Market Comments Submitted by Nick at Ambitions as a Stock Trader

Submitted by My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor

New Buys: BW


Reasons behind trade: BW seems to be coming off of a double bottom formation. It has shown consistant support at 35 where it had begun its positive reversal. The stock has recently climbed above its 200 day MA and has shown support above this level.

BW


My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor is not a registered investment advisor. Please read the complete Small Cap Stocks Blog Disclaimer

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs

Market Comments Submitted by Nick at Ambitions as a Stock Trader

Submitted by My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor

Trade Journal

Short Positions Working Just Fine...
Some of the short positions that I have initiated a few weeks ago are starting to show me decent gains. On the flip side, my remaining long positions are continuing to lag even more. I may have to liquidate more by the end of the week.

Short positions: MS, BSC, GS, AIG, AXA, LM, SVVS, MER, CE

Re-Short: HBC (I got stopped out with the first short position)

My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor is not a registered investment advisor. Please read the complete Small Cap Stocks Blog Disclaimer



Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs

Trade Journal Submitted by Nick at Ambitions as a Stock Trader

Submitted by My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor

Trade Journal

New Buys: BPHX (bought because it provided a low risk b.p. The stocks is also bouncing off of the 50 day MA), ALG (bought because it is bouncing off of the 200 day MA. Chart also suggests that the stock is under accumulation), STAR (grabbed some since it is bouncing off of the 10 day Ma with tremendous force. May begin a new uptrend)

Added to: OMCL (good buy point for an initial position as well)

Thinking of Buying: I've been keep an eye on DCO for a while. It looks like it may be forming a double bottom.

From now on, I will try to provide reasons for my buying, selling, etc. This serves to help me rationalize why I went through with an execution and it can help you the reader to understand why (the reasons) I performed a certain action.

Also, notice that I did not buy every stock that I listed yesterday (stocks at a good buy point). Good buy point or not, you should only buy a stock if it is performing well and to your liking. Because ASTE, TRAK and TLEO did not behave the way I expected them to, I passed on them. Of course, this can all change before the closing bell. We'll just have to wait and see.

My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor is not a registered investment advisor. Please read the complete Small Cap Stocks Blog Disclaimer


Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs

Trade Journal Sumbitted by Nick at Ambitions as a Stock Trader

Submitted by My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor

Trade Journal

Market Comments: Despite the overall market indices weakness, many of my holdings held up well. The problem with subprime is not a new one, but quite frankly, its one that I've becoming sick of hearing.

New Buys:

Add Ons: VII, CVGW

Sell Profit:

Sell Loss:

Futures: Short Dow, NASDAQ, S&P 500 (e-mini)- In retrospect, I shouldn't have covered my first short position in the first place. Oh well. With the current market action I had plenty of time to re-initiate my short position. Hopefully I'll make an actual profit instead of breaking even.

My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor is not a registered investment advisor. Please read the complete Small Cap Stocks Blog Disclaimer


Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs

Trade Journal Submitted by Nick at Ambitions as a Stock Trader

Submitted by My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor

Trade Journal
New Buys:

Added onto: IIN, CVGW, BOOT, SHMR, SYUT (High, tight flag candidate)

Sells Profits: KTEC (sold some for a +32% return)

Sells Losses:

My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor is not a registered investment advisor. Please read the complete Small Cap Stocks Blog Disclaimer

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs

Opportunities in the Market from Nick at Ambitions as a Stock Trader

Submitted by My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor

Attractive Opportunities Arise...
Today's strong action was a pleasant surprise. I was even more surprised to see so many stocks setting up strong chart patterns. I revisited some old favorites and became acquainted with several new comers as well.

First off, which stocks one should add to...

Add to: WRLS, BLOG, SHMR, VSEC, FARO, TOD, LGTY, SCLD

New Buys: SYNP, TCN, MPWR (traded it back in '06), SCUR, QEPC (good time to get in)

Make sure you add to your top performing stocks before buying any new ones.

Remember....keep new trades small for now as the market can switch up and toss and turn in both directions rather quickly

My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor is not a registered investment advisor. Please read the complete Small Cap Stocks Blog Disclaimer

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs

Stock Ideas Submitted from Nick at Ambitions as a Stock Trader

Submitted by My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor

Look for Stocks Showing Strength...

