The Decade in Review: 2006-2007

2006

Once again, here we are, remembering the decade that was…and celebrating the fact that it’s almost over!!! The markets didn’t do too badly over these two years. Early in January of ’06, we see the Dow close above 11,000 for the first time in six and half years. January also sees Hamas win the majority in the Palestinian elections. Samuel Alito is also sworn in to the Supreme Court.

February also starts on a good note as UAL Corporation (parent company of United Airlines) comes out of bankruptcy. Blu-ray discs are released for the first time in March. The Federal Reserve also stops publishing data on the M3 money supply. In May, Fiat announces that the Alfa Romeo is coming back to the States.

In June, after three years of fighting in Iraq, the U.S. kills one of the leaders of Al-Qaeda and seven of his aides. Investment guru, Warren Buffett donates over $30 billion to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In October, Google buys YouTube for $1.65 billion.

On November 5th, Saddam Hussein is sentenced to death by hanging (the execution is carried out on December 30th). In the battle for video game dominance, the Sony PS3 and the Nintendo Wii are released two days apart from each other.

Notable Deaths: Lou Rawls (singer), Shelley Winters (actress), Coretta Scott King (civil rights activist), Don Knotts (actor), Kirby Puckett (baseball player), Maureen Stapleton (actress), Slobodan Milosevic (Serbian leader), Caspar Weinberger (U.S. Secretary of Defense), Floyd Patterson (boxer), Desmond Dekker (singer), Billy Preston (musician), Aaron Spelling (TV producer), Red Buttons (comedian), Mickey Spillane (writer), Jack Warden (actor), Steve Irwin (TV show host), Byron Nelson (golfer), Buck O’Neil (baseball player), Cory Lidle (baseball player), Red Auerbach (basketball coach), Ed Bradley (journalist), Gerald Levert (singer), Jack Palance (actor), Milton Friedman (economist), Bo Schembechler (football coach), Robert Altman (movie director), Peter Boyle (actor), Lamar Hunt (sports executive), James Brown (singer), Gerald R. Ford (38th President of the United States).

2007

In February, we have what sounds like a bad movie, “The Chinese Correction.” The Shanghai exchange dropped 9% in one day due to fears the government would start raising interest rates. The Dow dropped 3.29% to 12,216 and the S&P closed down 3.45%. At one point in afternoon trading, the DJIA dropped 200 points in mere seconds.

In July, the final “Harry Potter” novel is released and sells over 11 million copies in the first 24 hours. On August 14th, where there is still fighting in Iraq, multiple suicide bombings kill 572 people. Marion Jones, track & field superstar, hands over the 5 medals she won in 2000 after admitting to using performance enhancing drugs.

In November, the Writers Guild of America goes on strike, forcing us to turn off the television and actually have a conversation with our spouses. The strike lasts until February, 2008.

Notable Deaths: Michael Brecker (musician), Art Buchwald (humorist), Sidney Sheldon (author), Anna Nicole Smith (model), Dennis Johnson (basketball player), Ernest Gallo (winemaker), Eddie Robinson (football coach), Kurt Vonnegut (author), Don Ho (musician), Boris Yeltsin (Russian leader), Jerry Falwell (evangelist), Bob Evans (restaurant owner), Liz Claiborne (fashion designer), Joel Siegel (film critic), Ingmar Bergman (film director), Bill Walsh (football coach), Merv Griffin (TV personality), Brooke Astor (philanthropist), Phil Rizzuto (baseball player), Leona Helmsley (real estate investor), Luciano Pavorotti (singer), Robert Jordan (author), Marcel Marceau (mime), Joey Bishop (entertainer), Robert Goulet (entertainer), Norman Mailer (author), Evel Knievel (daredevil), Ike Turner (musician), Benazir Bhutto (Pakistani politician).

Just two more years to go…it is truly sad to see all of these icons that have past away over the last 10 years. May they all rest in peace.

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Is Santa on Vacation Yet???

I've missed over 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot . . . and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. - Michael Jordan

I've had enough success for two lifetimes, My success is talent put together with hard work and luck. - Kareem Abdul-Jabar

And will you succeed? Yes! You will indeed!(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed). - Dr. Seuss

The gifts have been opened. Some returns have even been made. For many of us, the chaos is now over. We have a few more days to collect ourselves before we start all over again next week. With the new week, we have a new year, a new decade. All slates are wiped clean and we start from zero. We won’t forget the two major slides of this decade, but we can move away from it and create new opportunities. Where will you find them? Will they be American companies that have been oversold? Could it be new emerging markets that strike your fancy? The one thing we all know for sure is that there WILL be opportunity. The true question is “will we see it when it happens?”

It’s “Out With the Old and In With the New” at the Cabot China & Emerging Markets Report. Editor Paul Goodwin talks about the bounce around the world since the March bottoms. The results of the BRIC as of 12/18 (in local currency) are: Brazil 66.3%, Russia 83.4%, India 85.8% and China 55.9%. They also give the prediction of the year for 2010, “it will be like every year, with huge surprises and unexpected triumphs and disasters. And since we follow the market rather than anticipating it, we will react accordingly.”

