Market movers on Fri. 4/28 were techs & health.

Ameritrade lists the following big gainers. It appears that they did not include very low price stocks. Of the 13 companies listed, most(over 1/2) were Technology and Health stocks. The list of movers are: LARL 27 %, ISRG 23, VMSI 19, CTV 17, PLXS 11, WDCG 11, SNA 11, DLB 10, CVH 9, & VSLA. One can't assume that Techs & Health were the strongest sectors but only that they had some great movers. The primary reason for the gains were earning reports that consensus. It is often where savvy investors take profits ( at earning reports.) Most financial sites provide daily winners and losers for for many other time frames. It is a common occurrence that today's winners are not the next days winners but possibly the opposite. The utilization of such lists are excellent to start doing research of stocks that are moving and the trend will often be established after these quarterly reports. Cramer would jump on such news as he can verify the move and add a further spike after his hype announcements. Knowing more than other investors is essential so this is one reasonable starting point for research and often when CEOs give future guidance. One day does not make a market nor does one quarterly report. Tomorrow is "May Day" and more action by immigrants. If anyone is interested in more specifics on any of these companies I would be willing to provide specifics and my "read." Please click on the comment option below and enter your thoughts on these or your own list. Thanks. Pete

What is more important ?- Family activity or market comments ?

There were many satisfying family activities today as usual. Breakfast with some family members, email with Great Grandson left in Florida , 1200 miles away, to start schooling, visiting a son- in- law who is recouping from a knee operation, counting our blessings as my wife, at age 80, fell without breaking any thing but her pride, discussing a family investment in a grandson's medical business and changes in one starting kindergarten, another grandson chasing far away girlfriend in his gas guzzling truck etc. etc. With 20 younger decedents the family activity is very dynamic. Sure happiness and flow of money were key subjects. Nobody in my family wanted to hear about my market ideas or even about blogging. To them family activity is it and investing in the market is not it. since I was out numbered about 20 to 1, I did the least talking with the family. Normally, for this blog, the gasoline hype would be mentioned by myself AGAIN ! Like the flip flop about mandating ethanol, the less efficiency of ethanol, Bush saying "we can't use all that corn for ethanol as we need to eat some of it" and other boring gas talk. Thus my blogging which is intended to exchange marketing ideas is of little interest to me at the moment. Grandma's comments- "Why do they (the children) have to go so far away?". Bless you all, enjoy & Peace!

Consolidating Pete's blog names

Previous blog market101 has been changed to the latest pete blog market101+, Hope this is working properly.

What is on investors minds? Always Money??

Well it is money but more specifically how to protect that money. Those that invested in the energy sectors have had a bonanza the past few years so they have a lot more money to protect. Now the related concerns are confusing as the street folks are bitter, politicans are floundering, and many vested intgerests are blaming others for the energy problem. Lot of irrational uncertainty prevails. Yes it is a problem that may cause many to lose money and most agree that money spent on energy takes away discretionary spending in other areas. So this is all past weeks news - now what does an investor do? Well if one is holding energy stocks they can hedge their gains. If a bubble doesn't burst it can slowly leak. XOM. COP and O&G indexes are all near their all time high . One can average out some % if they drop below your risk tolerance. With the battling of the powerful + wars the volatility will continue. "Everyone" agrees that a qauick fix to prices are not possible so we are forewarned. The problem has so many conflicting interests that the PR will not go away and wall of worries & confusion are here to stay for some time. The paradox is that the O&G sector is usually the safest but not now? Another related sector to the energy group, precious metals,is exhibiting the same volatile trait. So the song goes " you got to know when to fold em." Pete

Pete's Picks- Let's pick stocks that will make you a winner !.

