The last several weeks have been quite difficult for even the most experienced stock market investors. Wide swinging prices and a persistent aura of negativity have ground down even the most positive long term player's confidence.

Times like these demand proven stock picking tools to help you stay into stocks most likely to appreciate and out of stocks that are simply too risky. Our Long Term PowerRatings are one such tool that is easy to use, yet proven to be highly effective.

These ratings are based on studies and testing over the last 12 years to determine exactly what it is that distinguishes these winners from the herd of mediocre and downright loser stocks. The results of this extensive research into the inner nature of equities has been boiled down to our Long Term PowerRatings ranking system.

This system rates stocks on a scale from one to ten based on the likelihood of them being higher one year forward. Stocks that have earned a 10 rating have an 81% chance of trading higher one year from now. Those with a 9 rating have proven to have a 79.1% chance of being higher a year later, and so on down the scale. Building a portfolio of top rated stocks and avoiding those volatile and risky ones on the bottom of the rating scale has proven to be a successful method across most market conditions. Let's take a close look at several of the upgraded stocks this week:

Hormel Foods (HRL | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) - This multinational maker of consumer meat and food brands was just upgraded from a 6 to a 7 Long Term PowerRating. The stock has been downtrending since the first week in October and they just lowered their yearly outlook. However, a dividend was declared and they still expect to beat fiscal 2007 results. Price appears to be consolidating here around the $26.00-$27.00/share range. Shares are remaining below the 50 and 200-day simple moving averages which are 32.21 and 36.51 respectively.

Foundry Networks (FDRY | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) - A computer routing and switching company that was just upgraded from a 3 to a 4 Long Term PowerRating. Revenue was up nicely in the 3rd quarter, however Net Income was down. There is litigation due to pending acquisition by Brocade Communication that burned some cash and sales to the US Federal Government was up an astounding 68%+ , a new record for the company. The stock has been trading erratically since its October, 27th lows. However, it is uptrending here and is above the 200 day Simple Moving Average, approaching the 50 day. The 50-day SMA, currently at $16.32/share has acted as resistance the last time price tested it.

Ruddick Corp (RDK | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) - The owner of Harris Teeter Supermarkets and strangely, a thread making company, was upgraded from a 3 to a 4 Long Term PowerRating. The stock has stabilized around the $26.00 level on the chart but is still sub the 50 and 200 say Simple Moving Averages. They just reported positive results for fiscal 2008 with consolidated sales increase of 9.7%. The gains were from the Harris Teeter Supermarket chain, with the thread company being a drag on performance in fiscal 2008.

Learn what you need to know as an active investor looking to invest in companies with a history of financial strength and a track record for growth. Click the link above or call us at 888-484-8220 extension 1 to get your copy of the "5 Secrets to Successful Stock Investing" today!

David Goodboy is Vice President of Business Development for a New York City based multi-strategy fund.

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