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Melissa Brock, Contributing Author at MarketBeat

Melissa Brock
About The Editor

Melissa Brock

Contributing Author

Experience

Melissa Brock worked as an associate editor & contributing writer for MarketBeat from 2021 to 2024.

She currently works as a full-time freelance writer and financial editor covering higher education, investing, personal finance, mortgages, college savings, insurance, and more. 

Areas of Expertise

Dividend Stocks, Retirement

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, Central College, Pella, Iowa

Past Experience

Melissa graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts in communication studies with minors in psychology and Spanish from Central College. She's a longtime member of the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC). While working in college admission, Melissa Brock pursued a freelance writing and editing career. 

Learn About MarketBeat's Editorial Guidelines and Standards Policy

Latest Articles by Melissa Brock

Heatmap in Trading: How to Learn What Market Depth Hides
December 27, 2022 1:00 AM ET

Heatmap in Trading: How to Learn What Market Depth Hides

Melissa Brock

The heatmap determines liquidity is in the market and how liquidity providers behave. Learn how to find out about actual orders in the market are made.

Read Heatmap in Trading: How to Learn What Market Depth Hides
Stock Market Sectors: What Are They and How Many Are There? 
December 9, 2022 1:00 AM ET

Stock Market Sectors: What Are They and How Many Are There? 

Melissa Brock

What is a stock market sector? Read through our guide of the 11 various stock market sectors and a few options for how to invest in them.

NASDAQ:AAPLNYSE:BACNYSE:CAT
Read Stock Market Sectors: What Are They and How Many Are There? 
How to Invest in Small Cap Stocks 
December 1, 2022 1:00 AM ET

How to Invest in Small Cap Stocks 

Melissa Brock

Wondering how to invest in small cap stocks? Let MarketBeat help you better understand the definition of small-cap stocks and how to invest.

NASDAQ:AMZNNASDAQ:MSFTNYSE:RAD
Read How to Invest in Small Cap Stocks 
Insider Selling Explained: Can it Inform Your Investing Choices?
September 29, 2022 11:00 PM ET

Insider Selling Explained: Can it Inform Your Investing Choices?

Melissa Brock

Can monitoring insider selling help you invest? Let's walk through some things you may need to know about insider selling.

NYSE:AIGNYSE:STZNASDAQ:OPCH
Read Insider Selling Explained: Can it Inform Your Investing Choices?
Is General Mills the Right Approach for Dividend Investors?
September 29, 2022 7:00 AM ET

Is General Mills the Right Approach for Dividend Investors?

Melissa Brock

Thinking of consumer staples? You may want to consider General Mills Inc. for the long term. Let's take a look at why you might want to consider it.

NYSE:GIS
Read Is General Mills the Right Approach for Dividend Investors?
Insider Buying Explained: What Investors Need to Know
September 28, 2022 11:00 PM ET

Insider Buying Explained: What Investors Need to Know

Melissa Brock

What is insider buying? Take a look at some insider buying factors that can help you decide whether to act on a CEO's, COO's or CFO's actions.

NYSE:OXYNYSE:ASANNASDAQ:SMMT
Read Insider Buying Explained: What Investors Need to Know
Does the Post-Pandemic Company Clorox Company Offer Opportunity?
September 27, 2022 6:00 AM ET

Does the Post-Pandemic Company Clorox Company Offer Opportunity?

Melissa Brock

Think Clorox is on the downhill slide after the pandemic? Let's find out, going through the pros and cons of investing in the stock.

NYSE:CLXNYSE:CHD
Read Does the Post-Pandemic Company Clorox Company Offer Opportunity?
Want to Profit on the Downtrend? Downtrends, Explained.
September 22, 2022 11:00 PM ET

Want to Profit on the Downtrend? Downtrends, Explained.

Melissa Brock

Think you can benefit from stock downtrends? You can! Learn the different methods of doing so in this comprehensive article.

NYSE:CANONASDAQ:KNBENASDAQ:SAVA
Read Want to Profit on the Downtrend? Downtrends, Explained.
Is W.W. Grainger Inc. a Solid Income Dividend King?
September 21, 2022 11:00 PM ET

Is W.W. Grainger Inc. a Solid Income Dividend King?

