Stock Market Plus

Stock Markets Slammed As Dow Jones Plunges 4%

2011-08-18T08:29:00.000-07:00

Market News:
Stock Markets receded around 4.48% Thursday in mid-morning trading, fueled by the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which slid 4.14%. The market drop seems to be mostly fueled by fears that the European Union will face some large upcoming financial challenges.
The most active stock is SPDR S&P 500 (SPY), with 177M shares traded. The market's biggest winner today is VelocityShares Daily 2x VIX Sho (TVIX), which has risen by 28.91% on 2766K shares traded. The stock with the largest drop today is Camelot Information Systems Ame (CIS), which traded lower by 32.83% on 2481K traded shares.

Other Stock News:
Scanning the broader markets, smart investors should watch DARA Biosciences, Inc. (DARA), which rose 22.81% on volume of 1020K shares. Furthermore, market watchers should also monitor TCF FINANCIAL CORP. (TCB-WT), which dropped 18.70% on 2K shares traded.

Stock To Watch:
Our stock of the day is NetApp, Inc. (NTAP)... NetApp, Inc. provides enterprise storage and data management software and hardware products and services in the United States and internationally. The company provides solutions for storing, managing, protecting, and archiving business data. NetApp, Inc. (NTAP) boasts a Market Cap of $12.57B, and has a recent P/E of 19.80.

HK Stock Exchange Trading Hours and More

2011-08-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

The world of finance is a rapidly changing arena. The buying and selling of stocks is now a round-the-clock, round-the-world event. One of the major stock exchanges on the world scene is the HK Stock Exchange, located in Hong Kong.

The (Hong Kong) HK Stock Exchange is the fifth largest stock exchange in the world. The HK Stock Exchange is also Asia's third largest stock exchange, after the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the Shanghai Stock Exchange. The HK Stock Exchange supports nearly 1,500 companies, including Bank of China, HSBC Holdings, and Petro China, the largest stock on the exchange in terms of Market Capitalization. About 30 companies make up roughly 70 percent of the total market cap on the exchange. The HK Stock Exchange uses the symbol HKEX.

Trading Hours on the HK Stock Exchange begin at 9:30 AM Hong Kong time, and end at 4:00 PM. There is also a pre-opening session that runs from 9:00 to 9:30 AM, in which the opening prices are set for that day's regular session. An unusually long lunch break on the HK Stock Exchange runs for an hour and a half each day before trading resumes in the afternoon. Only two ETFs are permitted to trade during the lunch break. No other stocks are able to be traded during this time.

The HK Stock Exchange is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, and is also closed on 13 holidays throughout the year. On December 24 and December 31, the exchange is open for half of the regular trading session.

On August 10, 2011, the HK Stock Exchange website was hacked, and trading was halted on several stocks as exchange workers rushed to fix the issue. The stocks affected included HSBC Holdings and the stock representing the exchange itself. Normal trading resumed the following morning.

Value Vision Media (VVTV) Slides on Q2 Loss

2011-08-16T08:53:00.000-07:00

Market News:
Markets traded lower by about 0.47% Tuesday morning, led by the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which traded lower by 0.27%. The volume leader is Bank of America Corporation Com (BAC), with 99M shares traded. The market's biggest winner today is Marshall Edwards, Inc. (MSHL), which has spiked up 61.59% on 3607K shares traded. The market's biggest stock decliner is ValueVision Media, Inc. (VVTV), which slid 29.04% on 3013K traded shares.

Other Stock News:
Looking at some of the other big movers today, one stock to watch is Fabrinet Ordinary Shares (FN), which gained 21.10% on volume of 330K shares. Additionally, it might also be worth it to monitor Astea International, Inc. (ATEA), which fell 21.05% on 35K shares traded.

Stock To Watch:
Our stock of the day is Peregrine Pharmaceuticals Inc. (PPHM)... Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, engages in the research and development of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of cancer and viral infections. Peregrine Pharmaceuticals Inc. (PPHM) boasts a Market Cap of $111.58M.

Motorola Mobility (MMI) Rises on Google Acquisition

2011-08-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

Market News:
Wall Street rose by approximately 0.67% Monday in early trading, fueled by the S&P 500, which traded higher by 0.87%. The volume leader is Bank of America Corporation Com (BAC), which has a volume of 98M shares traded. The stock that has gained the most today is Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc (MMI), which has spiked up 56.17% on 68794K shares traded. The market's biggest stock decliner is SinoHub, Inc (SIHI), which declined by 30.99% on 493K traded shares.