With the market attempting to bounce back, it is important to take note of the stocks that are leading and showing strength.

Showing Strength: AXYS, IIN, POSH, WPZ, TOD, WAB, ARTW, SILC, PAS, ASTE, LDSH, HUBB/A, CFI, UA, WRLS, VIGN, and several others.

I have some things to attend to, so I will be back a little later to give you the heads up on any new or interesting stocks or developments...

My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor is not a registered investment advisor. Please read the complete Small Cap Stocks Blog Disclaimer



Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs

Stock Thoughts and Strategies Submitted by Nick at Ambitions as a Stock Trader

Submitted by My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor

Feeling a Little Better...and some Defensive Strategies

Hey folks,

I'm feeling a little better so I decided to drop by and post some defensive investments and trading strategies that one can adopt in order to navigate through this tricky market...

Defensive Stocks: Defensive Stocks include hospitals, utilities, supermarkets, food and household ware stocks and so on. These are boring, low-key investments that mutual funds and institutional investors bury their money in until the markets bottom out. When the markets bottom, they usually cash in from these prospects and invest back into stocks that are bottoming out or building bases.

Shorting Stocks: Only short big name, established companies that have a low probability of being acquired or bought out. I have mentioned a few shorts during the past few days. The big institutional banks are good shorts, AIG, MET, and many others. The key to finding good shorts- 1. Look for stocks that have posted lousy earnings. The worse the better. 2. Short stocks that are technically breaking down from key moving averages on inflated volume. For a safe short, short only if the stock is failing to hold onto the 50 day or 200 day MA on average, above average to heavy volume. Sometimes, the volume will be low and quiet. Alternately, you can also short the current markets big winners that are topping out. In these cases, look for the stock to break shorter term support such as the 10 and 20 day MA. Playing shorts by the 10 and 20 day MA is riskier and should be done by those with shorting experience. 3. Do not short low float stocks or stocks that have a high probability of becoming LBO or acquisition targets. Stocks such as these have attractive products, or services that are larger or more established competitor would like to acquire. An example to illustrate this is UA (Under Armour). I would never short UA because to me, it has a high probability of being acquired by a competitor (such as NKE for example).

Inverse Mutual Funds- Inverse Mutual Funds or Bear Funds are a great way to ride the market wave down. There are many more offerings cropping up at various institutions. Check out Inverse funds by ProFunds, Rydex, Direxion and others.

Shorting ETFs- Not my favorite shorting strategy but it can give you a small return which of course, is better than nothing.

Inverse ETFs- ProShares, a division of ProFunds has come up with a line of inverse ETF's. A popular one is the QID.

Futures Contracts: One can short Dow, NASDAQ, Russel and S&P futures for profit and gain. One can also buy 10 year Treasury note futures that usually appreciate in value when the market is in the dumps.

There are many more strategies that I am familiar with, but this should be enough for most of you in order for you to generate plans and ideas of your own.

My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor is not a registered investment advisor. Please read the complete Small Cap Stocks Blog Disclaimer



Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs

Stocks Ideas Submitted by Nick at Ambitions as a Stock Trader

Submitted by My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor

Not a good time to go long...

The market is currently facing some major upward resistance. Economic woes such as rising oil prices, housing and subprime troubles are striking fear in the average investor and trader. The last few days were rather topsy-turvy. One day we're up, the other we're down. Looking at todays market in more detail, there seems to be more of a bearish stance at the moment as the major indices have changed to an intermediate down trend. Its going to take a string of successful strong up market days to combat this and restore the bull trend. It may happen, and it may not. We'll have to watch and see. In the mean time, in order to get through this and survive until the next bullish phase, you've got to keep new buys minimal. Better yet, it is better if you do not add any new buys. Work with what you've got. If the current holdings in your portfolio are not performing well, cut them loose if they fall below 7 or 8% of your purchase price/level. Use key moving averages as sell indicators. If a stock fails to hang above the 50 or 200 day MA, sell it. Again, do not make too many new trades. Just sit back and relax.

