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    Webinar Registration & Trade Ideas for 2/6/12
    , February 4th, 2012 at 9:22 am

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  • The Bullishness Continues
    , February 3rd, 2012 at 4:27 pm

    Markets slowed down a little bit early in the week and it looked as if we were due for a correction through time, but buyers quickly regained control and the longer term bullishness continued. The video below takes a look at key levels in $SPY $QQQ $XLF $SMH $IWM

  • Closing Numbers 2/2/12
    , February 2nd, 2012 at 4:40 pm

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    Stock Market Analysis & Trade Ideas for 2/3/12
    , February 2nd, 2012 at 4:38 pm

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  • Should We be Watching NASDAQ Composite?
    , February 2nd, 2012 at 1:37 pm

    We talk about the Nasdaq 100 Powershares Trust ($QQQ) and the impressive breakout to 10 year highs. The broader based NASDAQ Composite is just coming up to its highs, perhaps this will become resistance? No signs of it yet, but definitely something to be aware of.

    click charts to expand
    $QQQ

    $COMPX

  • Closing Numbers 2/1/12
    , February 1st, 2012 at 4:57 pm

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    Market Analysis & Trade Ideas for 2/2/12
    , February 1st, 2012 at 4:55 pm

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  • Foot Back to The Floor
    , February 1st, 2012 at 12:27 pm

    Markets experienced a brief pullback which caused us to be near term cautious earlier in the week, but we were still aware that the larger term uptrend had a better chance of resumption than a sharp pullback. When markets speak, it is our job to listen objectively, but the markets rarely speak clearly.

    In the short term, the market whispers evil little thoughts into our ears while longer term messages are more clearly spoken, more sensible and easier to understand. Yesterday at the close I tweeted “constructive day, the short term “neutral to slightly negative bias” mentioned yesterday seems to be turning more neutral.” Well, today, the message is – buyers are back in control. The pattern of higher highs and higher lows is intact for $QQQ and the $SPY $XLF and $SMH appear poised to continue higher as well.

    I realize the title makes no sense with the story, the point was- the foot is back to the floor (pedal to metal) for the markets as the longer term uptrend exerts its strength once again.

    click chart to enlarge Lomu

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    Market Analysis & Trade Ideas for 2/1/12
    , January 31st, 2012 at 4:41 pm

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  • Options Trading for Income?
    , January 31st, 2012 at 11:16 am

    Brian Shannon;
    I buy and sell mainly mutual funds and a small portion of my portfolio in stocks. I want to start trading options to increase my income due to the fact my job is ending in March of 2012. My account has about $100,000 and I want to generate an income from this to live and at the same time save money. What is the best way to invest this money to get the most income out of it? Do you think options are a good way to go? I also have a property with equity of $450,000.00. Should I cash out some money from the property to invest? What’s your opinion? I’ve worked for someone for 28 years and I want to now work for myself. What do you think?

    Thank you
    Gregory L

    ********************************************************

    Greg,

    It sounds like you are looking to make a massive transition. My first advice would be to go slowly. Replacing income through trading is a much different task than supplementing your retirement account and you are looking to get involved in a very risky way with options. Of course, the risk you are exposed to depends on the strategies you implement.

    I would definitely not recommend cashing in on your home equity, that is your nest egg, protect it! Even with the 100K you have available, I would suggest that you start with only 1/3 to 1/2 until you figure out what strategies you are comfortable with and plan to implement in the markets. After you have figured out your strategies, you will still have to face the larger, more difficult obstacle of mastering your emotions and not feeling like you have to make a certain amount to maintain your prior income.

    Trading is not easy. Go slow, learn all you can and develop the strategies which make sense for your personality. I definitely encourage you to pursue your dream, but be realistic about it and I hope it goes well!

    Brian

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