Marol's Comments RSS Syndication from SeekingAlpha.com http://seekingalpha.comuser/116227/comments http://seekingalpha.com/article/90001-fuel-systems-solutions-more-gas-left-in-the-tank?source=feed#comment-228901 228901
Comment on this?]]> Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:49:03 -0400
Comment on this?]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/89683-8-stocks-raising-dividends-in-this-tough-market?source=feed#comment-226503 226503 Fri, 08 Aug 2008 18:14:44 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/88816-canadian-oil-sands-penn-west-energy-protected-on-the-downside?source=feed#comment-223399 223399 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:21:59 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/88816-canadian-oil-sands-penn-west-energy-protected-on-the-downside?source=feed#comment-223383 223383 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:54:35 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/82184-countrywide-potential-short-squeeze-in-the-offing?source=feed#comment-190604 190604 Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:29:03 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/82213-two-emerging-market-steel-plays-mechel-and-siderurgica?source=feed#comment-190597 190597 Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:15:36 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/82047-james-river-coal-up-1-436-since-august?source=feed#comment-189886 189886
WHY???

I own (up 300%)? Should I sell the moment it drops at all (via stop-losses -- hard because of the general swings and the coal-sector swimgs)? Or put in staged stops?

Should I buy more?

Should I keep taking profit?

So many choices, so few right . . . ]]> Sat, 21 Jun 2008 18:37:28 -0400
WHY???

I own (up 300%)? Should I sell the moment it drops at all (via stop-losses -- hard because of the general swings and the coal-sector swimgs)? Or put in staged stops?

Should I buy more?

Should I keep taking profit?

So many choices, so few right . . . ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/81755-wednesday-outlook-commodities-emerging-markets?source=feed#comment-188179 188179
(I also don't understand why -- on earth, no less -- you feel we "must" drill for more oil -- but that's another matter altogether.)

I might add that I too enjoy your graphs even if I usually don't understand them -- I find the comments useful and fun.]]> Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:52:27 -0400
(I also don't understand why -- on earth, no less -- you feel we "must" drill for more oil -- but that's another matter altogether.)

I might add that I too enjoy your graphs even if I usually don't understand them -- I find the comments useful and fun.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/70907-investing-in-a-resource-constrained-world-part-iii?source=feed#comment-165580 165580
Also: Over the years, "cost of living," as well as the definition of "unemployed" keep changing, so it doesn't look so bad. As for M3? No longer available. Hmm.

Finally, Mark -- you're not just betting on two metals, you're also betting on ONLY TWO SPECIFIC COMPANIES. Suppose something happens? It only takes one rotten account or practice, one angry employee, one unanticipated side effect or natural disaster, one mine mess (For example, think of LDK, think -- ? I've forgotten, Canadian mine under water). (Disclosure: I'm long SWC and adding, was long LDK, was considering the third.) Even if the value is there, the investors will be scared.

There are other companies as well, and other commodities! You're on a tightrope w no safety net -- PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL!]]> Sat, 10 May 2008 17:37:06 -0400
Also: Over the years, "cost of living," as well as the definition of "unemployed" keep changing, so it doesn't look so bad. As for M3? No longer available. Hmm.

Finally, Mark -- you're not just betting on two metals, you're also betting on ONLY TWO SPECIFIC COMPANIES. Suppose something happens? It only takes one rotten account or practice, one angry employee, one unanticipated side effect or natural disaster, one mine mess (For example, think of LDK, think -- ? I've forgotten, Canadian mine under water). (Disclosure: I'm long SWC and adding, was long LDK, was considering the third.) Even if the value is there, the investors will be scared.

There are other companies as well, and other commodities! You're on a tightrope w no safety net -- PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL!]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/70907-investing-in-a-resource-constrained-world-part-iii?source=feed#comment-165574 165574
Maybe this question is too late, but there may be other informed readers.

In case there are more readers -- I learn a lot by reading both sides, esp from informed folks w clear opinions. I also appreciate seeing the sources for facts and opinions. It all helps me to decide (rightly or wrongly!)

