Joe Frazier - the embodiment of determination. One of the greatest heavyweight champion boxers in the history of the sport, at a time when boxing was at it's zenith.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Don't Let Your Fears Dictate Your Actions
In all of my years of being a successful individual investor, if there's one thing that I'm sure of, it's that there will always be someone trying to manipulate our fears in order to capitalize on our reactions. And conversely, there will always be someone trying to manipulate our emotions of greed.
As a matter of fact, it's capitalizing on those investors' reactions to perceived fears and greed that helps me successfully manage my own investments. It's been my experience that no matter what I say, show, or even prove to help them make better decisions, that most investors fail miserably at controlling their own emotions, and will almost always follow their herd instinct.
So, I usually bet against them. But, I'll continue to share my own personal views and opinions to help them beforehand because "that's the way I roll".
As such, heading into another uncertain week I think it's important that we try not to lose focus on the big picture, and not to sweat the small stuff that gets in our way. Short-term market movements are a competitive mind game designed to empty your pockets. Are you up to that challenge?
If not, don't allow your fears to dictate your actions. In periods of uncertainty, remaining patient and doing nothing is often your best choice. Before the week starts, burn away your Kookooee before it leads to poor choices and negatively impacts your finances.
The Burning of the Kookooee from Mark Archuleta on Vimeo.
As a matter of fact, it's capitalizing on those investors' reactions to perceived fears and greed that helps me successfully manage my own investments. It's been my experience that no matter what I say, show, or even prove to help them make better decisions, that most investors fail miserably at controlling their own emotions, and will almost always follow their herd instinct.
So, I usually bet against them. But, I'll continue to share my own personal views and opinions to help them beforehand because "that's the way I roll".
As such, heading into another uncertain week I think it's important that we try not to lose focus on the big picture, and not to sweat the small stuff that gets in our way. Short-term market movements are a competitive mind game designed to empty your pockets. Are you up to that challenge?
If not, don't allow your fears to dictate your actions. In periods of uncertainty, remaining patient and doing nothing is often your best choice. Before the week starts, burn away your Kookooee before it leads to poor choices and negatively impacts your finances.
The Burning of the Kookooee from Mark Archuleta on Vimeo.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Weekly Wrap
After another highly volatile week, all three major stock indices ended about 2% lower for the week. According to MarketWatch.com -
After experiencing one reported crisis after another on a daily basis for the past few months, it almost seems to me as if the financial media is the driving force behind this increased volatility, as opposed to anything measurable. It makes me wonder if they've discovered a direct relationship between worry, readership, and revenue, and are exploiting it?
I don't know. Am I way off-base in embracing this conspiratorial line of reasoning? You tell me.
U.S. stocks closed lower Friday, breaking a string of weekly gains as worries about Greece's future in the euro zone overrode mildly positive U.S. data.It's not surprising how high market volatility has been this past week, as economic uncertainty is so high as well. But, what has really changed, both economically and politically, this week as compared to the last six weeks? Nothing, except investors' perceptions of what's being reported.
After experiencing one reported crisis after another on a daily basis for the past few months, it almost seems to me as if the financial media is the driving force behind this increased volatility, as opposed to anything measurable. It makes me wonder if they've discovered a direct relationship between worry, readership, and revenue, and are exploiting it?
I don't know. Am I way off-base in embracing this conspiratorial line of reasoning? You tell me.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Bernanke "Does" Know Jack
With the economy mired in the worst downturn in decades, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke has been taking heat from all sides. According to an MSNBC report of the Fed Chief's press conference after today's FOMC meeting -
But, what I'd really like to know is just what does the Fed Chief do to better prepare himself for the criticism that he knows he's going to receive every time his gives these press conferences? How does he maintain such a cool demeanor during tough questioning? What's his secret?
Fortunately, I think I may have answered my own questions. It just so happens that I've found video of him getting prepared last night, for today's FOMC presentation. Those investors who still think that Bernanke "doesn't know Jack" might want to reconsider their viewpoints.
Some of the criticism has come from the left, including the widening Occupy Wall Street protest movement, which faults the Fed for bailing out bankers who made the risky bets that led to the collapse. Those critics, Bernanke said, don’t fully understand the reasons for the Fed’s massive intervention following the financial meltdown.If you watch the accompanying video, you can see that Bernanke handles criticism very well. But, I've never really been interested in what Bernanke has to say concerning the Federal Reserve or his views on the economy. I have my own views, follow my own instincts, and make my own decisions.
But, what I'd really like to know is just what does the Fed Chief do to better prepare himself for the criticism that he knows he's going to receive every time his gives these press conferences? How does he maintain such a cool demeanor during tough questioning? What's his secret?
Fortunately, I think I may have answered my own questions. It just so happens that I've found video of him getting prepared last night, for today's FOMC presentation. Those investors who still think that Bernanke "doesn't know Jack" might want to reconsider their viewpoints.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
How To Convince The Markets To Reverse Course
The markets decided to pull back the past two trading days, much to the considerable dismay of many short-term long traders. But, like I said before, the stock market is like a beautiful woman, fickle and harsh at times, but willing to give it up in a moment's notice.
I'd be willing to bet that if you only sweet talked the market, like you would a woman whom you've really missed, she might forgive you and come right back. But, the key to success depends on your ability to fully convince her to break through her resistance. Sometimes that can be a little tough.
However, I think these talented traders might have discovered the best method to sweet talk the market, convince her to let go of her short-term fears, and allow you to continue to go long on her.
I'd be willing to bet that if you only sweet talked the market, like you would a woman whom you've really missed, she might forgive you and come right back. But, the key to success depends on your ability to fully convince her to break through her resistance. Sometimes that can be a little tough.
However, I think these talented traders might have discovered the best method to sweet talk the market, convince her to let go of her short-term fears, and allow you to continue to go long on her.
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