Other Stock News:
Looking over the notable stocks for today, investors should watch Wowjoint Holdings Limited (BWOWU), which gained 45.08% on volume of 3K shares. Moreover, investors should also keep their eye on InterDigital, Inc. (IDCC), which fell 21.22% on 7691K shares traded.

Stock To Watch:
Don't miss today's stock to watch: Motricity, Inc. (MOTR)... Motricity, Inc. enables mobile operators, brands, and advertising agencies to maximize the reach and economic potential of the mobile ecosystem through the delivery of relevance-driven merchandising, marketing, and advertising solutions. Motricity, Inc. (MOTR) boasts a Market Cap of $120.90M.

Clearwire (CLWR) Stock Gains on Potential Sprint Funding

2011-08-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

Market News:
The Stock Market indexes opened higher by approximately 0.48% Friday in early trading, fueled by the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which rose by 0.75%. The stock with the highest volume is Bank of America Corporation Com (BAC), with 123M shares traded on the exchange today. The market's biggest winner today is Spire Corporation (SPIR), which has spiked up 34.38% on 32K shares traded. The market's biggest loser today is 57TH Street General Acquisition (CRMBW), which slipped 51.15% on 63K traded shares.

Other Stock News:
Taking a look at other stocks showing unusual movement, one stock to watch is Clearwire Corporation (CLWR), which shot up 16.35% on volume of 3949K shares. Additionally, investors should also keep their eye on Southwall Technologies, Inc. (SWTX), which fell 27.20% on 25K shares traded.

Stock To Watch:
Don't miss today's stock to watch: MannKind Corp. (MNKD)... MannKind Corporation, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of therapeutic products for diabetes and cancer. MannKind Corp. (MNKD) boasts a Market Cap of $373.10M.

A123 Systems (AONE) Climbs 35% in Thursday Trading

2011-08-11T08:21:00.000-07:00

Market News:
The Markets opened higher by approximately 2.39% Thursday in early trading, fueled by the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which rose by 2.19%. Leading the pack today is SPDR S&P 500 (SPY), which shows 167M shares switching hands today. The stock with the highest percentage gain today is A123 Systems, Inc. (AONE), which has increased by 35.65% on 6230K shares traded. The biggest loser so far today is SodaStream International Ltd. (SODA), which traded lower by 34.05% on 6835K traded shares.

Other Stock News:
Scanning the broader markets, smart investors should watch Mission NewEnergy Limited (MNEL), which shot up 25.07% on volume of 1K shares. Moreover, another stock to watch is Universal Power Group Inc Commo (UPG), which tanked 23.08% on 22K shares traded.

Stock To Watch:
Today's hot stock to watch is TPC Group Inc (TPCG)... TPC Group Inc. produces specialized lines of chemical products to chemical and petroleum based companies worldwide. The company offers C4 processing products, including butadiene, which is used to produce synthetic rubber... TPC Group Inc (TPCG) boasts a Market Cap of $551.96M, and has a recent P/E of 16.35.

Pegasystems Inc. (PEGA) Up 20% As Stock Market Sinks Again

2011-08-10T08:24:00.000-07:00

Market News:
Markets dropped by around 3.37% Wednesday in mid-morning trading, fueled by the NASDAQ, which declined by 3.13%. The most active stock is SPDR S&P 500 (SPY), with 203M shares switching hands today. The highest-gaining stock today is Sussex Bancorp (SBBX), which has spiked up 37.04% on 5K shares traded. The stock that has lost the most today is ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ANX), which traded lower by 58.66% on 5564K traded shares.

Other Stock News:
Looking at some of the other big movers today, investors should keep their eye on Pegasystems Inc. (PEGA), which turned up 19.56% on volume of 611K shares. Secondly, smart investors should also watch Epocrates, Inc. (EPOC), which lost 46.61% on 617K shares traded.

Stock To Watch:
Today's stock to watch is Gold Reserve Inc. (GRZ)... Gold Reserve Inc., an exploration stage company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mining projects. The company was founded in 1956 and is based in Spokane, Washington. Gold Reserve Inc. (GRZ) boasts a Market Cap of $143.32M.

