Saturday, March 29, 2014

17.8%-Yielding CEFL - Diversification On Top Of Diversification, Or Fees On Top Of Fees? - Seeking Alpha

17.8%-Yielding CEFL - Diversification On Top Of Diversification, Or Fees On Top Of Fees? - Seeking Alpha



Here is a very good article on CEFL, a 2X monthly pay ETN.  As the author pointed out, you are making $17,800 per year for each $100,000 invested.  It is highly unlikely that the S&P 500 will be able to beat this return because the S&P is topped out, and you will be lucky to get just a 10% return in the future even if the stock market keeps going up.  CEFL is the best monthly pay fund that I have found, and it also has many layers of diversification for protection.  Owning this stock is definitely worthwhile as part of a diversified portfolio.


Two Key Fibonacci Levels I’m Watching Right Now | The Felder Report

Two Key Fibonacci Levels I’m Watching Right Now | The Felder Report



Jesse Felder has written another outstanding article about why we are at a stock market top.  This matters a lot because if you wait until the bear market is obvious to everyone you will already be down 20% or more.  Jesse showed an excellent price chart about IWM, the Russell 2000 small cap ETF, including the money flow index chart (MFI).  The money flow indicator shows that institutions and rich investors are intermittently selling off small caps.  They will not do it all at once because the price of IWM would fall too rapidly, and they would lose a lot of money.  So, major sell-offs will almost always be rounded top charts.  Exceptions would be bad news driven plunges like the 2011 budget ceiling crisis.



Secondly, Jesse uses Fibonacci numbers to show a market top.  Some people think Fibonacci numbers are voodoo, but somehow they work out more often than you may think.  One reason that the calculations work is that many institutions and investors believe in Fibonacci projections.  It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.



Thirdly, Jesse points out broken rising wedges on both IWM small caps and XLF, the financials ETF.  This is bearish for stocks.  Yet another indicator is that the MACD is falling for both of these important leading ETFs.  So, now is the time to get defensive on stocks.




Saturday, March 22, 2014

Someone's Betting Big On Coming Volatility; How And Why They Might Be Doing That - Seeking Alpha

Someone's Betting Big On Coming Volatility; How And Why They Might Be Doing That - Seeking Alpha



Here is an outstanding article by Robert Wagner about making trades based on how the VIX volatility index will behave.  Robert mentioned typical limits for VIX and how to trade those limits.  Since a lot of people don't trade options, a person could buy a volatility ETF like VXX or TVIX.  You must buy these ETFs when they are near their low values during calm times because recent volatile times have been quickly resolved, and you only have a short window of opportunity to take your profit.  Also, TVIX has had a number of reverse splits due to constant decay.  You should only buy TVIX if you think you will profit in two or three months at the longest.  I currently own a small position in TVIX, but I probably won't hold it past May of this year before selling most of it.

 

The Greatest Danger For Stock Investors Today [SPDR Gold Trust (ETF), SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, iShares MSCI Japan Index (ETF)] - Seeking Alpha

The Greatest Danger For Stock Investors Today [SPDR Gold Trust (ETF), SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, iShares MSCI Japan Index (ETF)] - Seeking Alpha



Eric Parnell has written another excellent article about 2014 stock market conditions and where stocks might be going next.  He compared four great asset classes to each other:  Stocks (SPY), Gold (GLD), Bonds (TLT), and Volatility (VXX).  The ETFs represented here are all up for 2014, and stocks are surprisingly lagging in spite of all the bullish conversation going on.  You could have made the most money on VXX or TVIX if you had bought at the lows around the first of the year and if you had taken profits somewhere near the highs.  I made 37% on TVIX from the end of January to the first part of February.  Unfortunately, volatility cannot be predicted, though.  I recently thought the Ukraine situation would turn into something really bad, but it did not.



The bottom line is that investors need to have allocations in different areas.  When I sold part of my position in TVIX back in February for a profit, I held onto some of my TVIX shares because I am expecting volatility to pop up at various times in 2014.  I am also long on many stocks like SPY, XLU, DVY, PSEC, RSO, and NYMT.  It will be difficult to know where the top of the stock market will occur.  We just have to be ready for any situation.  Profits should also be taken at various times.


