3 Worst Performing S&P 500 Stocks With High Trading Betas

 | Dec 06, 2012 02:42AM ET

Recent Performance of the Stocks Mentioned Below:

Average 1-Week Return: -7.06%
Average 1-Month Return: -20.82%
Average 1-Year Return: -38.84%

1. Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (CLF). Produces iron ore pellets, lump and fines iron ore, and metallurgical coal products. Beta at 2.38. Stock trading -9.35% below the 20-day SMA, -19.71% below the 50-day SMA, and -38.11% below the 200-day SMA.

2. Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (FCX). Engages in the exploration, mining, and production of mineral resources. Beta at 1.95. Stock trading -16.43% below the 20-day SMA, -18.35% below the 50-day SMA, and -12.14% below the 200-day SMA.

3. J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (JCP). J. C. Penney Company, Inc., through its subsidiary, J. C. Penney Corporation, Inc., operates department stores in the United States and Puerto Rico. Beta at 1.8. Stock trading -4.34% below the 20-day SMA, -21.27% below the 50-day SMA, and -35.91% below the 200-day SMA.