Markets

It's a similar thing with the recent enormous rally among shares of virtually all metal miners, from BHP Billiton (NYSE: BHP) to Yamana Gold (NYSE: AUY) -- too much, too soon. Although I expect a broad recovery for commodity stocks to become a theme for 2009, I think we still have a mammoth near-term obstacle to overcome: fourth-quarter earnings.

The scam has already sent stock market spiraling out of control. Satyam’s share prices fell down 78 percent to Rs 39.95 and, since Satyam stock holds a 1.56 per cent weight in the 30-share bluechip index, Sensex lost 749 points, and counting, on Wednesday itself.

The benchmark index also, as an aftereffect, lost over 400 points. The company’s shares nosedived 90 per cent in the United States, where it is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. All up, as the panic spread, nearly 270 million shares changed hands on the fateful day in both the stock exchanges.

Investors bullish on future growth in the semiconductor sector, for example, can turn to Semiconductor HOLDRs or iShares S&P North American Technology/Semiconductors Index . But because these ETFs invest in a number of chip-related stocks, their diversity also limits your upside -- and investors may dilute stellar returns from that one amazing company in the crowd.

Fear not, Fool -- in this edition of "ETF Teardown," we'll use some nifty tools to drill into the best investments in the semiconductor sector. To help, we'll use Motley Fool CAPS, our tool for screening and ranking stocks and stock pickers.

The company said it has entered agreements with three banks to convert uncommitted working capital lines of credit into committed lines, for a total of $150 million in available credit. It's also negotiating with a fourth bank to convert the remaining $15 million credit facility to a committed line as well. Without further ado: Realtors allege Fannie hitting borrowers for profits