Invest All Way Through

reading

2011-06-22T05:54:00.000-07:00

What separates the world s most successful investors from ordinary investors, and even the vast majority of professional fund managers?

In the third of the bestselling Market Wizard series, acclaimed trading expert Jack D. Schwager digs into the psyches, strategies, and true accounts from 12 legendary traders who survived the most dynamic bull market in U.S. stock history as well as a collapse in commodity prices, dramatic failures in some of the world's leading hedge funds, the burst of the Internet bubble, and a fall into recession and the subsequent rumblings of recovery.

LMLP

2011-06-22T05:25:00.000-07:00

High ADX and RSI...

LML Payment Systems Inc. provides electronic payment, risk management, and authentication services primarily to businesses and organizations using the Internet to receive or send payments in Canada and the United States.

ES

2011-06-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

Resistance @ 10 -D MA Line, buy opportunity !!!

EnergySolutions Inc Common Stoc NYSE: ES

Week Ahead: Is It Time to Buy Stocks?

2011-06-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

By Edward Krudy

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The S&P 500's 200-day moving average is the line in the sand as the bulls and the bears fight over the U.S. stock market's direction. It will face one of its stiffest tests next week with Greece's debt crisis appearing to reach a climax.

more

As Economy Falters, Worries Grow That Stocks Will Follow

2011-06-13T04:31:00.000-07:00

Along with the feeling that the economic recovery isn't all it was cracked up to be has come a feeling that maybe the stock market rally isn't, either.
more

The Latest & Greatest Wireless Technology

2010-03-24T05:14:00.000-07:00

The Calm Before the Earnings Season Storm?

2009-10-07T09:47:00.000-07:00

Ahead of Alcoa

quote

2009-09-20T05:06:00.000-07:00

Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value
Albert Einstein
more quotations: Success and Failure

a perfect doji

2009-09-19T04:12:00.001-07:00

‘Hanging Man’ or ‘Doji’: Markets Don’t Seem to Care

freedom and flexibility

2009-09-18T05:07:00.000-07:00

However, because I am an independent trader who trades only my own money instead managing other people’s money, I have a tremendous amount of freedom and flexibility to trade the way I want to at all times. Those on Wall Street who work for others simply don’t have that luxury and that’s to their own detriment as well as their clients.

Exclusive Interview: Charles Kirk from The Kirk Report

quote of the day

2009-09-16T07:14:00.000-07:00

BUFFETT: It-- it hasn't gotten worse. It hasn't gotten much better either.
Warren Buffett to CNBC: No "Bounce" For Economy, But Residential Real Estate Has Improved

latest

2009-09-16T04:51:00.001-07:00

1 year ago

2009-09-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

quote of the day

2009-09-15T05:11:00.000-07:00

Obama: Some in Finance ‘Misreading this Moment’

Buffett goes to Wharton

2008-05-02T02:11:00.001-07:00

In this Web exclusive, we present further excerpts from his talk with the students, in which the megabillionaire offers his insights on judging managers, buying businesses, what metrics - if any - he relies upon, and why he views his job as similar to painting the Sistine Chapel.

read more | digg story

Fed could burst oil's bubble

2008-04-29T08:58:00.001-07:00

Central bank rate cuts have devalued the dollar, fueling the rise in crude prices; but if rate slashing stops, oil's rise may ease.

read more | digg story

Weekend reading

2008-04-25T09:29:00.001-07:00

Investing isn't just a coin tossThere's a lingering idea that past performance doesn't matter, even in investing. True, it's no guarantee, but performance does count. Here's why.

read more | digg story
read also

AAPL

2008-04-25T03:31:00.000-07:00

Many said that Apple's numbers were so-so, but not so bad at all after the iPod maker posts better-than-expected increase in revenue and profits on strong Mac. But Investors shouldn't be too surprised though since Apple consistently is conservative with its guidance. In fact I've been bullish on AAPL stock for sometime going back several months ago when wrote "love is blind" on my blog here at SLO;

an odd opinion about apple
inspired by book:KARAOKE CAPITALISM

We have heard already people talking about apple in a language usually reserved for small, fluffy animals and close family members! If you like more soul than life, lick the buttons( Steve Jobs once said: " We made the buttons on the screen look so good you'll want to lick them" ) and wow experience you get all in one apple! If your company has to hire a new CEO, you hire Steve and you'll most likely have a true Chief Emotional Officer also. It seems like that magic apple has a synesthetic content, too..
But AAPL is about first, being fit by creating business models that are well adapted to the new business conditions and second, being sexy by building and creating emotional innovations and moods that attract and addict customers. In my opinion the company has the answers about what does the apple sound, feel, taste or smell like.
I'm not smart enough to predict whether share price will double or triple, but for sure more emotions will be added in any product they deliver so driving the sales.
Who will win, fundamental or emotional analysis?
see entry

Btw- Apple CEO Steve Jobs boasted about the company's strong results. "With over $17 billion in revenue for the first half of our fiscal year, we have strong momentum to launch some terrific new products in the coming quarters," Jobs said in a statement.
and
Apple chief financial officer Peter Oppenheimer did not appear too concerned about the economic slump. When asked if Apple is feeling any effects of the slowdown, Oppenheimer said that traffic in Apple's retail stores continue to grow.

It has been a volatile couple of months for Apple. Shares plunged earlier this year along with other tech stocks due to concerns about the slowing economy as well as fears about competition for Apple's iPhone from Research in Motion's etc In fact during those setbacks I've been buying it

Of course, would like to listen bearish opinions, if any.
In the meantime, enjoy your investing world!
Everything else is life!

Armin

armin's stock selection blog

Japanese Candlestick

2008-04-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

store here

Dry Bulk Shipping Again!

2008-04-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

Idea:
more about my socialPicks here

Genco Shipping & Trading Limited ( GNK ) is an international shipping company that transports iron ore, coal, grain, steel products and other drybulk cargoes along worldwide shipping routes. The company's fleet of dry cargo vessels consists of Panamax, Handymax and Handysize vessels.