I DO NOT appreciate it when people put others down. People are giving their best here, and if others know better, say why -- from a confident, reasonable person, that's enough! ]]> Sat, 10 May 2008 17:09:37 -0400
Maybe this question is too late, but there may be other informed readers.

In case there are more readers -- I learn a lot by reading both sides, esp from informed folks w clear opinions. I also appreciate seeing the sources for facts and opinions. It all helps me to decide (rightly or wrongly!)

I DO NOT appreciate it when people put others down. People are giving their best here, and if others know better, say why -- from a confident, reasonable person, that's enough! ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/76295-ubs-platinum-etns-step-into-the-on-deck-circle?source=feed#comment-165010 165010
THANK YOU, 154659, for 1) answering, and 2) NOT BEING RUDE!!]]> Fri, 09 May 2008 13:50:15 -0400
THANK YOU, 154659, for 1) answering, and 2) NOT BEING RUDE!!]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/76295-ubs-platinum-etns-step-into-the-on-deck-circle?source=feed#comment-164332 164332 WHAT THEIR SYMBOLS ARE?

Thanks!]]> Thu, 08 May 2008 15:17:21 -0400 WHAT THEIR SYMBOLS ARE?

Thanks!]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/76295-ubs-platinum-etns-step-into-the-on-deck-circle?source=feed#comment-164330 164330 Thu, 08 May 2008 15:15:52 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/74817-global-high-income-fund-offers-up-a-juicy-13-7-yield?source=feed#comment-160148 160148
Here's what I don't understand about dividends: Once they're paid out, it's normal for a stock/ETF/fund's value to immediately decrease by the same amount. So how do you gain from this???]]> Thu, 01 May 2008 12:19:10 -0400
Here's what I don't understand about dividends: Once they're paid out, it's normal for a stock/ETF/fund's value to immediately decrease by the same amount. So how do you gain from this???]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/74603-gold-etfs-get-all-the-attention-but-what-about-silver?source=feed#comment-160142 160142
Kosann, I like your reasoning, although I've heard a lot about finangling so it's not really being necessary to cover shorts, even under the new rjules. But by "the silver ETFs," which do you mean? And which are you particularly recommending, if any?

Deuxsous (elegant monicker, maybe I'll consider "tuppence"), which exactly are the "tax-inefficient silver ETFs" you're refering to? Isn't DBS an etf?

BTW, I own DBS and did have SLV. What's the difference, given that for now I only hold them in an IRA? (Note that I may have them in another account later, for which the tax info should be invaluable.)

I don't buy futures, but do get options sometimes, so are there any options to recommend? (I suppose LEAPS would be useful, but I don't like to tie up my cash that long.)

In considering these ETFs, I find the implications of future rollover hard to figure out. Does this modify any f your suggestions?



Mr. Lydon, I almost missed this article -- and the comments -- because I thought it was just about Silver-and-Gold (hmm, another possible monicker). As when you compose an email subject line, I'd suggest a title that somehow implied you were also discussing steel and base-metal etfs. Had given up on DBB, BTW, but I'll now recheck it.


]]> Thu, 01 May 2008 12:06:08 -0400
Kosann, I like your reasoning, although I've heard a lot about finangling so it's not really being necessary to cover shorts, even under the new rjules. But by "the silver ETFs," which do you mean? And which are you particularly recommending, if any?

Deuxsous (elegant monicker, maybe I'll consider "tuppence"), which exactly are the "tax-inefficient silver ETFs" you're refering to? Isn't DBS an etf?

BTW, I own DBS and did have SLV. What's the difference, given that for now I only hold them in an IRA? (Note that I may have them in another account later, for which the tax info should be invaluable.)

I don't buy futures, but do get options sometimes, so are there any options to recommend? (I suppose LEAPS would be useful, but I don't like to tie up my cash that long.)

In considering these ETFs, I find the implications of future rollover hard to figure out. Does this modify any f your suggestions?