Wowjoint Holdings (BWOW) Up 60% as Market Rebounds

2011-08-09T08:17:00.000-07:00

Market News:
The Markets added approximately 1.74% Tuesday after the opening bell, partly due to the S&P 500, which traded higher by 1.68%. The most active stock is Bank of America Corporation Com (BAC), with 198M shares traded on the exchange today. The stock that has gained the most today is Wowjoint Holdings Limited (BWOW), which has climbed 61.74% on 61K shares traded. The market's biggest loser today is Stereotaxis, Inc. (STXS), which fell 58.60% on 2407K traded shares.

Other Stock News:
Regarding some of today's winners and losers, keep your eye on Forward Industries, Inc. (FORD), which rocketed up 39.30% on volume of 44K shares. Moreover, it might also be worth it to monitor Alliance HealthCare Services, I (AIQ), which tanked 34.18% on 329K shares traded.

Stock To Watch:
Don't miss today's stock to watch: Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ANAC)... Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on discovering, developing, and commercializing small-molecule therapeutics derived from its boron chemistry platform. Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ANAC) boasts a Market Cap of $144.25M.

S&P Downgrade Sends Stocks Tumbling Monday Morning

2011-08-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

Market News:
The Stock Market indexes declined by approximately 2.43% Monday after the opening bell, fueled by the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which fell by 2.05%. The stock with the highest volume is SPDR S&P 500 (SPY), which shows 187M shares trading so far today. The stock that has gained the most today is ChinaEdu Corporation (CEDU), which has climbed 34.85% on 9K shares traded. The stock with the highest percentage drop today is DG FastChannel, Inc. (DGIT), which traded lower by 26.87% on 1329K traded shares.

Other Stock News:
Scanning the broader markets, market watchers should monitor Direxion Daily Russia Bear 3x S (RUSS), which turned up 23.11% on volume of 0K shares. Additionally, another stock to watch is SOLUTIA INC. (SOA-WT), which fell 16.22% on 2K shares traded.

Stock To Watch:
Our stock to watch: Commercefirst Bancorp Inc. (CMFB)... CommerceFirst Bancorp, Inc. operates as the holding company for CommerceFirst Bank that provides financial services to individuals and corporate customers. Commercefirst Bancorp Inc. (CMFB) boasts a Market Cap of $16.53M, and has a recent P/E of 11.79.

Brocade (BRCD) Down 30% Amid Choppy Trade

2011-08-05T08:16:00.000-07:00

Market News:
The Stock Market indexes receded about 0.98% Friday in early trading, due in part to the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which receded 0.70%. The most active stock is SPDR S&P 500 (SPY), which has a volume of 214M shares switching hands today. The stock with the largest gain today is Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp. (RPTP), which has jumped 21.95% on 581K shares traded. The highest-falling stock today is Imperial Sugar Company (IPSU), which declined by 54.15% on 1066K traded shares.

Other Stock News:
Looking at some of the other big movers today, you might want to watch Recon Technology, Ltd. (RCON), which rose 0.66% on volume of 1K shares. As a further item of note, you might also want to watch Brocade Communications Systems, (BRCD), which tanked 30.08% on 42189K shares traded.

Stock To Watch:
Today's stock pick is Marchex, Inc. (MCHX)... Marchex, Inc. operates as a call advertising and small business marketing company. The company's products, services, and technologies enable advertisers to reach consumers across mobile, online, and offline sources. Marchex, Inc. (MCHX) boasts a Market Cap of $302.34M.

Stock Market Weighed Down By Debt Deal

2011-08-03T07:58:00.000-07:00

Market News:
The Market dropped by about 0.96% Wednesday in early trading, led by the NASDAQ, which fell 1.06%. The stock with the highest volume is SPDR S&P 500 (SPY), with 99M shares traded. The market's biggest winner today is Silicon Image, Inc. (SIMG), which has added 21.05% on 2638K shares traded. The stock with the largest drop today is Ciber, Inc. Common Stock (CBR), which slipped 44.67% on 4557K traded shares.

Other Stock News:
Regarding the broader markets, investors should keep their eye on STAAR Surgical Company (STAA), which turned up 15.40% on volume of 79K shares. As a further item of note, investors should also watch Kforce, Inc. (KFRC), which dropped 29.96% on 1090K shares traded.