In Play: MS (short)

Here is a good short for newbie shorters. With all the trouble at their hedge funds and the market down nearly 200 points, MS is a no brainer short.

A Few Reslient Longs...

The longs that I am listing are not new buy recommendations. These are stocks that I have already bought. If you haven't bought them already, don't do it now. Instead, these are good stocks to add to if you have them as they are showing resistance to the downward trend.

Pay Attention To Today's Winners...

Because today's winners will be the new leaders when the correction eases.

New Buy Ideas: OMTR (I already have some from earlier this year. If you are new to the stock, today's breakout is a good buy signal. Just make sure you snatch it at a good price. I may add more to my position tomm), VDSI, RESP, IFSIA, SYNT, OI, AXYS (already long)

Don't go too crazy with any new long positions. Small positions are key right now. Also, don't force yourself to buy a new stock. If the market and the stock is not performing well, do not press the buy button. Remember, you don't have to trade everyday. Sometimes it pays to wait strategically and pounce on an opportunity. Some of the best traders compare trading to tactical warfare...as if your cash/money are soldiers...you want them to go in, do their duty and return in one piece-with the job done ( a profit).

I've got several other long plays but I'll reveal them tomorrow morning. Some of them are interesting earnings plays...

My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor is not a registered investment advisor. Please read the complete Small Cap Stocks Blog Disclaimer


Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs

Trade Journal for July 25th Submitted by Nick at Ambitions as a Stock Trader

Submitted by My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor

Trade Journal: Time for Some Profit Taking

New Buys: SHMR, IIN, JDAS

Looking to Buy: UK: MTV

Add Ons: TCX (so far up 19%), XRA (so far up 38%), HTCO (should bounce off of the 50day MA), ILX, ARTW, KTEC, LGTY, PRGX

Sold for Profit: PSMT (+35.40%), RRST (+34%), NEOG (+3.10), SMTX (+17.80- should've sold my entire position earlier, before the big drop), PLPC (+18.20%), DYS (sold for 50% return), PMRY (+8.4%), VSEC (sold some for a profit of 105%-by far, my one of my best stocks), ESEA (+84%), PTG (+17.3%)

Sold for Loss- PED (-3.10%- again, I should've sold earlier.), ETEL (-6%), SPAN (-10%)

I feel relieved by todays profit as I have been holding onto some of my positions for way too long. Although most of my trades are 3 months in length, I've had several stocks in the folio as far back as February and January of this year. Now I have a ton of free cash to do as I please.

My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor is not a registered investment advisor. Please read the complete Small Cap Stocks Blog Disclaimer

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs

Stock Plays Submitted by Nick at Ambitions as a Stock Trader

Submitted by My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor

Trade Journal

New Buys: ILX

Add Ons: NEOG

Sell for Profit: SEA (17.2%), APOL (5.01)


Sell for Loss: CMCO (-7.5%)

International Spotlight

Hey folks,

I decided to add an extra feature to my blog. Due to my increasing interest in foreign stocks and financial markets, I have decided to include international stock picks. More specifically, I will include stocks from both the UK and Canadian exchanges as these are the two international sectors that I trade. As I gain more experience with the HK market, I will post trades and picks from there as well.

The first two picks: UK: SGC & PXC

Both trade on the UK exchange.

New Trades for Today

New Buys: SHMR, IIN, JDAS

Add to: RRST, NEOG

Shorts: MS (previously mentioned), LM, AXA, SVVS, HBC

These are just a sample of the many short set-ups out there.

Note: If the markets rally today, stick with the longs (AMZN earnings boost). If the markets continue to falter, stick with the short positions...

My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor is not a registered investment advisor. Please read the complete Small Cap Stocks Blog Disclaimer


Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs

Trade Journal Submitted by Nick at Ambitions as a Stock Trader

Submitted by My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor

New Buys: VMI (in at low 81), ETEL, SYNO, SBEI (jumped back in at mid 6)

Possible Buys: EXPO - it reported decent earnings of around 40%. Let see how it performs near the end of the day...

