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Dist.Days: SPY:4 DOW:4 QQQ:2

GSA Live Portfolio:
FNSR PRO
2022-11-08: We have a signal to move out of CASH and into FBSOX....Read more

GSA Portfolio Comments   

  • 2022-11-08: We have a signal to move out of CASH and into FBSOX.

  • 2022-08-31: We have a signal to exit out of FBSOX and rotate into VUSTX or Cash.

  • 2022-07-28: Our Mutual Fund Timing Service triggered a signal to exit out of VUSTX or Cash and rotate into FBSOX.

  • 2022-04-22: Our Mutual Fund Timing Service triggered a signal to exit out of MWATX and rotate into VUSTX or Cash.

  • 2022-03-22: Our Mutual Fund Timing Service triggered a signal to exit out of VUSTX and rotate into MWATX.

  • 2022-01-20: Our Mutual Fund Timing Service triggered a signal to exit out of MWATX and rotate into VUSTX.

  • 2021-10-25: Our Mutual Fund Timing Service triggered a switch out of FBSOX and into MWATX.

  • 2021-03-08: We have a signal to exit OPGIX and rotate into MWATX in the Mutual Fund Timing Service.

  • 2021-01-23: For those of you who have expressed interest, we have formally launched our 100% rules-based day trading system for active investors. After months of testing, live trading and back-testing in 2020, we have implemented this system on a couple of our real-money portfolios. Feel free to check it out if this is your style.

  • 2021-01-04: We continue to hold OPGIX in the Mutual Fund Timing Service, which in 2020 returned +57.03% vs. +18.37% for the S&P500.

  • 2020-12-19: We were stopped out of FDX at -4.48%.

  • 2020-11-25: Watch List candidate FDX triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-11-24: Adding FDX (pivot buy point $289.76, 6-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.27, accelerating sales/earnings growth, Integrated Freight & Logistics Industry Group Rank 81, Relative Strength Rank 94, stop $275.25, risk -5%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, November 24, 2020.

  • 2020-09-28: We have a signal to rotate out of FBSOX and into OPGIX in our Mutual Fund Portfolio.

  • 2020-09-23: We were stopped out of FMCI at +32.94%.

  • 2020-09-21: We were stopped out of GOLD at +6.82%.

  • 2020-09-21: Adding TSM (pivot buy point $81, pullback buy off a 7-week flat base breakout, Institutional A/D Rank 1.86, accelerating earnings growth, margin expansion, ROE 27.8%, Semiconductor Industry Group Rank 92, Relative Strength Rank 91, trade risk -7.5%, stop $75) to the Watch List for Tuesday, September 22, 2020.

  • 2020-09-16: We exited our position in AMZN at +27.81%.

  • 2020-09-16: We exited our position in NUS at +10.14% on a move to new highs on anemic volume.

  • 2020-09-14: Current holding AMZN is at risk of triggering a Relative Strength stop on further weakness.

  • 2020-09-10: Raising stops on FMCI to $17.95, GOLD to $26.26, NTES to $456.49.

  • 2020-09-10: We were stopped out of NTES at -7.3%.

  • 2020-09-03: Comments: We were stopped out of TER at -8.6%.

  • 2020-09-02: Tightening stops on current holding TER to $84.28.

  • 2020-09-02: Moving stop on FMCI to $16.95 (break-even), which had a nice +25% move today.

  • 2020-08-27: We were stopped out of ECOM at -9.1%.

  • 2020-08-27: In our Mutual Fund Timing Service, we received a signal to exit out of OPGIX and rotate into FBSOX

  • 2020-08-26: Adding ECOM (pivot buy point $19.11, 6-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 10.25, upward earnings estimate revisions, accelerating sales/earnings growth, margin expansion, ROE 15.8%, Software - Application Industry Group Rank 99, Relative Strength Rank 95, trade risk -7.5%, stop $17.68) to the Watch List for Wednesday, August 26, 2020.

  • 2020-08-26: Watch List candidate ECOM triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-08-21: Adding NTES (pivot buy point $483.6, 6-week constructive cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.18, accelerating sales growth, upward earnings estimate revisions, ROE 20.5%, Internet Content & Information Industry Group Rank 97, Relative Strength Rank 91, trade risk -6.6%, stop $451.68) to the Watch List for Friday, August 21, 2020.

  • 2020-08-21: Watch List candidate NTES triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-08-18: Adding FMCI (pivot buy point $16.5, 10-week constructive base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.75, momentum play only, Shell Companies Industry Group Rank 93, Relative Strength Rank 91, stop $14.99, trade risk -9% - QTR POS ONLY) to the Watch List for Tuesday, August 18, 2020.

  • 2020-08-18: Watch List candidate FMCI triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-08-13: Raising our stop on GOLD to $25.87.

  • 2020-08-11: We were stopped out of our quarter position in ADCT at -12.41%.

  • 2020-08-07: Current holding GOLD to announce earnings before the bell Monday, August 10, 2020 - we have a bit of a profit cushion, so we plan to hold into the event.

  • 2020-08-05: Watch List candidate NUS triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-08-05: Watch List candidate ADCT triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-08-05: We are looking to add to our AMZN position above $3,246.82, the pivot of a 4-week cup-and-handle pattern.

  • 2020-08-03: Watch List candidate TER triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-08-02: Adding TER (pivot buy point $89.82, 4-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.22, upward earnings estimate revisions, accelerating earnings/sales, margin expansion, ROE 39%, Semiconductor Equipment & Materials Industry Group Rank 94, Relative Strength Rank 90, stop $82.63, trade risk -8%) to the Watch List for Monday, August 3, 2020.

  • 2020-08-02: We are still holding OPGIX in our Mutual Fund Portfolio, with the timing service up +25.78% YTD as of July 31, 2020. SPY is up +2.52% for the same period.

  • 2020-07-30: We were stopped out of ARGX at -2.49%.

  • 2020-07-29: Current holdings earnings release: ARGX before the bell 7/30/20, AMZN after the bell 7/30/20.

  • 2020-07-29: We were stopped out of KRNT at -9.84%.

  • 2020-07-29: Adding BIG (pivot buy point $43.03, 5-week constructive cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 2.84, upward earnings estimate revisions, accelerating sales/earnings, ROE 36%, Discount Stores Industry Group Rank 70, Relative Strength Rank 94, stop $39.95, trade risk -7.2%) to the Watch List for Thursday, July 30, 2020.

  • 2020-07-27: Adding ADCT (pivot buy point $50.39, 4-wk cup-and-handle primary base, Institutional A/D Rank 3.5, new issue momentum play, pocket pivot today, Biotechnology Industry Group Rank 99, Relative Strength Rank 94, stop $45.35, trade risk -10% - QUARTER POSITION ONLY due to larger trade risk) to the Watch List for Tuesday, July 28, 2020.

  • 2020-07-23: Adding NUS (pivot buy point $46.75, 3-weeks tight constructive consolidation, Institutional A/D Rank 2.63, upwards earnings estimate revisions, ROE 18.65%, Household & Personal Products Industry Group Rank 83, Relative Strength Rank 90, stop $43.24, trade risk -7.5%) to the Watch List for Friday, July 24, 2020.

  • 2020-07-22: Watch List candidate KRNT triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-07-20: Moving up our stop on ARGX to $237.50 (break-even).

  • 2020-07-19: We will take another stab at KRNT (pivot buy point $55), with an -8% stop at $50.6. We were stopped out last week on a shake-out.

  • 2020-07-16: We were stopped out of NOVA at -12.8% (poor fill!).

  • 2020-07-15: Watch List candidate NOVA triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-07-14: We were stopped out of KRNT at -9.38% and LULU at -7.04%.

  • 2020-07-14: Adding NOVA (pivot buy point $19.80, 18-week cup-and-handle base, pocket pivot, Institutional A/D Rank 1.98, curr yr/next yr EPS Est +52%/+83%, curr yr/next yr Rev Est +23%/+32%Solar Industry Group Rank 93, Relative Strength Rank 95, stop $18.21, trade risk -8%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, July 15, 2020.

  • 2020-07-09: LULU was purchased for the GSA Portfolio as it broke above it's cup-and-handle pivot.

  • 2020-07-08: Adding WSM (pivot buy point $86.50, 6-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.24, upward earnings estimate revisions, ROE 28.95%, Specialty Retail Industry Group Rank 96, Relative Strength Rank 90, trade risk -7%, stop $80.45) to the Watch List for Thursday, July 9, 2020.

  • 2020-07-07: We closed out our remaining holdings of TSLA for a net trade of +36.92%.

  • 2020-07-06: Watch List candidate ARGX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-07-02: Peeled off half AMZN at +21%.

  • 2020-07-02: We took a position in KRNT on a pullback from it's recent flat base breakout.

  • 2020-06-30: We were stopped out of NVO at +6% on the name losing relative strength.

  • 2020-06-30: GOLD triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-06-29: We sold another half our line in ALT at +33.2%.

  • 2020-06-29: We are out of ALT for a net trade of +27.59%.

  • 2020-06-27: Dropping MRNA and ZG from the Watch List.

  • 2020-06-27: Adding ARGX (pivot buy point $233.91, 4-week cup-and-handle base, momentum play, Institutional A/D Rank 1.24, Biotechnology Industry Group Rank 99, Relative Strength Rank 94, trade risk -6.6%, stop $218.43) to the Watch List for Monday, June 29, 2020.

  • 2020-06-25: Adding ALT (pivot buy point $8.46, 5-week constructive cup-and-handle base, high Institutional A/D Rank 9.21, momentum play, Biotechnology Industry Group Rank 99, Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $7.82, trade risk -7.5% - HALF POSITION DUE TO LOW PRICE) to the Watch List for Thursday, June 25, 2020.

  • 2020-06-25: Watch List candidate ALT triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-06-23: Moving stop on AMZN to break-even.

  • 2020-06-23: Adding ZG (pivot buy point $64.42, 18-week cup-and-handle base, pocket pivot, Institutional A/D Rank 2.46, accelerating sales growth, Internet Content & Information Industry Group Rank 97, Relative Strength Rank 93, stop $59.58, trade risk -7.5%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, June 24, 2020.

  • 2020-06-20: Adding MRNA (pivot buy point $67, 5-week constructive cup-and-handle base, high momentum play, Institutional A/D Rank 1.6, Biotechnology Industry Group Rank 99, Relative Strength Rank 99, trade risk -6.6%, stop $62.58) to the Watch List for Monday, June 22, 2020.

  • 2020-06-19: We were stopped out of CEF at +3.54% on it's decreasing relative strength.

  • 2020-06-18: We exited QGEN at +0.3% (break-even) on losing relative strength.

  • 2020-06-17: With no profit cushion, we exited our position in KR ahead of earnings.

  • 2020-06-15: We sold out of our remaining position in CLW for a net trade of +13.36%.

  • 2020-06-15: We have a signal to rotate out of FBSOX and into OPGIX in the Mutual Fund Timing Service.

  • 2020-06-12: We were stopped out of DSPG at -6.86%.

  • 2020-06-10: We sold half our position in TSLA at +20.4%.

  • 2020-06-08: We nailed down a profit of +19.75% on half our position in CLW.

  • 2020-06-05: Watch List candidate DSPG triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-06-04: Adding DSPG (pivot buy point $18.15, 5-week constructive cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.23, Semiconductors Industry Group Rank 95, Relative Strength Rank 90, trade risk -6.5%, stop $16.97, profit target $21.77) to the Watch List for Friday, June 5, 2020.

  • 2020-06-01: Watch List candidate CLW triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-05-29: Watch List candidate TSLA triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-05-27: We were stopped out of RMD at -7.9%.

  • 2020-05-27: Adding CLW (pivot buy point $30.45, 14-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 2.1, accelerating earnings, margin expansion, Paper & Paper Products Industry Group Rank 43, Relative Strength Rank 94, trade risk -8%, stop $27.99, profit target $36.53) to the Watch List for Thursday, May 28, 2020.

  • 2020-05-21: Adding TSLA (pivot buy point $834.72, 15-week constructive cup-and-handle base, momentum play, Auto Manufacturers Industry Group Rank 60, Relative Strength Rank 98, trade risk -7.8%, stop $769.95, profit target $1003.34) to the Watch List for Friday, May 22, 2020.

  • 2020-05-19: NTES hit it's profit target of +19.9% before earnings, and was sold from the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-05-18: Watch List candidate AMZN triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-05-15: Watch List candidate RMD triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-05-14: Watch List candidate CEF triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-05-14: Adding RMD (pivot buy point $164.41, pullback buy within a 13-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D rank 1.06, accelerating earnings/sales, margin expansion, ROE 24%, Medical Instruments & Supplies Industry Group Rank 97, Relative Strength Rank 88, trade risk -7.6%, stop $151.9, target $197.1) to the Watch List for Friday, May 15, 2020.

    Our Mutual Fund Timing Service indicated a rotation out of OPGIX and into FBSOX.

  • 2020-05-12: Adding AMZN (pivot buy point $2420, 4-week cup-and-handle pattern, Institutional A/D Rank 1.4, accelerating sales/earnings, ROE 18.6%, Internet Retail Industry Group Rank 97, Relative Strength Rank 92, trade risk -7%, stop $2520, target $2902) to the Watch List for Tuesday, May 12, 2020.

  • 2020-05-09: Adding CEF (pivot buy point $15.84, 11-week cup-and-handle constructive base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.58, Gold ETF play, Relative Strength Rank 86, stop $14.97, target $18.99, trade risk -5.5%) to the Watch List for Monday, May 11, 2020.

  • 2020-05-07: Watch List candidate QGEN triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portolio.

  • 2020-05-03: We were stopped out of VIRT at -6.5%.

  • 2020-04-27: Watch List candidate VIRT triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Current holding EBS hit it's profit target and was sold at +20.21%.

  • 2020-04-27: Adding QGEN (pivot buy point $42.21, 21-week constructive cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 3.08, accelerating sales growth, Diagnostic & Research Industry Group Rank 98, Relative Strength Rank 94, trade risk -6%, stop $39.68, profit target $50.6) to the Watch List for Tuesday, April 28, 2020.

  • 2020-04-26: Adding VIRT (pivot buy point $24.83, 7-week constructive cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.34, upward earnings estimate revisions, accelerating sales/earnings growth, Capital Markets Industry Group Rank 91, Relative Strength Rank 96, trade risk -6.5%, stop $23.22, target $29.58) to the Watch List for Monday, April 27, 2020.

  • 2020-04-23: Adding KR (pivot buy point $32.84, 6-week constructive cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 2.04, upward earnings estimate revisions, ROE 18.43%, Grocery Stores Industry Group Rank 79, Relative Strength Rank 95, trade risk -6%, stop $30.87, target $39.12) to the Watch List for Thursday, April 23, 2020.

  • 2020-04-23: Watch list candidate KR triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Current holding EBS was up +7% after hours as Johnson & Johnson said it will work with EBS to expand the production of its Covid-19 vaccine candidate, as the company looks to scale up manufacturing of its potential treatment globally.

  • 2020-04-18: Our Mutual Fund Timing Service has given a signal to exit out of VUSTX and rotate into OPGIX.

  • 2020-04-17: Watch List candidate EBS triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-04-16: NVO triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-04-06: Adding NVO (pivot buy point $60.77 ON VOLUME, 5-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.47, upward earnings estimate revisions, ROE 71%, Biotechnology Industry Group Rank 99, Relative Strength Rank 95, stop $56.52, target $72.39, trade risk -7% to the Watch List for Monday, April 6, 2020.

  • 2020-04-03: Watch List candidate NTES triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-04-02: Adding NTES (pivot buy point $333.14, 7-week inverse head-and-shoulder base, upward earnings estimate revisions, margin expansion, ROE 21.6%, Internet Content & Information Industry Group Rank 91, Relative Strength Rank 95, stop $305.96, profit target $396.85, trade risk -8% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Friday, April 3, 2020.

  • 2020-02-29: We were stopped out of our last stock holding MANT at -1.6%.

  • 2020-02-27: We exited our position in SWCH at -2.61% ahead of earnings. Our Mutual Fund Timing Portfolio also gave a signal to exit FBSOX (at close Friday) and rotate into VUSTX (at close Monday).

  • 2020-02-26: We were stopped out of CASH at break-even.

  • 2020-02-26: We were stopped out of CBZ at -2.65%.

  • 2020-02-26: Current holding SWCH to announce earnings after the close Thursday, February 27, 2020. We will close out the position if our current +2% profit cushion erodes, which given the current market environment, it probably will.

  • 2020-02-24: We were stopped out of INTC at -8.7% and FTAI at -4.05%. Dropping SNX from the Watch List for now.

  • 2020-02-19: Adding SNX (pivot buy point $144.85 ON VOL, 6-week constructive cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.55, accelerating earnings, ROE 13.86%, Information Technology Services Industry Group Rank 93, Relative Strength Rank 93, trade risk -6%, stop $136.10, profit target $173.15 - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Thursday, February 20, 2020. Current holding MANT was up sharply after the bell as it beat EPS estimates ($1.00 actual vs. $0.60 est). Current holding CBZ (-$0.06 est) also set to announce earnings before the market Thursday, and we go into the event with a +4.1% cushion. Expect volatility.

  • 2020-02-18: Current holding MANT to announce earnings Wednesday, Feb 19 after the bell. If our +3.6% profit cushion erodes much, we will likely exit the position.

  • 2020-02-15: Moving stops up on current holding CASH to $35.92 (break-even).

  • 2020-02-13: Watch List candidate FTAI triggered it's buy point (on almost 3x avg. daily vol.) and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-02-12: Watch List candidate INTC triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-02-11: Adding INTC (pivot buy point $68.06 ON VOL, 4-week cup-and-handle, Institutional A/D Rank 3.08, accelerating sales/earnings, margin expansion, upward earnings estimate revisions, ROE 27.68%, Semiconductors Industry Group Rank 95, Relative Strength Rank 91, trade risk -6.5%, stop $63.63, profit target $81.35 - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Wednesday, February 12, 2020.

  • 2020-02-09: Adding FTAI (pivot buy point $20 ON VOL, 6-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.66, accelerating sales/earnings, margin expansion, upward earnings estimate revisions, Rental & Leasing Services Industry Group Rank 88, Relative Strength Rank 90, trade risk -5.25%, stop $18.95, profit target $23.95 - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Monday, February 10, 2020.

  • 2020-02-04: Watch List candidate SWCH triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-02-03: Adding SWCH (pivot buy point $16.55 ON VOLUME, 22-week constructive cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.96, accelerating sales, Information Technology Services Industry Group Rank 92, Relative Strength Rank 91, trade risk -4.5%, stop $15.80, target $19.78 - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Tuesday, February 4, 2020.

  • 2020-02-02: Raising stops on CBZ to $26.50 (-2.5%).

  • 2020-01-31: We were stopped out of BLU at -8.77%.

  • 2020-01-30: We were stopped out of JBL at -3.86% and BRKR at -2.76%.

  • 2020-01-29: Current holding GSB hit our profit target and we exited the position with a +19.8% gain.

  • 2020-01-28: Watch List candidate BLU triggered it's buy point (on volume) and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Current holding GSB came within a penny or two of hitting it's price target of $11.98CASH is set to announce earnings after the bell Wednesday - if our small +3% cushion deteriorates, then we will likely close out our HALF position.

  • 2020-01-27: Raising stops on BRKR ($49.89), CBZ ($25.94), MANT ($77.27), CASH ($34.49), JBL ($40.67).

  • 2020-01-26: Adding BLU (pivot buy point $9.0 ON VOLUME, 26-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 4.14, momentum play, Biotechnology Industry Group Rank 99, Relative Strength Rank 96, trade risk -7%, stop $8.36, profit target $10.72 - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Monday January 27, 2020. Note that we are including a volume condition on breakouts at the pivot point - we want to see volume at our buy point running at least 120% compared to the stock's recent 5-day average volume. This is an attempt to minimize entries into false breakouts.

  • 2020-01-23: We were stopped out of SHOO (-5%), ROK (-4.68%) and TBBK (-1.02%) today.

  • 2020-01-22: We exited TDG at a profit of +18.6%.

  • 2020-01-22: Tightening up stops on our worst performers ROK to $197.34 and SHOO to $41.34.

  • 2020-01-21: We were stopped out of LOCO at -5.07%. TDG came close to hitting it's target of $646.40. We also exited OPGIX in our mutual fund portfolios, with an intent to switch into FBSOX at close of trade Wednesday.

  • 2020-01-20: We received a signal to exit our position in OPGIX and rotate into FBSOX in the mutual funds portion of our portfolio. Also, TDG is close to hitting our target price of $646.40.

  • 2020-01-15: Raising stops on TDG to $539.60 (break-even, using $32.5 12/27/19 dividend payout) and LOCO to $14.60 (-5%).

  • 2020-01-13: Watch List candidate JBL, triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-01-11: Adding JBL (pivot buy point $42, 3-weeks tight base finding 20-day MA support, Institutional A/D Rank 1.77, accelerating earnings/sales growth, upward earnings estimate revisions, ROE 11%, Electrical Components Industry Group Rank 95, Relative Strength Rank 92, trade risk -5%, stop $39.9, target $49.9 - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Monday, January 13, 2020.

  • 2020-01-10: Watch List candidates GSB and ROK both triggered their buy points and were purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2020-01-07: We were stopped out of OMF at -6.29%.

  • 2020-01-04: Current holdings CMRE was sold at a profit of +17.93%, while we were stopped out of NMIH at -4.81%

  • 2020-01-04: Adding GSB (pivot buy point $10.1, 4-week cup-and-handle base within larger 23-week base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.76, low float momentum play, ROE 72%, Software - Application Industry Group Rank 98, Relative Strength Rank 97, trade risk -6%, stop $9.49, profit target $11.98 - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Monday, January 6, 2020.

  • 2019-12-30: Watch List candidate CASH triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2019-12-27: Current holding TDG has a large $32.50 dividend and will go ex-dividend today. Adjust stops accordingly.

  • 2019-12-26: Adding CASH (pivot buy point $35.88, 10-week constructive cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.54, upward earnings estimate revisions, ROE 12.73%, Banks - Regional Industry Group Rank 96, Relative Strength Rank 93, trade risk -5.5%, stop $33.91, target $42.4 - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Friday, December 27, 2019.

  • 2019-12-22: Adding ROK (pivot buy point $206.95, 6-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 2.15, two recent pocket pivots, accelerating sales, upward earnings estimate revisions, ROE 68%, Specialty Industrial Machinery Industry Group Rank 97, Relative Strength Rank 90, trade risk -6.9%, stop $192.77, profit target $243.85 - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Monday, December 23, 2019.

  • 2019-12-21: Watch List candidate SHOO triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2019-12-19: Watch List candidate MANT triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. We were stopped out of SPAR at -6.59%.

  • 2019-12-18: Adding SHOO (pivot buy point $43.33, 5-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 8.71, two recent pocket pivots, accelerating sales/earnings, margin expansion, upward earnings estimate revisions, ROE 16%, Footwear & Accessories Industry Group Rank 74, Relative Strength Rank 93, trade risk -5.5%, stop $40.95, target $51.10 - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Thursday, December 19, 2019. Watch List candidate NMIH triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Current holding TBBK is approaching it's target of $13.90.

  • 2019-12-17: Moving stops up on CMRE to $8.37 and TBBK to $11.77 (break-even levels).

  • 2019-12-16: Adding NMIH (pivot buy point $34.29, 5-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.51, accelerating sales/earnings, upward earnings estimate revisions, ROE 20.5%, Insurance - Property & Casualty Industry Group Rank 87, Relative Strength Rank 91, trade risk -4.5%, stop $32.75 - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Tuesday, December 17, 2019. Watch List Candidate OMF triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. We are now 100% invested.

  • 2019-12-15: Adding MANT (pivot buy point $78.81, 6-week constructive base, Institutional A/D Rank 3.16, accelerating sales/earnings, margin expansion, Software - Application Industry Group Rank 98, Relative Strength Rank 92, trade risk -4%, stop $75.66 - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Monday, December 16, 2019.

  • 2019-12-13: Watch List candidate TDG triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2019-12-12: Addubg OMF (pivot buy point $44, 4-week tight base, Institutional A/D Rank 2.43, accelerating sales/earnings, margin expansion, upward earnings estimate revisions, ROE 19.71%, Credit Services Industry Group Rank 91, Relative Strength Rank 93, trade risk -6.2%, stop $41.26 - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Friday, December 13, 2019. Watch List candidate SPAR triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Dropping SNR from the Watch List for now.

  • 2019-12-10: Adding TDG (pivot buy point $572.21, 3-weeks tight base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.24, accelerating sales/earnings, Aerospace & Defence Industry Group Rank 95, Relative Strength Rank 92, stop $544.33, trade risk -5% - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Wednesday, December 11, 2019. Watch List candidate TBBK triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Dropping IBP from the Watch List for now.

  • 2019-12-09: We closed out our remaining ACAD holdings for a net trade profit of +20.61%.

  • 2019-12-09: Adding SPAR (pivot buy point $18.21, 5-weeks cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 2.54, two recent pocket pivots, accelerating sales/earnings, margin expansion, Farm & Heavy Construction Machinery Industry Group Rank 83, Relative Strength Rank 98, stop $17.02, trade risk -6.5% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Tuesday, December 10, 2019.

    Our Mutual Fund Timing Service gave a signal to exit MWATX at the close Tuesday, and rotate into OPGIX at the close Wednesday.

  • 2019-12-07: Adding TBBK (pivot buy point $11.76, multi-month cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 2.22, multiple recent pocket pivots, accelerating sales/earnings, margin expansion, upward earnings estimate revisions, Banks - Regional Industry Group Rank 96, Relative Strength Rank 91, trade risk -6.5%, stop $10.99 - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Monday, December 9, 2019.

  • 2019-12-06: Watch List candidate CBZ triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2019-12-05: Adding CBZ (pivot buy point $27.19, 5-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.08, two recent pocket pivots, upwards earnings estimate revisions, Speciatly Business Services Industry Group Rank 93, Relative Strength Rank 91, stop $25.79, trade risk -5% - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Friday, December 6, 2019. Current holding ACAD spiked on positive news, and we sold half our position at +27%, with the remaining half back-stopped at +14%.

  • 2019-12-04: Adding SNR (pivot buy point $8.11, 5-week constructive base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.15, momentum play, REIT - Residential Industry Group Rank 89, Relative Strength Rank 95, stop $7.69, trade risk -5.2% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Thursday, December 5, 2019. 

  • 2019-12-03: Watch List candidate CMRE triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2019-12-01: Adding CMRE (pivot buy point $8.36, 3-weeks tight base, accelerating sales/earnings, margin expansion, upward earnings estimate revisions, Marine Shipping Industry Group Rank 95, Relative Strength Rank 97, trade risk -5%, stop $7.94 - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Monday, December 2, 2019. Dropping PAAS from the Watch List.

  • 2019-11-27: Adding IBP (pivot buy point $73.21, 4-week cup-and-handle pattern, Institutional A/D Rank 2.57, two recent pocket pivots, accelerating sales/earnings, margin expansion, upwards earnings estimate revisions, ROE 29.62%, Installed Building Products Industry Group Rank 96, Relative Strength Rank 96, stop $68.8, trade risk -6% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Wednesday, November 27, 2019.

  • 2019-11-27: Watch List Candidate BRKR triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2019-11-25: Adding LOCO (pivot buy point $15.44, long 44-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 3.13, accelerating sales/earnings, margin expansion, upward earnings estimate revisions, Restaurants Industry Group Rank 94, Relative Strength Rank 95, trade risk -7%, stop $14.34 - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Monday, November 25, 2019.

  • 2019-11-25: Watch List Candidate LOCO triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Current holding KL gapped down on aquisition news and triggered our stop at -15.13%. Raising stops on ACAD to $42.39 (break-even), and dropping OLED and AMKR from the Watch List for now.

  • 2019-11-25: Adding BRKR (pivot buy point $51.23, 4-week constructive pattern within larger 20-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.82, momentum play, ROE 24.35%, Medical Devices Industry Group Rank 96, Relative Strength Rank 91, trade risk -5.5%, stop $48.4 - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Tuesday, November 26, 2019.

  • 2019-11-20: Adding AMKR (pivot buy point $13.5, 4-weeks constructive base, pocket pivot today, Institutional A/D Rank 1.75, upward earnings estimate revisions, momentum play, Semiconductors Industry Group Rank 98, Relative Strength Rank 99, trade risk -7%, stop $12.52 - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Thursday, November 21, 2019.

  • 2019-11-19: Watch List candidate KL triggered it's pivot buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2019-11-18: Adding KL (pivot buy point $48.30, 12-week constructive basing pattern, accelerating sales/earnings, margin expansion, ROE 35.3%, Gold Industry Group Relative Strength 98, Relative Strength Rank 95, trade risk -7%, stop $44.92 - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Tuesday, November 19, 2019.

  • 2019-11-17: Adding OLED (pivot buy point $208.01, 10-week cup-and-handle base, accelerating sales/earnings, margin expansion, upward earnings estimate revisions, ROE 17.94%, Semiconductor Equipment & Materials Industry Group Rank 97, Relative Strength Rank 94, stop $194.49, trade risk -6.5% - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Monday, November 18, 2019.

  • 2019-11-13: Watch List candidate PAAS gapped above it's pivot buy point, and so did not trigger a trade. We will continue to watch it, if a pullback buy point occurs in the coming days. ACAD acting well so far on it's new high breakout this week.

  • 2019-11-09: Adding PAAS (pivot buy point $17.9, 10-week basing pattern, Institutional A/D Rank 1.04, momentum play with three recent pocket pivots, accelerating sales, Industry Group Silver, trade risk -7%, stop $16.65 - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Monday, November 11, 2019.

  • 2019-11-07: We have a signal to exit VUSTX (Friday at the close), and move into MWATX (Monday at the close) in our Mutual Fund Timing Portfolio.

  • 2019-11-05: We were stopped out of CORR at -4.18%.

  • 2019-10-28: Watch List candidate ACAD triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2019-10-27: Adding ACAD (pivot buy point $42.05, 7-week cup-and-handle, Institutional A/D Rank 2.35, accelerating sales growth, Biotechnology Industry Group Rank 99, Relative Strength Rank 99, trade risk -6.3%, stop $39.38 - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Monday, October 28, 2019.

  • 2019-10-09: Today, in our Mutual Fund Portfolio, we received a signal to exit out of MWATX, and into the "safety" of Long-Term Treasury Assets via VUSTX. We plan to execute these transactions at the close of trading Thursday and Friday.

  • 2019-10-04: On Thursday, we were stopped out of BSGM at -6.38%.

  • 2019-10-01: Watch List candidate BSGM triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. It emerged above it's pivot point, and then "squatted" back into the handle area, alongside weakness in the general market today. Let's see if it can stage a reversal recovery in the coming days. CORR also has acted weak in the last two sessions. 

    Mutual Fund Timing Portfolio: Holding MWATX.
    2019 YTD (September): Timing Portfolio +19.67%, SPY +20.40%.

  • 2019-09-29: Adding BSGM (pivot buy point $8.36, 14-week cup-and-handle base, momentum play w/high short interest, Medical Devices Industry Group Rank 99, Relative Strength Rank 95, stop $7.85, trade risk -6.1% - QUARTER POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER PRICE/LOWER LIQUIDITY) to the Watch List for Monday, September 30, 2019.

  • 2019-09-23: Watch List candidate CORR triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. It did not close the day strong, so we need to see if it stages a reversal recovery in the coming days.

  • 2019-09-22: Adding CORR (pivot buy point $47.39, 6-week constructive base, accelerating earnings, pocket pivot, Institutional A/D Rank 5.29, Industry Group Rank 94, Relative Strength Rank 93, trade risk -4%, stop $45.49 - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Monday, September 23, 2019.

  • 2019-09-11: We received a signal to trade out of FBSOX and into MWATX in the mutual fund portion of our portfolios. Also, dropping EVTC from the Watch List.

  • 2019-09-08: Adding EVTC (pivot buy point $35.94, 5-weeks tight base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.42, accelerating earnings, ROE 45%, Software - Infrastructure Industry Group Rank 98, Relative Strength Rank 94, trade risk -6%, stop $33.78 - STARTER HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Monday, September 9, 2019.

  • 2019-08-24: We were stopped out of our remaining holdings in ECL at +0.41% (break-even) and PRO at +33.29%

    Mutual Fund Timing Portfolio: Still holding FBSOX as it's momentum signal is slightly positive, but could switch anytime.

  • 2019-08-20: Not much else to do in this market environment, but to raise stops: PRO to $69 (+29%) and ECL to $201.22 (break-even). These two names have held up well during this period of volatility and are both trading above their 20-day MAs. Dropping GLPG from the Watch List.

  • 2019-08-11: Adding GLPG (pivot buy point $180.34, 4-week cup-and-handle base, finding support at it's 20-day MA, Institutional A/D Rank 4.69, momentum play w/accelerating sales, Biotechnology Industry Group Rank 99, Relative Strength Rank 98, stop $169.43, trade risk -6% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Monday, August 12, 2019.

    Mutual Fund Timing Portfolio: FBSOX (-1.79%).

  • 2019-08-05: We were stopped out of INSP at  +8.38%ZTS at  -3.26% and will likely get stopped out of PRO and ECL on further weakness.

    Mutual Fund Timing Portfolio: FBSOX (-5.48%).

  • 2019-08-02: We were stopped out of our remaining BYND at $173.99, for a net +25.35% trade on the position. 

  • 2019-08-02: We were stopped out of ROKU (-8.39%), IOVA (-10.63%) and CDNS (+1.46%).

  • 2019-08-01: We were stopped out of AMD at +6.74%.

  • 2019-07-30: We were stopped out of WWD at -3.32%. Current holding ECL had a good post-earnings bump of +2.5% today. Stick to all stops as per plan.

  • 2019-07-29: Watch List candidsates IOVA and ECL both tirggered their buy points, and were purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Mutual Fund Timing Portfolio: FBSOX (+2.12%)

  • 2019-07-27: Adding IOVA (pivot buy point $25.04, high-tight flag pulling back to it's 20-day MA, momentum play only, Biotechnology Industry Group Rank 99, Relative Strength Rank 99, trade risk -7.6%, stop $23.13 - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Monday, July 29, 2019. We booked a +37% profit in PRO on half our holdings, as well as sold another half of BYND at +48%. Raising stops on PRO to $66.63 (+25%), AMD to $32.74 (+9%), CDNS to $71.1 (+1%), WWD to $114.01 (-3%), ZTS to $112.51 (-3%). ECL on Watch above $200.44.

    Mutual Fund Timing Portfolio: FBSOX (+2.39%).

  • 2019-07-23: Watch List Candidate ROKU triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. We nailed down a +23.1% profit in BYND on half our holdings, and raising stops to $177.76 (+12%) on the other half. Also raising stops on PRO to $64.59 (+21%), AMD to $31.71 (+5%), WWD to $111.90 (-5%). ECL on Watch above $200.44.

    Mutual Fund Timing Portfolio: FBSOX (+0.84%).

  • 2019-07-22: Adding ROKU (pivot buy point $109.25, pull-back buy from a 5-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.2, accelerating sales growth, curr/next year revenue estimates +41%, +34%, momentum play with Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $100.15, trade risk -8.3% - QUARTER POSITION ONLY DUE TO HIGHER TRADE RISK) to the Watch List for Tuesday, July 23, 2019.

    Watch List candidate ZTS triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Current holding BYND rose +9.85% today, so we are raising our stop to $159 (break-even). Also, raising stop on INSP to $64.47 (+10%). CDNS may trigger it's stop at break-even.

    We continue to hold FBSOX in our Mutual Fund Timing Portfolio.

  • 2019-07-21: Adding ZTS (pivot buy point $116.31, 4-weeks tight base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.61, upward earning estimate revisions, accelerating earnings growth, ROE 64.59%, Drug Manufacturers - Specialty & Generic Industry Group Rank 96, Relative Strength Rank 92, stop $111.66, trade risk -4% - HALF POSITION 12.5% OF PORTFOLIO) to the Watch List for Monday, July 22, 2019. ECL also on Watch List above $200.44. We continue to hold FBSOX in our Mutual Fund Timing Portfolio.

  • 2019-07-19: We were stopped out of AMRN at +2%. Raising stop on INSP to $63.06. In our Mutual Fund Portfolio, we traded out of SPY and into FBSOX.

  • 2019-07-15: Watch List candidate WWD triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. ECL still on watch with a $200.44 trigger. Raising stops on AMD to $31.26 (+4%) and INSP to $61.53 (+5%). We exited our position in SPY and will rotate into FBSOX at market close Tuesday.

  • 2019-07-14: In our ETF/Mutual Fund Portfolio, we are going to put our timing service into play by switching out of SPY and into FBSOX (Fidelity Select IT Services).

  • 2019-07-13: Adjusting pivot buy point on Watch List candidate ECL to $200.44 (new high), and raising stop on current holding PRO to $64.37 (+21%).

  • 2019-07-11: Adding ECL (pivot buy point $200, 5-week constructive cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.69, ROE 18.73%, recent pocket pivot, Specialty Chemicals Industry Group Rank 89, Relative Strength Rank 91, trade risk -4%, stop $192 - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Friday, July 12, 2019.

  • 2019-07-09: Watch List candidate BYND triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. We were stopped out of HSC at -6.35%.

  • 2019-07-08: Moving stops on AMD to $28.67 (-5%), CDNS to $69.95 (break-even) and INSP to $59.59 (+2%).

  • 2019-07-08: Adding BYND (pivot buy point $159, 4-week constructive base finding support at the 20-day MA, Institutional A/D Rank 2.3, speculative new-issue momentum play, Packaged Foods Industry Group Rank 95, Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $146.95, trade risk -7.5% - QUARTER POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Tuesday, July 9, 2019.

  • 2019-07-06: Adding WWD (pivot buy point $116.46, 4-week constructive base, Institutional A/D Rank 5.37, accelerating earnings/sales growth, curr yr EPS est +26.8%, curr yr REV est +23.1%, ROE 15.9%, Aerospace & Defense Industry Group Rank 96, Relative Strength Rank 95, stop $110.64, trade risk -5% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Monday, July 8, 2019. Raising stops on AMRN to $19.17 (+2%), PRO to $61.11 (+15%)

  • 2019-07-05: Raising stops on AMRN to $18.79 (break-even), and INSP to $56.95 (-3%).

  • 2019-07-01: Watch List candidate HSC triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. ARNA opened above it's pivot point, and hence did not trigger - we'll be monitoring it for a pullback buy if it occurs.

  • 2019-06-28: Adding ARNA (pivot buy point $58.89, 4-weeks tight ledge, Institutional A/D Rank 1.21, accelerating sales/earnings, ROE 68%, Biotechnology Industry Group Rank 99, Relative Strength Rank 95, stop $54.72, trade risk -7% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Friday, June 28, 2019.

  • 2019-06-21: Adding HSC (pivot buy point $27.92, 32-week constructive base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.31, accelerating sales, upward earnings estimate revisions, ROE 50.75%, Industrial Metals & Minerals Industry Group Rank 95, Relative Strength Rank 90, stop $26.1, trade risk -6.5% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Friday, June 21, 2019. Dropping ZS and YNDX from the Watch List for now. Adjusting stop on PRO to $60.64 (+14%). MDSO was sold from the portfolio at -2.76%

  • 2019-06-20: Adding ZS (pivot buy point $80.38, 6-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.75, upward earnings estimate revisions, annual revenue growth ests +57.8%, +34.3%Software - Infrastructure Industry Group Rank 98, Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $74.35, trade risk -7.5% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Thursday, June 20, 2019.

    Watch List candidates CDNS and INSP triggered their buy points and were purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Raising stop on PRO to $60.25 (+13%).

  • 2019-06-20: We will also be exiting our MDSO position as it's takeover by Dassault Systems in Q4 makes it dead money for now.

  • 2019-06-19: Adding CDNS (pivot buy point $70.08, 8-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.1, accelerating sales/earnings/margins, ROE 31.37%, Software - Application Industry Group Rank 99, Relative Strength Rank 96, stop $66.93, trade risk -4.5% - HALF POSITION), YNDX (pivot buy point $39.18, 45-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.04, accelerating sales, upward earn. est. revisions, annual EPS est +35%, +39.6%, annual rev est +31.7%, +26.5%, ROE 24.3%, Internet Content & Information Industry Group Rank 97, Relative Strength Rank 91, stop $37.22, trade risk -5% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Wednesday, June 19, 2019. Adjusting stop on current holding PRO to $58.69 (+10%).

  • 2019-06-18: Watch List candidate AMRN triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2019-06-18: Adding INSP (pivot buy point $58.38, 13-week constructive cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.27, accelerating sales growth, quarterly rev. est. +52.4%, +67.9%, annual rev. est. +43.5%, +36.1%, Medical Devices Industry Group Rank 97, Relative Strength Rank 91, stop $54.58, trade risk -6.5% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Tuesday, June 18, 2019.

    Moving stop on current holding PRO to break-even ($53.35).

  • 2019-06-13: Adding AMRN (pivot buy point $18.78, 30-week constructive base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.15, accelerating sales growth, momentum play, Biotechnology Industry Group Rank 99, Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $17.28, trade risk -8% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Friday, June 14, 2019.

  • 2019-06-11: Watch List Candidate MDSO triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2019-06-10: Adjusting pivot buy point on Watch List candidate MDSO to $93.88.

  • 2019-06-08: Adding MDSO (pivot buy point $93.74, 6-weeks tight base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.66, two recent pocket pivots, accelerating sales growth, Health Information Services Industry Group Rank 92, Relative Strength Rank 93, stop $87.1, trade risk -7% - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Monday, June 10, 2019.

  • 2019-06-07: Watch List Candidate AMD triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. We were stopped out of NSTG at -7.24%.

  • 2019-06-06: Adjusting pivot buy point on Watch List Candidate AMD to $30.

  • 2019-06-05: Adding AMD (pivot buy point $29.67, 36-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.27, 3 recent pocket pivots, EPS (Y) est. +41.3%, +53.8%, ROE 21.73%, Semiconductors Industry Group Rank 95, Relative Strength Rank 97, stop $27.29, trade risk -8% - HALF POSITION 12.5% OF EQUITY) to the Watch List for Wednesday, June 5, 2019.

  • 2019-06-04: Watch List Candidate NSTG triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2019-06-02: Adding NSTG (pivot buy point $28.84, 12-week constructive cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.46, accelerating sales growth, momentum play, Biotechnology Industry Group Rank 99, Relative Strength Rank 98, stop $26.82, trade risk -7% - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Monday, June 3, 2019.

  • 2019-05-23: PRO triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. 

  • 2019-05-16: Looking to get back into PRO (3-weeks tight consolidation, accelerating sales/earnings, margin expansion, good forward earnings estimates, Relative Strength Rank 97, Software - Application Industry Group Rank 99) above $53.35 with a -5.8% stop at $50.26 - HALF POSITION ONLY. Dropping PHAS from the Watch List.

  • 2019-05-13: Watch List candidate PHAS had a pocket pivot today, and could trigger it's $14 buy point within the next day(s). The Mutual Fund Timing Service gave a signal to exit SPY and move to the safety of long-term treasuries via VUSTX. One could take this signal, or wait to confirm the performance of the model in real-time over the next several months, as opposed to it's current back-tested returns.

  • 2019-05-12: Only PHAS (high-tight flag) on Watch List above $14. Holding SPY within the Mutual Fund Timing Portfolio.

  • 2019-05-06: We recently launched a new mutual fund timing service, which switches between domestic and international funds, at most once every 21 trading days. When these funds are performing poorly, the model moves to long-term treasury bonds. Backtested results using data since January 2009 have been encouraging, and can be seen on our home page. This model has just been implemented on several of our real money accounts with a position in SPY until the next official mutual fund signal. Currently, the signal says to be long US stocks. Of course, there is no guarantee that the model will live up to it's backtested expectations or that the chosen funds will perform equally well going forward as they did over the past decade. However, the model is fairly simple in its signals, based purely on relative price strength of the funds and not much else, and so gives us enough confidence to apply it to our accounts. Time will tell.

  • 2019-05-02: Adding PHAS (pivot buy point $14, 4-weeks base on a high-tight flag, Institutional A/D Rank 7.61, momentum play, Biotechnology Industry Group Rank 99, Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $13, trade risk -7% -HALF POSITION) to the Warch List for Friday, May 3, 2019. We also nailed down profits in PRO at +17.35%. 100% in cash.

  • 2019-05-01: Raising stops on PRO to $50.53 (+17%).

  • 2019-04-29: We exited our position in FNSR at +9.07%.

  • 2019-04-28: Adjusting stops on FNSR to $23.65 and PRO to $48.96.

  • 2019-04-17: Dropping ETSY and HZNP from the Watch List.

  • 2019-04-16: We were stopped out of ENSG at -6.55%.

  • 2019-04-15: Watch List candidate ENSG triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2019-04-14: Adding ENSG (pivot buy point $52.16, 7-week constructive base, Institutional A/D Rank 3.72, pocket pivot, accelerating sales/earnings, curr qtr earn est +18%, curr yr earn est +17%, ROE 16.8%, Relative Strength Rank 95, stop $48.75, trade risk -6.5% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Monday, April 15, 2019.

  • 2019-04-11: Adding ETSY (pivot buy point $70.69, 7-week constructive base, Institutional A/D Rank 2.45, upward earn est revisions, accelerating sales/earnings, margin expansion, Specialty Retail Industry Group Rank 98, Relative Strength Rank 98, stop $65.95, trade risk -6.7% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Friday, April 12, 2019.

  • 2019-04-10: Adding HZNP (pivot buy point $28, constructive 6-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 3.24, accelerating sales/earnings, margin expansion, curr qtr upward est revisions, Drug Manufacturers - Specialty & Generic Industry Group Rank 98, Relative Strength Rank 97, stop $25.9, trade risk -7.5% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Thursday, April 11, 2019.

  • 2019-04-09: Watch List candidate PRO triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2019-04-08: Adding PRO (pivot buy point $43, 6-week constructive base, accelerating sales/earnings, margin expansion, pocket pivot, Institutional A/D Rank 1.96, curr qtr est +32%, curr yr est +25%, Software - Application Industry Group Rank 99, Relative Strength Rank 93, stop $40.21, trade risk -6.5% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Tuesday, April 9, 2019. Dropping CAMT from the Watch List, as it gapped above our pivot buy point.

  • 2019-04-06: Adding CAMT (pivot buy point $10, 33-week cup-and-handle base, accelerating earnings growth, Institutional A/D Rank 5.93, curr qtr est +42%, curr yr est +25%, ROE 20%, pocket pivot, Semiconductor Equipment & Materials Industry Group Rank 94, Relative Strength Rank 93, stop $9.3, trade risk -7% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Monday, April 8, 2019.

  • 2019-04-04: We were stopped out of ZGNX at -7.35%.

  • 2019-04-03: Adding MTCH (pivot buy point $58.39, 8-week cup-and-handle base finding support at the 50-day MA, accelerating earnings/sales, upward earnings estimate revisions, Institutional A/D Rank 3.1, ROE 149%, Internet Content & Information Industry Group Rank 95, Relative Strength Rank 94, stop $54.59, trade risk -6.5% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Thursday, April 4, 2019. We exited our position in WMGI at +2.21%.

  • 2019-04-02: Raising stop on WMGI to $30.50 (+2%).

  • 2019-03-31: Adding AGYS (pivot buy point $21.38, 5-week tight base, accelerating sales growth, Institutional A/D Rank 5.11, pocket pivot, lower liquidity name w/avg daily vol 107K, Software - Application Industry Group Rank 99, Relative Strength Rank 96, stop $19.89, trade risk -7% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Monday, April 1, 2019. Watch List candidate ZGNX triggered it's buy point Friday, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2019-03-28: Adding ZGNX (pivot buy point $55, 4-wk constructive handle within large 38-wk base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.24, momentum play, Drug Manufacturers - Major Industry Group Rank 93, Relative Strength Rank 94, stop $51.15, trade risk -7% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Friday, March 29, 2019.

  • 2019-03-26: Raising stops on current holdings NSR to $22.71 (+2%) and WMGI to $30 (+1%)

  • 2019-03-25: We were stopped out of LNTH at -10.43% (poor fill).

  • 2019-03-24: We were stopped out of CGC at -6.08%.

  • 2019-03-21: Watch List candidate LNTH triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2019-03-20: Watch List candidate CGC triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. GTY triggered it's stop, and was sold at +1% (break-even). Dropping ENTA from the Watch List.

  • 2019-03-19: Adding ENTA (pivot buy point $105.45, 39-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 2.3, multiple pocket pivots in handle ares, accelerating earnings/sales, margin expansion, ROE 23%, Biotechnology Industry Group Rank 99.8, Relative Strength Rank 91.4, stop $99.12, trade risk -6% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Wednesday, March 20, 2019. Current holding GTY at risk of getting stopped out at break-even.

  • 2019-03-18: Adding LNTH (pivot buy point $24.87, 4-weeks tight base, Institutional A/D Rank 2.11, accelerating sales growth, margin expansion, upward qrtly. earn. estimates, ROE 86%, two back-to-back pocket pivots, Industry Group Diagnostics & Research Rank 99, Relative Strength Rank 98, stop $23.25, trade risk -6.5% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Tuesday, March 19, 2019. We also sold out of TNDM at +51%

  • 2019-03-17: Adding CGC (pivot buy point $48.05, 7-week constructive base with larger 22-week cup-and-handle formation, momentum play, Institutional A/D Rank 2.37, Top 10 stocks in it's Drug Manufacturers - Speciality & Generic Industry Group have an average RS Rank of 98.2, Relative Strength Rank 96.4, stop $44.93 trade risk -6.5% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Monday, March 18, 2019.  We also nailed down profits in ZBRA at +18.9%. Raising stops on TNDM to $68.68 (+51%) and GTY to $31.78 (+1%)

  • 2019-03-15: Raising stops on current holding TNDM to $65.03 (+43%).

  • 2019-03-14: We were stopped out of CRON at -7%.

  • 2019-03-13: Adding IAC (pivot buy point $210.5, 26-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.39, pocket pivot, accelerating sales, ROE 22.94%, 200-day MA support, Relative Strength Rank 90, stop $201.5, trade risk -4.3% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Wednesday, March 13, 2019. Raising stop on current holding ZBRA to $196 (+10%).

  • 2019-03-13: Watch List candidate CRON triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. IAC opened above it's pivot point and so did not trigger our buy rules - dropping for now.

  • 2019-03-10: Adding CRON (pivot buy point $22.17, 4-weeks high-tight flag, momentum play only, Institutional A/D Rank 1.72, Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $20.62, trade risk -7% - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Monday, March 11, 2019. Dropping MTLS from the Watch List.

  • 2019-03-07: We were stopped out of KWR at -4.8%.

  • 2019-03-05: We were stopped out of WDAY at +9.72%.

  • 2019-03-03: Raising stop on WDAY to $186.26 (+10%)

  • 2019-02-27: Raising our stop on TNDM to $59.95, as we've exceeded our profit target and looking to close out this one. WDAY (+16%) and KWR (+1%) will announce earnings 2/28 after market close.

  • 2019-02-26: Adding MTLS (pivot buy point $19.5, 8-week cup-and-handle base, momentum play, Institutional A/D Rank 2.29, curr. year. est. growth +175%, Industry Group Rank #3, Relative Strength Rank 97, stop $18.04, trade risk -7.5% - HALF POSITION ONLY, EARNINGS ON 3/6/19) to the Watch List for Wednesday, February 27, 2019. 

    We were stopped out of NCI at -5.9% and SHEN at -7.6%TNDM has risen signficantly in after hours trading and may gap up at the open. If that happens, we have a "back stop" in place at $55.95. We are raising stops on WDAY to $169.72, FNSR to $22.33 and ZBRA to $178.

  • 2019-02-25: Earnings before the open Tuesday 2/26: NCI (+2.6%). Earnings after the close: GTY (+7.7%), TNDM (+6.28%), WMGI (+5%). We are holding through these events with half positions in each, NCI being the most vulnerable having the smallest profit cushion. Also, we'll likely get stopped out of SHEN at our stop of $45.91

  • 2019-02-19: Watch List candidate NTEC gapped above our pivot buy point, so our trigger did not fire - removing from the Watch List for now.

  • 2019-02-17: Adding NTEC (pivot buy point $8.30 - ON VOLUME, 6-week constructive base, biotech momentum play, pocket pivot, Institutional A/D Rank 1.92, curr. year. est. growt. +28%, Industry Group Rank #4, Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $7.66, trade risk -7.7% - QTR POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER PRICE, HIGHER TRADE RISK) to the Watch List for Tuesday, February 19, 2019. Watch List candidate KWR triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. We also added to our existing FNSR

  • 2019-02-15: Watch List candidate SHEN triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Also, we will add to our FNSR position on a break above $23.12, it's handle high.

  • 2019-02-13: Adding KWR (pivot buy point $208.37 ON VOLUME, 10-week cup-and-handle base, accelerating sales/earnings, margin expansion, curr. yr. est. grow. +20%, two pocket pivots, Institutional A/D Rank 1.45, avg. daily vol. 70K, Industry Group Rank #26, Relative Strength Rank 92, stop $197.45, trade risk -5.5% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Thursday, February 14, 2019.

  • 2019-02-12: Adding SHEN (pivot buy point $48.60, 11-week constructive base, curr. yr. est. grow. +51.5%, accelerating sales/earnings, ROE 24.8%, Institutional A/D Rank 1.81, pocket pivot, Industry Group Rank #15, Relative Strength Rank 96, stop $45.91, trade risk -5.5% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Wednesday, February 13, 2019. We have added a 1.2*AVERAGE DAILY VOLUME condition to our buy triggers, which means we want to see brisk volume on the break above our pivot points.

    Watch List candidate TNDM triggered it's buy point on heavy volume and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Current holding ZBRA announces earnings before the open Thursday, Feb 14 - we're holding a HALF position with a bit of a cushion.

  • 2019-02-11: Adding TNDM (pivot buy point $45.3, 22-week cup-and-handle base, momentum play only, Institutional A/D Rank 1.79, curr. yr. est. grow. +76%, pocket pivot, Industry Group Rank #25, Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $40.46, trade risk -10.7% - QUARTER POSITION ONLY DUE TO HIGHER TRADE RISK) to the Watch List for Tuesday, February 12, 2019.

  • 2019-02-08: We exited our position in HLF at breakeven.

  • 2019-02-07: Raising stop on HLF to $56.03 (-3%)

  • 2019-02-06: Comments: After being up +8% in ETSY on the day of our purchase, we were stopped out today at -6.48%. Tough market but we need to stick to our trading rules.

  • 2019-02-05: Watch List candidates ETSY and ZBRA both triggered their buy points and were purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2019-02-04: Adding ETSY (pivot buy point $55.88, 9-week cup-and-handle base, upward qtrly. est. revisions, curr. yr. est. grow. +28.7%, ROE 21.9%, two recent pocket pivots, Industry Group Rank #21, Relative Strength Rank 98, stop $52.53, trade risk -6% - HALF POSITION), ZBRA (pivot buy point $177.73, 13-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.3, accelerating earnings, margin expansion, ROE 30.7%, pocket pivot yesterday, stop $167.95, trade risk -5.5% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Tuesday, February 5, 2019. We were stopped out of PKE at -3.3% as it went ex-dividend with a large $4.25 dividend per share today - our bad for not adjusting stops accordingly.

  • 2019-02-03: Adding NCI (pivot buy point $26.06, 10-week cup-and-handle base, three recent pocket pivot days, margin expansion, curr. yr. est. grow. +110%, ROE 22.4%, Industry Group Rank #30, Relative Strength Rank 91, stop $24.63, trade risk -5.5% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for Monday, February 4, 2019. Watch List candidate PKE also triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2019-01-31: Adding PKE (pivot buy point $23.05, large 32-wk cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 2.1, three pocket pivots within last three days, margin expansion, ROE 17.7%, Industry Group Rank #17, Relative Strength Rank 93, stop $21.78, trade risk -5.5% - HALF POSITION) to the Watch List for February 1, 2019. Current holding FNSR and WDAY both had strong +5% days today. We were also stopped out of VNDA at -6.1%.

  • 2019-01-30: Watch List candidate GTY triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2019-01-30: Watch List candidate WMGI triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Dropping SHEN from the Watch List for now.

  • 2019-01-27: Adding WMGI (pivot buy point $29.81, 12-week cup-and-handle base, pocket pivot, Institutional A/D Rank 1.24, curr. yr. est. grow. 457%, Relative Strength Rank 94, stop $28.16, trade risk -5.5% - HALF POSITION ONLY), GTY (pivot buy point $31.3, 6-week cup-and-handle base, Institutional A/D Rank 1.36, accelerating sales, margin expansion, Industry Group Rank #2, Relative Strength Rank 92, stop $29.90, trade risk -4.5% - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Monday, January 28, 2019. FNSR triggered it's watch list and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio - adjusting stop on FNSR to $21.05. Dropping SAVE from the Watch List for now.

  • 2019-01-23: Adding SHEN (pivot buy point $48.73, 9-week cup-and-handle base, accelerating earnings/sales growth, curr. yr. est. grow. +50.73%, Institutional A/D Rank 3.67, ROE 24.8%, Industry Group Rank #11, Relative Strength Rank 97, stop $46.29, trade risk -5% - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Thursday, January 24, 2019.

  • 2019-01-20: Adding FNSR (pivot buy point $21.92, 7-week cup-and-handle base, accelerating earnings growth, Institutional A/D Rank 2.0, pocket pivot showing support at the 50-day MA, Industry Group Rank #13, Relative Strength Rank 96, stop $21.15, trade risk -3.5% - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Tuesday, January 22, 2019. Watch List Candidate WDAY triggered it's buy point Friday, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2019-01-16: Adding SAVE (pivot buy point $62, 7-week cup-and-handle base, accelerating sales/earnings, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr. yr. est. growth 45%, Institutional A/D Rank 2.12, Relative Strength Rank 98, stop $57.97, trade risk -6.5% - HALF POSITION ONLY), WDAY (pivot buy point $169.51, 7-week cup-and-handle base, accelerating sales, curr. yr. est. growth 23%, Pocket Pivot, Institutional A/D Rank 1.34, Industry Group Rank #4, Relative Strength Rank 96, stop $158.5, trade risk -6.5% - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Thursday, January 17, 2019.

  • 2019-01-15: Watch List candidate VNDA triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2019-01-13: Adding VNDA (pivot buy point $29.26, 6-week cup-and-handle base, accelerating sales/earnings, margin expansion, curr year growth est +17.76%, institutional A/D rank 2.28, Industry Group Rank #3, Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $27.50, trade risk -6% - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Monday, January 14, 2019.

  • 2019-01-08: We were stopped out of SHSP at -9%

  • 2019-01-07: Watch List candidate SHSP triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2019-01-06: Adding SHSP (pivot buy point $14.25, 20-week cup-and-handle base, momentum play only, institutional A/D rank 2.1, low 7M float w/average daily volume 28K, Relative Strength Rank 99, pocket pivot, trade risk -7%, stop $13.25 - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Monday, January 7, 2019.

  • 2018-12-20: We were stopped out of CTRE at -4.06%. Only remaining position is a half size in HLF.

  • 2018-12-18: Raising stops on CTRE to $19.36 in this volatile environment.

  • 2018-12-17: We will be exiting USNA at the close Monday, if it continues to trade at it's lows for the day.

  • 2018-12-17: Current holding USNA was sold at -5.04% on making three lower lows after it's breakout, and failure to hold above it's 20-day MA. It may possibly reset in the coming days/weeks. Also, dropping SHSP from the Watch List as it no longer provides a tight low-risk entry point, consistent with our strategy.

  • 2018-12-16: Adding SHSP (pivot buy point $13.21, 16-week cup-and-handle base, momentum play, average daily volume 32K, Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $12.35, trade risk -6.5% - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Monday, December 17, 2018.

  • 2018-12-12: Watch List candidates HLF and USNA triggered their buy points and were purchased for the GSA Portfolio at HALF size each. Both are in the #10 ranked Consumer Packaged Goods Industry Group.

  • 2018-12-11: Adding HLF (pivot buy point $57.83, 19-week cup-and-handle base, curr year growth est +17%, accelerating sales/earnings, Institutional A/D Rank 2.11, Industry Group Rank #9, Relative Strength Rank 91, stop $55.43, trade risk -4.2% - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Wednesday, December 12, 2018.

  • 2018-12-06: We were stopped out of ROL at -6.5%. CTRE actually closed up +1.97% for the day and continues to act well.

  • 2018-12-03: Current holding CTRE has shown two additional high-volume up-days, i.e., institutional buying, and so we moved to a FULL (20%) position in the name. 

  • 2018-12-02: Adding USNA (pivot buy point $123.25, 18-week cup-and-handle base, accelerating sales/earnings growth, margin expansion, ROE 22.16%, Institutional A/D 2.31, Industry Group Rank #8, Relative Strength Rank 92, stop $115, trade risk -6.7%) to the Watch List for Monday, December 3, 2018 - HALF POSITION ONLY. 

    On Friday, CTRE triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-11-29: Adding CTRE (pivot buy point $20, base-on-base breakout on 173% avg daily volume, accelerating sales growth, Institutional A/D rank 1.35, Industry Group Rank #1 (REIT), Relative Strength Rank 94, stop $18.85, trade risk -5.8%) to the Watch List for Friday, November 30, 2018 - HALF POSITION ONLY.

  • 2018-11-28: Watch List candidate ROL triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-11-27: Adding ROL (pivot buy point $62.10, 10-week cup-and-handle base, accelerating sales/earnings growth, margin expansion, ROE 31%, Industry Group Rank #28, Relative Strength Rank 93, stop $59.29, trade risk -4.5%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, November 28, 2018 - HALF POSITION, PILOT BUY ONLY.

  • 2018-11-12: We were stopped out of SPSC at -7.5%.

  • 2018-11-08: Watch List candidate SPSC was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-11-07: Adding SPSC (pivot buy point $97.68, 8-week cup-and-handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr year est grow +93%, sales/earnings acceleration, margin expansion, institutional A/D 1.31, pocket pivot, Relative Strength Rank 95, Industry Group Rank #3, stop $90.48, trade risk -7.4%) to the Watch List for Thursday, November 8, 2018.

  • 2018-10-07: We were stopped out of PLNT at -5.63%. All out once again this year.

  • 2018-10-02: We were stopped out of DIN at a loss of -5.2%. None of our pilot buys are working - continuing to keep things light.

  • 2018-09-26: Watch List candidate PLNT triggered its buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-09-23: Not seeing many high quality, low risk basing pattern set-ups in the current environment, as well as getting stopped out/no movement in pilot buys - SITTING OUT for now.

  • 2018-09-18: FIX and NVTR did not act as expected, and were sold from the GSA Portfolio at -2.6% and -2.2% respectively.

  • 2018-09-16: Adding PLNT (pivot buy point $52.3, 5-week cup-and-handle base, accelerating earnings/sales, margin expansion, curr year growth est +34.85%, Institutional A/D Rank 2.46, Industry Group Rank #24, Relative Strength Rank 93, stop $49.5, trade risk -5.4% - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Monday, September 17, 2018.

  • 2018-09-09: Continuing to maintain a 30% exposure to the market, with limited success in our holdings. We are not seeing a lot of quality, low-risk setups at the current time, and so we watch and wait.

  • 2018-08-27: NVTR and DIN triggered their buy points and were purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-08-25: Adding NVTR (pivot buy point $21.54, 10-week cup-and-handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, accelerating sales, Insitutional A/D 1.91, pocket pivot, Industry Group Rank #22, Relative Strength Rank 98, stop $19.95, trade risk -7.5% - HALF POSITION ONLY), DIN (pivot buy point $81.66, 9-week cup-and-handle base within 18-week larger base, current year earnings estimate +23.37%, accelerating sales and earnings, Insitutional A/D 1.09, pocket pivot, Industry Group Rank #26, Relative Strength Rank 94, stop $77.58, trade risk -5% - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Monday, August 27, 2018.

  • 2018-08-21: Watch List candidate FIX triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-08-19: Taking a toe-in-the-water position in FIX (pivot buy point $56.71, 3-weeks tight pattern, upward quarterly estimate revisions, current year growth estimate +56%, institutional A/D Rank 1.12, Price/Sales 1.07, ROE 18%, Industry Group Rank #43, Relative Strength Rank 91, stop $53.87, trade risk -5% - STARTER HALF SIZE ONLY) to the Watch List for Monday, August 20, 2018.

  • 2018-07-30: Stopped out of remaining names as expected. CHEF (-4.12%), USAT (-3.35%), FIVE (-6.76%). 

  • 2018-07-29: We were stopped out of RST at -6.8%, and are raising stops on USAT to $13.90, expecting to get stopped out of remaining holdings. Tough environment for growth stocks.

  • 2018-07-25: Stopped out of FNHC at -8.2%, MRNS at -10.4%, exited OPBK at +1.2%. Removing SDT from the Watch List.

  • 2018-07-24: Tightening up stops on CHEF to $28.16. OPBK set to announce earnings Thursday, July 26 - with no cushion, we will likely close out our position going into this event. Overall, rough day for the GSA Portfolio, so respecting all stop levels if triggered.

  • 2018-07-19: Adjusting stop on current holding OPBK to $12.6 (break-even).