Stock To Watch:
Today's stock pick is Cambrex Corporation. (CBM)... Cambrex Corporation, a life sciences company, provides products and services for the development and commercialization of new and generic therapeutics. Cambrex Corporation. (CBM) boasts a Market Cap of $150.92M, and has a recent P/E of 14.02.

Sun Healthcare Group (SUNH) Falls 50% Monday Morning

2011-08-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

Market News:
Markets slid about 0.79% Monday in early trading, led by the S&P 500, which fell 0.88%. The most traded stock is SPDR S&P 500 (SPY), which shows 113M shares switching hands today. The stock with the highest percentage gain today is Genetic Technologies Ltd (GENE), which has added 35.64% on 766K shares traded. The stock with the largest drop today is Sun Healthcare Group, Inc. (SUNH), which fell 55.76% on 13624K traded shares.

Other Stock News:
Regarding some of today's winners and losers, investors should watch PAETEC Holding Corp. (PAET), which rocketed up 18.10% on volume of 13932K shares. As a further item of note, investors should also watch Sabra Healthcare REIT, Inc. (SBRA), which lost 23.66% on 2018K shares traded.

Stock To Watch:
Don't miss today's stock to watch: Tengion, Inc. (TNGN)... Tengion, Inc., a regenerative medicine company, focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing, and commercializing a range of replacement organs and tissues, or neo-organs and neo-tissues to address unmet medical needs. Tengion, Inc. (TNGN) boasts a Market Cap of $33.10M.

Stamps.com (STMP) Soars 20% Friday Morning

2011-07-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

Market News:
The Stock Market indexes stayed flat Friday after the opening bell, led by the NASDAQ, which climbed 0.27%. The volume leader is SPDR S&P 500 (SPY), with 119M shares switching hands today. The biggest gainer today is Allied HealthCare International (AHCI), which has opened higher by 56.33% on 12268K shares traded. The biggest loser today is TeleNav, Inc. (TNAV), which lost 37.99% on 1075K traded shares.

Other Stock News:
Taking a look at other stocks showing unusual movement, market watchers should monitor Stamps.com Inc. (STMP), which zoomed up 19.37% on volume of 101K shares. Additionally, investors should also keep their eye on Vistaprint N.V. (VPRT), which sunk 31.51% on 6079K shares traded.

Stock To Watch:
Today's stock pick is Acorn Energy, Inc. (ACFN)... Acorn Energy, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides energy infrastructure management solutions worldwide. Acorn Energy, Inc. (ACFN) boasts a Market Cap of $80.62M.

Triquint (TQNT) Downgraded after Q2 Earnings Miss

2011-07-28T08:08:00.000-07:00

Market News:
The market indexes rose by about 0.54% Thursday in early trading, due in part to the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which jumped 0.32%. The most traded stock is Sprint Nextel Corporation Comm (S), which shows 82M shares switching hands today. The stock with the highest percentage gain today is Old Second Bancorp, Inc. (OSBC), which has jumped 31.07% on 532K shares traded. The stock that has lost the most today is Sanofi (GCVRZ), which dropped by 42.50% on 27717K traded shares.

Other Stock News:
Taking a look at other stocks showing unusual movement, investors should watch Rubicon Minerals Corporation Or (RBY), which turned up 25.57% on volume of 3667K shares. As a further item of note, it might also be worth it to monitor TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc. (TQNT), which slipped 21.16% on 11246K shares traded.

Stock To Watch:
Our stock to watch: Alliance Bankshares Corporation (ABVA)... Alliance Bankshares Corporation operates as the holding company for Alliance Bank Corporation that provides commercial and retail banking products and services in the United States. Alliance Bankshares Corporation (ABVA) boasts a Market Cap of $27.89M, and has a recent P/E of 28.74.

Marshall Edwards (MSHL) Up Over 100% in Wednesday Trading

2011-07-27T08:44:00.000-07:00

Market News:
Wall St. declined by about 1.16% Wednesday in early trading, led by the S&P 500, which declined by 1.12%. The most active stock is SPDR S&P 500 (SPY), which has a volume of 92M shares traded on the exchange today. The highest-gaining stock today is Marshall Edwards, Inc. (MSHL), which has spiked up 164.79% on 3181K shares traded. The biggest loser so far today is Stratasys, Inc. (SSYS), which receded 20.38% on 633K traded shares.