Genco, a Zacks #2 Rank (Buy), has a young fleet with an average age of six years compared to 16 years in the industry. The company's strategy is to manage and expand the fleet in a way that enables it to pay dividends to shareholders.

On Feb 13, Genco announced its fourth-quarter earnings and beat Wall Street estimates by 11.54%, or 12 cents per share. Net income was $33.5 million, or $1.16 per share, compared to $16.5 million, or 65 cents per share, in the fourth-quarter 2006. Analysts expected $1.04 per share.

Revenues increased 84% to $65.7 million from $35.7 million in the year-ago period, primarily due to the operation of a larger fleet.

The company has been successful in increasing rates. The average daily time charter equivalent, or TCE, rates obtained by the fleet increased 52.4% to $31,140 per day for the fourth quarter compared to $20,435 in the same period in 2006.

81% of the Fleet Secured on Contracts for 2008

On Mar 31, the company announced that it reached an agreement to extend the charter on one of its vessels, the Genco Marine, which was currently on charter with NYK Bulkship Europe S.A. The extended contract will be for 11 to 13 months at a rate of $47,000 per day, not including a 5% third party brokerage commission.

The company now has 81% of the fleet's available days secured on contracts for the rest of 2008. GNK believes securing these contracts will lock in earnings stability and will strengthen its ability to distribute large dividends to shareholders.

Analysts are Bullish about the First Quarter and 2008

Brokerage analysts are bullish on Genco for the first quarter and the year. Two out of five coverage analysts raised estimates in the last 30 days by one cent to $1.46 from $1.45. Sixty days ago, analysts were calling for $1.42 per share.

For the full year, consensus estimates rose 35 cents to $7.13 from $6.78 per share. Sixty days ago, analysts were estimating $6.70 a share.

Despite a recent run in the stock, the company still trades with a 2008 P/E of only 7.97. It has an outstanding five year average return on equity (ROE) of 20%. GNK's current dividend yield is approximately 5.70%. Analysts expect 2008 earnings growth of 36.85%.

by Zacks

see also my socialPicks

NFLX/Opinion

2008-04-16T05:55:00.000-07:00

ongoing discussion

China economy slows a touch

2008-04-16T05:08:00.001-07:00

By Eadie Chen and Simon Rabinovitch BEIJING (Reuters) - China shrugged off atrocious winter weather and a global credit crunch to post surprisingly strong economic growth of 10.6 percent for the first quarter. The outcome will be welcome to global...

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stockPick

2008-04-15T06:04:00.000-07:00

Encore Acquisition Company ( EAC ), an independent exploration and production company, is in the hot energy sector and has seen its shares trade up sharply in recent sessions. Brokerage analysts have been raising estimates as crude and natural gas prices stay at elevated prices.

Two out of five covering analysts raised for the first quarter in the last week by one cent to 82 cents from 81 cents a share. For the year, analysts are equally as bullish. Two out of six analysts raised consensus estimates in the last week by seven cents to $3.38 from $3.31 a share. Estimates are up by 44% in the last 90 days.

Encore, a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy), has surprised on estimates the last four quarters by 22.90%. EAC reports first-quarter earnings May 8...by Zacks
Sentiment. Buy
twitter

What Warren thinks...

2008-04-14T09:05:00.001-07:00

What Warren thinks...With Wall Street in chaos, Fortune naturally went to Omaha looking for wisdom. Warren Buffett talks about the economy, the credit crisis, Bear Stearns, and more.By Nicholas Varchaver,

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Twitter

2008-04-14T04:13:00.000-07:00

follow me on Twitter

Opportunities remain intriguing over the long-run.

2008-04-10T03:28:00.000-07:00

We upgrade our rating to Buy for Research In Motion (RIMM), following the company s record performance in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 (ended March1) along with an encouraging financial outlook provided by management. We expect the smart-phone device market to gain momentum as opportunities remain intriguing over the long-run. The company s channel sales expansion initiatives are also considered an impetus for meaningful top-line growth as carriers in new geographical regions launch Blackberry-enabled services. It is our view that RIMM will be able to maintain favorable average selling prices (ASP), due to technical superiority, despite facing increased competition. The company introduced a series of next-generation BlackBerry smartphones, specifically targeting CDMA EV-DO, EDGE, and Wi-Fi networks as other competitors are challenged with entry into
numerous wireless carriers around the world.
Source: Zacks
Target: 140
armin's stock selection

What Could the Fed Do?

2008-04-09T03:04:00.001-07:00

Since the Federal Reserve began rolling out ever more creative steps to unfreeze credit markets, it has sold or pledged a growing portion of its portfolio of Treasurys in order to put loans on its balance sheet to banks and securities dealers backed by mortgage-backed securities and other shunned collateral.

read more | digg story

Dividend Yield Stock

2008-04-07T02:59:00.001-07:00

TAL International Group, Inc. ( TAL ) also recently issued a full-year and fourth-quarter report that included a dividend declaration as well.

read more | digg story

2 common retirement account mistakes

2008-04-03T11:55:00.001-07:00

As the tax season deadline gets near, many people are thinking about where to put this year's retirement account contributions.

read more | digg story

Today’s Greatest Hits

2008-04-03T05:03:00.001-07:00

How does the current economic crisis compare to the Great Depression? Should Congress do anything to help homeowners and the states? Members of the Joint Economic Committee were looking to Ben Bernanke for guidance today.As Rep. Elijah Cummings (D., Md.) told the Fed chairman: “You’re the expert. You’re the one that we depend […]

read more | digg story

M100 Model Portfolio Web Logs

2008-04-02T12:10:00.001-07:00

This site is home to the web logs of the very best of the Marketocracy Model Fund managers. On their individual web blogs, you'll find sections that will help you understand each of these model funds' Performance, Portfolio, Timeliness, Strategy, Biography, and Journal.

read more | digg story

Do you have a place to trade?