Over at the CONSENSUS Bullish Sentiment Index, Robert E. Salva keeps his finger on the pulse of everything that you need to know about the markets. Think natural gas is oversold? Maybe currencies are your thing. Like the British Pound? Precious metals? Whatever your play, take a look at this weekly piece to get a feel for what people are thinking.

Just a few more days to get any tax loss trades in. Maybe this Santa rally will carry through a few more days. We’ll see…

For more information, please go to http://www.zepinvest.com.

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The Decade in Review: 2004-2005

2004

The year, like many others this decade, is filled with bad news. In February, the CIA comes clean and publicly states that there never an imminent threat of “weapons of mass destruction” before the U.S. attacked Iraq a year earlier. A phenomenon that turned a college kid with too much time on his hands into a billionaire starts as Facebook is created. In the first three months of the year, there are suicide bombing attacks in Baghdad, Moscow, Madrid, a ferry in the Philippines and Israel, killing over 370 people.

Things escalate further in Israel as helicopters fire missiles at leaders of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The good times just keep rolling as we learn about the abuse of prisoners at Abu Ghraib from 60 Minutes. An era also ends as the last Oldsmobile is made at the end of April. On May 17th, in a win for the progressives, the state of Massachusetts legalizes same-sex marriage.

On June 5th, the 40th President of the U.S., Ronald Reagan passes away. On June 28th, the sovereignty of Iraq is turned over to the Iraqi Interim Government. Later that summer, James McGreevey, Governor of New Jersey comes out of the closet and announces his resignation effective in November.

On September 1st, Chechen rebels take over 1,000 people, mostly children hostage. After two days, Russian forces remove the terrorists, but 335 die and at least 700 are injured. Over the course of a month, four hurricanes cause major chaos in the Caribbean and Gulf. The TV show lost premieres and we learn that the term “flip flop” can be used for more than just fashion.

In November, George W. Bush wins the Presidential election. Colin Powell resigns as Secretary of State, to be replaced by Condoleeza Rice. In December, Oracle and Peoplesoft agree to merge as do Symantec and Veritas. In December, “THE Tsunami” hits southeast Asia, killing over 200,000 (no, that is NOT a typo).

Notable Deaths: Tug McGraw (baseball player), Jack Paar (TV show host), Marge Schott (baseball team owner), Pat Tillman (football player and U.S. Ranger), Estee Lauder (cosmetics entrepreneur), Tony Randall (actor), Ray Charles (musician), Marlon Brando (actor), Rick James (singer), Rodney Dangerfield (comedian), Christopher Reeve (Superman), Yasser Arafat (Palestinian leader), Reggie White (football player), Artie Shaw (musician), Jerry Orbach (actor).

2005

The year starts off slow (considering 2004, that’s a good thing) as the American people are still hung over either from what they drank on election day, or started right after. In April, Pope John Paul II passes away and is succeeded by Pope Benedict XVI. On May 17th, Kuwaiti women are given the right to vote.

In July, four bombs explode simultaneously in London killing 56 and injuring over 700. On August 29th, Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans. Over 1,800 people are killed and the entire Gulf Coast is devastated. The Bali bombings happen October 1st, killing 26 and injuring over 100. The world’s largest bank, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, is also formed on that day. On October 19th, the Saddam Hussein Trials begin.

Notable Deaths: Johnny Carson (TV show host), Arthur Miller (playwright), Hunter S. Thompson (journalist), Peter Benenson (founder of Amnesty International), Johnnie Cochran (lawyer), Saul Bellow (writer), Peter Jennings (news anchor), William Rehnquist (Supreme Court judge), Simon Weisenthal(Nazi hunter), Don Adams (actor), Rosa Parks (civil rights activist), Pat Morita (actor), Richard Pryor (comedian).

The shopping is over. I hope you all have a very merry Christmas!!!

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Is This a Head Cold or a Balloon That is About to Pop!?!?

Wealth is like sea-water; the more we drink, the thirstier we become; and the same is true of fame. – Arthur Schopenhauer

Sell not virtue to purchase wealth, nor liberty to purchase power. – Benjamin Franklin

The offspring of riches: pride, vanity, ostentation, arrogance, tyranny. – Mark Twain

Getting a long weekend around the holidays sounds great in theory. One would expect to relax, maybe finish up the holiday shopping and enjoy some time with family. As I said, it’s great in theory. However, when you step into mixed martial arts cage match that is the mall these days, anything can happen. What is the point of gift giving if you have to go through all of the stress and physical harm while trying to navigate the obstacle course from Hell at Best Buy?

We’re coming up to the last few days of the decade (and the end can’t come fast enough). Today we’ve got three newcomers to the ZepInvest Blog. The first of which is Kevin Kennedy’s Coolcat Total Stock Market Report. This is a monthly newsletter that focuses on blue chip stocks with a market cap of $25 billion or larger. The 12/23/09 edition gives updates on moves listed in recent releases. Come see what new positions he has added to the portfolio and where the other holdings are.

