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March 8, 2007, 7:30am

Yesterday's technical bounce lacked follow-through. Not a good sign. Add conflicting statements from current and former Fed officials and you have the bulls and bears scrambling like two harlot in need of a john. Speaking at a conference in New York, former Fed Chairman Greenspan said that the decline in home sales has bottomed out, while Fed president Michael Moshow said that "soft economic data cast some doubt on the his previously strong outlook." The tug of words has created the volatility with no end in sight. With contracting volume and no clear direct the market can get violent, depending who has Wall Street's ear. ... Just below the surface remains the economic data, the markets in Asia and Europe, and especially the carry trade. The practice of borrowing money at lower interest rates in one country to invest in higher-yielding assets elsewhere is a precarious game. Now, as the strengthening Japanese economy has lifted both rates and the yen the result makes the yen carry trade a risky proposition. The true implications may damage the international markets beyond the major settlement date of March 31, 2007. ... A survey issued by Automatic Data Processing showed employment grew by 57,000 in February, the weakest job growth since July '03. The Fed Beige Book also presented signs of weakness. Friday will be the big day - the key employment report is due. Indeed, the pros are hesitant to take big positions ahead of the report. ... The S&P 500 index 3.44 to close at 1391.97. Remaining above 1390 was a positive event and established near-term support at 1373.97 (March 5th level). Therefore, trading with a upside bias is warranted, providing you close out positions when in doubt. Play "special situations' and ideas that have real stories. Consistent vigilance and preservation of capital are paramount.

... Stock Pickers, It's Your Moment to Shine .... With the past week's volatility in the market, it's time for WSJ readers to show their mettle and get their stock picks ready for a new Investment Dartboard game. In Contest No.27, as in the past, six readers' picks will vie with a portfolio picked by Sunday Journal staffers tossing darts at the stock listing from the newspaper. The last day to enter will be Sunday, March 18. The winner among the six readers for the six months April through September 2007 wins lifetime bragging rights and a Sunday Journal tote bag. Readers and dart choices will be announced Sunday, April 8. The rules: (1) Choose just one stock from the NYSE or Nasdaq markets and send your choice via email to the sundaydartboard@wsj.com address. No entries by regular mail. (2) You must include your name, address, daytime phone number, email address. (3) Brokers and other investment professionals can't compete. (4) You must be willing to be interviewed. Good Luck

March 7, 2007, 7:30am ... ... You can't fight the tape! Advancers outpaced decliners 4-to-1 on the Nasdaq and 5-to-1 on the NYSE. Underscoring the quick change in sentiment were decliners of 19% and 14% on the VIX (CBOE Volatility Index) and VXN (CBOE Nasdaq Volatility Index) These investor fear gauges spiked lower, which suggests investors were actively buying call options in anticipation of enhanced fundamental underpinning to the market. Maybe not! Fundamentals looking forward: durable-goods new order figure showed a 7.8% decline in January; non defense ex-aircraft capital-goods orders, a key barometer of business capital spending, declined 6% in January and fell in the red on a year/over/year bias for the first time since the 2003 Iraq invasion. Dartline predicts that by late summer the U.S. economy would experience a ruff landing and profits would likely contract as risk-aversion returns. ... All things considered, yesterday's action suggests that gunslingers have taken over the market. Dow up 1.30%, Nasdaq 1.90% and S&P 500 1.55%. So, what's the deal - do we jump into with eyes closed and buy, buy, buy? No! Just follow the game plan and focus on what S&P 500 index does. A near-term support maintained on the 5th of March at 1373.97 for the S&P becomes our new level, while 1435 represents upside resistance. If the lower range holds, the general market will trade higher. The probability it would not, and test 1360. Since the downside bias is greater, identifying a "special situation" long may be difficult. Therefore, in this current environment, buy stocks for long term appreciation would not be practical, while shorts can offer better consistency. As declared - Prudently buy and short trading stocks, and treat the market as a short term investment vehicle.

March 6, 2007, 7:30am ... ... The S&P 500 index slipped 13.05 to close at 1374.12, near the bottom of the trading range - 1373.97/1391.86. Support at 1360.98, representing the low of November 3, 2006, should be near-term support and important number to determine the extent of the deterioration. More volatility ahead while the market establishes a base zone to work up from. At 1360 stability is essential. Bond prices were moderate as the 10-year Treasury note yield was 4.51 percent - good sign as investors haven't rushed to safe-haven assets. The dollar was higher against other major currencies including the yen. Going forward, the international markets gained, breaking a five day losing streak, which will improve sentiment for U.S. equities. Prudently buy trading stocks, and treat the market as a short term vehicle.

