Look at us now!

[gijoe9]

So I turn around and boom it's about a year later and look at this place!

Hi new people and hi old members. Life gets in the way of life sometimes I got promoted at work and inherited a 16 yr old who has a tough time counting past two when he's got his mitts on. (no interest in financial stuff) Been busy teaching him about work. I have had a bad case of no timers.

Well got to change that now. A few things have drawn my attention to my lack of practice in the world of finance basic things like not remembering what P/E stood for among others more embarrassing. I remembered the concepts but lost the jargon if you know what I mean. I have recently started a routine that I hope will allow me on here 1-3 times a week. Once I get back to snuff I hope to be a clear concise and loud voice on this forum once more.

This site has amazed me in the past and has again. We seem to muddle along down this pathway a step at a time but in time the steps add up to leaps and bounds. 501c status was a big deal pie in the sky like mythological entity then and a simple reality now. 5000 members!!!!!!! yes well I remember the first 100 or so. and the first 1000. I hope to be around when it hits 100,000. but would settle for 10,000.

All I got to say for now sept it is good to be back!

[aquaswim47]

I've been busy in the last year myself. I recently got a job and have been doing okay. I've been maxing out the match at work and have done okay. I had a rough week in the markets since last week, I had a 2.5% loss and now it's at 4% (from last July).

I finally sold my shares of JCP. I kept a little position just in case it rebounds, but it looks like its balance sheet has become very crummy although they've done okay for inventory management. On the other hand, I purchased GOOG at its 52 week low and have held it since (purchased at $416.47 per share). I just bought Mastercard (MA) and am taking a look at AAPL if it falls to between $140 and $155 per share.

It feels good to be back. I'm very happy about how FXP holders have been doing. Once FXI reaches between $60 and $85 per share, FXI might become a desirable investment; FXI goes long China while FXP shorts 200% of the Chinese market. A fall to a 7% growth rate would likely mean a 70% decline in the value of the stock market. I think it's a good economy, but it was simply at unreasonable prices.

I think TM and HMC will do well, while GM could see Chapter 11. High-quality is important in this market.

[Stocktrading101]

I had a rough week in the markets since last week, I had a 2.5% loss and now it's at 4% (from last July).

That isn't bad at all, the S&P 500 lost over 8% last month!

5000 members!!!!!!! yes well I remember the first 100 or so. and the first 1000. I hope to be around when it hits 100,000. but would settle for 10,000.

Crazy isn't it! It is very good to see you back here Joe, you need to meet our new moderators, Airelon and Fredledingue. These guys are top class!

[aquaswim47]

Because of our 2% interest rate, the continued hawkishness of Europe, and China's collapse of the bubble, the US stock market as well as select emerging markets (Brazil and Russia) look like strong economies for the next 12-18 months. Beyond that, I think the US market will be the strongest economy to be involved with. This bear market is becoming very similar to the 1967 to 1981 bear market and that leaves the possibility for large growth.

The potential for growth reduces with the lessening of population growth and minimal inflation. However, stock market returns should continue to produce at 2-4% above the market as people still place a risk premium on equities as it is 15-25% below market and a really good deal right now.

[Airelon]

If all of the right moves are made, I would agree. Drilling for oil now. Simotaneously following the Pickens Plan for getting off Petroleum imports. Keeping Interest rates flat to steadily increasing them. Then get a plan to get the interest rates to at least 7%, while simotaneously making ARM's illegal, and refinancing all ARM's somehow, getting them to a fixed rate.

Those few steps alone would lead to another 30 year boom, as we saw after 1978.

[gijoe9]

Hi Airelon We met before I belive.

[Airelon]

Indeedy ...

[aquaswim47]

It's nice to be back. I really like this group and especially this market.

I have dipped into margin territory to invest in stocks. I have went from 30% stocks last year to 80% this year. It costs me only 0-4% to borrow for stocks as I always pay off my bill on time for anything higher than 6%. I think it's a very good deal, but remember that I am 24 with a high risk tolerance and is not suitable for everyone.