  • 2018-07-16: Watch List candidate FNHC triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-07-15: Adding FNHC (pivot buy point $23.50, 6-week cup-and-handle base, curr year earn est +275%, accelerating earnings, institutional A/D 2.39, pocket pivot, Industry Group Rank #35, Relative Strength Rank 94, stop $22.3, trade risk -5.1%) to the Watch List for Monday, July 16, 2018.

  • 2018-07-11: Watch List candidate MRNS triggered its buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-07-10: Watch List candidate FIVE triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. We were stopped out of ADUS for a small gain of +5%.

  • 2018-07-10: Adding MRNS (pivot buy point $8.12, 5-week cup-and-handle within larger 30-week cup-and-handle base, biotech momentum play, institutional A/D 3.28, pocket pivot, Industry Group Rank #4, Relative Strength Rank 98, stop $7.33, trade risk -9.7% - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER PRICE, HIGHER RISK) to the Watch List for Wednesday, July 11, 2018.

  • 2018-07-09: We exited MVO at +22.75% and TGA at +23.21%. Watch List candidates RST and USAT also triggered their buy points and were purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-07-09: Adding FIVE (pivot buy point $102, 4-weeks tight base, institutional A/D 7.18, upward curr qtr earn revisions, curr year growth est +36.63%, accelerating sales/earnings, margin expansion, ROE 28%, Industry Group Rank #6, Relative Strength Rank 96, stop $95.88, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, July 10, 2018.

  • 2018-07-08: Adding USAT (pivot buy point $14.3, 4-weeks tight base, institutional A/D 3.27, accelerating earnings/sales, Industry Group Rank #2, Relative Strength Rank 98, stop $13.44 trade risk -6%), SDT (pivot buy point $2.05, high-tight flag w/4-week cup-and-handle, institutional A/D 5.53, Industry Group Rank #7, Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $1.9, trade risk -7.3%) to the Watch List for Monday, July 9, 2018. Raising stop on current holding TGA to $2.52 (break-even). Looking to nail down profits in MVO and TGA at +20% to +25%

  • 2018-07-05: Adding RST (pivot buy point $16.44, 7-week constructive base w/shake-out, institutional A/D 3.05, 4 qtrs of earnings surprises, Industry Group Rank #2, Relative Strength Rank 92, stop $15.62, trade risk -5% - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Friday, July 6, 2018. Watch List candidate CHEF triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. ADUS and MVO are getting long in the tooth, so raising stops to $56.52 and $9.70 respectively.

  • 2018-07-04: Adding CHEF (pivot buy point $29.32, 8-week constructive base, institutional A/D 4.97, curr year growth est +65%, pocket pivot, Industry Group Rank #37, Relative Strength Rank 94, stop $27.55, trade risk -6% - HALF POSITION ONLY due to tougher than normal market environment) to the Watch List for Thursday, July 5, 2018. Happy 4th everyone!

  • 2018-07-02: We were stopped out of ZUMZ at break-even.

  • 2018-07-01: Moving stops up to break-even on ADUS ($54.25) and MVO ($9.23).

  • 2018-06-28: We were stopped out of our remaining CDXS for a net gain of +20.3%.

  • 2018-06-27: Watch List candidate TGA triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-06-26: We were stopped out of AKAM at -5.56%.

  • 2018-06-25: We were stopped out of QNST at -7.43%.

  • 2018-06-24: We were stopped out of SPPI at -7.05%. Dropping MCFT from the Watch List for now.

  • 2018-06-20: Watch List candidate SPPI triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio - stop at $19.31. We are fully invested across 8 names.

  • 2018-06-19: We were stopped out of SSW at -7.35%. Raising stops on CDXS to a recent swing low of $13.83.

  • 2018-06-18: Adding MCFT (pivot buy point $30.91, 5-week cup-and-handle base, curr year growth est +45%, last 4 qtr EPS: $0.34, $0.40, $0.41, $0.54, Sales(M): $58, $65, $78, $94, institutional A/D 3.93, ROE 148%, Industry Group Rank #24, Relative Strength Rank 90, stop $29.15, trade risk -5.7%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, June 19, 2018.

  • 2018-06-14: Adding SPPI (pivot buy point $20.7, multiple cup-and-handle patterns within 10-week base, two recent pocket pivots,  biotech momentum play, curr year est growth +33.6%, insitutional A/D 1.96, short% of float 11%, Industry Group Rank #4, Relative Strength Rank 93, stop $19.67, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Friday, June 15, 2018. Watch List candidate SSW triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-06-12: Watch List candidate QNST triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-06-11: Watch List candidate OPBK triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-06-11: Adding SSW (pivot buy point $9.21, 4-weeks base, curr year growth est +40%, last 4 qtr Sales(M): $205, $211, $214, $225, Margins: 13.8%, 22.9%, 27.3%, 30.1%, institutional A/D 2.81, two recent pocket pivot days, Industry Group Rank #11, Relative Strength Rank 96, stop $8.54, trade risk -7.3% - HALF POSITION ONLY LOWER PRICE NAME) to the Watch List for Tuesday, June 12, 2018.

  • 2018-06-10: Adding QNST (pivot buy point $13.94, 4-wk cup-and-handle within larger 12-week cup-and-handle base, last 4 qtr: EPS $0.03, $0.05, $0.04, $0.14, Sales(M): $82, $87, $87, $118, Margins: -1.68%, 1.65%, 2.24%, 6.04%, curr year est +305%, institutional A/D 1.42, Industry Group Rank #18, Relative Strength Rank 97, stop $12.97, trade risk -7% - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER PRICE NAME), TGA (pivot buy point $2.52, 14-day consolidation with a high-tight flag setup, momentum play, institutional A/D 1.36, Industry Group Rank #7, Relative Strength Rank 98, stop $2.29, trade risk -9% - QUARTER POSITION ONLY DUE TO SPECULATIVE LOW PRICE NAME) to the Watch List for Monday, June 11, 2018. Moving stop on ZUMZ to $24.60 (break-even).

  • 2018-06-07: Current holding ZUMZ up +17% after hours, so we will look to nail down profits on at least HALF our position Friday.

  • 2018-06-06: Current holding ZUMZ set to announce earnings after the bell Thursday 6/7/18. If we give up most of our +8% cushion, we will exit at the close. If not, we plan to hold our half position into the earnings event.

  • 2018-06-05: Top Picks Watch List candidate AKAM triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-06-04: Adding AKAM (pivot buy point $78.25, 13-week cup-and-handle base, institutional A/D 1.61, showing accelerating sales/earnings growth, Industry Group Rank #2, Relative Strength Rank 90, stop $75, trade risk -4.2%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, June 5, 2018. Dropping CCXI for now.

  • 2018-06-03: Adding CCXI (pivot buy point $13.32, 11-week cup-and-handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, Institutional A/D 1.61, ROE 36.5%, biotech momentum play, Industry Group Rank #4, Relative Strength Rank 96, stop $12.5, trade risk -6% - HALF POSITION ONLY LOWER PRICE) to the Watch List for Monday, June 4, 2018.

  • 2018-05-31: We sold half our line in CDXS at +25.3% and were stopped out of GES at -7.6%.

  • 2018-05-29: We were stopped out of VALE at -3.5%.

  • 2018-05-28: Tightening stop on current holding VALE to $13.68 (-3%)

  • 2018-05-24: Adding OPBK (pivot buy point $12.58, 7-week cup and handle base w/pocket pivot, under accumulation, low liquidity banking momentum play, avg vol 61K, float 14M, Industry Group Rank #1, Relative Strength Rank 93, stop $11.95, trade risk -5% - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for May 25, 2018.

  • 2018-05-23: Watch List candidate ADUS triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-05-20: On Thursday, May 17, 2018, MVO triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Porffolio. Dropping FBR from the Watch List for now.

  • 2018-05-16: Adding MVO (pivot buy point $9.16, 6-week cup and handle with a larger 18-week cup and handle base, Oil & Gas momentum play, institutional A/D rank 1.44, ROE 50%, average daily volume 29K, Industry Group Rank #5, Relative Strength Rank 97, stop $8.5, trade risk -7% - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER PRICE/LIQUIDITY) to the Watch List for Thursday, May 17, 2018.

    Moving stop on current holding CDXS to break-even $11.97, being up +17%.

  • 2018-05-15: Adding ADUS (pivot buy point $54.25, 4-weeks cup and handle base, upward quarterly est. revisions, curr. FY earn. est. +49%, under institutional accumulation A/D 2.02, avg. vol. 65K, last 4 qtr. sales(M): $104, $109, $112, $109, Industry Group Rank #35, Relative Strength Rank 95, stop $51.95, trade risk -4.2% - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER LIQUIDITY NAME) to the Watch List for Wednesday, May 16, 2018. Watch List candidate ZUMZ triggered it's buy point today, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-05-14: Adding ZUMZ (pivot buy point $24.6, 5-week cup and handle base, curr year earn. est. +41%, last 4 qtr. EPS -$0.18, -$0.02, $0.48, $0.82, last 4 qtr sales(M) $181, $192, $246, $308, last 4 qtr margins -2.46%, -0.32%, 4.85%, 6.47%, Industry Group Rank #13, Relative Strength Rank 94, stop $23.3, trade risk -5.3%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, May 15, 2018. Dropping PTCT from the Watch List for now.

  • 2018-05-13: Adding FBR (pivot buy point $19.85, 8-weeks tight base, under insitutional accumulation, upward earn. est. revisions, curr. year est. +167%, last 4 qtr. sales(M): $839, $899, $1222, $1117, Relative Strength Rank 92, stop $18.76, trade risk -5.5%) to the Watch List for Monday, May 14, 2018. 

    On Friday, GES triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. 

  • 2018-05-10: Adding GES (pivot buy point $24.01, 4-weeks tight base, curr year growth est +41%, under institutional accumulation, last 4 qtr EPS $0.11, $0.12, $0.41, $62, Industry Group Rank #8, Relative Strength Rank 97, stop $22.32, trade risk -7%) to the Watch List for Friday, May 11, 2018.

    CDXS today after the bell: Q1 EPS $(0.05) beats $(0.11) estimate, Sales $14M beats $12.1M estimate.

    VALE triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-05-09: Adding PTCT (pivot buy point $32.16-NO GAPS, 8-week cup and handle base, biotech momentum play, announced earnings today, under institutional accumulation, Industry Group Rank #5, Relative Strength Rank 97, stop $29.91, trade risk -7% - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Thursday, May 10, 2018.

  • 2018-05-06: Adding VALE (pivot buy point $14.18, 9-week cup and handle base, momentum play under institutional accumulation, ROE 13.4%, Industry Group Rank #13, Relative Strength Rank 92, stop $13.4, trade risk -5.5%- HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Monday, May 7, 2018. On Friday, CDXS, triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-04-29: We continue to stay 100% in CASH in this correcting, volatile environment, seeing very few low-risk set ups. Remain patient and conserve mental energy, while allowing the names to come to you instead of forcing trades. Dropping APEI from the Watch List for now.

  • 2018-04-22: Dropping SUPV and PGTI from the Watch List.

  • 2018-04-17: Adding CDXS (pivot buy point $11.95, 6-week cup-and-handle base, curr/next qtr upward earn revisions +31%/+3%, curr year growth est +51%, biotech momentum play, Industry Group Rank #3, Relative Strength Rank 98, stop $11, trade risk -8%), PGTI (pivot buy point $19.15, 8-week flat base, pocket pivot in base, curr year growth est +40%, ROE 26%, exhibiting margin expansion in last quarter, Industry Group Rank #42, Relative Strength Rank 92, stop $18.19, trade risk -5%) - BOTH HALF POSITIONS ONLY.

    Adjusting pivot buy point on SUPV to $30.34 (today's high), with a -2% stop at $29.72

  • 2018-04-13: Adding APEI (pivot buy point $44.44, 5-weeks tight base, upward earnings estimate revisions, current year estimated growth +18.35%, recent qtr EPS $0.23, $0.27, $0.51, under institutional accumulation, Industry Group Rank #29, Relative Strength Rank 99, trade risk -6%, stop $41.6 - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Friday, April 13, 2018.

  • 2018-04-10: Adding SUPV (pivot buy point $31.55, 12-week cup-and-handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, current year earnings growth +28%, under institutional accumulation, ROE 21%, Industry Group Rank #1, Relative Strength Rank 93, trade risk -5%, stop $29.97 - STARTER HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Wednesday, April 11, 2018.

  • 2018-04-02: We were stopped out of TBK at +2.35% and ASML at -3.77%, and are now 100% in cash.

  • 2018-04-01: Raising stops on ASML to $193.18. On a programming note, we have redesigned our stock screener to allow you to screen all 6000+ US stocks for different technical, fundamental and trend criteria. Our home and member pages also have a bit of a face lift, so please check them out and provide any feedback you may have. Happy Easter!

  • 2018-03-29: We were stopped out of our remaining APTI at +18.2% and ARGX at -6.2%.

  • 2018-03-28: We were stopped out of SAIA at -5.2%. Maintain tight stops in this higher volatility environment.

  • 2018-03-25: We were stopped out of FLT at -5.24%.

  • 2018-03-22: We were stopped out of WB at -5%.

  • 2018-03-21: Watch List candidates FLT and SAIA triggered their buy points, and were purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-03-20: Adding SAIA (pivot buy point $77.7, 9-week cup-and-handle base, accelerating sales and earnings growth, expanding profit margins, upward quarterly earnings estimate revisions, current fiscal year est +69%, under institutional accumulation, Relative Strength Rank 91, stop $73.80, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, March 21, 2018. FLT still on a buy above $210.94.

    WB triggered it's pivot point today, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-03-19: Adding WB (pivot buy point $134.91, 4-week constructive base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr year earn est +60%, accelerating last 4 qtr EPS and sales of $0.21, $0.33, $0.45, $0.58 and $199M, $253M, $320M, $377M respectively, margin expansion, earnings surpise in last 4/4 quarters, ROE 35%, Industry Group Rank #6, Relative Strength Rank 96, stop $128.16, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, March 20, 2018.

    We were stopped out of LGND at +4% and ABBV at -6.3%

  • 2018-03-18: Raising stops on APTI to $27.98, TBK to $39.97, ABBV to $111.50, LGND to $167.70. FLT on Watch List above $210.94.

  • 2018-03-15: We sold half our position in APTI at a profit of +28%, and now trail the balance at a stop of $27.82 (3-ATR).

  • 2018-03-15: Adding FLT (pivot buy point $210.94, 8-week cup-and-handle base, quarterly earnings accelerating, under insitutional accumulation, curr year earn est +20%, ROE 21%, Industry Group Rank #4, Relative Strength Rank 87, stop $199.95, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Friday, March 16, 2018.

  • 2018-03-13: We were stopped out of ATRA at -8.7%.

  • 2018-03-11: Watch List Candidate ATRA triggered it's buy point Friday, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Raising stops on APTI to $26.87 (3-ATR), TBK to $39.30 (3-ATR), LGND to $162 (3-ATR)

  • 2018-03-08: Adding ATRA (pivot buy point $44.80, 3-week cup-and-handle pattern on a high tight flag, biotech momentum play only, Industry Group Rank #2, Relative Strength Rank 99, trade risk -8%, stop $41.22 - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO EXISTING BIOTECH EXPOSURE) to the Watch List for Friday, March 9, 2018.

  • 2018-03-06: Watch List candidate ASML triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-03-05: Adding ASML (pivot buy point $201, 6-week cup-and-handle base, curr/next year earn est +31%/+24%, under institutional accumulation, ROE 21%, Relative Strength Rank 91, stop $188.94, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, March 6, 2018. LGND also triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-03-04: Adding LGND (pivot buy point $160.48, 5-week cup-and-handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year earn est +27%/+38%, under institutional accumulation, Industry Group Rank #2, Relative Strength Rank 91, stop $149.25, trade risk -7%) to the Watch List for Monday, March 5, 2018. Raising stop on APTI to $26.11 (3-ATR) and TBK to $38.89 (3-ATR)

  • 2018-03-01: Watch List candidate ARGX triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. We were stopped out of GWW at -4.7%.

  • 2018-02-27: Watch List candidate GWW triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-02-26: Adding ARGX (pivot buy point $82.11, 3-weeks tight pattern, Biotech momentum play, under institutional accumulation, Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $77.18, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, February 27, 2018. We also moved to a full position in ABBV, as it moved above our pyramid point.

  • 2018-02-25: Adding GWW (pivot buy point $272.58, 4-weeks cup-and-handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year earn. est. +20%/+14%, under institutional accumulation, ROE 35.8%, Relative Strength Rank 93, stop $258.95, trade risk -5% - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Monday, February 26, 2018. We will also move to a FULL POSITION in ABBV above $121.55

  • 2018-02-19: Top Picks candidates TBK and ABBV triggered their buy points Friday, and were purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2018-02-15: Adding TBK (pivot buy point $39.04, 4-weeks tight base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year earn est +35%/+18%, under institutional accumulation, Industry Group Rank #36, Relative Strength Rank 96, stop $35.96, trade risk -8%). Looking to re-enter past pick ABBV above $116.85, with a -6% stop at $109.84. BOTH NAMES TO BE INITIATED AT HALF POSITIONS ONLY.

  • 2018-02-11: We sold our remaining position in MRTX at +53%

  • 2018-02-06: We were stopped out of OPY at -5.6%. Raising stop on MRTX to $26.14 (2-ATR).

  • 2018-02-05: Top Picks Watch List candidate OPY triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. We were stopped out of ALNY at -8.1%, WMT at break-even, TPB at -5%, remaining SGMO at +24%, with partial profits in APTI at +11%. For the day, the GSA Portfolio was down -0.7%, with the DJIA down -4.6%. Dropping GDOT from the Watch List. 

  • 2018-02-04: Current holding APTI set to announce earnings after the close Monday, February 5, 2018. We have a bit of a profit cushion, but we'll be reducing position size going into the event.

  • 2018-02-01: Top Picks Watch List candidate TPB was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. OPY looks ready, while FOR had another good day today. We were stopped out of HLG at -5.7%

  • 2018-01-31: Adding TPB (pivot buy point $22.38, 4-week cup-and-handle base, upwards earnings estimate revisions, accelerating sales growth, next year earnings estimate +28.7%, under institutional accumulation, ROE 93.5%, average daily volume 58K, Relative Strength Rank 92, stop $21, trade risk -6% - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER LIQUIDITY) to the Watch List for Thursday, February 1, 2018. 

    Watch List candidate FOR jumped +9% today, but we didn't get in as it moved quickly past our entry point.

  • 2018-01-30: We were stopped out of our remaining position in ABBV at +22%.

  • 2018-01-29: Adding FOR (pivot buy point $22.45, 7-week tight base, under institutional accumulation w/high volume day today, Relative Strength Rank 92, stop $21.33, trade risk -5% - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER LIQUIDTY) to the Watch List for Tuesday, January 30, 2018.

    Raising stop on SGMO to $19.10 (2-ATR)

  • 2018-01-28: Adding GDOT (pivot buy point $64.42, 12-week base, upward earn est revisions, accelerating sales and earnings growth, curr year earn est +46%, Industry Group Rank #12, Relative Strength Rank 95, trade risk -5%, stop $61.20), OPY (pivot buy point $28.75, 8-week cup-and-handle base, under institutional accumulation, average daily volume 64K, Relative Strength Rank 95, trade risk -6%, stop $27.05 - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER LIQUIDITY) to the Watch List for Monday, January 29, 2018. 

    On Friday, we sold another half in ABBV, as it rose +13% post earnings, and now trail a stop at $116.9 (2-ATR). Raising stops on SGMO to $18.72 (2-ATR), APTI to $23.56 (3-ATR). We were also stopped out of THO at -5%.

  • 2018-01-25: With ABBV set to announce earnings before the bell Friday, January 26, we reduced half our position at a profit of +13.5%. We also took profits on another half in SGMO at +37.5%, now trailing a stop at $18.65 (2-ATR)

  • 2018-01-23: Watch List candidate ALNY triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Raising stops on SGMO to $16.64 (3-ATR), MRTX to $23.57 (2-ATR).

  • 2018-01-22: Adding ALNY (pivot buy point $132.47, 13-week constructive base, biotech momentum play, under institutional accumulation, Industry Group Rank #2, Relative Strength Rank 97, stop $122.63, trade risk -7.5% - HALF POSITION ONLY due to current group exposure through MRTX, SGMO) to the Watch List for Tuesday, January 23, 2018. Raising stop on SGMO to $15.91 (3-ATR)

  • 2018-01-21: Raising stops on MRTX to $23.19 (2-ATR), APTI to $22.50 (3-ATR), WMT to $99.95 (3-ATR/break-even).

  • 2018-01-17: Raising stop on WMT to $98.40.

  • 2018-01-16: We sold another half our line in MRTX at +55.9% and were stopped out of MDGL at -3%HYGS at -1.3%. Raising stops on the balance in MRTX to $21.72 (2-ATR). Dropping GSM from the Watch List. Key high-volume reversal day in the market averages today should be taken note of.

  • 2018-01-14: We exited our remaining position in IO for a gain of +53%, as we were stopped out at the 2-ATR level. Raising stops on MRTX to $20.21 (3-ATR), HLG to $44.65 (2-ATR), MDGL to $95.35, WMT to $97.55.

  • 2018-01-11: We nailed down profits on half our position in MRTX at +35.8%. Raising stops on MRTX to $18.98 (3-ATR)IO to $21.71 (2-ATR), HLG to $43.11 (3-ATR), ABBV to $96.52.

  • 2018-01-10: Adding GSM (pivot buy point $16.75, constructive base-on-base pattern, under institutional accumulation, curr year earn est +154%, next year earn est +998%, average earnings surprise in last 4/4 quarters 145%, Industry Group Rank #18, Relative Strength Rank 92, stop $15.91, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Thursday, January 11, 2018.

    Moving stop up to $17.09 (break-even) on current holding MRTX, which moved up +14% today.

  • 2018-01-06: Watch List candidates WMT and GDOT both triggered their pivot buy points, and WMT was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Raising stops on IO to $20.13 (2-ATR), SGMO to $15.24, MRTX to $16.02, HLG to $41.64, ABBV to $99.72, THO to $147.8, . AAII market sentiment shows extreme readings not seen since late 2014, so maintaining tight stops in place.

  • 2018-01-03: Watch List candidates THO and MDGL triggered their buy points and were purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Half our position in current holding SGMO was sold at +22%.

  • 2018-01-02: Adding THO (pivot buy point $156.24, 5-week cup-and-handle base, upwards earnings estimate revisions, curr year earn est +28%, accelerating earnings growth, ROE 27.8%, under institutional accumulation, Relative Strength Rank 95, stop $146.87, trade risk -6%), MDGL (pivot buy point $98.35, 4-week high-tight-flag, curr year earn est +49%, under institutional accumulation, Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $90.16, trade risk -8% - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO HIGHER TRADE RISK) to the Watch List for Wednesday, January 3, 2018.

  • 2017-12-29: Adding WMT (pivot buy point $100.13, 6-weeks tight cup-and-handle base, accelerating sales growth, upward earn est revisions,  under institutional accumulation, ROE 16.9%, Industry Group Rank #49, Relative Strength Rank 91, stop $96.12, trade risk -4%) to the Watch List for Friday, December 29, 2017. Also, moving stop up on SGMO to $15.16 (break-even). 

  • 2017-12-27: Raising stop a bit on IO to $17.90 (2-ATR).

  • 2017-12-27: Top Picks candidate APTI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Adding GDOT (pivot buy point $62.28, 8-week cup-and-handle base, accelerating earnings and sales growth, curr year earn est +46%, Industry Group Rank #10, Relative Strength Rank 96, stop $59.17, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Thursday, December 28, 2017. Also, raising stop on HYGS to $10.50 (break-even). Dropping COHR from the Watch List for now.

  • 2017-12-26: Adding COHR (pivot buy point $299.78, 5-week cup-and-handle base, accelerating earnings and sales growth, curr year earn est +24%, next year earn est +19%, ROE 28.5%, Industry Group Rank #43, Relative Strength Rank 94, trade risk -6%, stop $281.79) to the Watch List for Tuesday, December 26, 2017.

    Also, we were stopped out of STRL at -7%.

  • 2017-12-21: Adding APTI (pivot buy point $23.45, 8-weeks constructive base, curr year earn est +75%, next year earn est +96%, Industry Group Rank #7, Relative Strength Rank 95, stop $22.27, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Friday, December 22, 2017.

    Watch List candidate MRTX also triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-12-20: Adding MRTX (pivot buy point $17, pull-back buy within it's 5-week base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr year earn est +34%, biotech momentum play, Industry Group Rank #2, Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $15.64, trade risk -8% - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Thursday, December 21, 2017.

    We also sold another HALF of IO at +42%, and now trail the rest with a 2-ATR stop at $17.27.

  • 2017-12-19: We nailed down 2-day profits of +21.5% in IO by selling half our line.

  • 2017-12-18: Watch List candidate IO was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-12-17: Adding IO (pivot buy point $14.15, 5-week cup-and-handle base, showing institutional accumulation, momentum play only, Relative Strength Rank 99, trade risk -8%, stop $13 - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER PRICE/HIGHER TRADE RISK) to the Watch List for Monday, December 18, 2017.

  • 2017-12-15: We were stopped out of our remaining position in ERI at +35%.

  • 2017-12-13: We peeled off another half our line in ERI at +40%, now trailing with a 2-ATR stop at $32.18. We moved to a FULL position in STRL, with a follow-up pullback buy at $17.78

  • 2017-12-11: Watch List candidates HYGS (up +10% today) and HLG triggered their pivot buy points and were purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Current holding STRL offers a pull-back buy point, and we will move to a FULL position above $17.73. Raising stop on ERI to $28.90.

  • 2017-12-10: Adding HLG (pivot buy point $44, high-tight flag pattern, momentum play showing accumulation, average daily volume 66K, Industry Rank #45, Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $39.6, trade risk -10% - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER LIQUIDTY, HIGHER TRADE RISK), HYGS (pivot buy point $10.5, 24-week constructive basing pattern, momentum play showing institutional accumulation, average daily volume 80K, Industry Rank #69, Relative Strength Rank 95, stop $9.49, trade risk -10% - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER PRICE/LIQUIDITY, HIGHER TRADE RISK) to the Watch List for Monday, December 11, 2017.

  • 2017-12-07: Watch List candidate STRL was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-12-06: Adding STRL (pivot buy point $18.14, 5-week cup-and-handle base, accelerating sales growth, curr year earn est +211%, next year earn est +119%, showing institutional accumulation, Relative Strength Rank 96, trade risk -8%, stop $16.69 - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER PRICE, HIGHER TRADE RISK) to the Watch List for Thursday, December 7, 2017.

  • 2017-12-04: We peeled off another half of our holdings in ERI at +29%, holding a remaining quarter position with a stop at $28.06.

  • 2017-12-03: Current holding OKTA was sold from the GSA Portfolio at +0.3% (break-even). The current market backdrop provides very few low-risk basing pattern setups, and so we play defense. We are tightening up our stop in ABBV to $92.55 (-3% trade risk), and are approximately 40% invested, with a full position in ABBV, and half positions each in SGMO and ERI

  • 2017-12-01: We plan to exit our position in OKTA today, if it doesn't bounce back to regain lost relative strength.

  • 2017-11-29: We were stopped out of BOOM at -5.2%, and with volatility picking up, we are tightening stops on ERI to $28.06

  • 2017-11-27: Watch List candidate ABBV triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-11-26: Watch List candidate BOOM triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-11-26: Adding ABBV (pivot buy point $95.40, 5-week cup-and-handle base, valuations, ROE 154%, under institutional accumulation, Relative Strength Rank 94, stop $91.55, trade risk -4%) to the Watch List for Monday, November 27, 2017.

  • 2017-11-22: Adding BOOM (pivot buy point $21.85, 4-weeks tight base, upwards earnings estimate revisions, curr year earn est +154%, next year earn est +367%, accelerating sales growth, average daily vol 53K, under accumulation, Relative Strength Rank 95, trade risk -6%, stop $20.54.

    Watch List candidate SGMO was also purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-11-21: Adding SGMO (pivot buy point $15.05, 6-week cup-and-handle base, biotech name showing accelerating sales, upward earnings estimate revisions, under accumulation, Relative Strength Rank 99, Industry Group Rank #2, trade risk -7%, stop $13.99 - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER PRICE) to the Watch List for Tuesday, November 21, 2017.

  • 2017-11-17: We exited our remaining position in CAI at +14.4%.

  • 2017-11-16: We are raising stops on holdings CAI to $33.95 and OKTA to $27.95. Very few low-risk setups are present in the current market environment.

  • 2017-11-12: Moving stop up on ERI to $26.36.

  • 2017-11-05: Last week STMP was sold at -6.3%, DWCH at -11%, CISN at -5.5%JUNO at +30% and half our ERI position at +22%.

  • 2017-11-01: Exited SYX at 21.16%.

  • 2017-11-01: Watch List candidate OKTA was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-10-31: Watch List candidate JOUT was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-10-31: Adding OKTA (pivot buy point $29.05, 8-week basing pattern, finding institutional support at it's 50-day MA, and within it's base, under accumulation, 2017 IPO momentum play only, Relative Strength Rank 84, stop $27.10, trade risk -7% - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Wednesday, November 1, 2017.

    Current holdings DWCH and LPSN to announce earnings after the bell Wednesday, November 1, 2017. With a decent profit cushion in DWCH (+13%), we are inclined to hold thru earnings, while LPSN (+2%) will likely need to be sold before it's announcement. 

  • 2017-10-30: Current holding SYX will announce earnings after the close on Tuesday, October 31, 2017. If we don't give back much of our +10% profit cushion, we are inclined to hold our HALF position through the event. Moving stop up to $24.27.

  • 2017-10-26: Exited BLUE at -7.82%.

  • 2017-10-24: Adding JOUT (pivot buy point $74.93, 4-weeks tight base, accelerating sales growth, showing institutional support, under accumulation, lower liquidity w/average daily volume 43K, ROE 12.9%, Relative Strength Rank 97, trade risk -5%, stop $71.18 - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Wednesday, October 25, 2017. 

    Tightening up stops on current holding ERI to above break-even ($23.95). 

  • 2017-10-23: Watch List candidate JUNO was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-10-23: Watch List candidate BLUE was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-10-22: Adding BLUE (pivot buy point $145.40, 7-week base-on-base formation, biotech momentum play, accelerating sales growth, showing institutional support, under accumulation, Industry Group Rank #2, Relative Strength Rank 97, trade risk -7%, stop $135.20), JUNO (pivot buy point $44.82, 7-week basing pattern, biotech momentum play, showing institutional support, under accumulation, Industry Group Rank #2, Relative Strength Rank 97, trade risk -7%, stop $41.70) - HALF POSITIONS ONLY IN EACH, to the Watch List for Monday, October 23, 2017.

    STMP triggered it's buy point last week and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. We nailed down a profit of +17% in CAI on half our holdings, and have moved our stop to break-even ($31.10) on the remaining half.

  • 2017-10-15: Adding STMP (pivot buy point $224.60, 10-week cup-and-handle base, curr year earn est +24%, next year earn est +16%, showing institutional support, under accumulation, ROE 34.5%, Relative Strength Rank 96, stop $212.25, trade risk -5.5%) to the Watch List for Monday, October 16, 2017.

  • 2017-10-11: Adding CLLS (pivot buy point $29.87, high tight flag +100% in 8 weeks or less, biotech momentum play only, showing institutional support, under accumulation, Relative Strength Rank 98, stop $27.85, trade risk -5.5%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, October 11, 2017. Dropping HDP from the Watch List.

  • 2017-10-11: Remove CLLS from Watch List. Please ignore prior alert. 

  • 2017-10-10: Exited YNDX at -6.24%.

  • 2017-10-09: Watch List candidate CAI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-10-08: Adding CAI (5-week cup-and-handle base, curr year earn est +17%, next year earn est +16%, showing institutional support, under accumulation, accelerating earnings growth, Industry Group Rank #23, Relative Strength Rank 97, trade risk -5%, stop $29.54) to the Watch List for Monday, October 9, 2017. Dropping HLG from the Watch List for now.

  • 2017-10-03: Watch List candidate YNDX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-10-03: Adding HDP (pivot buy point $17.70, 4-week cup-and-handle base, curr year earn est +34%, next year earn est +34%, accelarating earnings growth, showing institutional support, under accumulation, Industry Group Rank #37, Relative Strength Rank 96, stop $16.65, trade risk -6% - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER PRICE) to the Watch List for Wednesday, October 4, 2017.

  • 2017-10-02: Watch List candidate CISN was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-10-02: Adding YNDX (pivot buy point $33.68, 4-week base-on-base pattern, curr year earn est +31%, next year earn est +23%, showing institutional support, under accumulation, ROE 15.5%, Industry Group Rank #11, Relative Strength Rank 95, stop 31.60, trade risk -6.2%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, October 3, 2017.

  • 2017-10-01: Adding CISN (pivot buy point $13.14, 3-week cup-and-handle base, momentum play, showing institutional support, under accumulation, ROE 211%, Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $12.48, trade risk -5% - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER PRICE) to the Watch List for Monday, October 2, 2017. 

  • 2017-09-28: MNTX was sold from the GSA Portfolio at -7.3%.

  • 2017-09-27: Adding HLG (pivot buy point $20.60, high-tight flag pattern, momentum play, showing institutional support, under accumulation, avg daily vol 29K shares, stop $18.97, trade risk -8% - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER LIQUIDITY) to the Watch List for Thursday, September 28, 2017.

  • 2017-09-26: Exited TSLA at -7.57%.

  • 2017-09-26: Watch List candidate MNTX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-09-26: Note that HLG, a thin China name in the Education and Training Services industry, has formed a rare high-tight flag pattern (up +100% in 8 weeks or less), and an aggressive speculator could take a position above $20.60 with a -8% stop at $18.97.

  • 2017-09-25: Top Picks candidate DWCH was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. We are dropping FB from the Watch List for now.

  • 2017-09-24: Adding DWCH (pivot buy point $11.05, 8-week cup-and-handle base, curr year earn est +18%, next year earn est +17%, accelerating sales/earnings growth, showing institutional support, under accumulation, Industry Group Rank #20, Relative Strength Rank 96, stop $10.32, trade risk -7% - HALF POSITION ONLY). Dropping MMSI from the Watch List for now.

  • 2017-09-20: Adding FB (pivot buy point $174, 8-week cup-and-handle base, curr year earn est +42%, next year earn est +31%, showing institutional support, under accumulation, ROE 21.7%, Industry Group Rank #6, Relative Strength Rank 90, stop $165, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, September 20, 2017.

  • 2017-09-18: Watch List candidate LPSN was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-09-18: Adding MNTX (pivot buy point $9.35, 34-week cup-and-handle base, showing institutional support, under accumulation, accelerating sales, average daily volume 64k shares, Industry Group Rank #10, Relative Strength Rank 94, stop $8.77, trade risk -6.2% - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOW PRICE/LOW LIQUIDITY) to the Watch List for Tuesday, September 19, 2017.

  • 2017-09-17: Adding LPSN (pivot buy point $13.75, 7-week constructive basing pattern, momentum play only, showing institutional support, under accumulation, Industry Group Rank #4, Relative Strength Rank 96, stop $12.9, trade risk -6.2% - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER PRICE) to the Watch List for Monday, September 18, 2017.

  • 2017-09-15: Watch List candidate SYX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-09-14: Watch List candidate TSLA was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-09-14: Adding MMSI (pivot buy point $42.6, 8-week flat base, curr year earn est +20%, accelerating sales growth, showing institutional support, under accumulation, Industry Group Rank #7, Relative Strength Rank 95, stop $40.45, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Friday, September 15, 2017.

  • 2017-09-11: Adding SYX (pivot buy point $25, 6-weeks cup-and-handle base, momentum play only, showing institutional support, under accumulation, average daily vol 75K, Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $23.5, trade risk -6% - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER LIQUIDITY), TSLA (pivot buy point $370, 12-week cup-and-handle base, curr year earn est +54%, next year earn est +60%, accelerating sales growth, showing institutional support, under accumulation, Relative Strength Rank 94, stop $342.30, trade risk -7.5%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, September 12, 2017.

  • 2017-09-10: Still maintaining our high cash position, due to the lack of signficant low-risk basing pattern setups in the current environment. Our only holding ERI holds up relatively well, and so we'll move to a FULL (20%) position on a move above $24.15.

  • 2017-09-05: Watch List candidate ERI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-09-03: Adding ERI (pivot buy point $23.35, 4-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales growth, curr year earn est +77%, Industry Group Rank #9, showing institutional support, Relative Strength Rank 90, stop $22.18, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, September 5, 2017. This is a "toe-in-the-water" starter position at HALF our normal position size, as we still don't see a plethora of low-risk setups in this market. 

  • 2017-08-05: Please note, that with so few names at low-risk entry points (e.g., USCR or SHOP if it sets up correcly as a pullback buy), we are completely content to remain 100% in cash.

  • 2017-06-25: Friday, we exited our position  in CSII at +4%, and are now 100% in cash.

  • 2017-06-21: Exited WD at -6.41%.

  • 2017-06-21: We exited our stake in OSUR at -0.5%. Only remaining portfolio holding is a half position in CSII.

  • 2017-06-15: Exited COHR at 18.14%.

  • 2017-06-13: We were stopped out of MU at +3%.

  • 2017-06-13: Raising stops on COHR to $234.10, CSII to $30.14.

  • 2017-06-11: Lot's of reversals off highs observed in the names we follow, so continuing to play defense with hard stops in place. Dropping QTM from the Watch List.

  • 2017-06-09: Watch List candidate WD was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-06-08: Adding WD (pivot buy point $50.21, 5-week cup and handle base, upwards earnings estimate revisions, accelerating sales/earnings growth, curr year earn est +25%, institutional support, ROE 23.9%, Relative Strength Rank 96, stop $47.22, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Friday, June 9, 2017. Raising stops on COHR to $232.70, MU to $29.31, OSUR to $14.49.

  • 2017-06-06: Exited QSR at 5.31%.

  • 2017-06-05: We were stopped out of CDZI at -4%. Raising stops on current holdings QSR to $59.66, CSII to $29.70. With the paucity of low-risk entry point set-ups, we are looking to play defense by tightening stops and protecting capital.

  • 2017-06-04: Adding QTM (pivot buy point $8.75, 4-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr year earn est +96%, projected growth rate +20%, valuations, institutional buying, Relative Strength Rank 88, stop $8.13, trade risk -7%). Raising stops on current holdings MU to $27.88, CSII to $28.45OSUR to $14.35 and CDZI to $14.29.

  • 2017-05-30: Watch List candidate OSUR was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-05-30: Exited ORMP at -8.65%.

  • 2017-05-30: Raising stops on current holdings QSR to $58.80 and MU to $27.51.

  • 2017-05-28: Adding OSUR (pivot buy point $14.91, 4-week cup and handle base, upwards earnings estimate revisions, accelerating sales/earnings growth, curr year earn est +24%, institutional support, Industry Group Rank #5, Relative Strength Rank 96, stop $13.99, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, May 30, 2017. Raising stops on QSR to $58.05.

  • 2017-05-22: Watch List candidate ORMP was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-05-21: Adding ORMP (pivot buy point $8.55, 4-week cup and handle base, momentum play only, Industry Group Rank #4, Relative Strength Rank 91, avg daily volume 39K, stop $7.87, trade risk -8% - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER LIQUIDITY / LOWER PRICED NAME) to the Watch List for Monday, May 22,2017. Raising stops on current holding COHR to $223.80.

  • 2017-05-15: Exited EVI at -9.60%.

  • 2017-05-14: Raising stops on current holding COHR to $219.9. Not seeing many low-risk setups, so willing to play defense here.

  • 2017-05-10: Exited HCKT at -19.72%.

  • 2017-05-09: Watch List candidate MU was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-05-08: Adding MU (pivot buy point $28.38, 7-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales growth, next year earnings est +35%, momentum play with high Relative Strength Rank 97, valuation, institutional support, stop $26.37, trade risk -7%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, May 9, 2017.

  • 2017-05-07: COHR set to announce earnings 5/8 after the market closes. Being up +14% in the name, we'll look to trim HALF our full position, and raise stops to $204.6 on the remaining HALF. 

  • 2017-05-04: Exited BEAT at 27.55%.

  • 2017-05-02: Exited CHGG at 29.40%.

  • 2017-04-30: Moving stops on COHR up to $197 (breakeven). 

  • 2017-04-27: Reduced holding in BEAT some more, nailing down profits at +42%.

  • 2017-04-26: Watch List candidate EVI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-04-24: Watch List candidate CSII was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-04-24: Exited TCX at 20.29%.

  • 2017-04-24: Although QSR is acting well, we don't have much of a profit cushion going into it's earnings announcement on Wednesday, April 26, before the market opens. Consequently, we plan to reduce our position size in QSR on Tuesday, April 25.

  • 2017-04-23: Adding CSII (pivot buy point $29.31, 10-week cup and handle base, accelerating earnings and sales growth, curr/next year earn growth +95%/+185%, Industry Group Rank #2, Relative Strength Rank 95, stop $27.55, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Monday, April 24, 2017. Also, we will nail down profits on half our position in TCX, while raising it's stop to $52.61.

  • 2017-04-19: Watch List candidate HCKT was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-04-18: Adding HCKT (pivot buy point $19.93, 7-week constructive base, accelerating earnings growth, curr year earn est +27%, ROE 27.7%, Relative Strength Rank 90, stop $18.73, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

  • 2017-04-17: Watch List candidate QSR was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-04-16: Adding EVI (pivot buy point $22.40, 8-week cup and handle base, accelerating earnings/sales growth, ROE 26.8%, avg daily volume 25K, highest Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $20.63, trade risk -8%, HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER LIQUIDTY/HIGHER TRADE RISK) to the Watch List for Monday, April 17, 2017.

  • 2017-04-13: Exited WLDN at -7.48%.

  • 2017-04-10: Watch List candidate WLDN was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-04-10: Adding QSR (pivot buy point $56.64, 7-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, current year earn est +15%, next year earn est +33%, ROE 21%, institutional support, Industry Group Rank #35, Relative Strength Rank 87, stop $53.25, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, April 11, 2017. Also, looking to take partial profits in BEAT up +28%, and raising stops on TCX to $49.48. Dropping NVEC and SANM from the Watch List for now.

  • 2017-04-09: Adding WLDN (pivot buy point $32.74, 4-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, accelerating sales/earnings growth, curr year earn est +23%, next year earn est +20%, ROE 18%, institutional support, Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $30.77, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Monday, April 10, 2017.

  • 2017-04-04: Adding NVEC (pivot buy point $83.39, 4-week base-on-base pattern, accelerating sales/earnings growth, institutional support, Industry Group Rank #29, Relative Strength Rank 90, stop $77.55, trade risk -7%) - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOW LIQUIDITY. Dropping CUTR from the Watch List for now.

  • 2017-04-02: Adding SANM (pivot buy point $41.03, 8-week cup and handle base, accelerating earnings/sales growth, institutional support, Relative Strength Rank 93, stop $38.55, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Monday, April 3, 2017. Adjusting pivot buy point on CUTR to $20.90. Raising stop on current holding BEAT to $25.32

  • 2017-03-31: Watch List candidate CDZI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-03-29: We're looking to pyramid into current holding CHGG above $8.35.

  • 2017-03-28: Exited GLPG at 22.88%.

  • 2017-03-28: We're looking to pyramid into a full position in current holding TCX above $50.75.

  • 2017-03-26: Adding CDZI (pivot buy point $14.95, 8-week constructive base, momentum play showing institutional support, Industry Group Rank #8, Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $13.80, trade risk -8% - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER PRICE / HIGHER TRADE RISK) to the Watch List for March 27, 2017.

  • 2017-03-23: Watch List candidate COHR was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-03-21: Raising stops on current holdings - GLPG to $76.32, BEAT to $24.19. Dropping FRBK from the Watch List.

  • 2017-03-20: Watch List candidate CHGG was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-03-20: Adding COHR (pivot buy point $197.1, 5-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales/earnings growth, curr year earn est +78%, next year earn est +25%, ROE 15.2%, Industry Group Rank #24, Relative Strength Rank 97, stop $183, trade risk -7%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, March 21, 2017.

  • 2017-03-19: Adding CHGG (pivot buy point $8.30, 16-week cup and handle base, curr year earn est +55%, next year earn est +91%, institutional support, momentum play with Relative Strength Rank 92, stop $7.8, trade risk -6% - HALF POSITION ONLY LOWER PRICED NAME) to the Watch List for Monday, March 20, 2017.

  • 2017-03-16: Watch List candidate TCX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-03-16: Adding FRBK (pivot buy point $8.45, 13-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales/earnings growth, institutional support, Industry Group Rank #10, Relative Strength Rank 96, stop $7.95, trade risk -6% - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER PRICE NAME) to the Watch List for Friday, March 17, 2017.

  • 2017-03-14: Adding CUTR (pivot buy point $21.48, 4-week cup and handle base, upwards earnings estimate revisions, accelerating sales growth, institutional support, Industry Group Rank #14, Relative Strength Rank 96, stop $19.97, trade risk -7%, HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER LIQUIDITY), TCX (pivot buy point $48.60,8-week cup and handle base, curr year earn est +84%, institutional support, ROE 49%, Industry Group Rank #13, Relative Strength Rank 97, stop $45.65, trade risk -6%, HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER LIQUIDITY) to the Watch List for Wednesday, March 15, 2017.

  • 2017-03-12: Moving stop up on GLPG to $70.10 (break-even).

  • 2017-03-10: Exited CLCT at -5.23%.

  • 2017-03-09: Watch List candidate CLCT was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-03-08: Adding CLCT (pivot buy point $24.85, 5-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales and earnings growth, ROE 63%, institutional buying, Industry Group Rank #9, Relative Strength Rank 86, stop $23.60, trade risk -5% - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER LIQUIDITY) to the Watch List for Wednesday, March 8, 2017.

  • 2017-02-26: Dropping ONCE from the Watch List. Moving up stops on BEAT to $23.78.

  • 2017-02-24: Watch List candidate GLPG was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-02-21: Current holding BEAT set to announce earnings 2/22 after the market closes. Being up +7% in the name, we will look to reduce our exposure by selling half our position at end-of-day.

  • 2017-02-16: Exited REI at -6.74%.

  • 2017-02-14: Adding RICK (pivot buy point $18, 7-week cup and handle base, momentum play, institutional support, Industry Group Rank #57, Relative Strength Rank 96, stop $17.1, trade risk -5%), ONCE (pivot buy point $65.79, 26-week cup and handle base, momentum play, institutional support, Industry Group Rank #2, Relative Strength Rank 88, stop $61.84, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for February 15, 2017.

  • 2017-02-12: Adding GLPG (pivot buy point $70.10, 21-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, next year earnings estimate +32%, Industry Group Rank #2, Relative Strength Rank 85, lower liquidity - average daily volume of $68K shares, insitutional support, trade risk -6.2%, stop $65.78) - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER LIQUIDITY. Dropping TSRA from the Watch List for now.

  • 2017-02-05: Addding TSRA (pivot buy point $45.90, 6-week cup and handle shallow base, projected growth rate +20%, ROE 20.7%, Industry Group Rank #4, Relative Strength Rank 89, stop $43.6, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Monday, February 6, 2017.

  • 2017-01-31: Watch List candidate BEAT was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-01-30: Exited MSCC at -6.00%.

  • 2017-01-29: Adding BEAT (pivot buy point $23.05, 5-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales growth, strong institutional buying support, ROE 26.7%, Relative Strength Rank 93, trade risk -7%, stop $21.45) to the Watch List for Monday, January 30, 2017.

  • 2017-01-11: Watch List candidate MSCC was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2017-01-03: Adding JBT (pivot buy point $86.45, 5-week basing pattern, accelerating earnings/sales growth, current year earnings estimate +20%, ROE 49%, Industry Group Rank #15, Relative Strength Rank 91, stop $82.15, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, January 3, 2017.

  • 2016-12-30: Adding BHBK (pivot buy point $19, 3-weeks cup and handle pattern, upward earnings estimate revisions, accelerating sales growth, institutional buying, Industry Group Rank #2, Relative Strength Rank 83, stop $17.87, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Friday, December 30, 2016.

  • 2016-12-29: Adding REI (pivot buy point $13.2, 5-week cup and handle base, upwards earnings estimates, Industry Group Rank #14, Relative Strength Rank 97, stop $12.40, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Thursday, December 29, 2016.

  • 2016-12-29: Watch List candidate REI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-12-27: Adding MSCC (pivot buy point $57.32, 5 weeks tight base, accelerating sales growth, upward earnings estimate revisions, ROE 17.9%, Industry Group Rank #16, Relative Strength Rank 95, stop $53.89, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, December 28, 2016.

  • 2016-12-12: Exited NDSN at 12.82%.

  • 2016-12-04: Raising stops on our sole holding NDSN to a recent swing low of $105.46. We are simply not finding many low-risk setups to initiate new positions.

  • 2016-12-02: Exited PCYG at -6.85%.

  • 2016-11-29: Watch List candidate PCYG was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-11-27: Adding PCYG - HALF POSITION ONLY (pivot buy point $14.6, 5-week cup and handle pattern, accelerating sales/earning growth, institutional buying support, Industry Group Rank #12, Relative Strength Rank 94, lower liquidity name w/avg daily vol 56K, stop $13.83, trade risk -5.2%) to the Watch List for Monday, November 28, 2016.

  • 2016-11-14: Note that we are still holding NDSN with an average purchase price of $93.40.

  • 2016-11-13: Only name we currently hold in the GSA Portfolio is NDSN, which we added to last week as it made a new high. Last week many names made sharp v-shaped moves higher, and it remains to be seen whether any of these will provide low-risk entry points in the near-term.

  • 2016-10-26: Exited MASI at -4.73%.

  • 2016-10-19: Exited CARB at 20.57%.

  • 2016-10-13: Exited COHR at -4.37%.

  • 2016-10-10: Watch List candidate MASI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-10-09: Adding MASI (pivot buy point $60.52, 5-weeks flat base, accelerating sales/earnings growth, current year earnings estimate +46%, ROE 29%, Industry Group Rank #19, Relative Strength Rank 93, stop $58.1, trade risk -4%) to the Watch List for Monday, October 10, 2016.

  • 2016-10-06: Watch List candidate COHR was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-10-05: Looking to add to current holding NDSN above $101.19.

  • 2016-10-04: Exited VCRA at 20.20%.

  • 2016-10-02: Adding COHR (pivot buy point $112.40, 6-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales/earnings growth, curr/next year earnings estimates +20%/+28%, Industry Group Rank #9, Relative Strength Rank 95, trade risk -4%, stop $107.90) to the Watch List for Monday, October 3, 2016.

  • 2016-09-24: Adding TZOO (pivot buy point $13.27, 3-weeks tight base, earnings momentum, ROE 23%, Industry Group Rank #8, Relative Strength Rank 96, trade risk -5%, stop $12.60) - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOW PRICE & LIQUIDITY. Stops on other holdings: VCRA $15.95, NDSN $94.08, CARB $13.38.

  • 2016-09-23: Exited OSK at -2.71%.

  • 2016-09-19: Exited AGX at 20.15%.

  • 2016-09-17: Tightening up stops: AGX to $49.95, VCRA to $15.86. Currently not seeing many low-risk setups, so continuing to play defense.

  • 2016-09-13: Exited AGM at -5.13%.

  • 2016-09-12: Exited INGR at 11.62%.

  • 2016-09-11: Tightening up stops: INGR to $135.1, AGX to $48.9, NDSN to $94.08, VCRA to $15.53, CARB to $12.93, AGM to $39.12, OSK to $53.19.

  • 2016-09-09: Exited CEVA at -5.19%.

  • 2016-09-09: Exited AXGN at -7.50%.

  • 2016-09-09: Exited ATSG at -3.82%.

  • 2016-09-08: Watch List candidate AXGN was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-09-07: Watch List candidate CEVA was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-09-07: Adding AXGN (pivot buy point $9.20, 5-week tight base, accelerating sales growth, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year earnings estimate +31%/+58%, Industry Group Rank #6, Relative Strength Rank 97, stop $8.6, trade risk -6.5%) to the Watch List for Thursday, September 8, 2016.

  • 2016-09-06: Watch List candidate OSK was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-09-05: Adding CEVA (pivot buy point $32.34, 4-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales/earnings growth, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year earn. est. +57%/+56%, Industry Group Rank #10, Relative Strength Rank 95, trade risk -5%, stop $30.72) to the Watch List for Tuesday, September 6, 2016. Dropping CWST from the Watch List for now.

  • 2016-09-01: Exited SWHC at -2.36%.

  • 2016-08-31: Exited FIVN at 20.72%.

  • 2016-08-31: With no profit margin of safety, we will look to exit our position in SWHC at the close of trading Thursday, before earnings release. 

  • 2016-08-29: Watch List candidate AGM was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-08-27: Adding OSK (pivot buy point $55.34, 4-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales and earnings growth, upward earnings estimate revisions, next year earn est +28%, institutional buying, Relative Strength Rank 92, trade risk -6%, stop $52) to the Watch List for Monday, August 29, 2016. 

  • 2016-08-25: Watch List candidate CARB was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-08-24: Watch List candidate ATSG was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-08-24: Adding CARB - HALF POSITION ONLY (pivot buy point $13.66, 3-weeks tight base, accelerating sales growth, upwards earnings estimate revisions, curr year earn. est. +167%, institutional buying, Industry Group Rank #5, Relative Strength Rank 94, trade risk -6%, stop $12.81) to the Watch List for Thursday, August 25, 2016. Dropping BEAT from the Watch List for now.

  • 2016-08-23: Adding ATSG - HALF POSITION ONLY (pivot buy point $14.65, 22-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales growth, upward earnings estimate revisions, next year earnings growth +42%, Relative Strength Rank 91, trade risk -5%, stop $13.95) to the Watch List for Wednesday, August 24, 2016. Move stop up on NDSN to $88.70 (break-even).

  • 2016-08-22: Adding BEAT (pivot buy point $21.42, 3-weeks tight pattern, accelerating sales growth, upwards earnings estimate revisions, current year earnings estimate +64%, ROE 25%, institutional buying, Industry Group Rank #3, Relative Strength Rank 94, trade risk -5%, stop $20.35) to the Watch List for Tuesday, August 23, 2016. Moving up stops on FIVN to $12.56 (break-even) and INGR to $131.

  • 2016-08-15: Watch List candidate VCRA was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-08-15: Adding AGM (pivot buy point $40.74, 15-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales/earnings growth, ROE 16.6%, institutional buying, avg daily vol 55K, Relative Strength Rank 91, trade risk -5%, stop $38.70) to the Watch List for Tuesday, August 16, 2016 - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER LIQUIDITY. Dropping NPTN for now, since it opened above our pivot buy point. 

  • 2016-08-14: Adding VCRA (pivot buy point $15.20, 6-month cup and handle base, accelerating sales growth, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr year est +34%, Industry Group Rank #38, Relative Strength Rank 90, trade risk -5%, stop $14.44), CWST (pivot buy point $9.57, 4-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year earn est +105%/+709%, institutional buying, Relative Strength Rank 94, trade risk -6%, stop $8.99), NPTN (pivot buy point $14.10, 19-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales growth, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year earn est +35%/+102%, Industry Group Rank #28, Relative Strength Rank 96, trade risk -7%, stop $13.10) to the Watch List for Monday, August 15, 2016 - HALF POSITIONS ONLY DUE TO LOWER PRICES.

  • 2016-08-08: Watch List candidate AGX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-08-06: Adding AGX (pivot buy point $47.14, 3-weeks tight base, accelerating earnings/sales growth, curr year earn. est. +32%, ROE 18.7%, institutional buying, Relative Strength Rank 94, stop $44.78, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Monday, August 8, 2016.

  • 2016-07-27: Watch List candidate NDSN was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-07-26: Exited FIZZ at -6.39%.

  • 2016-07-26: Watch List candidate FIVN was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-07-25: Watch List candidate SWHC was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-07-25: Watch List candidate FIZZ was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-07-24: Adding FIZZ (pivot buy point $63.26, 3-week tight base, accelerating earnings growth, institutional buying, ROE 33.1%, Relative Strength Rank 99, trade risk -6%, stop $59.50), SWHC (pivot buy point $29.27, 19-week cup and handle base, institutional buying, ROE 40.7%, Industry Group Rank #22, Relative Strength Rank 96, trade risk -6.5%, stop $27.36), NDSN (pivot buy point $88.88, 8-week basing pattern, accelerating sales and earnings growth, ROE 32.1%, Industry Group Rank #35, Relative Strength Rank 90, trade risk -5%, stop $84.44) to the Watch List for Monday, July 25, 2016.

  • 2016-07-19: Exited TBPH at -6.75%.

  • 2016-07-18: Adding FIVN (pivot buy point $12.5, 6-week cup and handle base, momentum play with curr/next year earn est +22%/+27%, Industry Group Rank #3, Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $11.88, trade risk -5%) - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOWER PRICE AND EARNINGS ON 8/3.

  • 2016-07-15: Exited ZEUS at 20.22%.

  • 2016-07-11: Watch List candidate TBPH was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-07-10: Adding TBPH (pivot buy point $23.72, 12-week cup and handle base, biotech momentum play, Industry Group Rank #9, Relative Strength 97, trade risk -6%, stop $22.29) to the Watch List for Monday, July 11, 2016.

  • 2016-07-06: Exited AOSL at -4.62%.

  • 2016-07-01: Exited GENC at 20.96%.

  • 2016-06-27: Exited AYI at -4.46%.

  • 2016-06-26: Tightening up stops on AOSL to $13.26INGR to $118.40 and AYI to $244.05

  • 2016-06-24: Exited CLFD at -6.96%.

  • 2016-06-24: Exited CYNO at -11.20%.

  • 2016-06-24: Exited OFIX at -1.83%.

  • 2016-06-24: Exited SFBS at -5.20%.

  • 2016-06-21: Watch List candidate CLFD was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-06-20: Adding CLFD (pivot buy point $18.70, 1-year cup and handle base, quarterly earning/sales acceleration, strong institutional support, curr/next year earnings growth +25%/+21%, lower liquidity name with avg daily vol 36K shares only, Industry Group Rank #42, Relative Strength Rank 94, trade risk -6%, stop $17.62) - HALF POSITION ONLY to the Watch List for Tuesday, June 21, 2016.

  • 2016-06-14: Dropping FB from the Watch List for now.

  • 2016-06-09: Watch List candidate INGR was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-06-08: Watch List candidate ZEUS was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-06-08: Exited HII at 20.02%.

  • 2016-06-08: Adding INGR (pivot buy point $120.54, 5-week tight base, accelerating sales/earnings growth, ROE 20.8%, Industry Group Rank #38, Relative Strength Rank 95, stop $116.39, trade risk -3.5%) to the Watch List for Thursday, June 9, 2016.

  • 2016-06-06: Exited OFS at -6.18%.

  • 2016-06-06: Watch List candidate CYNO was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-06-06: Adding ZEUS (pivot buy point $25.13, high-tight flag pattern under accumulation, upward earn. est. revisions, curr/next year earn. est. +474%/+48%, Industry Group Rank #48, Relative Strength Rank 99, stop $22.72, trade risk -10%) - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO HIGHER TRADE RISK, to the Watch List for Tuesday, June 7, 2016.

  • 2016-06-05: Adding CYNO (pivot buy point $50.81, 6-week cup and handle base, curr/next year earn. est. +23%/+47%, Industry Group Rank #14, Relative Strength Rank 95, stop $47.44, trade risk -6.6%) to the Watch List for Monday, June 6, 2016. Adjusting pivot buy point on FB to $120.10, and dropping NAII from the Watch List.

  • 2016-06-03: Watch List candidate AOSL was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-05-31: Adding FB (pivot buy point $121.1, 5-week flat base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year earnings estimate +88%/+36%, accelerating sales/earnings growth, Group Rank #24, Relative Strength Rank 93, stop $115, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, June 1, 2016.

  • 2016-05-30: Adding AOSL (pivot buy point $13.93, 6-week base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year earn est. +26%/+76%, Industry Group Rank #49, Relative Strength Rank 98, trade risk -10%, stop $12.47) -HALF POSITION DUE TO LOW PRICE/HIGHER STOP RISK, NAII(pivot buy point $13, 8-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales/earnings growth, average daily volume 74k, Relative Strength Rank 99, trade risk -7%, stop $12.10) - HALF POSITION DUE TO LOW PRICE/LOW LIQUDIDTY to the Watch List for Tuesday, May 31, 2016.

  • 2016-05-26: Watch List candidate SFBS was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-05-26: Watch List candidate OFS was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-05-25: Adding OFS - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO LOW PRICE/LOW LIQUIDITY (pivot buy point $13.6, 7-week cup and handle base showing constructive price action, momentum/technical play only, average daily volume 59K shares only, Relative Strength Rank 92, stop $12.8, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Thursday, May 26, 2016.

  • 2016-05-24: Watch List candidate AYI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-05-22: Adding AYI (pivot buy point $255.05, 6-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales and earnings growth, curr/next year earnings est +40%/+18%, ROE 19.8%, Relative Strength Rank 95, trade risk -6%, stop $239.75) to the Watch List for Monday, May 23, 2016.

  • 2016-05-19: Exited TIS at -6.56%.

  • 2016-05-16: Watch List candidate TIS was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-05-15: Adding TIS (pivot buy point $32, short 3-week cup and handle pattern inside a larger 20-week pattern, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year earn est +19%/+34%, accelerating sales and earnings, Industry Group Rank #26, Relative Strength Rank 91, stop $29.95, trade risk -6.4%) to the Watch List for Monday, May 16, 2016.

  • 2016-05-11: Exited RMR at 20.37%.

  • 2016-05-09: Exited PEN at -5.66%.

  • 2016-05-09: Exited AU at -0.07%.

  • 2016-05-09: Exited FIZZ at 20.32%.

  • 2016-05-08: Adding SFBS (pivot buy point $51, 23-week cup and handle base, accelerating earnings growth, upward earnings estimate revisions, ROE 15.4%, institutional buying, Relative Strength Rank 96, trade risk -6%, stop $47.95) to the Watch List for Monday, May 9, 2016.

  • 2016-05-06: Exited TAST at -7.22%.

  • 2016-05-06: Watch List candidate PEN was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-05-05: Exited UEIC at market close for a loss of -1.6%; moving stop on HII up to $135.86 (break-even); moving stop on FIZZ up to $42.53 (break-even).

  • 2016-05-04: Current holdings HII (before the bell) and UEIC (after the bell) to announce earnings May 5, 2016. We currently hold HALF positions in both names, with more of a profit cushion in HII. If UEIC behaves badly tomorrow, we probably wont hold thru it's announcement.

  • 2016-05-03: Exited FN at 23.93%.

  • 2016-05-02: Adding PEN (pivot buy point $55.50, 20-week cup and handle primary base, biotech momentum play, Industry Group Rank #11, Relative Strength Rank 97, trade risk -5%, stop $52.72) - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO EARNINGS ON 5/9, to the Watch List for Tuesday, May 3, 2016.

    After the bell, current holding FN reported Q3 (Mar) earnings of $0.56 per share, $0.03 better than the Capital IQ Consensus of $0.53; revenues rose 32.4% year/year to $250.9 mln vs the $242.8 mln Capital IQ Consensus. Co issues upside guidance for Q4, sees EPS of $0.59-$0.61 vs. $0.55 Capital IQ Consensus Estimate; sees Q4 revs of $260-$264 mln vs. $249.96 mln Capital IQ Consensus Estimate.

    We also moved to a FULL position in current holding OFIX.

  • 2016-05-01: Current holding FN set to announce earnings after the bell May 2, 2016. Being up +12%, and holding a full position, we'll sell HALF by close of trading Monday, and hold the rest thru the event. Also, removing AAON and AMRK from the Watch List since they are set to announce this week as well. Market under a bit of distribution lately, so we need to see how are positions hold up, before initiating something new.

  • 2016-04-28: Dropping CMN from the Watch List for now. After the bell, OFIX beats by $0.11, beats on revs; raises FY16 EPS above consensus, revs above consensus.

  • 2016-04-27: Exited NAII at -9.36%.

  • 2016-04-27: Exited ANIK at -3.4% at market close today.

  • 2016-04-26: Adding AMRK (pivot buy point $22.07, 8-week cup and handle base, momentum play, curr year earn est +62%, ROE 18.8%, Relative Strength Rank 99, avg vol 30K shares daily, trade risk -6%, stop $20.30) - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO EARNINGS ON 5/4/16 AND LOWER LIQUIDITY, to the Watch List for Wednesday, April 27, 2016.

    Current holding ANIK set to announce earnings after the bell 4/27/16 - we are holding a HALF POSITION, without much of a safety cushion being up +1%. If it behaves particulary bad Wednesday, we will look to trim ahead of the event. OFIX follows on 4/28/16.

  • 2016-04-24: Adding AAON (pivot buy point $27.82, 4-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales/earnings growth, curr year earn est +20%, ROE 24.6%, Industry Group Rank #3, Relative Strength Rank 95, trade risk -6%, stop $26.15) to the Watch List for Monday, April 25, 2016 - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO EARNINGS ON 5/5/16.

  • 2016-04-19: Exited EDU at 21.18%.