Melissa Brock

Looking for a worthy Dividend King among the aristocracy? Take a look at W.W. Grainger. Will it add a worthy boost to your portfolio?

NYSE:GWW
Read Is W.W. Grainger Inc. a Solid Income Dividend King?
Should You Purchase Dividend-Paying Costco Wholesale Corporation?
September 20, 2022 11:00 PM ET

Should You Purchase Dividend-Paying Costco Wholesale Corporation?

Melissa Brock

Costco may seem like a no-brainer investment due to its long-term success, but is it right for you? Let's take a look at this popular membership-based company.

NASDAQ:COSTNYSE:WMTNYSE:TGT
Read Should You Purchase Dividend-Paying Costco Wholesale Corporation?
Is Dividend King Hormel Foods Corporation a Worthy Investment?
September 19, 2022 11:00 AM ET

Is Dividend King Hormel Foods Corporation a Worthy Investment?

Melissa Brock

Looking for a Dividend King? Let's go over the pros and cons of investing in one such member of the royal family — Hormel Foods Corporation.

NYSE:HRL
Read Is Dividend King Hormel Foods Corporation a Worthy Investment?
Colgate-Palmolive Dividend
September 15, 2022 11:00 PM ET

Colgate-Palmolive Company: Is it the Dividend King for You?

Melissa Brock

Ready to sink your cash into a Dividend King stock? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of the Colgate-Palmolive Company.

Read Colgate-Palmolive Company: Is it the Dividend King for You?
Uptrend Stocks Explained: Learn How to Trade Using Uptrends
September 15, 2022 11:00 PM ET

Uptrend Stocks Explained: Learn How to Trade Using Uptrends

Melissa Brock

Dying to identify the uptrend? Choose stocks that will meet your goals based on a wide variety of factors, including identifying the uptrend.

NASDAQ:NBRVNASDAQ:AKRONYSE:HKD
Read Uptrend Stocks Explained: Learn How to Trade Using Uptrends
Is Lowes Companies Inc. a Good Post-Pandemic Dividend Stock?
September 14, 2022 4:05 AM ET

Is Lowe's Companies Inc. a Good Post-Pandemic Dividend Stock?

Melissa Brock

You've heard about Lowe's Companies Inc. success during the height of the pandemic. Is it still a good investment during this time or should you look elsewhere?

NYSE:LOWNYSE:HD
Read Is Lowe's Companies Inc. a Good Post-Pandemic Dividend Stock?
Overbought Stocks Explained: Should You Trade Them?
September 13, 2022 11:00 PM ET

Overbought Stocks Explained: Should You Trade Them?

Melissa Brock

What are overbought stocks? Let's take a look at some reasons you may want to consider overbought stocks or stay clear of them altogether.

NYSE:NRPNASDAQ:TA
Read Overbought Stocks Explained: Should You Trade Them?
Is Waste Management Inc. Worth a Second Look for Dividends?
September 13, 2022 12:00 PM ET

Is Waste Management Inc. Worth a Second Look for Dividends?

Melissa Brock

Ever thought about waste management stocks? Take a look at the pros and cons of investing in Waste Management Inc. for dividends.

NYSE:WM
Read Is Waste Management Inc. Worth a Second Look for Dividends?
Johnson Controls International PLC: Is it a Dividend Prizewinner?
September 9, 2022 11:00 AM ET

Johnson Controls International PLC: Is it a Dividend Prizewinner?

Melissa Brock

When you're on the hunt for the best dividend stock possible, you want one that shows incredible promise. Learn more about Johnson Control International here.

NYSE:JCI
Read Johnson Controls International PLC: Is it a Dividend Prizewinner?
What Are Trending Stocks? Trending Stocks Explained
September 7, 2022 11:00 PM ET

What Are Trending Stocks? Trending Stocks Explained

Melissa Brock

A trending stock is one that increases or decreases in value on a defined slope. Paying attention to trends can help you trade. Here's how.

Read What Are Trending Stocks? Trending Stocks Explained
Archer-Daniels-Midland Dividend
September 7, 2022 2:00 AM ET

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company: Should You Purchase? 

Melissa Brock

Thinking about expanding your portfolio to animal and human nutrition, agricultural commodities and other products and ingredients? Why not consider ADM?

