Stocks are lower after release of worse-than-expected economic forecast

The Conference Board says its index of leading economic indicators increased 0.6 percent in August, slightly less than the 0.7 percent increase expected by economists. Still, it marked the fifth straight month of gains in the index.

News of Dell Inc.’s plans to buy information technology company Perot Systems Corp. for about $3.9 billion did little to invigorate investors who have taken stocks up more than 50 percent since early March.

The benchmark Standard & Poor’s 500 index tacked on a 2.5 percent gain last week, bringing its total rise since March to 58 percent, after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke declared the U.S. recession was “likely over.” Investors are now waiting to see what the rest of the Fed has to say this week during its two-day rate-setting meeting, which begins Tuesday.

In early trading, the Dow Jones industrial average fell 62.05, or 0.6 percent, to 9,758.15. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index lost 7.44, or 0.7 percent, to 1,060.86, while the Nasdaq composite index fell 8.71, or 0.4 percent, to 2,124.15.

Yesterday’s Top Performing Small Cap Stock:

Mantra Venture Group Ltd. (OTC BB: MVTG) was a eXpressIR top performer yesterday closing up over14% on trading volume 939,764 of shares.

Mantra Venture Group Ltd. announced that it has received overwhelming support for its carbon recycling technology during a series of meetings earlier this week in Seoul, Korea.

On September 12th, executives at Mantra embarked on a 10-day business development mission to Busan and Seoul, Korea. Mantra’s itinerary included meetings and presentations with several prospective industry partners, on-site meetings with industry officials and financing groups, and participation in ENTECH 2009, Korea’s largest tradeshow focused on energy and environment.

Mantra spent the early portion of the trip meeting with government officials and industry leading organizations in both Busan and Seoul, and the company was very pleased with the degree of interest expressed for its Electroreduction of Carbon Dioxide (ERC) technology. Larry Kristof, President and CEO of Mantra, notes: “While we are still only in the early stages of our trip, a number of proposed financing opportunities and development partnerships came to the surface during our initial meetings. Each of these proposals would considerably fast track Mantra’s ERC technology if finalized, and we will further evaluate these opportunities in the coming days.”

American Green Group, Inc. (Pink Sheets: AMNE) was another eXpressIR top performer yesterday closing up over 71% on trading volume of589,232,184 shares.

American Green Group, Inc. through its joint venture with Ecosafe Insulation of Florida, LLC (ECOFL) will increase its Net Assets by $8 million dollars in the third quarter.

Under the terms of the agreement with ECOFL, AMNE is entitled to half of the revenue generated from ECOFL. ECOFL will be completing a reverse merger in the next few days and will issue AMNE a fifty percent equity stake in the new company. At the current market value AMNE would realize a gain to its Net Assets of $8 million dollars.

Today’s Hot Stock to Watch:

The Wyncrest Group, Inc. (Pink Sheets: WNCG)

The Wyncrest Group, Inc. today announced that it expects commissions earned from the sales of insurance and other financial products by its Dallas-based realtor and financial services target acquisition will be $5 million in 2009. During 2008, it generated gross premium sales of $15 million, resulting in $100,000 of EBITDA. Keith Lanzara, President of Wyncrest, commented, “We believe this piece of the puzzle complements our existing business lines well, and further helps to broaden our geographical and product offering diversity with the addition of nearly two dozen new sales representatives to our team.”

GWS Technologies, Inc. (OTC BB: GWSC)

GWS Technologies, Inc., an alternative energy company developing and marketing solar and wind-powered renewable energy products and solutions, recently announced that the Green Baron Report issued a new “Stock Alert” profile dated Wednesday, September 9, 2009 to its members and is also available on their website. The report focused on how new government incentives and enhanced tax credits for renewable energy have created an explosion in business opportunities to deliver green energy. GWS Technologies is at the forefront of this wave and is firmly position to benefit by developing and marketing solar and wind-powered renewable energy products and solutions.