2008-04-02T09:14:00.001-07:00

I've made many stock market trading decisions in this place, either virtual or real. It's an island, seems like the Lake Tahoe surrounded by sea ; nature and net all around! Wish you a tranquil trading wherever your place to trade may be!

read more | digg story

Will the sun keep shining on LDK Solar? - InvestorPlaceBlogs

2008-04-02T08:37:00.001-07:00

While many focus on the bull/bear debate with respect to the major indexes, there are many sectors that are trading well below the 20% down cut-off that defines a bear market. One sector that has been hit particularly hard is the solar sector. Many of the stocks trading in the group are down nearly 50%.

read more | digg story

Fed Says Tomayto, ECB Says Tomahto

2008-04-02T06:57:00.001-07:00

ECB Governing Council member Christian Noyer made the clearest public case to date for why the ECB isn’t following the Fed with interest-rate cuts.Mr. Noyer — a noted moderate who heads of France’s central bank — commended the Fed’s proactive response in a Prague speech, saying governor “Mishkin’s case for a risk-management approach to U.S. monetary policy in the present juncture obviously provides a sound rationale for the last three rate cuts by the FOMC.” Further, Chairman Ben Bernanke’s “in-depth knowledge of the credit crunch of the 1930s in the U.S… probably also helped shape this view that there is a non-zero probability in the current juncture of an ‘ugly equilibrium’ of the debt-deflation type that must be addressed by prompt and vigorous policy action.”So why isn’t the ECB — which has kept euro-zone money markets flush with funds since August but left its key rate on hold at 4% — following suit?First: “European banks are not of course immune from losses due to their exposure to the U.S. subprime market … but this exposure is, on average, significantly lower than that of their U.S. counterparts and their model of universal banking allows them to mitigate the consequences of a crisis in one segment of their activity.” Second, low household debt levels and a “weak transmission of financial shocks to household consumption via the wealth channel” mean “the macroeconomic consequences of protracted financial distress should be relatively less disruptive in the euro area.” Finally, “the short-term economic outlook is more encouraging in the euro area than in the U.S. — even if our economies are slowing down, no recession lies on the horizon.”Like many of his Governing Council colleagues, Mr. Noyer stressed the primacy of inflation and inflation expectations in the ECB’s decisions. Still, he became the first ECB polic maker to refer directly to the conditions in which a rate cut might be plausible, saying, “a solid anchoring of inflation expectations remains a prerequisite for rate cuts.” After euro-zone inflation hit a record 3.5% in March, most analysts pushed back their expectations of the ECB’s first cut to September from June.Stressing a bit of common ground, Mr. Noyer did ask that central banks on both sides of the Atlantic be cut some slack: “We should keep in mind that central banks cannot and should not be held responsible for everything. … Indeed, regulatory lapses seem to me to lie at the heart of the subprime crisis.” –Joellen Perry

read more | digg story

armin's stock buzz

2008-02-06T04:45:00.000-08:00

GROW...Funds Continue Success

2008-02-05T02:36:00.000-08:00

Financials: With home prices falling and the inventory of unsold homes rising, financial companies involved with the real-estate industry look like they have more trouble ahead. However, many financial companies have nothing to do with real estate or subprime mortgages and so have no exposure to the kinds of losses that have been making headlines. It is worth looking for these companies because they may be some of the biggest beneficiaries of lower interest rates, without the corresponding baggage that the lower rates were meant to offset. The two I like are U.S. Global Investors

The Wall Street Journal ’ s latest quarterly fund report ranks three U.S. Global funds in the top 1 percent overall and another fund in the top 2 percent overall as of December 31, 2007. The report also lists two U.S. Global large-cap funds among the top 10 funds in their categories in the latest 12-month period.

In addition, one of the company ’ s municipal bond funds was ranked #1 in the short-intermediate municipal debt category for the year ending December 31, 2007, and three other U.S. Global funds also earned top-quartile rankings in various time periods, according to Lipper.
Sentiment: Buy

armin's stock selection blog here

armin's stock selection

2008-02-01T10:58:00.000-08:00

Follow Astra portfolio through Strategy Lab open round 2!

armin's stock selection blog here

Thanks!
Have a good weekend!
Collected reading around the net:
Parents’ Pessimism Affects Children’s Investing

PX is rapidly growing in Asia ...

2008-01-30T03:14:00.000-08:00

Praxair, Inc. ( PX ) is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric and process gases, and high-performance surface coatings. Praxair products, services and technologies bring productivity and environmental benefits to a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, chemicals, food and beverage, electronics, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and others.
The company’s leading market position in North and South America should support long-term growth.
Fourth-quarter earnings per share of 98 cents outpaced the consensus estimate by 2% and surpassed the previous year’s 82 cents. For the full year, PX posted earnings per share of $3.62, topping the year-prior $3.00. more

armin's stock selection blog here

PCP(Precision Castparts Corp.) Update

2008-01-25T04:58:00.000-08:00

Precision Castparts Corp., which makes metal components for the aerospace and automotive markets, said that its fiscal 2008 third-quarter profit jumped 55 percent, boosted by strong sales across all major segments.
The company reported income of $246.5 million, or $1.76 per share, compared with $158.7 million, or $1.15 per share, in the year-ago period.
Total sales rose 23 percent to $1.7 billion from $1.38 billion in the third quarter of fiscal 2007.
Analysts polled by Thomson Financial, on average, estimated earnings of $1.72 per share on sales of $1.74 billion.
Sales from the company's investment cast products segment rose 24 percent to $540.9 million in the third quarter.
Forged products sales increased 21 percent to $771.8 million, while sales from the company's fastener products division grew 24 percent to $383.9 million. Additionally, year-over-year non-aerospace shipments increased to oil and gas, chemical processing, pollution control and other markets, Precision Castparts said.

Risk to the PCP's operations are directly linked to the aerospace industry. As a result, any
slowdown in the industry could lead to a decline in demand for its products. Additionally, fluctuation in the prices of basic materials could affect PCP's business.
I believe that demand for its products will remain high.