Other Stock News:
Scanning the broader markets, market watchers should monitor Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (QCOR), which rocketed up 23.88% on volume of 4442K shares. Moreover, it might also be worth it to monitor Spanish Broadcasting System, In (SBSAD), which sunk 18.12% on 9K shares traded.

Stock To Watch:
Our stock to watch: Sino-Global Shipping America, Ltd. (SINO)... Sino-Global Shipping America, Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides shipping agency services primarily in the People's Republic of China. The company offers its services for foreign ships coming to Chinese ports. Sino-Global Shipping America, Ltd. (SINO) boasts a Market Cap of $16.08M.

S1 Corporation (SONE) Rockets Up 30% Tuesday Morning

2011-07-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

Market News:
Wall Street held steady Tuesday in early trading, fueled by the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which fell by 0.39%. The volume leader is SPDR S&P 500 (SPY), which shows 52M shares switching hands today. The market's biggest winner today is Pinnacle Data Systems, Inc. Com (PNS), which has jumped 107.12% on 2226K shares traded. The highest-falling stock today is Southwest Bancorp, Inc. (OKSB), which lost 34.47% on 438K traded shares.

Other Stock News:
Regarding the broader markets, it might be worth it to monitor S1 Corporation (SONE), which zoomed up 30.43% on volume of 20457K shares. Additionally, another stock to watch is Bank of the Carolinas Corporati (BCAR), which dropped 11.10% on 6K shares traded.

Stock To Watch:
Our stock to watch today is Cardiome Pharma Corp. (CRME)... Cardiome Pharma Corp., a life sciences company, engages in developing proprietary drugs to treat or prevent cardiovascular and other diseases. Cardiome Pharma Corp. (CRME) boasts a Market Cap of $330.10M, and has a recent P/E of 26.60.

HCA Holdings (HCA) Sinks in Monday Trading

2011-07-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

Market News:
Stock Markets stayed flat Monday morning, due in part to the NASDAQ, which slid 0.06%. Leading the pack today is Bank of America Corporation Com (BAC), which has a volume of 79M shares switching hands today. The biggest gainer today is Seven Arts Pictures PLC (SAPX), which has risen by 89.54% on 841K shares traded. The biggest loser so far today is Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp. (RPTP), which dropped by 22.84% on 2894K traded shares.

Other Stock News:
Taking a look at other stocks showing unusual movement, investors should keep their eye on United Security Bancshares, Inc (USBI), which turned up 29.68% on volume of 19K shares. Additionally, it might also be worth it to monitor HCA Holdings, Inc. Common Stock (HCA), which dropped 17.42% on 13839K shares traded.

Stock To Watch:
Our stock pick of the day is Wowjoint Holdings Limited (BWOW)... Wowjoint Holdings Limited engages in the design, engineering, manufacture, installation, and testing of infrastructure equipment and machinery used in the construction of railways, highways, bridges, and viaducts. Wowjoint Holdings Limited (BWOW) boasts a Market Cap of $28.70M, and has a recent P/E of 24.39.

Nalco Holding Company (NLC) Rises in Early Trading

2011-07-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

Market News:
The Market stayed relatively unchanged Wednesday in early trading, partly due to the S&P 500, which gained 0.09%. Leading the pack again today is Bank of America Corporation (BAC), with the most shares traded. The biggest winner so far today is Nalco Holding Company (NLC), which has opened higher by 24.7% on news that the company is being bought out. The market's biggest loser today is Riverbed Technology, Inc. (RVBD), which receded 22.87%.

Other Stock News:
Looking at some of the other big movers today, you might want to watch E TRADE Financial Corporation (ETFC), which shot up 14.98%. Additionally, you might also want to watch Lufkin Industries, Inc. (LUFK), which slipped 8.48%.

Stock To Watch:
Today's hot stock to watch is Textron Inc. (TXT)... Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company engaged in aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with products and services globally. Textron Inc. boasts 32000 employees, and has a recent Operating margin of 1.86%.

WebMD Health Corp. Up After Big Drop on Monday

2011-07-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

Market News:
Wall Street climbed approximately 1.13% Tuesday in early trading, led by the NASDAQ, which gained 1.57%. The stock showing the highest number of shares traded is Bank of America Corporation (BAC). The stock with the largest gain today is InterDigital, Inc. (IDCC), which has risen by 22.02%. The highest-falling stock today is Avery Dennison Corporation (AVY), which dropped by 11.93%.