Friday, March 21, 2014

Geron Corporation (GERN) news: Clinical Trial Hold Of Geron's Revolutionary Drug Imetelstat Will Be Temporary - Seeking Alpha

Geron Corporation (GERN) news: Clinical Trial Hold Of Geron's Revolutionary Drug Imetelstat Will Be Temporary - Seeking Alpha



Here is a great article by the Stock Doctor about why Geron (GERN) has been unfairly hit by an FDA hold.  The curing properties that Imetelstat has makes it worthwhile as a drug, and as people commented at the end of the article, liver problems can occur with many prescription medications as well as over-the-counter products. I am adding to my position in Geron because I think the author is right that the company will double as a minimum from here, and it will probably be a multi-bagger stock in the future.




Sunday, March 16, 2014

Hydrogenics Corporation (USA) (HYGS) news: Hydrogenics: The Least-Hyped Fuel Cell Company With Real Upside Potential - Seeking Alpha

Hydrogenics Corporation (USA) (HYGS) news: Hydrogenics: The Least-Hyped Fuel Cell Company With Real Upside Potential - Seeking Alpha



This is a great article on Hydrogenics (HYGS), a fuel cell company. Fuel cells are rapidly becoming a source of backup power as well as forklift and vehicle power.  Hydrogenics backlog in the energy storage field alone is growing at a 400% basis.  They are also involved in onsite hydrogen generation involving electricity and water.  HYGS has built 45 hydrogen fueling stations, and this is just the beginning as fuel cell vehicles become more popular.  California and Germany are leading the way in fuel cell vehicle adoption.  I will probably be buying shares of Hydrogenics on significant pullbacks.


GRAPHITE ONE RESOURC (GPHOF) news: Graphite One, Leading U.S. Graphite Play With Massive High-Grade Deposit - Seeking Alpha

GRAPHITE ONE RESOURC (GPHOF) news: Graphite One, Leading U.S. Graphite Play With Massive High-Grade Deposit - Seeking Alpha



Here is an outstanding article about the latest news involving the graphite boom that is just getting started.  I already own stocks of four graphite companies, and I am buying Graphite One (GPHOF) on Monday morning as well.  Graphite is used for anodes in industrial burners and electric car batteries.  The author states that Tesla (TSLA) with its electric cars and new battery plant will require six new mines just to supply the demand for them.  So, investors should definitely allocate part of their money to holding graphite companies.

    

Saturday, March 15, 2014

E-Cig Technology Drives Market Share [Vapor Corp.,] - Seeking Alpha

E-Cig Technology Drives Market Share [Vapor Corp.,] - Seeking Alpha



This is a good article about three medium-size e-cigarette companies.  I own shares of Vapor Corp. (VPCO), and I am watching the other two companies that the author mentions, AHII and ECIG.  Electronic cigarettes are definitely the wave of the future.  Even major tobacco companies like Lorillard and Reynolds American have bought e-cig companies.  In fact, Lorillard (LO) sells the most electronic cigarettes.This is definitely a sector that deserves part of your investing money.


UQM Technologies: Many Clues That An Inflection Point Is Upon Us - Seeking Alpha

UQM Technologies: Many Clues That An Inflection Point Is Upon Us - Seeking Alpha



Here is an excellent article on UQM, an electric motor company which is involved in the booming electric car and bus industry.  I have followed UQM for a number of years, and now is the time to buy stock in the company.  Electric cars and buses are not going away. The author states that UQM does have competition, but I am betting some of my money on UQM getting a big piece of the electric vehicle market.