Astra portfolio: PCP Marketocracy tracking records as of January 25, 2008.
Portion of fund: 3.24%
Days held: 179
Inception return: - 19.15%

Opinion: Buy

Astra

my funds @ Marketocracy...

AAPL!

2008-01-24T06:02:00.000-08:00

Love is Blind
an odd opinion about apple
inspired by the book:KARAOKE CAPITALISM

We have heard already people talking about apple in a language usually reserved for small, fluffy animals and close family members! If you like more soul than life, lick the buttons( Steve Jobs once said: " We made the buttons on the screen look so good you'll want to lick them" ) and wow experience you get all in one apple! If your company has to hire a new CEO, you hire Steve and you'll most likely have a true Chief Emotional Officer also. It seems like that magic apple has a synesthetic content, too..
But AAPL is about first, being fit by creating business models that are well adapted to the new business conditions and second, being sexy by building and creating emotional innovations and moods that attract and addict customers. In my opinion the company has the answers about what does the apple sound, feel, taste or smell like.
I'm not smart enough to predict whether share price will double or triple, but for sure more emotions will be added in any product they deliver so driving the sales.
Who will win, fundamental or emotional analysis?
I believe both, the latter being the likeliest place to imagine its future value.

I bought AAPL in my Astra portfolio on very first day of SLO I, will hold through the SLO II .
Activity:
Days held: 178
First trade: Jul 30, 2007
Inception return: - 1.10%

post

Apple Core Hits Wall Street

armin's stock selection blog here

armin's stock selection

2008-01-23T06:02:00.000-08:00

armin's stock selection blog here

Recessions/Stock drops

2008-01-22T11:30:00.000-08:00

But what's a recession? Business cycles are made up of periods of economic expansion and recessions, when the economy is contracting. The generally accepted arbiter of when U.S. recessions begin and end is the "business cycle dating committee" of the 87-year old National Bureau of Economic Research, a non-profit group based in Cambridge, Mass., that is made up of 600 academic economists. The NBER defines a recession as "a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months," and usually visible in measures such as gross domestic product, employment, incomes and industrial production. A popular rule of thumb says a recession is two consecutive quarters of shrinking GDP, although that doesn't fit some NBER-designated recessions. But recessions don't always coincide with stock drops:

more

armin's stock selection blog here

POST Strategy!

2008-01-21T06:58:00.000-08:00

My experience in the stock market investing is more about what I do and less about what you should do!

The pillars of the POST:

Portfolio Management Opportunities Sense Time

about me at marketocracy...

Investing Axioms

2008-01-21T02:57:00.000-08:00

There is a book The Zurich Axioms, The rules of risk and reward used by generations of Swiss bankers by Max Gunther, providing a practical philosophy for the realistic management of risk, which can be followed successfully by anyone, not merely the 'experts'. Of course. it's not a kind of recipe for success, but you can enjoy reading, too. Some sayings are not necessarily bound to investing world, but sound practical. Strategy Lab Open competition seems like golf tournament, not all of us will become next Tiger Woods who is a great golfer, but, strangely, he usually hits lousy bunker shots. How has he dealt with the problem?Living in a bunker!No! By perfecting and refining his main strength, the swing. If it works like a clock, he never has to pay the bunkers a visit.
I suggest this Latin proverb:
"Quidquid agis, prudenter agas et respice finem!"
translation:
Whatever you do, do cautiously, and look to the end.

You can read more at:
marketocracy general forums Quote of the Year

What's your favorite one?

TNH /Terra Nitrogen

2008-01-17T05:03:00.000-08:00

Update:
Terra Nitrogen is the smallest agricultural company , but it shows the most interesting short-term opportunity. The stock rallied up to 140 in July and pulled back. It returned to this level in December and broke out two weeks later, completing a cup-and-handle pattern.
The rally spike hit 159 a few days later, with price then pulling back sharply. That decline undercut the breakout level for three sessions. The stock jumped higher on Friday and ran up to a new high on Monday. This sets up an excellent trade entry when price pulls back to fill the 147 to 150 gap.

larger image
Will hold this stock into SLO Round 2.
ASTRA portfolio::
TNH
Portion of fund: 8.15%
Inception return: 36.48 % (Since July31, 2007)
more

BUSINESS SUMMARY
Terra Nitrogen Company, L.P., through its subsidiary, Terra Nitrogen, Limited Partnership, engages in the production and distribution of nitrogen fertilizer products for use in agricultural and industrial markets. Its nitrogen product includes anhydrous ammonia, a form of nitrogen fertilizer and the feedstock for the production of other nitrogen fertilizers, such as urea ammonium nitrate solutions (UAN). Terra also produces UAN by combining urea solution and ammonium nitrate solution. Terra Nitrogen GP, Inc. serves as the general partner of the company. It sells its products primarily in the Central and Southern Plains and Corn Belt regions of the United States. Terra's customers include dealers, national farm retail chains, distributors, and other fertilizer producers and traders. The company was founded in 1991 and is based in Sioux City, Iowa. Terra Nitrogen Co. LP operates as a subsidiary of Terra Nitrogen Corporation.

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my funds...

Dry Bulk Shipping

2008-01-16T03:45:00.000-08:00

International shipping plays a vital role in global trade given that 2/3 of the world's goods are transported by sea. The shipping industry provides a cost effective and practical means of transportation internationally of large volumes of cargoes.

The dry bulk carrier market refers to the transportation of homogeneous commodities in bulk. Dry bulk commodities are divided into two distinct categories, major bulks and minor bulks. Major bulks include iron ore, coal and grain, which are usually shipped on the larger size Capesize and Panamax vessels and comprise about 67% of dry bulk trade. Minor bulks are fertilizers, steels, sugars, cement etc., which are shipped in smaller more versatile vessels such as Handymax and Handysize, and comprise about 33% of the dry bulk commodities trade.

