Kramer notes that low-priced stocks are a great place to find fallen angels, or large (formerly) blue chip companies that have fallen out of favor for various reasons, such as missing an overly optimistic earnings forecast or lack of direction from management.

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But in the Arab press, such pronouncements are dismissed as exceedingly optimistic.

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Homebuilders, such as Pulte, have stated that they are optimistic that the cycle is just beginning to take off.

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But it said it was still concerned that future budget assumptions were "over-optimistic" and that risks - such as the cost of bringing back equipment from Afghanistan - had not been fully factored into calculations.

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The UPPs open up the favela to industries such as tourism, about which Paulo Roberto, a bar owner in Santa Marta is optimistic.

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It is hoped that lesser-known sports such as sitting volleyball, boccia and wheelchair basketball will attract large crowds, and organisers are optimistic more affordable prices will help sell the remaining tickets.

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Asdan, which offers a series of certificates in subjects such as "working with others" and "personal effectiveness", said it was "extremely optimistic" that it could work with the government to ensure its qualifications were fit for purpose.

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John Teerlink of the University of California, San Francisco, who headed the study, says he's optimistic relaxin will help patients' hearts without causing other, pregnancy-like effects such as weakened tendons.

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