Added to: PENX, SIF, SLT, ARTW

All of the new buys are exciting and interesting plays. For instance, there has been some chatter that SBEI may be a high tight flag candidate (which remains to be seen). VMI has just reported stellar earnings. VMI is not well known by the street so institutions are slow to snatch it up, hench the low volume. Still, with a 53% increase in earnings, you can bet that VMI will head higher from here.


Update: 12 PM
So far, my VMI and ETEL trades are working against me. I jumped into ETEL a little too quickly. It makes an even better buy now while it is slightly above the 10 day MA. VMI is experiencing some mixed action. I expected the stock to react a bit more positive. Where the earnings not as great as expected? Did they guide lower. I should look into all of this. In addition, my adding of SIF was poorly timed as well. Still the chart is a beauty (may shape into a tight flag-like pattern) and as long as the stock bounces off of the 10 day MA, it should be fine. SBEI is still doing fine. I have to keep a close eye on SBEI as it has a very volatile nature.

On the other hand, stocks such as SYNO are doing fine. I also added more shares of PENX, SLT and ARTW. I may also add more of KTEC if volume picks up. I still haven't made a decision on EXPO.

Update: 3:30 PM

Added To: PRGX (I've been holding onto this one for a while, watching it trade sideways. Finally, it seems that PRGX is building up some more momentum...

Sold for Profit: PSMT ( I sold a little bit of my position as the stock is not acting right), RRST (sold some of my position. I still like RRST as it is a top quality CANSLIM stock. The only problem is that it has some intermediate term weakness that it needs to get over)

My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor is not a registered investment advisor. Please read the complete Small Cap Stocks Blog Disclaimer



Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs

New Stock Ideas and Interesting Plays Submitted by Nick at Ambitions as a Stock Trader

Submitted by My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor

Hey Folks,

After scanning for stocks, I came up with some interesting candidates....

Good Earnings Candidates: DST, ATR, BLK, VMI, CBST, GKK

ATR

BLK

CBST

CHB- with almost 30% of the float short and a great earnings release, CHB makes the perfect short squeeze.

DST

GKK

VMI

Low Float/Hyper-Speculative/Thinly Traded Stocks -not for the faint of heart or inexperienced traders/investors
CVR

CPI

HCH

APO


My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor is not a registered investment advisor. Please read the complete Small Cap Stocks Blog Disclaimer


Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs

Investment Thoughts by Nick at Ambitions as a Stock Trader

Submitted by My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor

In Play: SLT

If one wants to initiate a position in this Indian mining behemoth, now is the time. SLT has pulled back a bit after last weeks incredible run up and looks poised to travel along its 10 day MA for now. I'm going to be adding some for my position.

Keep an Eye on the Little Guys....

As more and more buyers continue to snatch up speculative stocks, it pays to keep your attention focused on the micro/small-cap stocks with low floats. Keep an eye on SMIT, TRNS, PTG, SNR SMTX, MAIL and PED.

Bullish Case Revisited: BZC

Frequent readers of my blog may have noticed that I have become an avid fan of BZC. Although I'm not a fan of BZC's undulating chart pattern and price action, I do like the strong potential fundamentals. While other military and war plays (such as SPAR, NAVZ, FRPT, etc) have dominated Wall Street, BZC still hasn't been given the spotlight. I believe that this earnings season will be the perfect opportunity for Wall Street to become aquainted with this military underdog.

Buying Opportunity

It looks like todays correction turned out to be a minor one as eager traders bought on the dips and took advantage of the markets bounce off of the intra-day bottom. Pullbacks were plentiful and they provided a great opportunity to add more to position. There are several stocks that I am keeping an eye on for earnings. They include: SLGN, SMIT, VMI and AME.

My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor is not a registered investment advisor. Please read the complete Small Cap Stocks Blog Disclaimer


Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs

Trading Thoughts for July 17th by Nick at Ambitions as a Stock Trader

Submitted by My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor
Hey guys,

I've been a little busy so I haven't had a chance to comment on today's market and stock action. For one, I am happy with ARTW's performance. It is important to note that opportunities such as these are abundant during earnings season. To maximize your profit potential, look for stocks that have a low float (less than 10 mil, less than 6 even better), and with strong earnings results (earnings increases of 50% are good, but look for those that post 100% or better). For instance, ARTW posted a 250% earnings increase. This is a substantial amount and it can help fuel the momentum that will send this stock higher.