The next publication we have is the Motley Fool Stock Advisor by David & Tom Gardner. This monthly piece uses fundamental analysis to recommend trading strategies and also offers market commentary. The Gardners want you to know that “Your Decade of Mastery Starts Today.” The call is for you to submit to a “New-Decade Resolution;” to be the best investor possible by December 31, 2019. The Fool also gives you stock recommendations and solid advice behind their picks.

What the Stock Advisor gives you in domestic ideas, the Motley Fool Global Gains gives you in the international space. Tim Hanson & Nathan Parmalee want to remind you in “Watch the Suitcases” that the days of U.S. being the world’s most important economy are numbered. It is time to start taking advantage of opportunities that are available around the world. With today’s research and analysis available, the investor can truly create a global portfolio with the help of Global Gains.

Just one day of shopping left for those who have waited until the last minute. No matter what you do, a 10 pound fruitcake is not the answer!!! For those of you have already completed your holiday stress test, its Chinese food and “Avatar!!!”

For more information, please go to http://www.zepinvest.com.

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The Decade in Review: 2002 -2003

As we continue down the path of remembrance, it is easy to see how this decade can be coined the “Decade From Hell.” A lot has happened in a short period of time. Today we will cover 2002 & 2003.



On January 8th, the “No Child Left Behind Act” is signed into law. Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl is kidnapped on January 23rd and murdered on February 1st. In February, the trial of Slobodan Milosevic begins for war crimes. “Operation Anaconda” begins as the U.S. invades Afghanistan. It ends in 18 days. 500 Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters are killed while the U.S. suffers 11 fatalities.

In July, Worldcom files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. On August 12th, US Airways files for bankruptcy. On October 9th, the stock market reaches a bottom as it hits 7,200. On November 25th, the “Homeland Security Act” is signed into law. President Jimmy Carter wins the Nobel Peace prize.

Notables Deaths: Dave Thomas (owner of Wendy’s), Waylon Jennings (musician), Chuck Jones (animator), James Tobin (economist), Milton Berle (comedian), Dudley Moore (actor), Sam Snead (golfer), John Gotti (gangster), Bill Blass (fashion designer), Jack Buck (baseball announcer), John Entwistle (musician), Rosemary Clooney (singer), Ted Williams (baseball player), Johnny Unitas (football player), Stephen Ambrose (historian), Jam-Master Jay (DJ, hip-hop icon).

2003

On January 24th, the Department of Homeland Security begins operation. The Space Shuttle Columbia explodes on February 1st, killing all 7 astronauts onboard. The world also learns about SARS in this month. On March 20th, Iraq is invaded. U.S. forces size control of Baghdad on April 9th. On May 1st is the infamous “Mission Accomplished” episode. Martha Stewart and her broker are indicted for insider trading on June 4th.

On July 14th, the “CIA Leak Scandal” begins as Valerie Plame’s name is published in the Washington Post. The sons of Saddam Hussein, Uday and Qusay, are killed on July 22nd. On October 7th, The Terminator is voted Governor of California and on the 10th, Rush Limbaugh admits to having a problem with prescription pain meds. In December, Saddam Hussein is captured by American troops.

Notable Deaths: Maurice Gibb (musician), Nell Carter (actress), Daniel Patrick Moynihan (politician), Robert Atkins (nutritionist), June Carter Cash (singer), David Brinkley (journalist), Gregory Peck (actor), Strom Thurmond (politician), Katharine Hepburn (actress), Buddy Hackett (comedian), Barry White (singer), Bob Hope (comedian), Gregory Hines (dancer), Charles Bronson (actor), Warren Zevon (musician), John Ritter (actor), Johnny Cash (singer), George Plimpton (writer), Elia Kazan (director), Bill Shoemaker (jockey), Art Carney (actor), Michael Kamen (composer), Warren Spahn (baseball player).

Two more years completed. Six more to go.

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Is That Confidence in Your Pocket…

Bart, with $10,000, we'd be millionaires! We could buy all kinds of useful things like...love! - Homer J Simpson

If you don't know where you are going, you will wind up somewhere else!
- Yogi Berra

42.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot
- Unknown

Here we are on a Saturday evening. Hanukkah is over and Christmas is just a few short days away. The retailers are hoping we all still have money to spend…and so are our children. Down here in the south, the kids are all off for the next two weeks, and of course, the adults are jealous. Wouldn’t it be nice to have that schedule again? Maybe I should have been a teacher.

The Safe Money Report is a monthly newsletter that provides independent research and includes ideas in when to take profits and protect your principal. The latest, “Washington Sowing the Seeds of Bond Market Crash,” is calling for our next big problem in the markets. According to Martin Weiss, “investors are more exposed to a bond market crash than at virtually any time in recorded history.” While this sounds like a “Sky is Falling” type prophecy, Weiss has some very valid arguments. It is worth your time and energy to at least read the piece and decide for yourself.