... . Purpose of the arrows: - projecting that DJIA, Nasdaq and S&P barometers will close higher at the end of the day. - projected consolidating barometers with limited directional action. - projecting all three barometers declining for the days.

.... Our Message Board and "Contact Us" elements are available at no cost to keep you up-to-date with timely information. Our Fantasy Hedge Fund gives you a concise overview of how investment ideas are executed. All transactions are posted on the Message Board.

View From the Bottom - A roundup of the day's performance

March 7, 2007, 4:00pm. ... Day Trader for the day shows no activity. ... Adjustments to the 60-Day Summary list shows: (1) sold SDS for a gain of $6,600.00. Net realized change for the day in Stocksmirf Fantasy Hedge Fund portfolio is a gain of $6,600.00, and for the month to date a gain of $318,700.00, excluding unrealized gains or losses.

March 6, 2007, 4:00pm ...Day Trader for the day shows a gain of $2,700.00... Adjustments to the 60-Day Summary list shows: (1) sold put options in NDEPG.X for a gain of $100,000.00. Net realized change for the day in Stocksmirf Fantasy Hedge Fund portfolio ("SFHF") is a gain of $102,700.00, and for the month to date a gain of $312,100.00, excluding unrealized gains or losses.

March 5, 2007, 4:00pm ... Day Trader for the day show a gain of $16,200. ... Adjustments to the 60-Day Summary list shows: (1) sold SDS for a gain of $25,000.00; (2) covered short on HMIN for a gain of $67,000.00. Net realized change for the day in Stocksmirf Fantasy Hedge Fund portfolio is a gain of $108,200.00, and for the month to date a gain of $209,400.00, excluding unrealized gains or losses.

.For the fourth calendar quarter of 2006 on the SFHF portfolio. Total performance, including unrealized gains, was $1,027,724.90 on weighted capital of $4,832,125.72, representing 0.2127%. for the period ending December 31, 2006.

*** based on the weighted portfolio value adjusted daily.

 

 
best idea

.. March 8, 2007

... 3:04pm ... SHORT #2 on NEW - last $4.26. Limited buying interest, maybe short covering. (transferred from Trade Day - posted in error)

... 1:31pm ... SHORT NEW - last $5.08. Failed to hold interim low. NEW is under increasing distribution in last 15 minutes to suggest that buyers are giving up. (Covered short at $3.81 at 2:15pm - posted under 60-Day Summary since the intent was to hold the position over 24 hours,)

... 12:02 ... BUY PT ULTRASHORT SP 500 (SDS) - last $59.81. S&P 500 index failed top hold 1407. Move below 1403 likely, especially with uncertainty with tomorrow's employment numbers.

... 9:30am ... ARG opened at $40.95.

... BUY Airgas INC (ARG) - last $39.45 (buy at the market). Short term technical trade to $42.50 - $44.00 range. Under accumulation with limited downside.

March 7, 2007... 3:00pm (as posted on Message Board) ... BUY Medifast Inc. (MED) - last $6.88 Oversold after lower guidance. Fundamentals excellent and MED represents a near-term trade. No EXIT POINT determined. ... 10:21am ... SHORT #2 on New Century Financial (NEW) - last $5.74. Under distribution as NEW represents a new term casualty of sub-prime mortgage market. A clear Chapter 11 candidate and liquidation with shareholders receiving zero. EXIT POINT $0.01.

Ticker
Last Trade
Direction
Entrance Point
Exit Point
ARG
March 8 , 2007
$39.45
42.50


P/E Ratio: 21
Forward P/E Ratio: 16
Float Shares2: 70 M
Company Guidance: improved
Recommendation3: to buy
Support4: 38.50
Resistance5: 51.00
Under Accumulation6: yes
Under Distribution7: limited

 
today's action

... DAY TRADER

.. March 8, 2007

... 1:42pm ... Transfer HSOA to 60-Day Summary list.. HSOA remained under minor distribution that one completed, the stock should respond positively. EXIT POINT $6.25.

... 9:30am ... HSOA opened at $4.73.

