Zacks. For the last reporting period, the company posted a quarterly EPS of 0.51. Analysts and investors will be closely studying the next round of company earnings reports. Consistent success on the earnings front may point to the company moving in the right direction. On the flip side, a company that has strung together a few bad quarters may ring the warning bells for interested investors.
Investors have the ability to follow Wall Street analyst views when conducting stock research. Sell-side analysts often put in a lot of time trying to evaluate the inner workings of a company. They may dig through the financials, conduct interviews, and pay keen attention to conference calls in order to compile data for the research report. Many analysts will offer buy, sell, or hold recommendations for stocks they cover. Checking on shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. (NYSE:SQM), we see that the current average broker rating is 1.4. This average rating falls on a scale from 1 to 5 where a 1 would indicate a Strong Buy. On the flip side, a 5 rating would signify a Strong Sell. Based on data provided by Zacks, there are currently 4 polled analysts rating the stock a Strong Buy or Buy. Investors often have to decide whether they are in agreement with how the analysts perceive the future prospects of a specific stock.
Investing in the stock market can sometimes draw intense emotion from individual investors. When the market slips into a chaotic state, some investors may let their emotions get the best of them which can lead to impulsive decisions. On the other side of the coin, market chaos may cause certain investors to freeze in a panic. This may mean that the investor becomes shaken to the point that they are unable to make any decisions let alone an educated one. Discipline is a quality shared by many successful traders and investors. Staying committed to the plan, whether short-term or long-term, can help investors make it through those times of extreme market uncertainty.
Following recent trading activity on shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. (NYSE:SQM), we can see that the stock has been hovering near the 47.14 price level. Shareholders might be asking themselves whether now is a good time to buy or sell the stock. Over the previous 12 weeks, the stock has moved -1.61%. Looking back over the last month, shares have moved 2.61%. Over the previous week, the stock has changed 13.13%. Investors may also be watching the current price in relation to the 52-week highs/lows. After a recent scan, we note that the 52-week high is presently 63.9, and the 52-week low is 40.77.
Keeping an eye on the all the day to day happenings in the stock market can be quite a task. Investors may need to try to focus in on the most important information when attempting to examine stocks to add to the portfolio. As earnings reports continue to roll in, investors may be taking a deeper look at some of the names that they have on their shortlist. Investors may also be taking a look at future estimates and guidance provided by companies in order to get a feel of how the stock price may be affected in the future. With the equity market still trading at super high levels, investors may be wondering how much higher some stocks in the portfolio can go. Maybe there are a few winners that look like they have peaked, and investors may have to decide whether to cash in or hold out for more gains. Maybe there are a few losers that have been underperforming and need to be cut loose.