There are lots of different trading styles out there: Momentum, Aggressive Growth, Value, Growth & Income, Dart Throwing, and more.

(Ok, Dart Throwing isn't an 'official' style per se', but I'm sure there are a lot of people who would fit into that category if there was.)

But the above styles are just a few of the many different styles that people fit into. This also includes the 'All-Style Style', which is really just a combination of some or even all of the different styles put together.

Some of these are more conservative while others are more aggressive.

But which one works best?

Let's take a look at some.

Momentum Style

Momentum traders look to take advantage of upward trends (or downward trends) in a stock's price or earnings. They believe that these stocks will continue to head in the same direction because of the momentum that is already behind them.

And there's a lot of

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Second-quarter profits for the retailers have been coming in better than expected, mirroring a trend I've seen with other industries. Nearly 75% of the retailers have topped expectations.*

Though the numbers are better than forecast, they need to be taken in context with the economic backdrop. Most retailers failed to achieve growth, either in terms of same-store sales or profits. The third-quarter could remain challenging, given the consumer confidence numbers. The Conference Board's index of consumer confidence stands at just 54.1. Though an improvement from July, it is still a weak reading.

Some Retailers Delivering Real Growth

Not all retailers are struggling, however. In fact, just last week, 2 retailers reported both sales and earnings growth.

Aeropostale (ARO) achieved an impressive 12% increase in same-store sales, which helped lead to a 20% increase in total sales. Earnings of 57 cents per share were a penny above expectations, and compare

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Given that we're in back-to-school season, it is somewhat timely that Textile-Apparel Manufacturing appeared on my radar screen. The group has a strong revisions ratio, a sign that positive estimate revisions significantly outnumber negative revisions.

Behind the positive revisions are relatively better forecasts. Last week, Maidenform (MFB) and Warnaco Group (WRC) both raised their full-year EPS guidance. The week prior, True Religion (TRLG) gave a brighter forecast, while Polo Ralph Lauren (RL) predicted a less severe decline in sales than many had expected.

The revisions are notable because they suggest that business conditions are not as bad as feared. Since stocks are valued based on future profits, any increase in earnings estimates should lead to higher stock prices. In the case of the aforementioned stocks, several analysts have raised profit forecasts - a positive change.

Revisions Are Relative

Though the trend in earnings estimate revisions

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Last May, I discussed the possibility of a turnaround for oil & gas exploration and production (E&P) companies. Higher production and cost control measures led to positive earnings estimate revisions.

Three months later, the trend continues. Production levels, particularly in the North Sea and the Middle East, are increasing. Costs continue to be reined in. And analysts are raising their full-year profit forecasts further. During the past few weeks, 292 profit forecasts have been increased.

Commodity Prices Playing A Role

Rising oil prices are helping. Though significantly down from last year (crude peaked at $147.27 on Jul 11, 2008), crude rebounded throughout the second quarter. Furthermore, given the likelihood of economic expansion in the coming months, it is probable that a floor for oil prices has been set.

Natural gas prices may have hit a bottom. Natural gas started the year at $6.50 per million BTU and fell

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With the market being topsy-turvy as of late, consumer staples stocks are coming back into vogue.

The appeal of these stocks is their more stable business models and lower beta. What should really attract you, however, are the rising earnings estimates - particularly for food companies.

During the past 4 weeks, 47 full-year forecasts have been raised on companies within Food-Miscellaneous/Diversified, while only 8 have been cut.

The positive revisions have come on the heels of 2 good profit reports.

General Mills Sees Good Demand

Last week, General Mills (

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Though the Nasdaq has been one of the best-performing indexes this year, tech stocks could be poised for further gains in the second half of the year.

In particular, demand for storage devices and smartphones is showing signs of strength. During the past 2 weeks, several brokerage analysts have raised their profit projections on makers of these products.

Storage Device Revenues Higher Than Anticipated

Two storage makers recently raised their quarterly guidance.

Seagate Technology (

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Second-quarter earnings will be ugly.

Median EPS is projected to drop 21.2%. Nearly 75% of S&P 500 members are forecast to report earnings that are lower than a year ago. 62 companies are projected to have lost money.

These numbers are not unexpected given that we remain in the midst of a recession. They could even prove to be too pessimistic given the propensity of companies to surprise and the relative improvements in economic conditions.

Growth Industries

The one sector projected to show the strongest growth is also the one with the highest political risk - Medical. The majority of medical care providers, health insurers, pharmacy benefit managers and drug companies should report a year-over-year increase in profits.

Zacks #2 Rank ("buy") stocks expected to report growth include Stericycle (

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The spring rally has led to higher profit expectations for mutual fund managers.

To a large extent, this is a bit of a no-brainer for those who understand how the investment management industry works. Money managers earn a fee based on assets under manager (AUM). Any increase in the size of a portfolio should result in more fee dollars.

The S&P 500 rose approximately 40% since early March. All things being equal, AUM should have increased as a result.

However, fund managers have also enjoyed an influx of dollars. According to Strategic Insight, U.S. investors added more than $55 billion into stock and bond funds last month, making May the second consectuive month with $50+ billion of inflows.

It's worth adding the calendar into the explanation for why estimates are rising. The first-half of the year is almost completed. We already know what the first-quarter profits were and the

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The chip industry is showing signs of recovery as 3 different sets of data show.

On Monday afternoon, Texas Instruments (

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Commodity prices have been soaring. Oil, gold, copper, wheat and corn all recently hit multi-month highs. Even the Duke Brothers are making a mint on orange juice futures.

A steady stream of economic data showing a slower pace of deterioration in the U.S. has been the primary driver behind the recent surge. Also playing a role is the combination of a higher tolerance for risk, weekly fluctuations in inventories, the spring planting season, the dollar and sustained growth in China.

What's interesting about the rally is that it has yet to translate into higher earnings estimates for commodity-related companies.

Agriculture Companies

Wheat and corn futures recently set 8-month highs. Other agricultural-related futures have also soared, such as coffee. Profit forecasts for agricultural companies, however, have been trending lower.

There are 2 reasons for the disconnect.

The first is the credit crisis. Though the Treasury Department has deemed some banks too

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