Stocks & ETFs of Interest at or Near New Highs

The comments out of S&P today regarding the US credit rating combined with weak stocks overseas last night was enough to push down the market by over 1 percent.

Even as the market sold-off, a number of stocks and ETFs were either hitting fresh highs or held up well and continued to trade near the highs. Here are a few I find intriguing:

1. SPDR Gold ETF (GLD) - Yet another new all-time high for the yellow metal. Considering this is Penn Financial Group's largest holding we are happy with the continued success with GLD.
2. CPFL Energia (CPL) - The Brazilian utility surged to a new all-time high on twice the normal volume. With no major news announcement it suggests there is something brewing.
3. Genesee & Wyoming (GWR) - Railroad company that has been booming with the economy recovering and the demand for commodities increasing. Down 1.5 percent today, but on light volume.
4. Mercadolibre (MELI) - The Ebay of Argentina has been a favorite stock of mine for years, but unfortunately do not own any as of today. The Latin American firm closed at a new historic high today.
5. Stanley Black & Decker (SWK) - The maker of small tools is not exciting, however a report over the weekend that highlighted the amount of money being spent fixing up their homes is a good news for SWK.

** PFG currently owns shares of GLD, CPL, and GWR.