What did you learn in 2006?

[Tatnic]

Anyone catch the breakout on ANDE yesterday? IN case you're wondering, that's a very strong move...if you missed it you might get another chance on a retest. I'm guessing that its move has more to do with crops than ethanol, but that's just a guess.

Other crop related stocks are STKL (also an ethanol play but overextended)...and BG (low relative valuation), and there are others like POT (kinda overextended), ADM (relatively cheap), CF, FDP (value play), MON (pretty overvalued compared to others but a good ethanol play). Some other value plays of interest might be MLP, TRA and CRESY. But my favorite out of that bunch is ande for the simple reason its getting the most attention.

[tokyojoeskid]

10year

After a wild ten years of investing since I was 14, I came to a realization. Not a lot of people can beat the market on an individual stock selection basis. So do you/I throw in the towel??? Hellls no.

The answer is create a portfolio of passive index funds and etfs. In 2006 I was up around 20%, with a minimized risk. My portfolio contained a mix of passive index funds and etfs, allocated different percentages in a selection of bond funds, hybrid, large-cap value/blend, mid-cap value/blend, small-cap value/blen, International, Reits, and specialty (gold).

This kind of style although not as exciting is far less risky, but will give you your market return, and in my case exceeded the return of all major indicies in 2006.

Anyone else into this suff?

[diogenes]

After a wild ten years of investing since I was 14, I came to a realization. Not a lot of people can beat the market on an individual stock selection basis. So do you/I throw in the towel??? Hellls no.

The answer is create a portfolio of passive index funds and etfs. In 2006 I was up around 20%, with a minimized risk. My portfolio contained a mix of passive index funds and etfs, allocated different percentages in a selection of bond funds, hybrid, large-cap value/blend, mid-cap value/blend, small-cap value/blen, International, Reits, and specialty (gold).

This kind of style although not as exciting is far less risky, but will give you your market return, and in my case exceeded the return of all major indicies in 2006.

Anyone else into this suff?

Kinda, the idea of using a portfolio to control risk and set up certain expected returns is an idea I consider a subest of my earlier remark:
good stuff.

[Websman]

I learned that the VTP is an amazing system.

[stenzrob]

I learned not to question my wife's taste in draperies.

[diogenes]

Runner...is gone?

[IIC]

Runner...is gone?

Certainly appears that way.

Hate to see him pull something like this...I've known him via the Net for about 3 years...First met him at another Forum.

I really don't know why some people are getting all sensitive lately just because others don't go goo-goo gah-gah over what they want to talk about.

Seems to me that some people want to post a subject or topic and then they expect jillions of people to get all excited about it...Sorry, that's not the real world.

I wish Runner the best...I think he's a good guy...But IMO he and some others need to understand that the world does not revolve around them and what they want to talk about.

That's just my opinion...Feel free to disagree...My feelings will not be hurt if you do...Doug(IIC)

[Shadow]

What did I learn in 2006?
I had to step away from the market for a few months
and didn't completely clear out all positions. Luckily I didn't
get wiped out. Not one of my smarter moves and I have
learned from the error of my ways!

That’s sad Ski, but sadly appears to have some truth. I can only speak for myself and in reality I’ve never felt I needed to win a popularity contest. When it is all said and done normally more is said then done!!

I’ve been met with very little response here when trying to mention position size and things like that. Ski the dialogue here has been lacking substance and so I thought I’d give it another chance. Your right as it does appear as if I’m wasting my time here…

I have come to the realization that it doesn't pay to give advice, post your selections or plays, or to give a damn if anyone else is paying any attention to what you're saying about any of this. You will only end up frustrating yourself for no good reason. If anyone wants to become successful at trading then let them try to develope a successful discipline and strategies on their own because that's what everyone is going to do anyway regardless of how much you harp on what it takes to develope a successful trading discipline or to give any serious advice. Most people couldn't care less about the money they are making as much as the recognition they want to hear if one of their stocks makes a .25 gain one day. Building up egos and piling on praise is what's important and necessary to people.
__________________
skiracer

Hey guys! Get back here!

