Blog
Backfire
September 27, 2010
This week is the last chance for you to register for this great AND FREE seminar: If you are interested in learning more about my managed money program, the Protected Index Program (PIP), PTI Securities & Futures is hosting a no obligation, no-pressure, complimentary In-Office Protected Index Program Seminar on Saturday, October 2nd, 2010, in a classroom overlooking the CBOE at PTI’s Chicago Loop Office from 9:00am to noon. A continental breakfast, coffee bar and classroom materials will be provided. Topics covered include: review of option basics, investment program objectives, diversification solutions, SPY basics, index portfolio examples, option time decay and PIP portfolio example, strategy expectations and objectives and longer-term fixed income products. Space is limited and all attendees must register at www.PTISecurities.com/Education.htm – Come out, have a cup of coffee with me, and meet some of PTI Securities’ experts.
Good morning. It was another positive week for the market last week, or actually was a very strong Friday after a lackluster first four days. The SPY closed up 2.33 (2.1%) on the week to finish at 114.82, all but one cent of that advance coming on Friday. The economic numbers had been generally positive for the week, and when the Durable Goods number on Friday came in less than forecast in total, but better with the Transportation orders out, the market ran to the upside.
Crisis of Competence
September 20, 2010
Good morning. Firstly, I extend an invitation to all of you: If you are interested in learning more about my managed money program, the Protected Index Program (PIP), PTI Securities & Futures is hosting a no obligation, no-pressure, complimentary In-Office Protected Index Program Seminar on Saturday, October 2nd, 2010, in a classroom overlooking the CBOE at PTI’s Chicago Loop Office from 9:00am to noon. A continental breakfast, coffee bar and classroom materials will be provided. Topics covered include: review of option basics, investment program objectives, diversification solutions, SPY basics, index portfolio examples, option time decay and PIP portfolio example, strategy expectations and objectives and longer-term fixed income products. Space is limited and all attendees must register at www.PTISecurities.com/Education.htm – Come out, have a cup of coffee with me, and meet some of PTI Securities’ experts.
It was another positive week for the overall market last week, as the SPY finished up 1.01 points to finish at 112.49 (1.1%). This level, roughly 112.50 to 113, was reached both in late June and early August, only to fall back. Will the third time be the charm for the bulls? The VIX was essentially flat on the week, hovering right around 22, and interest rates inched up a very small amount (TYX up .04%).
Economics 101
September 13, 2010
Good afternoon. It was a second in a row up week for the market last week, with the SPY advancing .59 to close at 111.48 (.5%). It was significant because the market was able to hold and consolidate the large gains of the week before, leaving the SPY up a strong 4.3% for the two-week period. The VIX was actually up slightly (3%) last week but still showed a large drop of 10% for the two-week period, closing at 21.98.
Taking Off The Rose Tinted Glasses
August 30, 2010
Good morning. We had a very solid rally on Friday of over 1.5% in the SPY that was almost able to turn what had been a very negative week to the positive. As it was, the SPY finished “only” down .6% on the week and finished at 106.86. Friday’s close puts the SPY down 4.2% from the closing price of last year of 111.44. The VIX was actually down 4% on the week, closing at 24.45. What are the “reasons” for Friday’s rally?
Competing Against Fear
August 16, 2010
Good morning. It was a sharply down week for the market last week, with the SPY closing at 108.31, down 5.08 for the week (3.6%). The VIX, as expected with the market down, ran up 20.7%, closing up 5.5 at 26.23. The close Friday on the September S&P Futures contract of 1076.10 is fairly close to the midpoint of the post-holiday low of 1003 (in the pre-market session on July 6) and the high on August 5 of 1127.