Mr. Lydon, I almost missed this article -- and the comments -- because I thought it was just about Silver-and-Gold (hmm, another possible monicker). As when you compose an email subject line, I'd suggest a title that somehow implied you were also discussing steel and base-metal etfs. Had given up on DBB, BTW, but I'll now recheck it.


]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/74664-white-noise-around-strong-current-negative-trends?source=feed#comment-159919 159919
As for energy prices -- if you already wear three layers and keep your home at 45 degrees in winter to keep energy costs down (and yes, many do, particularly older folks on fixed incomes) there isn't much way to cut back there, either. Serious insulation, etc., involves a payback period of years. Great economy, but only if you've the capital to invest -- hard to find, if you've a quickly rising mortgage.

Finally, the writer mentions that real wages are "basically at a standstill" in Europe. Here, real wages have been declining significantly for some time.

Okay, I'm done for now, because I'm suddenly feeling a need for some good escapist fiction.

PS Mr. Razor, I do commend you for taking the trouble to check out those archives.
]]> Thu, 01 May 2008 02:33:47 -0400
As for energy prices -- if you already wear three layers and keep your home at 45 degrees in winter to keep energy costs down (and yes, many do, particularly older folks on fixed incomes) there isn't much way to cut back there, either. Serious insulation, etc., involves a payback period of years. Great economy, but only if you've the capital to invest -- hard to find, if you've a quickly rising mortgage.

Finally, the writer mentions that real wages are "basically at a standstill" in Europe. Here, real wages have been declining significantly for some time.

Okay, I'm done for now, because I'm suddenly feeling a need for some good escapist fiction.

PS Mr. Razor, I do commend you for taking the trouble to check out those archives.
]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/74664-white-noise-around-strong-current-negative-trends?source=feed#comment-159915 159915
There is more than one form of wisdom -- even economic, even for investing! -- than specific stock buys. Different strokes for different folks; we don't need to put each other down. Spend your reading and writing-comment time on articles more useful for your personal needs and goals.

I personally think there's more going on than investment, or than in economics, or even in short-term survival. Our long-term survival is now in question. And seeing this clearly -- including the various currents and eddys as they fit into the big flow -- is not only essential to galvanize enough of us, but might even generate some useful ideas . . . Such analyses are badly needed as part of the mix.

Ouch, now I'm getting preachy . . . but I'm awfully scared, and have been so for a very long time. I'm afraid I've got lots of company, and in science (one of the major elements in this viewpoint) it's generally accepted that a theory's plausibility gains greatly if it has been used to predict the emerging data.

I'll throw in a tidbit (or factoid, or whatever) here: "sanguine" is one of a very small number of English words which has definitions that mean the opposite of each other.

]]> Thu, 01 May 2008 02:09:21 -0400
There is more than one form of wisdom -- even economic, even for investing! -- than specific stock buys. Different strokes for different folks; we don't need to put each other down. Spend your reading and writing-comment time on articles more useful for your personal needs and goals.

I personally think there's more going on than investment, or than in economics, or even in short-term survival. Our long-term survival is now in question. And seeing this clearly -- including the various currents and eddys as they fit into the big flow -- is not only essential to galvanize enough of us, but might even generate some useful ideas . . . Such analyses are badly needed as part of the mix.

Ouch, now I'm getting preachy . . . but I'm awfully scared, and have been so for a very long time. I'm afraid I've got lots of company, and in science (one of the major elements in this viewpoint) it's generally accepted that a theory's plausibility gains greatly if it has been used to predict the emerging data.

I'll throw in a tidbit (or factoid, or whatever) here: "sanguine" is one of a very small number of English words which has definitions that mean the opposite of each other.

]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/74345-potash-mosaic-are-looking-fertile?source=feed#comment-159001 159001
And Rosesr, I don't understand why you would buy at 195 and hold, thinking it might drop to the $170s or lower. Could you explain, as this strategy has been confusing me generally.