  • 2016-04-19: Adding CMN (pivot buy point $71.88, 6-week constructive base, accelerating sales/earnings growth, Industry Group Rank #22, Relative Strength Rank 96, trade risk -5%, stop $68.29) to the Watch List for Wednesday, April 20, 2016.

  • 2016-04-17: Current portfolio holding EDU is set to announce earnings Tuesday morning 4/19 before the bell. Being up about +10% in the name, we'll look to reduce our stake to a HALF position at the close of trading Monday.

  • 2016-04-14: Watch List candidate ANIK was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-04-14: Watch List candidate OFIX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-04-13: Watch List candidate UEIC was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-04-10: Adding UEIC (pivot buy point $64, 4-weeks flat base, current year earnings estimate +20%, accelerating sales growth, ROE 15.3%, Industry Group Rank #16, Relative Strength Rank 96, trade risk -6.2%, stop $59.99) to the Watch List for Monday, April 11, 2016.

  • 2016-04-08: Adding OFIX (pivot buy point $42, 22-week cup and handle base, upwards earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year earnings estimates +67%/+39%, institutional buying, Industry Group Rank #32, Relative Strength Rank 91, trade risk -6%, stop $39.48) to the Watch List for Friday, April 8, 2016.

  • 2016-04-07: Adding TAST (pivot buy point $14.68-$14.80, 5-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year earn. est. +37%/+29%, accelerating sales growth, institutional buying, Industry Group Rank #26, Relative Strength Rank 98, trade risk -7%, stop $13.65), AU (pivot buy point $14-$14.10, stock has doubled in about 10 weeks showing high-tight flag characteristics, momentum play, Industry Group Rank #20, Relative Strength Rank 99, trade risk -7%, stop $12.99) to the Watch List for Thursday, April 7, 2016. HALF POSITIONS ONLY ON BOTH NAMES, DUE TO RELATIVELY LOW PRICE.

  • 2016-04-07: Watch List candidate AU was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-04-07: Watch List candidate TAST was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-04-07: Exited EBIX at -9.27%.

  • 2016-04-05: Exited HRL at -5.23%.

  • 2016-04-04: Watch List candidate EBIX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-04-03: Adding EBIX (pivot buy point $41.20, 4-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, accelerating earnings growth, ROE 19.2%, institutional buying, Industry Group Rank #30, Relative Strength Rank 97, trade risk -9%, stop $37.50) - HALF POSITION ONLY due to higher trade risk of -9%, ANIK (pivot buy point $46.36, 5-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales/earnings growth, ROE 15.7%, Relative Strength Rank 96, trade risk -7%, stop $43.08) to the Watch List for Monday, April 4, 2016.

  • 2016-03-30: Watch List candidate NAII was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-03-29: Adding NAII - HALF POSITION ONLY (pivot buy point $12.5, 4-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales/earnings growth, institutional support, Relative Strength Rank 99, thin name with average daily volume 64k shares, stop $11.50, trade risk -8%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, March 30, 2016.

  • 2016-03-28: Watch List candidate FIZZ was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-03-27: Adding FIZZ (pivot buy point $42.57, 13-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales and earnings growth, ROE 32.8%, Relative Strength Rank 99, trade risk -6%, stop $39.95) to the Watch List for Monday, March 28, 2016.

  • 2016-03-21: Watch List candidate FN was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-03-20: Adding FN (pivot buy point $28.54, 6-week basing pattern, upwards earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year earnings estimate +42%/+24%, quarterly sales/earnings acceleration, Industry Group Rank #23, Relative Strength Rank 98, stop $27.11, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Monday, March 21, 2016.

  • 2016-03-17: Watch List candidate HII was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-03-17: Watch List candidate RMR was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-03-16: Watch List candidate HRL was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-03-16: Adding HII (pivot buy point $135.95, 17-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, Industry Group Rank #21, ROE 27.6%, Relative Strength Rank 90, stop $129.15, trade risk -5%) - HALF POSITION ONLY to the Watch List for Thursday, March 17, 2016. Dropping FONR from the Watch List.

  • 2016-03-15: Exited SEDG at -10.64%.

  • 2016-03-14: SEDG was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. It reversed as it tried to break-out.

  • 2016-03-14: Adding RMR (pivot buy point $24.05, 3-weeks tight base, pure momentum play showing institutional support, relative strength rank 99, stop $22.40, trade risk -7%) - HALF POSITION ONLY to the Watch List for Tuesday, March 15, 2016. Let's keep the trading light, until we see some traction in the portfolio.

  • 2016-03-13: Adding SEDG (pivot buy point $28.76, 9-month cup and hande base, curr/next year earnings estimate +106%/+35%, Industry Group Rank #41, valuations, ROE 29.4%, institutional buying, stop $25.71, trade risk -10% - HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Monday, March 14, 2016.

  • 2016-03-10: Watch List candidate EDU was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-03-09: Adding HRL (pivot buy point $44.45, 4-week tight base, upward earnings estimate revisions, current year earnings estimate +18%, ROE 19.2%, Industry Group Rank #28, highest possible relative strength rank 99, stop $42.22, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Thursday, March 10, 2016.

  • 2016-03-06: Comments: Adding EDU (pivot buy point $32.44, 12-week cup and handle base, momentum play, curr/next year earnings estimate +15%/25%, ROE 17.1%, valuations, high relative strength rank 97, stop $30.66, trade risk -5.5%), FONR (pivot buy point $17.35, 12-week cup and handle base, Industry Group #40, valuations, ROE 26.2% high relative strength 98, stop $16.26, trade risk -6.6%) to the Watch List for Monday, March 7, 2016

  • 2016-02-29: Adding EDU (pivot buy point $31.26, 12-week cup and handle base, momentum play, curr/next year earnings estimate +16%/24%, ROE 17.1%, valuations, high relative strength rank 98, stop $29.70, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, March 1, 2016.

  • 2016-02-26: Watch List candidate GENC was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2016-02-25: Adding a HALF PILOT POSITION ONLY in GENC (pivot buy point $13.10, 12-week cup-and-handle base, momentum play only, highest relative strength ranking 99, stop $12.10, trade risk -7.6%) to the Watch List for Friday, February 26, 2016.

  • 2016-02-24: We are still not seeing a plethora of low-risk charts set-ups in the current environment, but this situation could change at short notice. We continue to maintain our 100% cash position for the present moment. Patience is a key trait as the best traders have what is often referred to as "sit-out power." Livermore referred to this patience when he stated, "It was never my thinking that made the big money for me. It was always my sitting."

  • 2016-01-30: Taking a pilot position in MMAC (pivot buy point $15, 4-week cup and handle, pure momentum play, under accumulation by institutions, only trades 12,000 shares daily, stop $14.07, trade risk -6.2%) - HALF POSITION ONLY.

  • 2016-01-07: Exited STMP at -0.83%.

  • 2016-01-06: Exited OC at -3.95%.

  • 2016-01-06: Exited MKL at -1.77%. Solo holding is STMP with a tight stop at $103.2

  • 2016-01-04: Exited NVR at -5.01%.

  • 2016-01-04: We exited BABY at -2.47% and NVR at -3.4% (not -5%). Keep losses manageable via tight stops in this ugly tape.

  • 2015-12-27: We are tightening up stops a bit on our existing holdings: STMP ($103.2), BABY ($45.72), OC ($45.03), MKL ($852), NVR ($1599). We currently observe very few low-risk setups in this market environment, along with very little progress seen in our holdings. This has been an uncharacteristic December compared to the seasonal strength normally seen this time of the year. The year 2015 too has been pretty challenging for our style of trading - we are ending the year with small, single-digit gains, but it is important to stick to a style and discipline instead of switching strategies every time they don't perform as well as expected. Be patient, cut losses short, manage your risk-reward ratios, and continue to follow your trading rules.

  • 2015-12-15: Exited VVI at -5.51%.

  • 2015-12-14: Exited LAD at -5.73%.

  • 2015-12-09: We were stopped out of HELE at -5.4%.

  • 2015-12-08: Watch List candidate VVI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-12-07: Watch List candidate STMP was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-12-07: Current holding AZO was sold from the GSA Portfolio at +0.3% (break-even), prior to earnings release Tuesday morning. We don't like to hold thru earnings, unless we have a decent profit cushion, say +10% to +15%.

  • 2015-12-07: Adding Viad Corp VVI (pivot buy point $31.40, 6-week constructive base, under high accumulation, thinner name with average daily volume 69K, next year earnings estimate +44.5%, Industry Group Rank #4, Relative Strength Rank 91, trade risk -5%, stop $29.83) to the Watch List for Tuesday, December 8, 2015.

  • 2015-12-06: Adding Stamps.com Inc STMP (pivot buy point $104, 5-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, current year earnings estimate +37%, accelerating sales and earnings, earnings surprise in last 4/4 quarters, ROE 23%, highest Relative Strength Rank 99, trade risk -5%, stop $98.80) to the Watch List for Monday, December 7, 2015. Dropping MASI from the Watch List. Current holding AZO set to announce earnings Tuesday, December 9, before the bell - with not much of a profit cushion, we'll look to exit AZO at the close of trading Monday.

  • 2015-12-03: Exited DERM at -9.83%.

  • 2015-12-03: Exited LMAT at -1.24%.

  • 2015-12-03: Exited CNCE at -7.87%.

  • 2015-12-03: Exited USCR at -5.10%.

  • 2015-12-02: Watch List candidate USCR was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-12-01: Exited UHAL at -3.05%.

  • 2015-12-01: Adjusting pivot buy point on US Concrete Inc USCR to $59.47, a pull-back setup from a breakout.

  • 2015-11-30: Watch List candidate DERM was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-11-30: Let's tighten up our stop on UHAL to $399.95 (-2.6%) - it sold off today on very heavy volume.

  • 2015-11-29: Comments: Adding US Concrete Inc USCR (pivot buy point $60.41, short consolidation after a 13-week base breakout, upward earnings estimate revisions, accelerating quarterly sales growth, curr year earn est +102%, ROE 50.4%, Industry Group Rank #14, highest possible Relative Strength Rank 99, trade risk -6.5%, stop $56.48) to the Watch List for Monday, November 30, 2015. Adjusting pivot buy point on DERM to $30.21.

  • 2015-11-27: Moving up our stop in LMAT to $14.37, our break-even point, being up +13% in the name.

  • 2015-11-27: Watch List candidate HELE was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-11-26: Adding Masimo Corp MASI (pivot buy point $42.88, 16-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, accelerating earnings growth, ROE 29%, Industry Group Rank #9, Relative Strength Rank 95, stop $40, trade risk -6.7%), Dermira Inc DERM (pivot buy point $30, 11-week cup and handle base, momentum play only, Industry Group Rank #2, high Relative Strength Rank 98, stop $27.78, trade risk -7.4%) to the Watch List for Friday, November 27, 2015. Dropping PCTY from the Watch List for now.

    Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 

  • 2015-11-25: Watch List candidate CNCE was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-11-25: Exited GGAL at -7.65%.

  • 2015-11-24: Adding Paylocity Holding Corp PCTY (pivot buy point $43.82, high momentum play with a short 3-week breakout pattern pulling back, significant upward earnings estimate revisions, next year earnings estimate +54%, Industry Group Rank #3, high Relative Strength Rank 97, trade risk -5%, stop $41.60), Concert Pharmaceuticals Inc CNCE (pivot buy point $23.22, 6-week cup and handle, high momentum play, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr year earnings estimate +155%, Industry Group Rank #2, high Relative Strength Rank 98, trade risk -7%, stop $21.57) to the Watch List for Wednesday, November 25, 2015. USCR gapped above our pivot buy point, so dropping from the Watch List for now - it may pull in and setup a pull-back buy pivot point.

  • 2015-11-22: Adjusting pivot buy point on Watch List Candidate HELE to $104.03. GSA Portfolio is currently 150% invested.

  • 2015-11-19: Watch List candidate LMAT was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-11-18: Adding LeMaitre Vascular Inc LMAT (pivot buy point $14.48, 16-week basing pattern, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr year earnings estimate +39%, Industry Group Rank #63, high Relative Strength Rank 98, trade risk -7%, stop $13.44) to the Watch List for Thursday, November 19, 2015. 

  • 2015-11-17: Watch List candidate OC was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-11-17: Watch List candidate GGAL was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-11-17: Watch List candidate MKL was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-11-16: Exited JBLU at -6.5%.

  • 2015-11-16: Adding Owens Corning OC (pivot buy point $46.80, 13-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year earnings growth +32%/+24%, accelerating sales/earnings growth, valuations, Industry Group Rank #25, Relative Strength Rank 94, trade risk -4.7%, stop $44.58), Grupo Financiero Galicia ADR GGAL (pivot buy point $27.10, short 3-week cup and handle consolidation within a larger 34-week cup and handle base, momentum play, ROE 32.4%, Relative Strength Rank 98, trade risk -6.8%, stop $25.25) to the Watch List for Tuesday, November 17, 2015.

  • 2015-11-14: Adding US Concrete Inc USCR (pivot buy point $60.46, short consolidation after a 13-week base breakout, upward earnings estimate revisions, accelerating quarterly sales growth, curr year earn est +102%, ROE 50.4%, Industry Group Rank #25, highest possible Relative Strength Rank 99, trade risk -6.5%, stop $56.52) to the Watch List for Monday, November 16, 2015. Current holdings JBLU and LAD are at risk of hitting their stops.

  • 2015-11-11: Watch List candidate NVR was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-11-10: Adding NVR Inc NVR (pivot buy point $1658.90, 3-weeks tight base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year earnings growth +39%/+24%, accelerating sales and earnings growth, valuations, ROE 29%, Relative Strength Rank 94, trade risk -5%, stop $1575.95) to the Watch List for Wednesday, November 11, 2015.

  • 2015-11-07: Adding Helen of Troy Ltd HELE (pivot buy point $104.49, 4-week flat base, upward earnings estimate revisions, ROE 18.6%, Industry Group Rank #26, Relative Strength Rank 96, trade risk -5.7%, stop $98.50), Markel Corp MKL (pivot buy point $887.17, 16-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr year earnings estimate +50%, accelerating quarterly earnings growth, Industry Group Rank #5, Relative Strength Rank 92, trade risk -4.5%, stop $847.21) to the Watch List for November 9, 2015.

  • 2015-11-06: Watch List candidate UHAL was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-11-05: Adding JetBlue Airways Corp JBLU (pivot buy point $26.27, 8-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, current year earnings estimate +172%, valuations, ROE 21%, Industry Group Rank #24, Relative Strenght Rank 97, trade risk -6%, stop $24.69), AMERCO UHAL (pivot buy point $410.83, 7-week cup and handle base, curr/next year earnings estimates +25%/+27%, ROE 21%, strong institutional support, Relative Strength Rank 95, trade risk -5%, stop $389.95) to the Watch List for Friday, November 6, 2015.

  • 2015-11-04: Watch List candidate BABY was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-11-03: Watch List candidate LAD was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-11-03: Adding Natus Medical Inc BABY (pivot buy point $46.93, 16-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year earnings growth +21%/+22%, accelerating earnings, Industry Group Rank #45, Relative Strength Rank 94, stop $44.11, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for November 4, 2015.

  • 2015-11-02: Adding Lithia Motors Inc LAD (pivot buy point $118.44, 14-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr year earnings estimate +36%, valuations, accelerating sales, Relative Strength Rank 94, ROE 24.3%, trade risk -5.6%, stop $111.75) to the Watch List for November 3, 2015.

  • 2015-10-23: Adding LXFT (pivot buy point $67.03, 6-week cup and handle pattern in a longer 11-week constructive base, Industry Group Rank #9, high Relative Strength Rank 97, ROE 34.3%, stop $62.68, trade risk -6.5%) to the Watch List for Friday, October 23, 2015.

  • 2015-10-22: We plan to close out our starter position in AMZN before earnings at the end of the day.

  • 2015-10-22: Watch List candidate AZO was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-10-18: Adding AutoZone Inc (AZO) (pivot buy point $745.86, 10-week cup and handle base, upwards earnings estimate revisions, Industry Group Rank #11, relative strength 95, trade risk -2.5%, stop $727.21) to the Watch List for Monday, October 19, 2015. The extremely tight stop allows us to enter AZO with a FULL position if it's buy point triggers.

  • 2015-10-12: We'll take a HALF POSITION in AMZN above it's pivot of $551.50 to test the waters. Note that with earnings due out 10/22/15, this is only for a quick trade, with a stop at a swing low of $519.89 (-5.7%).

  • 2015-09-28: Exited POST at -5.2%.

  • 2015-09-28: Back to 100% cash with the sale of our HALF position in POST (-5.2%). Staying far away from this tape.

  • 2015-09-20: Tightening up stops on our solo starter position POST to $63.06 (-5%). We don't want to be long much at all in this environment. Be patient, and enjoy the down time. 

  • 2015-09-07: This week we see further deterioration in our Industry Map - now only 42 industries show two or more stocks that have made new highs in recent weeks. Keep in mind that during bullish periods, this figure is north of 90, so let's continue to maintain our high cash position.

    POST is actually holding up pretty well (Relative Strength still 98), as it builds the handle on it's short 4-week cup and handle formation. An aggressive speculator could add to their starter position on a new high above $66.93, ONLY IF SUPPORTED BY A +150% INCREASE IN AVERAGE DAILY VOLUME. Otherwise, we remain in a 92% cash position, enjoying the lack of stress exhibited by other market participants over the last few weeks.

  • 2015-08-31: Watch List candidate POST triggered it's pivot buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio (HALF position).

  • 2015-08-29: Let's test the waters with a starter HALF position in POST (pivot buy point $66.44, short 3-week consolidation and has held up well during this recent correction, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year earn est of +260%/+97%, significant institutional buying, high RS 98, trade risk -8%, stop $60.86). With so few stocks setting up correctly (no surprise here), we definitely don't want to increase exposure in any meaningful way, so only a HALF position is being considered if POST triggers it's pivot buy point.

  • 2015-08-19: One look at a daily chart of AEO should convince you why it's so important to: 1) Not hold a name through earnings, without a signficant profit cushion (say 10% to 15%), and 2) Not hold a FULL position through earnings, even with a profit cushion. The extra volatility around earnings is just not needed, specially within a weak market environment like the one we are currently experiencing. Be patient and sit tight in the coming days - corrections and consolidations are healthy, as they allow stocks to set-up correctly for better risk/reward entry points down the road.

  • 2015-08-18: We exited AEO at +1.5% (basically break-even). Now portfolio sits 100% in cash.

  • 2015-08-16: Solo holding AEO set to announce earnings Wed, Aug 19 before the bell. With no profit margin for safety, we'll look to exit AEO prior to this event. Continue to maintain a high cash position, until we see a proliferation of low-risk setups emerge.

  • 2015-08-12: Exited AGN at -1.33%.

  • 2015-08-12: Exited our HALF position in ALKS at -7.9%.

  • 2015-08-11: Let's tighten up stops further on AGN to $313.50. This market needs time, so keep stops real tight, since there seems to be limited upside.

  • 2015-08-09: Tightening stops on AEO to $17.15, AGN to $307.51. With not much available in terms of new low-risk setup patterns, we continue to play defense.

  • 2015-08-03: Watch List candidate ALKS was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-08-01: Adding ALKS (pivot buy point $70.90 - HALF POSITION, $73 - FULL POSITION, 23-week cup and handle base, Industry Group Rank #28, significant institutional buying, Relative Strength Rank 94, trade risk -8%, stop loss $65.20) to the Watch List for Monday, August 3, 2015. Keeping thing light since market breadth is still narrow, although sentiment as measured by the AAII Sentiment Survey has decidedly turned extremely bearish, which is normally a contrary indicator.

  • 2015-07-28: Exited remaining AMZN at +16% and HRTG at +5.5%

  • 2015-07-27: Current holding AGN's Generic Drug Unit to be acquired by Teva Pharmaceutical. AGN shows up +11% in pre-market trading Monday. Follow your trading plan, irrespective of the news around you.

  • 2015-07-27: Exited UEPS at -7.23%.

  • 2015-07-27: Exited STMP at -2.86%.

  • 2015-07-27: Dropping ISLE from the Watch List. We'll go ahead and tighten stops on our last quarter holdings in AMZN to $526. It may take AMZN a while to recover from Friday's large reversal day.

  • 2015-07-26: Tightening stops on HRTG to $24.44, STMP to $71.11.

  • 2015-07-24: Exited REPH at -11.76%.

  • 2015-07-24: Note the balance of REPH was sold at break-even, not -11.76% as indicated earlier.

  • 2015-07-24: Exited some AMZN at +27.7%. Will look to trail our remaining balance, once we have a swing low.

  • 2015-07-23: We sold HALF our position in AMZN at +9.5% at the market close today. After the bell, it reported a profit of $0.19 vs. an estimate of -$0.14, and shares were up +15% after hours. We'll sell another HALF of our remaining holdings at Friday's market open, and trail the rest with a stop below today's low at $475

  • 2015-07-22: Watch List candidate UEPS was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-07-22: Seeing quite a few quality low-risk setups, but most of these names are coming up against their earnings release dates, so we'll hold off on putting them on the Watch List. Current holding AMZN set to announce after the bell Thursday, July 23. Being up +9.5%, we'll reduce our position by HALF, and hold the rest into earnings.

  • 2015-07-21: Adding UEPS (pivot buy point $19.35 - HALF POSITION, $19.70 - pyramid into FULL POSITION, 4-week flat base, Industry Group Rank #4, significant institutional buying, ROE 27.2%, high RS 97, trade risk -5.3%, stop $18.32) to the Watch List for Wednesday, July 22, 2015.

  • 2015-07-20: Adding ISLE (pivot buy point $19.83 - HALF POSITION ONLY, 6-week cup and handle base, Industry Group Rank #12, ROE 146%, highest RS 99, trade risk -6%, stop $18.65) to the Watch List for Tuesday, July 21, 2015.

    Also, we missed getting triggered in BSTC by $0.08 - would have been good since it closed up +11% today. We pyramided into a FULL position in AGN. AMZN reports earnings after the bell Thursday 7/23/15. We'll look to reduce risk going into earnings.

  • 2015-07-19: Adding BSTC (pivot buy $52.92 - HALF POSITION ONLY, 3-weeks tight base, accelerating sales/earnings growth, ROE 21.8%, Industry Group Rank #1, Relative Strength Rank 96, trade risk -6%, stop $49.60) to the Watch List for Monday, July 20, 2015. Also, we will move to a FULL POSITION in current holding AGN above $317 (no gaps).

  • 2015-07-17: Took profits on HALF our position in REPH at +13%.

  • 2015-07-16: We have a trigger in place to nail down profits on HALF our position in HRTG at $27.10 (+18%).

  • 2015-07-16: Exited HRTG at 18.32%.

  • 2015-07-13: Watch List candidate REPH was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-07-13: Watch List candidate AGN was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. We also moved to a full position in AEO and AMZN. Portfolio now 90% invested.

  • 2015-07-12: Adding REPH (pivot buy point $14.38 - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO IT'S LOWER PRICE/LOWER LIQUIDITY/HIGHER TRADE RISK, 13-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr FY est +53%, Industry Group Rank #1, highest RS 99, stop $13.00, trade risk -10%), AGN (pivot buy point $314.69 - HALF POSITION, $317.72 - FULL POSITION, 17-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr FY est +28%, RS Rank 92, stop $298.88, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Monday, July 13, 2015. 

    We will move to a FULL position in current holding AEO above $18.12, a new 52-week high, and AMZN above $447

  • 2015-07-10: Watch List candidate AEO was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-07-09: We exited CRI for a small profit of +2.5%

  • 2015-07-07: Exited LAD at 1.45%.

  • 2015-07-07: Adding AEO (pivot buy point $17.88 - HALF POSITION ONLY, 3-month cup and handle base, accelerating sales/earnings growth, curr fy earn +50%, RS Rank 96, trade risk -5.2%, stop $16.95) to the Watch List for Wednesday, July 8, 2015.

  • 2015-07-06: Let's protect our position in HRTG with a break-even stop at $22.93, now that we are up +10%.

  • 2015-07-01: We moved to a full position in HRTG as it made new highs. 

  • 2015-06-30: Our AYI holding shows a profit without a large margin of safety going into earnings 7/1. We'll look to close out this position at the end of trading 6/30. Futures are up this morning, so market may bounce today. However, all you need to focus on is the price/volume action of your stocks, their stops and your trading plan.

  • 2015-06-30: Exited AYI at +5% before earnings tomorrow morning.

  • 2015-06-30: Exited VRX at +6% - protecting some portfolio profits here.

  • 2015-06-30: Exited JBSS at -2.17%.

  • 2015-06-29: Watch List candidate HRTG was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-06-29: Exited NLS at -2.50%.

  • 2015-06-28: Tightening up stops on LAD to $111.10, NLS to $21.44, CRI to $104.4, AYI to $176.2, AMZN to $421.8, STMP to $68.85. All these stops are set at their GSA trailing support levels. AYI set to announce earnings Wednesday July 1, 2015 before the bell.

  • 2015-06-26: Exited INTL at -7.86%.

  • 2015-06-23: We moved to a FULL position in STMP. Moving stop up on AYI to $176.20, being up a decent amount.

  • 2015-06-23: Adding HRTG (pivot buy point $22.64 - HALF POSITION, 16-week cup and handle base, curr year earn est +61%, ROE 28%, significant institutional buying, Industry Group Rank #44, RS Rank 94, trade risk -4%, stop $21.74) to the Watch List for Wednesday, June 24, 2015. Note: We are more than fully vested, so we may not take a position in HRTG if it triggers.

  • 2015-06-22: Adjusting pivot buy point in INTL to be $37.74, we'll move to a FULL POSITION above this level (no gaps). JBSS had an outside day today, and didn't behave as expected - we are going to tighten up it's stop to $51.50, just below today's low.

  • 2015-06-21: Portfolio names holding up reasonably well so far in this narrow market. We are more than fully invested (on margin). Let's keep a close watch on the current portfolio - no new names added to the Watch List this weekend. We plan to move to FULL positions in AMZN (above $447), INTL (above $37.50) and STMP (above $74.16). Two portfolio management principles that we strive for: 1) Don't get stopped out on a full position (scale into positions), and 2) Move your stop to break-even as soon as you have a decent gain.

  • 2015-06-18: Watch List candidate STMP was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-06-18: Note that we pyramided into a full position in JBSS.

  • 2015-06-17: Watch List candidate INTL was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-06-16: Looking to get back into previous winner INTL (pivot buy point $37 - HALF POSITION, 5-week cup and handle pattern, Industry Group Rank #13, momentum play RS 98, trade risk -4%, stop $35.50). Dropping NSP from the Watch List.

  • 2015-06-16: Exited VDSI at 18.21%.

  • 2015-06-16: We moved to a full position in NLS on a breakout to new highs. Also, we kept half our line in VDSI, since it hit our target price in a matter of 9 days only. Selling half your line on a potential big mover is a great psychological win for you - if the stock continues to move up, you'll be glad you held a bit, if the stock moves down, you'll be glad you sold half. Either way, you are mentally at peace with your trading. Remember, we prefer to sell on the way up, so if VDSI moves up another multiple of our target price (say+36% - wishful thinking here), we'll sell half again, and keep the rest.

  • 2015-06-15: Moving stop on VDSI up to break-even ($28.28), being up +13% in the name.

  • 2015-06-14: Adding STMP (pivot buy point $72 - HALF POSITION, $74.16 - FULL POSITION, 5-week cup and handle pattern, high momentum play, accelerating sales growth, ROE 19.6%, high RS 98, trade risk -4.5%, stop $68.71) to the Watch List for Monday, June 15, 2015. Dropping AAPL from the Watch List for now.

  • 2015-06-12: Exited REGN at -0.13%.

  • 2015-06-11: Watch List candidate AMZN was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-06-10: Watch List candidate NLS was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-06-10: Note that we have triggers in place to move to a FULL position in NLS above $22.16 (new high) and JBSS above $52.79. We try to move to a full position if the holding continues to move in our favor, usually above another nearby pivot point, or within +3% above our original purchase. A FULL position comprises approx 16% (100/6) of the portfolio.

  • 2015-06-09: Exited SWKS at -0.20%.

  • 2015-06-09: Exited INCY at -5.79%.

  • 2015-06-06: Adding NLS (pivot buy points $21.65 - HALF POSITION, $22.16 - FULL POSITION, 4-week tight base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr FY earnings estimate +26%, accelerating sales/earning growth, ROE 23.8%, RS Rank 97, trade risk -7.7%, stop $19.99) to the Watch List for Monday June 8, 2015.

  • 2015-06-05: Adding AMZN (pivot buy point $438.39 - HALF POSITION, 6-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year earnings estimates +168%/+568%, RS Rank 93, trade risk -4.6%, stop $418.36) to the Watch List for Friday, June 5, 2015.

  • 2015-06-05: We pyramided into a FULL POSITION in current holding VDSI. Move stop on REGN to $492.15 (break-even), being up nearly +10% in the name. Portfolio stocks are holding up well - that's all you need to focus on, everything else is pretty much noise.

  • 2015-06-04: Note - FULL POSITIONS in INCY above $113.55, and LAD above $111.49

  • 2015-06-03: Watch List candidate VDSI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-06-03: Watch List candidate LAD was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-06-03: Watch List candidate JBSS was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-06-02: Adding JBSS (pivot buy point $52 - HALF POSITION, 5-week tight base, accelerating sales/earnings, P/S 0.6, lower liquidity name, RS 97, trade risk -6%, stop $48.88), LAD (pivot buy point $109.33, 6-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr year est +25%, accelerating sales/earnings growth, ROE 22.3%, GSA Rank #2, RS Rank 94, trade risk -6%, stop $103.03) to the Watch List for Wednesday, June 3, 2015.

  • 2015-06-01: Watch List candidate INCY was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-06-01: We pyramided into current holding CRI as it broke to a new high. 

  • 2015-06-01: Note that we have a standing trigger to sell HALF our stake in VRX at $245.60 (+18%)

  • 2015-05-31: Adding INCY (pivot buy point $111.11 -HALF POSITION, 6-week cup and handle base, momentum biotech play, Industry Group Rank #1, RS Rank 98, trade risk -5.7%, stop $104.73). Moving stop on current holding SWKS to $99.47 (break-even), being up +10%. Dropping KMX from the Watch List.

    Although the GSA Portfolio ended up positive for the month of May, we continue to see breadth deterioration in this market in spite of the averages making new highs. Continue to follow your trading rules, adhering to tight stops, and be prepared to take defensive action on short notice. We are also reducing profit targets on all positions from +20% to +18%.

  • 2015-05-28: Watch List candidate CRI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-05-27: Adding AAPL (pivot buy point $133 - HALF POSITION, $134.54 - FULL POSITION, 14-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr year earn est +38%, accelerating quarterly earnings, ROE 39%, RS Rank 90, trade risk -5%, stop $125) to the Watch List for Thursday, May 28, 2015.

  • 2015-05-25: Adding CRI - HALF POSITION (pivot buy point $101.44, short 3-week cup and handle pattern, upward earnings estimate revisions, accelerating quarterly earnings, Industry Group Rank #34, ROE 29%, strong institutional support, RS Rank 93, trade risk -3.6%, stop $97.80), VDSI - HALF POSITION (pivot buy point $27.85, 14-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, accelerating quarterly earnings and sales, ROE 24.6%, RS Rank 96, trade risk -5.7%, stop $26.27) to the Watch List for Tuesday, May 26, 2015.

  • 2015-05-21: Adding KMX - HALF POSITION (pivot buy point $73.20, 7-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales and earnings growth, ROE 17.8%, RS 94, trade risk -3.4%, stop $70.73) to the Watch List for Friday, May 22, 2015.

  • 2015-05-20: Adding NSP - HALF POSITION (pivot buy point $53.75, 10-wk cup and handle base, upward estimate revisions, curr/next year est +75%/+21%, accelerating sales/earnings growth, ROE 17.7%, P/S 0.6, Industry Group Rank #7, RS Rank 96, trade risk -4.6%, stop $51.35. Dropping ALK from the Watch List. Moving stop on current holding VRX to $213.30, being up about +10%

  • 2015-05-18: Watch List candidate SWKS was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-05-18: Adding ALK - HALF POSITION ONLY (pivot buy point $68.68, 18-week basing pattern, current year upward estimate revisions, curr year est +44.8%, accelerating earnings, compelling valuation, ROE 28.9%, RS Rank 92, trade risk -6%, stop $64.57) to the Watch List for Tuesday, May 19, 2015.

  • 2015-05-17: SWKS is the sole name on Watch List for Monday, May 18, 2015. On Friday, we moved to a FULL position in REGN as it broke out to a new 52-week high (subsequently reversed on the day though). The GSA Portfolio is approximately 50% invested. Remain patient and cautious.

  • 2015-05-14: Watch List candidate REGN was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-05-13: Adding SWKS - HALF POSITION ONLY (pivot buy point $99.47, 8-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales and earnings, upward earnings estimate revisions, current year estimates +64%, ROE 28.6%, high RS 97, trade risk -7%, stop $92.33), REGN - HALF POSITION ONLY (pivot buy point $488, 8-week cup and handle base, accelerating earnings, Industry Group Rank #1, ROE 36%, trade risk -4.7%, stop $465.26) to the Watch List for May 14, 2015.

  • 2015-05-11: Seeing a paucity of new ideas (APOG and REGN being a few exceptions), so we continue to play defense, maintaining a healthy cash position with no new positions being added. This week we also observed a further shrinkage in our Industry Map, showing a lack of market breadth. However, this could easily resolve itself over a matter of days/weeks (as it has in the past) so it pays to be on the lookout for constructive bases that are forming and have the potential to set-up correctly. Current holdings VRX and AYI are acting well, so we hold with tight leashes.

  • 2015-05-07: Exited JNS at -5.90%.

  • 2015-05-06: EPAM and INTL were sold before earnings at small gains of +5% and +3% respectively. 

  • 2015-05-05: With not much of a profit cushion in EPAM and INTL, we plan to close out these positions prior to their earnings release (scheduled after the close Wednesday May 6) - market distribution days have increased, quality low risk setups are scant, portfolio hasn't made much progress.

  • 2015-05-04: We moved to a FULL position in AYI on a move to new highs.

  • 2015-05-03: Market has become a lot narrower, with only a few low risk setups to be seen in our RS 90+ universe, so no new additions to the Watch List at this point. INTL and EPAM to announce earnings after the bell Wed, May 6, 2015. Most likely we will reduce exposure in these names by then. JNS to a FULL position above $18.8 and AYI above $172.76

  • 2015-04-30: Exited LEAF at -4.35%.

  • 2015-04-30: Exited OPK at -7.37%.

  • 2015-04-29: Watch List candidate AYI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-04-28: Tightening up stops on LEAF ($50.11) and VRX ($195.15). Will move to a FULL position in JNS above $18.81. The GSA Portfolio bounced back decently today - next few sessions will be important to see if our stops hold.

  • 2015-04-27: Watch List candidate JNS was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-04-27: Exited AMWD at -5.63%.

  • 2015-04-26: Adding JNS - HALF Position (pivot buy point $18.64, 13-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year earnings estimates +21%/+35%, accelerating sales growth, Industry Group Rank #26, RS Rank 91, trade risk -5.5%, stop $17.62) to the Watch List for Monday, April 27, 2015.

    Also, adjusting pivot buy point on AYI to $169.59 and dropping TSEM from the Watch List.

  • 2015-04-23: Watch List candidate LEAF was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-04-22: Adding LEAF - HALF Position (pivot buy point $52.36, 5-week cup and handle base, pure momentum play with high RS 98, trade risk -5.6%, stop $49.41) to the Watch List for Thursday, April 23, 2015.

  • 2015-04-21: Adding TSEM - HALF Position (pivot buy point $18, 5-week flat base, momentum play, decent valuations, Industry Group Rank #37, ROE 64%, high RS 97, stop $17.19, trade risk -4.5%), AYI - HALF Position (pivot buy point $169.67, 4-week base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year earn +34%/+23%, accelerating earnings, Industry Group Rank #19, ROE 17%, RS 92, stop $164.38, trade risk -3.1%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, April 22, 2015.

    Note: SCSS set to announce earnings after the bell Wednesday. With not much of a cushion, we'll exit our position in this name at the close of trading.

  • 2015-04-20: Exited AMWD at -5.73%.

  • 2015-04-20: Exited DY at -5.01%.

  • 2015-04-20: Note that we are still holding AMWD, since our stops take effect only after 9:31a to avoid any opening bell quote discrepancies.

  • 2015-04-15: Adding DY - HALF Position (pivot buy point $49.90, 4-week tight base, momentum play, curr/next year earn est +56%/+19%, high RS 97, trade risk -5%, stop $47.41), ULTA - HALF Position (pivot buy point $155.55, 5-week tight base, upward earnings estimate revisions, accelerating earnings growth, ROE 22.3%, Industry Group Rank #33, RS 95, trade risk -3.2%, stop $150.50), USPH - HALF Position (pivot buy point $49.14, 5-week cup and handle base, accelerating earnings growth, Industry Group Rank #34, RS 94, trade risk -3.8%, stop $47.27) to the Watch List for Wednesday, April 15, 2015.

  • 2015-04-15: Watch List candidate DY was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-04-15: We moved to a full position in INTL. Now fully invested. 

  • 2015-04-14: Adding MNST - HALF position (pivot buy point $140.55, 7-week flat base, curr/next year earn est +21%/+21%, ROE 36.7%, high RS 97, stop $134, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, April 14, 2015.

  • 2015-04-13: Moving stop on EPAM up to break-even ($63.08), being up +11% in the name. Also, moved to a FULL position in VRX.

  • 2015-04-12: Adding RCKY - HALF position (pivot buy point $23, 5-week cup and handle pattern, curr/next year earn est +20%/+18.6%, accelerating sales/earnings, valuation P/S 0.6, strong insitutional support, high RS 97, stop $21.85, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Monday, April 13, 2015.

    VRX - FULL position on a new high above $208.71,
    INTL - FULL position on a new high above $31.22.

  • 2015-04-10: Adding EGRX - HALF POSITION ONLY DUE TO HIGHER -10% STOP (pivot buy point $50.12, 5-week cup and handle pattern, upward earnings estimates, curr/next year earnings estimate +144%/+396%, strong institutional buying, Industry Group Rank #33, highest RS 99, stop $45, trade risk -10%) to the Watch List for April 10, 2015.

  • 2015-04-09: Adding VRX - HALF POSITION ONLY (pivot buy point $206.84, 6-week flat base, curr/next year earn est +16%/+22%, ROE 52.7%, Industry Group Rank #3, high RS 97, trade risk -6%, stop $194.5) to the Watch List for April 9, 2015.

  • 2015-04-09: Watch List candidate VRX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-04-08: Adding INTL - HALF POSITION ONLY (pivot buy point $30.73, 4-week cup and handle base (not quite a high tight flag), accelerating sales/earnings growth, high RS 97, trade risk -6.5%, stop $28.75) to the Watch List for April 8, 2015.

  • 2015-04-08: Watch List candidate INTL was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-04-07: Adding IPXL - HALF POSITION ONLY (pivot buy point $47.7, short 3-week cup and handle base, curr/next year earn est +23%/+33%, momentum play, Industry Group Rank #4, high RS 97, trade risk -5%, stop $45.32) to the Watch List for April 7, 2015.

  • 2015-04-07: Watch List candidate IPXL was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-04-07: IPXL gapped above our pivot buy point and was NOT purchased for the GSA Portfolio. The earlier automated alert was sent out in error.

  • 2015-04-06: We moved to a FULL position on the breakout in EPAM, and what a breakout it was!

  • 2015-04-05: We're not initiating any new Watch List positions until the market resumes it's uptrend, and low-risk setups proliferate. Currently there are only a few short bases setting up in the 90+ RS universe we follow. Our Industry Map has also shown some degradation as measured by the number of industries with names close to new highs.

    Although we haven't been stopped out of the remaining names in the GSA portfolio, it hasn't made much upward progress either. Current holding AMWD, with it's tight price action, looks like it wants to go higher. We will convert to a FULL position in EPAM on a move above $62.93, which has also held it's stop and shows supportive action in it's base.

  • 2015-03-31: Current holding AYI set to announce earnings before the bell, Wednesday, April 1, 2015. We'll move to a half position in AYI today, and move up our stop on the remaining half to break-even.

  • 2015-03-31: Exited all of AYI at +7%. Did not have enough of a cushion going into earnings tomorrow, so we took this small profit.

  • 2015-03-26: Back half of SONC was sold at break-even (0%). OPK and NEWM are at risk of triggering their stops. Maintain your trading plan discipline.

  • 2015-03-26: Exited NEWM at -6.64%.

  • 2015-03-26: Tightening up stops on AYI ($159.95) and EPAM ($58.70). As always, during periods of high volatility when the odds are against us, we tighten stops. Most traders do just the opposite - they loosen stops to allow for the increased volatility. Also dropping VRX from the Watch List, until it sets up again.

  • 2015-03-24: Watch List candidate AMWD was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-03-24: We exited half our position in SONC at +13.8%. Stock is moving a bit higher after-hours on it's earnings announcement, and a stock repurchase plan. Remember to trade your plan.

  • 2015-03-24: Dropping ONNN from the Watch List for now. On deck are VRX (full position above $206.84), EPAM (pyramid half position above $63.5), NEWM (pyramid half position above $25.77). At 84% invested, we have room in the portfolio for one full position only.

  • 2015-03-23: Watch List candidate OPK was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-03-23: Watch List candidate EPAM was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-03-23: Adding AMWD (pivot buy point $53.60, 3-week tight base, accelerating earnings growth, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year earn. est. +55%/+20%, RS 96, stop $50.99, trade risk -5%).

    Current holding SONC set to announce earnings after market hours on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. Being up +11% in the name, we'll trim half our position at the close tomorrow, and move our stop to break-even on the other half. 

    EPAM
     - pyramid into a full position above $63.50 (new high).

  • 2015-03-21: Adding VRX (pivot buy point $206.84, 4-week basing pattern, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr/next yr earn. est. +16%/+22%, ROE 52.7%, Industry Group Rank #4, high RS 97, stop $192.36, trade risk -7%), ONNN - HALF POSITION ONLY (pivot buy point $13.15, 4-week basing pattern, accelerating sales growth, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr/next yr earn. est. +25%/+21%, ROE 20.6%, Industry Group Rank #11, RS 94, stop $12.49, trade risk -5% to the Watch List for Monday, March 23, 2015. 
    Current holding NEWM - PYRAMID INTO FULL POSITION ABOVE $25.77. Dropping HZO from the Watch List for now, since it gapped above our pivot buy point on Friday.

  • 2015-03-20: Watch List candidate NEWM was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-03-19: We exited SWKS at a profit of +19.1%.

  • 2015-03-19: Adding OPK (pivot buy point $14.90, HALF POSITION, 4-week cup and handle, momentum play, curr/next year earn. est. +47%/+51%, Industry Group Rank #4, high RS 97, stop $13.74, trade risk -8%), NEWM (pivot buy point $25.20, HALF POSITION, 3-week cup and handle within larger 13-week base, upward earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year earn. est. +98%/+20%, RS 96, stop $23.87, trade risk -5.3%) to the Watch List for Friday, March 20, 2015.

  • 2015-03-18: Adding HZO (pivot buy point $27.10, 6-week cup and handle pattern, accelerating sales/earnings, curr/next year earn. est. +147%/+50%, high RS 97, stop $24.87, trade risk -8%) - HALF POSITION ONLY to the Watch List for Thursday, March 19, 2015.

  • 2015-03-17: Exited MAG at -7.22%.

  • 2015-03-16: Adding EPAM (pivot buy point $62, 3-weeks tight consolidation, accelerating sales, upwards earnings estimate revisions, curr/next year est +21%/+19%, ROE 19.4%, RS 96, stop $58.23, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, March 17, 2015. HALF POSITION ONLY, WITH A FULL POSITION ABOVE $63.50 (NEW HIGHS) ONLY.

  • 2015-03-12: We were stopped out of ASMB for a -9.8% loss.

  • 2015-03-11: Watch List candidate SCSS was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-03-10: Watch List candidate ASMB was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-03-10: Moving up stop on SWKS to break-even ($83.31). 

  • 2015-03-09: Adding ASMB (pivot buy point $14.92, high-tight flag pattern, pure momentum play, Industry Group Rank #5, high RS 99, trade risk -10%, stop $13.36) to the Watch List for Tuesday, March 10, 2015. HALF POSITION ONLY, if triggered - thin name w/33K avg daily vol, higher trade risk, low price. 

  • 2015-03-06: Exited MTSI at -8.21%.

  • 2015-03-05: We exited our remaining stake in CBPO at +19%

  • 2015-03-05: Adding SCSS (pivot buy point $32.74, 4-week cup and handle base, next yr. earn. est. +28%, accelerating sales and earnings, ROE 28%, high RS 97, trade risk -4.5%, stop $31.27) to the Watch List for Friday, March 6, 2015. Dropping KNL from the Watch List, since it should have tightened, not loosened up in it's pattern.

  • 2015-03-04: We sold out half our stake in CBPO at market close for a +15.9% gain.

  • 2015-03-03: With CBPO set to announce earnings after the bell on Wed., March 4, we'll go ahead and reduce our exposure to a HALF POSITION by close of trading, being up +13% in the name. The remaining half position will be carried into earnings at a break-even stop-loss of $68.91.

  • 2015-03-02: Watch List candidate MTSI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-03-02: Adding KNL (pivot buy point $21.67, 10-week cup and handle base, upward earn. est. revisions, curr/next year earn. est. growth +24%/+16%, accelerating sales and earnings, ROE 22%, RS 90, trade risk -5.3%, stop $20.52) to the Watch List for Tuesday, March 3, 2015. Since, we are 91% invested, we'll take a HALF POSITION in KNL if it triggers it's pivot point. 

    Note CBPO announces earnings after the bell Wednesday, March 4, 2015. Good +2% move for the portfolio today, as the Nasdaq breaks 5,000 as it makes it's way toward the all time high of 5,132.52 established 15 years earlier. 

  • 2015-03-01: Adding MTSI (pivot buy point $35.18, 5-week cup and handle base, upward earn. est. revisions, curr/next yr. earn. est. +49%/+32%, accelerating sales growth, ROE 26%, Industry Group Rank #25, high RS 97, trade risk -7.6%, stop $32.50) to the Watch List for Monday, March 2, 2015.

  • 2015-02-25: Adding a thin name (average daily volume 15K) for a HALF POSITION ONLY to the Watch List for Thursday, February 26, 2015 - SCX (pivot buy point $22, 5-week cup and handle base, RS 95, momentum play under significant accumulation, trade risk -8%, stop $20.25).

  • 2015-02-24: Exited ZFGN at -8.88%.

  • 2015-02-23: Watch List candidate ZFGN was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-02-21: Current holding AYI offers an opportunity to pyramid into on this short pullback. We will convert to a FULL POSITION in AYI on a move above Friday's high of $160.66

  • 2015-02-20: Adding ZFGN (pivot buy point $41.77, 6-week base off a high-tight flag - defined as a +100% move in 8 weeks or less, Industry Group Rank #1, trade risk -8.5%, stop $38.19) to the Watch List for Monday, February 23, 2015. Will take a HALF POSITION ONLY, due to slightly higher trade risk, and current exposure to the group through CBPO.

  • 2015-02-19: Watch List candidate SWKS was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-02-19: Moving stop to break-even on CBPO.

  • 2015-02-18: Watch List candidate SONC was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-02-17: Adding SWKS (pivot buy point $83.25, 4-week cup and handle base, earnings and sales acceleration, upward earn. estimate revisions, curr. yr. earn. est. +60%, ROE 26%, Industry Group Rank #25, highest RS 99, trade risk -7.3%, stop $77.20), SONC (pivot buy point $32.10, 5 week base, accelerating sales, curr. yr. earn. est. +23%, ROE 87%, Industry Group Rank #3, RS 96, trade risk -7%, stop $29.85) to the Watch List for Wednesday, February 18, 2015.

  • 2015-02-09: Watch List candidate AYI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-02-09: Watch List candidate MAG was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-02-07: Adding MAG (pivot buy point $41.30 - HALF POSITION ONLY, 10-week cup and handle base, accelerating earnings growth, lower liquidity name trading only 17K shares daily, high RS 98, high ROE 48%, trade risk -7%, stop $38.38) to the Watch List for Monday, February 9, 2015.

  • 2015-02-05: Let's take a pilot position (HALF your normal size only) in AYI (pivot buy point $155.60, 4-week consolidation pattern above a larger base breakout, upward earnings estimates, curr/fwd year earn est +33%/+22%, Industry Group Rank #29, accelerating sales growth, RS 90, ROE 16.4%, trade risk -5%, stop $147.82), only if it triggers it's pivot buy point.

  • 2015-02-04: There are exactly zero names that we'd be interested in putting fresh money to work right now. This market needs time, so your patience is needed. "Money cannot consistently be made trading every day or every week during the year" - Jesse Livermore

  • 2015-02-02: Exited BDX at -2.55%.

  • 2015-02-02: Exited AMED at 4.52%.

  • 2015-02-01: With the market still under distribution, we aren't seeing any low-risk setups to initiate new long positions. As a result, we are tightening up our stop on AMED to $28.02 (+5%), at last Thursday's low. Our current stop on BDX ($137.83: -2.5%) will likely be triggered on further weakness - in any case with upcoming earnings on 2/5/15, we'll probably close out BDX before this date. Also, dropping XOXO from the Watch List for now.

  • 2015-01-26: Watch List candidate CBPO was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2015-01-26: Adding XOXO (pivot buy point $18.22, 5-week basing pattern, momentum play, fwd yr earn est +15%/+89%, Industry Group Rank #18, trade risk -7%, stop $16.95) to the Watch List for Tuesday, January 27, 2015.

  • 2015-01-24: Adding CBPO (pivot buy point $68.98, 9-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales/earnings, fwd year earn est +31%/+26%, Industry Group Rank #1, ROE 24%, high RS 98, trade risk -7%, stop $64.15) to the Watch List for Monday, January 26, 2015. We did not take a position in ULTA as it broke out gapping past it's buy point - we'll keep an eye out for it for a pull-back buy.

  • 2015-01-22: Adding ULTA (pivot buy point $132.94, 8-week basing pattern, accelerating sales/earnings, upward est. revisions, ROE 22%, RS 95, trade risk -5%, stop $126.30) to the Watch List for Friday, January 23, 2015.

  • 2015-01-19: The few low-risk setups we see are all coming up against their earnings releases within the next few days/weeks. We do not initiate new positions close to earnings. Also, volatility continues to be high, which is typically not an environment we prefer, and so we continue to play defense, with tight stops on our remaining two holdings. Learn to embrace corrections since it means better setups down the road.

  • 2015-01-15: We are tightening up our stop on current holding BDX to $137.83 (-2.5%). Stop on AMED is already at $26.52 (break-even). Markets too volatile to initiate anything new longs at this time. Play defense.

  • 2015-01-11: Let's hold off on any new purchases, since we've been stopped out of all but two holdings in the GSA portfolio. Distribution days count is also high across the three major averages, and so a defensive posture is warranted.

  • 2015-01-09: Exited JBLU at -8.13%.

  • 2015-01-08: Dropping YHOO and ODFL from the Watch List. Let's see how our remaining holdings perform in the short term before initiating any new longs.

  • 2015-01-06: Exited HAWK at -0.06%.

  • 2015-01-06: Exited SCMP at -9.36%.

  • 2015-01-06: Exited IQNT at -7.20%.

  • 2015-01-05: Exited TNET at -6.7%.

  • 2015-01-03: Moving stop on current holding TNET to $30.07, last Friday's low. Dropping BABA and MNST from the Watch List for now.

  • 2014-12-31: Watch List candidate SCMP was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-12-31: Watch List candidate BDX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-12-29: Watch List candidate IQNT was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-12-29: Watch List candidate TNET was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-12-29: Dropping AGN from the Watch List for now.

  • 2014-12-29: 2014 stats so far: Average Gain +11.8%, Average Loss -4.8%, Adjusted Win Loss Ratio 2.01. Not too shabby a year. If you're taking your trading seriously, you should be keeping meticulous records that allow you to make adjustments as you go along. Know the truth about your trading.

  • 2014-12-29: Adding SCMP (pivot buy point $14.36, rare high tight flag pattern - a 100% move in 8 weeks, significant A/D rank and institutional buying, fwd year earn est +116%/28%, ROE 16.6%, Industry Group Rank #14, highest RS 99, trade risk -8%, stop $13.15), SPNC (pivot buy point $35.29, 4-week base-on-base, significant A/D rank and institutional buying, accelerating sales growth, Industry Group Rank #6, RS 95, trade risk -5%, stop $33.53) to the Watch List for Tuesday, December 30, 2014.

  • 2014-12-27: Adding AVGO (pivot buy point $102.50, 4-week cup and handle base, upward earn est revisions, curr FY earn est +47%, accelerating sales, Industry Group rank #31, ROE 39%, RS 96, trade risk -7%, stop $95.33), IQNT (pivot buy point $19.31, 6-week base, momentum play, ROE 29%, trade risk -7%, stop $17.96) to the Watch List for December 29, 2014.

  • 2014-12-26: Watch List candidate JBLU was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Raising stop on AMED to $26.52 (break-even).

  • 2014-12-25: Adding MNST (pivot buy point $113.5, 4-week cup and handle base, upward earn est revisions, fwd year est +35%/+21%, ROE 37%, high RS 97, trade risk -8%, stop $104.42), JBLU (pivot buy point $15.74, 4-week base, upward earn est revisions, fwd year est +30%/+77%, compelling valuation, Industry Group Rank #30, high RS 98, trade risk -8%, stop $14.48), ODFL (pivot buy point $80.87, 4-week base, accelerating sales/earnings, ROE 19%, Industry Group Rank #16, RS 95, trade risk -5%, stop $76.83), TNET (pivot buy point $32, 5-week cup and handle base, fwd year est +440%/+24%, Industry Group Rank #4, RS 94, trade risk -7.2%, stop $29.67), BDX (pivot buy point $141.44, 4-week cup and handle base, Industry Group Rank #5, accelerating sales/earnings, ROE 24%, trade risk -5.3%, stop $133.95) to the Watch List for Friday, December 26, 2014. Was actually surprised by the number of low-risk setups, and, as always, positions are taken in the order that they trigger their pivot buy points.

    Have a Safe and Happy Holiday, Everyone!

  • 2014-12-24: Moving stop up on HAWK to break-even ($35.24).

  • 2014-12-20: Watch List for Monday, December 22, 2014: AGN (pivot buy point $214.66, 4-week tight base, Industry Group Rank #13, fwd earn est +31%/+35%, high ROE 26.1%, accelerating sales, high RS 97, trade risk -5%, stop $203.93), YHOO (pivot buy point $52.26, 5-week flat base, accelerating sales/earnings, RS rank 95, trade risk -7%, stop $48.6), BABA (pivot buy point $111.68, 6-week primary base after IPO, next yr earn est +52%, Industry Group Rank #22, high RS 99, trade risk -7%, stop $103.7).

  • 2014-12-17: Exited VRTX at -5.6%.

  • 2014-12-16: Exited MELI at -8.35%.

  • 2014-12-15: We were stopped out of HSKA at -5.4%.

  • 2014-12-15: Tightening up stops on MELI ($131.25), VRTX ($109.34), HAWK ($34.43), AMED ($24.75).

  • 2014-12-13: Not seeing too many proper setups right now, so we are going to play a bit of defense here. Keep your stops tight, and let's see if our positions hold support levels in the short term. We've had a another decent year so far, driven primarily by the recent gains in November and December. Hopefully, you've had a good run as well.

  • 2014-12-09: Exited HBI at -1.61%.

  • 2014-12-09: Exited AMAG at 20.16%.

  • 2014-12-09: Exited AERI at 20.51%.

  • 2014-12-08: Comments: Moving stop on HBI to $109.99, a recent swing low.

  • 2014-12-03: Watch List candidates AMED and HSKA were purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-12-02: Comments: AVNR to be bought by Japan's Otsuka Pharmaceutical for $3.5 bln. Otsuka Pharmaceutical will pay $17 per share in cash, representing a premium of 13.3% to AVNR's close on Monday. Looks like we will hit our profit target of +20% and then some today.

  • 2014-12-02: Exited AVNR at 30.54%.

  • 2014-12-02: Moving stop on AERI up to $25.50, near our break-even price, since AERI is about +11% from our purchase price.

  • 2014-12-02: ACHC, AMED and HSKA all on Watch List - will add the first two names that trigger their pivot buy points. Also, raising stop on AMAG to $35.47 (our purchase price), being up +12.8% in the name.

  • 2014-12-01: Closing out the balance of our MFRM holdings before earnings today. 

  • 2014-12-01: We closed out our remaining MFRM at +7.8%.

  • 2014-11-29: Watch List for Monday, December 1, 2014:

    1. HSKA (pivot buy point $15.74, 4-week cup and handle base, upward earn. est. revisions, curr. year earn. est. +230%, Industry Group Rank #1, high RS 97, trade risk -6%, stop $14.80).

    2. AMED (pivot buy point $26.54, 5-week cup and handle base, upward earn. est. revisions, curr yr/next yr earn. est. +169%/+47%, high RS 97, trade risk -7%, stop $24.68).

    3. ACHC (pivot buy point $63.86, 4-week cup and handle base, upward earn. est. revisions, curr yr/next yr earn. est. +42%/+43%, RS 95, trade risk -6%, stop $60.03).

    We'll take a position in the name that triggers it's buy point first. Also, moving stop on current holding MFRM to $64.60, our break-even point.

  • 2014-11-28: Current holding MFRM is set to announce earnings after the close on Monday, December 1, 2014. Being up about +10% in the name, we'll go ahead and trim back half our position today, and hold the remaining half into earnings. 

  • 2014-11-25: Watch List candidate AERI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-11-25: Watch List candidate MELI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-11-24: Adding AERI (pivot buy point $25.98, 20-week cup and handle base, high RS 97, Industry Group Rank #9, trade risk -8.5%, stop $23.75) to the Watch List for Tuesday, November 25, 2014. We'll take a position in AERI or MELI, if either one of them trigger their pivot buy points. Also, we will move our stop up to $13 (break-even) on current holding AVNR, being up +11% in the name.

  • 2014-11-22: Adding MELI (pivot buy point $141, 4-weeks tight base, Industry Group Rank #2, upward earn. est. revisions, ROE 39%, trade risk -7%, stop $131.13) to the Watch List for Monday, November 24, 2014. We are currently fully invested.

  • 2014-11-18: Watch List candidate AMAG was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-11-18: Watch List candidate HBI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-11-17: Adding AMAG (pivot buy point $35.43, 3-weeks tight base, highest possible RS 99, upward earn. est. revisions, trade risk -6%, stop $33.30) to the Watch List for Tuesday, November 18, 2014.

  • 2014-11-15: Adding HBI (pivot buy point $111, 6-week base with tightening action, accelerating sales growth, upward earn. est. revisions, curr. year earn. est. +44%, ROE 39.7%, trade risk -5.5%, stop $105). Dropping MGPI and CENX for now.

  • 2014-11-12: Exited TGTX at 21.21%.

  • 2014-11-12: With the profits from our 4-day trade of +20% in TGTX, we added to our position in AVNR, making it a full position in the portfolio. TGTX may very well go higher from here, but remember, as a swing trader you operate in a different continuum of a stock's holding period, than a position trader or a buy-and-hold investor. Once you are comfortable with knowing that in order to trade your plan correctly, you have to sacrifice something, it will be easier to take profits. Further, it is always psychologically better to sell on the way up, than on the way down. So nail down decent profits according to your risk-reward plan, and move on to the next set-up. Nice last couple of days.

  • 2014-11-12: Adding MGPI (pivot buy point $13.18, 7-week cup and handle base on this high 99 RS name, Industry Group Rank #19, trade risk -5%, stop $12.52), CENX (pivot buy point $28.58, 10-week cup and handle base, high RS 99, accelerating sales growth, fwd year earn. est +252%/+160%, trade risk -6.6%, stop $26.70) to the Watch List for Thursday, November 13, 2014.

  • 2014-11-09: Current holding AVNR provides a follow-on buy point above Friday's high of $13.06. We have a half-position in AVNR, but we'll refrain from adding to this name, since the GSA Portfolio is already exposed 25% to the Drug Manufacturers - Other Industry Group via AVNR and VRTX. We see some short term negatives in the market, such as a lack of breadth, shortage of low-risk chart setups, and AAII's Bullish/Bearish sentiment indicators both at two standard deviation extremes measured over the last five years. Positives include seasonality trends and recent breakouts seem to be holding (but not necessarily following through in earnest). Currently 76% invested.

  • 2014-11-07: Exited FARM at -8.83%.

  • 2014-11-07: Watch List candidate MFRM was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-11-06: Watch List candidate TGTX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-11-06: Watch List candidate VRTX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-11-06: We exited MNST before earnings at a profit of +5.88%.

  • 2014-11-06: MFRM is a recent Watch List candidate that we have an order to buy above a pivot point of $64.74.

  • 2014-11-05: Adding VRTX (pivot buy point $115.52, 6-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, Industry Group Rank #17, RS 96, trade risk -6.5%, stop $107.75) to the Watch List for Thursday, November 6, 2014.

    Also, MNST and FARM release earnings after the bell Thursday. Since, we do not have much of a profit cushion in MNST, we will exit our position before the close. On FARM, we only hold a half position, so we're going to hold through earnings.

  • 2014-11-04: Adding TGTX (pivot buy point $11.38, 7-week cup and handle pattern within a larger 19-week base, pure momentum play with highest possible RS Rank 99, Industry Group Rank #1, stop $10.48, trade risk -8%) to the Watch List for November 5, 2014.

  • 2014-11-03: Watch List candidate HAWK was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-11-01: Adding MFRM (pivot buy point $64.19, 8-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales growth, forward earnings estimates +27%/+30%, Industry Group Rank #27, ROE 18%, high RS 97, trade risk -5%, stop $60.98), HAWK (pivot buy point $35.17, 4-week cup and handle pattern, accelerating sales, upward estimate revisions, forward earnings estimates +46%/+35%, Industry Group Rank #2, GSA Rank #2, ROE 21%, trade risk -7.7%, stop $32.45) to the Watch List for November 3, 2014.

  • 2014-10-30: Watch List candidate AVNR was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-10-29: Watch List candidate FARM was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-10-29: Adding AVNR (pivot buy point $12.80, 7-week flat base, forward earnings estimates +50%/+38%, Industry Group Rank #15, highest RS 99, trade risk -10%, stop $11.52 - another half position only to be taken, due to higher trade risk/lower priced name) to the Watch List for Thursday, October 30, 2014.

  • 2014-10-28: Watch List for Wednesday, October 29, 2014: FARM (pivot buy point $29.10, 5-week flat base, forward earnings estimate +42%/+40%, Industry Group Rank #10, high RS 97, trade risk -7.7%, stop $76.86, only half our normal position size will be taken due to a slightly higher risk profile, lower liquidity and FARM being a toe-in-the-water trade).

  • 2014-10-27: Looked through hundreds of charts today, and there just isn't anything compelling (i.e., low risk entries) to put fresh money to work. For the few charts that are setting up well (e.g., FRGI), earnings are just around the corner, and we don't want to be holding anything through earnings, specially without a significant profit cushion. Also, note the lack of momentum in the market proxies (QQQ, DIA, SPY), as indicated by their weak 8-week RSI lines. In trending markets, this indicator remains confidently above the 70 reading. Let's be patient here - we can ramp up exposure to our normal 6-stock portfolio very quickly, once the odds are in our favor.

  • 2014-10-25: Not seeing a lot of low-risk setups in the market yet this morning. Will make another pass later this weekend to see if we've missed anything. Also, we're in the midst of earnings season, so any entries made close to an earnings announcement will carry more risk.

  • 2014-10-16: Tightening up our stop on MNST to $89.56, today's low.

  • 2014-10-14: Dropping GILD from the Watch List.

  • 2014-10-13: Exited HBI at 2.64%.

  • 2014-10-12: Raising stop on current holding HBI to $104.66, a recent swing low. Dropping BDSI from the Watch List.

  • 2014-10-10: Exited LRCX at -1.54%.

  • 2014-10-10: Exited FB at -4.25%.

  • 2014-10-10: Exited ODFL at -0.02%.

  • 2014-10-08: Moving our stop on LRCX up to $70.80, a recent swing low. When volatility increases, tighten not loosen your stops.

  • 2014-10-08: Watch List candidate MNST was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-10-08: Adding recent winner BDSI (pivot buy point $18.09, 5-week base, accelerating sales, Industry Rank #1, fwd earn est +49%/+175%, highest RS 99, stop $16.63, trade risk -8%) to the Watch List for October 9, 2014. If BDSI tirggers, we'll take a half position due to it's low price and slightly higher risk. GILD also on Watch for a buy above $110.64 (full position).

  • 2014-10-05: Adding MNST (pivot buy point $94.93, 8-week cup and handle, acclerating sales growth, ROE 37.5%, high RS 97, trade risk -6.3%, stop $88.93) to the Watch List for Monday, October 6, 2014. GILD from last week, also on Watch. Let's watch to see if the market can shake off it's recent distribution days.

  • 2014-10-02: We were stopped out of SWKS at break-even.

  • 2014-09-28: Maintaining GILD (pivot buy point $110.64, accelerating sales and earnings growth, fwd year earnings estimates of +278%/+24%, ROE 60.2%, Industry Group Rank #1, high RS 97, trade risk -6%, stop $104) on the Watch List for Monday, September 29, 2014. Dropping EA from the Watch List. 

