As we head into both a new decade and a new normal, don’t forget that the traditional rules of the road still apply.

In a July 2008 Commodities Trends article I discussed a powerful, longer-term trading tool designed to determine the direction of the stock market in general, the Dow Jones Industrial Average in particular. This methodology has accurately identified virtually every major trend in the Dow over the past 100 years.

In light of restocking and other positive data, last week’s spike in unemployment claims appears reflect seasonal issues rather than any newfound business weakness.

Even when markets experience a secular decline, cyclical fluctuations around the trend that can lastfor years. We are currently experiencing such a cyclical rebound, and investors would be well advised to invest accordingly.

The Bank of Canada maintained its conditional commitment to keep its benchmark interest rate steady through the first half of 2010.

One group of companies looks ready to profit regardless of how the details on the Democrats’ plans to overhaul the US health care system shake out: Canadian providers of health care products and services.

Unless they work on Wall Street, Americans will be thrilled not to get a pink slip. But there are still ways to play holiday spending.

Strong leverage to Asia’s growth helped keep Australia’s economy out of recession despite the worst global downturn in decades.

As an emerging tech expert I tend to follow companies on the vanguard of research; the stocks can be very volatile until the big payoff shows up. And timing these moves is next to impossible. My strategy is to buy a handful of small companies that show promise and hope a couple hit it big–venture capitalist style. If you’re risk tolerant and patient, it’s a good way to spice up your portfolio.