(MONEY Magazine) – --CONTRARY INDICATORS As if equity analysts weren't already in the doghouse, a soon-to-be-published academic study finds that their highest-rated stocks underperformed their lowest-rated ones in 2001--by 16.3%. How unusual is this phenomenon? In the 15-year period surveyed by the study, it happened only once before--in 2000.

--DIVIDED LOYALTIES Americans are far more brand loyal when purchasing products for their pets than when shopping for themselves--or even for their small children--says a recent study by market research firm Insight Express. Only 27% of shoppers stick to one label for baby food vs. 53% for pet food.

--PLANNING ATTACK Guy Cumbie, outgoing chairman of the Financial Planning Association, criticized his industry at a conference this fall for "not doing much planning." Arguing that most of what goes on under the rubric of financial planning is actually investment planning--and neglects broader-based, long-term goals--Cumbie called the problem an "embarrassingly gaping hole."

--CROOKED RATIONALE After studying a string of notorious Ponzi schemes outside the U.S., economist Utpal Bhattacharya argues that investors often take part not because they believe in the idea--in fact, many invest even when they suspect the pyramid will implode--but because the state so often bails out such schemes.

--DUBIOUS ADVICE During his team's October victory over Seattle, San Francisco's Terrell Owens (right) caught a touchdown pass, pulled a pen from his sock, signed the ball and gave it to financial adviser Greg Eastman. The NFL fined Owens $5,000 for a usually overlooked equipment infraction. Eastman also advises Seattle defensive back Shawn Springs, who got beat on the play.

--MENTAL ROLLER COASTER A survey of financial professionals found that visits to depression-related websites spike on days of market volatility and lousy business news. --S.D.S.