Blog Archives

Economics 101


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.

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Traditionalists Ask “Why?”


Happy Columbus Day. Remember to feed the meters even though all public employees are enjoying a paid Holiday. More on that later. The market had a huge rebound week last week, and we are on the verge of totally forgetting that nasty, and ultimately forgettable to some, sell-off of the last two years. The SPY rallied from 102.49 to 107.26, a very large weekly move of 4.7%. The VIX was pummeled, starting the week at 28.68 and finishing 19% lower at 23.12. So we are to believe that not only is the market going straight up, and your investment in the market worth more, the insurance on the now higher value should be less. I thought the market was supposed to be rational?

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What I’ve Learned vs. What I Believe


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.

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The Water Is Still Cold


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.

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The Auto Industry


Good morning. Another solid week for the market last week, as the market, in the last four days, was able to sustain the levels reached on last Monday’s strong rally. Despite a down Friday, the S&P closed at $81.61, up 4.90 or 6.4% on the week.

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