Dry bulk carrier ownership is fragmented with many owners and operators of shipping tonnage, including independent operators, state-controlled shipping companies and proprietary owners. Vessels utilised for transport of dry bulk cargoes are usually classified into four categories based on their carrying capacity in deadweight tons (DWT) (i) handysize (10,000-39,999 DWT) (ii) handymax/supramax (40,000-59,999 DWT) (iii) panamax (60,000-99,999 DWT) and (iv) capesize (higher than 100,000 DWT).

The shipping industry is highly cyclical, experiencing volatility in profitability, vessel values and charter rates resulting from changes in the supply of and demand for shipping capacity. Fluctuations result from the interaction of various factors between demand and supply. The demand for vessels is influenced by global and regional economic conditions, international trade developments, port congestion, trading routes and weather pattern changes, crop yields, armed conflicts, political developments, embargoes and strikes, demand for consumer goods, dry bulk commodities, and crude oil and oil products.

Supply of shipping capacity is mainly a function of the delivery of new vessels and the number of older vessels scrapped and is also affected among other things by port congestion and regulation of maritime transportation practices by governmental and international authorities.
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Congrats to Vad!

2008-01-14T04:06:00.000-08:00

The winner of SLO Round1
Frankly, I didn't know you're good in Greek language as well.

stretcheddelta

iis a new letter!

Significant difference is a keyword!
Congrats again!
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armin's stock selection blog here

Thanks!

Eve

2007-12-26T04:55:00.000-08:00

Enjoy this awesome video of Chris Botti ,
enjoy the music!

Chris Botti" nessun dorma"

armin's stock selection blog here

2007-12-14T06:26:00.000-08:00

My parents,
The 60th wedding anniversary

Congratulations!

visit also...

2007-08-29T10:08:00.000-07:00

armin's stock selection blog here

Thanks!

DRYS

2007-08-28T02:52:00.001-07:00

DRYS shares had a setback lately on selling frenzy even though has nothing to do subprime mortgage problems or significant change in fundamentals. A confluence of the fundamental factors remain intact, history too. So why I have selected DRYS in my portfolio ? Due to scents of the past, maybe, or for other reasons? Anyway, I'm flipping a ducat in this amphora!

past

The Greeks, despite the struggles they have gone through history, have remained mariners without interruption so the aspect of their character. It's like love affair between the Greeks and the sea, an inseparable couple, two inseparable elements of life. Almost all of the Greek shipowners come from the rocky Greek islands. The neighboring islands of Chios and Inoussai,for example, have produced such shipping families as Lemos, Kulukundis, Pateras, Carras, Papalios...Traditionally, boys begin as sailors and send their wages back to the island to feed the family. If enough sons go to sea, the family may eventually save enough money to buy an old boat and if the ship makes money, the family buys another, then another. Most Greek shipowners started out this way!
So, I believe, they know about secrets of the shipping today, about how to mange vessels and they will be the first to weather future storms. Try to decipher through the fixtures on the Baltic Exchange about how their philosophy beats other at any time. Many times the Greek shipowners get a higher freight for some reason.

present

Well, DryShips, Inc. engages in the ownership and operation of drybulk carriers worldwide. The company's fleet carries various drybulk commodities, including coal, iron ore, and grains, bauxite, phosphate, fertilizers, and steel products.
By the way, I have been sailing on Panamax bulk carriers so believe that one of the DRYS vessels is loading coal today in Richard's Bay (South Africa), or sailing unfixed in ballast for Key West for order, eventually loading grains in Mississippi river, later. Not much has changed for the last 20 years or so.
In fact, on Aug 21, 2007 -- DryShips Inc. (NasdaqGS:DRYS - News), announced its unaudited financial and operating results for the second quarter and first half ended June 30, 2007.more
George Economou, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DryShips Inc., commented:
"We are pleased to report a second consecutive quarter with record EBITDA. We remain committed to implementing our previously stated chartering philosophy and to position more vessels to trade in the spot market on a voyage by voyage basis as the vessels are coming off previously concluded short-term charters. As of today, 52% of our fleet operating days for the remainder of 2007 remain unfixed.
"We continue to selectively add new and modern vessels to our existing fleet while disposing of older and smaller vessels, with a goal towards ensuring the longevity and quality of our fleet's earning capacity. Once the recently announced sale and purchase activity has been completed by the end of the first quarter of 2008 the Company's fleet will consist of a total of 46 vessels (including 7 new buildings) with an average age of just below 9 years, well below the industry average of about 13 years. "The outlook for 2008 remains positive with fewer vessels being delivered from the shipyards and Chinese demand projected to remain strong. DryShips will have approximately 17% more fleet operating days compared to 2007 and with approximately 97% of its fleet operating days unfixed it is in a unique position to take full advantage of this opportunity."

To say, that the Marine industry is mature, cyclical, and highly fragmented, but from 2004 to the present, the S&P Marine Index showed robust growth compared to the market as a whole, with Asian-Pacific routes showed the greatest growth. The demand for commodities from China and India combined with the shortage of dry bulk ships, is leading to an enormous increase in dry bulk rates, which for cape size ships are now almost $95,000 a day. The cost to operate these ships is under $10,000 a day.
It appeals DRYS revenue growth above industry average and ROE at 23.90%. Global growth would help DRYS shares to gain new higher territories.

future

The shipping industry has always had something to do with the past, elegantly simple for the Greek shipowners; it seems like to get as close as to having next month's shipping newspaper, today!

continue reading
see blog here
Thanks!

Strategy Lab Open Blog

2007-08-01T03:19:00.000-07:00

continue reading
see blog here
Thanks!

Financials

2007-07-26T02:35:00.000-07:00

Financials were on a tear until the February Panic, outpacing the S&P 500 and most major sectors over the past two years. But unlike the other sectors, financials were hit hard with another wave of selling in late May and June. The following expanded view of two years of comparable performance illustrates the double blow which hit financials this year.
Risk averse investors should be stepping aside until the dust clears.

