Rocket Stocks for the Week

As the major market indices rallied for another week, optimism truly sprung eternal as traders and portfolio managements sought to bring in the New Year with a bang. Historically, though, holiday seasons are always positioned upward due to several important factors, including the lack of market participants due to holiday vacations. The light volume, generally speaking, makes asset prices easier to manipulate both upward and downward, and a generally more optimistic view helped push the market close to a monthly high.

Our principal pick last week was Monsanto(MON Quote), which finished up a respectable 8% on the week as international markets rebounded and the re-inflation trade took force. Still near its 52-week low, Monsanto is probably a bit overheated despite being attractive in the long run.

This week's Rocket Stocks portfolio focuses on both earnings and momentum plays. It includes some names to avoid this week as well.

To read more, visit Stockpickr.com.