  • 2014-09-25: Exited OVTI at -5.45%.

  • 2014-09-24: Moving stop on SWKS up to our break-even price of $52.79, being up about +10.5% in the name.

  • 2014-09-24: Adding GILD (pivot buy point $110.64, 4-week base, accelerating sales and earnings growth, fwd year earnings estimates of +278%/+24%, ROE 60.2%, Industry Group Rank #1, high RS 97, trade risk -6%, stop $104) to the Watch List for Thursday, September 25, 2014.

  • 2014-09-23: Dropping PAH and HA from the Watch List for now, since they no longer possess low-risk entry points.

    We have also introduced a new "My Watch List" feature. Now, while scanning charts, you can quickly tag any of these stocks by clicking on the Add XYZ to My Watch List link, so as to build and maintain your own custom list.

  • 2014-09-21: Adding PAH (pivot buy point $27.91, 13-week cup and handle base, pure momentum play, trade risk -6%, stop $26.29) to the Watch List for Monday, September 22, 2014. Dropping SCOR from the Watch List for now, since we no longer have a low-risk entry point.

  • 2014-09-19: Exited SQBG at -10.64%.

  • 2014-09-18: Adding SCOR (pivot buy point $39.44, base-on-base pattern, accelerating sales growth, next FY earnings growth +694%, Industry Group Rank #3, RS Rank 91, trade risk -4%, stop $37.86) to the Watch List for Friday, September 19, 2014. Also, moving stop on ODFL to break-even at $65.11, being up +10.8% in this name. Once we are up a decent amount, we normally protect our line by moving the stop up to our purchase price.

  • 2014-09-17: A break above $28.11 on OVTI could represent a follow-on purchase or even a new position for those not already in the name.

  • 2014-09-15: Watch List candidate SQBG was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-09-14: Adding SQBG (pivot buy point $14.10, 9-week cup and handle base, upward earning estimate revisions, industry group rank #28, highest possible RS 99, trade risk -7.8%, stop $13.0), HA (pivot buy point $16, 14-week cup and handle base, curr FY earning estimate +56%, ROE 18.6, compelling valuations, trade risk -5.6%, stop $15.10) to the Watch List for September 15, 2014. Dropping ILMN for now.

  • 2014-09-13: Positive article in Barron's on LRCX over the weekend: "Lam Research Could Return 20% in a Year" http://online.barrons.com/news/articles/SB51005578970899454132304580143883492974488

  • 2014-09-12: Exited XPO at 24.54%.

  • 2014-09-11: Adding EA (pivot buy point $38.30, 8-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales growth, upward estimate revisions, fwd yr estimates +29%/+24%, ROE 25%, RS 94, trade risk -4%, stop $36.77) to the Watch List for September 12, 2014.

  • 2014-09-10: Adding ILMN (pivot buy point $182.27, 11-week cup and handle within a larger 6-month base, accelerating sales growth, industry rank #2, upward earnings estimate revisions, fwd earn. of +27%/+22%, ROE 21%, trade risk -5%, stop $173.15) to the Watch List for Thursday, Septemeber 11, 2014.

    Also, moving stop on current holding XPO up to our break-even buy point at $31.28.

  • 2014-09-08: Adding SHPG (pivot buy point $250.12, 8-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales growth, ROE 33%, high RS 98, trade risk -4%, stop $240.10) and OVTI (pivot buy point $28.07, 3-weeks tight pattern, undervalued name, high RS 97, trade risk -5.3%, stop $26.57) to the Watch List for Monday, September 8, 2014. Also, dropping Z from the list for now.

  • 2014-09-08: Watch List candidate OVTI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-09-03: Exited FLML at -6.73%.

  • 2014-09-02: Exited BDSI at 21.19%.

  • 2014-09-02: Watch List candidate XPO was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-09-02: Watch List candidate FB was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-09-02: Adding PPC (pivot buy point $30.91, 5-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, ROE 38%, high RS 97, trade risk -5%, stop $29.35), Z (pivot buy point $148.54, 5-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimate revisions, industry rank #4, high RS 97, trade risk -5%, stop $141.10) to the Watch List for Wednesday, September 3, 2014. Dropping TRLA from the Watch List. We are fully invested.

  • 2014-08-31: Adding FB (pivot buy point $76, 5-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales, industry group rank #16, upward earnings estimate revisions, fwd estimates +119%/+28%, ROE 15%, RS 95, trade risk 4%, stop $72.96), XPO (pivot buy point $31.26, 26-week cup and handle, triple-digit quarterly sales acceleration, industry group rank #19, fwd earnings estimates +69%/+135%, RS 90, trade risk -5%, stop $29.70) to the Watch List for Tuesday, September 2, 2014.

  • 2014-08-28: Exited BIDU at -4.12%.

  • 2014-08-28: Adding TRLA (pivot buy point $62.92, 5-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales, upward earnings estimate revisions, high RS 98, trade risk -4%, stop $60.40) to the Watch List for Friday, August 29, 2014.

  • 2014-08-25: Adding TRGP (pivot buy point $141.24, 9-week base, accelerating sales/earnings, upward earnings estimates, fwd earnings estimates +73%/+27%, trade risk -4.3%, stop $135.11) to the Watch List for August 26, 2014.

  • 2014-08-24: Adding FB (pivot buy point $73.58, 4-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales, #1 ranked stock in our database this week, industry group rank #7, upward earnings estimate revisions, fwd estimates +119%/+28%, ROE 15%, RS 95, trade risk -3.4%, stop $73) to the Watch List for Monday, August 25, 2014. We are now 100% invested.

  • 2014-08-22: Watch List candidate HBI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-08-21: Watch List candidate FLML was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-08-20: Adding FLML (pivot buy point $15.06, 10-week base-on-base pattern, accelerating sales, highest RS 99, fwd earnings estimates of +35%/+645%, trade risk -6%, stop $14.16 - HALF POSITION ONLY due to lower priced name), CAM (pivot buy point $73.49, 4-week cup and handle base, upward estimate revisions, fwd earnings estimates of +28%/+25%, industry group rank #29, RS 90, trade risk -3%, stop $71.29)  to the Watch List for Thursday, August 21, 2014.

  • 2014-08-19: Watch List candidate BDSI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-08-18: Watch List candidate LRCX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-08-18: Adding BDSI (pivot buy point $13.59, 6-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales/earnings, strong +48%/+140% fwd earnings, industry group #1, highest RS 99, trade risk -6%, stop $12.77 - HALF POSITION ONLY due to lower priced name), HBI (pivot buy point $101.86, 8-week constructive base, accelerating sales, industry group rank #30, ROE 38%, RS Rank 95, trade risk -4.8%, stop $96.95) to the Watch List for Tuesday, August 19, 2014.

  • 2014-08-16: Watch List for Monday, August 18, 2014: LRCX (pivot buy point $70.6, 5-week basing pattern, accelerating earn/sls, ROE 16%, industry group rank #19, RS 93, trade risk -4.4%, stop $67.5).

  • 2014-08-14: Watch List candidate BIDU was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-08-13: Watch List candidate SWKS was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-08-13: Adding BIDU (pivot buy point $220.39, 3-week short cup and handle pattern, accelerating earnings/sales growth, industry group rank #13, ROE 28.7%, RS 96, trade risk -4%, stop $211.86) to the Watch List for Thursday, August 14, 2014.

  • 2014-08-12: Adding SWKS (pivot buy point $52.75, 4-week tight base, accelerating earnings/sales, upward estimate revisions, healthy +49%/29% curr yr/next yr earnings projections, industry group rank #7, ROE 19.9%, high RS 98, trade risk -4.3%, stop $50.47) to the Watch List for Wednesday, August 13, 2014.

  • 2014-08-11: A pilot position was taken in ODFL at $65.11.

  • 2014-08-09: Adding a pilot position to test this market: ODFL (pivot buy point $64.35, 10-week basing pattern, accelerating sales, industry group rank 18, ROE 18%, RS 91, stop $62.80, trade risk -2.4%). When initiating pilot positions, we try to get into lowest risk trades, so that we stand to lose only a small amount, given the fact that the market is still trying to find a bottom. Still in no hurry to be long this market in size.

  • 2014-07-31: Exited HF at -2%. We are now 100% in cash.

  • 2014-07-30: HF reports after the bell 7/31/14 - we will close out the position Thursday, since we don't have a margin of safety in the name.

  • 2014-07-25: Exited QCOR at +1.5%. Looking to move to 100% cash here, since no headway is being made in the portfolio.

  • 2014-07-25: HF - a close (during the last minute of the trading day) -1% below it's 50-day moving average will stop us out of our last remaining name.

  • 2014-07-24: Exited ECOL at -6.31%.

  • 2014-07-22: Exited RES at +2.5% - earnings Wednesday morning.

  • 2014-07-21: RES set to announce earnings before the bell Wednesday. We'll be looking to exit our position in RES Tuesday before the close.

  • 2014-07-19: Tightening up stops on open names: ECOL $47.23, HF $33.91 and RES $22.51. No need to initiate new long positions here, until the market firms up and we see upward progress in the portfolio.

  • 2014-07-18: Exited TK at -2.4%.

  • 2014-07-17: Raising stop on IDXX to $130.38.

  • 2014-07-17: Exited IDXX at -2.18%.

  • 2014-07-17: Exited ILMN at -7.21%.

  • 2014-07-17: Raising stop on TK to $58.73

  • 2014-07-13: Dropping UHAL, TPL and CWEI from the Watch List - we are now more inclined to take a defensive stand in the market, given last week's action and the upcoming earnings season. Maintaining live stops (triggers) on all our open positions.

  • 2014-07-10: Exited TRIP at -6%.

  • 2014-07-07: Dropping UPL and ENLC from the Watch List.

  • 2014-07-05: Adding UHAL (pivot buy point $294.45, 5-week cup and handle base, high 21% ROE, RS 94, trade risk -4%, stop $282.67) to the Watch List for Monday, July 7,2014.

  • 2014-07-03: Adding CWEI (pivot buy point $141.06, 10-week cup and handle base, triple digit quarterly EPS, accelerating sls, high curr FY earn est +55%, highest RS 99, trade risk -6%, stop $132.6 - thin name that only trades 66,000 shares daily - half a normal position size, if pivot is triggered) to the Watch List for Thursday, July 3, 2014.

  • 2014-07-03: We traded out of ARRS (+8%) and into QCOR which triggered it's pivot buy point. SKX also triggered.

  • 2014-07-02: Adding SKX (pivot buy point $46.3, 4-week cup and handle base, triple digit quarterly EPS, accelerating sls, high fwd earn est +90%/+30%, RS 96, trade risk -5%, stop $43.98) to the Watch List for Wednesday, July 2, 2014.

  • 2014-07-01: Adding QCOR (pivot buy point $94.44, 6-week cup and handle base, accelerating sls/earnings, high next FY earn est +49%, high ROE 93%, trade risk -6%, stop $88.77), UPL (pivot buy point $30.18, 10-week cup and handle base, triple digit quarterly EPS, accelerating sales, trade risk -5%, stop $28.67) to the Watch List for Tuesday, July 1, 2014.

  • 2014-07-01: Watch List candidate ECOL was purchased for the GSA Portfolio, while PCRX hit it's profit target of +20%.

  • 2014-06-30: Exited LNG at 20.10%.

  • 2014-06-30: Watch List candidate ILMN was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-06-29: Adding ECOL (pivot buy point $49.25, 5-week base, accelerating sls/earnings, high ROE 20.7%, trade risk -5%, stop $46.79), THRM (pivot buy $44.49, 5-week constructive base, accelerating sales, high ROE $21.6%, trade risk -7%, stop $32.48) to the Watch List for Monday, June 30, 2014.

  • 2014-06-26: Adding ILMN (pivot buy point $175.72, Group 6: Biotechnology, 17-week cup and handle base, accelerating sls/earnings, ROE 18%, high RS 98, trade risk -5%, stop $166.93), STKL (pivot buy point $13.67, Group 21: Processed & Packaged Goods, 5-week cup and handle base, high fwd earn +54%/+33%, trade risk -7%, stop $12.71) to the Watch List for Thursday, June 26, 2014.

  • 2014-06-26: Moving up stop on ARRS to $31.11.

  • 2014-06-25: Dropping UIHC from the Watch List.

  • 2014-06-24: Adding TPL (pivot buy point $165.90, 4-weeks tight pattern, accelerating sales growth, high ROE 170%, high RS 97, trade risk -5%, stop $157.61 - very thin name that trades only 10K shares per day, so half your normal position size is warranted) to the Watch List for Tuesday, June 24, 2014.

  • 2014-06-24: Watch List candidate TRIP was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-06-24: Took a half position in TK, a name that triggered it's buy point yesterday, and is still around this level. Porfolio is now a bit on margin.

  • 2014-06-23: Watch List candidate IDXX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-06-23: Watch List candidate HF was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-06-23: At about 85% invested, we'll hold off on buying additional names and instead observe the performance of our current holdings. We would like to see a name or two hit their profit objective (currently at +20%).

  • 2014-06-21: Top Picks for Monday, June 23, 2014:
    1. HF (pivot buy point $35.19, 12-week cup and handle base, accelerating sls/earnings, high ROE 35.8%, RS 95, trade risk -7%, stop $32.73).
    2. TK (pivot buy point $60.03, 16-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales, high fwd earn est +123%/+350%, RS 91, trade risk -6%, stop $56.43).
    3. IDXX (pivot buy point $132.30, 6-week cup and handle base w/tight price action in handle area, high ROE 35.9%, RS 90, trade risk -3%, stop $128.33).
    4. TRIP (pivot buy point $106.50, 15-week cup and handle base w/25% correction in base, high fwd earn est +30%/+33%, upward earn est revisions, high ROE 24.7%, trade risk -5%, stop $101.18).
    5. UIHC (pivot buy point $18.56, 5-week cup and handle base, triple digit quarterly EPS growth, high ROE 22.9%, high RS 98, trade risk -7%, stop $17.26).
    6. ENLC (pivot buy point $42.52, 17-week cup and handle base, accelerating sls/earnings, RS 96, stop $40.39, trade risk -5%).

    New members please note - we initiate trades in the order that they trigger their pivot buy points (no favorites).

  • 2014-06-20: Adding UIHC (pivot buy point $18.56, 5-week cup and handle base, triple digit quarterly EPS, high ROE 22.9%, high RS 98, trade risk -7%, stop $17.26) to the Watch List for Friday, June 20, 2014.

  • 2014-06-20: Raising our stop on PCRX to break-even ($78.22) being up +10% in the name.

  • 2014-06-18: Exited BAP at -3%.

  • 2014-06-17: Watch List for Wednesday, June 18, 2014: ENLC (pivot buy point $42.52, 17-week cup and handle base, upward earn est revisions, accelerating sls/earnings, high RS 97, stop $40.39, trade risk -5%). 

    Also, based on the performance of our past trades and current holdings, we are raising our target profit on all open positions to +20%.

  • 2014-06-13: Exited ANIK at -9.27%.

  • 2014-06-12: Exited AAL at -0.55%.

  • 2014-06-12: We were stopped out of AER today at -7.1%.

  • 2014-06-10: Dropping AGN and GILD from the Watch List for now.

  • 2014-06-09: Adding EA (pivot buy point $35.38, 4-week tight base, upward earn est revisions, high ROE 17.3%, RS 95, stop $33.59, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, June 10, 2014.

  • 2014-06-07:
    Watch List for Monday, June 9, 2014:
    1. AGN (pivot buy point $166.33, 6-week flat base showing a shakeout within the base, accelerating sales/earnings, high ROE 24.1%, high RS 97, this trade would be to buy it's recent pullback after a breakout to new high, provided Thursday's HOD $166.33 gets taken out, stop below Thursday's low at $162.95, for a very tight trade risk of -2%). 
    2. GILD (pivot buy point $83.70, 15-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales/earnings, strong fwd earn est +211%/+42%, valuation, high ROE 41%, RS 90, stop loss $80.35, trade risk -4%).

    Also, moving our stop on current holding AAL to break-even ($39.75), being up +10.4% in the name. 

    On a personal note, we are embarking on an overseas vacation for 3 weeks (June 14 thru July 5). Of course, trading will continue and regular trade alerts will be e-mailed during this period. However it is possible that weekend refreshes of updated symbols into our database will not happen.

  • 2014-06-06: Watch List candidate BAP was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-06-06: Watch List candidate AER was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-06-05: Exited NYLD at +18.03%.

  • 2014-06-05: Exited PSXP at +17.7%.

  • 2014-06-05: Assuming your didn't get into these names earlier (like us), BAP provides another entry point above $157.94, and AER above $48.34 - both on our Watch List for Friday, June 6, 2014.

  • 2014-06-04: Moving stop on NYLD to break-even, up +10% on the name.

  • 2014-06-04: Adding AER (pivot buy point $47.65, 4-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales, strong group action, highest possible RS 99, stop $44.79, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Thursday, June 5, 2014.

  • 2014-06-03: Adding VIPS (pivot buy point $171.83, 14-week cup and handle base, triple digit quarterly sales growth, strong fwd earn est +138%/+72%, high ROE 39%, highest possible RS 99, stop $159.8, trade risk -7%), BHI (pivot buy point $70.94, 7-week flat base, accelerating earn/sls, strong fwd earn est +59%/+30%, RS 94, stop $67.39, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, June 4, 2014.

    Also, moving our stop on PSXP to break-even ($56.84), being up +11%

  • 2014-06-01: Watch List for Monday, June 2, 2014: BAP (pivot buy point $157.50, 4-week tight base, accelerating earnings/sales, ROE 16.8%, next year earn est +52%, RS 90, stop $152.78, trade risk -3%), REI (pivot buy point $19.5, 6-week cup and handle pattern, strong fwd earn est of +1600%/+204%, thin name, high RS 98, stop $18.14, trade risk -7%), ATHL (pivot buy point $43.76, 6-week cup and handle pattern, stong fwd earn est of +65%/+56%, accelerating sales, compelling valuation, stop $41.57, trade risk -5%).

    We are now fully invested since all our Watch List candidates triggered their pivot points rather quickly, indicating the strength in these names. We are raising our stop on LNG to breakeven ($59.45) since it is up +14% in only two days. Most of our holdings have profit targets of +18% based on current market conditions, risk/reward profile of the setup and our own trading history.

  • 2014-05-30: Watch List candidate RES was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-05-29: Watch List candidate ANIK was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-05-29: Watch List candidate LNG was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-05-29: ARRS has moved up +11% in 7 days - moving stop to break-even on this name.

  • 2014-05-28: Adding LNG (pivot buy point $59.39, tightening 8-week consolidation, strong +33%/+21% forward estimates, high 98 RS, stop $55.83, trade risk -6%), RES (pivot buy point $22.36, 6-week flat base, accelerating sales/earnings, positive earnings estimate revisions, strong +31%/+37% forward estimates, high 18% ROE, RS 95, stop $20.99, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Thursday, May 29, 2014.

  • 2014-05-27: Watch List candidate AAL was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-05-27: Watch List candidate PCRX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-05-24: Top Picks for Tuesday, May 27, 2014: PCRX (pivot buy $78, 13-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales, strong forward EPS of 64%/433%, high RS 98, stop $73.32, trade risk -6%), ANIK (pivot buy $48.24, 13-week cup and handle base, accelerating earnings/sales, high 24.2% ROE, high RS 99, stop $44.86, trade risk -7%), AAL (pivot buy point $39.74, 12-week cup and handle base, compelling valuation, accelerating sales, high RS 98, stop $37.36, trade risk -6%).

    Markets are closed Monday - have a safe Memorial Day everyone!

  • 2014-05-22: Watch List candidate NYLD was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-05-21: Watch List for Thursday, May 22, 2014: NYLD (pivot buy point $44.25, 7-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales, strong group action, RS 94, trade risk -4%, stop loss $42.48). If triggered, will still only trade half our normal position size.

  • 2014-05-19: Watch List candidate ARRS was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-05-17: Watch List for Monday, May 19, 2014: ARRS (pivot buy point $29.69, 12-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimates, accelerating sales growth, strong forward annual earnings estimates of 55%/38%, ROE 18.2%, stop $27.71, trade risk -6%). Still seeing very few low-risk setups in our 90+ relative strength universe, so we'll only be taking half our normal position size in ARRS, if it triggers it's pivot point. 

  • 2014-05-14: Watch List candidate PSXP was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-05-13: Adding a starter (half) position to the Watch List for Tuesday, May 13, 2014: PSXP (pivot buy point $56.70, 4-week cup and handle base, sales/earnings acceleration, strong group rank, high ROE 19%, high RS 99, stop $53.30, trade risk -6%).

  • 2014-05-07: Dropping AU from the Watch List, since there is very little follow-through in names that break out in this market. With the Dow and S&P near highs, while the Russell 2000 is below it's 200 day moving average, something will have to change soon. Perfectly content to be 100% in cash. "There is the plain fool, who does the wrong thing at all times everywhere, but there is the Wall Street fool, who thinks he must trade all the time"...Jesse Livermore

  • 2014-05-04: FOR A TRADE ONLY - AU (pivot buy point $18.5, 8-week cup and handle base, RS 91, stop loss $17.76, trade risk -4%). The longer term chart of AU shows significant overhead resistance, so we are looking to trade this one SHORT-TERM ONLY, with a target profit of 2 to 3 times our risk (+8% to +12%). 

    Still not wanting to play this market with size. Notice how the number of industry groups with two or more stocks near new highs has shrunk to 84, as seen on our Industry Map page. In strong markets, we see at least 90-100 industries on this list. This market needs time. "The big money is made by the sittin' and the waitin' – not the thinking. Wait until all the factors are in your favor before making the trade." - Jesse Livermore.

  • 2014-05-01: Seeing a few encouraging stocks setting up in valid bases. However, most of these names are approaching their earnings announcement dates within the next week or so. Since, as a rule, we try not to hold through earnings, we are still sitting tight for now. Note that the Nasdaq still hasn't broken it's short-term downtrend line, let alone formed a new uptrend. Please be patient and enjoy the downtime.

  • 2014-04-28: Exited RSPP at -6.03%.

  • 2014-04-27: Dropping HII and PSIX from the Watch List, until we see a proliferation of low-risk entry point set-ups in the market. Maintaining stop on RSPP at $27.58.

  • 2014-04-24:
    Watch List for Friday, April 25, 2014:

    1. PSIX (pivot buy point $83.94, 7-week cup and handle base, upside earnings estimates, high 25% ROE, high 99 RS, trade risk -6%, stop $78.90).

    2. HII (pivot buy point $105.08, 7-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales growth, high 24% ROE, RS 96, trade risk -5%, stop $99.83).

    If triggered, we are still looking to trade only half our normal position size of 8.3% of the portfolio into one of these names (fully invested = 6 stocks).

  • 2014-04-23: Watch List candidate RSPP was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-04-22: Testing the market with RSPP (pivot buy point $29.34, 7-week primary base off IPO, upward estimate revisions, strong industry group, high RS 99, trade risk -6%, stop loss $27.58). If triggered, we'll be going in with half our normal position size, i.e., 8.3% of the portfolio.

  • 2014-04-19: Absolutely no low-risk chart pattern setups to be found in our 90+ RS rank universe that we like to traffic in. It feels like this market needs much more time before leaders can set themselves up in proper base formations. Maintaining our 100% cash position for now.

  • 2014-04-16: Maintaining our 100% cash position until we see a proliferation of low-risk chart pattern setups emerge. Yesterday, the Nasdaq tried to put in a bottom - the next few days will be key to see if it follows through on the bottoming process.

  • 2014-04-08: Exited ATK at -5.07%.

  • 2014-04-07: Exited MTRX at -5.59%.

  • 2014-04-02: Watch List candidate MTRX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-04-02: Watch List candidate ATK was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-04-02: Let's see if we make any headway with our two starter positions, before we ramp up exposure. Most likely, we won't add more names to the Watch List this week.

  • 2014-04-01: Watch List for Wednesday, April 2, 2014: MTRX (pivot buy point $34.54, 4-week cup and handle base, high RS 97, trade risk -5%, stop loss $32.81), ATK (pivot buy point $143.70, 9-week base, RS 95, accelerating sales/earnings, robust 20.1% ROE, trade risk -5%, stop loss $136.50).

  • 2014-03-28: Exited STZ at 5.04%.

  • 2014-03-27: Exited LUV at 6.41%.

  • 2014-03-27: Planning to move to 100% cash Friday, by exiting our remaining half position in STZ for a small gain.

  • 2014-03-26: Exited CRAY at -6.15%.

  • 2014-03-26: It is important to keep your losses small, since losses work geometrically against you, i.e., the math doesn't work in your favor. You already know this, but for every -20% decline, it takes more (+25%) to get back to even, and the math gets progressively worse as losses get larger. On a portfolio return level, it is far better to have smaller, more consistent annual returns than to have large swings in your portfolio, one year to the next. Let us illustrate with a few simple examples: What if you were up +30% in Year 1, another +30% in Year 2, and then down -30% in Year 3. What would your annual return be? Shouldn't be too shabby, right? In fact it would be exactly +5.76% annualized. Maybe returns of +50%, +50%, -50% would work better? That's actually worse: +4% annualized. In fact, with three year returns of +65%, +65%, -65%, you've actually lost money. So, keep your losses small and remember that corrections in the market are inevitable. In fact, they should be welcomed for the simple reason that they allow proper bases to be formed, which means better entry points down the road for those of us who trade in this manner.

  • 2014-03-25: Exited CMG at 1.74%.

  • 2014-03-25: Continuing to play defense given the paucity of low risk setups in our RS > 90 universe - ATK, VLP and FANG are a few such names. On the portfolio, we are removing VLP from the Watch List, and raising stops some more on STZ ($80.85) and LUV ($22.99). 

  • 2014-03-24: Exited AYI at 4.00%.

  • 2014-03-24: Tightening up stops on CMG ($570.9), STZ ($80.08), LUV ($21.77) at levels just below recent swing lows as calculated by our trailing stop-loss algorithm.

  • 2014-03-24: Tightening up our stop on CRAY to $36.83 (at today's low).

  • 2014-03-22: Watch List for Monday, March 24, 2014: VLP (pivot buy $39.78, 5-week primary base consolidation showing coiling action from left to right, upwards earnings estimate revisions, RS 99, stop $38.19, trade risk -4%). Also, we are tightening up our stop on AYI to $137.66, just below a recent swing low. Note that distribution days have piled up to 5 on SPY and QQQ, and the portfolio is not making great progress, so we're being a bit more defensive here.

  • 2014-03-21: Exited ALXN at -5.14%.

  • 2014-03-20: Adding TSLA (pivot buy $244.50, 4-week flat base, upwards estimate revisions, highest possible RS 99, stop $227.39, trade risk -7%), VLP (pivot buy $39.78, 5-week primary base consolidation, upwards estimate revisions, RS 99, stop $37.39, trade risk -6%), GMCR (pivot buy $117.45, 5-wk cup and handle base, institutional buying, high 21.6% ROE, RS 95, stop $109.23, trade risk -7%) to the Watch List for Friday, March 21, 2014.

  • 2014-03-18: Watch List candidate ALXN was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-03-17: Exited ICPT at -0.31%.

  • 2014-03-17: Adding ALXN (pivot buy point $180.82, 4-week cup and handle, upward earnings estimates, high 24.2% ROE, RS 95, stop $171.78, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, March 18, 2014.

  • 2014-03-14: Reduced a bit of our exposure in ICPT at +18% given earnings after market close. Although biotechs don't always show earnings volatility. 

  • 2014-03-14: Watch List candidate CRAY was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-03-12: Adding MPAA (pivot buy point $25.25, 4-week cup and handle base, upwards estimate revisions, highest RS 99 rank, stop $23.74, trade risk -6%) and CRAY (pivot buy point $39, 5-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales, institutional buying, RS 96, stop $36.27, trade risk -7%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, March 13, 2014.

  • 2014-03-11: Moving stop on ICPT to $391 (break-even).

  • 2014-03-09: Watch List for Monday, March 10, 2014:
    1. LPLA (pivot buy point $55.19, 7-week cup and handle base, sales/earnings accelerating, high ROE 21.7%, RS 90, stop $52.43, trade risk -5%).
    2. ATK (pivot buy point $141.18, 6-week cup and handle base, sales/earnings accelerating, high ROE 20.3%, avg earnings surprise of 19% in last 5/5 quarters, RS 93, stop $135.50, trade risk -4%)
    3. PMD (pivot buy point $18.40, 4-week cup and handle base, sales/earnings accelerating, high ROE 32.1%, RS 91, stop $17.48, trade risk -5%) - only half our normal position size in PMD due to low avg daily volume traded.

  • 2014-03-07: Exited RCPT at -5.08%.

  • 2014-03-06: Tightening stops on RCPT to $44.85 (-4%) and AYI to $131.86 (break-even)

  • 2014-03-05: Adding ATK (pivot buy point $141.18, 5-week cup and handle base, sales/earnings accelerating, high ROE 20.3%, RS 93, avg earnings surprise of 19% in last 5/5 quarters, stop at $131.30, trade risk of -7%) to the Watch List for Thursday, March 6, 2014.

  • 2014-03-04: Watch List for Wednesday, March 5, 2014: LPLA (pivot buy point $55.19, 7-week cup and handle base, sales/earnings accelerating, high ROE, RS 91, stop $52.43, trade risk -5%). 

  • 2014-02-28: KNDI was sold for a profit of +21%.

  • 2014-02-28: Exited XRS at -6.18%.

  • 2014-02-26: Watch List candidates CMG and ICPT both triggered their buy points, and were purchased for the GSA Portfolio. 

  • 2014-02-25: Adding ICPT (pivot buy $388, high tight flag pattern, high RS 99, stop $357, trade risk -8%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, February 26, 2014.

  • 2014-02-24: Watch List candidate XRS was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-02-24: Exited ESCA at -7.30%.

  • 2014-02-24: Watch List for Tuesday, February 25, 2014: WDR (pivot buy point $69.80, 5-week cup and handle on this sales/earnings accelerator, RS 90, stop $66.97, trade risk -4%), CMG (pivot buy point $560.85, 4-week tight base, sales/earnings accelerating, estimates being raised, RS 90, stop $538.42, trade risk -4%).

  • 2014-02-22: Watch List for Monday, February 24, 2014: XRS (pivot buy point $25.08, 5-week cup and handle pattern on this previous winner, showing upwards estimate revisions, high RS 97, stop $23.83, trade risk -5%).

  • 2014-02-21: Exited SMCI at -7.37%.

  • 2014-02-20: Watch List candidate KNDI triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. We are now fully invested with 5 names at our full posistion size and 2 pilot positions at half our normal position size. ESCA has pulled back to it's breakout point, and a follow-on position could be initiated above today's $12.01 high (no gaps). 

  • 2014-02-19: Watch List candidate RCPT triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-02-19: Adding KNDI (pivot buy point $14.09, 6-week cup and handle formation, highest possible RS 99, stop at $12.96, trade risk -8%) to the Watch List for Thursday, February 20, 2014. Observe KNDI's basing characteristics - volume drying-up at the bottom of the base (around $11), increasing volume as price moves up the right-side of the base, and now volume dries-up again during the handle formation. 

  • 2014-02-18: Watch List candidate SMCI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-02-18: Watch List candidate LUV was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-02-18: Adding PBYI (pivot buy point $131.90, 4-week cup and handle base, highest possible RS 99, stop at $121.66, trade risk -7.8%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, February 19, 2014.

  • 2014-02-16: Watch List for Tuesday, February 18, 2014:

    1. RCPT (pivot buy point $46.48, 4-week cup and handle base, highest possible RS 99, stop $42.48, trade risk -8%).

    2. UAL (pivot buy point $46.01, 4-week basing pattern, upward earnings estimates, strong forward earnings projections, RS 91, stop $43.30, trade risk -6%).

    3. SMCI (pivot buy point $22.25, 4-week cup and handle base, upward earnings estimates, strong forward earnings projections, accelerating sales/earnings, RS 96, stop $20.69, trade risk -7%).

    4. LUV (pivot buy point $21.53, 5-week cup and handle base, accelerating sales/earnings, RS 93, stop $20.23, trade risk -6%).

  • 2014-02-13: Watch List candidate AYI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-02-12: Watch List for Thursday, February 13, 2014: AYI (pivot $131.85, 6-week cup-and-handle base showing accelerating earnings/sales and upwards earnings estimate revisions, RS 95, stop $125.26, trade risk -5%). Still want to take it slow here - current trial positions holding up OK.

  • 2014-02-11: Watch List candidate STZ was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-02-11: Watch List candidate ESCA was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-02-09: Watch List for Monday, February 10, 2014: ESCA (pivot buy point $12.05, 8-week cup and handle basing pattern, showing triple digit recent EPS growth, stop loss $11.5, trade risk -4.5%), STZ (pivot but point $78.39, 4-week consolidation showing upward earnings estimates, RS 94, stop loss $74.47, trade risk -5%) - only half our normal position will be taken in these toe-in-the-water trades to test the health of this market.

  • 2014-02-06: Be patient with the market here - no point in jumping back at the first rally from an oversold condition. If this rally has legs, there will be plenty of time to get back into correctly timed, low-risk positions. MU is a good example of the breakout we were anticipating, and would have been positioned to buy at the pivot point under a healthier market backdrop. Remember Edwin Lefevre (Reminiscences of a Stock Operator): "It never was my thinking that made the big money for me. It always was my sitting. Got that? My sitting tight!..." 

  • 2014-02-05: We exited the balance of our holdings in VIPS for a gain of +13.4% as it closed -1% below it's 20-day moving average. Now 100% in cash.

  • 2014-02-03: Exited TRN at 0.19%.

  • 2014-02-03: Exited GILD at 4.16%.

  • 2014-02-02: Not finding too many low-risk setups in this market (MU is one such name) - consequently tightening up stops further on GILD ($78.96), TRN ($56.56) and VIPS ($93.21). Remember, corrections almost always lead to better opportunities down the road - playing defense until then.

  • 2014-01-29: GNTX is a good example of why it gets tricky to hold through earnings and why we sold before the event - the extra volatility can easily knock-out traders like us, who have tight stops in place. Better to have nailed down a half-decent gain than deal with the stress that comes with portfolio volatility. Maintaining tight stops on TRN (recent low $55.90), GILD (break-even $75.83) and VIPS (break-even $86.49). VIPS shows unusual strength in this market, maintaining it's highest possible relative strength rank. 

  • 2014-01-28: As indicated yesterday, we exited our position in GNTX prior to earnings for a +10% gain.

  • 2014-01-27: Exited XRS at 10.33%.

  • 2014-01-27: Current holding GNTX set to announce earnings Wednesday, January 29, 2014, before the open. Being currently up only +10% in GNTX, we will be looking to exit the position on Tuesday, not wanting to hold through earnings in this hostile market environment. TRN, GILD and VIPS all holding their 20-day moving average, but will be sold on a close -1% below this support line. We continue to play defense - it remains to be seen if this market gets supported by institutions like it had been through all of 2013, or if market sentiment has indeed shifted. Also, dropping MU from the Watch List for now.

  • 2014-01-26: Keeping stops tight on all existing positions, since market volatility has increased. Maintaining MU while dropping TMUS and UTHR from the Watch List for Monday, January 27, 2014. 

  • 2014-01-23: Adding MU (pivot buy point $23.79, 7-week cup and handle base, high RS 97, trade risk -6%, stop at $22.32) to the Watch List for Friday, January 24, 2014. Dropping ARSD from the Watch List for now, until it sets up again.

    On stocks that we've taken partial profits, i.e., sold half our line, we trail the remaining half using a close 1% below the 20-day moving average. XRS and VIPS are two such names. GILD and GNTX held up well in today's general market sell-off, while TRN actuall rose. TRN's strength is to be noted.

  • 2014-01-22: Exited BBSI at -5.80%.

  • 2014-01-22: Adding TMUS (pivot buy point $33.56, 5-week flat base, high RS 97, trade risk -5%, stop at $31.88) to the Watch List for Thursday, January 23, 2014. Also, adjusting the pivot buy point on UTHR to $115.

  • 2014-01-21: XRS set to announce earnings on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 before the bell. We'll be looking to cut back exposure today, since we are close to our +18% profit target on XRS.

  • 2014-01-21: As per our plan, we sold half our position in XRS today for a +21.5% gain, holding the remaining through earnings tomorrow morning. ARSD (pivot buy point $12.57) and UTHR (buy point $113.83) remain on our Watch List for purchase above their pivots (no gaps).

  • 2014-01-19: Watch List for Tuesday, January 21, 2014: ARSD (pivot buy point $12.57, 4-week cup and handle base, RS 91, trade risk -5%, stop $11.99, half our normal size will be initiated on a trigger due to lower price name), UTHR (pivot buy point $113.83, 4-week tight base, RS 95, trade risk  -6.4%, stop $106.56). 

  • 2014-01-16: Watch List candidate GILD was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-01-16: We nailed down partial profits in VIPS as it hit our profit target of +18% within a short 2 week span. GILD is the kind of breakout that you want to be prepared for and ready to buy as it trades above it's pivot. The GSA Portfolio had a pretty good day today, up +2.5% vs. a flat to down market.

  • 2014-01-15: We exited DDD on a close -1% below it's 20-day moving average for a gain of +8.25%. GILD still on Watch List for a purchase above $75.80

  • 2014-01-14: Watch List candidate TRN triggered it's pivot buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-01-13: Exited the rest of our HTHT holdings for a profit of +5%, as it failed to close above it's 20-day moving average. Also, dropping MEI from watch.

  • 2014-01-11: Watch List for Monday, January 13, 2014:
    1. TRN (pivot $56.41, 9-week cup and handle base, RS 90, risk -6%, stop $53.02),
    2. GILD (pivot $75.80, 7-week base, RS 91, risk -5%, stop $72.17),
    3. MEI has pulled back a bit after it tried to emerge, and offers a secondary buy point above $35.4.

  • 2014-01-09: Adding WST (pivot buy $50, 6-week cup and handle base showing accelerating sales and earnings, RS 91, risk -4%, stop $48) to the Watch List for January 9, 2014. Also note DDD is approaching our profit target of +18% to +20% - we will be looking to take partial profits at this target. CSII is trying to find support at it's 50-day - any more weakness and we will cut our losses.

  • 2014-01-09: Exited CSII at -7.39%.

  • 2014-01-07: Adding AVGO (pivot point $53.40, 3-weeks tight pattern, RS 90, risk -4%, stop $51.26) to the Watch List for Wednesday, December 8, 2014. Dropping PEGA and MCK for now.

  • 2014-01-05: Watch List for Monday, January 6, 2014:
    1. PEGA (pivot $50.19, 5-week cup and handle base, RS 95, risk -4%, stop $48.18),
    2. BIIB (pivot $285.54, 6-week cup and handle base, RS 90, risk -6%, stop $268.40),
    3. MCK (pivot $162.65, 5-week cup and handle base, RS 90, risk -3%, stop $157.77),
    4. WBMD (pivot $39.95, 7-week cup and handle base, RS 96, risk -5%, stop $37.95),
    5. CMG (pivot $536.84, 7-week cup and handle base, RS 92, risk -3%, stop $520.73),
    6. MEI (pivot $34.93, 4-week tight base, high RS 98, risk -5%, stop $33.18),
    7. DECK (pivot $86.75, 5-week tight base, RS 95, risk -5%, stop $82.41).
     
    New members please note - we initiate positions only on a move (no gaps) above the pivot point. We have no favorites among our Watch List names - positions are taken in the names that trigger first.

  • 2014-01-02: Exited CBZ at -2.98%.

  • 2014-01-02: Watch List candidate VIPS triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2014-01-02: Adding ANFI (pivot buy point $15.92, 7-week cup and handle pattern, RS 96, trade risk -6%, stop at $14.96) to the Watch List for Friday, January 3, 2014.

  • 2013-12-29: Watch List for Monday, December 30, 2013: BCOR (pivot $29.82, 7-week cup and handle base, RS 95, trade risk -4%, stop $28.63), PEGA (pivot $50.23, 4-week cup and handle base, RS 95, risk -7%, stop $46.72), BIIB (pivot $285.54, 5-week cup and handle base, RS 90, risk -6%, stop $268.40), VIPS (pivot $85.90, 6-week cup and handle base, highest RS 99, risk -7%, stop $79.89), MCK (pivot $162.65, 4-week cup and handle base, RS 91, risk -3%, stop $157.77), WBMD (pivot $39.95, 6-week cup and handle base, RS 95, risk -7%, stop $37.15), SLXP (pivot $90.73, 6-week cup and handle base, RS 95, risk -7%, stop $84.38), BOFI (pivot $80.60, 4-weeks tight pattern, RS 96, risk -5%, stop $76.50), CMG (pivot $537, 6-week cup and handle base, RS 93, risk -6%, stop $504.78).

  • 2013-12-27: Sold half our line in HTHT at +20% - will trail the remaining half on a close below the 20-day moving average.

  • 2013-12-26: HTHT has moved up +15% from it's purchase price in 3 days - moving it's stop to break-even.

  • 2013-12-26: Adding BOFI (pivot buy point $80.60, 4-weeks tight pattern, high RS 97, trade risk -5% with a stop at $76.50) and BIIB (pivot buy point $285.54, 5-week cup and handle base, RS 91, trade risk -6% with a stop at $268.40) to the Watch List for Friday, December 27, 2013.

  • 2013-12-24: Watch List candidate XRS was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-12-23: Watch List candidate HTHT was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-12-23: Adding PCLN (pivot buy point $1198.80, 4-weeks tight base showing accelerating sales and earnings, RS 92, trade risk -5% with a stop at $1138.80) to the Watch List for Tuesday, December 24, 2012.

  • 2013-12-21: Watch List for Monday, December 23, 2013: XRS (pivot buy point $20.33, 5-weeks tight base with a recent shakeout of weak hands, high RS 97, trade risk -7%, with a stop at $18.90), HTHT (pivot buy point $26.50, 5-weeks tight pattern, RS 95, trade risk -3%, with a stop at $25.71).

  • 2013-12-20: Watch List candidate CBZ was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-12-19: Watch List candidate DDD was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-12-19: Adding CBZ (pivot buy point $9.07, pulling back from a 5-week base breakout, RS 90, trade risk -3% with a stop at $8.81 - will initiate only a half position if triggered) to the Watch List for Friday, December 20, 2013.

  • 2013-12-18: Top Picks Watch List for Thursday, December 19, 2013: XRS (pivot buy point $20.33, 5-weeks tight base with a recent shakeout of weak hands - including ours, high RS 97, trade risk of -7%, with a stop at $18.90), DDD (pivot buy point $82.65, 5-week cup and handle, high RS 98, trade risk of -7%, with a stop at $77.00), CSII (pivot buy point $33.7, shallow 4-week cup and handle, high RS 98, trade risk -7%, with a stop at $31.34).

  • 2013-12-14: Recently, we have been stopped out of the majority of our holdings in the -4% to -7% range. In 2013, the market has corrected five times ranging from -3% to -7.5%. Each of these times, it has been supported by institutions taking the indices to higher ground. The current market correction, as measured by the S&P 500, sits at -5% off it's high, and remains to be seen if the big boys step in again. Distribution days have also piled up in recent sessions, pressuring individual trades. In these trades, we saw a lot of pivot point volatility, leading to pivot and base failures. At times like this one should tighten, not loosen stop levels. Amateurs make the mistake of handling the extra volatility by allowing their positions more room to fluctuate - exactly the opposite of what they should be doing. Since we position our portfolio in the strongest stocks at precise low-risk entry points, it becomes easy to observe when things don't work out, and subsequently easy to limit losses without emotion. Be patient, stick to your discipline, and wait for those 4 to 5 periods per year when markets trend, volatility is low, and easy dollars can be made.

  • 2013-12-13: Exited HAR at -4.02%.

  • 2013-12-12: Watch List candidate GNTX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-12-11: We were stopped out of FLDM at -5.3%. Also dropping XRS and HTHT from the Watch List - market is not acting right, since leading stocks are breaking down.

  • 2013-12-10: Exited EIG at -2.56%.

  • 2013-12-09: Watch List candidate FLDM was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-12-08: Adding FLDM (pivot buy point $32.90, 6-week cup and handle base, high RS 97, stop $31.26 for a trade risk of -5%), HTHT (pivot buy point $26.40, 3-weeks tight pattern, RS 93, stop $24.99 for a trade risk of -5%) to the Watch List for Monday, December 9, 2013.

  • 2013-12-06: Adding XRS (pivot buy point $20.15, 3-week tight pattern, high RS 97, stop at $18.94 for a trade risk of -6%) to the Watch List for Friday, December 6, 2013.

  • 2013-12-06: Watch List candidate BBSI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-12-05: Watch List candidate HAR was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-12-05: Sold our remaining holdings in MEG at +23%.

  • 2013-12-04: Exited MKTX at -5.86%.

  • 2013-12-04: Exited MDSO at -5.06%.

  • 2013-12-03: Exited SSTK at -6.29%.

  • 2013-12-03: Adjusting pivot buy points on Watch List candidates SM to $92.57 and BBSI to $86.92

  • 2013-12-02: Watch List candidate MDSO was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-11-29: Adding WPO (pivot buy point $662.91, 5-week constructive coiling base, RS 91, trade risk -5%) and MDSO (pivot buy point $121.71, 6-week cup and handle base, high RS 97, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Monday, December 2, 2013. Now with 7 stocks on the Watch List, the ones that trigger their pivot buy points first, will be added to the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-11-28: Adding BBSI (pivot buy point $87.54, 5-week cup and handle base, RS 96, trade risk -6.5%) to the Watch List for Friday, November 29, 2013. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving everyone! 

  • 2013-11-27: Nailed down an +18% gain in MEG on half our position - plan to trail the remaining half with a close -1% below it's 20-day moving average.

  • 2013-11-26: Adding EIG (pivot buy point $32.09, 5-week cup and handle base, RS 90, trade risk -3.5%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, November 26, 2013.

  • 2013-11-26: Watch List candidate EIG was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-11-26: Adding SM (pivot buy point $93.70, 5-week basing pattern showing significant upward earnings revisions, RS 95, trade risk -7%), GNTX (pivot buy $30.29, 5-week cup and handle base, RS 92, trade risk -4%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, November 27, 2013.

  • 2013-11-24: Top Picks Watch List for Monday, November 25, 2013: CLB (pivot buy point $191.94, 5-week flat base showing accelerating sales/earnings, RS 91, trade risk -5%), HAR (pivot buy point $81.86, 4-week cup and handle base, RS 95, trade risk -4%).

  • 2013-11-21: Adding CLB (pivot buy point $191.94, 5-week flat base showing accelerating sales/earnings, RS 91, trade risk -5%), SSTK (pivot buy point $75, 8-week flat base, high RS 97, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Friday, November 22, 2013.

  • 2013-11-18: Watch List candidate MEG was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-11-16: Watch List for Monday, November 18, 2013: MEG (pivot buy point $15.30, 6-week cup and handle base, highest possible RS 99, trade risk -6%), SILC (pivot buy point $46.15, 4-week flat base showing sales and earnings acceleration, RS 96. trade risk -7%).

  • 2013-11-14: Watch List candidate MKTX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-11-14: Exited ALGN at -6.07%.

  • 2013-11-13: Adding MEG (pivot $15.30, 5-week cup and handle base, highest possible RS 99, trade risk -6%) and MKTX (pivot $67.87, 4-week flat base, RS 95, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Thursday, November 14, 2013.

  • 2013-11-11: Watch List candidate ALGN was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-11-09: Adding ALGN (pivot $58.95, 4-week tight base, RS 96, trade risk -5%) as a pilot buy (HALF POSITION ONLY) to the Watch List for Monday, November 11, 2013. With so few low-risk setups in proper base formations, we are still extremely skeptical of the market.

  • 2013-11-03: Still maintaining our 100% cash position due to a lack of low-risk setups in proper 4-week or higher bases. Keeping PTSI, CBPO and ALGN, as few names on our radar for now. As always, we can ramp up exposure very quickly with a 5 or 6-stock portfolio.

  • 2013-10-30: Dropping REGN and CBPO from the Watch List - too close to earnings to initiate a position.

  • 2013-10-29: Stopped out of EJ at -8.3% - portfolio sits at a 100% cash position.

  • 2013-10-25: Exited SFUN at -6.97%.

  • 2013-10-25: We closed out our remaining quarter position in GENT at +66%.

  • 2013-10-24: Adding REGN (pivot buy point $310, 4-week cup and handle base, RS 93, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Friday, October 25, 2013.

  • 2013-10-23: We'll be nailing down +54% profits in GENT at the market Thursday - still plan to hold a quarter position using a trailing stop exit.

  • 2013-10-22: Exited HIMX at -7.21%.

  • 2013-10-22: Adding CBPO (pivot buy point $29.96, 4-week cup and handle within a multi-week basing pattern, RS 95, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, October 23, 2013. Dropping TSLA for now.

  • 2013-10-21: Watch List candidate HIMX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-10-20: Watch List for Monday, October 21, 2013: TSLA (pivot buy $188.79, 4-week cup and handle base, persistently highest possible RS 99, trade risk -5%), HIMX (pivot buy $10.95, 5-week basing action, highest RS 99, trade risk -7%) - half position only in lower priced HIMX.

  • 2013-10-18: Adding EJ (Pivot buy point $9.50, 5-week high tight flag pattern, high RS 98, trade risk -7%) - half position only due to it's low price, to the Watch List for Friday, October 18, 2013.

  • 2013-10-18: Watch List candidate EJ was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-10-17: Watch List candidate SFUN was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-10-16: Watch List for Thursday, October 17, 2013: SFUN ($53.64, 6-week basing pattern, high RS 98, trade risk -7%).

  • 2013-10-08: Exited YY at -8.87%.

  • 2013-10-08: Exited SFUN at -7.68%.

  • 2013-10-08: Exited PCYC at 5.29%.

  • 2013-10-08: Exited SAVE at -6.90%.

  • 2013-10-08: Exited YELP at +21.8% and CSTE at -2.1%. Only holding GENT, with a stop at the 3-ATR level of $24.36.

  • 2013-10-07: We were stopped out of PSIX (+9.2%), MDSO (+8.9%) and TUES (+0.4%). All three triggered the 20-day moving average rule.

  • 2013-10-05: Watch List for Monday, October 7, 2013: CGEN (pivot buy $10.26, pulling back in it's 6-week base, high RS 98, trade risk -6%), RNET (pivot buy $37, 5-week cup and handle, RS 95, trade risk -4%), CASH (pivot $38.75, 4-week tight base, RS 94, trade risk -5%).

  • 2013-10-04: Watch List candidate SAVE was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-10-02: Based on market conditions and our own trading results, we are raising our initial profit target on our holdings from +15% to +18%. To summarize our sell rules: We take +18% profits when we have them, unless the stock gets to this level within 3 weeks. In these cases, we sell half our position and trail the rest using either the 3-ATR level or a close below the 20-day moving average, as a stop.

  • 2013-10-02: Watch List candidate YY triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-10-01: Exited BDBD at -6.26%.

  • 2013-10-01: Adding UBNT (pivot $35.47, 6-week base, highest RS 99, trade risk -7%), SAVE (pivot $35.16, 12-week cup and handle base, RS 93, trade risk -6%), YY (pivot $49.25, base-on-base pattern, highest RS 99, trade risk -8%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, October 2, 2013.

  • 2013-09-30: Watch List candidate SFUN triggered it's pivot buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-09-28: Adding GPOR (pivot buy point $64.49, 4-week constructive base, strong group, showing accelerating sales/earnings, RS 95, trade risk -7%) to the Watch List for Monday, September 30, 2013.

  • 2013-09-26: Adding SFUN (pivot $51.14, 4-week cup and handle base, high RS 98, trade risk -8%) to the Watch List for Friday, September 27, 2013. If triggered, we plan to take a position half our normal size, due to the slightly higher trade risk.

  • 2013-09-25: Today, GENT hit our profit target of +15%, and we sold half our line. When a stock hits our profit target in less than 3 weeks, we trail our remaining shares for a potentially larger move, using either the 3-ATR level or a close below the 20-day moving average as a stop, whichever comes first.

  • 2013-09-23: Watch List candidate CSTE was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-09-22: Watch List for Monday, September 23, 2013: CSTE (pivot $43.42, 6-week flat base, high RS 98, trade risk -6%), BOFI (pivot $67.61, 6-week cup and handle base, high RS 97, trade risk -7%)

  • 2013-09-19: Watch List candidates TUES and BDBD were purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-09-18: Adding BDBD (pivot $16.72, 8-week tightening base w/accelerating sales and earnings, RS 93, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for September 19, 2013.

  • 2013-09-17: Exited AEGR at -7.87%.

  • 2013-09-17: Exited BITA at -8.09%.

  • 2013-09-17: Watch List candidate GENT was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-09-16: Watch List candidate BITA was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-09-14: Adding BITA (pivot buy $16.20, 5-week cup and handle showing supportive action in the handle area, strong forward earnings estimates, high RS 98, trade risk -7%), TUES (pivot buy $14.32, 4-week cup and handle, strong forward earnings estimates, high RS 97, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Monday, September 16, 2013.

  • 2013-09-13: Adding GENT (pivot $21.25, showing the rare high-tight flag pattern, highest possible RS 99, trade risk -7%) to the Watch List for Friday, September 13, 2013.

  • 2013-09-12: Adding LGND (pivot buy $49.48, 8-week cup and handle, high RS 98, trade risk -7%) to the Watch List for Thursday, Sep 12, 2013. Also, moving stop on NSM to $54.42, Wednesday's high-volume reversal low.

  • 2013-09-12: Exited NSM at 6.48%.

  • 2013-09-12: Sold out half our position in PSIX for a +15% gain.

  • 2013-09-10: Exited ALNY at 15.34%.

  • 2013-09-09: Adding AEGR (pivot buy point $94.08, 6-week flat base, highest possible RS 99, trade risk -7%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, September 10, 2013.

  • 2013-09-07: Watch List for September 9, 2013: DXCM (pivot $27.5, 5-week basing pattern w/accelerating sales, RS 96, trade risk -6%).

  • 2013-09-07: Sold out half our position in YELP for a +17% gain. Plan to trail the rest with a 3-ATR stop. 

  • 2013-09-06: Sold out half our position in YELP for a +17% gain. Plan to trail the rest with a 3-ATR stop. 

  • 2013-09-05: Watch List candidate PCYC was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-09-04: Adding DXCM (pivot $27.5, 4-week basing patter w/accelarting sales, RS 96, trade risk -5%), PCYC (pivot $119.77, 5-week cup and handle, RS 96, trade risk -8%) to the Watch List for Thursday, September 5, 2013.

  • 2013-09-03: Watch List candidate NSM was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-09-01: Watch List for Tuesday, August 3, 2013: NSM (pivot buy $50.90, 3-weeks tight w/accelerating sales, RS 94, trade risk -6%).

  • 2013-08-30: Watch List candidate MDSO was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-08-29: Adding YELP (pivot buy point $52.98, 4-week cup and handle formation showing accelerating sales with upward estimate revisions, highest possible RS 99, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Thursday, August 29, 2013.

  • 2013-08-29: Watch List candidate YELP was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-08-26: Watch List candidate PSIX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-08-26: Watch List for Tuesday, August 27, 2013: MDSO (pivot buy $88.80, 5-week basing pattern w/accelerating sales and earnings, RS 96, trade risk -6%).

  • 2013-08-24: Watch List for Monday, Aug 26, 2013: PSIX (pivot buy point $50.40, base-on-base pattern, highest RS 99, trade risk -7%).

  • 2013-08-21: Adding a "toe in the water" position if ALNY triggers (pivot buy $50, 7-week cup and handle base, high RS 99, trade risk -7%).

  • 2013-08-21: Watch List candidate ALNY was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-08-19: Exited GIII at -0.10%.

  • 2013-08-15: Exited LWAY at -4.90%.

  • 2013-08-15: Exited COG at -5.9%.

  • 2013-08-15: Exited WGO at -7.37%.

  • 2013-08-14: Exited VRX at 15.43%.

  • 2013-08-12: Adding WBMD (pivot buy point $34.17, 4-week cup and handle base, high RS 97, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, August 13, 2013.

  • 2013-08-10: Watch List for Monday, August 12, 2013: ADUS (pivot buy point $23.08, 4-week cup and handle, high RS 99, trade risk -7%) - in May, we had nailed down a +15% move in ADUS within about 5 days.

  • 2013-08-08: Exited VRX at 10.13%.

  • 2013-08-08: Please note, we are still holding VRX, with a profit target of +15% (erroneous auto-alert sent out earlier). Also, moving stop on VRX to break-even.

  • 2013-08-07: Exited P at -6.40%.

  • 2013-08-06: Watch List candidate COG was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-08-05: Watch List candidate P was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-08-05: Watch List candidate WGO was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-08-03: Watch List for Monday, August 5, 2013: WGO (pivot buy point $25.09, 4-week flat base, RS 95, trade risk -6%), COG (pivot $77.77, consolidating above an 8-week base breakout, RS 91, trade risk -4%), P (pivot $19.32, 5-week consolidation, high RS 96, trade risk -6%).

  • 2013-08-01: Nailed down +15% profit in OCN.

  • 2013-07-29: Exited SOHU at -7.43%.

  • 2013-07-29: Exited CLVS at -7.10%.

  • 2013-07-28: Watch List for Monday, July 29, 2013: HPTX (pivot buy $27, 18-week cup and handle, high RS 97, trade risk -6%).

  • 2013-07-26: SOHU to report before the bell, Monday, July 29, 2013. Estimates are $0.49 EPS and $340M revenue. SOHU has beat estimates in 4/5 last quarters. Since we have a half position, although with no cushion, we are inclined to hold through this event.

  • 2013-07-24: Stopped out of STML at -3.2%.

  • 2013-07-23: Adding FNHC (pivot $10.50, 6-week cup and handle base, RS 96, risk -4%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, July 24, 2013. FNHC is a thin name and warrants a smaller than normal (half) position size.

  • 2013-07-21: Comments: Watch List for Monday, July 22, 2013: ACT (pivot $127.45, 8-week tightening base, RS 90, trade risk -5%), TA (pivot $12.16, 12-week base, high RS 97, trade risk -6%).

  • 2013-07-18: SOHU and TAM both triggered their buy points. We took a half position in SOHU, being fully invested (now slightly margined).

  • 2013-07-17: CLVS triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. With six holdings, we are now 100% invested.

  • 2013-07-16: Adding USCR (pivot buy point $16.75, 10-week base w/price tightening, high RS 97, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, July 17, 2013.

  • 2013-07-15: Adding SOHU (pivot $68.31, 9-week basing pattern w/accelerating sales and earnings, RS 95, trade risk -7%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, July 16, 2013.

  • 2013-07-14: Watch List for Monday, July 15, 2013: ACT (pivot $127.45, 7-week tightening base, RS 92, trade risk -5%), TAM (pivot $20.90, 6-week flat base, high RS 99, trade risk -5%), CLVS (pivot $77, 6-week cup and handle base, high RS 99, trade risk -7%)

  • 2013-07-12: OCN triggered it's pivot point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-07-12: LWAY triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-07-11: Adding OCN (pivot buy point $44.29, 4-week cup and handle within larger basing pattern, RS 92, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Friday, July 12, 2013.

  • 2013-07-10: STML triggered it's pivot buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-07-10: STML gave us a first day gain of nearly +9%. Since our profit target (based on current market conditions and our own trading results) is currently +15%, we plan to sell half our holdings if STML hits this target, and hold on to the rest for a slightly longer period. Sometimes selling half your position puts you in a psychologically win-win frame of mind. If the stock continues to rise, you will be happy you didn't sell everything. If the stock goes down, you will be happy you sold some of it. Watch List candidates TAM, ACT, WCRX and LWAY are all acting well, and we have triggers to purchase these names, if they clear their pivot buy points.

  • 2013-07-09: VRX and GIII triggered their pivot buy points, and were purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-07-09: Adding WCRX (pivot $20.16, 8-week coiling base, RS 94, risk -5%), STML (pivot $25.90, 3-weeks base, high RS 99, risk -7%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, July 10, 2013.

  • 2013-07-08: Watch List for Tuesday, July 9, 2013: VRX (pivot $90.82, 7-week cup and handle base, RS 95, trade risk -4%), ACT (pivot $127.62, 8-week tightening base, RS 94, risk -5%), GIII (pivot $49.27, 6-week base, RS 93, risk -5%), TAM (pivot $20.90, 5-week base, high RS 99, risk -5%), LWAY (pivot $17.77, 9-week base, RS 96, risk -7%).

  • 2013-07-07: Not seeing too many names in valid bases that provide a low risk entry point. Watching LWAY (above $17.53) and TAM (above $21) as a couple of names that are acting right - there just aren't enough names to warrant stepping back into the market in yet. As you know, this could change very quickly, so be prepared to act. We covered our QQQ market short position Friday for a small -1.38% loss.

  • 2013-07-02: Initiated a short position in QQQ with a tight -1.2% stop.

  • 2013-06-21: Taking the very conservative road here, and moving to 100% cash.

  • 2013-06-20: Exited IMOS at -6.14%.

  • 2013-06-18: Adding YY (pivot $29.13, pullback from a short base breakout - price very tight, high RS 99, trade risk -4%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, June 19, 2013.

  • 2013-06-17: Adding SNTS (pivot $22.39, 4-week base, high RS 99, risk -6%), OPEN (pivot $68, 4-week base, RS 90, risk -4%), TRIP (pivot $65.10, 4-week cup and handle base, RS 95, risk -3%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, June 18, 2013.

  • 2013-06-16: Watch List for Monday, June 17, 2013: OSTK (pivot $27.75, 5-week tight base, high RS 99, risk -7%), FNP (pivot $22.16, moving up the right side of it's 6-week base, RS 96, risk -5%), DWSN (pivot $38.15, 4-week base tightening up, RS 95, risk-5%), NLS (pivot $8.34, 5-week double bottom base, high RS 99, risk -5%).

  • 2013-06-13: Adding RKT (pivot $104.09, 6-week basing pattern, RS 95, trade risk -4%) to the Watch List for Friday, June 14, 2013.

  • 2013-06-11: Watch List candidate IMOS was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-06-11: Watch List candidate WX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-06-11: Watch List candidate VSAT was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-06-10: Watch List candidate SILC was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-06-10: Watch List candidate DORM was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-06-09: Lots of good looking setups this week. We have now moved to holding a maximum of 6 stocks in our model and live portfolios, since on average we tend to cut losses at about -5%: 0.05 * 100/6 = 0.83% capital risked on any one trade - a very acceptable level.

    Watch List for Monday, June 10, 2013: IMOS (pivot $18.81, 3-weeks tight pattern, RS 96, trade risk -5%), CHTR (pivot $116.10, 4-week base, RS 95, risk -6%), WX (pivot $21.15, 4-week base, RS 91, risk -6%), DORM (pivot $46.31, 3-week cup and handle, RS 95, risk -5%), SILC (pivot $34.51, 3-week cup and handle, high RS 97, risk -4%), ORN (pivot $12.34, 4-week flat base, RS 95, risk -5%), OCN (pivot $44.26, 4-week cup and handle, RS 95, risk -6%), VSAT (pivot $72, 3-weeks tight base, high RS 97, risk -6%), YHOO (pivot $27.19, 4-weeks base, RS 95, risk -6%), MINI (pivot $34.59, still base building, high RS 97, risk -4%).

    As always, we will purchase these stocks for our portfolio in the order they trigger their pivot buy points.

  • 2013-06-05: Watch List candidate SSP was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-06-05: Dropping remaining stocks from Watch List for now.

  • 2013-06-04: Adding SSP (pivot $13.82, 5-week basing pattern, RS 95, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, June 5, 2013.

  • 2013-06-03: Adding VSAT (pivot $72.61, 3-weeks tight base, high RS 97, trade risk -5%), POWR (pivot $13.57, pullback to 50-day MA within 8-week base, high RS 99, trade risk -3%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, June 4, 2013.

  • 2013-06-02: Adding APFC (pivot $28.33, 3-week tight pattern, highest RS 99, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Monday, June 3, 2013. This is a low volume name, trading only 29,000 shares daily, so take an appropriate position size, e.g., half your normal size. We hesitated to add this name to the Watch List, given market conditions, but a toe-in-the-water position on a stock that's acting well, often helps to guide your trading.

  • 2013-05-25: New members need to be patient here - we moved to a 100% cash position last Wednesday, May 22, 2013. Let us give the market additional time to resolve last week's high volume reversal and determine if the market uptrend is still intact. More importantly, leading stocks need to set up correctly to allow us to enter positions with a predetermined (low) level of risk. We had some decent profits in May - it does not hurt to protect these for the time being.

  • 2013-05-22: Adding TPC (pivot buy $19, 9-week cup and handle base, RS 94, trade risk -5%), TVL (pivot $12.41, 7-week cup and handle within a larger 15-week basing pattern, high RS 99, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, May 22, 2013.

  • 2013-05-22: TVL triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-05-22: Nailed down a +15% gain in ADUS - 5 days. ADUS may go a lot higher, but we are sticking to our trading plan.

  • 2013-05-22: All out for now - don't like the way the Nasdaq has reversed. Will revisit in a few days/weeks. It has been a great month of May.

