A few days ago, I ran into an old friend who enthusiastically greeted me with “Wow, did you see the Dow crossing the 12,000 level? My portfolio is now within 5% of what it was 3 years ago!”That seems to be theme of the news media these days as you’re being bombarded with statements like the S&P; 500 has risen …
No Load Fund/ETF Tracker updated through 1/27/2011
My latest No Load Fund/ETF Tracker has been posted at: http://www.successful-investment.com/newsletter-archive.phpThe Egyptian crises pulled major indexes sharply lower today. However, for the week, the losses were modest. Our Trend Tracking Index (TTI) for domestic funds/ETFs has moved above its trend line (red) by +4.71% (last week +4.58%) and remains in bullish mode. The international index has broken above its long-term …
Flirting With Milestones
The S&P; 500 bounced against its 1,300 level before selling off yesterday, while the Dow actually broke through its 12,000 milestone, which it briefly held before profit taking pulled it back below. The cause for this continued bullishness came from the Fed, as it was announced that the current policy with zero interest rates will be continued. In its statement …
Overcoming Crummy News
There was not much good news yesterday, and the markets meandered south shortly after the opening. Some earnings disappointments kept a limit on any rebound attempts while slumping home prices added to negative sentiment. The metals headed south again as it appeared that hedge funds had lightened their holdings. Oil slipped as well as did commodities in general. Not helping …
Heading Towards Dow 12,000
Yesterday, decent earnings reports, along with the technology sector finally showing some leadership after several days of losses, pushed the Dow within striking distance of breaking through its 12,000 level. Some headwinds, as a result of not very exciting report cards from American Express and Texas instruments, may delay a break through that milestone today, unless other positives outweigh those …
Reader Q & A: Taking Profits
Reader David had the following thoughts on taking profits: I do not recall you writing about taking profits. We have all heard the old slogan of “cut your losses and let your profits run”. It seems to me that there must be circumstances where you might want to sell part (or all) of a very successful position to lock in …