... BUY Home Solutions of America INC. (HSOA) - last $4.60 (pre-market $4.90) . With announced of $17 million contract HSOA should increase in price during day to the $5.25 - $5.50 range. Must remain ready to sell out on contracting macd.

March 7, 2007, 7:30am. No action.

March 6, 2007... 10:57am .. SELL VOL - last $29.15. Performance not to expectations as macd contracting. ... 10:36am ... BUY Volt Information Systems (VOL) - last $28.88. After off 2.57 points, VOT has finally received better macd numbers. Trade to $30.40 likely.

March 5, 2007 1:54pm ... COVER SHORT #2 on SDS - last $61.67.... 1:28pm ... SHORT #2 on SDS - last $62.08.... 12:55pm .... COVER SHORT on SDS - last $61.90.... 12:34pm ... SHORT SDS - last $62.05 ..... 12:11pm ... SELL SDS - last $61.85.... 10:30am ... BUY SDS - last $61.60.

March 2, 2007... 1:31pm ... SELL TSAI - last $31.10. Failed to attract up volume after false start.... 1:10pm ... BUY Transaction Systems (TSAI) - last $31.30. After declining over 4 points, TSAI has been under accumulation with improving macd. BUT with test of $32.38..

 

.... From the 60-Day Summary list

... March 8, 2007

.... 2:15pm ... COVER SHORT NEW - last $3.81. Take profit to revisit later. Short vovering in play.

... 11:42am ... Cover shorts on entire position for NEW - last $5.2578. Near-tern trend remains lower, yet NEW should sell higher shorter timeframe. Revisit later. Take profits.

March 7, 2007... 11:17am ... SELL SDS - last $61.03. Take profit.

March 6, 2007 ...... 9:53am .. change exit price of NDEPG.X to $5.70. Take profit... 9:45am ... SELL NDE Ap '07 35 out (NDEPG.X) - last bid $7.00.

March 5, 2007... 10:40am ... COVER SHORT on HMIN - last $34.10 Originally suggested as SHORT at $37.45 on 03.02.07. Take profit.... 10:12am ... SELL SDS - last $61.40. S&P index found support at 1390.

March 2, 2007... 12:34pm ... SELL Scottish Re Group (SCT) - last $4.46. Suggest at average cost of $3.65 on 02.21.07. Take profit and allow the new group to pull the stock lower to acquire more common stock.... 9:37am .. SELL SDS - last $60.50. Take profit.

___________________________

Net liquidation value of Stocksmirf Fantasy Hedge Fund (SFHF) portfolio for the period ending 02.28.07.........,........ $ 5,194,411.00

REALIZEDGAINS LOSSES FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER '06 in the SFHF portfolio ........................ ......... $277,601.00

REALIZED GAINS LOSSES FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER '06 in the SFHF portfolio. ...............................$338,049.00

REALIZEDGAINS LOSSES FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER '06 in the SFHF portfolio ...... ......................... $371,020.00

REALIZEDGAINSLOSSES FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY '07 in the SFHF portfolio .....................................$615,500.00

REALIZEDGAINSLOSSES FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY '07 in the SFHF portfolio ....................$1,092,241.00

REALIZEDGAINSLOSSES FOR MONTH OF MARCH '07 to date in the SFHF portfolio ........................ $318,700.00

UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) in the Stocksmirf Fantasy Hedge Fund portfolio.