  • 2013-05-21: Adding AGYS (pivot $11.96, 4-week cup and handle base, RS 93, trade risk -4%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, May 21, 2013. If triggered, we will take a half position in AGYS, due to it's lower liquidity and price.

  • 2013-05-21: Exited FLO at break-even.

  • 2013-05-20: Took a position in Watch List candidate PCRX this morning.

  • 2013-05-20: Exited PCRX at -5.44%.

  • 2013-05-19: Watch List for Monday, May 20, 2013: PCRX (pivot $29.90, 10-week base, high RS 98, trade risk -5%), NRG (pivot $28.17, 4-week cup and handle base, RS 92, trade risk -5%), CBPO (pivot $26.76, 7-week tight base, high RS 99, trade risk -6%).

  • 2013-05-17: Exited SBGI at -5.88%.

  • 2013-05-17: Took a position in CSU, with a -5% stop.

  • 2013-05-17: Exited RGEN at -2.88%.

  • 2013-05-16: Adding EXAM (pivot $19.01, 5-week cup and handle base, RS 94, trade risk -6%), CSU (pivot $26.50, 10-week cup and handle base, high RS 98, trade risk -4%) to the Watch List for Thursday, May 16, 2013.

  • 2013-05-15: Comments: Adding FLT (pivot $85.56, base-on-base pattern on this earnings accelerator, high RS 97, trade risk -6%) and TMH (pivot $38.34, 6-week price consolidation pattern, RS 91, trade risk -4%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, May 15, 2013.

  • 2013-05-15: Exited WPC at 12.38%.

  • 2013-05-15: Comments: ADUS triggered it's pivot point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-05-15: FLO is set to announce earnings before the bell Thursday. If we continue to maintain our current cushion of +4% or more, and given that the group is acting well (see how GMCR acted on earnings), we plan to hold FLO through this event.

  • 2013-05-14: Adding REXX (pivot buy point $16.90, 6-week cup and handle base, RS 91, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, May 14, 2013.

  • 2013-05-14: Watch List candidate REXX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-05-14: Tightening up stop on RGEN to $8.77 (-3%).

  • 2013-05-13: Exited LMOS at +14.9%.

  • 2013-05-12: Watch List for Monday, May 13, 2013: ADUS (pivot $14.2, 6-week cup and handle base, highest possible RS 99, trade risk -4%).

  • 2013-05-09: Watch List candidate for Thursday, May 9, 2013: SBGI (pivot buy $28.06, 5-week consolidation pattern - price tightening up, highest RS 99, trade risk -6%).

  • 2013-05-09: Exited PBH at 13.15%.

  • 2013-05-09: Watch List candidate SBGI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-05-08: Adding CONN (pivot $45.18, 5-week consolidation pattern, high RS 98, trade risk -7%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, May 8, 2013.

  • 2013-05-08: Exited AOL at -4.81%.

  • 2013-05-08: Watch List candidate CONN was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-05-06: Watch List candidate RGEN was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-05-06: Watch List candidate VMED was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-05-06: Watch List candidate C was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-05-06: RGEN reversed today as it tried to break out - we are tightening up it's stop to $8.65 for a -4% trade risk. Also, keep an eye on CONN - it is setting up well. Once we see a low-risk entry point, CONN will be put on the Watch List. 

  • 2013-05-04: Watch List for Monday, May 6, 2013: RGEN (pivot buy $9.02, 4-week cup and handle pattern, RS 96, trade risk -8%) - if triggered, we will take half our normal position size to reflect lower price/higher risk profile, C (pivot $47.68, 9-week cup and handle pattern, RS 91, trade risk -5%), VMED (pivot $50.29, 4-week tight base, RS 96, trade risk -4%).

  • 2013-05-03: Watch List candidate FLO was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-05-03: Exited SEMG at 13.19%.

  • 2013-05-03: Watch List candidate LMOS was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-05-01: Adding LMOS (pivot buy $13.69, 5-week consolidation pattern, high RS 96, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, May 1, 2013.

  • 2013-04-29: Watch List candidate AOL was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-04-29: Adding FLO (pivot buy $33.0, 6-week cup and handle base, RS 95, trade risk -3%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, April 30, 2013. Also, moving stop in AOL to $38.35, for a -3% risk - AOL "sat down" after trying to breakout today.

  • 2013-04-28: Watch list for Monday, April 29, 2013: AOL (pivot buy $39.54, 11-week cup and handle base, RS 90, trade risk-7%, earnings due 5/8/13). There are a few more setups worthy of being put on watch, but are coming up against earnings in the next few days - we do not initiate new positions this close to earnings. The NASDAQ has significantly under-performed the Dow recently - this explains the lack of a broad set of growth stock setups. Be watchful, patient, defensive, and build your portfolio one stock at a time.

  • 2013-04-24: Watch List candidate TARO was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-04-21: Comments: Watch List for Monday, April 22, 2013: AOL (pivot $39.80, 10-week cup and handle base, RS 91, trade risk -7%), TARO (pivot $59, 5-week flat base, RS 92, risk -3%). There are a few more names that merit adding to the Watch List, but they are all coming up against earnings, and we do not typically initiate a new position close to an earnings release.

  • 2013-04-17: Maintaining tight stops on our remaining open positions: PBH ($24.83), SEMG ($49.34), WPC ($65.98). Be defensive in this environment.

  • 2013-04-15: Exited CHUY at -0.13%.

  • 2013-04-15: We were stopped out of PCOM for a -1% loss. Also, removing IMKTA from the Watch List.

  • 2013-04-14: Watch List for Monday, April 15, 2013: AOL (pivot $39.80, 9-week cup and handle base, RS 91, trade risk -6%), IMKTA (pivot $21.85, 4-week flat base, RS 90, risk -4.5%).

  • 2013-04-11: Watch List candidate WPC was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-04-11: Watch List candidate PCOM was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-04-10: Watch List candidates for Thursday, April 11, 2013: PCOM (pivot buy $16, 5-week flat base, accelerating sales, RS 94, trade risk -6%), WPC (pivot $68.25, 5-week cup and handle, RS 94, risk -4%), RRTS (pivot $23.71, 6-week flat base, RS 92, risk -5%).

  • 2013-04-08: Brief tutorial on risk/reward analysis, during this slow period in the market - here's why a tight stop loss strategy keeps you out of trouble. Assume for a minute that you cut your losses at -5% and take profits at +15%. Even if you are correct only 30% of the time, your portfolio will still hold up. Starting with $1,000 after 10 trades, with 7 losses and 3 wins:

    $950, 903, 857, 815, 774, 735, 698, 803, 924, $1,062

    You are still ahead. Then under better market conditions, your portfolio can really outperform.

  • 2013-04-05: Raising stop on SAM to $155.25 (-3.6%), just below Thursday's low.

  • 2013-04-05: Exited SAM at -4.44%.

  • 2013-04-05: Stops on three remaining positions moved to break-even.

  • 2013-04-03: Exited DHI at -4.25%.

  • 2013-04-03: Exited MAS at -4.59%.

  • 2013-04-03: Dropping TSO from the Watch List. Keeping tight stops on our remaining holdings, since we've been stopped out of a few names in the last few days. The ones that hold up best under a market pullback should be the first to recover. Be disciplined in following your plan.

  • 2013-04-02: Nailed down a short-term profit of +10% in UHS.

  • 2013-04-02: Exited HZO at -6.00%.

  • 2013-03-30: Top Picks Watch List Candidate for Monday, April 1, 2013: TSO (pivot $60, 5-week cup and handle pattern, high RS 97, trade risk -4%). Also, adjusting stop on SEMG to break-even.

  • 2013-03-28: Watch List candidate CHUY was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-03-27: Adding CHUY (pivot $32, base-on-base pattern, RS 91, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Thursday, Mar 28, 2013. Dropping ROCM and GEOS from the list. Also, moving stop on UHS to break-even.

  • 2013-03-26: Exited ENOC at -6.84%.

  • 2013-03-26: Adding BOFI (pivot $36.25, 7-week cup and handle pattern, RS 96, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, March 27, 2013.

  • 2013-03-24: Watch List for Monday, Mar 25, 2013: ROCM (pivot $15, 5-week tight base, RS 94, trade risk -4%), GEOS (pivot $111.36, 7-week cup and handle pattern, high RS 98, risk -6%).

  • 2013-03-21: ENOC triggered it's buy point today and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-03-20: Exited NCT at -5.35%.

  • 2013-03-20: Adding ENOC (pivot buy point $18.17, 5-week cup and handle base, high RS 99, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Thursday, March 21, 2013.

  • 2013-03-18: Adding NFLX (pivot $186.77, pullback from a flat base, high RS 99, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, March 19, 2013. We also took a position in SAM today, since it triggered it's buy point. Still watching MSG above $57 and ROCM above $15.

  • 2013-03-16: Comments: Adding MSG (pivot $57.00, shallow 4-week cup & handle base, RS 93, trade risk -4%) to the Watch List for Monday, March 18, 2013. If MSG doesn't trigger, we also have an order to buy SAM (pivot $161) or ROCM (pivot $15), two names that triggered Friday.

  • 2013-03-15: Exited PRLB at -5.77%.

  • 2013-03-14: Watch List candidate DHI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-03-14: Watch List candidate MAS was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-03-14: Watch List candidate NCT was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-03-14: Watch List candidate HZO was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-03-14: With the purchase of four names today, the GSA Portfolio is 100% invested. Watch List candidates will continue to be posted, since we fully anticipate being stopped out of a few names.

  • 2013-03-13: Adjusting buy point on POWL to be $57.90, yesterday's high price - will look to take a half position (6.25% of portfolio) on this pullback.

  • 2013-03-13: Watch List candidate PRLB was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-03-13: Adding ROCM (pivot buy $14.92, 4-week basing pattern, RS 95, trade risk -7%) - if buy point triggered, will take a half position (6.25%) due to slightly higher trade risk and relatively low priced name, DHI (pivot buy $24.24, 5-week cup & handle formation, RS 91, trade risk -4%), HZO (pivot buy $13.84, 4-week cup & handle base, RS 96, trade risk -6%), MAS (pivot buy $20.28, 5-week cup & handle base, RS 91, trade risk -5%), SAM (pivot buy $160.42, 5-week price consolidation, RS 91, trade risk -5%). Also, dropping BC from the Watch List.

  • 2013-03-11: Watch List candidate PBH was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-03-11: Adding NCT (pivot buy $11.40, short 3-week cup & handle pattern, RS 95, trade risk -5%), PRLB (pivot buy $49.23, 4-week cup & handle pattern, RS 93, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, March 12, 2013.

  • 2013-03-10: Adding URI (pivot $56, 3-week cup & handle pattern, RS 93, trade risk -5%), PBH (pivot $24.80, 4-week basing pattern, RS 94, trade risk -5%), SIRO (pivot $73.37, 4-week cup & handle pattern, RS 91, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Monday, Mar 11, 2013. BC, POWL, MSG, and SPB also on watch list. SEMG triggered on Friday, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-03-07: Watch List candidate UHS was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-03-07: Adding MSG (pivot $57.00, shallow 4-week cup & handle base, RS 95, trade risk -4%), SPB (pivot $55.57, 5-week tight base, RS 94, trade risk -4%) to the Watch List for Friday, Mar 8, 2013.

  • 2013-03-06: Adding BC (pivot buy point $37.02, 6-week basing pattern, RS 95, trade risk -5%), SEMG (pivot point $48.16, short 4-week cup & handle pattern, RS 94, trade risk -7%), SPB (pivot point $55.57, 5-week flat base, RS 94, trade risk -4%), UHS (pivot $58.79, 5-week flat base, RS 92, trader risk -5%) to the Watch List for Thursday, Mar 7, 2013.

  • 2013-03-05: Adding POWL (pivot buy point $59.89, off a 4-wk tight flag pattern, high RS 96, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, March 6, 2013. POWL is a thinner name, so we'll be initiating only a half position (6.25% of portfolio) in it.

  • 2013-02-26: We are maintaining our 100% cash position (as of 2/22/13) in the current market. During a corrective phase, it is best to perform an analysis of your recent trades and performance. Although January and February did not offer up too many opportunities, we did come out ahead. In January, we had 6 winners (avg +12.44%) and 2 losers (avg -5.10%). In February, we had 5 winners (avg +9.97%) and  5 losers (avg -2.67%). Try to keep your winners earning twice as much as your losers, so that even if you bat 50-50, you will not get into any trouble. Learn to embrace a market correction - there will be better setups ahead.

  • 2013-02-22: Exited AGM at 0.18%.

  • 2013-02-21: Exited LL at 8.91%.

  • 2013-02-21: Exited OSK at -4.28%.

  • 2013-02-21: Exited VAC at -5.36%.

  • 2013-02-20: We'll be exiting our remaining position in LL (currently +9%) at the market tomorrow - LL should not have sold off with high volume on a great earnings report. Also, dropping CELG from the Watch List for now. The lack of a proliferation of low-risk setups should dictate a much more defensive position, with tight stops. 

  • 2013-02-19: Watch List candidate OSK was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-02-19: Dropping SILC from our Watch List, since it gapped up significantly above our pivot buy point. Also, VAC to announce earnings Feb 21, 2013 before the bell - we will likely reduce our exposure going into this event.

  • 2013-02-18: LL is set to announce earnings before the market opens on Wednesday, Feb 20, 2013. We have an approximately +8% gain (cushion) going into this event. We will probably sell half our position on Tuesday, thereby reducing some of the risk associated with the earnings announcement volatility.

  • 2013-02-14: Adding OSK (pivot $40.19, 3-weeks tight base, high RS 98, trade risk -4%) to the Watch List for Friday, February 15, 2013. Also, dropping MRLN from the Watch List, and adjusting pivot buy on CELG to be $101.56.

  • 2013-02-13: Adding SILC (pivot buy point $24.91 - HALF position only, short 4-week cup & handle base, high RS 97, trade risk -5%) to the Watch List for Wednesday, February 13, 2013.

  • 2013-02-10: Watch list for Monday, February 11, 2013: CELG (pivot $102.29, 4-week basing formation, RS 95, trade risk -5.4%), MRLN (pivot $22.35, 5-week basing formation, RS 92, trade risk -5.9%). If triggered, a half position will be initiated in MRLN, reflecting it's lower liquidity (daily avg 25,000 shares), and relatively lower RS.

  • 2013-02-08: Today, we exited GNRC at a gain of +14.8%.

  • 2013-02-07: Exited GIL at -0.08%.

  • 2013-02-06: Current holding GIL has lost a lot of relative strength (96 at purchase vs. 88 now) - raising stop to $36.15 (break-even).

  • 2013-02-05: Exited BGFV at -2.68%.

  • 2013-02-05: Exited AMWD at 15.18%.

  • 2013-01-28: Watch List candidate VAC was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-01-27: Watch list for Monday, January 28, 2013: VAC (pivot buy point $44.70, 4-week flat base, RS 96, trade risk -4%).

  • 2013-01-25: Watch List candidate AMWD was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-01-24: Watch List candidate AGM was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-01-24: Exited WAC at -5.07%.

  • 2013-01-24: Today OSTK hit our profit target. We had a poor fill in the morning, but closed out with a +12.51% gain.

  • 2013-01-24: Adjusting pivot buy point on current watch list candidate AMWD to be $27.86 for a -4% trade risk. Dropping OCN for now - it is giving up too much ground.

  • 2013-01-22: Adding OCN (pivot $39.25, 13-week cup and handle base, high RS 99, trade risk -4.7%) to the Watch List for Wed, Jan 23, 2013. Today, WAC triggered it's pivot point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-01-21: Adding WAC (pivot buy point $46.75, pullback on a 10-week cup and handle breakout, high RS 99, trade risk -5%), AGM (pivot $34.15, near perfect 8-week cup and handle formation, only trades 50,000 shares daily - warrants a half position, RS 95, trade risk -2%) to the Top Picks Watch List, in addition to AMWD and LGND for January 22, 2013.

  • 2013-01-18: Watch List candidate LL was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-01-18: Watch List candidate OSTK also triggered it's pivot buy point today, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-01-17: Adding LGND (pivot buy point $20.68, 5-week cup and handle pattern, RS 95, risk -8%), OSTK (pivot $15.06, 13-week flat base, high rs 99, risk -7%), LL (pivot $57.24, 13-week cup and handle, high RS 99, risk -5.7%) to the Watch List for Friday, Jan 18, 2013.

  • 2013-01-16: Exited MTZ at 15.26%.

  • 2013-01-16: We were stopped out of our half position in SSTK today at -5%.

  • 2013-01-16: Adjusting pivot buy point on Watch List candidate AMWD to $28.40

  • 2013-01-15: Watch List candidate BGFV was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-01-15: Watch List candidate GNRC was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-01-13: Adding BGFV (pivot $13.42, 7-week cup and handle formation, high RS 98, trade risk -4%) to the Watch List for Monday, January 14, 2013.

  • 2013-01-11: Watch List candidate SSTK was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2013-01-09: Adding GNRC (pivot buy point $35.64, 10-week flat base showing high RS 98, trade risk -5%), SSTK (pivot buy point $27.27, if triggered will take half our normal position size on this IPO - primary base, trade risk -7%) to the Watch List for Thursday, Jan 10, 2013.

  • 2013-01-08: Exited LPX at 15.17%.

  • 2013-01-08: Today we took profits in LPX and SFUN at +15% and +16% respectively.

  • 2013-01-05: Adding AMWD (pivot $28.86, accelerating sales and earnings, 6-wk basing pattern, high RS 98, risk -5.6%) to the Top Picks Watch List for Monday, January 7, 2013.

  • 2013-01-03: Exited POL at 15.56%.

  • 2013-01-02: Exited CBPO at -7.69%.

  • 2013-01-01: Adding RWT (pivot buy point $17.00, 5-week cup & handle pattern, RS 96, trade risk -3.1%) and EXPE (pivot $62, price tightening in flat 6-week base, high RS 98, risk -7%) to the Watch List for January 2, 2013. 

    Wishing you all a very happy new year!

  • 2012-12-27: Watch List candidate CBPO was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-12-27: Dropping FBHS and REGN from the Watch List for now - not wanting to add any more exposure to the market, until current holdings prove themselves out.

  • 2012-12-26: Exited VAC at -6.19%.

  • 2012-12-24: Watch List candidate GIL was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-12-23: Adding FBHS (pivot $30.55, 9-week base w/price tightening, RS 96, risk -5%), GIL (pivot $36.15, 3-weeks tight pattern, RS 96, risk -3.3%), REGN (pivot at Friday's high $174.84, pullback to breakout level, RS 99, risk -4%) and CBPO (pivot $15.74, 4-week cup & handle, high RS 99, risk -6%) to the Watch List for Monday, December 24, 2012.

  • 2012-12-21: Adding RGEN (pivot buy $6.60, short 3-week cup and handle pattern, highest RS 99 rating, showing earnings and sales acceleration, trade risk -5.6%). If triggered, will take half our normal position size on this lower priced biotech.

  • 2012-12-20: Watch List candidate SFUN was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-12-19: Adding CBPO (pivot $15.74, high RS 99, short 3-wk cup & handle base, risk -6%). This is a more speculative name, trading only 25000 shares daily, and we will limit exposure to half our normal position size.

  • 2012-12-19: Watch List candidate VAC was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-12-19: Exited DGI at -6.24%.

  • 2012-12-19: Adding SFUN (pivot $23.66, base-on-base formation, high RS 97, risk -5%) to the Top Picks Watch List for Thursday, December 20, 2012.

  • 2012-12-18: Adding DGI (pivot $26.61, 8-wk cup & handle formation, high RS 98, trade risk -3.7%), LPX (pivot $18.00, 3-wk tight base, high RS 99, trade risk -5%) to the Pivot Point Watch List for Tuesday, December 18, 2012.

  • 2012-12-18: Watch List candidate DGI was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-12-18: Watch List candidate LPX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-12-14: Exited NTSP at -4.65%.

  • 2012-12-13: Adjusting pivot buy point on VAC to be $41.05 - no gaps.

  • 2012-12-12: Adjusting pivot point on Watch List candidate VAC to $40.59. We have an order to buy at this price - no gaps.

  • 2012-12-07: Watch List candidate MTZ was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-12-07: Exited TREX at -5.01%.

  • 2012-12-04: Exited APOG at 13.96%.

  • 2012-12-03: Adding MTZ (pivot $23.00, 5-wk cup & handle w/RS 95, trade risk -4.3%) and VAC (pivot $41.00, 8-wk cup & handle w/RS 97, trade risk -6%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, December 4, 2012. Also, we will be looking to nail down profits in our APOG position tomorrow, being up +15% in this name.

  • 2012-11-29: Adding RYL (pivot buy point $34.59, 6-wk consolidation pattern, high RS 99, trade risk -6%), TREX (pivot buy point $40.30, 5-wk consolidation pattern, high RS 97, trade risk -5%), POL (pivot buy point $19.86, 5-wk cup & handle pattern, high RS 97, trade risk -4%) to the Top Picks Watch List for Thursday, November 29, 2012.

  • 2012-11-29: Watch List candidate POL was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-11-29: Watch List candidate TREX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-11-29: Watch List candidate NTSP was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-11-27: Adding NTSP (pivot $11.40, short 4-wk cup & handle pattern, RS 99) to the Pivot Point Watch List for Wednesday, November 28, 2012. 

    Also, moving stop to break-even on APOG, being up +11% in 2 days. 

  • 2012-11-26: Watch List candidate APOG was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-11-25: Comments: Watch list additions for Monday, November 26, 2012: VAC (pivot $40.40, 6-wk cup & handle pattern w/RS 98, risk -5%), APOG (pivot $20.63, 10-wk flat base w/RS 97, risk -5%). We plan to ease into this market, to see if this rally has legs. Consequently, a half position (6.25% of portfolio) will be initiated in these names, if they trigger their buy points.

  • 2012-10-12: Yesterday we exited all our positions for the following reasons: 1) Piling up of distribution days in the averages, 2) Lack of meaningful progress in our holdings, and 3) Absence of quality setups with low risk entry points. Remember, we have no problems in getting back into names at higher points, but for now we want the market to guide us back in.

  • 2012-10-09: Exited AIRM at -2.13%.

  • 2012-10-08: Adding EXPE (pivot $58.06, 10-wk cup and handle pattern, risk -3.3%) to the Watch List for Tuesday, October 9, 2012. Dropping SHF from the Watch List.

  • 2012-10-07: Comments: Watch list additions for Monday, October 8, 2012: SHF (pivot $24.95, 3-wk tight pattern w/RS 98, risk -3.2%).

  • 2012-10-04: Exited DWCH at -5.09%.

  • 2012-09-28: Exited CBM at -7.31%.

  • 2012-09-28: Watch List candidate DWCH was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-09-28: Exited REGN for a +10% gain.

  • 2012-09-27: Adding DWCH (pivot $20.25, risk -4.4%) to the Watch List for Friday, September 28, 2012. DWCH only trades an average of 26,000 shares daily - if triggered, half a normal position size of 6.25% will be taken. Removing ASPS and SWI from the watch list - chart patterns no longer allow a low-risk entry point.

  • 2012-09-23: Comments: Watch list additions for Monday, September 24, 2012: ASPS (pivot $91.62, risk -6.6%, 5-wk cup w/handle, RS 97), SWI (pivot $60.95, risk -5.5%, 3-wk tight, RS 98).

  • 2012-09-19: Watch List candidate CBM was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-09-19: Watch List candidate AOL was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-09-18: Watch List candidate OSIS was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-09-18: GPS triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. CBM pulling back to it's breakout point - adjusting pivot point on CBM to $12.59, Tuesday's high. Stopped out of ACAT at -4.6%.

  • 2012-09-17: Adding CBM (pivot $13.00, risk -4.7%, low price implies a smaller 6.25% position in our portfolio) to the Watch List for Tuesday, Sep 15, 2012. Also, adjusting the pivot buy point on GPS to $36.14, Monday's high - today's price action in GPS is very constructive.

  • 2012-09-15: Watch list additions for Monday, September 17, 2012: GPS (pivot $36.60, risk -4.2%), AOL (pivot $34.37, risk -5.2%), OSIS (pivot $75.99, risk -3.9%).

  • 2012-09-13: Exited EQIX at 14.36%.

  • 2012-09-13: Exited MHO at 14.22%.

  • 2012-09-13: Exited GEVA at 13.02%. Today we nailed down profits on three positions (GEVA, MHO and EQIX) at modest 13% to 14% levels. If we continue to see stocks moving up, our profit target will gradually increase. Try and raise your target if you are trading well and the market is rewarding you. If not, be quick to cut losers. In our opinion, this is still a trader's market.

    Also, our system had a problem where it sent out multiple e-mails on each alert. We apologize for the inconvenience - it hasn't behaved like this before.

  • 2012-09-09: Comments: Watch list addition for Monday, September 10, 2012: GPS (pivot buy point $36.60), a high RS 98 name, tight trade risk of -3.7%. Current GSA Portfolio holding ACAT is acting constructive in it's 6-week base, and could be bought at it's pivot of $45.23, for a trade risk of -6.8%.

  • 2012-09-07: Exited STZ at 12.96%.

  • 2012-09-06: Comments: Watch list addition for Friday, September 7, 2012: GPS (pivot buy point $36.60), a high RS 98 name, tight trade risk of -3.7%.

  • 2012-09-04: Watch List candidate PRAA was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-09-03: Comments: Seeing lots of constructive charts in the market right now. Watch list candidates for September 4, 2012: ESRX (pivot buy point $62.80), short post-earnings cup-and-handle base, tight trade risk of -2.6%. N (pivot $57.66), 5-wk flat base, trade risk of -5%. PRAA (pivot $101.24), has tightened up even more, trade risk -5.3%. PETM (pivot $71.30), short-stroke action after earnings, very tight trade risk of -1.4%. AOL (pivot $34.14), high RS name, tight trade risk of -2.5%. OSIS (pivot $74.30), tight trade risk of -3.1%. RYL (pivot $27), high RS name, 9-wk cup-and-handle base, trade risk of -5.3%. ONXX (pivot $74.39), high RS biotech, trade risk -4.8%.

  • 2012-08-28: Exited BCOR at -6.28%.

  • 2012-08-27: Current holding GEVA looks poised to take out it's pivot high of $50.56 - could be a potential follow-on buy or even a new purchase, with a -6.2% trade risk.

  • 2012-08-26: Adding PRAA (pivot buy point $101.24) to the Top Picks Watch List for Monday, August 27, 2012. PRAA showing tight price action after an earnings jump, accelerating sales, reasonable valuations, earnings surprises in the last 5/5 quarters, and estimates are being revised upward. Risk on entry can be limited to -5.5%, providing a tight stop.

  • 2012-08-22: Exited AAPL at 9.85%.

  • 2012-08-22: Recent pick AMGN is still buyable here with a pivot buy point above $84.39. It's 4-wk base looks promising. Similarly, REGN looks ready to take out it's pivot, and is buyable if it breaks through $139.56. New members, not already in these names, may wish to take note. Remember, we don't chase stocks if they gap above their pivot points. We set triggers for purchase in our trading system, e.g., Last Price > $139.56 AND Open < $139.56, to ensure that we don't buy on gaps.

  • 2012-08-21: Watch List candidate BCOR was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-08-21: Watch List candidate AMGN was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-08-21: AAPL showed a bearish reversal today on 2x average volume - normally not a great sign immediately after a move to new highs. We are moving our stop to $649.90, to protect a +10% short-term gain.

  • 2012-08-20: Watch List candidate AIRM was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-08-19: Watch List candidates for August 20, 2012: AIRM (pivot $116.75), short 3-week tight base, sales and earnings acceleration, high ROE, upward estimate revisions. AMGN (pivot $83.88), showing similar characteristics. BCOR (pivot $15.93), high RS play, sporting a 3-week cup & handle pattern on a daily chart.

  • 2012-08-17: Watch List candidate ACAT was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-08-17: Watch List candidate GEVA was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-08-16: Watch List candidate MHO was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-08-16: Comments: Adjusting pivot buy point on GEVA to be $49.84, it's high on August 15, 2012. Also, adding BCOR (pivot buy point $15.93) to the Watch List for Friday, August 17, 2012.

  • 2012-08-15: Watch List candidate REGN was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-08-15: Watch List candidate EQIX was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-08-15: Adjusting pivot buy point on current watch list candidate ACAT to be $43.47, it's high on August 15.

  • 2012-08-14: STZ triggered today and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. PCYC gapped up on the open by $0.25 from it's closing price, and therefore was not purchased.

  • 2012-08-14: Watch List additions for August 15, 2012: GEVA (pivot $50.56) and REGN (pivot $137), both RS 99 biotechs with tight price action, with REGN pulling back in it's handle area. Also MHO (pivot $18.22) in a cup and handle 5-week base, and EQIX (pivot $183.19). 

  • 2012-08-13: Adding STZ (pivot buy point $30.1) to the watch list. High RS name with very tight price action over the last several days, volume drying up, showing good institutional support.

  • 2012-08-12: Comments: Watch list candidates for August 13, 2012: ACAT (pivot buy point $43.86) shows cup & handle w/pull-back in handle area, stop at Friday's low of $42.8 for a trade risk of -2.4%. PCYC (pivot $58.0), shows a tight 6-wk consolidation, with additional tightness in handle area, stop at $55.3 for a trade risk of -4.6%. Both names have shown a persistently high RS number.

  • 2012-08-08: Question was asked as to why we are not more invested. We were stopped out of the majority of our holdings recently. When this happens, we usually wait 1-2 weeks before getting our portfolio invested again. This summer has been notorious for "uptrends" being nullified by "market corrections" many times over. If the current uptrend has staying power, there will be lots of opportunities in the weeks ahead. Let's see how this week unfolds.

  • 2012-08-02: Exited APOG at -11.77%.

  • 2012-08-02: Exited LF (-16%) and INCY (-14%). Bad day today.

  • 2012-08-02: Exited VSI at breakeven. Seeing several names breaking down, in spite of earnings beats and good guidance. Only holding AAPL in the portfolio right now.

  • 2012-08-01: LF and INCY set to announce earnings 8/1 PM and 8/2 AM respectively.

  • 2012-07-31: Exited MGAM at -8.5%. Company beat estimates, raised guidance and still got knocked down.

  • 2012-07-30: MGAM earnings tomorrow (July 31) before the market opens. We are looking to hold through this event given our +7% profit cushion.

  • 2012-07-30: Adding OSIS (pivot buy point $65.69) to the Watch List for Tuesday, July 31. OSIS has etched out a long 15-week flat base, shows earnings and sales acceleration, has healthy forward earnings estimates, and good price support around the $61 level, which is less than -7% off the pivot buy point - potentially a low-risk entry.

  • 2012-07-27: Seeing a few negative downward estimate revisions coming through on AAPL. Setting a standing stop-loss at $565.61.

  • 2012-07-25: Exited VAC at -6.8% before earnings tomorrow AM - no profit cushion going into this event.

  • 2012-07-24: With no profit cushion going into earnings tomorrow AM, exited out of AOL for a fraction under break-even. 

  • 2012-07-24: Stopped out of LDL at -6.3%.

  • 2012-07-22: Adding AWH (pivot buy point above $78.19) to the Watch List for July 23, 2012. AWH shows accelerating sales/earnings, strong group action, institutional support at it's 50-day MA, estimates being revised upwards within the last 30 days. A buy above Friday's high of $78.19, with a stop set at Friday's low of $77.25 will limit your downside to a very tight -1.2%. Earnings are due on 7-31-2012, so we could see volatility around this period.

  • 2012-07-20: AAII Bullish Sentiment figures were down to 22% this week, nearing it's 2-standard deviation extreme, as shown on our Market Direction page. The last few times bullish sentiment was this low (around 20%), the market staged powerful rallies both in the fall of 2010 and in the spring of 2009.

  • 2012-07-18: Current holding LDL has formed a base-on-base pattern, with the second base forming a mini cup-and-handle formation (seen on a daily chart) with a $13.60 pivot . Sometimes patterns within patterns can further reinforce the constructive nature of basing formations.

  • 2012-07-18: Adding AFCE (pivot buy point $23.75, high RS play, accelerating sales and earnings, strong institutional support, trade risk < 6%) to the Top Picks Watch List. 

    Just to confirm (for new members), the pivot buy points are our entry points for initiating new positions - we would be a buyer as the stock price moves UP through the pivot point, essentially buying into strength. Your goal should be to try and show a profit on every position immediately, with a well-defined exit point if the trade doesn't pan out as planned.

  • 2012-07-16: Top Pick Watch List candidate AOL triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-07-15: Adding AOL (pivot buy point $27.62, forming a pullback from a breakout, high 97 RS, ignore fundamentals, <2% risk if stop set at Friday's low) and LGF (pivot at $15.05, high 98 RS, forming a perfect cup & handle on weekly chart, strong current yr and next yr earnings estimates). GSA Portfolio making only moderate progress, so we continue to be cautious in this market - not a time to be wildly aggressive.

  • 2012-07-10: With our 8-stock holdings, the GSA Portfolio is 100% vested. Recently, we made the decision to hold no more than 8 names at a time, with each position comprising 12.5% (max) of the portfolio. With the market being increasingly focused on the short term, i.e., market swings seem to be of shorter duration, a slightly more concentrated portfolio will make it easier for us to exit positions quickly. Overall, although down a bit today, the portfolio held up reasonably well.

  • 2012-07-09: Took a junior position in APOG at $16.65 with a larger than typical -10% stop set at $14.93.

  • 2012-07-08: Adding LGF (pivot buy point $15.05), ZUMZ ($38.85), ASH ($70.30) and AWH ($79.04) to the Top Picks Watch List for Monday, July 9, 2012.

  • 2012-07-05: VAC, CRI and LF triggered. VAC and LF were purchased for the GSA Portfolio. AMLN was sold at a +10% profit (buyout by BMY).

  • 2012-07-04: Adding LF (pivot buy $10.69), LGF ($15.05), CRI ($54.28), NTCT ($21.85), VAC ($31.22) and EAT ($32.28) to the Top Picks Watch List for July 5, 2012. Happy 4th everyone!

  • 2012-07-02: VSI triggered it's pivot buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Stop is set -7% away at $51.76.

  • 2012-07-02: Took a position in AAPL as it cleared a $590 pivot. Stop at $565.61 for a -4.5% trade risk.

  • 2012-07-02: Comments: INCY triggered and was purchased. Stop set at $22, -5.6% below.

  • 2012-06-30: Adding ANCX (pivot buy $13.30), VSI ($55.35) and INCY ($23.32) to the Top Picks Watch List for July 2, 2012.

  • 2012-06-29: Took a 5% position in MGAM, as it tries to clear a $13.95 pivot point. With a stop -8% away at Thursday's low of $12.75, a smaller than normal position was initiated. MGAM boasts a 99 RS rank, strong earnings and sales momentum, and good valuations. We're adding to the GSA portfolio only because our other two positions are holding up, and showing a profit, albeit small.

  • 2012-06-27: Took a position in LDL as it tries to breakout from a flat base. Stop is set at $12.29 for a trade risk of around 5%.

  • 2012-06-23: ALXN, TCBI, ULTA, AAPL, AEO, CRI, SXCI, VSI, RA, ALGN, LDL, INCY, RYL, MDVN, AOL, MWIV, ATHN, GYRO, TRIP, UFPI, TPL, GHDX are all high RS names (>95) that are either within bases, or have recently broken out and are pulling back providing a low-risk entry point. Keep these stocks on your watch list - if the market can resolve some of the serious macro uncertainties that exist in the near term, we would be looking to enter positions in these names. For now, we're playing our cards very close to the vest.

  • 2012-06-22: Sold out of MDVN, TCBI and LL.

  • 2012-06-22: Nailed down +11% profit in HCII - protecting the portfolio here.

  • 2012-06-22: Stopped out of ARSD for a -4.8% loss. Yesterday's distribution day in the major indices so early in this nascent uptrend is a cause for concern and pause. Hence, we are sticking to our tight stop losses and exiting positions. It can be quite frustrating taking a series of small losses. However, it is much more frustrating to take one or two big losses. 

  • 2012-06-21: Adding GHDX to the Top Picks Watch List for a purchase above $34.80. Chart pattern is tightening up, good earnings and sales growth numbers.

  • 2012-06-21: Took a junior (5%) position in MDVN (past pick from Mar 26, 2012) with a stop-set at $84.99 for a trade risk of -4.6%

  • 2012-06-19: ARSD triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-06-19: Took a position in TCBI (past pick from 2/21/12) as it broke into new high ground - showing sales and earnings acceleration.

  • 2012-06-18: AMLN triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-06-18: LL triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-06-18: Adding ARSD (pivot $10.48) to the Top Picks Watch List for Tuesday, June 19, 2012.

  • 2012-06-17: Adding PATK (pivot $13.40), LL (pivot $30.81) and AMLN (pivot $27.77) to the Top Picks Watch List for Monday, June 18, 2012. There are a few more stocks setting up correctly near their pivot points, but we're going to step slowly into the market with one of these three names (if triggered). All three names have very high relative strength, and tight trading patterns, allowing for tight stops. In a market that hasn't been generous on the upside, all you can do is control and manage your downside risk correctly.

  • 2012-06-15: Keep HD (forming a handle within a cup-shaped base) and MWIV (breaking out of a shallow base) on your watch list. We are a bit reluctant to add to our book ahead of this weekend's Greek elections, with the potential for added volatility next week. When the market resumes its uptrend, there will be plenty of time to get on board the right stocks at the right time. Until then, patience is warranted.

  • 2012-06-12: Adding HCII to the Pivot Point Watch List for Tuesday, June 12, 2012. HCII closed up on a big down (market) day yesterday, has top fundamentals, showing accelerating sales/earnings, good chart supportive action and trade risk can be limited to -5%.

  • 2012-06-12: Took a junior (starter) position in HCII

  • 2012-06-09: Adding AOL (pivot at $27.89) and TCBI (pivot at $39.30) to the Top Picks Watch List for Monday, June 11, 2012.

  • 2012-06-05: Keep Elli Mae (ELLI) on your watch list - it has held up extremely well during this market correction. ELLI has all the characteristics of a stock we would consider adding to our portfolio if it broke into new high ground at $16.69, preferably under better market conditions. Definitely one to watch. Right now we are protecting capital with a 100% cash position.

  • 2012-06-01: Stopped out of CLGX at -5%.

  • 2012-06-01: Out of TWTC at -1.2% on this high volume reversal.

  • 2012-05-31: Setting a stop-loss on CLGX at -5% today. Didn't act right at the open.

  • 2012-05-31: Adding MRH (pivot at a new high of $21) to the watch list. If the general market allows, MRH looks poised to follow-through and break out to new highs. We are inclined to watch some of these initial breakouts (if they occur) go by and see if prices can hold above the breakout levels. Take smaller positions, if any, until the general market improves. Remember, if the market is trying to put in a bottom here, the period is usually characterized by excessive volatility, so keep your stops tight.

  • 2012-05-29: Took the TWTC trade at $23 with a tight -3.5% stop. Portfolio now with two longs and two shorts, both opportunistic.

  • 2012-05-29: Adding AEO (pivot $20.45), EFX ($46.50), MIDD ($104.82) and AIRM ($93) to the Top Picks Watch List. All these names have support approximately -5% below, so they provide tight entries. If our two current holdings continue to act positively, we may add a few more names to the GSA Portfolio. Always build on success incrementally.

    Today, all the major indices gained +1% or more on volume above Friday's, which met the textbook definition of a follow-through day. However, IBD has a higher threshold of gains (+1.4%, +1.7%, etc.) that must be met before they call the correction over. In any case, it is best to watch the price action of leading stocks. Right now, there are a few good set-ups and so we plan to continue dipping our toe in the market.

  • 2012-05-25: Keep TWTC on your watch list. Under better market conditions, we would be a buyer of TWTC if it cleared it's $22.93 pivot. It's coming off a larger cup and handle basing pattern, and price is now tightening up, where a stop could be set -3% away. Good risk/reward potential.

  • 2012-05-24: Took a starter position in CLGX at $17.37, with a stop at $16.63 for a trade risk of -4.3%. This is a turnaround situation, just emerging from a basing pattern on good volume.

  • 2012-05-21: We see few, if ANY setups in this market right now. It is best to remain with an above average CASH position, since one day of a market rally does not qualify as a change in trend. The GSA Portfolio continues to have no LONG exposure, with a few opportunistic SHORTS with very tight stops.

    Also special thanks to members jul*** (since May 2003), and jeb*** (since Sept. 2003) for renewing their subscriptions today and supporting us through these years!

  • 2012-05-17: Stopped out of USB at -2%.

  • 2012-05-17: Stopped out of TPL at -3.4%. All you can do is respect your stops.

  • 2012-05-17: Stopped out of MLNX at -4.5%. Now 100% cash.

  • 2012-05-16: MLNX triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Stop is set at $55.33 for a trade risk of -6.6%.

  • 2012-05-15: Adding two names to the Top Picks Watch List: MLNX (pivot buy point $59.23), and REGN (pivot $135.00). Market still in correction mode, so keep position sizes small, and scaled according to the maximum risk you want to take in each trade. 

  • 2012-05-11: Exited HD at breakeven (-0.8%) - not willing to hold through earnings next Tuesday in this market environment without a profit cushion.

  • 2012-05-08: Moving stops on HD to $49.79, right below today's (Tuesday) low and it's 50-day moving average. Earnings are on May 15th, before market opens.

  • 2012-05-08: Adding BBCN (pivot point $11.59) to the Top Picks watch list. With a stop at $10.94, risk on this trade is limited to -6%.  If the market has put in a bottom today, BBCN may be poised to break out to new 52-week highs. Continue to keep things light, with tight stops - this market has been extremely unforgiving, specially around earnings announcements. 

  • 2012-05-07: We took a small (5%) speculative position in TPL as it tries to emerge from a 3-weeks tight pattern. Trade risk is limited to -5%, with a stop set at $56.19.

  • 2012-05-04: Stopped out of TSCO for a -2.75% loss. If holdings don't behave as expected, please cut your losses and adhere to stop levels, either based on technical levels in the chart, or a predetermined % of your basis. 

  • 2012-05-04: Sold DG at breakeven (+1.1%). Currently maintaining an 80% cash position.

  • 2012-05-02: Comments: Top pick watch list candidates VFC and TSCO both triggered today. We took a position in TSCO, since it provided us a tighter stop (-4%) vs. -6% for VFC.

  • 2012-05-01: Adding TSCO (3-wk tight pattern w/pivot buy point $100) and VFC (pivot buy $155.84) to the watch list for Wednesday, May 2, 2012. Be extremely selective in this market - our current holdings show low single digit profits. Plus, there is lots of volatility around earnings, so holding a position through earnings should be avoided, unless you have a profit cushion of 5% to 10%. Both TSCO and VFC have reported earnings within the last few days, and so this event is behind them.

  • 2012-04-30: Adding TAST (pivot buy at $15.48) to the watch list for Tuesday, May 1, 2012.

  • 2012-04-29: Adding CPI Aerostructures (CVU) to the watch list for Monday, April 30, 2012. This is a thinner name, trading only 20,000 shares daily, so liquidity may be a concern for a large position size. Valuation is compelling though. Pivot buy point for CVU is at it's new high of $16.30 with a trade risk of -4.9%.

    There are a few other stocks setting up correctly, but they are bumping up against earnings announcements this week. In this environment, we are reluctant to play earnings roulette, and content to grow the portfolio incrementally.

  • 2012-04-26: Top Picks watch list candidate Dollar General (DG) triggered it's buy point and was purchased. Stop is at $45.44 for a maximum trade risk of -3.7%.

  • 2012-04-26: Adding PAY (pivot buy point $54.47) and FUL (pivot $33.04) to the watch list for Friday, April 27, 2012.

    Don't be in a hurry to jump into this market - build your portfolio size incrementally. If you find that your positions are working for you, only then do you add more names to your portfolio. Scale into success. This is still a tricky market - know up front where you will exit a trade, if it doesn't go as planned. Remember the words of the legendary trader Paul Tudor Jones: "Every day I assume every position I have is wrong."

  • 2012-04-24: Took a position in US Bancorp (USB) as it tries to emerge from a short cup and handle formation - decent chart and fundamentals.

  • 2012-04-24: Exited UGP for a -1% loss on it's outside day. Once a stock doesn't behave as expected, it should be sold.

  • 2012-04-22: Since the market is in the midst of a correction, we are hesitant to initiate any new positions in scale. However, in this market things could change on a dime, and so we have included the following names on our watch list (w/pivot buy points) for Monday, April 23, 2012: FUL (pivot $33.48, risk -5%), DG ($47.18, risk -3.9%), FLT ($39.27, risk -3.9%), and NSR ($$37.14, risk -2%).

    All our market average proxies (SPY, DIA and QQQ) have had more than 5 distribution days over the last 20 sessions, with very little accumulation. This is a huge warning sign. Remember, to keep things light until we get a follow-through day in the market averages, and leading stocks start holding their breakouts.

  • 2012-04-18: Took a position in UGP as it triggered, with a tight -2.9% stop at $21.79

  • 2012-04-17: Adding HCII (pivot $13.00) and UGP ($22.45) to the watch list for Wednesday, April 18, 2012.

    Tuesday's rally, although broad and impressive, came on low volume. If you review our Industry Map page, you will notice that it didn't exactly light-up. Also, the number of distribution days observed in each of our market proxies (SPY, DIA, QQQ) far exceeds the number of accumulation days, as measured over the last 20 sessions. This trend needs to be reversed.

    We have a number of ideas on our watch list so we will have to see how these fare in the coming days, starting with the two names mentioned above.

  • 2012-04-13: Initiated a starter position in HD, as it broke into new high ground today. Estimates being revised up, 5/5 quarters of positive earnings surprises, accelerating sales and earnings, ROE above 20%, reasonable valuations. Stop is set at $49.36, for a trade risk under -3%.

  • 2012-04-10: Exited MDVN for a -1% loss.

  • 2012-04-10: Stopped out of HSTM for a +5% gain.

  • 2012-04-10: Moved to 100% cash after exiting BIIB at a +3% gain. Have no idea if the market will undergo a small pullback or a modest correction. Remember, as an individual investor you can ramp your portfolio up (or down) extremely quickly. We are erring on the side of caution for now.

  • 2012-04-04: Stopped out of FIRE for a -7% loss.

  • 2012-04-04: Exited MA and HLF for fractional gains (break-even).

  • 2012-04-04: Exited positions going against us today: HOS and STX, at -3% each.

  • 2012-04-03: HOS and STX triggered their buy points, and were purchased.

  • 2012-04-03: Stopped out of MPC for a -4.4% loss.

  • 2012-04-03: Nailed down +11% gain in REGN. Always wary of a stock making new highs on below average volume.

  • 2012-04-02: Comments: PAY has triggered it's $52.76 buy point (not $53.76, as incorrectly posted over the weekend).

  • 2012-04-02: Adding STX ($28.07) and GPI ($57.24) to the watch list for Tuesday, April 3, 2012.

  • 2012-03-31: Adding GUID ($11.56), HOS ($43.47), PAY ($53.76) and PRO ($19.40) to the watch list for Monday, April 2, 2012.

  • 2012-03-30: Starting today, our daily charts are annotated with an upper-case E on the date of it's most recent earnings release - you can learn from how the stock reacted to this event. (Weekly charts don't show this annotation).

  • 2012-03-26: Took a position in FIRE as it triggered and made a new high. Stop is at $46.90 for a trade risk of -7%.

  • 2012-03-26: Sold out of TLLP at a -4.5% loss, to make room for MDVN in the portfolio.

  • 2012-03-26: Took a +9% profit in ARG. Originally risked -3% and content to take profits at 3X our risk.

  • 2012-03-25: Watch list candidates (pivot points) for the week of March 26, 2012: FIRE ($50.08), ASPS ($64.88), CRMT ($46.36), GRMN ($48.00), BWLD ($88.65), ZIGO ($20.00), NSIT ($22.00), MDVN ($74.68).

  • 2012-03-23: Nailed down +9.5% gain in ALXN.

  • 2012-03-23: MANH triggered our stop at break-even. Protect your line as much as possible.

  • 2012-03-22: Stopped out of RRTS for a -3.5% loss.

  • 2012-03-21: EAT triggered it's buy point. We were stopped out of CPHD for a -3.9% loss. We have a BUY STOP ORDER in ASPS at $64.89

  • 2012-03-20: TLLP triggered - took a small position since the name is a bit thin. Tight -4% stop at $35.50.

  • 2012-03-20: Adding ASPS (pivot $64.88) to the watch list. With a stop at $62.02, the trade risk would be limited to -4.4%.

  • 2012-03-19: MPC, HEES and MFRM triggered. A position in MPC was initiated.

  • 2012-03-19: Exited STX at a -5% loss and TSCO at break-even, both stocks not performing as expected.

  • 2012-03-19: Initiated a position in MasterCard (MA) as it triggered from a short 3-week cup and handle pattern.

  • 2012-03-19: CPHD was purchased. As you can tell, we saw a lot of set-ups over the weekend - didn't know that so many would trigger their buy points in one day.

  • 2012-03-19: Adding HFC ($36.45) and TLLP ($36.92) to the watch list for Tuesday.

  • 2012-03-18: Adding the following stocks (with buy points) to the watch list for the week of March 18, 2012:   MFRM ($34.60), WCG ($68.34), PVX ($12.10), MPC ($44.50), SSS ($48.93), LO ($131.60), DLPH ($32.30), CPHD ($42.94), CLR ($90.86), PKT ($21.13), EAT ($29.10), MA ($426.13), SIX ($47.26), GNC ($34.26), NCR ($21.61), HOS ($43.03), BWLD ($88), DBD ($39.53), CRMT ($46.49), NSIT ($22.20), URI ($44.12), HEES ($20.60). 

  • 2012-03-15: MFRM and CRMT triggered their buy points. MFRM gapped up on the open, and then reversed hard. CRMT also gapped up as well. We don't like to chase gaps at the open, since it doesn't provide us with an entry point that reflects our tight pre-determined stops. HSTM is acting well and has developed into a short, 3-week cup and handle pattern. We have a DAY STOP ORDER to buy HSTM at the $22.0 pivot.

  • 2012-03-15: Watch list candidate RRTS triggered. A smaller than normal position was taken in the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-03-15: HSTM triggered at $22 and was purchased.

  • 2012-03-15: Adding URI (pivot $44.12) and V ($118.39) to the watch list for Friday.

  • 2012-03-14: MGAM breaking out of a flat base on heavy volume.

  • 2012-03-14: Adding HSTM (pivot $22.00), MFRM ($34.47) and CRMT ($46.36) to the watch list candidates.

  • 2012-03-13: CSTR triggered it's buy point. Volume lower than average - no position taken.

  • 2012-03-13: Took a position in BIIB, which had triggered it's buy point yesterday.

  • 2012-03-13: Adding HEES (pivot $20.63) to the watch list.

  • 2012-03-12: Watch list candidates ALXN and REGN triggered and were purchased. Stop is at $82.63 (-4%) on ALXN and $102.82 (-6.7%) on REGN

  • 2012-03-12: TSCO triggered it's buy point and was purchased. Stop is at $84.90 for a trade risk of -3.5%.

  • 2012-03-11: Watch list candidates with pivot buy points for the week of March 11, 2012: CELG ($75.27), BIIB ($121.17), NUS ($58.91), TSCO ($88.00), RRTS ($18.06), ALXN ($85.84), HEP ($61.79), TLLP ($36.92), CSTR ($62.79), REGN ($110.25), GUID ($11.84).

  • 2012-03-09: HLF broke out from a short base on robust volume. Stop is at $64.93 for a trade risk of -5%. We entered a position.

  • 2012-03-09: GWW triggered it's buy point. No position taken.

  • 2012-03-09: Keep an eye on KORS (if you own the name) for any weakness in the form of a price reversal as it approaches it's all time high of $49.75. We'd be inclined to take profits if this were to be the case.

  • 2012-03-09: Nailed down +15% in KORS. We can always look to get back in at a better entry point.

  • 2012-03-08: Took a position in STX, which triggered it's buy point Monday.

  • 2012-03-07: Nailed down +10% gain in ACAT (new high on low volume).

  • 2012-03-07: SWM trying to break out of a consolidation pattern - has good fundamentals as well.

  • 2012-03-06: Stopped out of CBST and RAX.

  • 2012-03-06: Setting DAY STOP in FIRE at $43.66.

  • 2012-03-06: We were stopped out of FIRE at -7.2%

  • 2012-03-05: FIRE, MANH and GNC triggered their buy points. FIRE and MANH were purchased.

  • 2012-03-05: ODFL and STX triggered, volume light in both names. 

  • 2012-03-03: Top Picks Watch List candidates for Monday: GNC (pivot $32.1), ODFL ($45.50), MANH ($47.34), TLLP ($37.33), STX ($27.78), GWW ($212), CTAS ($39.06), WAB ($77), DBD ($39.53), BWLD ($89.13), NCR ($22), FIRE ($46.46)

    Also, just re-read Jesse Livermore's classic book How To Trade in Stocks after many years. There is a key take-away from this book that all traders/investors must learn to master. Besides selling losers quickly (Livermore used a maximum stop of -10%), he often cut loose a stock if it didn't behave as he expected it to, after a proper purchase was made at the stock's Pivotal Point. In other words, if you've purchased a stock at the correct pivot point on strong volume, the expectation is that the stock must follow-through and show you a profit right from the start. However, if the stock falls back below your purchase price (pivot point), and fails to recover over the next several days, the stock is not acting as it was expected to. It should be sold quickly without waiting for your -7% or -10% maximum stop-loss to be triggered. The mathematics of losses work against you very quickly, so keep them small.

    If you observe the current Watch List, you will see almost all the names have traded within a tight range, with a well-defined pivot point and support level. Once we take a position at the pivot point, and the stock doesn't hold support, our risk would be limited to 5%, 6%, 7% or less. Learn to enter each trade from your maximum risk first, and you won't get too far off. The profits have a habit of taking care of themselves.

  • 2012-03-02: RAX triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Stop is at yesterday's low of $51.26 for a trade risk of -3.3%. Swing traders may want to set a profit objectives of 2 or 3 times this risk level.

  • 2012-03-02: Nailed down +8% profits in IMPV, and sold CELG for a -1% loss. CELG's breakout from 12 days ago has not followed through as expected.

  • 2012-03-01: BWLD triggered and has broken out to new high ground from a short 3-week tight pattern. Volume is less than average. May take a position if volume comes in.

  • 2012-03-01: Sold out of CAT at -0.9% (breaking 20-day on weak action) and TCBI at +3% (a new high on low volume indicates no demand for the stock up here).

  • 2012-03-01: Whole Foods Market (WFM) triggered it's buy point on +118% volume.

  • 2012-03-01: Adding RAX to the watch list for a buy above Thursday's high of $53.02. RAX has found support at the 20-day. Also adding GNC to the watch list for a buy above it's $33.22 pivot. Both names show accelerating sales and earnings growth.

  • 2012-02-29: XRTX triggered it's buy point.

  • 2012-02-28: Nailed down +8% profit in VPHM.

  • 2012-02-28: ACAT triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-02-28: Adding BWLD (pivot $88.85) and RAX ($54.71) to the watch list.

  • 2012-02-27: TDG and KORS triggered their buy points. We purchased KORS for the portfolio, since TDG was acting volatile at the open.

  • 2012-02-27: Adding WFM ( pivot $82.36), ACAT ($36.78) and XRTX ($17.41) to the watch list for Tuesday.

  • 2012-02-26: Adding TDG (pivot $119.4), MANH ($47.52), KORS ($42.80) and STX ($27.78) to the watch list for Monday. Being nearly fully invested, we'll take positions in only the first 1 or 2 that trigger. 

  • 2012-02-24: Setting a DAY STOP ORDER at $32.42 on TCBI.

  • 2012-02-23: TSCO triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-02-22: Setting a DAY STOP ORDER on TCBI at yesterday's low of $32.60, in case we have an outside day on this position.

  • 2012-02-22: CBST triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-02-22: Adding Trimble Navigation (TRMB) to the watch list for a buy above it's $52.00 pivot. TRMB has nice upward estimate revisions, strong group action, accelerating sales and trades in a tight handle region. Basically, a stop at the low end of this tight range limits our risk to only -2.5%

  • 2012-02-21: CAT triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-02-21: IMPV triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-02-21: TCBI triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-02-20: Adding Imperva Inc (IMPV) to the watch list for a buy above $33.95. Support at $31.21 provides for a trade risk of -8%, a little above our -7% max threshold, but the chart pattern on IMPV looks compelling.

  • 2012-02-20: Adding CBST (pivot $42.39), TCBI ($33.50) and TSCO ($85.00) to the watch list buy list.

  • 2012-02-19: Adding Caterpillar Inc (CAT) to the pivot point watch list for a buy above $114.70.

  • 2012-02-18: At a member's request, starting this week, we have included a number of  recent IPOs into our database (Zynga, LinkedIn, Delphi Auto, etc.). We had to tweak our relative strength algorithm to account for these names having less than a year of trading data. Also, from the Quick Screener, you can now view New Additions This Week - a list of stocks new to the system this week. I think you will find both these features useful. 

  • 2012-02-17: ARG triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio

  • 2012-02-17: VPHM has gained more than 10% for us. We are taking partial profits here.

  • 2012-02-17: Stopped out of BIIB (break-even) and JAZZ (-2%).

  • 2012-02-16: Adding Airgas Inc (ARG) to the pivot point watch list with a buy point above $80.39.

  • 2012-02-15: Watch list candidate CELG triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-02-14: Nailed down short-term profit of 10% in AKRX. Will revisit this leader again.

  • 2012-02-13: Exited VVUS at breakeven. Reducing portfolio exposure to biotech names.

  • 2012-02-13: GEVA forming a high tight flag, trying to emerge from a tight 5-week consolidation. RS 99 name although thinly traded.

  • 2012-02-10: Out of ASPS for a tiny profit (essentially break-even). Will revisit later if it sets back up correctly.

  • 2012-02-09: Stopped out of ELN for a small loss.

  • 2012-02-08: Adding Celgene Corp (CELG) with a pivot at $74.58 to the Top Picks Watch List. Dropping SXCI.

  • 2012-02-07: We're out of MELI and PRIM for small gains.

  • 2012-02-05: Adding SXCI (pivot $65.13) and STAA ($11.50) to the Top Picks watch list for Monday.

  • 2012-02-03: We took +10% profits in DY. You may want to try for a larger move if you hold this position.

  • 2012-02-03: Took 10% profits in NSR on the earnings gap up.

  • 2012-02-02: VVUS triggered and was purchased.

  • 2012-02-01: Adding VVUS ($12.34) and HSTM ($18.95), both high RS names to the watch list.

  • 2012-01-31: AKRX triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-01-28: Adding Acorn Inc (AKRX) to the watch list for a buy above it's $11.37 pivot. AKRX exceeds all our sales and earnings growth criteria (accelerating triple digit EPS growth, accelerating double digit sales growth), is undervalued on a forward PE basis, sports a healthy ROE of 19.7%, and shows good accumulation in a tight 4-wk basing pattern, providing a maximum trade risk of -4.6% if purchased at the pivot point.

  • 2012-01-27: Nailed down +14% profits in PCYC. Selling ahead of earnings Monday, and again selling a bit sooner, until we see more wins.

  • 2012-01-27: Took a position in this recent top-ranked breakout - JAZZ.

  • 2012-01-26: Watch list candidate MELI triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-01-26: Sold SPPI for a -10% loss.

  • 2012-01-25: Nailed down +11% profits in SCSS. Taking profits a little sooner till we get more wins under our belt.

  • 2012-01-25: Watch list candidate ELN triggered and was purchases for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-01-24: Adding MELI to the watch list for a purchase above $90.59. MELI is trying to break out of a short cup-with-handle formation.

  • 2012-01-23: PCYC triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-01-22: Watch list candidates for Monday: ELN (above $13.51) for a trade risk of -4.16%, PCYC (above $16.7) risking -6%, and VHI (above $61.06) risking -3.9%. Try not to chase gaps above these pivot points.

  • 2012-01-18: We have a day stop on APEI at $43.47, just below today's low.

  • 2012-01-18: Stopped out of APEI for a -4.5% loss.

  • 2012-01-17: Both APEI and VPHM tirggered, and were purchased for the GSA Portfolio. 

  • 2012-01-16: Adding APEI to the watch list, which shows accelerating sales AND earnings growth, a high ROE of 34%, good valuation and group action. Chart pattern shows a 27 week cup-with-handle pattern. With a trigger point at $45.23 and a stop at $41.94 (bottom of handle), it provides a trade with a tight risk of a little over -7%.

  • 2012-01-15: For Tuesday, we have two names on our watch list - ASPS above $50.77 and VPHM above $29.49. We continue to be incremental in building the portfolio - no more than 5-6% in any one position.

  • 2012-01-13: BIIB triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-01-12: NICK is such a thin name that we need to call our broker to open a trade. Removing from watch list.

  • 2012-01-12: Updating pivot point for ASPS to $50.77 and BIIB to $116.95.

  • 2012-01-11: Adding EPHC (pivot $23.91), BIIB ($117.55) and NICK ($12.92 - thin) to the Top Picks Watch List.

  • 2012-01-10: PRIM triggered it's $15.40 pivot and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-01-10: Don't care too much for the outside day and reversal off new all-time highs in RGR. Sold at a tiny profit, basically break-even.

  • 2012-01-09: Stopped out of TLLP.

  • 2012-01-09: Bought the breakout in this high ranked stock - SPPI

  • 2012-01-07: Added ASPS (pivot $50.82) and PRIM ($15.40) to the Top Picks Watch List for Monday. 

    We now display two more metrics on our charts: Return on Equity (ROE) and Institutions Buying (or Selling). For long selections, look for an ROE of 15% or higher. The Institutions Buying is shown as a ratio - 1.0 or above indicates more heavy volume buying than selling. We measure this ratio by comparing prices moving up on above average daily volume against prices moving down, over the last 13 weeks. 

    Both ROE and Institutions Buying are available to filter against in our Quick Screener, which now is linked off the main navigation bar at the top of all our pages. As a final note, we also offer all our members a 1-On-1 Training Webinar on "How to Pick Stocks Using the HI-EPSRS Database" each weekday at 9.00p Eastern. Feel free to schedule yours using the link at the upper right hand corner of any page.

  • 2012-01-05: Watch list candidate RGR triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2012-01-04: Watch list candidate TLLP triggered. We took a small position in this name based on a breakout from a high tight flag pattern with a 4-week base.

  • 2012-01-03: Many stocks from our watch list triggered this morning. We took a starter position in DY to see if this rally is for real.

  • 2012-01-03: Today we had 13 names trigger their buy points. However, 11 of these 13 names ended the day below their trigger points. Maybe these will work out within the next few days, or maybe they wont and these breakouts will once again fail. The market may continue to repeat it's trend-less nature from last year.

    So we continue to take only a few positions, investing 5% or less of our portfolio into any one stock, and being extremely quick with cutting losses. This market will eventually come around and provide us with a strong trend to profit from. It is simply a matter of time. So please be patient, protect your capital and remain true to your strategy and trading rules. For now, trade small and trade light.

  • 2012-01-01: We have included 15 names in the Top Picks Watch List for Tuesday, January 3, 2012. Please check out the pivot points on these names. If these trigger, we will take small starter positions in 1-2 of them, since the portfolio has not yet shown much upward progress. 

    We're glad that a very tough 2011 has come to a close, and we can start afresh in 2012. We sincerely thank many of you for supporting our services over many, many years. Wishing each one of you A Very Happy and Prosperous New Year! 

  • 2011-12-30: NSR triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-12-29: Added SLXP ($48.17), NEU ($204.92), PRIM ($15.30),  MA ($381.32), DLTR ($84.51) and DY ($21.51) to the watch list. Removed SXCI and ALGN.

  • 2011-12-28: Adding SXCI ($58.04) and CBST ($40.35) to the watch list for Thursday, December 29.

  • 2011-12-27: Comments: Dow Theorists rejoice! Transports confirm Dow's move above October highs. Looks like we have a new bull on our hands.

  • 2011-12-27: SCSS triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. This is a high relative strength (99) name. Testing out the market with a small 5% position.

  • 2011-12-27: NSR, HSTM and ALGN on deck for Wednesday, December 28. All have an RS rating of 97 or higher, with tight basing patterns, and a maximum trade risk of -6%.

  • 2011-12-26: NueStar Inc (NSR) at $34.42 and Select Comfort Corp (SCSS) at $22 have been added to the Top Picks Pivot Point Watch List.

  • 2011-12-21: Adding NeuStar Inc (NSR) to the Top Picks Watch List for a buy above it's pivot point of $34.42.

  • 2011-12-14: Out of PKT for now with a -2% loss.

  • 2011-12-12: We have added five additional names to the Pivot Point Watch List for potential buys. We are seeing a number of constructive chart set-ups - the key question now is whether the market will allow for these future breakouts to occur, hold and follow through. Time will tell.

  • 2011-12-10: We've added 11 names to the Pivot Point Watch List for next week. Please check out the GSA Watch List link for a list of these names and their associated trigger buy points. Remember to step into this market in a measured way - if you show progress first, only then do you add names to your portfolio. We plan to take a few of these positions, if they trigger.

    This week we've also introduced a new Quick Screen - Bollinger Band Squeeze. Often after a period of volatility, stock start to tighten up their chart patterns as they carve out a base or consolidation. Volatility will usually contract as the stock readies for it's next move, either up or down. Bollinger Bands measure this volatility using two standard deviations on either side of a 20 period moving average. When these bands tighten up (get close together), it often signals that volatility may now increase in the future. Observe the daily chart of SAFM, a candidate on our Watch List - these are the patterns that this screen may help you uncover. Comments, questions always welcome.