Other Stock News:
Regarding the broader markets, it might be worth it to monitor WebMD Health Corp. (WBMD), which zoomed up 8.28% after dropping over twice this amount on Monday. In addition, you might also want to watch Semiconductor Manufacturing Int'l (ADR) (SMI), which sunk 7.69%.

Stock To Watch:
Our stock to watch today is Costamare Inc (CMRE)... Costamare Inc. (Costamare) is an owner of containerships, chartering its vessels to global liner companies. Costamare Inc boasts 2500 employees, and has a recent Net profit margin of 20.88%.

Travelzoo Up in Early Trading

2011-07-18T15:29:00.000-07:00

Market News:
Wall Street dropped by about 1.02% Monday in mid-morning trading, fueled by the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which declined by 1.01%. The stock showing the highest number of shares traded is Bank of America Corporation (BAC). The stock with the largest gain today is Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc. (PPDI), which has spiked up 11.7%. The stock that has lost the most today is WebMD Health Corp. (WBMD), which lost 29.26%.

Other Stock News:
Regarding the broader markets, smart investors should watch Travelzoo Inc. (TZOO), which turned up 7.8%. In addition, don't lose sight of Allied Irish Banks, plc. (ADR) (AIB), which dropped 12.95%.

Stock To Watch:
Our stock to watch: Walter Energy, Inc. (WLT)... Walter Energy, Inc. is a producer and exporter of metallurgical coal for the global steel industry and also produces steam coal, coal bed methane gas (natural gas), metallurgical coke and other related products. Walter Energy, Inc. boasts 4000 employees, and has a recent Operating margin of 29.3%.

SMP Portfolio Update 4/26/2011

2011-04-25T15:33:00.000-07:00

It's been some time since I made any changes to the SMP Portfolio. I'm replacing four of the ten stocks in the portfolio as of Market close, today, April 26, 2011.

Saying goodbye are TKC - an SMP Portfolio holding since 2005; TCHC - a financial company who fell on hard times after the housing market collapsed in 2008; CODI - another financial who has recently become overvalued, according to the SMP Method; and PAL - a Palladium Mining company, whom I've decided to drop after the recent surge in precious metal prices.

The stocks I'm adding to the portfolio are China North East Petroleum Holdings (NEP), Highpower International, Inc. (HPJ), LGL Group, Inc. (LGL), and Domtar Corporation (UFS).

The portfolio is making a noticed change out of financials and into Asian markets, with two of the four newcomers being Chinese companies. Together with long-time holding Advanced Semiconductor (ASX), almost one-third of the SMP Portfolio is now comprised of Asian stocks.

2010 Stock Market Review

2010-12-23T09:55:00.000-08:00

2010 has been a bounce-back year for the stock market. After the market crash of 2008, the major market indices have slowly found their way back up to their highest levels since before the crash.

The SMP Portfolio has been rebounding as well, now showing a 118% increase since inception in 2004, with just a few days left in 2010.

Here is an updated history of the SMP portfolio (through December 22, 2010):

On February 4, 2004 I created the SMP portfolio. The Portfolio was set up as an experiment, to test a stock valuation formula I had developed. The formula has been a great success, yielding a return of 118% in six-plus years.

The SMP portfolio always contains 10 stocks held in equal proportion. Dividends are not factored in to the gain or loss for each stock, so returns have actually been greater than what is posted here.

Here is the portfolio history through December 22, 2010...

Prices as of December 22, 2010

(Dividends not included)

