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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