The Four Horsemen Of The Stock Market Apocalypse [SPDR Gold Trust (ETF), SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, Vanguard REIT ETF, Sprott Physical Gold Trust, Central GoldTrust] - Seeking Alpha

The Four Horsemen Of The Stock Market Apocalypse [SPDR Gold Trust (ETF), SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, Vanguard REIT ETF, Sprott Physical Gold Trust, Central GoldTrust] - Seeking Alpha



Eric Parnell has written another great article about how to prepare for a bear market which may be coming soon due to problems in Ukraine and a weak Chinese economy.  He made the point that diversification in stocks in useless in a bear market scenario since most stocks fall together.  Therefore, a person must look elsewhere to protect his or her money in a financial crisis.



TLT, the long-term U.S. treasury bond ETF, is one good investment during bad times.  Eric stated that during the past financial crisis from 2007 to 2009 that TLT gained 55% while the S&P 500 fell almost 60%.  During the short-term budget ceiling crisis in 2011, TLT gained 30% while the S&P fell almost 20%.  Cash can also be held during a bear market to protect your money or you could own BIL, the short term treasury bonds ETF.



Another point to make is that volatility as measured by VIX is very high during a bear market.  Eric stated that VIX gained more than 400% during the 2008 financial crisis.  Since VIX is just an index, you would need to buy an ETF like VXX or TVIX to make money on volatility.  TVIX made it to over $100 per share during the last bear market, but it has since had a number of reverse splits.  That is the danger of holding volatility ETFs because they have a tendency to decay rapidly.  You must take your profits when you have them whenever you own VXX or TVIX.  I currently own TVIX at a profit since I bought it in the low $7 range, but I plan to take my profit somewhere above $10 per share or whenever I think the current world problems have peaked.


Thursday, March 13, 2014

The Key Event That Will Signal The Next Bear Market [SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust] - Seeking Alpha

The Key Event That Will Signal The Next Bear Market [SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust] - Seeking Alpha



Eric Parnell has written an excellent article about how to tell if the stock market has turned into a bear or if it is just a head fake.  Multiple breaks of the 200 day moving average of the S&P 500 is what signals a full blown bear market is on the way.  Eric does not believe we are there yet because we have had only one break below the 200 day average in over a year.  We need to be very watchful, though.  We have the Ukraine situation that is not going away, China is faltering economically, and earnings will probably be mostly flat.  Three breaks of the 200 day average, and I will probably be on the sidelines.

 

Wall Street tumbles as Ukraine tensions rise, China slows: Thomson Reuters Business News - MSN Money

Wall Street tumbles as Ukraine tensions rise, China slows: Thomson Reuters Business News - MSN Money



This is a link to an article explaining why the Dow fell more than 200 points on Monday.  I'm surprised it took Wall Street several days to figure out that the Ukraine situation was extremely dangerous, and it was not going to be resolved anytime soon.  In addition to Ukraine, the Chinese economy has turned out really bad, and there is no easy fix for China either.  So, the double and triple chart tops for the Dow and S&P 500 will be a stock market ceiling for a while.  Another big question is how far will the market really fall?  I have around 10% of my money on TVIX, the leveraged volatility index, because I think we are in for a rough ride.


Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Electric Vehicle Production Set to Soar in 2014

Electric Vehicle Production Set to Soar in 2014



Here is a very good article about electric vehicles and and other stocks which support the electric vehicle business.  The article states that electric vehicle production will surge 67% in 2014.  Tesla (TSLA) will probably be one company that will advance.  I own shares in Tesla.  The Nissan Leaf is also very popular especially with a $6,000 price reduction.



A small cap electric vehicle company is Zap (ZAAP).  It is gaining in stock value, too.  I plan to buy some shares of Zap.  I also own Car Charging Group (CCGI).  This is a volatile stock, but the company has tremendous future potential with its huge inventory of electric car charging stations.  Electric vehicles are definitely here to stay!






Things You Probably Don't Understand About Russia's Agenda And Why You Need To Understand Them - Seeking Alpha

Things You Probably Don't Understand About Russia's Agenda And Why You Need To Understand Them - Seeking Alpha



Joseph Stuber has written a very interesting conspiracy article about why Russia will not back down in Ukraine and how the world is moving away from the U.S. dollar.  If the U.S. makes sanctions happen, Russia can respond with sanctions of their own even without military action.  The bottom line in all of this is that gold will most likely be going higher.  It really is a source of money especially compared to fiat currencies.


