Crowell Roberts Investment Blog

Recently, I recommended Fastenal (FAST-$47), Transdigm (TDG-$106) and Solarwinds (SWI-$33).These are all off to good starts . . . .

.Amazingly, despite the 30-point jump following its report, its stock is selling at only 10 times estimated 2012 earnings, less than the overall ratio of the stocks in the S&P 500.

Investor behavior is often irrational, as seen in exaggerated panic trading in overreaction to these threats. Economic recovery rather than austerity is the solution and there are growing signs that this is underway, particularly in the U.S., despite opposition political efforts to strangle it.

Those who hoped that 2012 would bring an end to uncertainty and volatility in the stock market will be disappointed. Those who accept these factors and take advantage of them will be rewarded.

Manufacturing in America has quietly become a bright spot with two straight years of job growth after a dozen years of job losses in manufacturing.

The forecast is for cloudy skies and gusty winds, clearing later in the year. Take your umbrella.

These are troubling times but a ship can maintain her course despite choppy seas, provided she properly trims her sails.

All these uncertainties continue to breed remarkable valuations among stocks in growing companies. The uncertainties will persist for, well, for an uncertain period, and investors may have to exercise even more patience than usual, particularly for stocks that have a European accent.

Apple doesn’t fret, it executes, and I expect its price back above $400 by yearend and breaking $500 in 2012.

There are many well-publicized worries but there is also much for which to be thankful at this season.