NYSE:ADMNYSE:INGRNYSE:BG
Read Archer-Daniels-Midland Company: Should You Purchase? 
What to Know About Investing in Penny Stocks
September 6, 2022 11:00 PM ET

What to Know About Investing in Penny Stocks

Melissa Brock

Have you bought about sinking your money into penny stocks? Take a look at a few things you may want to think about before you do.

Read What to Know About Investing in Penny Stocks
Is Viatris Inc. a Contrarian Dividend Option for Your Portfolio?
September 2, 2022 11:00 PM ET

Is Viatris Inc. a Contrarian Dividend Option for Your Portfolio?

Melissa Brock

Does Viatris Inc. make a good contrarian dividend play? It potentially could — for the right investor. Let's look at why you might want to invest.

NASDAQ:VTRSNYSE:BHVN
Read Is Viatris Inc. a Contrarian Dividend Option for Your Portfolio?
Is Dividend-Paying 3M Company Worth Investing In?
September 1, 2022 3:50 AM ET

Is Dividend-Paying 3M Company Worth Investing In?

Melissa Brock

Is the conglomerate 3M a great option for your portfolio? Let's check into the opportunities available to you with 3M after paying a dividend for 99 years.

NYSE:MMM
Read Is Dividend-Paying 3M Company Worth Investing In?
Utilities Stocks Explained – How and Why to Invest in Utilities
August 29, 2022 11:00 PM ET

Utilities Stocks Explained – How and Why to Invest in Utilities

Melissa Brock

Let's take a look at an overview of utilities stocks and inflation, whether utilities stocks are a good investment, when utilities stocks do well

Read Utilities Stocks Explained – How and Why to Invest in Utilities
Should You Add New Dividend King PepsiCo Inc. to Your Portfolio?
August 29, 2022 11:00 AM ET

Should You Add New Dividend King PepsiCo Inc. to Your Portfolio?

Melissa Brock

Are you thinking about adding a new royally crowned stock to your portfolio? Why not consider adding PepsiCo, a new Dividend King, to the mix?

NASDAQ:PEPNYSE:KO
Read Should You Add New Dividend King PepsiCo Inc. to Your Portfolio?

Latest Articles Reviewed by Melissa Brock

Defocused shot of a handsome young businessman in his workplace
March 20, 2024 5:30 AM ET

Is it Time to Take Profits in Financial Stocks?

Ryan Hasson

As the financial sector reaches a pivotal point after six months of strong growth, investors may question if now is the right time to cash in on profits.

NYSE:JPMNYSE:BRK.BNYSE:V
Read Is it Time to Take Profits in Financial Stocks?
Xpeng car surrounded by prospective buyers
March 19, 2024 10:03 AM ET

Growing Twice as Fast as Tesla, XPeng is a Buy

Gabriel Osorio-Mazilli

Can XPeng stock lead the way this time? Wall Street analysts and institutions believe it will, right on time for a potential earnings beat this week.

NASDAQ:NVDANASDAQ:TSLANYSE:XPEV
Read Growing Twice as Fast as Tesla, XPeng is a Buy
Chipotle Mexican Grill Sign
March 19, 2024 5:30 AM ET

This Sector Ready to Outshine Key Rival, Says New Report

Kate Stalter

Consumer discretionary stocks are likely to outpace consumer staples, says Bank of America. Consumers' resilience and greater automation are driving growth.

NASDAQ:AMZNNYSE:AZONYSE:CMG
Read This Sector Ready to Outshine Key Rival, Says New Report
Bear warning in the woods signage or camping danger sign as a scary predator as a risk for Bears in the wild with 3D illustration elements.
March 18, 2024 8:59 AM ET

Are We in a Bear Market? Here are the Signs

Dan Schmidt

Are we in a bear market? We’ll help you better understand the reasons why (or why not) it's worth it to worry about bear markets.

Read Are We in a Bear Market? Here are the Signs
Electricity lightning in white servers data center room storage systems 3D rendering
March 15, 2024 9:46 AM ET

Jabil Stock Implodes: Market Manufactures Entry for New Money

Thomas Hughes

JBL had a weak quarter after selling its mobility business; Guidance is also weak, but a turning point is close, and growth will resume next year.

