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Dartline™

 

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March 15, 2007, 7:30am.

The S&P 500 index remained above 1375 until 12:07pm and dropped within the next hour to 1365, only to quickly reverse to close at 1387.17 9.22. Such wild action was attributed to this Friday's quarterly options expiration, known as quadruple witching because the simultaneous expiration of index options, stock options, index futures and single stock future. The result created excess volatility and yesterday was no exception. Considering this conclusion, the next problem is to determine which direction the general market will go. Since the S&P 500 index closed above 1375, technical support has not been violated. On the upside, resistance at 1415 is sufficient to establish a trading channel. It remains probable that yesterday's gains would not last, but if the market shows near-term strength, 1415 becomes an important confirmation. .. Once you step back from the energy the major issue remains - Whether potential defaults by subprime borrowers will spill over into the broader economy? Yesterday's talking heads cried that the concern was overblown. Stay the course with a defensive posture, reducing any exposure lack near term potential and be prudent. ... Thursday and Friday inflations numbers are due, which might fuel concern that the Fed may not cut interest rates and loosen credit conditions to provide a needed boost to the economy. Same old story - but this time around the noise is loud enough to make believers of Wall Street pundits. The flip page - With jobs and wages still strong, the focus should be on economic growth rather than inflation, therefore, a rate cut would insure much needed liquidity into the system. As the bulls and bears fought for territory, investors are blinded by the dust. Step away from the action and allow the air to clear. The next round is next week when the Fed meets on interest rates.

March 14, 2007, 3:04pm .. ... With the S&P 500 index above 1375 a technical bounce is likely. However, maintain a low profile until further confirmation to extent of advance. Sell into strength and reduce whatever marginal positions still remaining in your portfolio. .... 7:30am ... ...The S&P 500 index is within two points of violating technical resistance at 1375. A decline below that number would signal a major shifted in sentiment, creating sufficient downward pressure to test 1290.93 (low of 08.11.06). Thus, today should give us an indication as to the extent of the damage. Closing at 1377.95 28.65, the index is below its 100 day moving average, while 1300 would be the 200-day moving average price. Therefore, the advance since September 11, 2006 to 1461.57 requires a proportionate decline within the trading ranges indicated above. Since we anticipated that any advance would be short lived, yesterday's contraction was considered within the structure of SHF portfolio. Remaining defensive, trading both sides of the market and taking advantage of special situations had worked as predicted. Now, the time is to step back and allow time and fear give us a cohesive look at the future. ... Stay true to the program outlined by the Dartline column and the portfolio decisions. As indicated below the portfolio is well positioned with an unrealized profit of $2,473,399.92. That performance was not happenstance, but created by building upon what the market offered and taking advantage of greed and fear. Our members and friends watched the decision unfold and the reasoning behind each move. At least two, three times a year, the market gives up its "gifts" and you only need to recognize the events. ... In the current environment, the cheerleaders will attempt to talk the market higher. CNBC is the worst of the bunch. Sunshine characters who continually painted a rosy picture, berry picked their guest commentators to push bullish sentiment. See how quick they back peddled? So be it. When you listen to hot air you get hot air.

March 13, 2007, 7:30am ... ... At 1406.60 the S&P 500 index 3.75 has functioned as predicted. The range 1373.97 to 1415.89 remains the runnel for more sideways action. Prudence should dominate your thinking. Since Wall Street needs confirmation to push the market either way, the so called "experts" are waiting for key inflation numbers on whether the Fed may have enough room to cut interest rate later this year. Dartline has constantly addressed this issue, and believes the Fed will do nothing. Lower rates would crush the U.S. dollar, while raising rates would drive the economic closer to recession - what would you do? ... Stick to our basic plan: (1) Consider the market as a near-term trading vehicle on both sides; (2) Remain cautious until the economic data at week's end filters out; and (3) Act exclusively on the dynamics of the S&P 500 index by using support and resistance levels to point near-term market direction.

... 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!

... . 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 9, 2007, 4:00pm ...Day Trader for the day shows no activity. ... Adjustments to the 60-Day Summary list shows: (1) covered 20% of short position in LEND for a gain of $382,800.00; (2) sold entire call option position in AMGN for a loss of $86,500.00; (3) sold FCGI for a loss of $81,000.00. Net realized change for the day in Stocksmirf Fantasy Hedge Fund portfolio ("SFHF") is a gain of $215,300.00, and for the month to date a gain of $1,862,720.00, excluding unrealized gains or losses.

March 13, 2007, 4:00pm ... Day Trader for the day shows no activity. Adjustments to the 60-Day Summary list shows: (1) covered 20% of short position in LEND for a gain of $212,100.00; (2) sold KR for a gain of $40,000.00. Net realized change for the day in Stocksmirf Fantasy Hedge Fund portfolio is a gain of $252,100.00, and for the month to date a gain of $1,647,420.00, excluding unrealized gains or losses.