March 7, 2007, 4:00pm .........$200,200.00

March 6, 2007, 4:00pm ........... $84,100.25

March 5, 2007, 4:00pm ........... $20,350.00

March 2, 2007, 4:00pm ............$21,659.74

March 1, 2007, 4:00pm ........... $05,100.00

February 28, 2007, 4:00pm ..... $69,451.04

February 27, 2007, 4:00pm ....$225,225.00

__________________________________

Prior Dartline summaries ..... March 5, 2007, 7:30am ... ... What now Stocksmirf? There are plenty of good arguments why last week's blip was a mere anomaly, and why the market can go higher. Corporate earnings have been on a record run. Interest rates are low and likely head lower. Inflation only exists in Bernanke's mind and stockslingers want the market to go up, up and away. But the fact remains - the willingness of investors worldwide to turn like scared rabbits and run on something as meaningless as a drop in the fledging Chinese equity market. Indeed, the event indicates that big investors had their fingers on the sell button. Does that happen in a bull market? Hell no! And it's not prudent to step in and buy stocks when stockslingers and heartless program-trading computers are ready to dive at the first sign of trouble. And don't blame Greenspan - he's not the first horn to blow on the prospect of recession (his time was another story). The economic indicators have been pointing to a slowing economy for months. The housing downturn is getting worse. Corporate earnings, despite achieving their record in the fourth quarter look like they're peaking, and the private-equity boom can evaporate in a heartbeat. ... Wall Street is split over late week's big drop - a short term dump or entered a bear market? Consensus suggests that there's no reason that stocks shouldn't resume their push into record territory in the coming months, claiming no material change in fundamental terms on the average consumer, corporate earnings, manufacturing activity or inflation. Yet, others argue that stocks are overpriced and the economy is ready to tank big time. So what is it? ... The nearest thing to a crystal ball possessed by Dartline is the S&P 500 index. What, why and how the index acts on a any given period represents the master pointer to the direction of the U.S. stock market. This idea has been continually addressed and the superior performance of the Stocksmirf Fantasy Hegel Fund portfolio underscore its real worth. Currently, the index sits at 1,387.17 with a five day range of 1456.95 to 1380.87. Therefore, a zone has been established. Under our application of selective probability - a quantitative measure of the likelihood of a given event - and when determined, it should be used. In the last five days the S&P index had established a trading range. A decline below 1380 would indicate the probability of a further weakening, while 1456.95 would prove likewise on the upside. At the present, 1365 has been determined as near-term support and 1435 as upside resistance. Thus, our range has been narrowed and predictable. Limit your commitment and wait for the dust to settle, and the bla-bla-bla to stop.

March 2, 2007, 7:30am ... ...Considering yesterday's reaction in the morning, the S&P 500 index came close to losing 5 percent from the February highs hit the week before. Wall Street pundits claim a "floor of support" is due. Don't believe the spin and continue to converse cash. If you were following Dartline, most long positions would have been materially reduced. Indeed, if you're still in, attempt to liquidate into any rally. In the current environment long-term investing is out of fashion. .... What's next? Since the S&P 500 index is our :"post" as in posting the future direction of the broader stock market, what happens next requires a technical confirmation. For example (use archives): (1) December 11, 2006 said. "At 1409.84 as Friday's closing price for the S&P 500 index with a range of 1403.67 to 1414.09 should be the extent of upside resistance, while a decline below 1403 would suggests weaker values." In this directive a clear channel was established. (2) December 28, 2006 said: "The Standard & Poor's 500 index at 1426.84 remains our safety [valve]. .... Support is set at 1410 and represents an important Dartmarker to set your sights on." As suggested - if the S&P remained above 1410 you're a buyer with limited risk. Look at the SFHF portfolio gains to underscore this prediction. (3) January 17, 2007 said: "The resiliency of the S&P 500 index to advance despite contracting volume and lack of conviction in most sectors indicates that the underlying strength cannot be denied. At this point, one cannot deny the tape. For now, remain aggressive, but prudent ..." (4) February 5, 2007 said: "Don't panic. For the time being, 1450 is still upside resistance, while 1410 support. Within this range there are opportunities to participate ... without inflecting critical risk.' (5) February 20, 2007 said {scroll down in this column). "With the S&P index at 1455.55 the technical underpinnings to the market remain positive. .... Use 1435 as support to reduce any downside risk ..." (6) February 23, 2007, 10:73am said. "S&P 500 index below 1435 represents interim sell signal. Reduce exposure on long positions.". The rest was history. ... What's next? Yesterday, the S&P 500 closed at 1403.17 3.65. As stated on February 28, 2007, 7:30am, "Interim phase support is set at 1365, while 1325 represents primary support ..." Thus, we ave established our near-term floor. For now, remain balanced with most cash reserves on the sidelines. Allow the general market to point its direction with limited long positions.

