The Hern

Worrisome Divergence in Gold, Miners ETF Charts

Jeff, how come GDX was trading around 50 when oil was at an all-time high and the price of gold was similar to now, yet now that oil is almost 5x less and gold is roughly the same price, GDX is trading around 30? Isn't oil/gas a huge component of the costs of miners? Why wouldn't this be reflected in the price of GDX? I jumped into GDX at 20 but I still see no reason yet to sell...

Supply and Demand: Housing Sales Increase in California and Florida

I was also in Florida for the past month and my development had alot of sales action. the lower prices and lower mortgage rates have definitely increased sales. If you are thinking of a retirement home, this may be the best time to buy.

Sequenom Is Put to the Test

SQNM is an excellent company with products that noone else can duplicate. Yes, one test resulted in a false positive but for the other 99%, they did not have to undergo the more invasive amniocentesis. What's wrong with a 99% success rate? I am sure that women will flock to their doctors for this procedure and the stock will take off. Get it now while you can and make a bundle later. In this market, we need all the sure things we can get.

John Paulson's Year-End Letter to Investors

I agree. Maybe Mr Paulson is onto something. One of the few funds I made money on this year was SKF.

New Home Market Inches Closer to Normal

I agree. Don't be surprised if real estate turns out to be one of the leading sectors in '09 with declining availability of homes coupled with the lowest mortgage rates in decades.

Now Isn't the Time for Defensive Stocks - UBS

I don't buy it. UBS thinks its a good time to start being aggressive and reduce your defensive medical and consumer staples stocks. If you check the history, consumer staples and medical have not only led the market in '08 but for the past 10 years so I'm staying with them. By the way, do you get the feeling that Cool Hand Luke works for Thermogenesis?

Will There Be an Obama Bounce?

I also think there will be an Obama bounce but the important thing is the positive mentality an Obama administration will bring. Sure, earnings reports will be down since we just got off a terrible year in '08. The important thing is going forward and if people just start buying stocks, this negative mentality will change to positive and we will all be better off. Let's let the new governmental policies do their jobs and people gain some confidence and start buying. That's what will change this market.

Should You Buy Stocks Before the Economy Recovers?

I think the time is right to dabble in the market now that our new President will be making policy changes that will positively affect the market. Just be sure to put your stop loss orders in to minimize any losses at 10-15% and you just might make some money. This bear has gone on long enough so a turnaround should be coming and you don't want to be late for the party.

Mad Money Recap - Ben Knows Something (12/16/08)

If Cramer is correct about SEC Chairman Chris Cox, he needs to GO! How do we get rid of him and correct his bad decisions? Does his term expire soon or is he appointed by the next administration? Someone please enlighten me.

Automaker Bailout Fails: This Is Not Good

I am glad the vote failed and unhappy that the president decided to use some of the bailout money to help the auto industry. Where does it end? We can't keep bailing out companies that put themselves under. All we will do is give them money now and they won't change their money wasting ways and just ask for more money in '09. One of the main problems of the auto industry is the money owed to retirees as well as the high salaries and benefit programs of present employees. Why should I and 80% of the population have to pay for these workers who have more in pay and benefits than we have? That is so unfair and is the kind of thing that causes revolts. Its time for these high benefits to end and if the union doesn't want to give in, then they will be out of work. If they go bankrupt, what it means is Chaper 11 and all that is, is reorganization. Only some people will lose their jobs and they won't close at all. They'll just restructure and come back a better company than they are now. The biggest problem in the auto industry and most of the big American firms is the unbeleivable CEO pay and bonuses. One auto head, Mr. Nardelli, got over $100 million severage package from his past employer, Home Depot and now we're all supposed to feel sorry for him? Please, once the begging ends and they get their money, they'll be back on their private jets for a vacation that none of us can even dream of. The time for this to change is NOW!

12 CNBC Pet Peeves

I agree with the guy who can't stand it when everyone tries to talk at the same time so noone can understand anything. Plus, I can't stand the attitude of Gasparino who is full of gas and most of all, I can't stand how Michelle Caruso Cabrera is constantly smiling and posing for the camera like she's trying out for a hollywood job. Please give me a break!

'Buy and Hold' Is Alive and Well

I guess we can all hope that "buy and hold" will now be a viable strategy but most funds 10 year return is presently below money market yeilds. It is too late now for any buy and holders to sell now but the market performance better improve or "buy and Hold" will go the route of the dinosaurs!

CPI Plunge Screams Deflation

I wish you all would make up your minds! First, you worry about inflation. Now, we finally learn that the PPI went down so we are all going to be paying LESS for things than before and inflation is a non-issue...and now you worry about deflation. Let's try deflation for awhiIe so we can all save a little more in these difficult times with unemployment rising.

U.S. Markets: Just How Oversold Are We?

I also believe the market is oversold and now could be an excellent time to buy. If you continue to be pessimistic, just buy but put in stop loss orders like you should anyway and then you would still participate if the market does indeed rise and your losses will be minimized if it falls. Sounds like common sense to me.