Some other stocks that did well today included: RZ, CEDC, VSR

Earning Pick for Tomorrow: QEPC, a low float stock mentioned in my earnings watch for this week is already locked and loaded for a stunning morning rush. The stock is already up big after hours which will make entry difficult for anyone who hasn't already bought in.
My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor is not a registered investment advisor. Please read the complete Small Cap Stocks Blog Disclaimer

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs

Trade Journal Submitted by Nick at Ambitions as a Stock Trader

Submitted by My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor

Trade Journal

New Buys: ARTW (so far up almost 21%), UG, SIF

Added to: BZC, ELON, GBX, KTEC, PENX, SVLF, PTG

Sold for Profit: SLT (sold half my position for a 17% profit)

Sold for Loss: LGTY (sold half my pos for a 5% loss)

My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor is not a registered investment advisor. Please read the complete Small Cap Stocks Blog Disclaimer


Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs

Stocks to Watch and Trade Thoughts by Nick at Ambitions as a Stock Trader

Submitted by My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor

To me, the weekends are all about getting my watchlists and potential stock picks ready for battle in the market. I review all my pre-existing positions, determine which ones I will add to, which ones I will cut loose and of course, which new stocks I am planning on buying.

New Buys: VSCN (thinking of jumping back in), STS (thinking of jumping back in), SPEC, SIGM (past pick), URI, GMCR (good bp), BIDU (past pick), TSL, TLK, CMED

Note: I probably won't be able to buy all of these (at least not until I sell some holdings), so I will try to pick the ones that I think have the most potential.

Add to: HAYN, VCO, PHC, NEOG, PED, CMCO, PMRY, PENX, KTEC, LGTY, BZC

Thinking of Selling: CU (the rest of the pos), SXCI, RRST, VCC, LPHI (the rest of the pos)

My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor is not a registered investment advisor. Please read the complete Small Cap Stocks Blog Disclaimer



Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs

Submitted by My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor

Hot Stocks and the Cold Stocks

Hot Stocks: SMTX, VSEC, PED, AXYS, PMRY, SVLF, PENX, COMV, XWG, RBN, SPAN, ADAM, MWIV, AWH, PKOH, KEQU, MFRI, DDUP, CRE, CFI, CRN, QLTY, KTEC, SLT, AMAC, ACP


Cold Stocks: VCC, BZC, SXCI, PSMT, RRST, RZ, YDNT, PHC, TRNS, SEA, ESEA, IRIS, LPHI, FREE, MLNX, BOOT, TMNG, CPY

My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor is not a registered investment advisor. Please read the complete Small Cap Stocks Blog Disclaimer

Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs

Submitted by My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor

Trade Journal

Sells- Profits: STS (+0.15%), IRBT (+21.7%)

Sell- Losses: GEOY (-2.50%), SBEI (-5%)

New Buys: CKNN, JCTCF, APOL, LGTY

Add-Ons: DDUP, SVLF

My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor is not a registered investment advisor. Please read the complete Small Cap Stocks Blog Disclaimer



Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs

Submitted by My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor

Bottom Fishing: PHC, YDNT

Here are two interesting stocks that seem to be bottoming out. I was incorrect in my first recommendation of PHC. Unfortunatly from when I first called it, it has gone downhill. Still, despite telling myself that I should've sold, I decided to hold on and add to it. Although averaging down is very risky I held onto the belief that PHC is still incredibly cheap and a stock that has tons of potential. Today, with PHC experiencing volume of over 300,000, I am begining to feel that I was correct in picking PHC but at fault at picking it up at the wrong time. Finally, institutions are taking notice of this tiny gem. If we can close at the HOD, we will be in great shape.

PHC



YDNT is a stock that I've had on my watchlist for a while now. I've been looking for a real bottom on this one for a while now. I feel as if the stock is ready to finish bottoming out and start a real uptrend in the upcoming weeks and months.

YDNT


My Ambitions as a Trader and Investor is not a registered investment advisor. Please read the complete Small Cap Stocks Blog Disclaimer





Visit 1800blogger to see all of our industry leading blogs