Next we have John Bollinger’s Capital Growth Letter. The most recent edition focuses on volatility and how you could potentially use it to your advantage. Also check out the updates on all of the markets and his outlook for the near future, and as always, take a peak at the model portfolio and see if you stack up.

“Confidence is Staging a Comeback” at the Fidelity Sector Investor. Jim Lowell shares his opinion on global confidence and how it has stayed positive despite Dubai, Bernanke and the expanding U.S. government. You also get updates on the FSI portfolios, and there are many of them to choose from.

Over at ZepInvest, we all hope that you have or had a wonderful holiday. If you have any questions, comments or ideas, we would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy. Contact us and let us know how you really feel.

For more information, please go to http://www.zepinvest.com.

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Three Winners???

I never think of the future. It comes soon enough. - Albert Einstein

I know of no way of judging the future but by the past. - Patrick Henry

I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph. - Shirley Temple

Over the last two days, the news has been flying. So much to cover and so little time. Let’s start with our “Men of the Year.” Time Magazine has announced that Ben Bernanke is the “Person of the Year for 2009.” This announcement has brought a tremendous amount of criticism. Politicians, pundits, financial commentators and analysts are all killing this decision as if Ben picked himself. What’s more amazing is that the big award winner may not get a second chance at the job many people feel he has failed miserably at. He has a fight on his hands in winning another term.

Another ironic nod is Tiger Woods’ winning the AP Athlete of the Year award for 2009. The man is losing everything in his personal life, but still winning awards. Here’s hoping for both his and our sake, we will see and hear less of him in 2010.

Third and most definitely worst, we have Citigroup. Where everything Goldman Sachs touches seems to turn to gold, Citigroup has turned everything to garbage. The stock offering was a disaster. News of the new tax breaks they received has sparked new controversy and they just can’t seem to get out of their own way. The new year will be an interesting one for them.

On to the good stuff. A first timer for the blog, the Hidden Values Alert is a monthly newsletter that focuses on undervalued companies that “are trading 50 cents on the dollar.” The latest release, “Some of the Best Investments Never Made,” editor Charles Mizrahi discusses an article about Warren Buffett and a very simple thing the investing genius does to analyze companies. The publication also profiles stocks that are considered undervalued.

At Eric Dany’s Stock Prospector, “Santa Claus Came Early This Year.” According to the publication, “the lesson here is investors that stayed the course with their investments and strategy are much better off than those that pulled out of the market last year and are still on the sidelines.” Dany also profiles some of 2009 picks as well as some for 2010.

Walter Frank’s Moneyletter is giving a “2010 Outlook.” Come check out their take on what the future holds for the domestic and international markets. You’ll also get a couple of portfolios and a mutual fund scorecard. You’ll also see a few new ETFs for the list.

Chances are news will slow down over the next week, but we’ll be here. So, if you are done shopping for Christmas or wrapping the tube socks for Hanukkah, come back here and learn something that can help in 2010.

For more information, go to http://www.zepinvest.com.

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The Inglorious Nomination Edition

About the time we can make the ends meet, somebody moves the ends.
- Herbert Hoover

I buy when other people are selling. - J. Paul Getty

I find it rather easy to portray a businessman. Being bland, rather cruel and incompetent comes naturally to me. - John Cleese

For the moment, a golfer was not the lead news story today. With the Golden Globe nominations coming out and a blockbuster trade in Major League Baseball in the works, we all got a reprieve, albeit a temporary one. The “Too Big to Fail” sticker is peeling off the GE trailer at the moment as analysts call for them to start divesting. The financials got both good and bad news as Wells Fargo (WFC) raised over $12 billion in a stock offering. Citigroup (C) offset that with news that an arbitration claim was filed against it by The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

With that, I have two publications for you all today. The first, Kelley Wright’s Investment Quality Trends, brings us their “Mid-December 2009” piece. In it they discuss the “dividend trend” and how it can be an indicator of where to buy and sell a specific stock. They have also compiled a list of the recent dividend changes and have updates on many of the stocks they follow. Come check out their “Timely Ten.”

The second piece for today is the Common Sense Investment Newsletter, which we covered in the very first post of this blog. In this edition, Joseph Klock talks about the “Price of Oil per Barrel.” When you think about something that went from $85 to $126 per barrel, back down to $31 and up to $70 in a two year timeframe, that is one heck of a roller coaster. He also has updates on the “Common Sense Portfolio” and some common sense tips.

Keep an eye on the year end distributions from your mutual funds. Any tax loss harvesting should be wrapping up for both the big institutions and the insiders as everybody looks to take next week off.

For more information, go to http://www.zepinvest.com.

