Where's That Rally?

The stock markets reversed course to start the holiday-shortened week, with all three major market indices falling between 1-1.4 percent on light to moderate volume. The S&P 500 is back in the red for the year - and I think it might have been my fault.

What was I thinking? A kind word, a show of affection, and some positive encouragement usually can change the sentiment of even the most stubborn of women. But, I mistakenly forgot that the towards the end of the year, the stock market sometimes doesn't behave like a forgiving woman, but more like a selfish and possessed little girl.

And while kind words and encouragement work for young ladies too, sometimes they require a little tough love and firmness in order to get them motivated. So, a change of strategy is required. Let's see if this exorcises her demons and helps turn her funky attitude around for the rest of the week.

[You may have to turn up the volume to get the point across]

Are You Ready For The Next Stage?

I'm expecting more gains this week, but whaddya say we give it a little help?

I pretty sure that I've said it before - the stock market is like a beautiful woman, fickle and unforgiving at times, but willing to give it up in a moment's notice. So, when things seem to be going downhill, show her some love and positive encouragement, and just watch her sentiment change for the better.

Let's get her ready for this week and close out 2011 on a positive note.

Have A Wonderful Holiday!

Two of the best gifts any investor could ask for this holiday season is having the ability to see through all of the daily bullshit, and having caring friends we can count on when times get tough. Wishing you all the very healthiest, wealthiest, and wonderful holiday season.

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

This fucking stock market. It's got investors coming and going. Nobody knows what the hell is going on. My intuition is usually pretty damn good, but recently, I have no idea what the hell is going on. Like I said before, the stock market is just like a woman. I guess that in this case, it's going to take some time for her to tell us exactly what's on her mind.

Where's The Missing Money?

Almost everyone I know has that little voice in the back of their head telling them what to do when making important decisions that could affect others. The ethical ones usually have a voice telling them to think about others first, and to do the right thing. The unethical ones voices seem to tell them to think only of themselves, and to just "Do it!".

So, when I recently read about Jon Corzine, other Wall Street leaders, and their minions conveniently losing their memories or pleading ignorance during Congressional testimony, I wonder what their little voices tell them before they make their important decisions?

FOMC Statement

Looks like the markets weren't pleased with the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Statement today. According to an excerpt from the committee statement -

Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in November suggests that the economy has been expanding moderately, notwithstanding some apparent slowing in global growth. While indicators point to some improvement in overall labor market conditions, the unemployment rate remains elevated. Household spending has continued to advance, but business fixed investment appears to be increasing less rapidly and the housing sector remains depressed. Inflation has moderated since earlier in the year, and longer-term inflation expectations have remained stable.

But, the by the looks of how the markets reacted today, investors aren't believing whatever the Fed has to say, or perhaps they thought this is what the FOMC actually meant to say -



Regardless, this isn't Kansas. I'm still holding long and not as fearful as most investors.

I'm expecting the stock market to turn around soon at this stage. I have a few select stocks on my radar screen that I didn't capitalize on during the previous downturn, and will take a position in one or more of them if their prices continue to drop further.

60 Minutes: Prosecuting Wall Street

Nothing anyone says about the 2007-2008 financial crisis outrages me anymore. I've already been convinced years ago that we Americans don't live in a Republic or a Democracy, but instead are ruled through Corporatocracy. Simply put, the criminals run the show, and will continue to do so until the whole system eventually comes crashing down because of their actions.

But, for those who think otherwise and still have faith in the system, I thought I'd post these two ironically-sponsored 60 Minutes videos entitled, "Prosecuting Wall Street", that support my views.

America's Next TARP Model

The secret is out, and yet, there's greater outrage being directed towards the OWS protesters.

Bill Moyers Is Back

Bill calls it plutocracy, I call it corporatocracy. As you may have already heard, Bill Moyers is coming back in January with a new series on the public television station nearest you. Welcome back Bill!


Bill Moyers Essay: Plutocracy and Democracy Don't Mix from BillMoyers.com on Vimeo.