March 12, 2007, 4:00pm. ... Day Trader for the day shows no activity. ... Adjustments to the 60-Day Summary list shows: (1) sold short and covered LEND for a gain of $153,000.00; (2) sold SDS for a gain of $7,000.00; (3) sold ROC for a gain of $5,200.00. Net realized change for the day in Stocksmirf Fantasy Hedge Fund portfolio is a gain of $165,200.00, and for the month to date a gain of $1,395,320.00, 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 15, 2007

 ... 1:25pm ... BUY STEC Inc. (STEC) - last $8.36. STEC is in data storage as DRAM market improving. Fundamentals excellent with forward P/E at 9 times. Institutional buyers are increasing position. STEC is under moderate distribution that caused the stock to systematically decline from the $12 range over last 3 months. BUY as near-term speculation. No EXIT POINT determined.

.... 11:25am ... BUY Directed Electronics Inc. (DEIX) - last $8.93. DEIX designs and market consumer electronics. With improving fundamentals and operating margins at 6.25% the company is considered a near-term value play. All though sponsorship is lacking DEIX should trade up when earnings reported tomorrow. DEIX is considered speculative risk. EXIT POINT determined at $10-12 ranges.

March 14, 2007... 3:12pm ... SHORT #3 on LEND - last $6.47.... 2:51pm ... SHORT #2 on Accredited Homes (LEND) - last $5.60. Add to short position.... 2:42pm ... SHORT #3 on American Home Mortgage Investments (AHM) - last $23.05. Add to short position on technicals. 12:52pm ... BUY AFC Enterprises Inc. (AFCE) - last $15.90. AFCE is a 'special situation' buy based on earnings and upward guidance projection due tomorrow morning. At 17 times forward earnings and limited float, while 18% short position, AFCE can create a short squeeze. EXIT POINT fixed at $17.95 - $18.50. Consider a risk play since it is general not prudent to go long in a deteriorating general market, yet the reward/reward ratio favors minor commitment. 10:05am ... SELL SHORT Washington Mutual Inc. (WM) - last $39.24. Bank and thrift holding company with major exposure in sub prime mortgage portfolio. Exit POINT not determined.

Ticker
Last Trade
Direction
Entrance Point
Exit Point
DEIX
$8.93
$8.93
*


P/E Ratio: *
Forward P/E Ratio: 7
Float Shares2: 11.24 M
Company Guidance: *
Recommendation3: upgrade to neutral by Goldman Sachs
Support4: 8.75
Resistance5: 13.70
Under Accumulation6: limited
Under Distribution7: limited

 
today's action

... DAY TRADER

.. March 15, 2007

... 3:33pm ... COVER SHORT #3 on LEND - last $9.29.

... 2:37pm ... SHORT #3 on LEND - last $10.01.

... 2:20pm ... COVER SHORT #2 on LEND - last $9.59. Take profit

... 1:58pm ... SHORT #2 on LEND - last $10.10.

... 1:43pm ... COVER SHORT on LEND - last $9.91. Take profit.

... 12:55pm ... SHORT LEND - last $11.029 . After run over 5 points, overbought for contract to $8.50.

March 14, 2007, 7:30am. No action.

March 13, 2007, 7:30am. No action.

March 12, 2007, 7:30am. No action.

March 9, 2007... 2:36pm ... SELL PSPT - last 14.07. PSPT unable to maintain upside momentum. Under steady distribution with limited buying interest. Take loss. ... 9:40am ... BUY PeopleSupport Inc. (PSPT) - last $14.60. PSPT declined seven-plus points after missing earnings based on currency adjustments. Oversold with likely bounce to $16.20 to $17.50 range.

.... From the 60-Day Summary list

... March 15, 2007

... 10:43am ... COVER SHORT on AHM - last $26.34. Take loss.

... 10:33am ... COVER SHORT on 25% of position on NEWC - last $1.05. Originally suggested at $4.26 on 03.08.07. Take profit.

... 10:27am ... COVER SHORT on entire position LEND - last $7.95. Under questionable accumulation. No sense fighting the tape. Originally suggested at $12.51 on 03.12.07. Take profit with revisit later.

.... 9:59am ... SELL AFCE - last $16.06. AFCE reported earnings that appear less than expected. Originally suggested at $15.90 on 03.14.07. Take minor profit rather can watching a bigger loss.

March 14, 2007... 12:28pm ... SELL AMGN call options April '07 strike price $60.00 (YAADL.X) - last $2.25. Originally suggested on average at $3.49. Take loss on general weakness. ... 12:16pm ... COVER 20% of open short position on LEND - last $4.46. Originally suggested as a short sale at $12.51 on 03.12.07. Take profit to lock-in gains as a means to free-up cash.... 9:31am ... FCGI opened at $10.43..... 8:48am ... SELL First Consulting Group Inc. (FCGI) - close $11.66. Earnings failed to excite. Take loss.