March 1, 2007, 2:11pm ... ... S&P 500 index found interim strength at 1400 and triggered buying interest. However, further weakness is likely and don't be fooled by the upside action. Sell long positions without "story" to conserve cash. ... 10:00 ... ... S&P 500 index support re-set at 1300. Key indicator at 1300 is needed to stabilize broader market. ..... 9:00am ... S&P 500 index futures selling-off, suggesting renewed downside pressure and break below 1396. Reduce long positions further; need for capital preservation warranted. ... 7:30am .... The S&P 500 index closed at 1,406.82 7.78 on the partial recovery of the Shanghai stock market and the welcome words of Fed Chairman Bernanke who said there was no single trigger to Tuesday's market slide and financial markets "seem to be working well." Yet, after how violent and quick the plunge of 416 points was on Tuesday, a rebound appeared a logical progression. Now the $64 question: How firm will this rebound be? Without a crystal ball, the answer belongs with the gods. For us lowly dart throwers, we must anticipate the future direction of the S&P and that event will be the key. Yesterday, the index declined to 1,396.65, therefore, a near-term support is determined. If the index holds above that number, nibble on the long side; keep your powder dry, and basically remain on the sidelines, except to "ambush" a special situation.

Prior Best Ideas ... March 6, 2007... 3:36pm ... BUY SDS - last $60.70. S&P 500 index had problem moving above near-term resistance at 1400.... 11:08am ... SHORT New Century Financial (NEW) - last $5.915 Under distribution with limited upside on deteriorating fundamentals. No EXIT POINT determined.

March 5, 2007... 3:27pm ... BUY call options in Amgen Inc. (AMGN) April '07 call strike price $60.00 (YAADL.X) last ask $3.90. On technical considerations, AMGN is at support with upside to $72.00 likely within five-weeks. note: High risk idea... 10:01am ... BUY Scottish Re Group (SCT) - last $4.36. Under accumulation after new group took control. (read prior commentaries by searching from message board0

March 2, 2007... 2:52pm ... BUY SDS - last $60.90. S&P 500 index below 1400 indicates further weakness to 1365 as next test..... 2:37pm ... SHORT Home Inns & Hotel Management Inc. (HMIN) - last $37.45 . HMIN develops and manages economy hotel in China. Long term view has moderated,while on hear-term basis HMIN is overbought. Under limited distribution that has accelerated. SHORT for cover in the $26-$29 range.... 1:17pm ... BUY #3 on BCRX - last $9.31. Add to position on valuation. 11:40am ... BUY First Consulting Group Inc. (FCGI) - last $12,05. FCGI provides information services to healthcare and related life sciences organization in North America, Europe and Asia. Excellent business model, improving fundamentals, and managements desire to expand operating base are indicative factors for further revenue gains. At 18 times future earnings, FCGI is a value play in a strong sector. BUY as limited risk, near-term candidate. No EXIT POINT determined.

March 2, 2007, 7:30. ... BUY #2 on BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc. (BCRX) at - last 9.88. NCRX designs and develops novel drug that block key enzymes involved in cancer, cardiovascular diseases, etc .Originally focused as a "bird-flue" play, the company has a promising pipeline, which the 'crown jewel' is Fodosine, a oncology candidate as an inhibitor that controls abnormal multiplication of T-cells. Being the only such drug in development, NCRX recently started phase II study under a special FDA protocol assessment.- a significant factor since FDA can grant approval without phase III trials. The event triggers a $5 million milestone payment from partner Mundipharma. Fodosine has the potential of being a $1 billion plus drug. However, may not have the drug to market until '08 at the earliest. Therefore, the company's antiviral drug, Peramivir, in phase II trials remains the near term play. The U.S. government's Department of Health and Human Services awarded BCRX $102.6 million to develop Peramivir.for seasonal and life-threatening influenza. Fundamentals are adequate. With 23.3 million share float, 45% participation by institutions, management holding 23%, while 12% of outstanding short, BCRX is within appropriate standards for a takeover. Baker Brothers Advisors LLC holds a 6% stake in BCRX and may approach Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD) for a linkup. Consider BCRX a "special situtaion, high speculation" BUY in a weak stock market. Add to position.

March 1, 2007... 3:00pm ... BUY put options in NDE April '07 strike $35.00 put (NDEPG.X) - last ask $3.70. NDE makes a business in Alt-A mortages, which are between prime and sub-prime mortages. With lower profits,, contracting business and possible liquidity issues, NDE may have fundamental problems which will affect technicals. Buying the put options offers greater leverage, especially with the underlying stock tracking lower, possibly to the $25-$29 range... 11:36am .. BUY #3 on SDS - last $59.74 .... 10:45am ... BUY #2 on SDS - last $60.20... 9:32am ... SDS opened at $61.40. ... 9:15am .. BUY PT ULTRSHRT SP500 PS (SDS) - pre-market $59.65. S&P 500 profile (ETF) on shorting underlying stocks.

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