Thanks all, from the Novice (maybe I should change my moniker?).]]> Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:07:50 -0400
And Rosesr, I don't understand why you would buy at 195 and hold, thinking it might drop to the $170s or lower. Could you explain, as this strategy has been confusing me generally.

Thanks all, from the Novice (maybe I should change my moniker?).]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/74268-fivetop-green-week-stocks?source=feed#comment-158997 158997 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:41:21 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/74372-distinction-between-hard-and-soft-assets?source=feed#comment-158268 158268 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:29:43 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/74234-potash-fertilizer-industry-the-week-that-was?source=feed#comment-158257 158257
Mr. Smith -- short-term trading and buying on the dips seem to me only to work when I know that they really are just dips. I'm a novice, and really do want more on how you tell what's what? Thanks. (Hmm. Maybe you could just post notes here when you think it's time to take profit, and when you think it's time to buy! But short of that, my question remains.)]]> Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:24:47 -0400
Mr. Smith -- short-term trading and buying on the dips seem to me only to work when I know that they really are just dips. I'm a novice, and really do want more on how you tell what's what? Thanks. (Hmm. Maybe you could just post notes here when you think it's time to take profit, and when you think it's time to buy! But short of that, my question remains.)]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/74321-only-renewables-gain-week-ending-4-25-solar-etfs?source=feed#comment-158222 158222 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:00:22 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/74328-the-long-case-for-quicksilver-resources?source=feed#comment-158221 158221 www.marketwatch.com/ne...-- ) has concerned me a bit.

Also, what if earnings don't come in line -- does it drop and stay down, or come back up?

Would love to hear your ideas on this.]]> Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:56:51 -0400 www.marketwatch.com/ne...-- ) has concerned me a bit.

Also, what if earnings don't come in line -- does it drop and stay down, or come back up?

Would love to hear your ideas on this.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/74323-southern-copper-buying-and-holding-is-boring-but-it-works?source=feed#comment-158216 158216 I'd appreciate clarification -- thanks.]]> Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:46:56 -0400 I'd appreciate clarification -- thanks.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/74336-big-money-is-betting-on-inflation-not-the-economy?source=feed#comment-158198 158198 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:06:38 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/74336-big-money-is-betting-on-inflation-not-the-economy?source=feed#comment-158195 158195
Even so, look at what's up the most -- cheese, eggs, beans and I'd guess chicken (haven't checked) -- exactly what poor people depend on. Don't expect much change until the agribiz lobby is pushed back on ethanol. Eventually (2 years? I'm optimistic) public pressure will have an effect. By then, lots more overseas deaths from hunger of course -- but that's not crucial for us, is it now.

I heard an "insider" on NPR a couple of days ago explaining that in the 70s a decision was made to back financials rather than industry, which is why it's financials that are bailed out. (One big exception was for an airline.)

Public has stood all this in the past, in prior recessions ( and esp stagflation (70s -- Nixon!!! froze price increases). Many other times where the prices have gone up hard for the poor, officially unnoticed. They keep changing the definitions so we can't tell -- for example, taking food and energy out of "core" inflation.]]> Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:01:37 -0400
Even so, look at what's up the most -- cheese, eggs, beans and I'd guess chicken (haven't checked) -- exactly what poor people depend on. Don't expect much change until the agribiz lobby is pushed back on ethanol. Eventually (2 years? I'm optimistic) public pressure will have an effect. By then, lots more overseas deaths from hunger of course -- but that's not crucial for us, is it now.

I heard an "insider" on NPR a couple of days ago explaining that in the 70s a decision was made to back financials rather than industry, which is why it's financials that are bailed out. (One big exception was for an airline.)

Public has stood all this in the past, in prior recessions ( and esp stagflation (70s -- Nixon!!! froze price increases). Many other times where the prices have gone up hard for the poor, officially unnoticed. They keep changing the definitions so we can't tell -- for example, taking food and energy out of "core" inflation.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/74301-bears-roaming-through-the-mines?source=feed#comment-158165 158165 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:01:12 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/73087-solar-stocks-nine-that-will-shine-in-a-bull-market?source=feed#comment-156271 156271 Thu, 24 Apr 2008 23:56:08 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/73087-solar-stocks-nine-that-will-shine-in-a-bull-market?source=feed#comment-154499 154499
We need to put vast resources, money, and scientific energy into clean, renewable energy and the task of making it safe, without noxious side effects, etc. We simply have to succeed.

