In this Issue:
• Don't Count the U.S. Consumer Out - Despite higher energy prices, we expect consumers to continue spending and the U.S. economy to grow
• In the Limelight
• STARS Status - Changes in S&P analysts' STARS rankings for August 15 through August 19.
• Three Technology Upgrades - Our analysts believe these stocks will perform significantly better than the market over the coming 12 months.
• Companies That Aren't Offshoring Jobs - While manufacturers continue to export jobs overseas, many service providers must have a physical presence in this country. Here are some favored stocks of companies that offer services.
• Favored Small-Cap Stocks - The stocks in the table below all have market capitalizations of $600 million or less and are ranked four or five STARS.
• CVS Takes the Express Lane - In our view, this giant drugstore chain should benefit from a savvy growth strategy and positive demographic trends.
• Master List Stocks Update - Our three supervised Master List groups of stocks, recommended as core holdings for long-term investors, are regularly featured on these two pages. Group 2, highlighted this week, consists of stocks we like for total return.
• S&P's Platinum Portfolio Some of the Companies Featured:
Allegheny Energy Inc.
Bank Of America Corp.
Brooks Automation Inc.
Chevron Corp.
Cognos Inc.
Community Health Systems Inc.
Cullen/Frost Bankers Inc.
CVS
Fedex Corp.
General Mills Inc. (GIS)
International Rectifier Corp.
JPMorgan Chase
Microsoft
Skywest Inc.
Staples Inc.
Sysco Corp.
Walmart Stores | 