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Time Keeps on Ticking…

100% of the shots you don't take don't go in. - Wayne Gretzky

You can have everything in life that you want if you just give enough other people what they want. - Zig Ziglar

No matter what holiday you celebrate, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or Festivus, we all know the most important part. It’s not the “airing of the differences (although most families get around to this anyway).” It’s about the TOYS!!! When your child is getting to the age where the toys are more than rattles and shakers, it’s even more about the toys. I just spent the last forty five minutes playing with my four year old son’s new remote control car (while he was asleep).

Onto the important stuff. Each of the three publications we will cover today has been in previous posts. The first one is the Argus Vickers Weekly Insider Report. The most recent release, entitled “NYSE Insiders Again Our Weakest Link” talks about how insiders from the NASDAQ have started to show some bullish signs, but the NYSE counterparts have not jumped on the same bus. He covers the performance of the model portfolio and also lists all insider trades. David E. Coleman is also calling for us to be “hitting the sweet spot in global economic recovery” in 2010.

From Roger Williams, we have the Sector Fund Timer. The 12/14/09 edition gives us commentary about last week’s trading and the “momentum rankings” of all Rydex & Profounds. An investor can create a portfolio using this list and the “Buy, Hold or Sell” strategies Williams lists here.

The Spear Report discusses the potential opportunity in Chinese Real Estate and how it resembles California before the big run up. “Sinofornia” also speaks about Anthony Bolton is coming out of retirement for Fidelity. He managed the Fidelity International Special Situations Fund for 28 years and is calling this “the opportunity of a generation.”

The year is wrapping up and as we head to the final moments of the decade, we will be here to help you make the right, informed investment decisions for the end of this year and the start of the next.

For more information, please go to http://www.zepinvest.com.

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The Decade in Review: 2000-2001

As we come to the end of what Time Magazine has called “The Decade From Hell,” it’s time to remember where we came from. Starting with the Y2K scare, it is truly amazing the sheer amount of “stuff” that has occurred. Throughout the end of this year, I will try and cover as much as I can. It is important not to forget, because those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.

2000:
The decade started with a bang. While still in the middle of the “Tech Bubble,” on January 10th, America Online announces that it is buying Time Warner for a record $162 billion (a relationship that has just recently dissolved). In March, the NASDAQ reaches an all-time high of 5,048, but drops to 2,407 by the end of the year as the bubble pops (Anybody remember pets.com?).

The price of regular gasoline closes in on $2/gallon. After 128 years, Montgomery Ward closes its doors. On October 12th, two Al-Qaeda suicide bombers attack the USS Cole in Yemen, killing 17 crew members and wounding 39. The term “hanging chad” becomes a part of our vocabulary as the chaos from the presidential election ensues. While there is still some argument to the contrary, George W. Bush is announced as the formal winner of the election.

Over the course of the year, notable passings are Tom Landry (coach of the Dallas Cowboys), Charles Schulz (creator of “Peanuts” cartoon), Cardinal O’Connor (Archbishop of NY), Walter Matthau (actor), Alec Guinness (actor), Steve Allen (comedian).

2001:
Early in January, the FTC approves the merger of AOL and Time Warner. George W. Bush is sworn in as the 43rd President of the United States. On February 18th, FBI agent Robert Hanssen is arrested and charged with spying for the Russians (a movie is later made).

On September 11th, four commercial airline jets are hijacked. Two crash into the World Trade Center, one the Pentagon and one into a field in Pennsylvania as the passengers fight to keep it from reaching the hijackers’ intended destination. Almost 3,000 people die, including all aboard the airliners and many police officers and firefighters called to help at the WTC. Trading on Wall Street is halted for 6 days.

Shortly after, envelopes filled with Anthrax are mailed to five major news outlets as well as two U.S. Senators. Five people die from exposure. On October 7th, the United States begins its “War on Terror” by invading Afghanistan (a war that still goes on today). On October 26th, the USA Patriot Act is signed into law. On December 2nd, Enron files for Bankruptcy.

Notable passings: Dale Earnhardt (NASCAR driver), Robert Ludlum (author), Joey Ramone (musician), Perry Como (singer), Jack Lemmon (actor), Ken Kesey (author), George Harrison (musician).

Stick around as we cover the rest of the decade in the coming weeks. Come back tomorrow and see what new and exciting commentary we have to review from the ZepInvest publishers.

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First Night, First Light

I ask not for a lighter burden, but for broader shoulders. - Jewish Proverb

Most Texans think Hanukkah is some sort of duck call. - Richard Lewis

The last two evenings have been an interesting contrast in life. You see, I live in Greenville, SC. The “buckle” of the Bible Belt. Thursday evening, I attended my corporate “holiday” party, although I was the only one who considered it as such. It’s a relatively new company and there are not many employees, but I am the only Jew. The assumption that everybody celebrates Christmas can sometimes be a frustrating one.

Last night, my family went to our Rabbi’s house for a Hanukkah party. The community is not a large one, but we do what we can. We filled ourselves with food and fellowship and the children all played Dreidel. Both events were a time to come together and enjoy this time of year. It was time to forget about the struggle to pay bills or the worry about a promotion. Getting to know both my co-workers and the members of my community a little better was a most enjoyable experience. I’d like to think that, when all is said and done, it’s not about how many things you have. It’s about the relationships you have created and how you treat your fellow man and woman.