Remember Three Mile Island? According to the official study, it was either due to design error, operation/material error (I've forgotten the exact words for this one), or human error.

In other words, they narrowed everything conceivable or possible down to -- everything possible or conceivable. I was so reassured.

It's always possible to overlook something, no matter how thorough the preparation. Next to this, even the very serious problem of nuclear waste becomes relatively unimportant.

The panalties for even one failure being what they could be -- nuclear's just too dangerous.

Safe (or easily made-safe, or even penalties-for-failure-... technologies just cannot be "too expensive" -- we're talking survival, minimization of climate change -- really, our grandchildren's lives.

]]> Tue, 22 Apr 2008 03:39:11 -0400
We need to put vast resources, money, and scientific energy into clean, renewable energy and the task of making it safe, without noxious side effects, etc. We simply have to succeed.

Remember Three Mile Island? According to the official study, it was either due to design error, operation/material error (I've forgotten the exact words for this one), or human error.

In other words, they narrowed everything conceivable or possible down to -- everything possible or conceivable. I was so reassured.

It's always possible to overlook something, no matter how thorough the preparation. Next to this, even the very serious problem of nuclear waste becomes relatively unimportant.

The panalties for even one failure being what they could be -- nuclear's just too dangerous.

Safe (or easily made-safe, or even penalties-for-failure-... technologies just cannot be "too expensive" -- we're talking survival, minimization of climate change -- really, our grandchildren's lives.

]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/72654-12-potash-companies-sprinting-ahead?source=feed#comment-153304 153304
BUT: SA editors, and the writer: As a sometime editor, I respectfully but strongly disagree about giving sources. I agree that Seeking Alpha is particularly useful because it gets expert opinions, and pulls together stuff written elsewhere.

But the source should have been credited, even if only "as I wrote in ___ . . . " And in fact, the phrase "a few other companies which we will cover in a later article" suggests that there were other writers to be credited, although a reference to the original article w the info that the author was one of the writers, could be acceptable. (I'm assuming the "we" is neither editorial nor royal.)

Further, it makes it much easier for readers to 1) evaluate the article, info, and writers (it's very helpful that SA lists other stuff by the same writers); 2) check w sources for more details (there may not be any, but we might still want to have a look); and 3) go to the sources for other stuff we may want and think they might have. On the other hand, I can't think of any good reason for the author to hide his light in a haystack (a good honest mixed metaphor; I hope you'll forgive me for not citing each source) -- unless, of course, he's ashamed of the article, or not supposed to be using it. And from what's been said here, that's definitely out. ]]> Sat, 19 Apr 2008 03:42:07 -0400
BUT: SA editors, and the writer: As a sometime editor, I respectfully but strongly disagree about giving sources. I agree that Seeking Alpha is particularly useful because it gets expert opinions, and pulls together stuff written elsewhere.

But the source should have been credited, even if only "as I wrote in ___ . . . " And in fact, the phrase "a few other companies which we will cover in a later article" suggests that there were other writers to be credited, although a reference to the original article w the info that the author was one of the writers, could be acceptable. (I'm assuming the "we" is neither editorial nor royal.)

Further, it makes it much easier for readers to 1) evaluate the article, info, and writers (it's very helpful that SA lists other stuff by the same writers); 2) check w sources for more details (there may not be any, but we might still want to have a look); and 3) go to the sources for other stuff we may want and think they might have. On the other hand, I can't think of any good reason for the author to hide his light in a haystack (a good honest mixed metaphor; I hope you'll forgive me for not citing each source) -- unless, of course, he's ashamed of the article, or not supposed to be using it. And from what's been said here, that's definitely out. ]]>