Stock	Add Price	Add Date	Drop Price	Drop Date	Gain/Loss
WM	$43.82	2/4/2004	$39.47	9/21/2004	-9.93%
C	$48.57	2/4/2004	$51.28	3/18/2004	5.58%
TAPA	$18.00	2/4/2004	$17.57	4/1/2004	-2.39%
GFI	$12.55	2/4/2004	$12.06	8/30/2004	-3.90%
PVN	$12.45	2/4/2004	$17.28	6/14/2005	38.80%
BAC	$81.70	2/4/2004	$89.14	8/30/2004	9.11%
FRM	$6.84	2/4/2004	$5.85	3/24/2004	-14.47%
CERG	$5.79	2/4/2004	$6.04	5/25/2006	4.32%
ARLP	$35.20	2/4/2004	$38.85	3/10/2004	10.37%
CMPP	$8.96	2/4/2004	$9.32	2/13/2004	4.02%
ANH	$13.74	2/16/2004	$4.06	8/16/2007	-70.45%
UHCO	$11.70	3/11/2004	$18.17	5/6/2005	55.30%
POT	$39.73	3/18/2004	$85.56	3/1/2005	115.35%
CMPP	$8.30	3/24/2004	$8.01	5/6/2005	-3.49%
STA	$40.54	4/1/2004	$41.90	4/13/2004	3.35%
ARLP	$36.34	4/13/2004	$49.68	8/30/2004	36.71%
F	$13.96	8/30/2004	$8.15	12/2/2005	-41.62%
GM	$41.10	8/30/2004	$25.48	10/10/2005	-38.00%
STA	$34.75	8/30/2004	$46.45	11/18/2005	33.67%
JADE	$2.29	9/21/2004	$9.18	2/15/2007	300.87%
NEW	$50.75	3/1/2005	$3.87	3/8/2007	-92.37%
AGU	$18.77	5/6/2005	$22.87	7/29/2005	21.84%
WM	$41.90	5/6/2005	$42.36	6/7/2007	1.10%
TKC	$12.46	6/14/2005	$16.77	still held	34.59%
FMD	$34.75	7/29/2005	$41.74	3/3/2006	20.12%
AGU	$20.76	10/10/2005	$24.01	2/3/2006	15.66%
C	$48.41	11/8/2005	$51.40	3/29/2007	6.18%
JST	$5.66	12/2/2005	$19.36	11/22/2006	242.05%
TBSI	$6.41	2/3/2006	$29.98	7/10/2007	367.71%
MHJ	$5.55	3/3/2006	$8.63	5/24/2007	55.50%
ARLP	$36.39	5/25/2006	$41.49	5/18/2007	14.01%
FRO	$37.92	11/22/2006	$45.80	5/31/2007	20.78%
CODI	$16.24	5/14/2007	$17.14	still held	5.54%
TCHC	$10.72	5/18/2007	$3.14	still held	-70.71%
LRCX	$53.72	5/31/2007	$52.71	still held	-1.88%
ASPV	$20.50	6/7/2007	$25.58	10/23/2007	24.78%
GW	$8.07	7/10/2007	$9.32	6/11/2008	15.49%
TBSI	$27.71	8/16/2007	$53.55	10/10/2007	93.25%
EGY	$4.76	10/10/2007	$7.19	still held	51.05%
AEO	$24.58	10/10/2007	$14.46	still held	-41.17%
ASX	$5.89	10/23/2007	$5.49	still held	-6.79%
XJT	$7.76	2/15/2007	$2.67	4/01/2008	-65.59%
TSO	$32.15	4/01/2008	$18.57	still held	-42.24%
PAL	$4.94	6/11/2008	$6.48	still held	31.17%
TRV	$51.22	3/8/2007	$55.85	still held	9.04%
RNO	$3.95	3/29/2007	$5.50	10/10/2007	39.24%

Total Performance: +118.15%

Current Stock Market Poor Indicator of Economic Health

2009-09-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

Two years ago, the Dow Jones eclipsed the 14,000 barrier for the first time in its long history. From that time until about 6 months ago, the Dow experienced a sometimes steady, sometimes shocking decline until it bottomed out under 7000. While the Dow has risen gradually, currently just short of the 10,000 mark, one has to wonder if the American Stock Market is a good indicator of the currrent or future economy. Sadly, it appears that it is not.

Rich investors, retiring baby-boomers and other wealthy institutions have enjoyed the recent market rise. But, such entities are largely unaffected by the market the way that low-income individuals are. A retiree may have lost up to half of their retirement savings in the recent collapse if they had everything in the stock market. But, they are still relatively well-equipped to survive the next ten to fifteen years. However, the poor and middle-class unemployed are simply unable to weather the massive economic storm that has hit, and will continue to batter America.

Presidents Bush and Obama have, out of absolute necessity, provided stimulus lifelines to the economy. But, the economic upturn can only have long-lasting implications if the short-term measures take hold. Job creation is only effective in the long run if those jobs are based on an economy that provides products or services that are vital. If those products and services are not really needed, then the stimulus will eventually fail.

