I usually receive some quite weird emails that are generally obvious scams. But the other day I received a very unusual one. It rang with a sincerity and genuineness that was quite compelling. It requested that I contact my government representative in order to save this company. It was signed… Read More

Volatility increased slightly last week and looks like it is returning to normal levels. For short-term traders volatility creates opportunities. We seem to be in a short-term pullback within a long-term uptrend, so there is an opportunity to profit on the short… Read More

Now, the big news this month was the Fed‘s promise of “QE Infinity,” an uber-aggressive monetary move that even the most bullish… Read More

Apple changed the size and shape of the iPhone compared to previous models. This means old cases won’t fit the new phone. They also changed the power plug, so old docking devices no longer work with this new model. Investors should focus on the fact that there are now 5… Read More

The hype prior to Facebook’s (Nasdaq: FB) IPO on May 18 was unprecedented. Every media outlet was keenly focused on this revolutionary young company with such massive valuation. Investors competed to be included on the IPO share distribution lists, certain that the world’s… Read More

I love stories of people rising up out of harsh or even ordinary, middle class lives to ones of great influence, wealth and power. Individuals who have experienced life, as most of us have, are generally better suited for having a complete understanding of how markets and economies really work. This is due to the fact that they have firsthand experience making it to the top. Unlike those who are born with a silver spoon in their mouths, this personal experience of making dreams real can teach everyone crucial lessons for any endeavor. These rags-to-riches stories are perhaps best personified… Read More

I love stories of people rising up out of harsh or even ordinary, middle class lives to ones of great influence, wealth and power. Individuals who have experienced life, as most of us have, are generally better suited for having a complete understanding of how markets and economies really work. This is due to the fact that they have firsthand experience making it to the top. Unlike those who are born with a silver spoon in their mouths, this personal experience of making dreams real can teach everyone crucial lessons for any endeavor. These rags-to-riches stories are perhaps best personified by Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates — the largest hedge fund in the world. Dalio was born in Queens, NY in 1949 to a jazz musician and stay-at-home mom. He was never very good at early schooling, wanting to understand the “whys” behind everything. Rout memorization just wasn’t his thing. He caddied in summers to earn spending money and would listen keenly to the golfers talking about stocks and other investments. Those conversations sparked a lifelong obsession with the financial markets. Taking the few dollars he managed to save from his caddie… Read More

What’s the first thing people do when they hear about major shootings by a mentally unstable gunman? They go out and buy guns. These shocking news events tend to spook people, so they instantly take steps to ensure they don’t fall victims to the next shooter. As an example, gun… Read More

Stocks are enjoying a strong year. For example, if you were long the S&P 500 since the first trading day of 2012, you’d be sitting on a gain of about 14%. That’s far better than the historical norms, and though the path has been volatile, your patience would have been… Read More

An American tradition may soon follow the way of the horse buggy and oil-fired street lamps. In fact, this tradition is as American as baseball, apple pie and even Chevrolets. It will be sad to see it go, but in its place comes efficiency… Read More

When looking for “the next big thing,” it’s imperative to cast a wide net. Consider this: In 2011 the world’s growth domestic product (GDP) totaled $69.9 trillion. Of that only about $15.1 trillion came from the U.S… Read More