March 13, 2007... 10:33am ... COVER SHORT on 20% of open position of LEND - last $5.44. Suggested at $12.51 on 03.12.07. Take profit.... 10:31am ... SELL KR - last $26.60. Suggested $25.60 on 03.12.07. Take profit.

March 12, 2007... 10:56am ... SELL ROC - last $27.49. Take profit. ROC failed to performance on earnings growth, while management failed to discuss sale of division or return to shareholders a portion of sale a special dividend.... 9:41am .. SELL SDS - last $60.23. 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 ..................... $1,862,720.00

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

March 14, 2007, 4:00pm .......1.771,600.06

March 13, 2007, 4:00pm .... $2,473,399.92

March 12, 2007, 4:00pm ........$469,800.02

March 9, 2007, 4:00pm ........ $353,500.03

March 8, 2007, 4:00pm ........... $77.199.93

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

__________________________________

Prior Dartline summaries ..... March 12, 2007, 7:30am ... ... Closing above 1400 at 1402.85, the S&P 500 index remains within acceptable range (1373.97 - 1415.89). Whatever direction at this juncture would establish the near-term trend. Use this knowledge to :"play" the market on both sides. ... Market stability is the underlying issue as investors continue to fester. Retail sales reports are due this week which should provide how the consumer is thinking, while government's producer and consumer prices indexes may give us a hint on inflation. Job data last Friday showed that the public is still financially healthy to feed economic growth. A further conclusions will be the Commerce Department's retail sales numbers for February. Consensus suggests an increase of 0.3 per cent. ... Bottom line: the Fed will keep interest rates unchanged at 5.25 percent when it convenes on March 20-21). Lots of anxiety as buyers and selling fight it out. . .. Watch VIX to measure volatility in S&P 500 index options which as gone up 50% in past two week. This trend suggests the stocks will fall. .... Remain flexible and look for "special situations" to trade the market on both sides. Taking long term positions would not be prudent.

March 9, 2007, 7:30am ... ...With the S&P 500 index closing above 1400, current at 1401.86 9.52 points, the underlying general market has more resiliency that originally predicted. Maintain interim support at 1373.97, while holding 1390 as yellow flag (representing caution). A new near-term resistance is fixed at 1415.89 (established February 28, 2007). Use this range to plan your investment decisions with volatility continues as a critical factor. Stay focused on keeping risks in check, reduce any position that fails to respond or lacks near-term potential. There are good opportunities only if you consider the current environment as a trading vehicle, and not the time to consider longer term commitments. ...Yesterday's broad advance was based on investors confident following gains in Europe and Asian markets, while the dollar moved higher against the yen and easing concerns about whether global liquidity would tighten. Good execute for the rise, but going forward requires a health economy and continued earnings growth. Dartline is eager for a signal on the health of the economy and the Labor Department's much-anticipated February employment report may lead the way. Indeed, strong employment numbers would be seen as a sign for robust consumer spending since more employment means more spending. Stay vigilant until the report is fully reviewed.

Prior Best Ideas .. March 13, 2007... 2:50pm ... SELL SHORT #2 on AHM - last $22.04. Add to short position. Contracting volume suggests pullback after unusual advance.... 1:26pm .. SELL SHORT on American Home Mortgage Investment Company (AHM) - last 21.15. AHM is a REIT engaged in investing and creating residential mortgages, with 40% exposure on sub-prime loans. No EXIT POINT determined.

March 12, 2007... 3:01pm ... BUY Kroger Company (KR) - last $25.60. With earnings due tomorrow, KR should provide upside surprise. At 16.3 times forward earnings KR can gain traction as long terms increase holdings. EXIT POINT at $28.20.... 1:05pm ... SELL SHORT LEND - last $12.51. Contracting macd suggests lack of buyers and limited support.... 12:40pm ... COVER SOLD ON LEND - last $12.49. Take profit.... 10:03am ... SELL SHORT Accredited Home Lenders Holding Company (LEND) - last $14.02 . LEND is a sub prime mortgage lenders that has its portfolio under review - negative implications. No EXIT POINT determine.

March 9, 2007... 4:01pm ... error in posting - SDS was suggested as BUY at $59.89.... 3:52pm .. BUY SDS - last $58.89. S&P 500 index had difficult moving above 1407. Limited upside. 3:23pm ... BUY Rockwood Holdings Inc. (ROC) - last $27.36. ROC manufactures and markets specialty chemicals. Its recent sale of 78% interest in like sciences chemical business generated $425 million Euros. The sale allows ROC to focus on higher profit sections. Financials are sound with a forward P/E of 15 times. Management committed to enhance shareholder value by increasing profit margin while broadening their product base. Moderate institution support likely to improve. BUY as a trading vehicle to the $29.50 to $31.29 range.... 2:49pm .. BUY call options in AMGN - April '07 call strike price $60.00 (YSSDL.X) - last ask $2.45.

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