Tuesday, March 11, 2014

How Many Stock Market Top Boxes Have Been Checked? [SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust] - Seeking Alpha

How Many Stock Market Top Boxes Have Been Checked? [SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust] - Seeking Alpha



Chris Ciovacco has written another excellent article analyzing whether or not we are at a stock market top.  A checklist table was included to illustrate what to expect when the market is about to roll over.  One point was weakening earnings.  Another point was an increase in people holding defensive stocks.  We are not yet at the top according to the author's checklist.



Another argument Chris used is a chart of the S&P 500.  The trend lines still point upward for a continuing bull market.  Currently, you can still make more money in stocks versus bonds.  When the trend lines start to flatten out, though, it may be time to become defensive.


Monday, March 10, 2014

Plug Power Inc (PLUG) news: Tesla And Plug Power: 2 Small Giants That Are Climbing To The Top - Seeking Alpha

Plug Power Inc (PLUG) news: Tesla And Plug Power: 2 Small Giants That Are Climbing To The Top - Seeking Alpha



Here is a great article by Matthew Charles Fox about Plug Power (PLUG) and Tesla (TSLA).  I own shares of both outstanding companies.  As Mr. Fox mentioned, the companies are in hyper-growth mode, and Wall Street will pay premium amounts of money to load up on both stocks while Plug and Tesla are growing rapidly.  I will probably buy more shares of both companies on significant pullbacks.



Another very good point about the author's article is that Mr. Fox showed candlestick type bar charts to illustrate how both of these companies exploded to the upside from low values.  Candlestick charts have tremendous value in visually showing large accumulations taking place in a company's stock.  If the positive bars are long as the price advances, the fundamentals and future of a company are most likely accepted by big institutions and rich investors.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Vapor Corp., (VPCO) news: Vapor Corp.: A Pure Play On The Smoking E-Cigarette Industry - Seeking Alpha

Vapor Corp., (VPCO) news: Vapor Corp.: A Pure Play On The Smoking E-Cigarette Industry - Seeking Alpha



This is an outstanding article on Vapor Corp. (VPCO) and the E-cigarette industry.  I own shares of the company, and I will probably buy more in the future.  E-cigarettes are just getting started, and the author states that the industry could grow 40% per year for the next decade.  This means that Vapor Corp. will probably be a multi-bagger stock.



VPCO is the 3rd largest seller of E-cigarettes with sales in more than 60,000 retail outlets.  Lorrilard (LO) sells more E-cigarettes than Vapor Corp, but it is already a major established tobacco company. It is unlikely that LO will grow more than VPCO.  Vapor Corp. also offers a better price per puff value.



The author put a reasonable price target for VPCO at $15.65 in 2015 because company sales should triple in the next two years from $26 million to $75 million dollars.  Now is the time to buy Vapor Corp. This is a rare case of actually getting visibility for the future of a multi-bagger stock.


Plug Power Inc (PLUG) news: Is It Time To Buy Plug Power? What's Next For The Market - Seeking Alpha

Plug Power Inc (PLUG) news: Is It Time To Buy Plug Power? What's Next For The Market - Seeking Alpha



Here is a good article on why Plug Power (PLUG) is still a good buy even after advancing over 70% this past week.  I own Plug Power myself, and I strongly believe in the company's future success.  The main reason for the company's advance involves a big Walmart deal, but Plug Power is expanding sales to other companies also.  In addition to Plug Power, the author discusses general stock market conditions which are still favorable.


Thursday, March 6, 2014

Why the Dow could hit 26 000 by 2016- MSN Money

Why the Dow could hit 26 000 by 2016- MSN Money



This is a very interesting article about how the Dow is destined to hit 26,000 in the next three years rather than having a 30-50% decline.  The author predicts another 20% year for the Dow in 2014 followed by two 15% gain years.  Believe it or not, it is possible if we don't have a major war to scare everyone and if the economy continues to stay positive.  Currently, we have no bad signs economically.