But we all still want to give Bernie Madoff a new circumcision!!!

On to the latest and greatest from ZepInvest. I have three new publications today. The Buyback Letter is a monthly newsletter that focuses on companies that repurchase their own shares. Written by David Fried, it prides itself on straight forward analysis and stock recommendations. In the “December 2009 Hot List,” we have a list of “today’s most compelling buyback stocks.” A few of these have made it into the Buyback Premium Portfolio that has outperformed “the S&P 500 by more than 63% since its inception (8/2/2000).”

The Blue Chip Investor is another monthly publication that recommends established stocks, both U.S. & international. It also provides analysis, commentary and model portfolios. In the latest release, editor Steven Check asks “Is the Market Getting Ahead of Itself?” We also get updates on the holdings in the “Quality Growth Account” and close-ups on Automatic Data Processing (ADP) and Hewlett Packard (HPQ).

Our last piece for the day is 2 for 1, The Stock Split Newsletter. This is also a monthly piece that tracks stock split announcements and provides strategies on those stocks. In the latest, entitled “Back to Full Strength,” editor Neil Macneale discusses the current landscape of stock splitting companies and offers a buy and sell recommendation. He also provides an update on the 2 for 1 model portfolio.

As you enjoy Hanukkah or prepare for the other holidays around the corner, remember why we do all the things we do at this time of year…because Hallmark tells us to!!!

For more information, please go to http://www.zepinvest.com.

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My TARP Glass is Half…

He that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing. - Benjamin Franklin

Can anybody remember when the times were not hard and money not scarce?
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

According to reports released today, the American taxpayers have lost $61 billion on the bailouts of AIG, Chrysler and General Motors. While the auto companies have tried to figure out where they went wrong and how the foreign automakers have beaten them like a pack mule, AIG still walks with the scarlet letter on its chest. One can’t help but remember the stories about the luxurious spa trip that many high producers and executives went on just days after the company was given the bailout funds.

On this same note, Bank of America has paid back its TARP funds and Citi has announced it will use a stock offering to repay theirs. Say what you will about the financial institutions, at least money has been made here. The same report on AIG stated that $19.5 billion has been made off of the banks. That still leaves the country in the hole considerably. There’s always Vegas…

The Quiet Investor is a monthly publication that uses a combination of technical and fundamental analysis to find smaller unknown companies with above average capital appreciation. Written by John Gay, the most recent issue gives updates on some of the stocks discussed in previous editions as well as a profile on the company Misonix (MSON).

The Financial Commentator came out with a special update in which Jim Welsh talks about the tight range the S&P has been trading in. Like Art Cashin the other day, he also sees a resistance level in the 1,115-1,117 range. There is also commentary and a trading strategy using the Russell 2000.

Jeff Stone continues to fly Under the Radar with his daily newsletter. Based out of Asia, this newsletter is released before the domestic markets open. Today, Stone provides market and stock specific commentary and also lists new stock offerings.

Short and sweet today folks. As the holiday season rolls in, remember your corporate parties are coming (like mine tomorrow evening). Please remember to be safe and no dancing on the tables until AFTER the boss has left!!!

For more information, go to http://www.zepinvest.com.

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The Don’t Watch the News Edition

I am opposed to millionaires, but it would be dangerous to offer me the position.
- Mark Twain

The only question with wealth is what you do with it.
- John D. Rockefeller

The markets pulled back again today on a strong move from the dollar, and as I write this, there’s bad news coming out of Asia. Japan cut its third quarter economic growth by more than anticipated. With the Asian markets down over 1% at this point, it will be intriguing to watch the trickle effect as the markets open across the world tomorrow (12/9).

In other news, Tiger Woods and the White House Gate-Crashers are both still in the news. All we need is Glenn Beck and…nope, wait. He’s there too. Here’s a scary news story that might make some investors think twice. The Chinese executed a rogue trader today for embezzlement. He was convicted of taking what would be $9.52 million in 2005. Makes me wonder if we should send Bernie Madoff overseas…

The Morningstar Fund Investor is a monthly newsletter that is edited by Russel Kinnel. The publication uses fundamental analysis to recommend mutual funds and portfolio allocations. Morningstar is a well known name and widely used by advisors and individual investors alike. The current issue lists the top 10 “Wealth Creators & Destroyers” of the decade. Anybody remember Janus??? This issue also has great information about fund manager changes, the re-birth of Fidelity and other changes you should be aware of if you own them.

Glen Ring’s View on Futures Daily Update continues to keep commodity traders up to date on the movement of wheat, corn and the entire futures market. His December 7th update also covers the dollar, cattle, hogs and the EU.

The Mutual Fund Strategist by Holly Hooper-Foumier is another publication we have discussed before. The December 7th edition gives a commentary on the past week and an update on the Relative Strength of the funds and ETFs monitored by the report. This proprietary method helps the Strategist build their portfolios and recommend trades.