NASDAQ:AAPLNYSE:JBL
Read Jabil Stock Implodes: Market Manufactures Entry for New Money
Dollar General sign at a discount store
March 15, 2024 8:42 AM ET

Dollar General: Discount Giant Weathers Economic Storms

Jeffrey Neal Johnson

Dollar General navigates economic headwinds with resilient sales figures, declining profitability, and a strategic focus on operational efficiency.

NYSE:DGNYSE:WMTNASDAQ:PDD
Read Dollar General: Discount Giant Weathers Economic Storms
Man using online sports betting services on phone and laptop
March 15, 2024 8:29 AM ET

Flutter Receives Major Upgrades: Investor Interest Skyrockets

Sam Quirke

With Flutter shares starting to show some serious momentum, the company has earned its place on any investor's watchlist for the year ahead. 

NYSE:FLUT
Read Flutter Receives Major Upgrades: Investor Interest Skyrockets
Taiwan Semiconductor sign logo on headquarters in Silicon Valley of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company - San Jose, California, USA - 2021
March 14, 2024 5:39 AM ET

$5 Billion Boost for Taiwan Semiconductor Aids Nvidia Expansion

Gabriel Osorio-Mazilli

Taiwan Semiconductor stock is quickly becoming a top pick this year as the core chip manufacturing play, earning $5 billion through the U.S. government.

NASDAQ:AAPLNASDAQ:NVDANASDAQ:SUSQ
Read $5 Billion Boost for Taiwan Semiconductor Aids Nvidia Expansion
Marvell logo on the outside of a building
March 8, 2024 12:12 PM ET

Marvell Technology: Riding the AI Wave Despite Market Turbulence

Jeffrey Neal Johnson

Marvell Technology is a semiconductor leader navigating the dynamic landscape of AI-powered growth amidst broader market challenges.

NASDAQ:MRVLNASDAQ:BRCMNASDAQ:NVDA
Read Marvell Technology: Riding the AI Wave Despite Market Turbulence
The three piggy bank for saving to illustrate what is a microcap
March 8, 2024 11:33 AM ET

What is a Microcap Stock? Everything You Need to Know

Dan Schmidt

What is a microcap stock? We’ll help you better understand the definition of a microcap stock and why you may want to invest in microcap stocks.

Read What is a Microcap Stock? Everything You Need to Know
Image of chips and stocks in background
March 8, 2024 10:48 AM ET

How to Invest in Casino Stocks: Pros and Cons and More

Claire Shefchik

Ready to invest in the heady world of casino stocks? Learn how to invest in casino stocks and “Sin City” with MarketBeat.

NASDAQ:CHDNNASDAQ:DKNGNYSE:IGT
Read How to Invest in Casino Stocks: Pros and Cons and More
Image of cannabis and money
March 8, 2024 9:43 AM ET

How to Invest in Cannabis in 8 Easy Steps

Claire Shefchik

How do you invest in cannabis? Let MarketBeat guide you on how to invest in cannabis, from understanding the risks to choosing a cannabis company.

NYSE:LEA
Read How to Invest in Cannabis in 8 Easy Steps
MongoDB logo on a building
March 8, 2024 9:03 AM ET

MongoDB Stock's AI Bubble Burst: Is Now the Time to Buy?

Thomas Hughes

MongoDB had a solid quarter, but guidance left the market wanting more. The stock fell hard in premarket trading, and investors are buying the dip.

NASDAQ:ADBENASDAQ:AMZNNASDAQ:MSFT
Read MongoDB Stock's AI Bubble Burst: Is Now the Time to Buy?
Shake Shack logo on the side of a building
March 8, 2024 8:46 AM ET

Here's Why Shake Shack’s Recovery Builds Momentum

Sam Quirke

There's a strong argument to be made that as a result of not yet reclaiming previous highs, Shake Shack has been somewhat flying under the radar. 

NASDAQ:MSFTNASDAQ:NVDANYSE:SHAK
Read Here's Why Shake Shack’s Recovery Builds Momentum
Micron logo on the side of a building
March 8, 2024 8:10 AM ET

Micron Stock: Why $100 per Share is Just the Start

Sam Quirke

With shares of Micron trading up just over 1% in Friday's pre-market session, it's looking like they're set to end the week on a special high note.