The recent confusion in the market is reason for being more selective. When most people are not buying is an opportune time for wise investors to step forward to find good buys. My passion for investing is enough reason to share a list of stocks with an invitation to engage other serious investors. The effort was applied, however knowledge is a necessity to select a list of potential winners. The stocks were primarily selected with fundamentals such as revenue and profit trends, profit margin, price to: earnings and to sales, and other citical matrix. From a technical analysis view I used 2 months with gains over twice that off the overall market, and other typical TA tools. All the companies are ones that I have much experience with thus enough knowledge to also apply my gut feeling. The screening as outlined minimizes my biasness and some of my favorites did not pass this statistical screening. The smaller capitalized companies are more volatile thus I chose a 3 to 4 month target time while the remainder are end of year targets. Generally any stock that gains over 40% in a few months or less are sell canditates and any longer term big gains should also be partially averaged out to take profits. The shorter term stocks are: GIGM, IFO, HOM, & TGC. The stocks with an end of the year target are: PENN, SHFL, IGT, CHK, ATI, COP, VLO, GLW, & CRS. ONE COULD consider GOOG at $400 OR less for a few years target date based on being a world leader in the fastest growing sector. Sell stops are always valid and should be used but it depends on ones risk aversion and preferred technique to reduce their risk. I would buy now if the market is not tanking before you make a decision based on your own analysis. Anyone is welcomed to comment on the list or offer their own list. I would respond to early inquires about specifics on any stock that you wish to comment below. I have an interest in updating "Pete Picks" including ideas presented by others should there be an interest. Best of luck. Pete

Does Jim Cramer (CNBC) make money for his followers?

I was intrigued by Cramer's popularity as a CNBC entertainer (comedian) but more so by the number of believers that followed his recommendations. I was also impressed that the TV network had given him 3 one hour time slots per day and frequent exposure between his shows. I decided to determine if I was missing something by not being impressed with many of his recommendations. With easy access to computer data storage and personal watch lists I decided to use my statistical background to evaluate his effectiveness. The basic summary of the methadology was to track 60 of his strongest buy recommendations daily for 2 months. For comparison to his buy recommendations I used 20 stocks in my portfolio and favorites , the Dow and NASDAQ indexes. The first obvious observation, without crunching #s, was that he usually moved the stock prices for the first moments and short periods. Then in less than a week it became obvious the early stock spurts often faded quickly in the matter of days or weeks. To his credit some of his quality buy recommendations had continued to have good gains. It all seemed clear to me so I was tempted to give up the statistical analysis but decided that my effort was already expended thus I let the experiment run the total planned 2 months. Also the methodology was designed to get a statistically valid answer which meant more data and time even if the performance of the Cramer recommendations were not impressive? The results of the 2 months comparison was that the preliminary conclusion was valid. The DOW, NSDAQ & my group outperformed Cramer's buy picks by a significant amount of about 4 to 5 % over the 2 month period. There were about 1 in 8 or 10 of Cramer' picks that did well but not enough to cause his average to be the best of the four groups. It is fair to add that Cramer does not always say to buy immediately nor does he review his buy selections to offer advice on when to sell. Not having any guidance as when "to fold em" is a fault as selling is the most important decision. The valid conclusion based on statistical significance testing is that Cramer does not help his followers to beat the market on the average. Also his guidance has been poor on the direction of the overall market and especially his vacillating on the energy sectors has been a loser. There are some insights to Cramer's approach that would clarify any potential interest in his lack of results that might be worthy of further blogging. My opinions are also the consensus of many other experienced investors as Cramer has many disbelievers. I make no disclaimers as the numbers speak for themselves. Since the show must go on the Cramer hype will continue as many listeners yell as much as Cramer. He is a pro !!

Markets reaction to Bernanke congressional presentation is possitive.

What did the congressmen & the market like? Clarity is #1- that he does well. Also indication that the fed could hesitate rasing rates to get more data. Clarified the 3 objectives of the Fed: keep inflkation low, healthy economy and dollar, and good employment. Also he acknowledge concerns about wage disparity ( rich VS poor), current account deficxit, and that the rest of the world (China included) influences the US economic status. All the congressmen understood his positive message regarding the satisfactory status of our economy. His clarity is a gift and his commitment to more Fed visibility will benefit investors. Yes he says Gold prices is on his screen as is all commodities and folks buy gold to preserve wealth against inflation concerns. Increaased energy pricing is biting into consumers spending and will slow down the economy. I am adding to my US stock investing commitment based on Bernake's statements and his contribution to meeting the objectives of the Fed. Markets understanding that the Fed will control inflation helps to keep long term rates down and ALSO is self fullfiling in controlling inflatioin. Happy Hours ahead- What are your comments??