Whether you are looking for the next mutual fund to put your retirement fund in or a futures play for this month, I hope you find what you are looking for. Keep coming back. ZepInvest is the gift that keeps on giving.

For more information, go to http://www.zepinvest.com.

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There’s More Than One Way…

The stock market is a no-called-strike game. You don't have to swing at everything -you can wait for your pitch. The problem when you're a money manager is that your fans keep yelling, 'Swing, you bum!'
- Warren Buffett at 1999 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting

Sports update: Here we are on December 7th. We still have two undefeated teams in the NFL, although the Saints barely pulled that off against a substantially weaker team. The BCS is all set and unfortunately there were 3 bridesmaids that didn’t get invited to the wedding. It will be nice to see two of the other undefeated teams play at a separate bowl, but if this isn’t just one more reason for a playoff system, I don’t know what is.

Now back to your regularly scheduled programming. The Turnaround Letter by George Putnam, III is a monthly newsletter that uses fundamental analysis to uncover and recommend undervalued companies in the small, mid and large cap space. The December 7th edition discusses the enemy of true fundamental analysis this time of year, “tax-loss selling and portfolio window dressing.” For Putnam’s take on what stocks might get a year-end bounce, go check out this newsletter.

It’s “A Brief Back to the Basics” for The Agri-Food Value View. In this release, publisher Ned W. Schmidt uses a recent argument to provide the ultimate argument. “The global demand for food is growing faster than the supply of food. Higher prices are the only means of resolving that reality.” For a great primer, read this newsletter.

“Christmas Comes Early” at the Action Weekly Global Edition. The jobs report gave a boost to the domestic markets and “supply will be the feature this week with about $150 billion in bills and coupons on the auction block. For more information about this or any of the other equity markets, come see Michael R. Englund’s piece.

It’s interesting how you can find so many ways to be successful investing. Here are three completely different ideas, all of which can be very productive for the right investors. I learn something new each and every day that I dive into these great publications. I’m looking forward to reading the new ones tomorrow.

For more information, go to http://www.zepinvest.com.

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Two Sides to Every Argument

If you think nobody cares if you’re alive, try missing a couple of car payments.
— Earl Wilson

A bank is a place where they lend you an umbrella in fair weather and ask for it back when it rains. — Robert Frost

Most of you will probably see this Monday morning. As of right now, the Asian markets are doing well and the local ones are poised for a good week. Art Cashin, a CNBC regular stated that if the S&P can break through the recent high of 1,117, “it could give the market new life and carry the rally into early January.” The index closed at 1,105 on Friday, so we’ll see what this week brings.

There is also concern that the jobs number that sparked the move Friday may have been “too good.” The worry is that the Fed will move to raise interest rates earlier than expected. Check in with the ZepInvest publishers who have their finger on the pulse of these issues, as well as many others.

The Hightower Report is a monthly report that forecasts stock and commodity movements by using a combination of technical and fundamental analysis. Written by David Hightower, it also provides strategies using futures and options. In the most recent edition, entitled “Markets Poised to Encounter a Necessary Balancing,” the sentiment is that the markets may have “painted themselves into an interest-rate corner.” For strategies on coffee, corn, OJ, soybeans or any of the other commodity plays, come check this one out.

The Chartist Mutual Fund Letter is a monthly newsletter that applies market timing and relative strength strategies to mutual fund selections. Edited by Dan Sullivan, the December 3, 2009 release has a different point of view. Entitled “Market Hasn’t Gotten Ahead of Itself,” they are calling for investors to stay fully invested. They have also listed the five cardinal rules of the Chartist. Take a look at that and the model portfolios they have.

When we last checked in on Richard Schwartz and his Principles of the Stock Market, he was commenting on how the market continued to rise despite contradictory indicators. We currently find Schwartz in a bit of a dilemma as bad news doesn’t seem to be casing the disruptions he would expect. According to his newsletter, he lifted his hedge on the market and sees some of the same signs that Cashin did in that the S&P will test and possibly hold 1,117.

Hold onto your hats people. This has not, and will not be a smooth ride. Let the ZepInvest Masterminds help you sidestep those investment traps.

For more information, go to http://www.zepinvest.com.

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It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like...

Never spend your money before you have it.
- Thomas Jefferson

I have enough money to last me the rest of my life, unless I buy something.
- Jackie Mason

As we get closer and closer to the holidays and the end of the year, many people are preparing for 2010. They are looking at fourth quarter projections, harvesting some losses and helping the economy by shopping of course. Mortgage rates set a new low, and with the extension of the $8,000 tax credit for first time buyers, hopefully we will continue to see some traction in the housing market.

To start off today, the Cabot Market Letter by Michael Cintolo uses both technical and fundamental analysis and a market timing strategy. The monthly publication was founded in 1970 and is rated one of the top financial newsletters by both Hulbert Financial Digest and Timer Digest. The most recent edition, “Getting More Selective,” talks about finding leaders in the stock market. “A leader is a stock that is acting well, whose movements promise that it has a good chance of climbing higher in the weeks and months ahead.”

