Blog Archives
Rumors of a Hidden Cliff
January 10, 2011
I invite you to register for our (complimentary and always no-pressure) Protected Index Program® In-Office Seminar to be held at PTI’s Downtown Chicago Offices on Saturday, January 15th, 2011 from 9:00am – 12:00pm. My brother Dan and I will be talking about how the PIP strategy works and fielding questions. Seating is limited but you must register to attend here. I look forward to seeing you there!
Good morning, and Happy New Year. The market started the New Year with a nice gain on the first day, and basically held on to those gains for the rest of the week. The SPY was up 1.39 on the week to finish at 127.14 (up 1.1%), which represents the highest levels since early September of 2008. The VIX was down on the week, closing down 2.7% at 17.13. The VIX, and the volatility levels in the majority of stocks, continue to exhibit a very pronounced skew to the upside as we go out in time.
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.
What I’ve Learned vs. What I Believe
August 24, 2009
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER, FOLKS! If you’re a trader or investor in the Chicago area and you’ve never attended a complimentary Protected Index Program® Seminar before, register for our Saturday August 29th 3-hour session from 9:00am – noon at our Loop Office. My brother Dan and I will be discussing how our long-term portfolio strategy works and answering your questions. You will also meet some of our talented staff and enjoy a free breakfast and coffee bar. All handouts and classroom materials will be provided, but you must register.
And, if you cannot attend a Chicago seminar, I encourage you to register for the 90-Minute PIP Teleconference on Wednesday, September 9th from 6:00pm – 7:30pm Central Time – get details here. There is no cost for this session, either! All you need to join in is a phone and PC — participate from anywhere in the U.S. – from your home or office!
Good morning. The market was back in the plus column last week, despite a deep sell-off to start the week last Monday. For the week the SPY was up 2.18, or 2.2%, to close at 102.97, a number not seen since last October 6. The VIX was actually up slightly for the week, finishing up.74 to close at 25.01.
The Water Is Still Cold
August 10, 2009
Good morning. First off, I would like to extend an invitation to you to attend our Saturday, August 29th Protected Index Program In-Office Seminar, which will be from 9:00am – 12:00pm at our downtown Chicago office. It is completely complimentary and we provide a nice continental breakfast, coffee bar and classroom materials. My brother Dan and I will be presenting and you will also get to meet some of the PTI brokers and staff and ask all the questions you want. Seats are still available but you must register to attend. Click here to view the details and register. I hope to see you there!
Yet another positive week for the market last week, propelled mainly by Friday’s rally after the relatively positive jobs data. For the week the SPY was up 2.4%, from 98.81 to 101.20, with most (1.31 points) of that gain coming on Friday. The VIX was also down on the week, from 25.92 to 24.76, although curiously still above the 23.09 close of two weeks ago. The even more amazing thing is the moves in individual stocks, mostly those that are steeped in government involvement.
Different Administration, Same Problems
July 13, 2009
Good morning. Dull and down for the market last week, with the SPY down 1.95, or 2%, to close at 87,96. The onslaught of earnings season continues this week, but the initial earnings report of Alcoa (AA) showing sales down over 40% from last year tells the tale. It’s true that AA has shown some management aggressiveness in cutting costs (and some solid PR in telling everyone what a good job they are doing) so the earnings, although negative, were not as bad as expected.