NASDAQ:MUNASDAQ:NVDA
Read Micron Stock: Why $100 per Share is Just the Start
Robotic man cyborg face representing artificial intelligence concept 3D rendering
March 7, 2024 11:08 AM ET

How to Invest in Artificial Intelligence in These Simple Ways

Dan Schmidt

How to invest in artificial intelligence? We’ll help you better understand the definition of AI and how companies use it in this fast-growing area.

NASDAQ:GOOGNASDAQ:AMZNNYSE:IBM
Read How to Invest in Artificial Intelligence in These Simple Ways
Boeing airplane image; image of airplane flying
March 5, 2024 10:01 AM ET

Boeing’s Big Order: Is it Blue Skies or Bumpy Runways?

Jeffrey Neal Johnson

Boeing navigates a turbulent landscape where commercial success clashes with manufacturing concerns and ongoing legal battles.

NYSE:BANASDAQ:AALNASDAQ:AAWW
Read Boeing’s Big Order: Is it Blue Skies or Bumpy Runways?
CAVA on a smartphone image.
March 5, 2024 9:15 AM ET

Cava Group Serves Up 60% Gain Amid Strong Post-IPO Buying

Kate Stalter

Cava Group is among leaders in the thriving restaurant industry, returning more than 60% in three months, underlining industry resilience amid high inflation.

NYSE:CAVANYSEARCA:EATZNYSEARCA:XLY
Read Cava Group Serves Up 60% Gain Amid Strong Post-IPO Buying
Short sale words floating above a tablet with a businessman in the background
March 4, 2024 9:53 AM ET

How to Short a Stock in 5 Easy Steps 

Jea Yu

How do you short a stock? We'll help you better understand the definition of shorting and how to short a stock step by step.

NYSE:GMENYSEARCA:SDS
Read How to Short a Stock in 5 Easy Steps 
Modern way of exchange. Image of abstract cryptocurrency with gold bitcoin background.
March 1, 2024 11:33 AM ET

How to Buy Bitcoin Stock: 3 Easy Ways to Do It

Sarah Horvath

Learn all the steps to learn how to buy bitcoin stock, from choosing a cryptocurrency exchange to storing bitcoin. Gain exposure without investing a fortune.

NASDAQ:COINNASDAQ:PYPL
Read How to Buy Bitcoin Stock: 3 Easy Ways to Do It
Image of superhero banker investing in bank stocks
March 1, 2024 8:41 AM ET

Your Comprehensive Guide to Investing in Bank Stocks

Claire Shefchik

Bank stocks can offer steady dividend investments. Learn more about investing in bank stocks, particularly during economic downturns and banking crises.

NYSE:ALLYNYSE:BACNYSEAMERICAN:CCF
Read Your Comprehensive Guide to Investing in Bank Stocks
Image of a blockchain; learn how to invest in blockchain stocks with MarketBeat
February 29, 2024 10:57 AM ET

How to Get in on the Blockchain Boom with Blockchain Stocks

Jessica Mitacek

Blockchain stocks offer a plethora of investment opportunities. Learn how to invest in blockchain stocks and take advantage of the blockchain boom.

NASDAQ:RIOTNASDAQ:OSTKNASDAQ:COIN
Read How to Get in on the Blockchain Boom with Blockchain Stocks
Close-up of man's hands holding Canadian cash for RRSP and TFSA investments
February 29, 2024 9:34 AM ET

How to Invest in Canada for Beginners: Tips for Easy Investing

Dan Schmidt

If you are a Canadian citizen, let’s take a look at how to invest in Canada step by step. Learn why it’s worthwhile to tap into Canadian investments.

NYSE:BMOTSE:BMONYSE:CDI
Read How to Invest in Canada for Beginners: Tips for Easy Investing
Nancy Pelosi at VH1 Trailblazer Honors at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre
February 29, 2024 5:00 AM ET

PANW Profits from Pelosi: Former House Speaker’s Recent Trades

Dan Schmidt

According to a recent Periodic Transaction Report from the U.S. House of Representatives clerk, Pelosi made two February trades of PANW call options.  

NASDAQ:QQQNYSE:LEA
Read PANW Profits from Pelosi: Former House Speaker’s Recent Trades