Strategy Lab Open

2007-07-25T04:16:00.000-07:00

see blog

Income Investing

2007-07-19T02:46:00.000-07:00

Income Investing idea is to set:
Preferred Dividend Income Portfolio, as many companies issue preferred stock, which combines some of the characteristics of both stocks and bonds. Like bonds, preferred stocks are designed to pay a fixed rate of income for a set period of time and are sold on the basis of yield.
There are possible tax advantages, too.
Not bad at all!

TD Ameritrade/AMTD

2007-06-27T02:04:00.000-07:00

Candlestick pattern today:
Matching Low Bullish

staples stocks

2007-06-19T05:14:00.000-07:00

No matter how bad or good, buy through staples stocks could be a good investment. Year to date through June 8, this sector, which represents 9.3% of the S&P 500 index, rose 5.2% compared with a 6.3% gain for the “500.” In 2006, this sector rose 11.8% versus a 13.6% rise for the S&P 500. There are 12 industry indexes in this sector; household products is the largest, representing 22% of the sector’s market value.
see ranking in consumer staples sector

AMTD

2007-06-19T03:00:00.000-07:00

SEC filings revealed two hedge funds, JANA Partners and S.A.C.
Capital, have built up a position in TD Ameritrade, representing about
8.4% of its shares, and their goal is for the online broker to merge with a peer.
Sentiment: Buy

Setbacks

2007-06-19T02:01:00.000-07:00

MSCI AC World index (which includes emerging markets) is up 113% since March 2003.
The MSCI Emerging market index is now 181% above its 2003 low and
214% above its late 1990s high. Europe, Japan, and Asia Pac (ex Japan) have
seen similar performances since 2000 (+130%). Although the U.S. has lagged
(+88% since 2003), this is still a respectable absolute performance. It has been
a global bull market.We all know that markets don’t rise in a straight line.
This four-year bull market has seen four meaningful (5%+) setbacks. Each has
followed a 15%+ rally in the World index and has offered an opportunity to buy
ahead of the next upward move. Sure, these sell-offs may have been painful for
leveraged traders (especially the 11% setback in May 2006), but the biggest
mistake for any long-term investor would have been to sell into these dips.
Source: Smith Barney, Portfolio Strategist.

by Ken Kam

2007-06-15T02:55:00.000-07:00

MSN Strategy Lab, 6/14/07 - Ken Kam shares his personal plan to build a safer safety net for our kids ("A safety net safer than Social Security," by Ken Kam) click here

recent trades

2007-06-14T04:44:00.000-07:00

Jun 5, Sell ELN
Jun 5, Buy ALVR
Jun 8, Buy GLT
Jun 13, Buy RIO
Jun 13, Buy WNR
in my virtual funds

Lodging REITs

2007-06-08T05:04:00.000-07:00

for income-oriented investors. With the dollar at multi-year lows against many major global currencies, international travelers have more money in their pockets. Lodging REITs could be attractive!
Stock pick idea:
Sunstone Hotel Investors SHO
Strategic Hotels & Resorts BEE
Host Hotels & Resorts HST

Short funds

2007-06-07T04:49:00.000-07:00

top contenders with short funds

REITs stock pick today

2007-06-06T04:13:00.000-07:00

for income-oriented investors.
Through April, the Standard & Poor’s REIT Composite gained 3.8%. Pretty resilient, given the collapse of the subprime mortgage industry, and the significant slowdown in the housing market, but a pale shadow of the index’s 2006 gain of 35.4%, and the three-year return of 25.7%.According to the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, REITs enjoyed a 6.55% annual yield for the 10 years ending January 2005.
Hrpt Properties Trust HRP and North Star Realty NRF both have higher-than-average yields.
see forum about this topic

PTR chart

2007-06-05T04:01:00.000-07:00

chinese growth

2007-06-05T03:37:00.000-07:00

prospects are undeniably stronger than those in the United States or other developed international markets. Current Chinese sell-off will likely spark some healthy short term profit taking only. I expect the Chinese economy, which grew 11.1% in the first quarter, to remain strong as momentum builds leading up to the 2008 Summer Olympics.
But, where to put your money?
PTR Petrochina, company’s potential in oil and gas reserves, and stable production with help from a recent discovery in Bohai Bay.
PTR is top holding #9 in my energy sector fund

wall street

2007-06-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

A Random Walk Down Wall Street: The Time-Tested Strategy for Successful Investing, Ninth Edition

*

2007-05-31T02:39:00.000-07:00

see my health sector performance

stock pick health sector

2007-05-31T02:11:00.000-07:00

Health care sector have underperformed the S&P 500. It's considered defensive sector, and many times do better during tough overall market environments.I think this health care stock presents a buying opportunity. Hologic HOLX Hologic plans to buy Master List company Cytyc for $6.2 billion in cash and stock. A merger of these two companies would create a leader in women’s health care with combined revenues ofabout $1.5 billion. Harman International HAR. With little net debt, a strong brand name, a solid revenue outlook, strong earnings growth potential over the next few years.

S&P 500

2007-05-29T04:30:00.000-07:00

Since the bear market bottom on October 9, 2002, the S&P 500 is upabout 97%. The Nasdaq, which dropped a lot farther than the blue chip indexes during the bear market, has risen about 133%. But the real winners since the 2002 low have been the smallerstocks, with the S&P SmallCap 600 up about 157% and the S&P MidCap 400 up 144%. An almost full recovery!

Source: S&P Outlook

Precision Castparts / PCP

2007-05-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

Bought 200 shares today in my virtual industrials sector fund @ 113.74

***

2007-05-25T04:18:00.000-07:00

Access Journal-quality news & analysis 24/7
www.wsj.com

Marketscope

2007-05-18T04:38:00.000-07:00

Marketscope monthly

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Trades

2007-05-17T01:58:00.000-07:00

Bought HRPT Properties Trust / HRP in financials sector fund.
considered value play, Yield % 7.0.