We have already seen a decline in the American Dollar, and there is likely more of that to come. Certain unemployment figures are steadying, but the overall number of unemployed is still staggering. In 2010, many Americans will find themselves without unemployment benefits, health care and any serious prospect of supporting themselves. What our government plans to do at that point simply hasn't been discussed in any satisfactory length.

Do your homework, and decide if this economy is really going to get better, as the stock market suggests. Companies will not be able to survive if there are no funds to borrow. The government can not keep printing dollars without a major setback to the greenback's value --- large scale inflation will result.

Here's a worthwhile thought. Jim Cramer said last year that he was advising investors to hang onto their cash unless they had enough to support themselves for the next five years.

All You Need To Know About the Stock Market

2009-06-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

Here is everything you need to know about the U.S. Stock Market at the moment:

Went to Yahoo's Stock Screener, Preset Stock Screens, "Strong Forecasted Growth"

"Sorry, no search results were found. Click the back button on your browser and refine your search."

"Strong Forecasted Growth"Description: The following screen displays companies with solid growth forecasts and that average a "Buy" rating or better from Wall Street analysts. The screen also filters stocks out with share prices less than $5 in order to separate out more speculative investments on the OTC Bulletin Board. (Screening Criteria: Price > $5; Est 1 Yr EPS Growth > 25%; Est 5 Yr EPS Growth > 25%; Avg Analyst Rec > Buy)

...yep, I'd say that's pretty accurate in a nutshell...

Making Sense of the Recovery Rebate Tax Credit

2009-02-19T11:55:00.000-08:00

In 2008, the federal government voted to send economic stimulus payments to millions of American taxpayers. Now, many of the payment recipients are finding themselves puzzled over a line near the end of their 2008 Form 1040 Tax forms that allows them to take a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2008 taxes.

Basically, the tax credit is for people who did not receive the full amount of their 2008 Stimulus payment. The 2008 payment was (in essence) an advance refund on the person's 2008 taxes. So, the Recovery Rebate Credit may be taken by a person in one of the following situations:

1 - Individuals who did not receive an economic stimulus payment.

2 - Those who received less than the maximum economic stimulus payment in 2008 — $600 per taxpayer; $1,200 if married filing jointly — because their qualifying or gross income was either too high or too low.

3 - Families who gained an additional qualifying child in 2008.

4 - Individuals who could be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return in 2007, but who cannot be claimed as a dependent on another return in 2008.

5 - Individuals who did not have a valid Social Security number in 2007 but who did receive one in 2008.

The credit seems straightforward, but many taxpayers who use automated tax programs (such as TurboTax) are getting confused when the software alters the amount of their refund, or does not list the expected amount of the Recovery Tax Credit.

The most important thing to note about the Recovery Rebate Credit is that the 2008 Economic Stimulus Payment was based on 2007 tax information. The most common difficulties are arising when a taxpayer had a 2007 tax liability of greater than zero, but has a 2008 tax liability of zero.

For instance, if a couple had their first child in 2008, they would have received up to a $1,200 stimulus payment in 2008 (2 spouses, no children - based on 2007 tax info). Because of the addition of one child in 2008, they would receive a Recovery Rebate Credit of $300. However, if the couple had positive tax liability in 2007, but no tax liability in 2008, they would not receive a credit. In essence, their stimulus payment was too much, because it was based on the 2007 tax liability. Thus, the couple should have only received a $600 stimulus payment, but actually received $1,200. The extra child only brings the total stimulus amount up to $900, still short of the amount that was actually received. Thus, there is no Recovery Rebate Credit available for this family on their 2008 taxes.

Please note that the 2008 Stimulus Payments are not to be reported as income on your 2008 tax return, and you do not have to pay any part of the stimulus payment back. However, TurboTax (and other tax software) users might find that their refund has apparently been reduced when they enter the amount of their stimulus payment. That is likely because there was no previous amount entered for the 2008 stimulus payment, so the software thinks the taxpayer is entitled to the full Recovery Rebate Credit. When the correct stimulus payment amount is entered, it may correctly reduce the credit amount to zero, thus appearing to reduce the total refund amount. The refund is only being reduced because the software had an insufficent or incorrect stimulus payment amount to begin with.

Please verify the contents of this post with the official IRS website.

If you are having trouble finding out the amount of your 2008 stimulus check, visit the IRS website HERE.