Does all this mean that investors should avoid bottling stocks?

It means avoiding stocks in tobacco, alcohol and weapons.

If more companies raised dividends in the most recent six months, compared with the similiar period of the previous year, then one should avoid stocks.

It also avoids stocks involved in businesses like liquor, gambling and banking.

Some retirees avoid gold or aggressive stocks; others say the risk is small and worth the potential for gain.

It will also be more aggressive than the Idex funds, which avoid small stocks.

Relatively high interest rates for much of 1988 persuaded those managers to avoid stocks generally.

This lets clients avoid particular stocks that they may already hold in other accounts.

Some funds have therefore chosen to avoid foreign dividend-paying stocks.

This does not necessarily mean that you should avoid international stocks.