Systems and Forecasts is the first publication we are covering for the second time. In the newest piece, “Stocks Cling to their Highs,” Marvin Appel gives an update to his portfolio as well as some information on a mutual fund merger. For information on the Transamerica High Yield Bond Fund, check out the newsletter.

Another publication we’ve discussed before is Schaeffer’s Daily Bulletin. As well as recommendations on stock trades, Bernie Schaeffer’s publication also offers commentary on the Fed, the markets both domestic and abroad and a stock feature. The 12/3/09 edition features McKesson Corp. (MCK).

As I read these newsletters each day, I am amazed at the quality of information and analysis. There is a variety here that I have not seen elsewhere. If someone uses strictly ETFs or mutual funds, they can find information here. If they want emerging markets, that’s covered. Commodities, sector specific, long term or market timers…we’ve got it all.

For more information, go to http://www.zepinvest.com.

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The TMZ of Wall Street

The art is not in making money, but in keeping it. – Proverb

The trick is to stop thinking of it as 'your' money. - IRS auditor

What has happened to the world these days? Why can’t a man drive his automobile into a tree in his own yard in private? This is not news and certainly doesn’t warrant the attention it is getting. Neither does that other part of this drama. What’s going on behind closed doors is none of our business. As a society, we spend too much time getting involved in other people’s lives and not enough time living our own.

Maybe the press can spend a little more time talking to one or two of the young soldiers that are going to be shipped to Afghanistan…or hear about what really goes on from somebody who has returned. Between the Tiger Woods story and the one with these socialite wannabes crashing a dinner, it’s amazing that any real news is getting covered.

Anyway, we’ve got some great stuff for you today. The markets get more interesting by the day and the publishers at ZepInvest are here to help you make sense of it all.

The Investors Intelligence Advisors Sentiment Survey by John Gray puts its finger on the pulse of the investment newsletter community. It monitors over one hundred different independent publications and lists them as bullish, bearish or correctional. In the most recent release, it states that “long-term bears are at their lowest level in six years, while the short term bears (those for a correction) are at their highest level in over twelve years.”

The US Investment Report from Stephen W. Quickel is a weekly report that uses technical analysis to give trading strategies on all the major indexes. In his December 1st edition, he discusses the recent trouble in Dubai as well as some other countries you may not know are also on the edge. Model portfolios are also offered.

The final publication of the day is Mark A. Grimaldi’s No-Load Navigator. This monthly piece uses a combination of both fundamental and technical analysis to rank the no-load funds available. His December, 2009 edition covers a lot of ground, including market commentary, model portfolios, fund rankings and even a question/answer session covering such things as buying real estate in an IRA. This newsletter has also been rated #1 by Hulbert Financial Digest.

Here are three more reasons to take control of your portfolio. ZepInvest offers over 70 different publishers. Let those professional analysts, economists and money managers guide you as you save for your tomorrow.

For more information, go to http://www.zepinvest.com.

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Pardon the Interruption…

A bank is a place where they lend you an umbrella in fair weather and ask for it back when it rains. - Robert Frost

Ever notice how it's a penny for your thoughts, yet you put in your two-cents? Someone is making a penny on the deal! - Steven Wright

Life certainly takes its turns. With the combination of the surgery on my poor little five year old and then major computer issues over the weekend, I feel like I’m playing from behind. How do you tell a child that even though the pain medication doesn’t taste good, it will take the hurt away where they get it??? The poor child has been suffering.

Anyway, the markets have been interesting over the last week. The few people that actually paid attention on Friday showed some raw nerves with the news of Dubai. The question of the day is “are they too big to fail?”

As everybody came back to work this week, the fears of Dubai have, at least temporarily, subsided and we even had some good news today with some of the financial data released. Let’s see where our experts see opportunity.

Kelley Wright provides commentary and trade recommendations using a dividend value method to determine stock value. His publication Investment Quality Trends is released monthly and has provided quality insight for over 40 years. In his latest, “So What Do We Do Now?” find out what a “Select Blue Chip” is and learn how they have done it for four decades.

The Real Wealth Report by Larry Edelson is another monthly newsletter. This one focuses on natural resources, gold bullion and stocks as well as other precious metals. The most recent edition, “My Answers to Your Recent Questions,” he answers questions on the economy, inflation, the dollar and the idea of gold as a singular global currency.

Dan Rosenblum uncovers opportunities in a completely different space. His daily Shark Biotech gives insight and commentary on new biotech investments based on IPO status, R&D and the industry itself. Today’s alert was on Onyx Pharmaceuticals (ONXX) and whether or not their cancer drug is on a list for reimbursement in China.

There are three completely different ideas for you to review today. You could even combine the three using the first as your core with the other two satellites. So many ideas…so little time…

For more information, please go to http://www.zepinvest.com.

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