Some calmness appeared to be restored to the markets although uneasiness remained after news that a bond insurer bailout will not be imminent. Much jawboning about the economic stimulus package supported the bulls, and the major indexes ended up on the plus side. Both of our Trend Tracking Indexes (TTIs) remain in bear market territory by -0.36% (domestic TTI) and …
From Red To Green
Today marked one of the biggest market reversals in history with the Dow trading in a range of 625 points from low to high. With the recent drubbing of the major indexes, and the Fed’s emergency casting of a lifeline in form of a sudden 75 basis points interest rate reduction, it was only a question of time before the …
Preventing A Blood Bath
Thanks to the Fed’s stunning and surprising announcement to cut interest rates by 75 basis points, a melt-down in the domestic markets was largely avoided. After the Dow having been down some 460 points in early going, and closing down “only” 128 seemed to feel like a victory. Yesterday, world markets got absolutely hammered and the same was about to …
One Investor’s Dilemma
I received a reader e-mail that touches on a common theme, so I’ll share it with you. “D” writes as follows: I really enjoy all your comments and efforts! Can you let me know what you’re looking for regarding when to short the market, and if you’re shorting and what you’re shorting? I really appreciate your input! I have lost …
Trouble In Bond Insurance Paradise?
I have touched on this topic last month, but more trouble is brewing with the potential further downgrade of leading bond insurance companies, which could cause another big wave of write-downs from banks and brokerage firms. Here’s what MarketWatch had to say: Bond insurers agree to pay principal and interest when due in a timely manner in the event of …
Sunday Musings: Are You Crazy Busy?
Are you too busy? Are you always running behind? Is your calendar loaded with more than you can possibly accomplish? Is it driving you crazy? You’re not alone, says Dr. Edward Hallowell, author of “CrazyBusy.” Crazybusy—the modern phenomenon of brain overload—is a national epidemic. Without intending for it to happen, we plunged ourselves into a mad rush of activity, expecting …