Personal computer

2007-05-15T03:09:00.000-07:00

industry enjoyed a fourth consecutive year of growth in 2006, note that PC shipments in the United States increased a lackluster 3%, compared with hearty growth of about 17.6% in per unit shipments in the Asia-Pacific region, and even more robust 22.2% growth in Eastern Europe, LatinAmerica, and the Middle East. To expect overall growth continuing for a fifth year in 2007, with 11% total unit growth.
My picks :
Dell, International Business Machines, Apple.

listening now

2007-05-11T06:15:00.000-07:00

dj sammy miss you daddy

have a good time!

2007-05-11T02:25:00.000-07:00

Money Show in Las Vegas, May 14-17, 2007

Financials sector to overweight ?

2007-05-11T02:15:00.000-07:00

I view the next move by the Fed is most likely a rate cut later this year, which will benefit the stocks in this rate-sensitive group. The banks and diversified financials , such as insurers and real estate investment trusts, have been having a tough year. Through April 17, the financials sector index has fallen behind, underperforming the S&P 500 index. Although the sector has appreciated, it’s the laggard of the 10 sector indices, rising only 0.7% while the “500” has gained 3.8%. In 2006, the financials sector index increased 16.2%, compared with a13.6% rise for the “500.” The subprime lending mess has put pressure on many stocks in the group recently. After energy, the financials sectorhas the lowest price-to-earnings ratio of all 10 sectors of the economy, at 12.7 times 2007 earnings. The powerful energy sector’s P/E can’t be beat at11.5 as of April 20. Price is one good reason why S&P says it’s time to consider banks again and the representative Sector SPDR-Financials (XLF). This sector makes up about 22% of the “500.”

Sentiment: Buy

XLF my top holding #4

Trades today

2007-05-01T06:50:00.000-07:00

Bought ALL (Allstate), 300 shares , for financials sector fund.

Europe Blooms as

2007-04-30T07:39:00.000-07:00

dollar weakness enhances european equity returns. European bourses have responded with gains of around 8.9% (in U.S. dollar terms) in the S&P Europe 350 index this year through April 17. In fact, the greenback has depreciated 3% vs. the euro and 2.6% vs. the pound sterling year-to-date, the S&P Europe 350’s 8.9% advance in U.S. dollars compares with a 6% local currency gain. While the greenback still accounts for 66% of global foreign reserves, the euro is fast becoming a more competitive reserve alternative with a 25% share. Here are European stocks that trade as ADRs or ADSs on a U.S. exchange, I believe are worth looking after:

BAB One of the largest airlines, British Airways operates out of one of theworld’s busiest airports, Heathrow, as well as nearby Gatwick.I think demand for international long-haul routes will continue to be strong in fiscal2008 aided by the strength of the pound sterling vs. the U.S. dollar,

Sentiment: Buy

EN Enel is Italy’s leading company in the generation, transmission, distribution,and supply of electricity. Note, the company’s solid and above-peer annual dividend yield of 5.1%, as well as its relatively strong balance sheet. Enel’s balance sheet has allowed the company to aggressively expand its operations outside its core market. For example, it recently announced several dealsin Russia.

Sentiment: Buy

Warren Buffett!

2007-04-04T02:26:00.000-07:00

Warren Buffett sticks to his investing philosophy. If you run a screen based on Buffett’s six investment criteria, here are:

Free cash flow (net income aftertaxes, plus depreciation and amortization,less capital expenditures) of at least $50 million

Net margins of at least 15%

Return of equity of at least 15% for each of the past three years and the most recently reported quarter.

A dollar’s worth of retained earnings generating at least a dollar of shareholder value for the past five years

Overpriced stocks are removed by comparing estimated discounted future cash flow five years from now with the current price.

Only stocks with a market capitalization of at least $500 million are included.Simply so!

The club dedicated to studying and applying the investing principles developed by Warren Buffett.

here at marketocracy

Stock Pick

2007-03-30T01:48:00.000-07:00

NCMI fast growth plus dividend .

To expect the cinema advertising to be second fastest growth sector in media (second only to the Internet). National CineMedia should be a big beneficiary of traditional media’s woes but has compelling video delivery capabilities, wide national reach, ability to reach hard-to-get demographics, also. NCMI is a growth stock with a dividend. The initial yield will be 2%, but strong growth and a rising payout could push it to 4%-plus by 2009. Target 31. Sentiment: Buy

quote

On everyone’s mind

2007-03-27T07:12:00.000-07:00

about this latest market shock.

Just how bad is the falloff in the subprime lending market?
Will conditions in the subprime mortgage market hurt national
economic output?
In recent years, home equity spending has been a major strength of the economy.

Are subprime defaults expected to change this?
Which areas of the economy could be hurt by the reduction in home
equity money?
Will this surge in subprime defaults have repercussions in any
particular region of the country?

How bad is going to be?

2007-03-23T05:51:00.000-07:00

*

2007-03-23T05:37:00.000-07:00

The Wall Street Journal is the most respected source for news and business information.
Get 294 issues of The Wall Street Journal for ONLY $.67 per issue

Invitation

2007-03-23T04:55:00.000-07:00

to the Money Show in Las Vegas, May 14-17, 2007

High Yield Stocks

2007-03-23T02:52:00.000-07:00

picks:

FRO 20.6%

Founded in 1985, Frontline Ltd is a Bermuda-based shipping company that owns and operates Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC) and Suezmax tankers. In 2001, the shares were listed on the NYSE. FRO is engaged primarily in the transportation of crude oil products, and, in addition, raw materials such as coal and iron ore.

quote

AHM 16.5%

American Home Mortgage is a real estate investment trust engaged in the investment and origination of residential mortgages in the U.S. AHM's main revenue source has been the origination and resale of securitized loans (79% of net revenue in 2006), primarily residential mortgages. The majority of the remainder of AHM's revenue (16%) is derived from net interest income from investments in high credit quality mortgage-backed securities and mortgage loans.

