Reviewing My Portfolio Christmas Shopping

On December 18, 2008, I posted my personal X-Mas shopping list for stocks. Although I intended to hold the stocks for at least a year, I made some changes, taking some losses to raise cash and to buy Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B). Let's review:

12/18/08
CSCO = 16.66
EWZ = 35.95
INTC = 14.26
KO = 45.18
MXIM = 12.00
WFC = 29.65

S&P 500 = 885.28
DJIA = 8,604.99
Nasdaq = 1,552.37

3/26/09
CSCO = 17.31 (+3.9%)
EWZ = 40.85 (+1.3%)
INTC = 15.82 (+10.9%)
KO = 44.85 (-0.7%)
MXIM = 14.11 (+17.58%)
WFC = 15.95 (-46.2%)

S&P 500 = 832.86 (negative 5.9%)
DJIA = 7924.56
Nasdaq = 1587.00

Overall, the return on the above portfolio is a negative 2.2% (not including dividends). This return beats the S&P 500, but my victory is admittedly Pyrrhic. If I had avoided Wells Fargo, I would be doing quite well. In fact, I bought Wells Fargo stock all the way down to 9 dollars and recently sold at around 14 dollars, taking a loss. I just sold Intel and Maxim, too, but plan on buying them back at lower prices. The recent run-up seems too much, too soon. Even so, my major holdings, all in mutual funds, are untouched and mostly in stocks.

I am worried about the T. Rowe Price Latin America mutual fund (PRLAX) and iShares MSCI Brazil Index (EWZ). Despite its name, the T. Rowe Price Latin America fund holds Brazilian stocks. I am concerned because Brazilian government projections seem overly optimistic; demand for commodities continues to be soft; and political rivals appear all-too-willing to undermine President Luiz Silva's authority.

Right now, the above list is not representative of my major holdings. I continue to trade actively in my retirement accounts.

The information on the author's site is provided for discussion purposes only. Under no circumstances do any statements here represent a recommendation to buy or sell securities or make any kind of an investment. You are responsible for your own due diligence. To summarize, I do not provide investment advice, nor do I make any claims or promises that any information here will lead to a profit, loss, or any other result.

Comments

[sammy so:]

You nneed to check your math. On EWZ, a price move from $35.95 to $40.85 is 13.63%, not 1.3%.

Mar 27 10:23 AM

[tivoboy:]

I like the PRLAX and added to it earlier in the month at a low. I think it is a hold, not concerned yet about Latin America.

Mar 27 12:19 PM

[TaurusTrader:]

No, Matt ... you could have done better! Needed more diversification.
TaurusTrader
www.taurustrader.wordp...

Mar 27 12:43 PM

[BerkeleyBob:]

Interesting and candid post. You have done better than I have. I recently added to PBR and EWZ position. I like the former better than any of the other major integrated oils.

Mar 27 02:33 PM

[User 370658:]

Am very interested in your current portfolio holdings. Am in a stock rating forum and I find it interesting that you chose many of the stocks named that I did. Would you email me personally at skstoc via .....................good ole amer on line? I have set you on my watchlist. I personally have been for months attempting to put together a miniature 'baby Berkshire with no luck thus far but am determined to meet my goal. BTW....BRK.A is at a low price and has advanced about $500 thus far. Instead of stuggling with other picks I am contemplating on just puttting some monies into that fund and shutting my computer off then crossing my fingers. I also have been studying Soros who is exceeding Berkshire in his trading abilities, however, he trades differently and purchases lower cap stocks then quickly unloads them at a profit. You may want to take a look at his trading portfolio by going to investopedia.com which will give you an insight of what he has been trading. The BRK.B I would definitely add if you can. Another my forum's objective is to beat the S&P 500 and nothing would give me that gratification more. Let me know and I will give you the link in an email. Thanks.

Mar 28 02:17 PM

[User 370658:]

made some typo's.....substitute the BRK.A in one area for BRK.B. The latter has advance approx. $500. and is affordable.

Mar 28 02:23 PM