A Bloggers view of Google Finance- Still a C-

There were expected upgrades but I'm not able to detect them. The uttility to an investor after a few weeks of blogging is not much better now than on day one. Missing are the many specifics as found on mostly Yahoo and lesser so on MSN. Specifically there are very few links to bloggers postings to be found on Google blog search. Also there are few blogger comments to other bloggers posting than one would get from Yahoo message boards or even other mesaage board sites. Basically my 50 years of experience is not enhanced as much by Google Finance as I would have expected. The solution would be for Google to emulate some of the other financial sites rather than just blazing new search engine mentalities. They need to add folks with market & financial savvy rather than internet search specialists? I still have faith that Google will pursue this new venture and will improve sometime in the future? Pete.. PS Bloggers, post your comments.

What's in the wind for US stock markets ?

Most of my past weeks comments are still valid. 1) Interest rates got a mini shock from China raising their central bank rates 2) US energy prices get Bush's attention and their proclomation of remedies will add to the confusion. The Administration's blurb has the Democrats stirred up on Big Oil & Pres.& VP's connection. The reading of these indicates that Governments believe economies are growing fast so are slowing this down with rate increases. Also that China has a large effect on the world markets as stocks are down in 100% of European countries and also US futures & indexes. Even Gold, & commodities including oil are volatile and drifting down the past few days. The above indicates an opportunity for good entries into the strength of O&G & commodities and precious metal companies. Likely the heating up of the world economies will be abated for the short term ( few months). A winner in the turmoil is gambling stocks as they know how to place a bet. My 3 favorites there remain, IGT, SHFL and PENN. It as usual is true that there are always some opportunities to invest long on stocks but for those that don't believe in this opportunity, it is easy to short stocks. The one area worth watching is the spread of Avian Flu. The global status is the flu is continuing but if it hits US watch out below. If nothing else the price of poultry which is already low will sink. That is the chicken little read for today. Whate are your comments? Post comments at bottom option.

Info for Apple computer inc, zenex international , Gigamedia, valero energy cp.

There are comments on those companies in the title. Placing them in the title supposedly allow others to link to these companies. Search my entire blog and market 101 as well as market101+. Please click on comment & enter your thoughts. Thanks.

What is driving the stock market now ?- April 25 .

It is a given that the market does not like uncertainty. Some of the past weeks predominant uncertainties that moved the market were: Energy prices, "2 I" WARS- Iran & Iraq, Interest rates rumors that Fed may be ready to apply the breaks. For the moment none of these are showing resolution and as the Administration & Congress flounder further there is little light at the end of the tunnel. Some exaggerations of these uncertainties are that the price of gas at over $3.00 & is turning off the public - investors are getting spooked. Certainly the gasoline price mess is worsening as the refineries and gas distributors attempt to change the new paradigm of blending ethanol and getting it into the pumps. The driving season is upon us & lots of SUV's & trucks are rolling. The conversion is difficult as ethnol can not be transported as easily as other liquids, has a shorter shelf life. has a vicious affinity for warter, & worst of all it is less efficient than that being replaced. Brazil took over 15 years to work out of their problems with ethanol and the US is attempting to do it in 15 days- no way hosa! With a few areas having no gasoline this can create panic. If many folks start to "fill em up" we are in for rough times and $4 gas will be breached quickly. Some major producers of vegatable oils are converting facilities to ethanol but not in 15 days. One problem may not make a financial crisis but congress returning and yelling price gauging and excess taxation will create all the PR needed to make most believe things are bad and want to get out of their positions. Now the last thing the market needs is to loose complete faith in our system and Bush's rating of 32% and Cheney ratings in the teens is not a precursor of confidence in the system. If it's broke folks want to fix it QUICK, so where is the hopeful " light of wisdom?" I'm not sure either. Oh! we'll just have a congressional hearing and blame the illegal immagrints !