quote

CSE 9.6%

CapitalSource is a specialized commercial finance company offering senior secured cash flow, senior secured asset-based, first mortgage, and mezzanine loans to small and mid-sized borrowers through three focused lending groups: Healthcare and Specialty Finance, Structured Finance, and Corporate Finance.

quote

2007-03-22T05:39:00.000-07:00

see more about quality fund

Quality Stocks In

2007-03-22T05:35:00.000-07:00

Since Inception 121.50%Alpha 7.11% Beta 0.95

Top Ten SID USNA CEDC LOGI NXY XTO INT SPAR IMO MCO

2007-03-21T11:29:00.001-07:00

Join Marketocracy for FREE

Energy sector

2007-03-21T06:01:00.000-07:00

Crude oil futures slipped to a sevenweek closing low, as U.S. refinery maintenance and unplanned outages cut short-term demand and led to forecasts of increased inventories.
The front-month April contract, in its last day of trading, finished $2.97 a barrel lower than the May contract, which analysts said indicated demand for crude is low now.

see performance of my energy fund

Japanese Candlestick

2007-03-21T03:28:00.000-07:00

screened today:

CCU Harami Bearish
EMMS Harami Cross Bearish
MAGS Meeting Lines Bullish
RIG Long Legged Doji Bearish
SYNM Stick Sandwich Bullish

It helps in making decision to buy or sell stock.
Store

2007-03-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

Marketocracy Media Highlights

Two weeks after

2007-03-19T04:02:00.000-07:00

a 3.5% one-day drop in the S&P 500, the market suffered another 2% decline, triggered by a Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) report of an increase in subprime and prime delinquencies. All 10 sectors in the S&P 500 took a hit on March 13, with the S&P 500 financials sector down themost on the day (-3%). All that is not likely over? From a technical perspective, Mark Arbeter, S&P’s chief technical strategist believes the S&P 500 financials index has broken down on an intermediate term basis on very heavy volume, and appears headed for a test of long-term support just 1% below current prices. Near-term investor sentiment in this sector has been hurt by concerns in the subprime mortgage market. Opportunities are seen in higher-quality banks.
WB BAC C See also previous posts in Financials.
Look over the shoulder of the best investors in the world as they discuss the topics :
forums

2007-03-16T04:20:00.001-07:00

The Wall Street Journal was founded in 1889

Consumer Discretionary vs S&P

2007-03-16T03:14:00.000-07:00

This fund has experienced every troubled waters imaginable since inception:Nov 06, 2000, including 9/11 before and after and now stands with return of 57.70%. Make your conclusion here. Subprime woe, uncertainity again once the dust settles, inflation worries,name it. What a deal, in the middle of the 13th century Venetian bankers began to trade in government securities. They had the same worries too. Is it going to be business as usual? Will the next six years S&P graph show same mediocre performance? The most probably yes.

Learn your way and take care about your investments.

consumer discretionary fund

"A great leader never sets himself above his followers except in carrying responsibilites."-Jules Ormont

Gurus Buy Banks, Prep For Inflation

2007-03-14T04:07:00.000-07:00

Top stock pickers at Marketocracy.com were net buyers last week, picking up beaten stocks in the wake of the market shakeout two weeks ago. But overall they didn’t change their main investing themes of energy, materials and financial services. The three sectors continue to make up half of their combined portfolio.

Guru Buys

Corus Bankshares CORS

Bank of America BAC

Alpharma ALO

Newmont Mining NEM

Myriad Genetics MYGN

Guru Sells

Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF GDX

Globalsantafe GSF

Biogen BIIB

Senior Housing Properties SNH

XTO Energy XTO

more about Guru Buys And Sells

click here

Trades

2007-03-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

During last hours selloff bought XLF WB ADVNB in my financials sector.

Buy XLF SPDR Financials

2007-03-12T04:58:00.000-07:00

Order to buy XLF before market open, adding to already top holding #7, due to recent money inflows in this ETF.

financials

Opinion

2007-03-09T04:09:00.000-08:00

SPLS (office supply retailer) After strong January-quarter earnings and a recent sell-off inthe shares SPLS seems attractive. quote

NCTY( online game company) recentlydropped along with other Chinese shares. I find it appealing. quote

ALXN- FDA approval inearly March for the biotech’s Soliris, a potential treatment for arare blood disorder. I believe that Alexion will dominate this market. quote

The thought I want to leave with you is this familiar axiom:"If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you are right.

Join Marketocracy for FREE

As my financials sector portfolio got pummeled,need fresh capital .
All Trades at market open:
Sell all shares of AMIC SSS CBL

Invest All Way Through

reading

LMLP

ES

Week Ahead: Is It Time to Buy Stocks?

As Economy Falters, Worries Grow That Stocks Will Follow

The Latest & Greatest Wireless Technology

The Calm Before the Earnings Season Storm?

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a perfect doji

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Buffett goes to Wharton

Fed could burst oil's bubble

Weekend reading

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Dry Bulk Shipping Again!

NFLX/Opinion

China economy slows a touch

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What Could the Fed Do?

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2 common retirement account mistakes

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Will the sun keep shining on LDK Solar? - InvestorPlaceBlogs

Fed Says Tomayto, ECB Says Tomahto

armin's stock buzz

GROW...Funds Continue Success

armin's stock selection

PX is rapidly growing in Asia ...

PCP(Precision Castparts Corp.) Update

AAPL!

armin's stock selection

Recessions/Stock drops

POST Strategy!

Investing Axioms

TNH /Terra Nitrogen

Dry Bulk Shipping

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Eve

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Income Investing

TD Ameritrade/AMTD

staples stocks

AMTD

Setbacks

by Ken Kam

recent trades

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REITs stock pick today

PTR chart

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stock pick health sector

S&P 500

Precision Castparts / PCP

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Personal computer

listening now

have a good time!

Financials sector to overweight ?

Trades today