  • 2011-12-08: Exited WCG on a break below Wednesday's low. Keeping losses as low as possible.

  • 2011-12-07: Wellcare Health Plans (WCG) has pulled back to it's most recent breakout point. We will take a small 5% position if WCG takes out today's (Wednesday) high of $56.42

  • 2011-12-07: WCG triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-12-06: Procera Networks Inc (PKT) triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-12-05: Adding PKT, QCOR and WCG to the Pivot Point Watch List for a buy above their respective buy points.

  • 2011-12-04: We have now provided you the ability to screen for overbought/oversold conditions on our Quick Screen Symbols Map page. Overbought and oversold indicators should be used with extreme care, since sometimes a stock that is oversold may continue to do so, with prices declining further, specially in bear markets. Likewise, in bull markets, stocks can keep going higher, while remaining overbought. We measure overbought/oversold conditions using the WRSI(8) indicator as shown on all our charts. We also have provided you the ability to screen for stocks close to a recent low or support point using three levels - less than 10%, 5% and 3%. 

    As an example, screening today for stocks with "Support Less Than 3% Away" and "Daily Oversold" yields two names - SUSS and DPM. Both these names have the potential for a short-term bounce, although SUSS has poor accumulation/distribution. As always, if you want to play these short-term bounces, enter the trade only on price movement in your favor, e.g., the stock takes out a previous high.

    Did not see any good weekly set-ups to put long-term money into this week. The market needs to take out it's October highs, before one can claim that a new uptrend is in place. We are close to this point, but no cigar yet. Still remains a trader's market, in our view. 

  • 2011-11-30: If HITK closes in the red today, we'll be booking profits on our remaining position.

  • 2011-11-30: Took profits in HITK. Will look to re-enter at a more attractive point, if possible.

  • 2011-11-29: AH - Classic head & shoulders top forming on weekly? Could be a short below last week's low, if the market rolls over.

  • 2011-11-29: HITK acting strong today on good volume, following through on yesterday's move. Being up nearly 20%, look to book at least some profits (maybe sell a partial position). Earnings are scheduled for December 8, 2011.

    On a programming note, we have made a few changes to the Swing Trading Portfolio buy rules, to see if performance can be improved going forward. Please check out the page if you are interested. 

  • 2011-11-28: WCG has a strong weekly chart, valuations, group action, RS 97, ROE 22%, earnings estimates have been increasing. Volume needs to increase today. Need to see if the breakout holds.

  • 2011-11-23: Out of EXR for now.

  • 2011-11-22: HITK moved into new high ground today, and we added to our position. Watch it closely to see how it reacts here. You don't want to see a reversal (close < open) or even a full retracement of today's range during the next session. 

  • 2011-11-22: Starting today, we have made a few changes to our Auto Portfolio rules. As you can see from the GSA Auto Portfolio page, the auto portfolio has under-performed the market since around 2008, after a period of significant over-performance from 2004 to 2007. Our speculation is that there could be a few reasons for this: 1) Breakouts haven't worked quite as well during this period, the portfolio being stopped out quickly since the purchase is made after the breakout. 2) Every system has a life-span, after which it stops working, and 3) We are in a secular bear market that began with the crash of 2008. 

    Whatever the reason, we think the following modifications are worth implementing: 1) Minimum relative strength of stocks picked by the portfolio is 95. 2) Earnings estimates must be increasing, and 3) Trigger point is now the Weekly RSI/MACD Crossover, which may or may coincide with a breakout from the base.

    Your comments and questions always welcome.

  • 2011-11-21: Stopped out of IACI. Have stops just under today's low point on DPZ and PNRA. EXR and HITK holding up relatively well, given the state of the market.

    On a programming note, we have now included a SHORTING version of our Quick Screens Symbols Map. Although, shorting is much, much more difficult than going long, some of you might find this feature useful. For short candidates, make sure the 50-day moving average is in a downtrend with the stock below it, preferably close to it allowing a tight stop at this line. Stock must be more than +20% off it's high, A/D less than 1.0, earnings estimates being lowered, with valuations being high. You can access this feature off our Quick Screen Symbols Map. 

  • 2011-11-21: Out of DPZ and PNRA at small losses.

  • 2011-11-17: Stopped out of OXM - keeping losses small.

  • 2011-11-17: Stopped out of FEIC and ULTA.

  • 2011-11-17: Stopped out of ISRG. Good stocks being tripped up by market weakness.

  • 2011-11-17: Out of GTLS. Protect your capital by keeping losses small. Although small losses can add up, they are much easier to recover from than one big loss. The mathematics of losses works against you.

  • 2011-11-17: Exited TSCO and GLNG, both showing unhealthy reversals off new highs.

  • 2011-11-16: As anticipated, FEIC triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. WAB also triggered.

  • 2011-11-15: CNC triggered it's pivot buy point.

  • 2011-11-15: Dominos Pizza Inc (DPZ) triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio - relative strength 99 play.

  • 2011-11-15: SCSS also triggered it's buy point. Did not enter - too many names in the portfolio right now. Will watch to see if we make progress overall.

  • 2011-11-15: Added NUAN, TYL to the watch list. Also, updated trigger buy points on EGOV, SWM. Finally, FEIC looks like it's going to trigger it's buy point Wednesday. 

  • 2011-11-14: GLNG, GTLS and TSCO triggered and were purchased.

  • 2011-11-14: Stopped out of DK.

  • 2011-11-13: We have added 15 names to the Pivot Point Watch List. Please check them out by clicking the GSA Watch List link in the upper right hand of our member's page. We will enter trades on these names as/if they trigger their buy points. 

    This week a member pointed out that he did not know about our Quick Screen Symbols Map feature. This feature is accessible from a link just beneath the Quick Screens area at the top of each page. Basically, this page allows you to quickly combine several Quick Screens and view the resulting symbols/charts instantly. The filters that we use most often are A/D rank A or B, Relative Strength above 90 (preferably 95 or higher!), Near 52wk Highs, having Upward Earnings Estimates. We then like to time our entry using other filters such as Constructive Basing Action, Low Risk Trade Near Pivot Point, Cup and Handle Pattern, Base Breakouts or Recent Breakouts. Almost all our Watch List candidates meet these basic requirements. 

    If you have had a tough time trading in this environment, you are not alone. It has been a very difficult year trying to make money either on the long or short side. Trying to buy breakouts the next day has not worked well for quite some time now. Hence we have tried to buy stocks at pivot points prior to a breakout to new high ground, trying to get in a bit earlier. Or one might wait until after the breakout, allowing the stock to pull back in price and observing it's price action. In any case, our Top Stock Picks haven't zoomed up 20 or 30%, but instead have made small gains only to give them back later. When the portfolio is not making as much progress as you would hope, scale back a bit - take smaller than normal positions and have smaller than normal profit expectations, while cutting losses sooner. Hopefully, a better trading / investing environment is just around the corner.

  • 2011-11-11: DK triggered and was purchased.

  • 2011-11-10: Adding Delek US Holding Inc (DK) to the watch list for a purchase above Thursday's high of $15.6.

    We haven't been stopped out of any of our holdings yet. However, in today's manic market anything can happen, and so we're keeping all our positions on a tight leash. If the stock doesn't act right, we may not wait until our maximum loss of -7% is hit and may chose to exit a bit earlier. Careful out there.

  • 2011-11-08: HITK and OXM both triggered and were purchased for the GSA Portfolio

  • 2011-11-08: Watch list candidate EXR triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-11-08: Adding Ocwen Financial Corp (OCN) - pivot buy point $14.66, and Deckers Outdoor Corp (DECK) - pivot buy point $116.07 to the Watch List. 

  • 2011-11-07: Top Stock Picks candidate Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance Inc (ULTA) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-11-07: PNRA triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio, while we got stopped out of HITK (will look for a re-entry point, if it sets up again).

  • 2011-11-07: Looking to get back into HITK above Monday's reversal high of $34.57 with a maximum trade risk of 4.28% - it's daily range. 

  • 2011-11-05: EXR, LQDT, PNRA and OXM are included in the Pivot Point Watch List for next week. We will take a few of these positions, if they trigger their buy points.

  • 2011-11-03: HITK and IACI both triggered their buy points.

  • 2011-11-02: Updating pivot buy point on HITK to $35.48, just above yesterday's high.

  • 2011-10-31: Stopped out of AZO for a -2.6% loss.

  • 2011-10-31: Adding Hi-Tech Pharmacal (HITK) to the Watch List above $36.18, and Susser Holdings Corp (SUSS) above $22.50

  • 2011-10-30: Adding Liquidity Services (LQDT) - pivot $33.50 and IAC/InterActiveCorp (IACI) - pivot $42.62 to the Top Picks Pivot Point Watch List.

  • 2011-10-27: Took +15% profits in SPRD and got stopped out of PRGO for a -4% loss.

  • 2011-10-27: Took +8% profits in PNM on the gap up this morning.

  • 2011-10-27: Tightening up the stop on SO to $42.76, just below yesterday's reversal.

  • 2011-10-26: DG reversing off a new high - taking small profits here.

  • 2011-10-26: Stopped out of CPSI ahead of earnings.

  • 2011-10-25: AZO triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-10-24: Adding Intuitive Surgical Inc (ISRG) to the Pivot Point Watch List, for a buy above Friday's high of $420, with a stop below $400, for a maximum trade risk of -4.8%.

  • 2011-10-24: ISRG triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-10-24: CPSI and PRGO both triggered, and were purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-10-24: Adding Autozone Inc (AZO) to the Pivot Point Watch List, for a buy above it's $332.68 pivot, stop at $323.70, for a maximum trade risk of -2.7%.

  • 2011-10-23: Adding Computer Programs and Systems (CPSI) to the Pivot Point Watch List, for a buy above it's $72.88 pivot, a stop at $68.90, for a maximum trade risk of -5.5%.

  • 2011-10-21: Being up +6.25% on PNM Resources (PNM), we are raising our stop to breakeven.

  • 2011-10-19: Adding Perrigo Co (PRGO) to the Top Picks Watch List with a buy above it's $99.62 pivot point. Both SPRD and PRGO will be purchased once they trigger.

  • 2011-10-19: SPRD triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-10-15: Adding Spreadtrum Communications (SPRD) to the Top Picks Watch List for a buy above it's $22.39 pivot point.. 

  • 2011-10-12: Nasty reversal on the open in DG - protecting yesterday's low with a DAY STOP ORDER to exit at $38.46.

  • 2011-10-12: Broadsoft (BSFT) shows a breakout today from a flat, multi-week basing pattern. RSI is moving above 70 on both the weekly and daily charts, so could be an interesting entry point, if the general market holds up. Worth watching.

  • 2011-10-11: DG breaks out to new all time highs this morning - need to see how it reacts at these levels.

  • 2011-10-10: Top Picks Watch List candidate PNM Resources (PNM) triggered it's buy point, and a small position was taken in the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-10-07: Adding PNM Resources (PNM) to the Pivot Point Watch List, for a break above it's $16.93 pivot on high volume. Support is at $15.81 for a maximum trade risk of -6.6%. PNM has a base correction of about 25%, and is now forming a tight handle. Fundamentals aren't the greatest.

    If these names (PNM, DG) trigger their buy points, we will be taking smaller than normal (starter) positions to see if they work out.

  • 2011-10-07: Dollar General (DG) triggered it's pivot, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-10-06: Adding Dollar General (DG) to the Pivot Point Watch List, for a break above it's $38.39 pivot on high volume. Support is at $35.83 for a maximum trade risk of -6.7%

  • 2011-09-29: Stopped out of balance of AAPL at break-even.

  • 2011-09-20: Adding Baidu (BIDU) to the Top Picks Watch List, for a buy above the $151.11 pivot.

  • 2011-09-20: Taking profits in AAPL on half our position. Letting the other half ride, with a stop at break even.

  • 2011-09-19: Moving stop on AAPL to break-even.

  • 2011-09-17: Potential SHORT swing trade opportunity exists in WW Grainger Inc (GWW) off a new high reversal on +195% average volume. Accumulation/Distribution rank is less than 1, and RSI shows a divergence with price over the last several sessions. Short entry to be below Friday's low of $159 (no gaps), with a stop above Friday's high of $165.6, providing us a maximum trade risk of -4.1%.

    Long setups in this market are still very limited, so trade very light and defensive.

  • 2011-09-15: Hi-Tech Pharmacal (HITK) has formed a nice cup-and-handle pattern. We are watching HITK to see how it reacts at it's 52-week high around $33.

  • 2011-09-14: Looking to test this market with a small pilot buy in AAPL above the $388.61 pivot point. Stop to be set just below the $371.90 low for a low-risk trade of -4.3%.

  • 2011-09-14: Apple Inc (AAPL) triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-08-31: Today, even as the averages finished the day with mild gains, our Industry Map shows you how poor the breadth of this advance is - there are only 38 groups this week showing internal strength. Also, our Swing Trading section shows 9 bullish signals for 44 bearish ones.

    We are looking to go short 1-2 names (e.g., TIF) from our Swing Trading page, those showing a reversal off today's high (doji or engulfing patterns) possessing poor accumulation distribution ranks, poor group ranks, overvalued, etc. Note that we show precisely what the entry and stop prices should be, with the risk of the trade identified up front. In this environment, keep your trade risk extremely tight - no more than -3% or -4%, take smaller than normal position sizes, and don't enter the trade if the stock gaps away against your entry.

  • 2011-08-20: We continue to stay on the sidelines. This is a very risky environment to be trading any names, either on the short or long side, due to high volatility which shows no signs of abating. This week, we saw a substantial narrowing in the breadth of market leaders as shown by only 56 industry groups exhibiting strong stocks. In bull markets, a minimum of 90-100 industry groups are normally profiled in our Industry Map page. Also, sentiment indicators refuse to show extreme readings - the AAII reading of bullish individual investors again went up, while bears went down! This indicates more pain to come before the bulls finally throw in the towel. Finally, and most importantly, we see almost no stocks with constructive basing patterns being formed. Remain defensive and keep the trading to a minimum.

  • 2011-08-11: We continue to maintain our 100% cash position since July 28, 2011. Today, looking at the AAII sentiment numbers, the level of bullishness actually went up from last week - quite the opposite one would expect after such a huge decline in the averages. It means the average investor looks at this nearly 20% decline as a buying opportunity. No one knows for sure where the bottom is, and we don't need to guess or try to pick the bottom - we simply need to wait until we see stocks setting up correctly before putting any money at work. Patience and discipline is the key here.

  • 2011-07-28: Moving to 100% cash for now.

  • 2011-07-27: Setting a day stop order at $31.50 on HURC (below today's low).

  • 2011-07-27: Stopped out of HURC.

  • 2011-07-27: Stopped out of MW.

    All you can do in this environment is to respect the market, bend with it, and honor your stops.

  • 2011-07-27: CPO announces earnings tomorrow, July 28, before the bell. We are going to try and hold through earnings, since CPO has beaten estimates in each of the last four quarters. 

  • 2011-07-26: Stopped out of NATR. Top Picks Watch List candidate HLF triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-07-26: Top Picks Watch List candidate FURX triggered it's pivot point.

  • 2011-07-26: Exited the balance of our UA position, on price action post earnings.

  • 2011-07-26: Test.

  • 2011-07-25: Stopped out of RPTP.

  • 2011-07-25: UA set to announce earnings tomorrow - we are selling half our position to reduce risk in this name.

  • 2011-07-23: Top Picks Watch List candidates for next week: GCO $56.84, BGS $21.31, HLF $59.82, COO $82.24, TWIN $40.82, FURX $18.27, BIIB $107.33, MKTX $26.25, SIRO $56.18, TSU $50.80, MA $322.28, GT $18.13, OYOG $107.25.

    Note: Being nearly fully invested, GSA will take positions in only one or two of the above names, in the order that they trigger their respective pivot points.

  • 2011-07-22: Nailed down profits in CPX.

  • 2011-07-21: Top Picks Watch List candidate CVI triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-07-21: Note NATR has not been sold from the GSA Portfolio. Error in prior e-mail.

  • 2011-07-21: CPX releases earnings tomorrow (7/22) before the market opens. Watch the price action closely today to see if there are any warning signs. Being up +10% in this name, we are inclined to hold through earnings, IF the price action continues to hold up today.

  • 2011-07-20: Selling out of balance of HUSA shares - just under break even.

  • 2011-07-20: Top Picks Watch List candidate NATR triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-07-19: Top Picks Watch List candidates PDC and UA both triggered and were purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-07-19: Adding NATR (pivot $20.12), CVI ($27.04) to the GSA Top Picks Watch List.

  • 2011-07-18: Top Picks Watch List candidate RPTP triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-07-17: Pivot point Top Picks candidates for next week: PDC (pivot $16.23), RPTP ($6.75), UA ($81.82).

  • 2011-07-14: Stopped out of KKD.

  • 2011-07-13: Took a position in HURC on it's follow through from a 9-week breakout. Adding to the Top Picks portfolio.

  • 2011-07-08: All our holdings except HUSA (we took partial profits yesterday) held up very well today, closing in the upper halves of their daily range, a positive sign. We continue to take cautious positions in this market, with a definite bias to the long side.

    At the request of a member,  we have made a change to our Chart Fest page. You can now quickly narrow your chart searches to stocks trading above their 50-day and 200-day moving averages. Please feel free to check out.

  • 2011-07-07: Top Picks Watch List candidate MW triggered and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-07-07: Nailing down profits on half our position in HUSA. Will let the other half ride.

  • 2011-07-05: Top Picks Watch List candidates CPO and CPX triggered and were purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Stopped out of IPSU.

  • 2011-07-05: ADS and HUSA both triggered today.

  • 2011-07-03: Adding ADS (pivot $95.29), CPO ($56.51), TITN ($30.38), FRX ($40.54), HUSA ($18.47), MW ($35.05) and CPX ($34.77) to the GSA Top Picks Watch List.

    Happy 4th everyone!

  • 2011-07-01: Nailing down profits in MPEL.

  • 2011-06-29: Stopped out of a small position in IDIX.

  • 2011-06-28: Top Picks Watch List candidate MPEL triggered it's buy point, and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-06-28: WCG, IPSU and IDIX all triggered.

  • 2011-06-27: Top Picks Watch List Candidate KKD was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-06-26: Adding KKD (pivot buy point $9.49), IPSU ($20.92), IDIX ($5.44) to the Top Picks Watch List.

  • 2011-06-22: Adding WCG (pivot $51.68) and MPEL (pivot $11.81) to the Top Picks Watch List. Stocks still seem to be setting up a bit here - looks like we need more constructive action in the market before we can start to see proper base structures completing.

  • 2011-06-13: Stopped out of GGG. No stocks in the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-06-09: AAII Bullish/Bearish investor sentiment levels now at August-September 2010 levels, right before the market staged an impressive multi-month rally. Stay tuned.

  • 2011-06-09: Stopped out of TRCR.

  • 2011-06-09: Stopped out of FEIC.

  • 2011-06-08: Setting tight stops on TRCR at $24.72, FEIC at $37.64 and on GGG at $47.95.

  • 2011-06-06: Stopped out of ZOLL.

  • 2011-06-01: Top Stock Picks candidate Graco Inc (GGG) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate Zoll Medical Corp (ZOLL) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-06-01: Top Picks Watch List candidate FEIC triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-06-01: Stopped out of ALB - flat.

  • 2011-05-31: ALB showing signs of reversing off it's high on low volume - raising stop to $0.05 below today's low of $69.90. In the current environment, do not hold stocks that exhibit any signs of weakness or hesitation.

  • 2011-05-28: We are adding FEI Co (FEIC) to our GSA Top Picks Watch List for next week, with a buy above $39.75 and a stop below $37.69, for a maximum trade risk of 5.3%.

  • 2011-05-27: ALB triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-05-26: Adding Transcend Services (TRCR) to our GSA Top Picks Watch List on a buy above the $26.19 pivot.

  • 2011-05-26: TRCR triggered it's buy point and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-05-25: Adding Albermarle (ALB) to our GSA Top Picks Watch List on a buy above the $70.12 pivot.

  • 2011-05-24: Looking to enter swing trade positions in two names Wednesday: AKRX and INTX. Both have strong accumulation distribution ranks and are breaking out of tight flat bases. Will be buying on strength only - AKRX above $7.08, and INTX above $15.68, with tight 5% to 6% stops. No longer term positions being taken, until our market direction indicators improve.

  • 2011-05-21: For swing trading positions, we have now begun annotating our charts with the term "Low Risk Trade". Here's how a stock qualifies as a low risk trade:

    1. The stock trades in a basing pattern, between a pivot point (short-term high) and a support low (short-term low).
    2. The support low is no greater than -7% below the pivot point, offering a tight stop loss on any long positions.

    Since we buy on strength only, a typical trade could be entered a few cents above the pivot point, with a stop set a few cents below the support low. Now you have entered your trade knowing in advance what your potential risk is. Always, always know the point at which you will exit a position before hand, if the trade goes against you.

    The "Low Risk Trade Near Pivot Point" screen can be run from the Quick Screen drop-down, and also from the Quick Screen Symbols Map, where you can add additional screening criteria to it. For example, including "Earnings Accelerators" with "Upwards Earnings Estimates" can give you an excellent source of ideas. Right now, with the market in a correction mode, none of the names returned were screaming to be bought. However, this should change soon.

  • 2011-05-19: Graco Inc (GGG) has formed a short tight basing pattern and provides a low risk entry point above today's high of $50.17. With a support low at $47.58, you can limit your risk to around -5% on a trading position in GGG.

  • 2011-05-18: Looking for a short-term trade in BODY above yesterday's high of $25.85.

  • 2011-05-18: At a member's request, on all our charts we now display a "Support Low" price, which is a recent low price that may act as a level of support. One could use this price to: a) Set stops a few cents below, and b) Enter new positions no greater than 7% to 8% above.

    Market seems to be trying to find a bottom. We will be looking for stocks setting up near their pivot points with tight chart patterns. Patience is warranted here.

  • 2011-05-16: Stopped out of SCSS. Now sitting on 100% cash.

  • 2011-05-13: Stopped out of ISTA for a small loss.

  • 2011-05-12: Don't like the market action here. Taking small profits on the majority of our holdings: ANF, COO, OXM and ORCL. Better to nail down small profits and re-valuate later.

  • 2011-05-12: Nailed down +18% profits on half our position in VRTX.

  • 2011-05-12: Took profits on the balance of our VRTX holding. Don't like to see a stock making a new high on below average volume.

  • 2011-05-10: ISTA triggered it's buy point, and we initiated a position.

  • 2011-05-10: Top Stock Pick candidate SCSS triggered it's buy point.

  • 2011-05-09: VRTX trying to break out to new highs. We have a trigger in place to pyramid into this name above $56.72.

  • 2011-05-09: We pyramided into VRTX on it's new high breakout.

  • 2011-05-09: Another biotech name showing good accumulation and a tight base is ISTA Pharmaceuticals (ISTA). We have a trigger to buy ISTA above $11.02.

  • 2011-05-09: Adding Select Comfort Corp (SCSS) to the Top Picks Watch List, with a pivot at $17.50, it's 52-week high.

  • 2011-05-08: We only have one name for a Top Pick candidate going into next week: Old Dominion Freight Line Inc (ODFL), which has a pivot at $38.47. A purchase at $38.49 with a stop loss just below $36.16 (low of the recent pullback) would yield a trade with a risk around -6%. Try to get into the habit of backing into your trades by first estimating potential risk. Look for recent support levels on the chart for establishing your stop losses, and enter a position only if you can limit your losses to -7% or less.

    Also, our under-invested position continues to demonstrate our defensive nature in the market right now - maintain tight stops with lower than normal profit expectations.

  • 2011-05-06: We pyramided into our position in OXM on a breakout to new highs.

  • 2011-05-03: Took profits on the reversal in IPGP.

  • 2011-05-03: Selling BGC at a very small profit. Will re-evaluate for another entry point.

  • 2011-05-03: Stopped out of HMY and LXU.

  • 2011-05-03: Exited positions in RNOW, AIRM and NDSN. Stay true to your stop losses. Market may correct here some more.

  • 2011-05-03: OXM triggered it's $34.50 pivot point and our limit buy order was filled.

  • 2011-05-02: AIRM triggered it's buy point.

  • 2011-05-02: HMY and COO both triggered their buy points. We pyramided into COO.

  • 2011-04-30: Adding HMY to our watch list - pivot point is at $15.62.

  • 2011-04-29: Exited NVMI for a small loss - 50 day moving average has turned down, and A/D rank is now less than 1.0.

  • 2011-04-28: Took profits in BIDU.

  • 2011-04-28: Adding to our GSA Watch List (potential Top Picks candidates):

    1. SUP - pivot $25.74
    2. VIV - $42.51
    3. SATS - $38.12
    4. OXM - $34.48
    5. AIRM - $68.88
    6. COO - $75.39 (pyramid into this name, if you already have a position)
    Trigger point is $0.02 above the pivot.

  • 2011-04-21: DFS and ORCL triggered their pivot buy points.

  • 2011-04-21: RES and VRTX both triggered at their pivot points. Chart pattern on VRTX looks promising.

  • 2011-04-20: Watch list candidates ANF and VMED triggered their buy points. VMED actually blasted higher and is nearly 4% above the trigger point.

    We have also added the GSA Watch List link at the upper right hand side of our pages. Start using a watch list (if you haven't already) to enter your trades at specific buy points prior to the market open. This will help you catch breakouts at the exact pivot point, without the stock getting too extended.

  • 2011-04-20: Adding to watch list: MDSO - pivot $26.53, DFS - $24.99, RES - $26.02.

  • 2011-04-19: Watch list candidate IPGP triggered a buy at it's pivot point.

  • 2011-04-19: Watch list candidate RNOW triggered a buy at it's pivot point.

  • 2011-04-19: Stopped out of MERC.

  • 2011-04-19: Taking profits in FMCN here.

  • 2011-04-18: Adding IPGP (which acted strong today) to the pivot point watch list, with a buy above the $61.63 pivot.

  • 2011-04-16: Constructive chart basing patterns to keep on your watch list for next week:
    1. ANF - pivot point at $70.35.
    2. RNOW - pivot $33.53.
    3. ORCL - pivot $34.43.
    4. VMED - pivot $28.16.
    5. VRTX - pivot $48.94.
    Purchase would be two cents above the pivot point, and a trigger would include these names into our Top Picks portfolio.

  • 2011-04-15: Today, at the bottom of all our charts, we have started showing an Average Earnings Estimate Change percentage. Often, the best stocks have analysts continuously revising their quarterly (and yearly) earnings estimates upwards - now you can quickly spot this trend. We use an average of the next two quarters and two years to compute this figure. Look for positive earnings estimate changes on your stocks!

  • 2011-04-12: Took a small position in NVMI right at it's pivot point of $10.25.

  • 2011-04-12: Stopped out of TER.

  • 2011-04-11: Watch list candidate General Cable Corp (BGC) triggered it's pivot and was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Will be adding it to our Top Picks for performance tracking and monitoring.

  • 2011-04-09: Constructive chart basing patterns to keep on your watch list for next week:

    1. BGC - pivot point at $45.65.
    2. RAX - pivot $44.19.
    3. AXE - pivot $73.56.
    4. ROYL - pivot $6.45
    5. CXO - pivot $109.95.
    Purchase would be a few cents above the pivot point for a swing trade setup.

  • 2011-04-08: Teradyne Inc (TER) is following through on our cup and handle breakout alert that we posted a few days ago. Initiating a position here.

  • 2011-04-07: Take a look at the cup and handle developed in Cooper Companies (COO) - we have a limit order in place to buy above $70.05. COO purchased 4/7/11.

  • 2011-04-07: Cooper Companies (COO) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-04-07: Stopped out of OVTI.

  • 2011-04-06: Stopped out of DEPO.

  • 2011-04-06: Took small profits into the Bearish Dark Cloud Cover pattern in HOC - oil companies weak today.

  • 2011-04-06: Flat on RES - daily chart pattern looks to be breaking down.

  • 2011-04-05: Today, we have included a new Quick Screen - stocks Near Pivot Buy Point. A pivot point is usually a short term high within the stock's basing period which can act as minor resistance. If this level is taken out, it usually bodes well for the price action. This screen filters those candidates trading within 5% of the nearest pivot point, going back 8 weeks - a great resource to build a watch list of names that could potentially break out. For example, today on BGC, the 3-mo daily chart now shows a pivot point of $44.75, the intermediate high established about 4 weeks ago. A break above this level would be considered bullish. Comments welcome!

  • 2011-04-05: Teradyne Inc (TER) shows a cup and handle breakout from a 7-week basing pattern and may be set up as a good swing play. How we focused in on TER? 1. Pulled up the Quick Screen Symbols Map page (which allows you to quickly build upon several screens). 2. Selected Near Pivot Buy Point, ATR Compression Pattern, Undervalued and showing Earnings Acceleration, all reasonable attributes to possess. 3. Out of 8 symbols returned, a visual scan of the chart patterns shows TER's constructive base.

  • 2011-03-31: Top Stock Picks candidate Holly Corp (HOC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate Focus Media Holding Ltd (FMCN) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate Nordson Corp (NDSN) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-03-30: Top Stock Picks candidate Depomed Inc (DEPO) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate OmniVision Technologies Inc (OVTI) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-03-30: Tight 6-week, near-perfect, cup and handle breakout in NWY - C ranked stock, but chart pattern and A/D are compelling for a swing play.

  • 2011-03-29: Cup with (small) handle breakout on OVTI. Last 4 quarters EPS: 118%, 268%, 231%, 700%.

  • 2011-03-29: 7-week flat base breakout in DEPO.

  • 2011-03-28: Top Stock Picks candidate RPC Inc (RES) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate LSB Industries (LXU) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate Baidu Inc (BIDU) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-03-26: RPC Inc (RES) shows a breakout from an 18% 15-week basing pattern, accelerating earnings, strong group action, institutional buying, and a strong ROE of 30%. Initiating a 5% portfolio position in RES.

  • 2011-03-26: Re-initiating a 5% position in past Top Pick Baidu (BIDU).

  • 2011-03-26: Base on top of a base breakout in LSB Industries (LXU).

  • 2011-03-25: Another cup and handle pattern that seems to be shaping up well is Accelr8 Technology Corp (AXK). We have placed a limit order to buy above $4.50, the high of it's handle.

    Remember, smaller than normal initial positions, then pyramid up.

  • 2011-03-24: Initiated a small position in MERC - cup and handle pattern developing, with accelerating sales and earnings, undervalued on a P/S basis. Note: GSA purchased this position 3/24/11.

  • 2011-03-23: Still maintaining our cautious stance in this market - this rally needs to prove itself by presenting more than just a handful of names breaking out of bases. One look at our Industry Map will give you an idea of the breadth of today's rally - where's the participation? Please remain patient - a few more days and this situation will resolve itself.

  • 2011-03-18: Manitex International (MNTX) has formed a perfect cup and handle pattern, and broke out yesterday. Provides a good entry point with a tight stop below the high of the handle at $5.92.

  • 2011-03-17: Weight Watchers International (WTW) shows a tight base at it's 20-day moving average, with the daily RSI crossing over above 70. May provide a decent swing entry with a tight stop at $57.43.

  • 2011-03-16: Stopped out of AAPL at it's GSA trailing stop loss line.

  • 2011-03-14: Maintaining a high level of cash in the portfolio for now. For those still wishing to dip a toe in this market, check out the cup and handle breakout on SPPI, which is holding up well today in the face of a weak market. If anything, take smaller than normal positions, along with smaller profits and losses.

  • 2011-03-14: Multi-week breakout from a very tight base in CBLI, perhaps due to it's profile: Cleveland Biolabs, Inc. engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of products for cancer treatment and protection of normal tissues from radiation and other acute stresses.

    Maybe a play on the unfortunate tragedy unfolding in Japan.

  • 2011-03-09: Stopped out of VSEA.

  • 2011-03-05: This week we have introduced a new Quick Screen to our feature set - the ATR Compression Pattern. Often stocks, before taking off, experience a compression in volatility or a tightness in it's chart pattern, where it trades within a tight daily range. We screen for this pattern by measuring the stock's 14-day ATR (Average True Range) and compare against the current price. Stocks whose ATR/Price is less than 3% meet our definition of the ATR Compression Pattern. (This concept is similar to a Bollinger Band squeeze.) An upside breakout from a compression pattern may be worth noticing. Also, take a look at the Quick Screen Symbols Map page - we think we have made it more useful to quickly hunt for ideas, and to combine Quick Screens.

    We are not initiating any new positions in this market on Monday, until we see how the current consolidation/correction plays out. Keep the powder dry for the moment.

  • 2011-03-01: Took profits in IPCM - showing uncertainty at it's 52-week high.

  • 2011-02-27: Another short-term set-up for next week is in our previous Top Pick, SPRD which has bounced nicely off it's 50-day moving average. RSI (8) has crossed above 30 from an oversold condition. Earnings are due out March 3 - SPRD has met or exceeded past estimates in 3 out of the last 4 quarters, is still undervalued on a PEG basis and has a healthy ROE of 28%. We have an order to buy Monday, barring any surprises.

  • 2011-02-26: Take a look at the high volume breakout from a tight base in FXEN. Could be set up for a quick swing trade. FXEN's Oil and Gas Drilling & Exploration industry group had a strong up day on Friday. In the current market, keep losses small, and take profits sooner. We'll have to see what next week brings with respect to any fresh set-ups.

  • 2011-02-25: Stopped out of VSCP.

  • 2011-02-23: Took profits in CRUS, stopped out of MGIC.

  • 2011-02-23: Maintaining tight stops either at the GSA Support Line or at -7% from purchase price, whichever is higher. Also, VSCP set to announce earnings tomorrow - raising it's stop to a nickle below yesterday's low - $2.55.

  • 2011-02-23: Stopped out of BIDU and GSIT.

  • 2011-02-23: Took our +117% profit in AMRN on a break below it's 50-day.

  • 2011-02-22: Top Stock Picks candidate GSI Technology Inc (GSIT) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-02-22: Stopped out of RDWR and ZAGG.

  • 2011-02-17: Stopped out of JAZZ this morning.

  • 2011-02-16: Top Stock Picks candidate Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc (JAZZ) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-02-15: Top Stock Picks candidate Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates Inc (VSEA) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-02-14: Top Stock Picks candidate Apple Inc (AAPL) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate VirtualScopics Inc (VSCP) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate Radware Ltd (RDWR) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-02-14: VSEA a bit more extended above our GSA Support Line than we'd like to see. Warrants a smaller initial position.

  • 2011-02-13: Buying the pullback in VSCP.

  • 2011-02-12: Taking another stab at the breakout in RDWR.

  • 2011-02-11: Just a brief clarification between the Top Picks Portfolio and the GSA Live Portfolio, since this has led to some confusion in the past.

    The former is a model portfolio where new Top Picks are included to comprise 5% of the portfolio. Then, the logic in the model takes over and figures out when to pyramid (buy another 5%), and when to sell. Often, if the model portfolio is fully invested, a new Top Pick won't be included, as was the case with Baidu (BIDU).

    The latter is our Live Portfolio, where we actively manage the positions, making buy-sell decisions ourselves. Emotions are involved, and every trading rule that we follow hasn't been programmed into the model. So, the holdings over time will be different from the Top Picks Portfolio. Further, our initial position in any new name is at 10% of the portfolio, so there will be fewer names than the model. We also find it difficult to watch 10 names closely, and are considering limiting our live portfolio to only 8 names (12.5% each). Too much diversification = "diworsification". Risk reduction, in our view, is better achieved by knowing your stocks well, and watching them like a hawk.

  • 2011-02-10: Top Stock Picks candidate Baidu Inc (BIDU) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-02-10: Stopped out of LDK.

  • 2011-02-09: Took profits in ASYS - reversed hard off a new high.

  • 2011-02-08: Comments:  Past Top Pick EZCH reversing off a new high on brisk volume. Will take profits if it doesn't right itself.

    Also, took profits in SPRD

  • 2011-02-08: Took profits in EZCH after 9 weeks of holding.

  • 2011-02-07: Will take profits on any SPRD weakness tomorrow, which reversed off a new 52-week high, and is at our target price of $22.50-$23.40.

    Also, nice move on Monday's Top Pick VSCP (+12.71%) - too bad we didn't have the ammo to purchase.

  • 2011-02-06: Last week, we introduced a couple of minor new features to the website in the Quick Screens area that may help with idea generation:

    1. Screen for stocks Near 50-day Moving Average. Institutions often step up their purchases in stocks finding support at this level. However, not every stock that is heading towards it's 50-day is a buy candidate - it could be the beginning of a down trend. To avoid this, look for an orderly price pattern, with the green volume bars exceeding the red volume bars, i.e., volume on up days exceeds volume on down days in the basing period. We like to see the highest volume bar during the consolidation be an up day (green). Some of these names could be potential pre-breakout candidates, and one could get in before the next breakout to new highs.
    2. Screen for stocks showing Institutional Buying. We look at net institutional purchases within the last 3 months. This is another quick way to focus on institutional money flows.
    3. Finally, we also show the Quick Screen Symbols Map. Here you can quickly see all the symbols that meet one or more of our 10 Quick Screens. This is another easy way for you to find stocks meeting multiple quick screens. When a stocks meets 6, 7 or 8 quick screens, it's worth looking at.
    As always, comments and feedback welcome.

  • 2011-02-05: VSCP - lower priced, speculative play, daily chart looks great. Note: GSA may not take a position in this, due to being fully invested.

  • 2011-02-04: LDK Solar - moving stop up to $12.18.

  • 2011-02-03: Took a small position in yesterday's Top Pick IPCM.

  • 2011-02-02: Top Stock Picks candidate Amtech Systems Inc (ASYS) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-02-01: Taking another stab at ASYS near it's 50-day moving average.

  • 2011-02-01: IPCM emerging from an oversold situation, finding support at it's 50-day moving average. Note: GSA may not take this position, due to being fully invested (swing trades).

  • 2011-02-01: ENTG breaking out again. Note: GSA may not take this position, due to being fully invested (swing trades).

  • 2011-01-28: Brief update - we'll be reentering positions in two of our previously stopped out Top Picks - SPRD broke out yesterday to a new 52-wk high on good volume, and ZAGG bounced off our GSA Support Line exhibiting an oversold RSI 30 crossover.

  • 2011-01-28: Top Stock Picks candidate China MediaExpress Holdings Inc (CCME) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate Cirrus Logic Inc (CRUS) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-01-28: Well, CCME was a fine trade (not) - stopped us out immediately. Need to scale back a bit here.

  • 2011-01-26: Today on the Chart Fest page, we have provided you with the ability to receive e-mailed charts when stocks exhibit an MACD/RSI crossovers or an ATR trend change. This is similar to the "Breakouts and Gaps" chart e-mails you may have signed up to receive. You may find these useful if you are an active trader.

    Also, a few nights ago, a member suggested we provide the ability to quickly filter for stocks that are oversold on an RSI basis, i.e., daily RSI below 30. His observation was these stocks seem to bounce off these levels, and could be potential swing trade setups.

    So we've now included the ability to filter for candidates making an RSI 30 crossover from an oversold condition. Please spend some time analyzing the daily charts on our website (as I did), and you may find this to be a good swing trade entry point with the following conditions: 1. 20-day and 50-day moving averages must be rising (most stocks in our database). 2. Stock should be finding support at these averages, preferably the 50-day or at the GSA Support Line. 3. Stock should have spent a few days being oversold (blue RSI region), shaking out weak hands. 4. Don't forget to establish your stop-losses and profit targets at the time of trade entry.

    As always, comments welcome!

  • 2011-01-24: Top Stock Picks candidate LDK Solar Co Ltd (LDK) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-01-24: Stopped out of CYD and ZAGG (probably at their low points). Try to focus on playing defense by taking small losses, and the offense will take care of itself. Remember, you can always buy back the stock again if it acts right.

  • 2011-01-21: Took profits on the low volume new high in GSL.

  • 2011-01-20: Stopped out of several quality stocks today - LNG, RDWR, CRDC, ZIXI and ENTG.

  • 2011-01-19: Top Stock Picks candidate Cardica Inc (CRDC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-01-19: Took profits on the Bearish Engulfing Pattern (reversal) in SPRD.

  • 2011-01-19: Stopped out of KLIC.

  • 2011-01-18: Top Stock Picks candidate Kulicke and Soffa Industries Inc (KLIC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate Magic Software Enterprises Ltd (MGIC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-01-16: On a member's request, today we have added a new feature to the website. From the Chart Fest page, in addition to screening by MACD and RSI signals, you can now filter for stocks exhibiting an ATR Trend Change. These include all stocks that are flipping trends from long to short and vice versa, based on a 2-, 3- or 4-ATR level. We have also included an annotated example on the page to help explain what we mean by an ATR Trend Change. This may be useful in catching some early trend reversals, specially after a sustained up or down trend. Comments welcome!

  • 2011-01-14: Took profits on the high volume reversal off new highs in IDCC.

  • 2011-01-11: Top Stock Picks candidate Zagg Inc (ZAGG) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-01-11: Stopped out of AERL.

  • 2011-01-10: Top Stock Picks candidate Cheniere Energy Inc (LNG) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Global Ship Lease Inc (GSL) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Asia Entertainment & Resources Ltd (AERL) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2011-01-10: We were stopped out of DDIC intraday, as it tripped our stops set at the GSA Stop Loss level, and then regained most of the day's drop. Events like this happen - doesn't mean we have to abandon or change our strategy. Instead, we'll be watching DDIC closely for a potential re-entry point on a new high breakout. For now, funds released will be invested in the fresh breakout on ZAGG, another top ranked past Top Pick that acted very well today.

    Also, in case you haven't noticed, we have included a new Chart Slideshow feature on the website, which makes it easy to quickly cycle through daily and weekly charts from the Quick Screen and Chart Fest areas. This makes it easier to look for quality chart set-ups as the first step in our analysis.

  • 2011-01-03: Took profits on NVMI - new highs on lower volume.

  • 2011-01-03: Took profits on ARTW - reversing off a 52wk high. Happy to exit this somewhat illiquid position with a gain.

  • 2010-12-27: Top Stock Picks candidate DDi Corp (DDIC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-12-20: Top Stock Picks candidate Spreadtrum Communications Inc (SPRD) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-12-15: Stopped out of ASYS and ZAGG.

  • 2010-12-13: Top Stock Picks candidate InterDigital Inc (IDCC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-12-10: Top Stock Picks candidate Zix Corporation (ZIXI) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Zagg Inc (ZAGG) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Radware Ltd (RDWR) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-12-10: Stopped out of LLEN.

  • 2010-12-08: Stopped out of EXK.

  • 2010-12-07: Top Stock Picks candidate China Yuchai International Ltd (CYD) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Endeavour Silver Corp (EXK) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-12-07: Tight stops in play on EXK ($6.67) and ASYS ($22.37) at the 2-ATR level. Both stocks had bearish reversal days today on above average volume.

  • 2010-12-06: Top Stock Picks candidate L & L Energy Inc (LLEN) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate EZchip Semiconductor Ltd (EZCH) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-12-03: Top Stock Picks candidate Entegris Inc (ENTG) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Amtech Systems Inc (ASYS) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-12-02: Today we have included a new feature - from the main page, you can now view larger 6-month charts showing volatility based stops. Traders often use the Average True Range (ATR) of a stock to set stops. ATR is a measure of the variability of a stock on a daily basis, averaged over some period (e.g., 14 days). Stops are then set at a multiple of the ATR, e.g., 2 x ATR, 3 x ATR, etc. Shorter-term swing traders may opt to use a 2-ATR stop, while longer-term position traders may use a 4-ATR stop to take profits or limit losses. It also helps to compare an ATR based stop with one based on support-resistance levels, which are also shown on our charts. Irrespective of which stop level you use, the key is to have one in place at all times. Comments welcome!

  • 2010-11-29: Interesting divergence seen between price and the overbought/oversold RSI line on daily charts of SPY and DIA. Markets could be looking at a short-term bounce.

  • 2010-11-25: Today we have launched the Swing Trading Portfolio, with specific buy-sell rules based on stocks selected from our Swing Trading section. Any system worth it's merit must be able to demonstrate real-world applicability, by showing what to buy, how much to buy and when to sell.

    In the past, we have heard from members about how they are not able to stick to a trading plan, either selling too soon, or getting emotionally tied up to a stock. We've tried to address these concerns by setting different portfolios to follow. The Swing Trading Portfolio is for those interested in holding stocks for 1-10 trading days (two weeks). In today's market, we think it is important to manage your portfolio using multiple strategies - some holdings must be long-term, while others could be shorter-duration trades.

    Please make sure you understand the portfolio buy-sell rules correctly, since you have to set up your trades (buy stop limit orders) prior to the trading day by looking at our Swing Trading section. Contact us if you need ANY clarification. Also, this portfolio has been tested for only a few months and during a strong period in the market. No guarantees how it will perform over the longer term. Time will tell.

    Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

  • 2010-11-23: Stopped out of NBIX.

  • 2010-11-19: Treading (and trading) carefully in this market - yesterday's rally showed little conviction, with only a few quality breakouts making the cut. One look at our Industry Map shows less than robust participation by leading industry groups. The ratio of bullish to bearish swing trade signals was about even. We're maintaining tight stops on our underweighted portfolio of four names.

    For Friday, short term trades are on MHR (nice breakout from a multi-week base) on the long side, and AXL (bearish engulfing pattern) on the short side. As always, stop or stop limit orders only so that we buy on strength and sell short on weakness.

  • 2010-11-15: Top Stock Picks candidate Amarin ADR (AMRN) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Nova Measuring Instruments Ltd (NVMI) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-11-14: In addition to entering into our Top Pick AMRN Monday, we are also going to take another stab at NVMI, a recently stopped out Top Pick. NVMI has broken out of a long (although a bit loose) base, and provides a great entry point.

    Also, we have added some additional content to our Market Direction > Market History section. We now show historical monthly returns for the current year of the Presidential Term. In the past, there has been a significant difference in market returns obtained during different years of a President's term in office - years 3 and 4 seem to have better returns. Try and be aware of these patterns, and where in the cycle we are in relation to them.

  • 2010-11-10: Shorting some names on weakness today - SLW, PIR, FRG, ANV and HOGS. All have bearish candlestick patterns, near daily lows, and sold off on strong volume. Silver and the Industrial Metals and Minerals industry groups were the top worst performing groups yesterday (SLW and FRG in these groups).

  • 2010-11-10: Watching past Top Pick TQNT making a new high on lower than average volume - will probably take our +19% profits at the close, if volume doesn't improve.

  • 2010-11-10: Took profits in TQNT.

  • 2010-11-09: Took profits on the high volume reversals of EBIX and SMTX, and was stopped out of SGEN (below 50-day) and KERX. Day trades ended flat today STRI (-0.93%), DKS (-1.25%), ANSS (0.54%), TRS (1.97%), GG (gap-no fill), for a small net positive return of 0.07% vs. -0.66% for the Nasdaq.

    Note: Site undergoing technical problems today. Thanks for your patience.

  • 2010-11-08: Luck still on our side on day trades executed Monday - LULU (1.28%), VGZ (1.80%), SNIC (no fill) for a total gain of 1.54% vs. 0.04% for the Nasdaq. Trades for tomorrow include ANSS and TRS (from our Swing Trading pages), and STRI, GG and DKS (from our Active Trading page - breakouts).

    Also, keeping an eye on past Top Pick SGEN which is trying to hold on to it's 50-day moving average. Watch for a move above or below this level. 

  • 2010-11-06: Last Friday, we day-traded (gasp!) select stocks that made our Swing Trading selections to see if there was an edge in our earlier outlined strategy. Buy stop limit orders were placed on six names - TRGL, WNR, HL, SMSI, TLEO and LNN, the first four of which were filled. Results after commissions were -1.73%, 1.30%, 4.63% and -0.54% respectively, for a total gain of 0.78% for the day vs. 0.06% for the Nasdaq. Not too shabby, but could be pure chance as well. Won't know for sure, until we try this some more. For Monday, we are looking at VGZ, LULU and SNIC. Will try and report back results daily.

  • 2010-11-04: Members have often inquired about a day trading strategy using our service. Although we've tended to stay away from day trading, one could potentially use our Swing Trading page for day-trade setups. Entry criteria: Look for stocks closing at highs for the day on robust volume, having good liquidity (>1%), a strong MACD crossover, RSI line moving up (>70), purchase would be between $0.10 and $0.15 above the previous close (i.e., a stop limit order to buy on strength) the next day. Exit criteria: On order entry and execution, set a trailing stop loss of 1% below the current price, and let the day unfold. Maximum risk would then be 1%, while the potential reward could be 2% or more, if the stock follows through on the strong volume breakout.

    On inspection, stocks meeting these criteria today are: SMSI, HL, WNR, TLEO, PCS, LNN, EXK, SSRI, LTD, CAT among others. Feel free to comment or to share your strategies!

  • 2010-11-02: AKRX, TMRK and FMCN show up as potential trading opportunities from our Swing Trading page. As always, buy on strength only.

  • 2010-11-01: Past Top Pick NOG reversing a bit off a new 52-week high - setting protective stop at $17.99, at our purchase price.

  • 2010-11-01: Didn't like the action on NOG today - closed out for a small 5% profit.

  • 2010-10-26: Top Stock Picks candidate SMTC Corp (SMTX) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-10-25: Tight 24-week base breakout on SMTX, with a daily MACD crossover as confirmation of timing. High ROE of 40%. Lower priced issue, so definitely a speculative purchase.

  • 2010-10-24: The Industry Group - Restaurants had a strong day Friday, with a number of names spiking up. Looking for short-term, swing trading opportunities in the three names - BJRI, CMG and CAKE that had the highest relative volume as seen on our Market Snapshot page. Positions to be taken only on strength above Friday's highs.

  • 2010-10-18: Top Stock Picks candidate Arts-Way Manufacturing Co Inc (ARTW) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-10-18: Today, we have included a new feature on our Market Direction page - the percent of investors who are bullish and bearish, as reported by the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII). These figures are updated by AAII weekly (Thursdays), and are often used as contrarian indicators, e.g., view the spike in bearish sentiment early in 2009 just before the market advanced strongly. Similarly, see the spike in bullish sentiment twice in 2007, before the market tanked later in the year. We are using a 2-standard deviation band (5 years) to measure extreme values.

    As students of the market, it behooves us to add these sentiment measures to our tool set. Keep one eye on these indicators at all times.

  • 2010-10-16: Taking a small, speculative position in ARTW.

  • 2010-10-14: Top Stock Picks candidate Keryx Biopharmaceuticals Inc (KERX) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-10-13: Tip: Away from your computer a lot? Now you can receive daily-weekly charts of breakouts and gaps via e-mail to your smartphone. Chose from A, A-B or all ranked stocks to limit the number of e-mails. Never miss a quality breakout again!

  • 2010-10-11: Top Stock Picks candidate Neurocrine Biosciences Inc (NBIX) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-10-09: Tight high volume breakout on NBIX.

  • 2010-10-05: Brief note - we have recently redesigned our Market Snapshot page, which quickly shows you the five best and worst performing Industry Groups for the day, along with associated stocks moving up or down on high volume. Use this feature to see where the smart money is flowing. Comments welcome!

  • 2010-10-04: Top Stock Picks candidate Northern Oil and Gas Inc (NOG) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Seattle Genetics (SGEN) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-09-28: Long MACD Swing Trades on strength for Wednesday: BTN, HMIN, KKD. Set profit targets at 5%.

  • 2010-09-27: Top Stock Picks candidate TriQuint Semiconductor Inc (TQNT) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Ebix Inc (EBIX) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-09-26: On Friday, one of our trend following ETF's (QLD/QID) signaled a change of trend in the NASDAQ. It remains to be seen whether the other averages will follow suit. We are consequently adding two Top Picks to the GSA Portfolio - EBIX and TQNT. Need to see if the market will begin to reward longer-term position trades. Maintain tight 7% stop-losses on any core positions.

  • 2010-09-19: Swing trades for Monday:

    1. LONG positions on strength - CHTP (high volume breakout, bullish MACD crossover), LOGM (high volume day Friday, bullish MACD crossover), KRA (closing at high of the day, strong volume, bullish MACD crossover)
    2. SHORT positions on weakness - SINA (failed breakout, bearish dark cloud cover, valuation), CDE (bearish engulfing pattern on high volume), HAIN (bearish MACD crossover, valuation), CCK (bearish MACD crossover, high volume sell-off, valuation).
    We are also exiting our trend-following position in QID to focus the GSA portfolio on our swing trades, which seems to have worked well over the last few weeks.

  • 2010-09-16: Short swing trade positions for Thursday: LOGM, CVLT, and CRM - all three showing a bearish MACD crossover, falling RSI line, recent topping days, and are significantly overvalued.

  • 2010-09-14: Short swing trades on weakness for Wednesday: DFS (confirmation day after bearish doji, overvalued, RSI breaking 70), COL (ditto).

  • 2010-09-13: Long swing trades for Tuesday: NBIX, NVMI and DTG. As always, buy on strength.

  • 2010-09-11: Swing trade opportunities for Monday: Long GEOY (MACD about to cross over, tight 5-week breakout), Short JLL (reversal off high Thursday, bit over-valued). As always, stop buy (or short sell) orders to be placed, above (or below) previous closing price. Aim for 5% profits in this fast moving market, with a 4% stop-loss. Let the edge of these patterns add to the probability of the trade working out.

  • 2010-09-08: Potential short-sell swing trade opportunities for Thursday: KRA, JKS and ANV - all reversing off new highs. Stop trades entered on weakness below Wednesday's closing prices.

  • 2010-09-04: Swing trade opportunities for Tuesday on these A ranked stocks - NXTM, BIDU and ULTA (MACD crossing over, RSI line trending higher, prices above all moving averages).

    Next week is key for the DJIA - it has bumped up exactly against it's 200-day moving average. Watch to see if the index gets slapped down or is able to break through. Although the market may be looking slightly better technically, characteristics are far from a wildly bullish situation. Still trading only short-term positions with tight stops.

  • 2010-09-03: Swing trade positions for Friday: ARGN, SOLR, EZCH, SOLF, PANL, ASYS. All possess tight daily charts, high ranks, strong volume action, and an MACD crossover signal. Buy on strength only (buy stop market order ten cents above previous close), with a profit objective of 5%.

  • 2010-08-29: This is still going to be a trader's market until our long-term, trend following indicators turn positive. Short-term, swing trading positions we are taking on the long side (based on breakouts and MACD crossovers) are HAIN, VIT, SLW, TSL, VHC, RDWR, ARMH, RAX, RVBD and HS. Target profit objective is +5%.

  • 2010-08-21: In this age of short-term trading, we have added a new screen to our Swing Trading section. Now, along with signals generated by the Japanese Candlestick Patterns, we show those stocks that have exhibited an MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) Crossover signal. This may help active traders pinpoint their trades using this momentum/trend following indicator.

    A few points to note: Use the MACD signal as a confirmation signal only. For example, if you wanted to short a position for a swing trade, look for a prior uptrend in both price and MACD over several days or weeks. Then the stock should exhibit a short term topping day (reversal off high, a candlestick reversal pattern, etc.). Finally, you would enter the trade on the MACD Crossover signal. As always, chart patterns should be somewhat tight and orderly, not wide and loose.

    Remember, no indicator is perfect - there is no holy grail in trading. But when you have as many indicators as possible going for you, the odds of success in the trade working out are much higher. And at the end of the day, it is all about getting the odds in your favor.

    Comments, suggestions, questions always welcome.

  • 2010-08-11: Stopped out of NVMI.

  • 2010-08-09: Top Stock Picks candidate Nova Measuring Instruments Ltd (NVMI) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-08-08: We looked closely at one of our most frequently occurring Japanese Candlestick Swing Trading signals - the Bearish Doji, to see if there was a definite edge in trading these signals over a 1 to 10 day period. Here is a summary of our set-up:

    1. Period investigated was 2/6/2009 through 7/31/2010, nearly 2 years.
    2. Total Bearish Doji signals were 549.
    3. However only 213 signals had a confirmation day, following the signal day, being defined as: High doesn't exceed signal day's high, close is below the signal day's close, and the confirmation day close is in the bottom 70% of it's daily range, i.e., doesn't close with strength.
    4. Take the trade (short) as close to the end of the trading day.
    5. Stop loss was set at 10 cents above the signal day's high.
    6. Results were evaluated at different profit objectives: 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5.5% and 6%.

    And the results at each profit objective:

    1. 4% Profit. Total loss: -264% (67 trades stopped out). Total profits: +440% (110 trades hit profit objective). Total timed out after 10 days: +31% (36 trades). Net profit +207%.
    2. 4.5% Profit. Total loss: -287% (72 trades). Total profits: +437% (97 trades). Total timed out: +37% (44 trades). Net profit +187%.
    3. 5.0% Profit. Total loss: -298% (74 trades). Total profits: +455% (91 trades). Total timed out: +46% (48 trades). Net profit +203%.
    4. 5.5% Profit. Total loss: -310% (78 trades). Total profits: +451% (82 trades). Total timed out: +51% (53 trades). Net profit +192%.
    5. 6.0% Profit. Total loss: -334% (81 trades). Total profits: +444% (74 trades). Total timed out: +65% (58 trades). Net profit +176%.
    As you can see, targeting a profit objective of 4% to 5% can yield a significant net profit using this swing trading strategy. We have implemented this approach on our real money margin portfolio, dedicating about 10% of our portfolio to each trade. On average, we expect to see about 2 to 3 signals (with a confirmation day of course) every week.

  • 2010-08-08: Taking a small position in Nova Measuring Instruments Ltd (NVMI).

  • 2010-08-01: We've received a few questions from members regarding our Swing Trading section using Japanese Candlestick patterns, and how best to trade these short term opportunities. We've expanded this section a bit, to show precisely how the pattern (e.g., the Bearish Doji) is to be traded using a graphic example. Please check it out.

    In this "fast money" environment, it doesn't hurt to have a trading portfolio as a complement to a longer-term investing approach. Also, since our intermediate trend signal still continues to point down, we are reluctant to initiate any core "Top Picks" positions at this point.

  • 2010-07-17: We continue to maintain our short stance via leveraged ETFs. Our market indicator has been stuck at a Bearish signal for the last several weeks, while overall breadth remains poor, with less than 50 Industry Groups making our database. In bull markets, we typically see 100+ groups participating.

    On Friday, all three major market indices got turned back from their respective moving averages - the Dow from it's 200-day, the S&P from it's 50-day, and the Nasdaq from both it's 50- and 200-days. Be vigilant out there - this is a trader's market.

  • 2010-06-20: Ran a quick search using the "Base Breakouts" screen. On the weekly charts shown, notice the non-confirmation of the RSI (Wilder Relative Strength Index) line against the price action of the stock. In 16 out of the top 20 results shown, the RSI line is "sputtering", indicating poor price action. We normally want to see the RSI line trending up sharply, breaking through the 70 level, confirming the breakout in price. This scenario simply confirms other bearish indicators on the rest of our site (e.g., only 44 industry groups showing strong performance, instead of the normal 100, trend following signals still negative, etc). We continue to maintain our short positions, until proven otherwise.

  • 2010-06-17: Will be taking profits and closing out our position in SBUX on a move to new highs on low volume.

  • 2010-06-17: Took profits and closed out SBUX.

  • 2010-06-11: Over the last month or so, one of the lessons that the stock market has taught us, is the discipline of following a strict stop-loss strategy. Back in April, a lot of investors (including us) fell into a sense of complacency and didn't execute as much discipline in sticking with robust stop-loss strategies.

    With the markets behaving in such a maniacal fashion, we thought we would revisit and refine our loss-cutting strategies just a bit, with the over-arching goal right now being capital preservation.

    The key concept with any trade is to get to a position of break-even as quickly as possible. To achieve this goal, here's how we have modified our stop-loss strategy in the model portfolios:

    1. Every long trade starts off with the current 7% stop-loss setting (no change here) - and live not mental stops anymore.
    2. If this trade starts working in our favor and shows a profit of 7% or more, we raise the stop to our purchase price, essentially attaining a break-even status if the trade was to fail going forward.
    3. The remaining strategy of taking profits at 25% to 30%, holding for a period of 8 weeks, etc., remains unchanged.
    4. Similarly on the short side, we move our stops to break-even quickly, if the trade moves in our favor by 5% or more.

    We think this should reduce the amount of slippage we've experienced in our model and live portfolios due to increased market volatility. We have also shown these stops on our Top Picks Portfolio and Auto Portfolio pages.

    Would be interested to hear your feedback on this subject.

  • 2010-06-08: The third (and final) of our Trend Following ETF's has flipped signals. Only time will tell if these signals will undergo reasonably quick reversals, or if a longer term trend following period ensues. Our job is not to predict, but to recognize the market for what it signals right now, and to follow our trading rules and signals.

  • 2010-06-07: Stopped out of LOCM
    .

  • 2010-06-06: Another of the leveraged ETF's has flipped signals in the Trend Following model. Also seeing a few more short names (PCP, ROC, KRC, LEN) in the Top Picks portfolio. These stocks meet the following conditions - poor accumulation/distribution, trending down, trading below a key moving average, and over-owned by institutions.

  • 2010-06-03: Following our new Trend Following signal, we will be switching out of QLD and into QID in the GSA Live Portfolio. Since this model has only been tested for 3.5 years, we fully expect several whipsaws along the way. But follow the signals, we must.

  • 2010-06-01: Stopped out of CBPO.

  • 2010-06-01: Exited out of EZCH and KMGB on our tight stops. Also, reduced our exposure in QLD significantly. All three major indices now below their 200-day moving averages.

  • 2010-05-27: Stopped out of ZIOP for a good (not great) profit.

    Nasdaq reclaimed it's 200-day, but Dow and S&P have yet to do so. We continue to maintain tight stops on all open positions.

  • 2010-05-26: The GSA Top Picks Portfolio page showed 7 new SHORT names. Take a look at these stocks, and the rules listed on why these names popped up. We may SELL SHORT some of these names at the market - need to look at them some more. Trend following model has not flipped to bearish yet, but it's getting there.

  • 2010-05-24: Placing live stops just below last week's lows on most of our holdings in the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-05-23: Quick comment - will be adding more shares of QLD to our trend-following live portfolio. Also, taking a look at the #1 ranked stock in our database for a potential Top Pick add as well.

  • 2010-05-17: Top Stock Picks candidate China Biological Products Inc (CBPO) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-05-16: Taking a 5% position in CBPO.

    Pros: Increasing earnings estimates, undervalued if the 30% projected growth rate holds, low institutional ownership (8%) with all of it being recent, being added to the Nasdaq Biotech Index, chart in an 18-week basing pattern challenging it's 52-week high, has 8 out of 10 markers of our Past Winners, great entry point above the $12.96 GSA Stop Loss level.

    Cons: Somewhat lower liquidity (0.6%), GSA Portfolio already quite exposed to Biotechs.

  • 2010-05-09: Held onto all GSA Portfolio positions during the craziness in the market. In fact, we added a bit to positions we were under-weight. Coming weeks are key to see if the markets gets its legs back.

  • 2010-05-05: Maintaining a tight stop at $23.76 on LINC, which managed to hold above this level on the recent market sell-off.

  • 2010-05-05: Stopped out of LINC intra-day. Will also monitor KMGB to sell on weakness below today's close.

  • 2010-04-30: Took profits on half our position in ARIA, after holding for around 8 weeks.

  • 2010-04-29: Exited our position in CVVT.

  • 2010-04-28: CVVT broke through it's 100-day moving average on above average volume. This could be a bear trap, but since we don't know if this is true, we will sell our position in CVVT on further weakness Thursday. Gut feel is that a bottom is in place, so we'll try and give it one last smoke.

  • 2010-04-26: Top Stock Picks candidate Local com Corp (LOCM) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-04-24: LOCM: Strong Q1 results, accelerating sales growth, 4 quarters of earnings surprises, under-owned by institutions, high accumulation/distribution rank, new high on strong volume.

  • 2010-04-19: Top Stock Picks candidate Par Pharmaceutical Companies Inc (PRX) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-04-17: Trading PRX for BELM in the Top Picks Portfolio. Flat 15-week breakout on PRX, looks undervalued if the +50% projected growth projections hold, 4 consecutive quarters of earnings surprises, positive EPS estimate revisions. Group action (131) less than desirable.

  • 2010-04-11: We've added a minor new feature that you might find useful. Lot of us are often away from our computers during the trading day. Now, you can keep up with the market by receiving a timely, short e-mail of "Breakouts and Gaps" charts, sent to your handheld device. These e-mails contain two small images (3-month daily and 1-year weekly charts), allowing you to take a trading position if the chart pattern seems ideal.

    You can sign up for this feature on the "Active Trading" page after you log into the Member area.  Please note: Several e-mails will be generated during the trading day, so please add the e-mail to your Contact List to avoid these being labeled as Junk or Spam. As always, your feedback is greatly appreciated.

  • 2010-04-05: Top Stock Picks candidate KMG Chemicals Inc (KMGB) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Boise Inc (BZ) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-04-03: KMGB: Accelerating earnings, healthy 23% ROE, 4 quarters of upside earnings surprises, 18-week basing pattern.