The author also pointed out that thrifty people will eventually leave bonds and stable investments because the money they are earning just covers inflation.  They are not getting ahead any.  This is a very important issue for those who want to retire with a significant nest egg.  They will start to take chances.  Then, in a few years, when the last buyer has joined the crowd, the stock market will indeed fall because there is no one left to buy.  It will be like 2000 when the market was extremely overvalued, too.

 


Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Plug Power Inc (PLUG) news: Plug Power: Inside The Belly Of The Beast - Seeking Alpha

Plug Power Inc (PLUG) news: Plug Power: Inside The Belly Of The Beast - Seeking Alpha



Here is an outstanding update article on Plug Power (PLUG).  I own shares of the company, and I believe it will eventually go to $10 per share.  Mr. Fox has done a great job in explaining the advantages of fuel cell batteries over regular batteries for forklifts.  The switch to fuel cell forklifts is just getting started, and Plug Power will be using its fuel cell expertise for other types of products in the future also.  This is definitely a buy and hold stock.




Monday, March 3, 2014

Stock Market Overview ­ a comprehensive review of the markets, including stock charts and stock quotes

Stock Market Overview ­ a comprehensive review of the markets, including stock charts and stock quotes



Barchart.com is a great website to visit for a quick view of what is happening in the stock market.  The S&P 500 chart will be there along with sector winners and losers.  New highs and lows can be found on the website as well as momentum stocks.  A very interesting section of the website is called "Signals."  Stocks will be listed there with 100% BUY signals.  Sell signal stocks are listed as well as Hot Stocks. Barchart.com also has other sections such as options, ETFs, futures, funds, and the economy.  This should be a daily stop for anyone who is serious about investing.


All About Dowsing - All You Need To Know About Dowsing

All About Dowsing - All You Need To Know About Dowsing



As I occasionally do, I will talk about other subjects in addition to the stock market.  The link above is a good article about dowsing.  As you have probably heard, California is going through a drought.  Water dowsers are also being hired to find water.  My own dad claimed that he could find water in this way, and he grew up on a west Tennessee farm.  Whether you believe it or not, the dowsing article gives some very interesting information.






Saturday, March 1, 2014

How Do Experienced Investors Analyze Stocks? How About ETFs? - Seeking Alpha

How Do Experienced Investors Analyze Stocks? How About ETFs? - Seeking Alpha



This is another outstanding article by Peter Way.  He talks about investing in certain ETFs which have excellent odds of making a profit for the investor in a short amount of time.  The top three ETFs were FAS, PIN, and DRN.  The top 10 ETFs gained an average of 9% over typical holding periods of just five weeks, and the annual return from this strategy was 125%.  This high odds way of trading beats waiting for five or ten years on a buy-and-hold stock that may never gain multi-bagger status.  At the very least, 10 to 25% percent of your money should be allocated to trading only in the top ETFs that Peter talked about in his article.  In this way, you will be doubling this portion of your money every year regardless of whether your other stocks win or lose.




OncoSec Medical Inc (ONCS) news: OncoSec Medical: Unique Electroporation Technology Delivering Cytokines To Target Cancer - Seeking Alpha

OncoSec Medical Inc (ONCS) news: OncoSec Medical: Unique Electroporation Technology Delivering Cytokines To Target Cancer - Seeking Alpha



Hear is an excellent article about OncoSec Medical (ONCS), an anti-cancer drug company.  They have several drugs going through the approval processes.  I own shares in the company, and I believe the company will double or triple in price.  The only question is how long it will take.



ONCS is only a small part of my total portfolio.  I believe firmly in strict diversification.  An investor should own dividend stocks which pay a person right now.  An individual also needs to hold long-term speculative stocks like OncoSec, broad-based stocks like the S&P 500, and trading stocks for special situations.  Profits must be taken when a particular stock tops out, and you can use the new available money for buying the next winner.  It sounds simple, but the complication is knowing when a stock will no longer produce significant gains.  It will take a lot of due diligence to be successful.