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The Changes to the Dow: Goodbye GM and Citi, Hello Cisco and Travelers

At least for all of us traders out there we know the market volatility is here to stay for a while! Plenty of opportunity out there

What Was the Point of the Stress Tests?

The point of the stress tests was to add a sense of transparency to the government's and banks' situations..and funny enough, it has just added more confusion and uncertainty. The end result will be more volatility, and hence, opportunity to profit from trading. Discuss market thoughts and trading plays at marketfriends.com

Book Review: Great Depression Ahead

The truth is that we can definitely go deeper into recession/depression from here, and we could also recover...it takes time to play out, and only time will tell. That doesn't mean you can't profit during these times - this is a traders market. There is volatility, and hence, opportunity. Discuss market thoughts and trade ideas at marketfriends.com

Thoughts on Geithner's Testimony

The government would not set up stress tests for banks that it practically owns, and then have the tests fail. These tests are not an accurate measure of financial health, and frankly, neither are Geithner's words at this point. We are in for more volatility in the markets. Good discussions and trade ideas at marketfriends.com

Wall Street Breakfast: Must-Know News

All we can do at this point is be thankful for the trading opportunities that the market's volatility is providing us. Discuss your thoughts and these trade opportunities at marketfriends.com

What to Short When the Rally Dies

This rally will run out of steam this week..instead of criticizing short sellers, as the uninformed enjoy doing, it is helpful to have articles like this pointing out how you can profit from market conditions. This is a traders market, and information is power (and money). Speak with traders around the world and share information and trade ideas at marketfriends.com

Reviewing The Ivy Portfolio by Mebane Faber - For Those Who No Longer Buy 'Buy & Hold'

The days of 'buy and hold' are over. With all the asset classes out there, and the loads of market participants, the smart money TRADES the markets. Discuss trading ideas with other independent traders around the world at marketfriends.com

Unemployment Claims: Signaling Recession's End

I don't think there is a question in anyones mind that unemployment is going higher. Unemployment will in fact be one of the reasons this recession is longer, not shorter. More discussion and trading plays at marketfriends.com

Commercial Real Estate: From 'Best' to 'Worst of Times' in Seven Months Flat

It seems obvious (to me at least) that the further fall of commercial real estate is an inevitability, and one that will bring the next down leg in global markets. Stocks will fall again, before any meaningful recovery...and the same people that are touting a recovery in the media are the ones talking about this bust in commercial real estate..interesting. Discuss the market and trading plays at marketfriends.com

Wednesday Outlook: Commodities, Global Markets

I'm amazed at the positive spin they (media outlets) try and put on everything..Today's beige book says we are not rebounding, but rather bouncing around the lows..and this means we have bottomed??? To me, this sounds like a stock chart that shows a steep price decline, followed by a sideways line dragging along the bottom..any techincian will tell you how BEARISH this is. Not to be a complete pessimist, but at least let things play out and let's wait for an actual bounce, before calling a rebound. Good forums for discussion and trade ideas at marketfriends.com

Goldman Releases Earnings Early; Has World Gone Crazy?

The fact is, Goldman needs to be run by Goldman - not the gov't. Furthermore, Goldman is what it is because of its top talent..talent that can only be retained if they are allowed to pay out big bonuses. Would I enter a long position in Goldman stock here - certainly not. But, do I think this is a productive step, absolutely. The financial crisis is not over, and it won't be for some time. We can use events and new stories such as this one as trading opportunities, as they create market volatility. Discuss the potential trade opportunities and ideas at marketfriends.com

Sucker's Rally Approaching an End

While a full economic recovery is nowhere near the horizon at the moment, it is fair to say that the move from Dow 14,000+ to 6,700 was a decline of considerable magnitude that suited the environment. A bounce back to 8,000 is hardly a representation of all being well, and I think people need to look at things notionally rather than in relative terms right now. I do think we have seen the bottom in stocks, but that doesn't mean this rally will continue. In all likelihood we remain rangebound for sometime, albeit a large range. Many trading opportunities exist within this type of environment, and you can discuss them for free at marketfriends.com

12 Most Undervalued Stocks in the Russell 1000, Ex-Financials

Interesting to see a few energy related stocks on this list. I tend to agree, these are the most undervalued stocks out there...commodity prices will rise quickly on the first signs of economic recovery, and energy stocks should benefit most. Also favor Chinese stocks - particularly in that sector. marketfriends.com for more trade ideas and thoughtful discussion..

Inflation Expectations: A Primer

Should be interesting to see the real effect that this will have on the dollar. Right now it is distorted by psychological factors such as risk aversion and global worries. When the dust settles, I imagine the the interest rate environment will come back into play, and combined with inflation the dollar should weaken tremendously. Currency traders at marketfriends.com looking for US dollar weakness across the board, especially if global markets are bottoming and/or rebounding here

8 Reasons ETF Investors Go for the Gold

I think many people fail to realize where currency (namely, the dollar) gets it value, since we are no longer on the gold standard. The US Dollar is backed by confidence in the United States economy. Hence, in times like these, the US Dollar should fall...gold will move higher, and will always retain its value as a safe haven.

Trade ideas and thoughtful discussion at marketfriends.com