Full name of STOCKS listed to date

Suggested that links are only found if bloggers list the name of the companies but not if symbols are used. This is part of stocks I listed: GIGM- gigamedia ltd, ZENX- zenex international, HOM- home solutions of America, TGC- tengasco inc., VLO- valero energy cp., CHK- chesapeake energy cp., PENN- penn national gaming, IGT- International gaming technology, SHFL- shuffle master, COP- Conoco phillips, TM- Toyota motors. Other lists will follow if this is successful in establishing links.

Listing the names of posted stocks for 4/17 week

It was recommended that the full name should be used. These stocks of interest to me are all still expected to have a positive future valuation. I own or have owned all of these stocks and am very familiar with each one. The full names are: GIGM-Gigamedia LTD, ZENX-Zenex international, HOM- Home solutions of America, TGC- Tengasco inc., VLO- Valero Energy cp., CHK- Chesapeake energy cp., PENN- Penn national gaming, IGT- International gaming technology, SHFL- Shuffle master inc., COP- Conoco Phillips, TM- Toyota motors, MC- Matsushita electric industrial co., EMC- EMC corporation, DXPE- DXP enterprise, ADM- Archers Daniels Midland. This listing should help readers. Please post comments regarding any company or comments made by Market101 & Market 101+ . My interest is to have a free exchange of ideas with serious individual investors. Thank you for expressing your opinions.

Ethanol Co. Stocks moving up ! Opportunities?

The demand for ethanol is accentuated by the ban of MTBE as a gasoline additive and the high price of oil driving gasoline over 3$s. The stock price of this group has gone up much more than the usage. It is the anticipation that has driven many of these stocks over double the past year and stock valuations are accelerating more the past weeks. Some names of amaller Cos are: INSQ, VRDM, & GSHF. Some higher capitalized Cos. are: XTHN, PEIX, ANDE, & ADM. I have followed alternate fuels for a long time and this group has created the greatest current potential for appreciation. The US public anxiety and discontent is increasing exponentially as we go over the 3$ level. Brazil has gone to near 100% ethanol additive for their motor vehicles. The model T Ford was first produced to run on alcohol. Car manufactures are making engines that operate on "flex" fuels. Is the future scenario for ethanol a simple one- no way.

key movers - 4/20 2

The major movers of the market are same as previous post. Looked at a potentially great stock blog that has similar investing goals as mine. This blogger has professional experience with Cannan hedge fund and other investment groups. I would recommend surfing >finance huddle< blog. I'm not cetain if he has a financial incentive so decide what gives ??? My holdings are doing well (~ +5% today) with some questions about GIGM, which is a Taiwan internet gaming Co. It may create concerns with the Chinese Pres, visit. It is one item Bush mentioned. A Chinese dissident made the White House visit dramatic as she interrupted the speech and got, & will get, a lot of media coverage. I am staying with the long approach with some support from oil dropping over a dollar and Gold down about $16 this AM. Precious metals often move counter to the regular market. In the fullness of time money can be made in investing with a bit of smarts.

present key market movers

Primary attention NOW is interest rates & current earning reports that are moving the market. Next is oil prices with the "problem price{" getting close but not yet critical. Lilewise the Chinese Pres visit will rekindle the concern of US VS Chinese inerests which will not be resolved by tomorrows short visit with GW Bush. Likely Gates visit will do more good than the latter. There is a lot of money chasing commodities as well as stocks and this will continue pushing both up until the uncertainty factor comes into play. Gasoline over 3$ will cause a lot of bitching and Administration taking to the pulpit. I'm sleepomg well and keeping fuinvested but with mental stops for each stock I own. In the fullness of time these key movers of the market shall change.