  • 2010-04-03: BZ: High institutional buying, accelerating earnings, ROE of 28%, long 6-month base breakout,

  • 2010-03-31: Exited EBIX for a -8% loss.

  • 2010-03-30: EBIX and JMBA are on close watch - will exit these names on further weakness Wednesday.

  • 2010-03-29: Top Stock Picks candidate Jamba Inc (JMBA) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-03-29: BELM: Buyout news out!

  • 2010-03-29: Re-entered a position in past Top Pick EZCH.

  • 2010-03-27: JMBA - Speculative takeover play, potential business turnaround, price gap up (3/26) on 4x volume.

  • 2010-03-25: Exited (for now) EZCH for a 13% gain.

  • 2010-03-24: EZCH had an "outside-day" today on above average volume, after attempting to make a new high. This is usually a short-term negative. We're going to place a Stop Sell Order to exit EZCH below $19, with the intent to get back in at a later point (either closer to a support line, or if it proves us wrong and moves straight back up to new highs).

  • 2010-03-22: Top Stock Picks candidate ZIOPHARM Oncology Inc (ZIOP) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Bridgepoint Education Inc (BPI) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-03-20: BPI: 6-month breakout from a 28% base, seems highly undervalued, increasing institutional purchases, monster ROE (56%), large % of float has been shorted.

  • 2010-03-20: Adding a small percentage (5%) of ZIOP (18-week breakout) to the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-03-15: Top Stock Picks candidate Bell Microproducts Inc (BELM) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Ebix Inc (EBIX) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Starbucks Corp (SBUX) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Ultra QQQ ProShares (QLD) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-03-14: BELM: Consolidating after recent base-on-top-of-base breakout, triple-digit quarterly earnings, ROE of 132%, net institutional purchases, seems undervalued with a PE of only 7.8.

  • 2010-03-14: Getting back into one of last year's winners EBIX, as it reclaimed its 20-day moving average this week. High earnings and sales consistency, strong group rank (8), high ROE of 37%.

  • 2010-03-14: Getting into the tight 8% breakout on SBUX, to provide some large cap exposure to the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-03-14: Based on our bullish stand on the US market, we are also adding QLD to the Top Picks portfolio (and live GSA Portfolio), and will trade QLD based on it's Trend Following Model.

  • 2010-03-10: Top Stock Picks candidate China Valves Technology Inc (CVVT) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-03-09: CVVT: Undervalued stock, consolidating in a base at it's 20-day moving average, after a recent breakout. Shows significant institutional buying, with 5 analysts rating the stock a Strong Buy. Good entry point, trading less than 14% above it's 50-day moving average, while the 1-year weekly shows an established uptrend.

  • 2010-03-08: Top Stock Picks candidate EZchip Semiconductor Ltd (EZCH) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Lincoln Educational Services Corp (LINC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-03-06: EZCH: Earnings acceleration, four quarters of positive earnings surprises, strong group action (21), institutional buying.

  • 2010-03-06: LINC: Triple digit quarterly EPS%, strong group action (19), under-valued, institutional buying, 20% ROE, breakout from a 18-week 19% base.

  • 2010-03-02: Top Stock Picks candidate Ariad Pharmaceuticals Inc (ARIA) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-03-02: Another source of short ideas is the "Short Candidates?" section on the Daily Report. Take a look a the charts of stocks "Reversing Off New Highs" - AutoZone (AZO) caught our attention, with a one-day reversal on 4x average volume, near it's 52-wk high. Showing poor GSA Rank (C), no Group Action (0), and over-owned by institutions, we're looking to short (if shares are available) on weakness below $164.74.

  • 2010-03-01: High volume (4x) breakout from a long 13-week base on Ariad Pharmaceuticals (ARIA), showing strong group action (Top 7), accumulation distribution of 1.46, on positive news, with a slightly volatile chart pattern.

  • 2010-02-26: Stopped out of CNU for a -9% loss.

  • 2010-02-25: Don't forget to look at some short ideas as well. On our main screening page, you can click on the "Save GSA Recommended SHORT Criteria" button to save our short search criteria, e.g., GSA Rank < 60, Acc/Dist < 1, Overvalued, Institutional Ownership > 70%, Trading Below 200-day MA, Trading More than 20% off High.

    Running this screen returned Hertz Global Holdings Inc (HTZ). Take a look at it's weekly chart - looks like it wants to roll-over. We have a stop-market order to short (if shares are available) on weakness below $9.69.

  • 2010-02-25: Stopped out of CYCC for a -10% loss.

  • 2010-02-24: Stopped out of NEP for a gain of 69% as it broke through it's 50-day.

  • 2010-02-22: Top Stock Picks candidate Continucare Corp (CNU) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-02-21: CNU reclaimed both it's 20- and 50-day moving averages. Showing accelerating earnings and sales growth; earnings consistency of 0.88, sales consistency of 0.84; undervalued with increasing institutional purchases, trading only 12% off new highs. Stop loss to be set at it's GSA Support Line of $4.17.

  • 2010-02-18: Top Stock Picks candidate Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals Inc (CYCC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-02-17: CYCC trying to establish it's uptrend on positive news Wednesday. High accumulation/distribution rank, strong group action (2), looking to breakout from a small 4-week base. Going to put 5% of the GSA Portfolio into CYCC with a tight 10% stop.

  • 2010-02-05: CWS and KERX hit our stops. Small positions in NEP and CGEN remain in the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-02-04: Took profits / stopped out of CMFO, CGA, JST, CSIQ, SEED and LFT.

  • 2010-02-01: Took profits on CYTX.

  • 2010-02-01: Stopped out of SIGA.

  • 2010-01-30: Last week all three major indices failed to hold support at their respective 100-day moving averages, a level of support that hasn't really been tested since the March 2009 rally began. In January, the Dow returned -3.5%, far worse than the market's historical average +1% gain for this month.

    The GSA Portfolio, after having a strong start in January, by the end of the month took a beating as well, and we were stopped out of a few quality names. We now have tight stops (actual, not mental) in place to protect gains and limit further losses on all positions in the portfolio.

  • 2010-01-29: Exited positions in HEAT, HITK and TPI, all trading more than 25% off their highs.

  • 2010-01-25: Exited our position in MAIL.

  • 2010-01-12: Top Stock Picks candidate China Wind Systems Inc (CWS) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-01-11: Top Stock Picks candidate Compugen Ltd (CGEN) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-01-11: Putting <5% of the GSA Portfolio into CWS. Take a look at the flat basing pattern breakout on CWS's 3-month Daily chart. It makes the decision to enter the position less daunting.

  • 2010-01-10: Taking a small position (<5% of the GSA portfolio) in CGEN on a pullback from it's recent high-volume breakout.

  • 2010-01-03: Top Stock Picks candidate IncrediMail Ltd (MAIL) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2010-01-01: MAIL possesses a great looking chart pattern, with a breakout December 30, 2009 from a long 17-week base on 3x average volume. MAIL in our #2 ranked group - Business Software & Services, and boasts an ROE of 45%. Based in Israel, seems like no analysts cover this stock yet.

  • 2009-12-21: Top Stock Picks candidate Hi-Tech Pharmacal Inc (HITK) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-12-20: Taking a small position (<5%, since we are fully invested) in HITK, a past Top Pick from 3 months ago. On Thursday, HITK broke out of a 10-wk base on strong volume, with another follow-through volume day on Friday.

  • 2009-12-07: Top Stock Picks candidate Tianyin Pharmaceutical Co Inc (TPI) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate China North East Petroleum Holdings Ltd (NEP) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-12-05: Flat 16-wk base breakout on TPI. Lower priced stock, so will be limiting live portfolio to 5% max. (TPI will not be tracked on the Top Picks portfolio, since that is almost fully invested). Also, no deliberate attempt to position the portfolio into so many Chinese names - they just seem to have the best chart breakouts.

  • 2009-12-05: Breakout may be developing on NEP. Lower priced stock, so will be limiting live portfolio to 5% max. (NEP will not be tracked on the Top Picks portfolio, since that is almost fully invested). Again, no deliberate attempt to position the portfolio into so many Chinese names - they just seem to have the best chart breakouts.

  • 2009-12-01: Top Stock Picks candidate Keryx Biopharmaceuticals Inc (KERX) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-11-30: Top Stock Picks candidate SIGA Technologies Inc (SIGA) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Origin Agritech Ltd (SEED) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Cytori Therapeutics Inc (CYTX) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-11-30: Breakout on good volume from an 8-week base on KERX, which is trending up while finding support along it's 50-day moving average. Re-initiating a position back into this recent Top Pick.

  • 2009-11-29: Flat 18% breakout from a 21-week base on SIGA.

  • 2009-11-29: Monster breakout on SEED. Taking a 5% position to see how this plays out.

  • 2009-11-29: Getting back into the breakout on CYTX, a past Top Pick.

  • 2009-11-23: Top Stock Picks candidate Canadian Solar Inc (CMFO) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate SmartHeat Inc (HEAT) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Longtop Financial Technologies Ltd (LFT) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Jinpan International Ltd (JST) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate China Green Agriculture Inc (CGA) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-11-21: Getting back into the breakouts on HEAT, JST, LFT and CGA.

  • 2009-11-21: Breakout from a 21% 16-week base on CSIQ.

  • 2009-11-20: Top Stock Picks candidate China Marine Food Group Ltd (CMFO) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-11-19: Putting 5% of the GSA Portfolio into CMFO, which looks like it wants to breakout from a 15-week base.

  • 2009-11-12: Stopped out of APAC , our remaining long position.

  • 2009-10-30: Exiting most of our holdings in the market today.

    Probably trading a bit on emotion, but do not like the action of the US market at this point.

  • 2009-10-28: Took profits in PEGA on trailing stop trigger.

  • 2009-10-28: Stopped out of UEC, KERX, CHNG . Market seems to be entering a correction period.

  • 2009-10-27:

  • 2009-10-21: Stopped out of HEAT and CRY .

  • 2009-10-20: Stopped out of OREX.

  • 2009-10-15: Top Stock Picks candidate APAC Customer Services Inc (APAC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-10-14: Flat breakout from a 20-week base on APAC, leading Business Services group, undervalued, with increasing institutional ownership.

  • 2009-10-13: Took profits on our remaining holdings in PWRD, on a break below it's 50-day moving average.

  • 2009-10-12: Top Stock Picks candidate China Natural Gas Inc (CHNG) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-10-12: Took partial profits on PWRD, which is attempting to find support at its 50-day.

  • 2009-10-11: 18-week cup-and-handle breakout formation observed on China Natural Gas Inc (CHNG).

  • 2009-10-09: Top Stock Picks candidate Uranium Energy Corp (UEC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-10-08: Exiting Past Top Pick China Green Agriculture (CGA) for new pick Uranium Energy Corp (UEC). CGA is off more than 20% off it's highs, and below it's 50-day. On UEC we observe a cup-and-handle breakout from a 17-week base, which allows for a tight stop if price action turns negative.

  • 2009-10-04: HEAT and CRY will be sold from the GSA Portfolio on further weakness Monday, since they are trading below our stop-loss levels.

  • 2009-09-29: Top Stock Picks candidate SmartHeat Inc (HEAT) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-09-28: HEAT uptrend being established. Strong ROE (60%), accumulation-distribution and quarterly EPS%. Definitely a bit speculative - putting only 5% of the GSA Portfolio into HEAT.

  • 2009-09-21: Top Stock Picks candidate Keryx Biopharmaceuticals Inc (KERX) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Hi-Tech Pharmacal Inc (HITK) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-09-21: Perfect World (PWRD) reversed off a new 52-week high Monday on low volume. We will exit PWRD on weakness Tuesday, barring any positive breaking news. This has been a big mover for us, and we can always buy it back.

  • 2009-09-19: Breakout from a 7-week base on Wed, Sep 16 seems to be holding on KERX. Will take an initial 5% position, with plans to pyramid, if the stock moves in our favor.

  • 2009-09-19: HITK showing accelerating quarterly sales and earnings growth. Chart a bit extended.

  • 2009-09-10: Top Stock Picks candidate Orexigen Therapeutics Inc (OREX) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-09-09: Stopped out of ABAT.

  • 2009-09-09: Speculative play in OREX. Good high volume breakout from a flat 8-week base, allowing for a tight -7% stop-loss.

  • 2009-09-08: Top Stock Picks candidate CryoLife Inc (CRY) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-09-06: We have introduced a new feature on our site - Trend Following. This is a systematic (non-discretionary), long-term trading system using leveraged (2x) ETFs. All our investing principles are based on trend trading, i.e., letting your profits run with the trend, while cutting losses short, and so using leveraged ETFs seems to be a natural extension for us

    We have back-tested three ETFs against the NASDAQ, Dow and S&P 500, since late 2006, when these instruments began trading. Results are encouraging, although this would be somewhat expected, given the highly trending nature of these markets over the last year. Keep in mind that trend following may involve significant drawdown (loss of capital) periods, specially in a non-trending environment, and never gets you in at the very bottom, or out at the very top. Instead it is designed to catch the bulk of a trending move.

    We have implemented this strategy on a portion of our live trading portfolio this past week. A margin account is needed for this strategy, due to the nature of these positions. Please feel free to check out the Trend Following link, after you are logged in. Make sure you understand the strategy fully, and are comfortable with the risks involved, before implementing it. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

    Have a great Labor Day weekend!

  • 2009-09-03: Stopped out of Orchids Paper Products (TIS).

  • 2009-09-01: Exited CKSW on failure to re-claim it's 50-day moving average.

  • 2009-08-31: Top Stock Picks candidate KapStone Paper and Packaging Corp (KPPC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-08-28: Exited UTA on a break below its 50-day moving average and violation of trailing stop-loss line.

  • 2009-08-24: Top Stock Picks candidate Orchids Paper Products Co (TIS) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-08-22: Repurchasing Orchids Paper Products (TIS) on a move above it's 50-day moving average on 575% average volume.

  • 2009-08-17: Exited TIS and LFT for a loss of -12% and -14% on this brutal down day. Holding on to CKSW for another day to see if it recovers Tuesday (close near the highs for the day).

  • 2009-08-16: Going to keep a close eye Monday on some of our positions that are close to violating their -7% to -10% stop-losses, e.g., TIS and CKSW. We normally want to hold through the trading day, and take action at the close.

  • 2009-08-11: Top Stock Picks candidate Longtop Financial Technologies Ltd (LFT) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Orchids Paper Products Co (TIS) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate ClickSoftware Technologies Ltd (CKSW) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-08-10: Repurchasing recently profitable past Top Pick CKSW on a high-volume bounce off it's 20-day moving average.

  • 2009-08-10: TIS provides a good entry point +7% off it's 50-day moving average. TIS is quite a bit extended from a base, but an entry close to this moving average may provide the necessary downside support (stop).

  • 2009-08-10: Strong breakout to new highs on LFT from a flat 10-week base on 450% average volume.

  • 2009-08-05: Stopped out of JST for a loss of -10%.

  • 2009-08-03: Top Stock Picks candidate Jinpan International Ltd (JST) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-08-03: Adding (pyramiding) to our position in last week's Top Pick Syntroleum Corp (SYNM), being up about +6%.

  • 2009-08-02: Cup and handle breakout on JST 1-year weekly chart.

  • 2009-07-30: High volume (269%) breakout from an 8-week flat 8% basing pattern on PEGA.

  • 2009-07-30: Top Stock Picks candidate Pegasystems Inc (PEGA) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-07-28: Top Stock Picks candidate Syntroleum Corp (SYNM) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-07-27: Top Stock Picks candidate Baidu Inc (BIDU) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate China Green Agriculture Inc (CGA) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Advanced Battery Technologies Inc (ABAT) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-07-27: SYNM breakout to new highs on 400% average volume, off a flat 16% 8-week basing pattern.

  • 2009-07-25: Repurchasing Past Top Pick CGA on a 600% volume breakout from a flat 10-week basing pattern.

  • 2009-07-25: Cup-and-handle breakout on 240% avg volume observed on BIDU weekly chart.

  • 2009-07-25: Repurchasing ABAT on 50-day moving average support.

  • 2009-07-21: UTA finding support at its 50-day moving average.

  • 2009-07-21: Top Stock Picks candidate Universal Travel Group (UTA) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-07-20: Repurchased long-term Top Pick Perferct World (PWRD) on a move to new highs.

  • 2009-07-10: An article yesterday about The Chartist Newsletter (which also uses relative strength trading techniques) moving 100% to cash caught our eye - http://www.marketwatch.com/story/top-performing-newsletter-now-completely-in-cash. This seems to confirm the price action we saw this past week on the majority of our positions moving against us, causing us to sell. Maybe the 4-month bull-rally has run it's course.

    Futures this morning are also negative. We may sell out our remaining 10% holdings today, and look for shorting opportunities, using our Active Trading and Swing Trading signals.

  • 2009-07-10: Sold out STAR and CRTX for +22% and +6% respectively. GSA Portfolio is now 100% in cash.

  • 2009-07-08: Exited ABAT for about +11%, ONTY for about -4% on 50-day moving average violations, and OXGN for about -13%.

  • 2009-07-07: Exited positions in GOOG and ARST for +4% and +11% respectively. For ARST this was our second profitable trade, after a +20% move in the Q2 2009 period. We normally don't like to hold stocks trading below their 50-day moving averages, and so we sold these two names.

  • 2009-07-07: Closed out the SONE trade for a -7% loss. Tight stops in place in the current market environment.

  • 2009-07-06: Stopped out of Top Pick CYTX for about -10%. Continue to maintain tight stops at this point.

  • 2009-07-06: Keep an eye out on Top Picks ARST and GOOG - both violated their 50-day averages Monday. We will look to take our small profits in these two names on further weakness Tuesday.

    Market not acting too strong - breakouts have disappeared, and leading stocks seem to be rolling over. Be cautious out there.

  • 2009-07-02: Top Pick CGA triggered our stop - sold out for -11%.

  • 2009-07-01: Past Top Pick ASIA did not work out, and we exited for a loss of -15%.

  • 2009-06-30: We exited past Top Picks candidate PWRD for a profit of +61%, and the short-term trade BCON for a loss of -22%.

  • 2009-06-29: Top Stock Picks candidate China Green Agriculture Inc (CGA) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-06-29: We'll go ahead and set a stop to sell PWRD on weakness below $30, to book our +60% profits. PWRD closed down on heavy volume, and it may be a time to lock-in these gains. Remember, we can always buy it back if it continues it's run to new highs.

    The short term TRADE in BCON has not worked out. BCON will be sold, barring any positive news.

  • 2009-06-26: Top Stock Picks candidate Oncothyreon Inc (ONTY) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-06-26: As planned, we got a few more points out of NVEC and we exited as it hit our profit target of +25% to +30%. Overall the GSA portfolio had a good day in a ho-hum market - will make for a happy weekend.

  • 2009-06-25: Past Top Stock Pick SOHU has hit it's profit objective of +25% to +30%. We exited SOHU Thursday morning.

  • 2009-06-25: Exited First Solar (FSLR) at about -14%.

  • 2009-06-25: Exited the short-term TRADES in MDVN and CMED which did not pan out. Both around -10%.

  • 2009-06-25: For Friday, keep an eye on NVEC, which has entered it's profit objective range. We'll be looking to take our profits in NVEC on additional strength of a few points, if we get it.

    Will be posting Oncothyreon Inc (ONTY) as a Top Pick for Friday later this evening, showing an 8-week breakout from a flat 16% base. ONTY is trading at $3.09, so consider it a bit more speculative, given it's Biotechnology industry group.

  • 2009-06-25: Weekly chart of CGA doesn't look right - look at daily.

  • 2009-06-24: Top Stock Pick ASIA will be sold tomorrow (Thursday) on further weakness, barring any positive news announcement.

  • 2009-06-23: Exited APWR for about a -20% loss.

  • 2009-06-23: Nailed down +26% profits in CKSW, after it hit our profit objective.

  • 2009-06-23: Covered the short-term trade in ACXM (Short position) for a profit of +6%.

  • 2009-06-22: Top Stock Picks candidate Oxigene Inc (OXGN) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-06-18: Past Top Pick ClickSoftware Technologies (CKSW) has reached our profit target of +25% to +30%. Today, CKSW also retraced all of yesterday's move to new highs, not very positive. We now have a stop order to sell CKSW on weakness below $5.25 Friday.

  • 2009-06-16: Closed out two short-term trades today - TQNT for +25% and INSM for +13%.

  • 2009-06-15: Entered BCON as a speculative play. We'll see how it plays out.

    It is to be noted that today's sell-off came on below-average trading volume, at least as far as the GSA portfolio goes, while the few names that closed up (APWR, TQNT, and CRTX) did so on robust volume. Always a good sign.

  • 2009-06-14: Beacon Power Corp (BCON) for a SPECULATIVE TRADE Monday on strength above $1.02. Purely a technical play only - flat breakout on its daily, plus the weekly chart looks like BCON has completed a rounded bottoming process.

  • 2009-06-11: Looking to enter a few short-term TRADES Friday: LONG the cup-and-handle breakout in OTEX on strength above its Thursday close of $36.90, and SHORT the bearish Doji in ACXM on weakness below its close of $12.27.

    Also, current Top Picks portfolio holding ArcSight (ARST) announced earnings that were better than expectations, but guided lower for the next quarter. Was down after-hours - it will probably behave bad Friday, so may decide to pull the trigger on ARST.

  • 2009-06-10: CTRN trade did not work out - closed down hard today by about -12%, and we so we exited.

  • 2009-06-09: Top Stock Picks candidate Cornerstone Therapeutics Inc (CRTX) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-06-05: Exited our trade in CSC for a +7% gain.

  • 2009-06-05: Took a speculative position in Insmed Inc (INSM) on a breakout in an uptrending stair-step chart pattern. Definitely a speculative play here with this low priced stock.

  • 2009-06-04: Entered the breakout in S1 (SONE) for a TRADE.

  • 2009-06-03: Traded out of SXCI for some CMED, which broke out of a flat basing pattern and broke through it's 200-day.

  • 2009-06-02: We'll go ahead and close out our TRADE in SXCI Wednesday. SXCI has given us about +8%, right in the middle of our +5% to +10% objective for Active Trades. Also seeing a move to new highs on low volume, prompting closing out the trade, barring any positive news announcements.

  • 2009-06-01: Top Stock Picks candidate Cytori Therapeutics Inc (CYTX) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-05-27: Entered TriQuint Semiconductor (TQNT) for a trade only - nice breakout on a 3-month daily chart, plus Semiconductors group action within Top 40.

    Current holding MELI broke support at it's 50-day moving average - warning sign. Will see if it recovers a bit by the end of the day. Maybe a shake out of weak hands is in play.

  • 2009-05-27: Exited MELI on a high-volume break through it's 50-day, a -9% hit.

  • 2009-05-26: Top Stock Picks candidate AsiaInfo Holdings Inc (ASIA) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-05-26: Exited our short-term trade in BMC for a small loss. Took trading positions in MDVN, CSC, CTRN and SXCI - all breakouts within our Active Trading page featuring minute-by-minute refreshes of breakouts, moving average crossovers, price gaps, and reversals.

  • 2009-05-22: Exited the Goldcorp Inc (GG) trade for about +4%.

  • 2009-05-22: Shorted salesforce.com inc (CRM) on a break thru both it's 50-day and 200-day moving average, as well as gapping down today on high volume. CRM is over-owned by institutions and also over-valued, showing up on our Daily Report (Short Candidates).

  • 2009-05-21: Exited JRJC this morning on declining accumulation/distribution rank.

  • 2009-05-20: Gold acting strong today. Goldcorp Inc (GG) for a trade.

  • 2009-05-19: Took a trading position in BMC Software Inc (BMC), which looks like it wants to break out from a tight 8-week base. Remember (note to self), this is a trade (target +5% to +10% gains), and not a core position.

  • 2009-05-16: On Friday, we were stopped out of our positions in CMED and SDTH for small -7% to -8% losses, while we re-entered positions in recent Top Picks ARST and APWR. ARST found support at it's 50-day, while APWR did the same off it's 200-day.

    Nasdaq failed to break through resistance at it's 200-day, so we're back to taking a cautious approach, with tight stops and nailing down profits around +20% on our holdings when we have them.

    Also, try to complement your core position trades with short-term opportunities generated by our Active Trading feature - charts of breakouts, moving averages support, that are refreshed for you automatically all through the trading day. Goal here is to take quick +7% to +10% profits, while cutting losses at -5%.

  • 2009-05-13: Today we exited positions in APWR, ARST and FEED, all for around +20% gains, while we sold out of CTCT for a loss of around -12%.

  • 2009-05-05: Top Stock Picks candidate Ebix Inc (EBIX) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Advanced Battery Technologies Inc (ABAT) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-05-04: Top Stock Picks candidate Perfect World Co Ltd (PWRD) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-05-01: Top Stock Picks candidate First Solar Inc (FSLR) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-04-27: Top Stock Picks candidate Starent Networks Corp (STAR) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Sohu.com Inc (SOHU) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-04-20: Top Stock Picks candidate Mercadolibre Inc (MELI) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate AgFeed Industries Inc (FEED) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd (APWR) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate DG FastChannel Inc (DGIT) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate ShengdaTech Inc (SDTH) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate China Medical Technologies Inc (CMED) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Google Inc (GOOG) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Constant Contact Inc (CTCT) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-04-17: Top Stock Picks candidate China Finance Online Co Ltd (JRJC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-04-13: Top Stock Picks candidate NVE Corp (NVEC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-04-13: We exited our position in BEAT on a break below both the 50-day and 200-day averages.

  • 2009-04-13: Brief update on a new feature we've launched for active traders. Now members can click on the "Active Trading" link to view continuously refreshed daily charts of stocks exhibiting breakouts, moving average crossovers, price gaps and reversals. Without much effort, you can now see actionable and timely stock activity all in one place.

    It is our belief that this market has become extremely short-term focused, and it would benefit us to complement our investment portfolio with a few well selected (i.e., good chart patterns) short term trading ideas. We will mainly look for breakouts from tight chart patterns, and aim for smaller profit objectives than our customary 25% to 30%, perhaps around 10% or so.

    Also, please bear with us, as we work out any kinks on this new feature, and we welcome your suggestions and feedback.

  • 2009-04-06: Top Stock Picks candidate ClickSoftware Technologies Ltd (CKSW) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-03-26: We plan to re-purchase recently stopped out Top Pick TeleCommunication Systems (TSYS) on it's breakout to a new high today. ARST also looked good today, up nearly +13% for the day. Time will tell if this nascent rally has legs.

  • 2009-03-17: We will be taking a SHORT swing trade (1 to 10 day) position in Smith & Wesson Holding Corp (SWHC) Tuesday, on a bearish doji pattern, and will cover if SWHC makes a new high.

  • 2009-03-16: Top Stock Picks candidate CardioNet Inc (BEAT) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate ArcSight Inc (ARST) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-03-11: In the middle of this recession, and given the state of today's stock market, we have decided to roll-back our subscription rates by 50%. Recently, we've received quite a few e-mails suggesting that are rates are too high for what this market has to offer, and that people would find our service valuable but just couldn't afford the price. Of course, we have also doubled the period remaining on all existing member subscriptions to align with our new rates.

    On yesterday's market action, remember one day does not a rally make. We are sticking by our short positions for now. We need more confirmation (follow-thru days, improved market breadth, increased breakouts, etc) before we can fully invest on the long side. Best regards!

  • 2009-03-09: We exited our long positions in STAR for a +10% gain, TNDM (+0%), TSYS (-12%). Only short positions are now held in the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-03-08: Market continues to show no signs of life on the long-side. On Friday, we exited our trading position in RGR for a quick +12% gain. Also, barring any positive stock-specific news before the market opens Monday, we will be exiting our remaining longs in STAR (short-term reversal Friday), TNDM (reversal on it's weekly), and TSYS (continues to trade below both it's 50-day moving average and our trailing stop-loss line).

    On the short side, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX) seems to have made a double-top on a weekly chart. We will be selling VRTX short, since it broke below it's 200-day moving average last week, shows poor accumulation, and is just over 20% off it's 52-week high. Another short for Monday is Cbeyond, Inc (CBEY), grossly over-valued, with 97% of shares owned by institutions, and showing declining sales growth.

  • 2009-03-04: Taking a trading position in RGR long, and shorting NKTR today.

  • 2009-03-04: Take a look at Capella Education (CPLA). We are looking to short CPLA Thursday, as it has broken below its 200 day, is over-owned by institutions, and shows poor accumulation/distribution. Its group Education and Training Services also took a big hit today as well.

  • 2009-02-28: As you know, we've been experimenting with swing trades (1-10 days hold) using candlesticks and overbought-oversold conditions. We are going to swing long THRX, CHTT and AVD. Also, taking some short positions in RMD, EW and ISIS. Finally, take a look at the huge breakout in RGR - maybe too late to jump in now.

  • 2009-02-18: Today, we pyramided into both STAR and TSYS, to take each up to approximately 10% of the GSA Long Portfolio.

  • 2009-02-17: Top Stock Picks candidate TeleCommunication Systems Inc. (TSYS) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-02-11: Based on some of your feedback, and the nature of how short-term focused this market has really become, we have introduced a new feature for Swing Trading. It is built on trying to profit from near term (1 to 10 days) long- or short swing trading positions. Entry points are triggered by a handful of the popular Japanese Candlestick reversal patterns, in combination with a stock's overbought/oversold condition. Feel free to check it out using the Swing Trading link after logging into our site. As always, your comments and feedback are welcome and appreciated.

  • 2009-02-09: Top Stock Picks candidate Neutral Tandem Inc (TNDM) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-02-02: Top Stock Picks candidate Starent Networks Corp (STAR) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2009-01-12: Following our sell rules, today we were stopped out of LPHI for a small -8% loss.

  • 2008-12-31: We purchased Top Stock Picks candidate LPHI today at $43.40 on a breakout to new highs from a basing pattern.

  • 2008-12-30: We've spent some time and effort building a SHORTING strategy that would have hedged our portfolio against the market declines over the last several months. We've back-tested this strategy, going back to April 2004, and have provided the results on the graph shown on our home page. The SHORT portfolio holdings can also be viewed on our Top Picks Portfolio page.

    Of course hindsight is 20/20, but you can see that this SHORT strategy worked well in the recent past (no surprise here). Time will tell if it provides an adequate hedge going forward. In a nutshell, the strategy is to short poor accumulation/distribution stocks that have recently broken below their 200-day moving averages, while both the 200 day and 50-day averages are trending lower. These stocks also have too much institutional ownership, and may be primed for more selling. The ticker SPY must also be trading below it's 200-day MA for the SHORT strategy to be in effect. We plan to short any new names from this strategy in the live GSA Portfolio.

    Hope you all have a wonderful new year!

  • 2008-10-22: We exited our position in QCOR for a +19% gain.

  • 2008-10-02: We exited all our losing positions (MASI, BKE, DXPE) this afternoon. Only holding in the GSA Portfolio is now QCOR, which remarkably is showing a profit.

  • 2008-09-30: We exited positions in IIVI and IGTE, both being off more than 20% off their 52-week highs.

  • 2008-09-22: Top Stock Picks candidate Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc (QCOR) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2008-09-21: Last week's Top Pick Questcor Pharmaceuticals (QCOR) has held up well. We'll go ahead and take our 5% position in QCOR Monday morning, barring any negative announcements between now and then.

  • 2008-09-17: Thursday, we will exit positions in FUQI and GXDX, both of which are trading more than 20% off their highs. These stocks are down the most in the GSA Portfolio (-22% and -18% respectively). Further portfolio weakness in this brutal market environment will lead to more selling of our remaining holdings. May better times soon prevail!

  • 2008-09-15: In light of significant market turmoil due to Lehman's potential bankruptcy filing, we are going to hold off purchasing Top Pick QCOR this morning.

  • 2008-09-09: MR and CMED were both sold from the GSA Portfolio on poor price action and trading more than 20% off their highs.

  • 2008-09-03: Top Stock Picks candidate Fuqi International Inc (FUQI) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Top Stock Picks candidate Buckle Inc (BKE) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2008-08-29: Being up 3% to 6% from our original purchase price of DXP Enterprises Inc (DXPE), we added (pyramided) to this position.

  • 2008-08-25: Top Stock Picks candidate Digital Ally Inc (DGLY) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2008-08-15: Top Stock Picks candidate DXP Enterprises Inc (DXPE) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    Being up 3% to 6% from our original purchase price of Masimo Corp (MASI), we added (pyramided) to this position.

  • 2008-08-11: Top Stock Picks candidate Genoptix Inc (GXDX) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate Masimo Corp (MASI) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate II VI Inc (IIVI) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2008-08-07: Top Stock Picks candidate China Medical Technologies Inc (CMED) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate Mindray Medical International Ltd (MR) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2008-08-04: Top Stock Picks candidate iGate Corp (IGTE) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2008-08-04: This morning, we exited our position in POT for a -12.5% loss.

  • 2008-07-30: Our only portfolio holding Potash Corp (POT) is barely holding up. Fundamentally sales and earnings looked steller in its recent reporting quarter. However, technically, along with other Agricultural Chemical stocks, POT does not look strong. Down -8% in this position, we will give it a few more days to see if it improves technically - if not, then we cut our losses and move on.

    Market has been rallying strongly last few days. We are seeing an increase in the number of stocks making our database, as well as the number of industry groups with 2 or more stocks close to new highs. However, we still want to give this rally a bit more time to prove itself (we've been shaken out by fake attempts before!). All three major indexes are still below their respective 50-day moving averages, showing poor A/D ranks, so we should wait a bit. Let's remain cautious, patient, observant and let the market come to us, instead of the other way around.

  • 2008-06-26: Today we exited our position in TTES for a +24% gain (met its profit target in 9+ weeks), RIMM for a 2% gain (negative price action on earnings), and NVEC for a -14% loss (violation of trailing stop-loss line).

  • 2008-06-21: Friday, we sold our SOHU holdings for a gain of +28%. SOHU broke through it's 50-day moving average on strong volume on negative comments by the company regarding post-Olympics ad spending.

    We continue to be defensive in this very tough market environment. 

  • 2008-06-10: Today we were stopped out of our positions in ATW, GNK and DRYS, for a loss of approximately -10% each.

  • 2008-06-09: Top Stock Picks candidate Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc (POT) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2008-06-04: Following our Top Picks model portfolio signals, we are going to pyramid into our holding in NVEC, being up +4.8% to date. SOHU has been acting right as well, making new highs on strong volume - it is key to watch this action closely, because reversals off a new high often show up clearly on a daily chart. SOHU has been a good performer for the GSA Portfolio, being up +58% since purchase, plus we are leveraged in it. ATW is clinging to it's 50-day moving average, stayin barely above it, and along with the shippers GNK and DRYS, look like our weaker performers. They need a close watch as well.

  • 2008-05-28: We need to keep a close watch on Atwood Oceanics (ATW), which is trying to find support at it's 50-day moving average. Being down nearly -10% in ATW, we will exit on any weakness today (Wednesday).

    Last week the market showed how extremely volatile it can become. The Dow lost more than 500 points, and was turned back hard from it's 200 day moving average. Most, if not all, of the GSA Portfolio gains since the March lows disappeared. So now, once again we find ourselves playing defense - tight stops, daily vigilance and adherence to our sell rules (poor accumulation / distribution, reversals off new highs, violation of support levels, too far below 52-week highs, etc.)

  • 2008-05-27: Today we exited out of positions that had double-digit losses - CF, TNH, GFA, ISRG and PWRD. The market doesn't want to recover after last week's dismal performance.

  • 2008-05-23: We sold out our position in FEED for a loss of -18%.

  • 2008-05-19: Top Stock Picks candidate Perfect World Co Ltd (PWRD) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2008-05-17: Quick comment on Monday's Top Pick - Perfect World (PWRD) is set to announce earnings before the market opens Monday. Barring a negative announcement, or weak pre-market action in PWRD, we will purchase it at the open.

    Market's been kind to the GSA Portfolio of late. The Dow and S&P 500 indices are both up against their 40-week moving averages, and are looking to break through, while the Nasdaq has shown it's leadership and has already broken through last week. Let's see whether this is the start of a bull run that is sustainable.

  • 2008-05-13: Good strong day for the GSA Portfolio Monday, with the portfolio up +3.8% vs +1.02% for the Dow. Portfolio was aided by concentrated positions in GNK, DRYS, SOHU and RIMM, each of which makes up approximately 10% of our portfolio. We also pyramided into TTES, being up +3% in this holding. For the benefit of new members, it bears repeating - always buy more shares of your stock holdings that move up, never add to those that you are showing a loss in. With our trade for the morning in NVEC, the portfolio is getting dangerously close to being fully invested. Like in the past, it took only a few weeks to go from 0% to 100% in our investment position. Playing the market is an exercise of constant vigilance. You won't know when things change, if you are not looking.

  • 2008-05-13: Top Stock Picks candidate NVE Corp (NVEC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2008-05-05: Top Stock Picks candidate Gafisa ADR (GFA) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate DryShips Inc (DRYS) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2008-04-21: Top Stock Picks candidate Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd (GNK) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate T 3 Energy Services Inc (TTES) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate Sohu.com Inc (SOHU) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate AgFeed Industries Inc (FEED) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate Terra Nitrogen Co LP (TNH) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate Atwood Oceanics Inc (ATW) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2008-04-21: We will go ahead and pyramid the GSA Portfolio into Research in Motion (RIMM) and Sohu.com Inc (SOHU), both being up +3% from our original purchase point. Also, we saw decent moves in our Top Picks today, with all but one (GNK -0.03), finishing higher on the day. The key is if these moves are sustainable so as to net us meaningful profits.

  • 2008-04-20: Based on the action of leading stocks, we are going to get more aggressive in the GSA Portfolio Monday, and are going to stake 5% portfolio positions in the following six top ranked breakout stocks: GNK, TTES, SOHU, FEED, TNH and ATW. Also, we need to watch ISRG closely, since it sold off sharply despite earnings that beat expectations.

  • 2008-04-20: Please note - we still own CF in our portfolio, along with RIMM and ISRG.

  • 2008-04-15: Following our rules to pyramid into positions that have moved up +3% to +6%, we are going to add to our purchase yesterday of CF Industries Holdings (CF).

  • 2008-04-14: Top Stock Picks candidate CF Industries Holdings Inc (CF) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2008-04-04: Top Stock Picks candidate Research in Motion Ltd (RIMM) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2008-04-02: Top Stock Picks candidate Intuitive Surgical Inc (ISRG) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2008-04-01: We are going to nibble a bit at this market, with a 5% portfolio position in Top Pick Intuitive Surgical Inc (ISRG). ISRG has shown a decent chart pattern, with a breakout from a 19% base of 15 weeks duration. Our stance needs to be extremely defensive with a tight 7% to 8% stop-loss, given the fact that this rally could either be a short-lived rally within the confines of a bear market, or the start of something new. No one can say for sure, but let's act on the price action of our leading stocks.

  • 2008-03-22: Just a brief update - based on the composition of stocks making our database this week (and in recent past weeks), as well as the chart patterns observed in leading stocks, we continue to maintain our 100% cash position in the market. Like in the past, we will be able to increase our portfolio position from 0% to 100% invested within a matter of days or weeks. Although last week's market action as demonstrated by the averages was much more encouraging than prior weeks, this leadership doesn't seem to have translated into individual stock names. The market needs to show us the way, and right now, that direction is not clear to us.

  • 2008-02-16: The US Stock Market continues to exhibit weakness, as last week's lackluster economic reports offered little encouragement. The week began strong but closed with disappointing weakness. The market's (DJIA, S&P and Nasdaq) 50-day moving averages are now in an established downtrends, while their 200-day have also turned down.

    Also, one look at our Industry Map feature shows you how poor market breadth really is - now there are only 22 industries with 2 or more stocks that made recent 52-week highs. In bull markets, we usually see 100+ industry groups exhibiting this behavior. Our Auto Portfolio also refuses to spit out any strong names, and so we continue to maintain our 95% cash position.

  • 2008-02-04: Top Stock Picks candidate ShengdaTech Inc (SDTH) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2008-01-18: Our single portfolio holding Terra Nitrogen Co (TNH) is sitting right at it's 50-day moving average - need to see if this level will hold Friday. Being down on TNH more than our customary -7 to -8% is a reason for concern, although this morning's futures point to a higher initial open. Also Friday, President Bush is planning to unveil some details (sketchy) about his fiscal stimulus plan to boost our economy. With options expiration today, markets are going to be no less volatile than the rest of the week.

  • 2008-01-18: We took advantage of the small bounce and sold out our only holding in TNH. The GSA Portfolio is now 100% in cash, awaiting future market opportunities.

  • 2008-01-09: Today STP violated our trailing stop-loss line, and we traded out of it for a +58% gain. The sole position now held in the GSA Portfolio is TNH.

  • 2008-01-07: Today we were stopped out of past Top Pick JASO for a gain of +44%, when our trailing stop-loss was triggered intra-day. We also exited our position in TRAD for a loss of -13%, sticking to our sell rules discipline. JASO announced a 3:1 stock split, which we know does nothing to a stock's underlying value.

    We also have a stop order in place on our other solar play STP at it's trailing support level and judging by recent market action, it seems that it will be triggered tomorrow as well. The market right now is forcing us to exit positions - not heeding this advice would be counter-productive to our portfolio.

  • 2008-01-02: First of all, we wish all our subscribers a Very Happy New Year! Without your support, kind words and your much valued suggestions, our efforts would have no meaning.

    Today, the market got off to it's worst start ever (in terms of Dow points), driven mainly by weak manufacturing data and an oil spike above $100/barrel. Let us see what Thursday has to offer. At some point, the market will wake up to it's undervalued state. Inspite of a big down day today, the GSA Portfolio actually closed up, helped, as usual, by JASO and STP - don't know how far or how long their run will last. We will need to stick by our trailing stop-losses on these plays to maximize our gains. IBD also had a positive note out on the energy sector late Wednesday. On the negative side, recent Top Stock Pick MTW closed lower and we are down -8.7% on this position. Our trading rules tell us to bail out of this one, and so we shall, barring any positive pre-market news announcements.

    We cannot stress the following point enough - you will almost always have more losers than winners over a given time period, but the key is to keep your losses small, and let your winners rides. Easier said than done, but hopefully the tools that we now have in place, make that task a bit more manageable.

  • 2007-12-31: Top Stock Picks candidate Terra Nitrogen Co LP (TNH) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-12-26: Top Stock Picks candidate Manitowoc Co Inc (MTW) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-12-24: Top Stock Picks candidate TradeStation Group Inc (TRAD) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-12-17: We reduced our exposure to the market today by selling half our position in JASO and STP for gains of +46% and +74% respectively. JASO reversed off a new 52-wk high, and looks like it will close in the red today, amidst general market weakness. We also closed out our position in MICC for a small loss of -3%. After today's action, the GSA Portfolio is roughly 10% invested, with 90% sitting in cash.

  • 2007-12-09: Although the market averages are approaching new highs (S&P 500 less than 5% off its 52-week high), we have not observed robust participation by a broad group of stocks. Take a quick look at a daily chart of the S&P 500, and see how volume has contracted all through this recent 10-day rally. Further, our industry group analysis indicates a gradually shrinking count of groups with stocks that have made recent new highs. There are currently less than 50 groups with this characteristic. What happened to the other 50?

    We were tempted to post TradeStation Group (TRAD) as a Top Pick, but TRAD doesn't yet show double-digit quarterly EPS numbers, so we stayed put. Maybe it will rally for a few points, but remember our miniumum goal is a +25% move. Right now, if we want to enter a trade, the stock should jump up at us, with absolutely no red flags. Our few holdings in solar plays continue to act well, and so we hold these, until our trading rules dictate otherwise.

  • 2007-11-27: We were stopped out of our positions in EZA, WFR and BIDZ for a loss of -7%, -10%, and -29% respectively. BIDZ gapped down this morning, based on the fallout from the negative write-up by a short seller. The real story around BIDZ has not unfolded completely, but in all cases when there is significant doubt about a holding, we let the market tell us what to do. We followed our trading rules, and exited our positions.

  • 2007-11-26: The Nasdaq composite joined the other market averages to trade firmly below their 200-day moving averages. Sticking to our sell rules of exiting positions that are down -7% to -10%, we are going to trade out of EZA, WFR and BIDZ, barring any breaking positive developments before the market opens Tuesday. BIDZ was particularly hit hard after negative comments on a blog site, and showed a high volume reversal off a new 52-week high set earlier in the day today. Given the market environment, we also plan to lock in partial profits in our winners STP and JASO by selling half our position. STP is up nearly +50% for us, while JASO is up +14%.

  • 2007-11-23: Market has bounced back well on this shortened, post-Thanksgiving trading day, and volume will remain relatively light today. Our market direction indicators continue to remain in the bearish camp. All three market indicator proxies (DIA, SPY and ONEQ) have shown worsening accumulation/distribution ranks, and are trading below their respective 200-day moving averages.

    We continue to be defensive in our GSA Portfolio, making selective purchases only if an outstanding stock chart/name jumps out in our screens. Also, the one to watch more closely next week is MEMEC Electronic Materials (WFR), since we are down -7% in this position. WFR seems to have found support at it's 50-day moving average, which is encouraging for now. Overall, the GSA Portfolio is up +2.5% today with approximately 2 trading hours remaining.

    Remember this old wall street saying - bull markets have no resistance, and bear markets have no support. It explains, in general terms, why sometimes support levels hold and other times they don't.

  • 2007-11-19: Top Stock Picks candidate Bidz.com Inc (BIDZ) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-11-15: We traded out of our losing positions in AOB, NE, and SSRX for a loss of -8%, -11% and -23%. All good stocks, stopped out as a result of poor market action.

  • 2007-11-13: Pre-market is looking extremely strong today. We are going to wait and see if the GSA Portfolio recovers a bit, before trading out of some of our losers.

  • 2007-11-12: Gosh, it's been a depressing last few days in the market. Haven't seen a market drop so fast in a long time. Usually, these fast down moves portend of things to come, if there is no bounce attempt of support areas. The GSA Portfolio took it on the chin Friday, down -6% and again today, down -5%, giving back all the prior month's gains and then some. So, we are going to stick to our rules and trade out of our losing positions - MICC, NE, AOB, SSRX , anything that is down -7 to -8% or more, will all be sold at the market Tuesday, barring any SIGNIFICANT company-specific positive news announcements.

  • 2007-11-09: Market may have found support at it's 200-day moving average after several recent volatile days, although the futures this Friday morning point to further weakness. The GSA Portfolio also experienced +2% up and down moves for 3 days in a row, but strength in solar stocks has really helped our core solar holdings (STP, JASO), both up +45% or more. We also need to watch SSRX (-13%), to see if we should exit this one.

  • 2007-11-07: Top Stock Picks candidate Noble Corp (NE) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-11-01: Top Stock Picks candidate Silicon Motion Technology Corp (SIMO) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-10-29: Top Stock Picks candidate MEMC Electronic Materials Inc (WFR) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate Millicom International Cellular (MICC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-10-29: We're going to scale into our position in WFR tomorrow, following the signals generated by our Top Picks Portfolio Model. Overall, the market is telling us to be aggressively positioned - hopefully we should continue to see a favorable interest rate stance by the Fed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

    Past Top Stock Pick from a week ago, Suntech Power Holdings (STP) has way exceeded our expectations, being up +38% from our purchase price. Let's see if we have the fortitude to hold this one through for a longer-term play.

  • 2007-10-23: Tuesday morning, we are going to pyramid into our position in Monday's Top Stock Pick Suntech Power Holdings (STP), since we are up +4% in STP.

  • 2007-10-22: Top Stock Picks candidate Suntech Power Holdings Co Ltd (STP) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-10-11: We pyramided today into recent Top Stock Pick JASO on a brokerage upgrade and a move up on very strong volume.

  • 2007-10-10: On Wednesday, barring any negative news, we will pyramid into recent Top Stock Picks AOB and SSRX, both being up +3% from our purchase point. Channel your portfolio into those stocks that have moved in the right direction for you. We normally double our position, if a stock has moved up +3% to +6% from our original buy point.

  • 2007-10-08: Top Stock Picks candidate 3SBio Inc (SSRX) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate American Oriental Bioengineering Inc (AOB) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate IShares MSCI South Africa (EZA) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-09-29: The wildly neutral market continues it's action this week as well. Once again, we see a contraction in the number of stocks to chose from. We observed a few more breakouts this past week, but most of the price structures looked loose and wide (e.g., HOLX, HURC, ANST). We're not willing to commit additional funds to any names based on our observances at this point. It will be interesting to see if the market averages can break through their old summer highs or if double-top patterns will instead take place. Although it could be frustrating for new investors (and for some of our newer subscribers), it is prudent to sit tight right now.

  • 2007-09-24: Top Stock Picks candidate JA Solar Holdings Co Ltd (JASO) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-09-17: The market has already priced in a cut in the Fed Funds rate on September 18. The only issue remaining is how much the fed will cut this week - 25 or 50 basis points. Futures this Monday morning point to a weaker opening.

    On the GSA Portfolio front, nothing has changed - we still remain 100% in cash. We observed another contraction this week in the number of stocks making our database. Also, take a look at our Industry Map - in a broad, healthy market, we normally observe at least 100 industry names that have 2 or more stocks approaching new highs. This week only 35-odd industries meet this criteria, indicating bad market breadth. We continue to sit tight.

  • 2007-09-09: As over the last few weeks, we continue to maintain zero exposure to equities at this point. Last week, both the S&P 500 and the Dow failed to reclaim support of their 50-day moving averages. Using ETF proxies for the market, the current accumulation/distribution rankings of SPY and DIA are at 0.99 and 1.22 respectively. A reading below 1 indicates distribution. Also, less and less stocks are making our database every week, so that too indicates a smaller participation by leading stocks. Our market indicators have been stuck firmly in the bearish-neutral state.

    On Friday, we had the first monthly loss in payrolls growth in almost four years. The week after next, the Fed meets on September 18 to announce whether a rate cut in the Fed Funds rate is warranted - the market is expecting some sort of cut from the current 5.25% level. Next week is marked by a few market moving events - the sixth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, initial jobless claims, retail sales, and the University of Michigan's consumer confidence numbers. Expect more volatility, and so we continue to watch from the sidelines for now.

  • 2007-09-03: We continue to remain on the sidelines in this market, until we see a greater participation from individual names and more breakouts to chose from. Tried hard this weekend to find some names worth buying into, but didn't find much. Some of our past winners looked interesting like RIMM, DRYS and LIFC, but there isn't any point chasing extended stocks. In a healthy market, stocks should be flashing buy signals all around - let the market come to you.

    Technically, both the Dow and the S&P 500 are trading between their declining 50-day and still rising 200-day moving average. It will be interesting to watch which psychological area gets violated again. Historically, we are also in the month most disliked by the market. Since 1951, the Dow has risen in September only 36% of the time, with an average monthly return for September of -1.06%. Maybe it's prudent to continue to enjoy the summer trade-free for a few more weeks.

  • 2007-08-25: We continue to maintain a 100% cash position in the GSA Portfolio, since no stock names seem to jump out of our database for purchase. Although valuations on the overall market seem appealing, from a technical perspective we need to see if the major stock indexes can reclaim the support of their 50-day averages. More importantly, we need to see upside participation from individual growth stocks, but we are observing very few breakouts this week. The credit problem in the market probably won't correct itself instantly, although it was encouraging to see July new home sales reverse their prior two months of decline.

    On another note, we've added a new feature to the site - we now show thumbnail trend charts of key indicators like accumulation/distribution, relative strength, GSA rank, quarterly EPS%, etc., to quickly see a 3-month snapshot of these indicators in one place. Hopefully you will find it useful.

  • 2007-08-17: We sold our position in Top Stock Pick DryShips (DRYS) Thursday for a gain of +21%. The market rallied a bit into the close yesterday, but it needs to be seen if a bottom has been formed or the worst is yet to come. We are now sitting on a 100% cash position.

  • 2007-08-15: Today we were stopped out of Top Stock Picks Research in Motion (RIMM) for a gain of +29%, and Google (GOOG) for a loss of -3.5%. The only remaining position in the GSA Portfolio is DryShips (DRYS), currently up +24.5% from our purchase point. We may as well go ahead and sell DRYS at the market tomorrow, given the state of this market.

  • 2007-08-06: Today we were stopped out of Apple Inc (AAPL) for a +30% gain, and Guess? Inc (GES) for a +8% gain. We continue to remain cautious inspite of today's 286 point rally in the Dow, since leading stocks still need to prove themselves - and that didn't happen today.

  • 2007-08-05: We continue to take a very cautious view in this market and have placed hard stops on most positions in the GSA Portfolio. In addition to the stops placed last week on GOOG and RIMM, we have new stops in place on AAPL (just below it's 10-wk average at $129.95) and GES (just below last weeks low at $45.95). The stops if triggered should protect profits of +30% on AAPL and +8% on GES.

  • 2007-08-01: Market continues to act very weak, with the S&P 500 close to testing support at it's 200-day moving average around 1450. The market gave back positive gains from early in the day to close at it's lows, again not a healthy sign.

    Looking at our portfolio holdings, we have placed stop-sell orders on stocks that are close to violating their trailing stops - RIMM and GOOG are two names that exhibit this situation. On RIMM, a stop around $199 would protect profits of +30%, and on GOOG, a stop around $499 would limit our losses to -4%. It does not matter how high profile the name of the stock you are holding - we need to show trading rules discipline at all times, specially when our market indicators go bearish. Keep the faith!

  • 2007-08-01: We were stopped out of NCTY for a loss of -12%.

  • 2007-07-27: We were stopped out of Top Pick HAYN today for a loss of -12%.

  • 2007-07-27: We exited our position in Top Pick LifeCell (LIFC) for a +20% gain. LIFC had a reversal off a new high two trading sessions ago, and continued to act a bit weak in this poor market environment, and so we nailed down meaningful profits.

    Market seems to look vulnerable here again down triple digits, even in the face of excellent GDP numbers released today - not a very reassuring sign. We will continue to follow our trading rules and sell positions that show losses of -7% to -10%.

  • 2007-07-25: Top Stock Pick SIMO was sold from the GSA Portfolio for a loss of -7%. After the bell Wednesday, Apple (AAPL) announced quarterly results ($0.92) significantly above expectations ($0.72), and was up big after-hours. We should see a strong move in AAPL in Thursday's trading. We also need to watch HAYN carefully, since we are down almost -7% in this position.

  • 2007-07-24: Top Stock Pick Google (GOOG) seems to have found support at it's 50-day moving average line. We need to observe closely if this level holds.

    Also, Silicon Motion Technology (SIMO) is trading below it's GSA trailing stop-loss line. We will be placing stops just below SIMO's 50-day moving average of $24 to keep our losses small.

    DryShips (DRYS) has been on a tear, but we are going to continue to ride this one, unless we see a reversal occur - DRYS is a bit extended in price.

  • 2007-07-21: Top Stock Pick NVE Corporation (NVEC) was sold from the GSA Portfolio for a loss of -14% on across the board market weakness. One exception in the portfolio was Apple (AAPL) which closed up +3.75. We will continue to use our trading rules to make portfolio decisions in the coming week - expect more market volatility, hopefully this time to the upside.

  • 2007-07-19: Following our trading rules, we will be a seller of NVEC at the market Friday. NVEC broke support (both 10-wk and our trailing stop-loss line), inspite of reporting a +78% increase in quaterly EPS. We are down -13.9% in NVEC.

    After hours, Google (GOOG) was down more than -7% and so it deserves close watching as well.

  • 2007-07-16: Top Stock Picks candidate Haynes International Inc (HAYN) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate The9 Limited (NCTY) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-07-14: We will be initiating a position in this week's Top Stock Pick Haynes International Inc (HAYN) Monday morning. HAYN has shown good basing action for several weeks and also broke out of this consolidation period on active volume.

    Also, following the signals generated by our Top Picks Portfolio, we will repurchase a position in past pick The9 Ltd (NCTY). Our repurchase rules allow us to re-initiate a position in recently closed longer-term plays which have again made new highs on robust trade.

    With the markets all around the world in a buoyant mood, it seems prudent to increase our exposure to quality growth stocks, while following our strict buy/sell rules.

  • 2007-07-07: Don't see lots of new opportunities in this week's market, except that we will pyramid into our position in Top Stock Pick NVE Corp (NVEC), following our established buy rules. NVEC is up +3% from where we purchased last week, and is showing  good follow-thru action from it's cup-and-handle breakout.

    Also, on Friday, we sold our position in NCTY for a +23% gain.

  • 2007-07-05: All but one stock in the GSA Portfolio finished in the green today, despite a ho-hum market day marked by light post-holiday trade. We've seen some big moves in the portfolio that began with RIMM's announcement last Friday. We also see that The9 Ltd (NCTY)  has made repeated new highs on lower than average volume, and so we are going to exit our position in NCTY for a +23% gain tomorrow - barring, as usual, any positive breaking news before the market opens. This has been our second profitable trade in NCTY this year.

    Also, we have spent the last few weeks analyzing the historical performance of our Top Picks going back to April 2004, and applying our buy/sell trading rules to a portfolio built out of these picks. The results, although not stellar (given the market performance since then), seem to be pretty encouraging as shown on our home page. One of the characteristics of the model was to sell quickly (at a -7% loss), with the intention of buying back again on new highs. Also, note that there are more losing trades than winning trades, but the concept of pyramiding into winners and letting them ride longer kept the portfolio out of trouble. Please feel free to let us know your thoughts or questions.

  • 2007-07-03: Top Stock Picks candidate NVE Corporation (NVEC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-07-02: Top Stock Picks candidate DryShips Inc (DRYS) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-06-28: Watch out for some positive price action Friday on current Top Stock Picks holding Research in Motion (RIMM), which beat analysts' earnings expecatations, provided strong sales guidance and set a 3-for-1 stock split. RIMM was up as much as +16% in after-hours trading Thursday - don't know if the regular session will beat that amount. We'll watch and hopefully enjoy the session Friday.

  • 2007-06-25: Top Stock Picks candidate Silicon Motion Technology Corp (ADR) (SIMO) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-06-20: We traded out of our position in Atwood Oceanics (ATW) for a +15% gain. ATW reversed off its high today, as well as made recent new highs on lower than average volume over the past few weeks.

    We still maintain our cautious, under-invested position in the market. 

  • 2007-06-12: Current Top Stock Pick holding TTES was sold from the GSA Portfolio at a profit of +6.7%.

  • 2007-06-11: Weak technical action observed on past Top Stock Pick T-3 Energy Services (TTES) - a break to a new 52-week high on anemic volume. Also, notice how volume has shrunk all through it's recent advance - not exactly what you want to see. We will follow our sell rules and exit our position in TTES Tuesday (barring any positive morning breaking news), with an approximately +7% profit. With this market offering up very few fresh breakouts, we simply need a reason to sell. Remember, of course that one can always buy back your stocks, if they redeem themselves in the future.

  • 2007-06-06: Top Stock Picks candidate Google Inc (GOOG) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-06-04: With the overnight selloff in Chinese stocks last night (Shanghai down -8.3%) it seemed that Wall Street would have a similar hiccup to what happened earlier in the year. However, the market showed good resilience with the three major averages closing in the green for the day.

    The GSA Portfolio also had a really strong day today (up +1.33% in spite of being only 50% invested), with every holding closing up. GES in fact gapped up right from the opening bell on positive brokerage comments. We continue to see an absence of any other quality stocks breaking out of correct chart patterns, and so we continue to maintain our cautious, under-exposed position in this market. As always, the only time to buy is when the right stocks come to you. Right now, there's not much knocking at our door.

  • 2007-05-31: We pyramided into our current Top Stock Pick holding Guess? Inc (GES) today. GES is showing a follow-thru breakout to new high on strong volume this morning. We were up +5.6% on our initial GES position - our rules for pyramiding are to add more shares if the price rises anywhere between +3% and +6% from our initial purchase price.

  • 2007-05-29: Two aspects seem worrying in today's market:

    1. Lack of significant leadership in our breakouts list. There is simply not much to risk new money into.

    2. Take a look at the daily chart of Diamonds Trust (DIA) in our database which serves as an effective proxy of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Notice the high volume reversal off a new high last Thrusday, which indicates a pretty strong distribution day.

    We are therefore going to follow our loss-limiting rules and cut exposure to any stocks not acting right, e.g., Titanium Metals (TIE), which is showing declining relative strength, and is failing to stay above support levels. We will exit TIE at the market tomorrow.

  • 2007-05-24: We exited our positions in GIGM and GLBL for gains of +26% and +39% respectively. GIGM seems unable to find support at it's 50-day moving average, and GLBL has made a few repeated new highs on low volume.

  • 2007-05-22: We pyramided into our current Top Stock Picks holding Research In Motion (RIMM) today. RIMM broke out again into new high ground on good volume, and we purchased more RIMM at approximately 3.5% above our original purchase price.

  • 2007-05-21: Good strong day for the GSA Portfolio, which increased 1.34% vs 0.8% for the Nasdaq. All 10 Top Stock Pick holdings closed in the green today. The market continues to be buoyed by takeover activity, which for a change affected one of our holdings. Electronic Arts (EA) announced that it was taking a 15% stake in current Top Stock Picks holding The9 Ltd (NCTY) which rose 4 points during the day. Company held a conference call late into the evening, so we'll keep a close eye on how NCTY trades tomorrow.

    TTES made a new high on lower than average volume, so it may consolidate here a bit, unless volume increases to the upside - also warrants a closer look over the next few trading sessions.

    GLBL and GIGM continue their upward movement on strong confirming volume. Both have been great performers for the GSA Portfolio to-date.

    Still not finding anything else to commit new money into. Need to continue to maintain our cautious position, with a fair degree of patience.

  • 2007-05-16: Top Stock Pick holding BSD Medical Corporation (BSM) tripped up its stop-loss and was sold from the GSA Portfolio for a -24% loss. Although the market averages closed strongly (Dow up +0.8%), and the GSA Portfolio rose as well (+0.6%), upside volume on our holdings was somewhat anemic. With no stocks matching our standard search criteria, we continue to be cautious with our growth stock holdings.

  • 2007-05-15: Current Top Stock Picks holding Omrix Biopharmaceuticals (OMRI) announced positive news this morning on FDA approval of a product - we will see how it trades on this news today before deciding on an exit.

  • 2007-05-15: We were stopped out of Top Stock Pick holdings OMRI and HWCC today for a -9% loss each. OMRI could not close up despite positive developments, a classic sign of a market not behaving well. Keep in mind May and June round out the bottom four months of the market on a historical basis (since 1951), with August and September being the worst performing months.

    Need to continue to be watchful and take profits or limit losses using our sell rules - new highs on low volume, high volume reversals, breakdowns below support. earnings miises, etc.

  • 2007-05-14: We will exit our position in Omrix Biopharmaceuticals (OMRI) tomorrow, barring any positive morning company specific news announcement. OMRI is showing weaking technicals, including  a failure to hold above support levels. We are currently down about -8% in OMRI. Early in January 2007, we had closed out a +35% gain in OMRI, so we guess we have to give some of it back this second time around.

    GLBL and TTES acting well, making new highs on good volume, on a lackluster market day, with investors awaiting Tuesday's CPI inflation numbers.

  • 2007-05-13: We are going to pyramid into Past Top Stock Pick Titanium Metals Corporation (TIE) Monday morning. TIE broke out of a cup and handle pattern on Friday (as observed on a weekly chart) on more than 2X average volume. We are already up +8% in TIE, but with nothing new catching our fancy this weekend, it may be prudent to concentrate our cash into plays that are moving in the correct direction.

  • 2007-05-11: Past Top Stock Pick ZUMZ tripped up our trailing support resistance stop loss, and we exited our position in ZUMZ for a -9% loss.

    Yesterday's sell-off in the market also hit the GSA Portfolio for a -1.6% loss. This mornings S&P500 and Nasdaq futures however both indicate a higher opening for the market Friday. We will be watching our position in OMRI closely to see if it recovers or continues to trade below it's support levels.

  • 2007-05-10: Top Stock Picks candidate Research in Motion Ltd (RIMM) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate Guess? Inc (GES) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-05-09: We were stopped out of past Top Pick PRXI for a +39% gain, and out of ROCM for a -10% loss.

  • 2007-05-07: Top Stock Picks candidate T-3 Energy Services Inc (TTES) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-05-07: We have protective stops in place on the worst performing stocks in our portfolio - BSM, TIE, HWCC and ROCM. PRXI's chart has also given us great hooks on which to hang our profit-protecting stops, which if triggered would net us a +40% return.

    After a stellar April, will the old Wall Street adage hold true - "Sell in May and go away"? All we need to do is observe the action of leading stocks for the answer to this question, and more importantly to follow our trading rules diligently.

  • 2007-05-07: We pyramided into our existing position in prior Top Stock pick Apple Inc (AAPL). AAPL has moved up nearly +4% from our initial purchase, and warrants a slightly higher concentration in the GSA portfolio.

  • 2007-05-04: We exited our position in past Top Pick Silicom Ltd (SILC) at a +46% profit. SILC announced a private placement of additional shares and also reversed hard off a new high last week. We can always revisit this strong performer when (if) it retests new highs.

  • 2007-04-30: Top Stock Picks candidate Apple Inc (AAPL) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-04-30: We exited our position in WEL, for a -23% loss. WEL has shown a breakdown in relative strength below 80, failed to reclaim its 50-day moving average line, and has poor other technical indicators including accumulation/distribution. We've never had much luck with lower-priced issues.

  • 2007-04-26: Several strong moves in our holdings yesterday in sympathy with the broader averages. ROCM, GLBL and ATW all rose to new highs on brisk trade. Most recent Top Pick LIFC also gapped up on big volume, beating earnings estimates by $0.02.

    SILC reversed hard off it's new high, after reporting a 100% increase in Q1 EPS. No analysts cover this stock yet. Maybe SILC will correct a bit here, but since we have a "Longer Term Play" marked against it, we are tempted to hold on a bit, given the relatively strong market backdrop. Let's see how SILC reacts over the next few trading days.

    The two positions we are down on most is WEL and BSM. BSM is the manufacturer and service provider for innovative cancer treatment systems utilizing hyperthermia, and just announced a summit meeting in Germany for Apr 26-27 to share results. Expect big moves, one way or the other.

  • 2007-04-25: Just a quick update - past Top Stock Pick Silicom, Ltd (SILC) is scheduled to announce Q1 earnings before the bell Wednesday. Except some volatility - SILC has been a powerful stock for our portfolio, up +65% in under 3 months. Key will be how it reacts to earnings today.

    Not finding much else to buy recently. 

  • 2007-04-19: Tomorrow, we will close out our position in past Top Stock Pick SunPower Corporation (SPWR). SPWR has hit it's profit objective of +25% after 13 weeks of holding, and also reversed off a new high on strong volume, giving us a reason to lock-in profits.

  • 2007-04-16: Top Stock Picks candidate LifeCell Corporation (LIFC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-04-16: Good strong day for the overall market, with the Nasdaq and S&P500 notching +1% gains for the day, on renewed investor optimism about the economy. Earnings season is upon us and so we should expect some volatility going forward.

    Notable stocks in the GSA Portfolio making new highs on strong volume were PRXI, ROCM, SPWR, and GLBL. BSM is sitting at its 10-week moving average, so we will observe how that support level will behave. The one negative for the day was our exit in MIND for a -14.5% loss. Keeping losses moderate is the key, as they will always exist.

    Also, we never commit more than 5% of the portfolio into any single holding, unless we have pyramided into the position, as so we minimize the negative performance implications resulting from a losing trade. Remember, losing is part of the game. It's how much you lose that matters.

  • 2007-04-15: We will be exiting our position in Mitcham Industries (MIND) at a -12% loss on Monday. MIND had an earnings miss last week and we need to follow our rules to cut our losses short.

    We will also initiate a new position in LifeCell Corporation (LIFC), Monday's Top Stock Pick. Overall, we have seen some real good moves in the GSA Portfolio recently. At this point, the key will be to exit these positions correctly.

  • 2007-04-09: Top Stock Picks candidate Mitcham Industries Inc (MIND) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-04-09: We took a very small position in Past Top Stock Picks candidate The9 Limited (NCTY) on takeover speculation by Electronic Arts.

  • 2007-04-04: Past Top Stock Picks candidate Allegheny Technologies Inc (ATI) hit it's upside target after 18 weeks of holding, and was sold from the GSA Portfolio at a profit of +26%. ATI also made new 52-week highs on below average volume two days in a row, giving us a reason to lock in gains. New highs on low volume often indicate less demand for a stock at these levels.

  • 2007-04-02: Top Stock Picks candidate Houston Wire & Cable Company (HWCC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio. Top Stock Picks candidate Boots & Coots Intl Well Inc (WEL) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-03-30: Top Stock Picks candidate Atwood Oceanics Inc (ATW) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-03-26: Top Stock Picks candidate Titanium Metals Corp (TIE) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-03-25: We will be raising our protective stop-loss to just under $11.00 on past Top Stock Picks candidate PRXI. PRXI broke into new high ground last week, and has also set itself up for a longer-term play. A stop-loss just under $11.00 will net us a +25% profit on PRXI if triggered. The hope is that it will continue to run.

  • 2007-03-22: Today we purchased our Top Stock Pick Zumiez Inc (ZUMZ) - apparently after talking to a few subscribers today, it seems like some did not receive our Top Picks e-mail sent out last night. Although this doesn't happen often, we are at the mercy of the limitations of technology, and at times these technologies do fail.

    In any case, another strong day for the GSA Portfolio (+1.6%) vs. a lackluster market session. Wondering how long this profitable streak will last? We will also be watching the action on PRXI closely as it approaches its highs, since we are up +25% on PRXI in approximately 10 weeks.

  • 2007-03-21: We will exit our position in past Top Stock Picks candidate NCTY on it's inability to hold up technically (downside gap, low internal momemtum, failure to reclaim it's 50-day moving average, and an accumulation distribution rank below 1.0).

  • 2007-03-21: We sold out of past Top Stock Picks candidate NCTY for a +9% profit. Earlier in the month we were sitting on a nice +20% move in NCTY, but were caught up in that nasty China correction and NCTY being a player based in China, corrected in sympathy. A failure to recover technically is reason enough to sell.

    Overall, another good portfolio day again, although the averages (+1.98% for the Nasdaq) beat out the GSA Portfolio (+1.22%). Notable holdings acting well, were GIGM and SILC, both up on robust volume. GIGM has turned out to be the kind of play that is up nearly +25% in exactly 8 weeks, so we will have to scratch our heads to see what should be done - hold or fold. Our gut wants to hold out and be a little more piggish.

    We're also going to put some fresh money (5% of the portfolio) into tomorrow's Top Stock Pick Zumiez Inc (ZUMZ). ZUMZ has a good looking breakout on high volume, is in a Top 20 ranked industry group, gapped up last week, although valuation may be a bit steep. But this market is telling us it wants to be bought, and so we'll buy some quality names.

  • 2007-03-19: Good strong day for the market (+1%) as well as for the GSA Portfolio (+2%). Several Top Stock Picks holdings moved up well - ATI is up +19% from it's purchase point, and is close to hitting it's price target. GIGM also moved up on 1.5 times average volume. Top Pick from last week ROCM has moved up +14% to a new 52-week high on 4 times average volume  and is setting itself up for a longer-term play. Notice how ROCM's support/resistance based trailing stop-loss line moved up to just beneath it's previous high. If ROCM continues to act well, it should have no trouble holding above this line.

    Didn't find much else to put new money into, so we just need to continue to be patient here, and enjoy these portfolio moves.

  • 2007-03-13: Top Stock Pick Rochester Medical (ROCM) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today. ROCM finished up on strong volume, on a really down market day. We also pyramided into GLBL, as a follow-up to yesterday's purchase.

    Portfolio holding GigaMedia (GIGM) blew away their earnings estimate, but finished lower for the day. The one bit of encouraging news was that most stocks in the portfolio fell on below-average volume. All we need now is for the market to cooperate a bit here.

  • 2007-03-12: Top Stock Picks candidate Global Industries (GLBL) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today. GLBL finished up $0.47 on brisk trade - always a good sign when your purchase shows a profit right from day one. Approximately 5% of the GSA Portfolio was invested into GLBL. Let's wait and see if there is an opportunity to pyramid into it some more.

    Current holding Omrix Biopharmaceuticals (OMRI) also followed through on it's breakout from last Friday, and is behaving well in this market. The only red flag we see on OMRI is it's valuation - will have to keep an eye on that.

    Overall, we're seeing some pleasant days recently for the portfolio following that nasty correction a week or so ago.

  • 2007-03-07: We plan on using the weak bounce in the market to lighten up on under-performing names in the GSA Portfolio, specially China plays like NCTY and FMCN. Stocks showing poor accumulation / distribution or stocks unable to reclaim their 50-day moving averages will be sold out.

  • 2007-03-07: Top Stock Pick FMCN was sold from the portfolio at a profit of +7%.

  • 2007-02-27: Today was an ugly market day, in case you hadn't noticed. We really don't want to pretend to understand what went on in the market today - there's plenty of opinions all around on this topic (China, Cheney, NYSE trading system glitch, talk of a recession, etc). In any case, we didn't execute a single trade today, just found the market very difficult to watch, so for the most part, we didn't.

    Also keep in perspective that the market always moves to extremes, and that may be what is happening right now. Don't know for sure what tomorrow will bring, although the pundits expect a bit more downside. Using our measures, this market is NOT overvalued by any measure. Let's see what the next day brings.

  • 2007-02-26: Top Stock Picks candidate BSD Medical Corp (BSM) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today.

    After the bell, Focus Media (FMCN) announced Q4 EPS that beat estimates by a penny. Although down $0.70 for the day, FMCN rose $3.20 in after-hours trading. Keep a close eye on how it trades Tuesday. NCTY has also hit it's price target and is looking strong - let's see how it behaves as it approaches it's 52-week high.

  • 2007-02-20: Top Stock Picks holding Iconix Brand Group (ICON) was sold from the GSA Portfolio at a profit of +27%, after 19 weeks of holding. It is preferable to sell winning stocks (barring exceptional high-flyers) on the way up, once profit targets have been met.

    Also, note the strong price-volume action of Top Stock Pick GIGM, which made a new 52-week high on 288% average daily volume. GIGM is acting right in this market at this stage of it's move.

  • 2007-02-18: Top Stock Picks holding PRXI has shot up +26% in 5 weeks, and is setting itself up for a longer term play. ICON is also close to hitting it's +25% profit target after 18 weeks of holding - we will exit our position in ICON this week, barring any positive news announcements. We were also stopped out of our position in ALNY for a mere 1% gain.

    Market indicators all look very positive, but surprisingly we couldn't find anything compelling to pull the trigger on. We will continue to look some more today.

    Note: Securities markets are closed on Monday, due to the Presidents Day holiday.

  • 2007-02-14: We were stopped out of LNUX and ININ for a loss of -12% and -13% respectively.

  • 2007-02-05: Top Stock Picks candidate Silicon Ltd (SILC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today.

  • 2007-02-01: We were stopped out of Under Armour Inc (UA) for a loss of -3%. UA reported an EPS of $0.24 for 2006 Q4 vs $0.08 in 2005 Q5, but missed analysts' expectations of $0.25. Stock gapped through it's 50-day MA, and triggered our stop.

    We also doubled up on our position in GigaMedia Ltd (GIGM) to roughly 10% of the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2007-01-29: We re-entered a position in past winner Omrix Biopharmaceuticals Inc (OMRI) today - it's tight chart pattern has been a positive sign, plus our feel is that we sold too soon last time around.

    Not a bad day for the rest of the GSA Portfolio today, with several holdings (NCTY,  FMCN, ATI, SPWR) all hitting new 52-wk highs on good volume. Only two stocks (GIGM, LNUX) declined. Notice how important it is for a stock to break into uncharted territory on strong volume - it provides a "hold" signal on existing positions. The reverse is also often true - news highs on anemic volume are a warning sign that there is no demand for the stock at these levels. It is always about supply and demand.

    Let's see how January closes out, since "As January Goes, So Goes The Year".

  • 2007-01-27: Monday we will re-enter a position in past Top Stock Picks candidate Omrix Biophamaceuticals Inc (OMRI). OMRI has bounced off it's 10-wk moving average and the GSA support/resistance line. Other positive things going for OMRI are it's strong group action (Biotechnology-1), accumulation/distribution rating (2.03), trading at a discount in  valuation (-17%), low institutional ownership (10%), and a whopping ROE (86%). Current entry price also allows for stops just below support/resistance levels.

  • 2007-01-25: Top Stock Pick GigaMedia Ltd (GIGM) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today. After having a great Wednesday (+1.70%), the portfolio gave back a good portion of it's gains today (-1.22%). All the market averages closed lower today, the worst hit being the Nasdaq, giving up -1.30%.

    We will be quick to pull the trigger on any stocks not acting right, or exceeding our stop-loss rules, e.g., LNUX (-11.5%).

  • 2007-01-22: OMRI tripped it's trailing stop-loss line, and was sold out from the GSA Portfolio at a profit of +35%.

  • 2007-01-20: We pyramided a bit into PRXI Friday to follow-up on our purchase from earlier in the week. Also, our position in Omrix Pharmaceuticals Inc (OMRI) has returned +36% in a little over 2 months. OMRI broke out into new high ground this week and then seems to have fallen back into it's 7-week base. We will protect our profits in OMRI by placing a stop order at $32.92 as dictated by our trailing support/resistance based stop line.

    Don't see much else to buy next week, and so we continue to maintain our under-exposed portfolio position in this market.

  • 2007-01-18: Our stops on RealNetworks Inc (RNWK) were triggered today at a -7% loss. Overall the GSA Portfolio dropped -0.6% vs. -1.46% for the NASDAQ, with most of the portfolio holdings down on below average volume. However, we continue to maintain tight stops on all existing positions, given the length of this bull market (4+ years), and our market indicators.

    On the brighter side, past Top Pick from two days ago Premier Exhibitions Inc (PRXI) showed good strength, moving up +0.56 on brisk trade. We are going to pyramid a bit into PRXI tomorrow, to increase it's position in the portfolio.

    Remember, tight stops on all positions. 

  • 2007-01-17: Top Stock Picks PRXI, SPWR, and LNUX were purchased for the GSA Portfolio on Tuesday.

  • 2007-01-07: We have stops in place 3% below their respective 50-day moving averages on the following GSA Portfolio holdings: ALNY, ATI, ICON and UA (e.g., if the moving average is at 10, our stop would be placed at 97% of 10, or 9.70). On RNWK we have a stop at $10.5, just below last week's support level.

    This market is simply not serving up anything worthwhile and so we are simply implementing our defensive strategy.

  • 2007-01-04: We were stopped out of Dril-Quip Inc (DRQ) for a loss of -14%, on further weakness in the Oil & Gas Equipment & Services group.

    Not convinced about the strength of this market anymore - our market indicator remains stuck in the bearish-neutral camp. This is being further borne out by the action of our individual portfolio holdings. Lack of fresh quality breakouts leads us to continue to maintain a defensive position in this market.

  • 2006-12-28: Top Stock Pick Ansoft Corporation (ANST) was sold from the GSA Portfolio at +21% after 17 weeks of holding. ANST has made repeated new highs on below average volume, and was also close to our profit target.

  • 2006-12-21: Past Top Stock Pick International Securities Exchange Holdings (ISE) was sold from the GSA Portfolio on a violation of it´s support / resistance based GSA Stop-Loss line at a negligible profit of +0.5%..

  • 2006-12-20: Top Stock Pick CROX was sold from the GSA Portfolio for a gain of +31%, while MIKR was sold at a loss of -15%. CROX should have bounced off its 50-day moving average by now, and we suspect this support line will be violated (the 10-week average has already been broken). MIKR was sold following a negative revenue projection by the company.

    Market averages at all time highs, yet 12 out of the last 15 trading sessions, have our market indicators at a bearish signal. We continue to maintain our defensive stance, until individual stocks prove themselves. 

  • 2006-12-19: GOOG, AXR, SIMO and TWGP were sold from the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2006-12-16: Portfolio actions that are in place for next week:

    AXR - Stop loss set at $119 to net us a +70% gain if triggered.
    CROX
    - Stop loss set at $39.97, 3% below its 50-day moving average to net us a +24% gain.
    GOOG - Stop loss set at $470, just shy of its 50-day moving average, to net us a +9% gain.
    TWGP and SIMO - Will exit at the market Monday, on their accumulation/distribution ranks falling below 1.0, as well as failing to reclaim their 50-day moving averages.

    No new set-ups in the market look appealing this week. So, we'll just continue to be patient, and maybe even a bit defensive.

  • 2006-12-15: Past Top Stock Picks Fuel-Tech Inc (FTEK) and Guess Inc (GES) were sold from the GSA Portfolio at a profit of +29% and +27% respectively. FTEK was sold on a reversal off new highs yesterday, while GES hit it's profit target after 19 weeks of holding. Also getting a bit anxious about AXR at +80%. We may set up some trailing stops for next week, if AXR goes any higher. Our traling stops strategy kicks in on stocks trading very high above their 200-day moving averages.

    Although, we're in a bit of a profit-taking mood today, we are still sticking to our stock trading rules of when to sell. Like everything else in life, you must have a plan. Without a plan, you may as well not even try to invest in the stock market.

  • 2006-12-14: Top Stock Picks candidate Interactive Intelligence Inc (ININ) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio this morning.

  • 2006-12-14: It would only be prudent to take some money off the table at this point in the market, given the recent portfolio gains. So, we look to see if any of our holdings triggered sell signals we follow. One that did today, was Fuel-Tech Inc (FTEK) which reversed off a new high on heavy volume. No telling if FTEK will simply consolidate here for another base building period or decline in price, or even continue it's push upwards. But, at a +29% gain, it gives us a reason to book profits.

    Another chart pattern that is worth watching is Allegheny Technologies (ATI) which shows the negative "railroad tracks" pattern on it's weekly chart - a move to new high last week, and then a reversal of the entire move this week. If the pattern doesn't look like it will change Friday, we will probably bail out of ATI.

    Still maintaining our piggish position on AMREP Corp (AXR) at an almost +70% gain, until we see something that we don't like. Who would think that a company engaged in residential construction would perform in this manner. However, ours is not to reason why, but to simply act upon what we see.

  • 2006-12-12: We were stopped out of Metretek Technologies (MEK) today for a loss of -19%.

  • 2006-11-30: Today will be swapping out our position in TradStation Group (TRAD) with our Top Picks in Dril-Quip Inc (DRQ) and Allegheny Technologies Inc (ATI). It sometimes pays to trade out of positions that haven't moved much in 7-8 weeks, and into newer names that may have the potential of faster appreciation. One downside, is that this action will increase our margin position a bit, so we will also look to getting back into a no-margin situation soon.

  • 2006-11-30: Top Stock Picks Allegheny Technologies Inc (ATI) and Dril-Quip Inc (DRQ) were purchased for the GSA Portfolio today.

    TradStation (TRAD) was sold out for a loss of -9.4%.

  • 2006-11-27: Top Stock Pick Focus Media Holding Ltd (FMCN) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

    All, but three, stocks in the portfolio fell in sympathy with the broader market, which had it's worst day in more than four months, on the heels of news from Wal-Mart, which reported a 0.1 percent drop in same-sales stores. Main concern today was the strength of our retail-driven economy. We'll have to see what tomorrow brings. Our market indicators remain still firmly in the green.

    Also, looking at the price-volume action of our individual holdings, it was good to see that most of the declines came on less than +150% average daily volume. We plan to hold, unless we see more declines that trigger our stops.

  • 2006-11-15: Top Stock Pick Metretek Technologies Inc. (MEK) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio, which has seen some pretty healthy moves over the last several days. CROX seemed to have had a reversal day today, closing lower after moving into new high ground. CROX will likely consolidate here in the short term, since it has had a nearly +50% run over the last 7 weeks. Stocks like these have the potential to go on for much bigger moves, and so we plan on holding onto CROX a bit longer. Unless of course it shows other signs that it's run may be over.

    With the market going into it's seasonaly strong year-end periods of November and December, it  pays to be fully invested at this point.

  • 2006-11-13: Top Stock Pick Omrix Biopharmaceuticals Inc (OMRI) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio this morning. GSA Portfolio is now nearly fully invested with 16 holdings.

  • 2006-10-30: Top Stock Picks candidate Mikron Infrared Inc (MIKR) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today.

  • 2006-10-24: Top Stock Picks candidate Fuel-Tech Inc (FTEK) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today.

  • 2006-10-20: Top Stock Pick AMREP Corp (AXR) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2006-10-16: Top Stock Pick Under Armour Inc (UARM) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today. Also, take a close look at the 1-year weekly chart of True Religion Apparel (TRLG) - a perfect cup and handle pattern breakout, if you ever saw one. Normally, we would have jumped on TRLG at the open in the morning, but with today's purchase of UARM, we now hold approximately 25% of the GSA Portfolio in the Textile group (ICON, CROX, GES). Adding any more to this industry may not be in our best interests of diversification.

    Looking to find more names to add, because this market is telling us to be aggressively invested at this point in the game. 

  • 2006-10-10: Past Top Stock Pick Google (GOOG) broke out yesterday from a 10% base, on improving accumulation / distribution and relative strength. We will be purchaser of GOOG today at the open. Although not inexpensive (from an overall valuation perspective), GOOG is cheaper today than what it was at the same price back in December 2005. Last year, we had a couple of very profitable trades in GOOG, and hope that streak continues.

  • 2006-10-10: Top Stock Pick GOOG was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today.

  • 2006-10-04: We sold out of our losing positions today, while the rest of the GSA Portfolio had a pretty strong day, just like the rest of the market. Maybe we have finally shaken off the summer doldrums, and will finish strong into the last quarter of the year. tomorrow, we will pyramid (add more shares) into some of the portfolion names that are working for us - ISE, SIMO, CROX and GES.

    On the website front, we have added a few new features that you may have noticed - we now show historical relative strength and accumulation/distribution lines for the stocks in our database. We will probably add a few more indicators over time. 

  • 2006-10-03: We will exit our losing energy positions at the market tomorrow: GLBL, BTJ and ARD. GROW also has shown poor accumulation in recent weeks and will also be sold.

  • 2006-09-27: Top Stock Pick Crocs Inc (CROX) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2006-09-18: Top Stock Picks International Securities Exchange Holdings, Inc. (ISE) and Silicon Motion Technology Corp (SIMO) were purchased for the GSA Portfolio today.

    After a horrid summer, the portfolio is beginning to show some life, but it may be too early to tell. Accumulation/distribution ranks of all the major indices has firmed up considerably over the last several weeks, which bodes well going forward. Would like to see a bit less volatility in some of the names we follow, since we are finding that it's easy to get tripped up quickly on down market days.

    We continue to maintain our under-invested portfolio position, until more names flash their buy signals.

  • 2006-09-11: Top Stock Pick U.S. Global Investors, Inc. (GROW) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today.

  • 2006-09-05: Top Stock Picks candidate Global Industries Ltd (GLBL) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today.

  • 2006-08-30: Top Pick Bolt Technology Corp (BTJ) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today.

  • 2006-08-28: Top Stock Pick Ansoft Corporation (ANST) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today. ANST closed up +$1.04 on nearly 5 times average daily volume, a positive sign.

  • 2006-08-14: The breakout in Arena Resources (ARD) seems to be failing. ARD broke its trailing stop-loss line on high volume today. We will be watching ARD closely tomorrow for  signs of further weakness, since we are down -7% on this position.

  • 2006-08-12: We were stopped out of Metretek Technologies (MEK) for a 20% loss. MEK reported better than expected quarterly results, lifted its 2006 sales guidance, reiterated a sustainable forward growth rate of 30% in EPS, but cut the top end of its 2006 earnings guidance, and hence the stock got hammered. Such is the current market environment.

  • 2006-08-08: Top Stock Picks candidate Arena Resources, Inc (ARD) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today.

  • 2006-08-04: Top Stock Pick candidate Guess? Inc (GES) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today on a breakout to new high ground on yesterday's close. The last time GES made our Top Picks list was last year - June 17, 2005 at $17.55. Within 6 months, GES went on to a high of $37.00. But that was then, and this is now.

  • 2006-07-30: The market rallied a bit last week, showing at least some conviction that earnings will continue to be better than expected. The averages had their best weekly point gains going back a few years, with the S&P 500 reclaiming both it's 50-day and 200-day moving averages. How sustainable is this rally remains to be seen in the coming weeks.

    Continuing the trend, once again fewer stocks (518) make our system for next week as compared to last week, not a big confidence booster to some of us, who build portfolios from the bottom-up, one stock at a time. Zero stocks meet our GSA Recommended Search Criteria filter on the main HI-EPSRS Database page, very different from from the last significant move up back in late 2005. Further, August has not been a stellar month in the history of the stock market, and so we will soon be up against seasonal headwinds.

    All this aside, we simply need to find stocks meeting our established principles of investing in fundamentally strong growth stocks at just the right time. We are just not there yet. 

  • 2006-07-25: Top Stock Pick holding MEK has recovered a bit over the last few days, probably on anticipation of yesterday's news announcement of $5M in new projects to it's PowerSecure subsidiary. Still below where we purchased MEK for the GSA Portfolio.

    The overall market reversed intraday today to close up after spending the early session in negative territory. Both the Dow and the S&P reclaimed their 50-day moving averages. We will soon find out if this brief rally has sustainable legs. We ran a quick scan of all stocks in our database that closed up on +150% average volume, and came up with only 9% (50 out of 538) of stocks.  That's not the kind of breadth we should see in a healthy market. Staying with our single holding for now, until more stocks present themselves.

  • 2006-07-23: Our single Top Stock Picks candidate Metretek Technologies (MEK) reclaimed it's 50-day moving average and closed the week above it, a positive sign. We are still in negative territory on this trade, and have stops in place below key support levels.

    The market rallied sharply last Wednesday on positive comments by Fed chief Bernanke, but gave back almost all these gains over the next two days, indicating a lack of any significant follow through buying action. Once again, we see a decline in the number of stocks (538) making our database this week. Nothing else to do but continue to remain watchful from the sidelines.

  • 2006-07-15: The market ended the week on a three-day losing streak, with the major averages not having lost this much in any three-day period during the last several months. Declining issues outpaced advancers on the NYSE by more than a 2-to-1 margin. The only solace (if any) we see, is that historically, July has not been a terrible month for the markets. Since 1951, the Dow has risen 60% of the time in the month of July, for an average monthly return of 1.1% (see our Market Direction page). So far, the Dow has returned -3.7% in July, so there is an opportunity to make up some ground here. Again, not making any predictions, simply observing what we have seen.

    On our database side, 576 stocks make the cut for next week, almost 100 less than last week. Clearly there has been deterioration in the number of stocks near their 52-week highs, an integral part of our filter, since we only focus on leading stocks. Our only holding MEK is down along with everything else, and we may bail out next week on further weakness.

  • 2006-07-11: HITT was sold from the GSA Portfolio at a loss of -13%. Our only other position, MEK faired better, up almost +5% today. We will look to pyramid up some more into MEK on Wednesday, following the signals generated by our Auto Portfolio algorithm.

  • 2006-07-10: Top stock pick HITT has violated our stop-loss limit and will be sold at the market on Tuesday.

  • 2006-07-05: Top Stock Picks candidate Hittite Microwave Corporation (HITT) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today. Approximately 5% of the portfolio was invested into HITT. In this market environment, it pays to gradually scale into a position, while maintaining tight stops.

  • 2006-07-03: Top Stock Pick Metretek Technologies (MEK) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today. We are looking closely at Hittite Microwave Corporation (HITT) as another purchase to add to our portfolio on Wednesday. HITT made our Auto Portfolio filter and we may post HITT as a Top Stock Pick tomorrow if the additional research to be performed pans out. Happy 4th to all of you!

  • 2006-06-25: Charts of a few stocks look interesting here: The First Marblehead Corporation (FMD) and Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL), but with our market indicators still very much in the bearish camp, we are reluctant to initiate any new purchases.

    There hasn't been a follow-though day on the Dow or the S&P 500 since their brief rally on June 14-15, 2006. The market will be marking time this week until the Fed announces it's anticipated 25 basis point hike for the seventeenth time on Thursday. Again, we don't need to speculate on what the Fed will do, but simply observe what the market does in response to the Fed. An expansion in the number of stocks breaking out to new highs is what we need. In reality, what we've seen is just the opposite - fewer stocks have made our database compared to a few months ago, which means that more stocks are off more than 20% from their highs or have lost relative strength. Sticking to 100% cash in the meantime.

  • 2006-06-21: We exited our position in Home Solutions of America (HOM) at a loss of about -40%. Way too many questions surround HOM regarding misrepresentation of facts as indicated by lawsuit(s) filed today. Our two trades in HOM this year netted +71% and -40% respectively for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2006-06-20: The Dow Jones Industrial Average currently is the only major index that is keeping it's head above the 200 day moving average at 10888. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite have both breached this key support level in recent weeks. Current market characteristics show the absence of any quality breakouts to put cash to work. We also observe a decline in the accumulation distribution rank (currently 1.14) of all the stocks in our database this week.

    We continue to maintain our +90% cash position in light of present conditions, knowing fully well that this situation could change at any time. When opportunities abound, it usually takes only a few days to build a new portfolio of 10-20 quality names.

  • 2006-06-13: Well, we have been watching the market action quietly from the sidelines (except for our secong trading position in HOM, which hasn't worked out well). Overall, very happy to have sat out this recent correction with a +90% cash position. All three market indices now trade below their 200-day moving averages, with the Naz down the most. This morning at 8:30a, economic data for retail sales and PPI were announced. The stock futures pared some of their earlier losses, because PPI rose less than expected, while core PPI rose more than expected. So the market MAY rally a bit here, which brings us to our next point.

    You can analyze and predict the market all you want, with projections that the Dow will bottom sometime in the fall, or that this is only a correction, and not the start of a bear market, or whatever. But all you really need to know is what the market is doing at this point, shown by the action of leading stocks. When the time is right, as always, there will be more quality names breaking out into new high ground. When the time is wrong, the reverse usually holds true. We will never pick the exact top or bottom of any move, but there are enough opportunities to profit from in the middle of the move. However, any serious self-directed investor needs to watch this action on a daily basis, because changes often happen quickly. Hopefully, we now have these monitoring tools in place for your use.

    On the website front, we have included a couple of new features - our ETF Zone now lets you see charts of ETFs across the globe. You may want to watch some of these global markets, if more diversification to your portfolio is needed. ETFs trade just like stocks, and so fit in well with our overall philosophy of buying a select group of 10-20 stocks. Secondly, on our Market Direction page, we have included three ETFs that mirror the three indices (S&P500, DJIA, Nasdaq Composite). You can clearly see the poor accumulation-distribution ranks of the market using these charts. Until this situation changes, we continue to enjoy our time-off from trading.

  • 2006-06-02: We are going to selectively move back into the market today, based on weaker than expected May payrolls data that could allay inflation fears on the Street. We have an order to purchase shares of our recent favorite Top Pick Home Solutions of America (HOM) at the open today. HOM had a nice high-volume move yesterday as well as bounced off its 50-day moving average.

  • 2006-05-17: Past Top Stock Picks HOM, GRP and ARD were sold from the GSA Portfolio today at +71%, -17% and -12% respectively.

  • 2006-05-16: As predicted, current Top Stock Pick HOM had a great day today, gapping up +11% on extremely heavy volume. In fact, volume was so heavy, in excess of 5.37 million shares traded, that today marked the heaviest volume day in HOM's history. The gap up was good, but the fact that HOM actually had a lower close than it's open, marked it as a reversal day on high volume. So we need to watch it closely over the next 1-2 days. A continuation into new high ground on good volume will put to rest any technical concerns with HOM. But if she stutters here, closing today's gap or simply taking out today's low of $11.7 might be reason to book our profits. A nearly +80% gain in 10+ weeks is not too shabby, specially with what the market has to offer lately.

    Both GRP and ARD again didn't act very well today. GRP at -12% will likely be removed from the GSA Portfolio soon. Overall, the GSA Portfolio rose +1.79% for the day.

  • 2006-05-15: Past Top Picks GRMN, BOOM and BTUI were sold from the GSA Portfolio at +24%, -25% and -18% respectively. GRMN was sold as it met it's upside profit target. BOOM and BTUI were sold on violations of key support areas, as well as being more than 20% below their 52 week highs. As always, our strategy is to buy stocks that are close to or at new highs, after breaking out from a sideways consolidation period. When the reverse holds true, we sell, sometimes a bit late, but sell we do. Following a plan and sticking to our strategy is the key element here.

    On a more positive note, HOM reported adjusted Q1 earnings of $0.06/sh vs. $0.04/sh a year ago, in-line with expectations. HOM also raised 2006 revenue and earnings forecast and rose +14% after the bell. Should be a good day for HOM tomorrow (no guarantees).

  • 2006-05-14: The GSA Portfolio took a hit Friday, down -3.6% vs -1.27 for the NASDAQ. The averages actually masked the magnitude of deciines in individual stocks and sectors, as shown by the abundance of RED on our Industry Map page. For the week, the Dow fell 1.7%, while the Nasdaq dropped 4.2% and the S&P 500 slipped 2.6%. The main concern for the market is now inflation, and usually small cap stocks are most susceptible in such an environment. Next weeks release of consumer and producer price data will likely dictate the tone of the market.

    Our holdings BOOM and BTUI are now more than 20% off their highs, and will be watched carefully for further weakness.

  • 2006-05-10: We were stopped out of past Top Stock Pick American Science & Engineering Inc (ASEI) for a flat +0.5% gain. As mentioned in our portfolio comments two days ago, the price action on ASEI is simply not right, and so we sold. One of the first rules of investing is capital preservation. You have to be able to come back to fight another day. ASEI had quickly risen +26% within a few weeks from our original buy point back on Feb 2, 2006, but then began to falter. Some trades will just work out this way.

  • 2006-05-08: Top Stock Pick Helix Energy Solutions Group (HELX) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today. HELX closed up +1.16 - always a good sign when your position shows a profit right from day 1.

    Notable winners in the portfolio today included HOM, up +0.78 on 248% average volume. GRMN also rose +1.09 on a  average volume. All other positions closed in the red, specially our oil sector plays. Overall the GSA Portolio closed the day flat, just like the indices. Fed meeting on Wednesday will likely provide more direction to the market.

    The one holding we are concerned about most is ASEI, which closed down another -3.56, continuing it's three-day slide. ASEI now sits 19% below it's 52-week high, it's accumulation rank has fallen below 1.0, and ASEI has violated both the 10-week moving average and the GSA stop-loss line. We are going to hold here for another day or so, to see if ASEI bounces back from these levels. Can't explain the price action on ASEI, given it's fundamentals and the market it's in. With earnings due out May 19, 2006, maybe the market knows better. Still want to hold ASEI though, since our position is still in the green.

  • 2006-04-28: We sold our positions in past Top Stock Picks KNDL at +27%, CYBS at +4.75% and NTES at +0.5%. KNDL was sold because it hit our upside profit target. CYBS and NTES were both sold on failure to hold above their 50-day moving averages.

  • 2006-04-26: Past Top Stock Pick Kendle International, Inc (KNDL) today made a new high on only 44% average daily volume. As you know by now, we hate to hold on to stocks that show this kind of action. We will be a seller of KNDL Thursday barring any breaking positive news before the bell. We are up +33% in KNDL after 9+ weeks of holding.

  • 2006-04-20: Top Stock Pick Candidate Grant Prideco Inc (GRP) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today on a breakout from a base pattern. GRP is in the 3rd highest ranked group in our database this week - Oil and Gas Equipment & Services.

    After two back-to-back days of solid +2% or more gains, the GSA Portfolio gave back some profits today, down -1.28% for the day. Of note, HOM expanded it's relationship with The Home Depot, and closed up +7.2%. Also, after the bell, BTUI beat Q1 estimates by $0.03, and was up +5% in after-hours trading. Our oil sector holdings both finished lower for the day: ARD down -6.6% and GRP down -2.4%.

  • 2006-04-18: Good, strong broad-based market rally today as minutes from the last Fed meeting indicates that the rate hikes may end. Almost every industry tracked by us landed in the green today, indicating the breadth of the rally. Advances led declines by almost a 4:1 ratio on the NYSE. The biggest winner among the indices was the Nasdaq, up +1.95%.

    The GSA Portfolio also had it's day in the sun, up +2.21%. Glad that our individual stock picks led us to an almost fully invested position as of yesterday. Not much else to do at this point, but to enjoy these positive market days. Still would like to see a few more breakouts soon.

  • 2006-04-17: Top Stock Picks candidate BTU International Inc (BTUI) was purchased for the GSA portfolio this morning.

  • 2006-04-11: Stocks tumbled today on fears over rising inflation and higher gas prices over the coming summer months. The Nasdaq finished down nearly 1% at the close, and has lost approximately 2% since last Thursday.

    The GSA Portfolio actually eked out a small +0.2% gain, helped by Home Solutions of America (HOM), which announced $40M in new orders, and by Arena Resources (ARD), our rising gas prices play. HOM was up +10.5% while ARD was up +5.5% today. To see the elusive cup-and-handle chart pattern breakout, check out ARD's daily or weekly chart on our site. On the downside, American Science and Engineering (ASEI) lost -4% today, continuing it's 7-day slide. It is amazing to see a stock like ASEI being marked down like this. Still holding but waiting for a bounce back from these levels.

  • 2006-04-07: We will be taking a position in past Top Stock Pick Dynamic Materials Corporation (BOOM) this Friday morning. BOOM broke out of a 10-wk basing pattern on brisk volume, after correcting about 17% within this base. BOOM was also first featured as a Top Stock Pick back in December 2005.

  • 2006-04-07: Top Stock Picks candidate BOOM was purchased for the GSA Portfolio this morning.

  • 2006-04-03: Top Stock Pick Arena Resources Inc (ARD) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today.

  • 2006-03-29: Past Top Stock Pick True Religion Apparel (TRLG) was sold from the GSA Portfolio at a profit of +8%. American Science & Engineering (ASEI) could become a candidate for a longer-term play, up +26% in a little over 7 weeks. Time will tell.

    Today's market action was encouraging. The GSA Portfolio rose +1.3% vs +1.45% for the NASDAQ and +0.55% for the Dow. Waiting to see if this uptick can sustain itself over the next few days. More importantly, waiting for fresh breakouts to show themselves.

  • 2006-03-28: We do not like the price and volume action of past Top Stock Pick True Religion Apparel (TRLG) at this point. TRLG now trades with an accumulation distribution of 0.79, is below its 50-day moving average line, is more than 20% below its 52-week high, is losing momentum, and hence must be sold. We are up about +9% in TRLG, but with the market serving up very few opportunities, it will not hurt to raise more cash in the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2006-03-26: Thought we would find a few Top Stock Picks to put money into Monday, specially when our market indicator signal turned bullish, and we saw an expansion in the number of base breakouts. The charts of NCTY (we are already exposed to internet gaming),  HOM (currently in GSA portfolio), NGPS (not enough bottom-line growth), DRQ (small base breakout) and NFLX (too much institutional ownership) looked interesting, but couldn't pull the trigger on them due to the reasons outlined. Please remain patient - the market is quite frustrating at times.

    We also exited our losing position in ADAM Friday for a -26% loss, on failing to hold above its 200 day moving average. We should have exited on the initial gap down.

  • 2006-03-21: We are still unable to find too many opportunities to add to the GSA Portfolio. Past Top Stock Pick ASEI has acted well - up +24% in 5 weeks, and may be a candidate for a longer-term position. NTES rose +6.18 on 176% average daily volume, on a 4 for 1 stock split announcement. Although we know that stock splits do nothing to the underlying value of a stock, with NTES, the market thinks otherwise.

    On the flip side, ADAM gapped down last week on less than steller quarterly earnings and is trying to find support at its 200-day MA line. We are down a lousy -23% in ADAM as a result of the gap action. We will likely exit ADAM on a break below its 200-day line.

  • 2006-03-13: Top Stock Picks candidate Home Solutions of America (HOM) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today. The lack of substantial new breakouts continues to serve as a cautionary note in this market, although the GSA Portfolio rose +1.17% vs +0.22% for the NASDAQ. The portfolio was helped mainly by a +8.88% move in ADAM and +4.42% in TRLG. We are close to hitting our profit target of +25% on TRLG. Let us see if the market cooperates a bit here.

  • 2006-03-09: We were stopped out of previous Top Picks LifeCell Corp (LIFC) and Parlux Fragrances (PARL) for a loss of -11% and -17% respectively. About the only thing going right with the GSA Portfolio right now is the fact that we are sticking to our sell rules, cutting our losses and raising cash in this market environment. Good thing we had a stellar January, and are still ahead substantially for the year. Waiting for the good old days to return!

  • 2006-03-07: Top Stock Pick LifeCell Corp (LIFC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today. Has been a tough environment out there over the last few weeks. The pickings are slim as fresh new breakouts are far and few between. Remember to maintain tight stops on any long positions.

  • 2006-03-06: Top Stock Picks candidate Garmin Ltd (GRMN) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio this morning. GRMN closed up +1.21 on brisk trade on a down market day.

    Tomorrow's Top Stock Pick LifeCell Corp (LIFC) is breaking out of a sideways price  consolidation period, and is testing it's old 52-week highs. We will pull the trigger on purchasing LIFC tomorrow, unless preceded by a negative earnings news report - LIFC scheduled to announce 4Q earnings at 8:00 am, so expect some volatility.

  • 2006-02-28: We were stopped out of past Top Stock Pick Berry Petroleum (BRY) at a loss of -9%. Recent Top Pick American Science and Engineering (ASEI) rose +1.53 on 257% average volume - a positive sign on such a down market day. Overall the GSA Portfolio lost -0.5% compared with a loss of -1.12% for the Nasdaq.

    Remember Lefevre in Reminiscences of a Stock Operator, "It was never my thinking that made big money. It was always my sitting." It is time to sit tight, watch the price action of leading stocks daily and move only when there is money lying in the corner waiting to be picked up.

  • 2006-02-27: Top Stock Picks candidate Netease.com (NTES) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today.

  • 2006-02-27: Past Top Stock Picks candidate Berry Petroleum (BRY) has violated both the 50-day MA line at $68, and the GSA Stop Loss line at $67.77 on further weakness in the Oil sector. We have stops in place to exit our investment in BRY at a -10% loss.

    Today's Top Stock Pick Netease.com (NTES) rose +2.57 on 177% average daily volume. A confirmation of a purchase at the correct buy point is when your position shows a profit right from the very first day.

  • 2006-02-15: Past Top Stock Picks candidate Pioneer Drilling Co (PDC) was sold from the GSA Portfolio at a loss of -13% on a breakdown below its 50-day Moving Average, violation of the GSA stop-loss line, and drop in its accumulation distribution rank.

    New Top Stock Pick Kendle International (KNDL) had a great breakout yesterday on positive guidance by the company. We will be a buyer of KNDL this morning.

  • 2006-02-15: Top Stock Picks candidate Kendle International Inc (KNDL) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today.

    We also launched a new feature recently - "My Auto Portfolio" which allows you to maintain your own version of the GSA Auto Portfolio. We found that the GSA Auto Portfolio was often fully invested, and no new buy signals got  shown, even though there existed stocks that met the buy rules. Now, you can better utilize new buy signals generated in your own version of the Auto Portfolio, as well as control your initial portfolio size.

  • 2006-02-13: Absolute horrible market action over the last few sessions. Pioneer Drilling Company (PDC) is down -11.9% in the GSA Portfolio, and will be sold at the market tomorrow, based on our stop-loss rules. ASEI is also close to violating our target sell level. Overall the GSA Portfolio was down -1.32% vs -0.98% for the Nasdaq. The only good news is that we are sitting on a 50% cash position in this market environment.

    Ours is not to predict what happens next, but to wait and watch and act upon what has been presented to us.

  • 2006-02-08: Top Stock Picks candidate American Science & Engineering Inc (ASEI) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2006-02-01: We were stopped out of Google, Inc. (GOOG) for a -13% loss.

  • 2006-01-30: Top Stock Picks candidate CyberSource Corp (CYBS) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today.

  • 2006-01-27: We have entered stops on our position in Google (GOOG) at a price of $414, which is -3% below it's 50-day moving average of $427, and -7% below our last purchase price of $446. We plan on adjusting this -3% below 50-day MA target daily. Hope the stop doesn't trigger, and GOOG resumes/continues it's move northwards.

  • 2006-01-26: Past Top Stock Picks BBC, HANS and LUFK were sold out of the GSA Portfolio for profits of +81%, +54% and +16%, respectively. If only the remainder of 2006 can be as profitable as January...

  • 2006-01-25: Don't like this market tape one bit - too many one-day reversals all around. Tomorrow, we will book our significant profits in BBC (one-day reversal off a new-high), HANS (no follow-through action after the high volume day last week), LUFK (another one-day reversal off a new high). Keep in mind that these one-day reversal patterns often turn out to be short-term signals only. If that happens to be the case, we can always jump right back in. However, they also often signal the end of a clearly defined trend. Just sticking by our rules - right or wrong.

  • 2006-01-24: AnSoft Corporation (ANST) was sold from the GSA Portfolio at a loss of -11%. It bounced back today, but there's no point in second guessing our decision. We followed our sell rules and sold when our maximum stop-loss limit was reached.

    Bodisen Biotech (BBC) has been on a tear the last few weeks, up another +$2.71 today. We are sitting on a nice +85% gain, in a little over 8 weeks. It's time to be a pig - let's see how well we can milk this one.

  • 2006-01-23: We will exit our position in AnSoft Corporation (ANST) at the market tomorrow, since ANST broke down below it's 50-day MA last week and hasn't recovered, as well as we being down -11% in this position.

    Google (GOOG) bounced back very well today to barely reclaim it's 50-day MA. Let's see if it manages a hold above this support level. Time to be patient once again, and keep any losses to a minimum.

  • 2006-01-20: OptionsExpress Holdings Inc (OXPS) was sold at +26% from the GSA Portfolio. OXPS reversed off a new high today, as well as made multiple new highs on low volume this week.

  • 2006-01-17: Top Stock Picks candidate Berry Petroleum Co (BRY) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2006-01-12: Past Top Stock Pick The Lamson & Sessions Co (LMS) was sold from the GSA Portfolio at a profit of +76% after 18 weeks of holding. Great start to the New Year first with HURC and now LMS!

  • 2006-01-11: Past Top Stock Pick The Lamson & Seesions Co. (LMS) today reversed off a new high on heavy volume, as well as violated its GSA Stop-Loss line. We will be exiting our position in LMS tomorrow morning. Currently, we are up +72.9% in this position.

  • 2006-01-10: Past Top Stock Picks HURC and EXP were sold from the GSA Portfolio at a profit of +43% and +7% respectively.

  • 2006-01-09: Top Stock Picks candidate Pioneer Drilling Co (PDC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio this morning.

  • 2006-01-09: We will be taking profits in the following previous Top Stock Picks: Hurco Companies Inc (HURC) and Eagle Materials Inc (EXP), both for similar reasons. Last week HURC made at least two new highs on anemic volume. Today, the stock reversed on much higher volume. Similarly, EXP today made a new high on very low volume, and also has a poor GSA Rank. There is no better indicator that spots the top or the end of an uptrend better than new highs on low volume. Of course, no indicator is fool-proof, which is why we reserve the right to jump back into the stock if rights itself again. However, it is better to protect your profits now and act upon your sell rules. We are sitting on proifts of +44% on HURC, and +8.9% on EXP.

  • 2006-01-06: Top Stock Picks ADAM Inc. (ADAM) and Ansoft Corp (ANST) were purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2006-01-05: Top Stock Picks candidate True Religion Apparel (TRLG) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2006-01-04: We jumped back into Google (GOOG) on a breakout to new highs this morning.

  • 2006-01-03: On a day like this, was hoping to find at least a few solid new breakouts to put fresh money into, but no such luck. Still far too few breakouts making the cut. FFIV looks like an interesting chart pattern setup, but with more than 95% of the stock controlled by institutions, ownership is way too high. GOOG acted well today - we'll wait to see if she breaks out.

    Overall, happy to hold our existing positions - the GSA Portolio with a 46% cash position rose +2.7% for the day, easily outpointing the averages. However, the lack of new ideas continues to lean us towards selling and profit taking rather than buying. Let the market show it's hand.

  • 2005-12-29: IRIS International Inc (IRIS) refuses to recover from under its 50-day MA and GSA Stop Loss line. You normally want to give a stock a few days to correct itself after a technical breakdown. We will exit our position in IRIS today for a small profit.

  • 2005-12-29: Iris International Inc (IRIS) was sold from the GSA Portfolio for a small +2% gain.

  • 2005-12-28: Somanetics Corporation (SMTS) was sold from the GSA Portfolio at a profit of +36%. Earlier in the year we had a +27% trade in SMTS. Don't want to push our luck to try and get much more out of it.

  • 2005-12-27: Neutraceutical International Corp (NUTR) was sold from the GSA Portfolio at a profit of +45%, while Charles & Colvard Ltd (CTHR) was sold out at a loss of -23%.

  • 2005-12-21: Past Top Stock Pick Akamai Technologies (AKAM) was sold from the GSA Portfolio at a profit of +27% after 11 weeks of holding.

  • 2005-12-20: We sold our position in past Top Pick Google (GOOG) today for a +27% gain. We don't like to see stocks reversing off new highs and so we sold. As always, remember that you can always buy back a stock you sold, if your decision to sell was wrong, and the price action of the stock remained right.

    IRIS seems to have bottomed out short-term. We are still up +4.5% on this position, and so we'll give it a few more sessions. AKAM is close to hitting our profit target of +25%, and we'll sell it soon given this market tape. Nothing else exciting going on right now.

  • 2005-12-19: Google (GOOG) reversed off a new 52-week high on heavy volume - not a healthy sign. Since we are sitting on approximately a +25% profit on GOOG for a second time this year, we will be exiting our position at the market tomorrow. Iris International, Inc (IRIS) also violated both it's 50-day MA and the GSA Stop-Loss line. We will exit IRIS on further weakness.

    No other high quality breakouts in the market recently, so no new funds to be invested at this point.

  • 2005-12-12: Top Stock Pick Lufkin Industries Inc. (LUFK) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio this morning.

  • 2005-11-29: American Oriental Bioengineering Inc. (AOB) was sold from the GSA Portfolio today at a loss of -21%.

  • 2005-11-28: Top Stock Picks candidate Bodisen Biotech Inc. (BBC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today.

  • 2005-11-28: Past Top Stock Pick AOB will be sold from the GSA Portfolio on it violating both the 50-day MA and GSA Stop Loss lines. SMTS is also sitting right at its 50-day MA and will be closely monitored for support at this level. Today's purchase, BBC actually held up well and rose +$0.4 on heavy volume. Overall a brutal day in the market, with the GSA Portfolio down -2.4% vs -1.04% for the NASDAQ.

  • 2005-11-23: Top Stock Pick Charles & Colvard Ltd. (CTHR) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today.

  • 2005-11-21: Past Top Stock Pick American Oriental Bioengineering Inc. (AOB) closed lower today on a strong up-day in the market - not a great sign. We will exit our position in AOB on a break 3% below its 50-day MA of $5.33. Overall, the GSA Portfolio rose 0.97% vs. 0.66% for the NASDAQ.

    On another note, we will not post a new Top Stock Pick simply because more than a few days have passed since our last Pick. We really, really need to be comfortable with a stock's fundamentals, technicals and chart pattern before investing into it. So, your patience is greatly appreciated.

  • 2005-11-16: UBET was sold from the GSA Portfolio at a loss of -15%. Waited enough time for this one to recover.

  • 2005-11-14: Top Stock Picks candidate Hurco Companies Inc. (HURC) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today.

  • 2005-11-10: Top Stock Picks optionsXpress Holdings Inc (OXPS) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today.

  • 2005-11-07: Top Stock Picks candidate American Oriental Bioengineering Inc (AOB) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today.

  • 2005-11-03: Top Stock Picks candidate Hansen Natural Corp (HANS) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio today.

  • 2005-11-02: Today was the kind of market day that we've been looking for - an expansion in the number and quality of stocks breaking out, the S&P 500 reclaiming it's 200 day MA, and the GSA Portfolio outperforming the averages again.

    We will be a purchaser of new Top Stock Picks addition Hansen Natural Corp. (HANS) at the market tomorrow. HANS has triple digit quarterly %EPS numbers, a 58.54% ROE, an upside breakaway gap, coupled with a breakout from a flat 18% base pattern. Quite difficult to ignore.

  • 2005-10-29: Good strong day for the market on Friday, as well as for the GSA Portfolio. However, the S&P 500 failed to break through its 200 day MA. The DJIA is also trading below this widely followed indicator. Although, we saw a marked increase in the number of breakouts in our database, and a bullish market signal, we did not find anything to like very much. Hopefully, this will change any day, and we will be there to jump on the right stock breakouts.

    Take for example the price and volume action on Google, Inc. (GOOG), a current Top Stock Pick holding in the GSA Portfolio. On Friday, it made a new 52-week high on lower than average daily volume - NOT a good sign. If this weren't GOOG, we'd be tempted to sell at the market Monday. We'll give it a day or so more, but we will definetely bail out (at a small profit) on any further signs of weakness.

    Patience at this point is warranted. More importantly, nail down profits on price targets being met.

  • 2005-10-25: Past Top Stock FLSH was sold from the GSA Portfolio at a profit of +26%. We also pyramided into IRIS - buying follow-up shares if the stock rises 3%-6% from it's original purchase price. Both these actions were guided by the trading rules spit out by our Auto Portfolio algorithm.

  • 2005-10-24: Follow-up purchases were made in Google, Inc. (GOOG) at the open this morning.

  • 2005-10-24: Past Top Stock Pick M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers Ltd. (FLSH) has increased +27% in a little over 12 weeks of holding, hitting our price target established at purchase time. FLSH looked very strong today and may run a point or two more this week. However, we will be a seller of FLSH tomorrow to lock-in profits.

    Despite today's strong day in the market, we still would like to see more breakout stocks to add to the GSA Portfolio. Until that point, we're perfectly content to nail down a few profits along the way.

  • 2005-10-22: We will be adding to our position in past Top Stock Pick Google, Inc. (GOOG) Monday morning. We feel the huge breakout that occured Friday on blowout revenue and earnings numbers is significant. The hope is to play out GOOG as a longer-term core holding. Also, pyramiding up (never down) is key to channeling your money into stocks that are working.

    FLSH is nearing it's profit target of +25%. In this market, remember to grab meaningful profits when you have them.

  • 2005-10-19: ASEI was sold from the GSA Portfolio at a profit of +21%.

  • 2005-10-18: Past Top Stock Pick ASEI has hit it's profit target of +25% in a little over 9 weeks. ASEI had a great early run right after purchase, so we will hold a bit longer. Also, ASEI is finding support right at it's 50-day MA, a good sign. However, a break 3% below this level will create a sell signal as per our trading rules.

    The GSA Portfolio has recovered well after last week's sell-off. We are still not overly enthused by the lack of fresh breakouts in this market. No new money to be committed unless we see an expansion in this breakouts number.

  • 2005-10-14: ENG, CLF, SGDE, SNHY, UNT were sold from the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2005-10-13: GSA Portfolio was hammered down -3.27% today - worst day in a long time. Absolutely bearish market action (remember it is October) tells us it is time to get defensive. All stocks that have violated their GSA trailing stop loss lines will be sold at the market Friday - ENG, CLF, SGDE, SNHY, UNT. Let's raise some cash now, and come back later to fight another day.

  • 2005-10-12: No doubt about it, this is a tough market environment. Both the Dow and S&P are now trading significantly below their 200-day moving averages. Our best performer at this point ASEIis up +25%, Our worst performer XWG is down -21%. We will be a seller of XWG on further weakness today. No need to commit new money in this environment, until the right stocks show their hand. Time to be cautious and patient.

  • 2005-10-12: XWG was sold from the GSA Portfolio at a loss of -26%.

  • 2005-10-05: Top Stock Pick IRIS was purchased for the GSA Portfolio.

  • 2005-10-04: Medical Appliances, Scientific & Technical Instruments and Semiconductors seemed to be the few bright spots in the market today, showing strength in an otherwise down day. Our Top Stock Picks IRIS International Inc (IRIS) is a member of the Scientific & Technical Instruments and broke out of a 23% basing pattern on very brisk trading volume. Overall the GSA Porfolio lost -0.16% vs. -0.75% for the Nasdaq - just the kind of action we want to see, along with outperformance on the upside.

    Also, keep an eye on Monday's Top Stock Pick NTRI - it raised revenue guidance very, very significantly after the bell. NTRI was up +16% in After Hours trading.

  • 2005-10-03: Top Stock Picks NTRI and AKAM were purchased for the GSA Portfolio this morning.

  • 2005-10-02: Top Stock Picks NutriSystem Inc (NTRI) and Akamai Technologies (AKAM) will be purchased for the GSA Portfolio Monday. NTRI has had a bit of a run, but still broke out from a tight 15% base. AKAM is breaking out of a long multi-year base.

    Also on Friday, current holding Middleby Corp (MIDD) rose +$2.45 to a new 52-week high on anemic volume of 34% compared to its average volume - a new high on low turnover. We will be a seller of MIDD Monday, at approximately +18% profit.

  • 2005-09-30: Cutera (CUTR) was sold from the GSA Portfolio at a profit of +38% after 9+ weeks.

  • 2005-09-29: Cutera Inc (CUTR) made a new high on low volume today, not a good sign at all. The strongest stocks in it's group also rose a paltry +0.42%. With CUTR up +36% over 9-weeks in our portfolio, we will be nailing down profits at the open tomorrow. New highs on low volume usually indicate no demand for a stock at these levels. Sell without emotion.

  • 2005-09-26: No new high-quality stock breakouts to position into. In this environment, we need to take our 25-30% profits when we have them. Going to hold ASEI (+31%) and CUTR (+28%) a bit longer. GSA Portfolio up a healthy +2.91% vs +0.22% for the NASDAQ today. Look for an expansion in the number of new breakouts before new money can be committed.

  • 2005-09-19: Top Stock Pick Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc (CLF) was added to the GSA Portfolio this morning. LSCP was removed from the GSA Portfolio at a loss of -22%.

  • 2005-09-17: Perfect cup and handle breakout on Top Stock Pick Cleveland-Cliffs Inc (CLF) yesterday. The only negative against CLF is the high level of institutional ownership, but with a chart pattern like it has, we need to jump on it. CLF also made our Auto Portfolio filter, along with SMTS which was purchased yesterday.

    We will be selling JUPM at a loss Monday to make room for CLF, since the GSA Portfolio is fully invested.

  • 2005-09-16: We sold Jupitermedia Corp (JUPM) for a loss of -25%. Held on for a lot longer than we should have. This is the emotional side of trading that needs to be controlled.

    To address this, today we introduced a new feature - the Auto Portfolio, which puts all our buy and sell rules into practice on a $200,000 portfolio. Trading signals are automated and unemotional. See it in action for yourself - your feedback will be appreciated.

  • 2005-09-16: We took a repeat position in past Top Stock Pick Somanetics Corp (SMTS), as previously stated that we would. SMTS has a great breakout today, and the Medical Appliance & Equipment group is also looking strong. Last time SMTS gave us a quick +27%. Hope she repeats.

  • 2005-09-12: Top Stock Pick EnGlobal Corp (ENG) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio this morning.

  • 2005-09-12: We took a small trading position in past Top Stock Pick Google (GOOG) on a breakout from a small 8-week base.

  • 2005-09-08: Top Stock Pick Lamson & Sessions Co. (LMS) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio this morning.

  • 2005-09-07: Past Top Stock Pick WebSide Story (WSSI) has gone up +25% from our purchase price 9 weeks ago. We will be a seller of WSSI today, following our established sell rules.

  • 2005-09-07: Top Stock Pick WSSI was sold from the GSA Portfolio for a profit of +24%.

  • 2005-09-01: Top Stock Pick Eagle Materials, Inc. (EXP) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio this morning.

  • 2005-08-26: Foxhollow Technologies (FOXH) was sold today for a profit of +26% on its inability to hold its 50-day MA. Medical Instruments and Supplies industry also very weak today. Take meaningful profits in today's market - can't say this enough times.

  • 2005-08-25: As has been the case for the last several days, the lack of fresh breakouts in the market has provided no new opportunities to invest in. Encouraging to see our last Top Stock Pick ASEI hit a new 52-wk high on a big down market day. It's already up +20% in less than 10 days.

    Overall the GSA Portfolio lost -0.52% compared with -0.81% for the Dow today, after being up for most of the day. The market is back to being held hostage by high oil prices. It is a time to sit tight or sell stocks on profit targets being met.

  • 2005-08-20: In the absence of quality breakouts in the market this week, we are looking at our recent closed out Top Picks for other entry points. Somanetics Corporation (SMTS) looks like it wants to break back above it's 50 day MA level at $21.94. It's still part of a strong industry group, with a high GSA Rank, and also gave us a profit of +27% back in May. We will be a buyer of SMTS again if it breaks above $21.94 within the next few days. Remember, no problem if we have to pay a few cents more than the current market price - the stock must prove itself first!

  • 2005-08-15: Top Stock Pick American Science & Engineering Inc (ASEI) was purchased for the GSA Portfolio this morning.

  • 2005-08-12: We locked in profits of +35% by selling OIS from the GSA Portfolio after about 10 weeks of holding. Today the entire market is down (Dow down more than 100 points) on oil prices surging to about $67 per barrel, yet the entire oil sector shows up in red on our Industry Map. Something doesn't seem right, and so we took our profits in OIS.

  • 2005-08-09: GUESS INC (GES) was sold from the GSA Portfolio after 8 weeks of holding for a profit of +30%, following our established sell rules.

  • 2005-08-08: CHCI was sold out of the GSA Portfolio for a loss of 16% due to continued weakness in the Residential Construction and REIT industry groups.

    Today, we launched a new feature, the Industry Map, showing, at a glance, a color-coded grid of the Top 100 Industry Groups and how they are performing throughout the trading day. Using this feature, you are quickly able to spot emerging trends in different industries. You can check it out using the Industry Map link in the top navigation menu on any of our database pages.

  • 2005-08-06: The stock market hit a speed bump this past week as a result of strong jobs data, raising fears of inflation, with investors worried that interest rates would again by raised by the Fed next Tuesday. The last few days also saw the small-cap growth stocks GSA Portfolio give up recent gains. Hardest hit were CHCI, LSCP and JUPM. We will look to exit these positions if they don't reclaim their moving average support levels within the next 1-2 days. On the positive side, FOXH, SNHY, OIS and GES continue to hold up well, with FOXH and SNHY being tagged as longer-term plays, since they were up so much in a short amount of time.

  • 2005-08-01: Another very strong day for the GSA Portfolio (up +3.08% vs. -0.17% for the Dow and +0.48% for the NASDAQ), with a number of our holdings announcing earnings after the bell Monday. CUTR beat expectatons by 9 cents and raised guidance. CHCI missed by 1 cent, but beat it's own guidance set a few months ago, as well as revised FY 2005 guidance upwards. OIS also beat expectations by 12 cents, while JUPM met expectations.

    Expect some volatility in these stocks tomorrow, specially during the morning hours. The earnings figures being released are very significant, specially the upward guidance revisions - no reason to sell unless confirmed by market action and our individual stock sell signals.

  • 2005-07-28: Top Pick FLSH was purchased for the GSA Portfolio this morning.

  • 2005-07-28: Wow! A huge +3.82% gain for the GSA Portfolio today, with the DOW up +0.64%. A significant portion of the portfolio gain came from Foxhollow Technologies (FOXH) which was up +$10.11 to $53.70, on positive guidance by the company. Also, after the bell MIDD beat earnings estimates by 13%. Look for a good move up tomorrow in this recent Top Pick.

    We will also be buying our most recent Top Pick, UNT tomorrow morning. Finally, watching all these stocks take off over the last several weeks, reminds us of an old Wall Street adage: Don't confuse brains with a bull market.

  • 2005-07-25: JUPM, MIDD, SGDE and XWG were purchased for the GSA Portfolio this morning. The last time MIDD was profiled back in 2004, it rose +144% to its high. The last time SGDE was profiled back in 2003 and 2004, it rose +28% and +23% respectively. It is often comforting to purchase stocks that made you money in the past.

  • 2005-07-20: CUTR was purchased this morning for the GSA Portfolio. It is acting good right now, up $0.56. Ideally, you want to see a profit on your position right from day one. This indicates a purchase at the correct buy point.

    BBBB was also sold out at a profit of +23% over an 8 week period, since it met our profit target established at purchase time. Learn to take profits smartly and move on. Never fall in love with your stocks.

  • 2005-07-19: We will be purchasing our Top Pick Cutera Inc (CUTR) tomorrow on a breakout from a cup and handle chart pattern. We also continue to hold onto Laserscope (LSCP) since we think there was climax selling today. However, LSCP will be carefully watched for any signs of further weakness, since we are down more than 15% on this position.

    Finally, Blackboard Inc (BBBB) has hit our profit target of 25 - 30% over a span of 8 weeks. We need to stick to our sell rules and take these profits. We will be a seller of BBBB Wednesday morning.

  • 2005-07-14: We did not like the price action in the Homebuilders today - many stocks in the group reversed after making new 52-week highs, and appear to be closing the day lower. As a result of this action, we closed out our position in Hovnanian (HOV) at a +15% profit.

  • 2005-07-12: Ctrip.com (CTRP) has hit it's profit target of +25%, occuring over a span of 8 weeks. We will be booking this profit by selling CTRP at the market tomorrow, barring any positive morning news. As we've stated many times before - take 25% - 30% profits on the majority of your portfolio. Try for long-term moves on only your most powerful holdings.

    The GSA Portfolio again outperformed the market rising +1.21% vs. +0.68% and +1.02% for the Dow and NASDAQ respectively. We thought we would find new breakouts to put fresh money into, but did not see anything we liked. I guess a bit more patience is warranted.

  • 2005-07-12: CTRP was sold from the GSA Portfolio this morning at a profit of +24%.

  • 2005-07-11: We purchased our most recent Top Pick CHCI for the GSA Portfolio this morning. This market has been acting very good for small growth stocks lately. Hope the trend continues!

  • 2005-07-08: GEOI was sold at a profit of +26% for a second time. Several weeks ago, we had nailed down a profit of +29% on GEOI. Not sure if this stock has much more left in it, but we would be happy to get back into this potential winner on another breakout.

  • 2005-07-05: Good strong day for the GSA Portfolio on the first day after the long weekend. The portfolio was up a healthy +3.3% versus +0.66% for the Dow and +1.04% for the NASDAQ. Every stock that we hold was in the green today. We need to let these winners run, but also nail down some 25-30% profits along the way. Deciding which ones to hold, and which ones to fold, is really the name of the game.
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