Note to all:
I have appreciated the commentary from all on this site but
I was not vocal about it. I am a fairly new investor and not
even close to the caliber of most of the posters on this site.
I absorb info and try to learn and post rarely (doubt you even
noticed I've been away for 4 months ) for the simple reason
that I am new. Basically the rule is "if I have nothing intelligent
to say...say nothing". I did break this rule occasionally to razz Lye,
but that doesn't count.

Honestly....most of you appear very busy and therefore I make
it a point to try not pester you with my beginner questions. I
just work my way through the site trying to learn as much as
I can. Now if you want to start your own "turtle" club...just let
me know and I'm there. Till then...thanks to all, you helped make
my 2006 an educational year and I am very appreciative.


Shadow

[IIC]

I noticed that you have not been around...In fact, I've noticed that a lot of people have not been around.

I don't know why you and some others are timid about posting...The only stupid question is the one that is never asked IMO.

Learning about investing is a never ending process. Right now I happen to be boning up on options. I have not played options for over 15 years. I'm more confused than ever right now...But I plan to be well versed by the end of March.

Last year it was Eminis...I learned quite a bit about them but I never traded them. I came to the conclusion that it would be too dangerous to trade them part time.


Best...Doug(IIC)

[peanuts]

Note to all:
I have appreciated the commentary from all on this site but
I was not vocal about it. I am a fairly new investor and not
even close to the caliber of most of the posters on this site.
I absorb info and try to learn and post rarely (doubt you even
noticed I've been away for 4 months ) for the simple reason
that I am new. Basically the rule is "if I have nothing intelligent
to say...say nothing". I did break this rule occasionally to razz Lye,
but that doesn't count.

Honestly....most of you appear very busy and therefore I make
it a point to try not pester you with my beginner questions. I
just work my way through the site trying to learn as much as
I can. Now if you want to start your own "turtle" club...just let
me know and I'm there. Till then...thanks to all, you helped make
my 2006 an educational year and I am very appreciative.


Shadow

http://www.mrmarketishuge.com/showpost.php?p=74887&postcount=3

#36 needs to become true.

[Shadow]

http://www.mrmarketishuge.com/showpo...87&postcount=3

#36 needs to become true.

LOL...good one Peanuts! I haven't managed to catch up
enough to see that one yet. I'll see what I can do.

Doug,
I think this is the first time I've ever had the adjective "timid"
used in connection with me. ROFL

You gave me some food for thought; I'll work on it!

Don't blame me if this unleashes a demon!

Shadow

[diogenes]

Learning about investing is a never ending process. Right now I happen to be boning up on options. I have not played options for over 15 years. I'm more confused than ever right now...But I plan to be well versed by the end of March.
(snips)
Best...Doug(IIC)

Might want to finally give in and open an ebay account to track down an international version of (or use bookfinder.com):

http://www.amazon.com/Options-Futures-Other-Derivatives-6th/dp/0131499084/sr=8-2/qid=1171233082/ref=pd_bbs_2/105-7043516-8186001?ie=UTF8&s=books

Or at a less detailed level:

http://www.amazon.com/Options-Workbook-Fundamental-Strategies-Investors/dp/1419521071/sr=1-15/qid=1171233169/ref=sr_1_15/105-7043516-8186001?ie=UTF8&s=books

[IIC]

Might want to finally give in and open an ebay account to track down an international version of (or use bookfinder.com):

http://www.amazon.com/Options-Futures-Other-Derivatives-6th/dp/0131499084/sr=8-2/qid=1171233082/ref=pd_bbs_2/105-7043516-8186001?ie=UTF8&s=books

Or at a less detailed level:

http://www.amazon.com/Options-Workbo...e=UTF8&s=books

Those look interesting...thx

[mooddude]

My 2006 investment is just starting to pay off now. And I'm talking about some 200%+ gains. So my lesson of 2006 goes like this: Patience Is King.

[Shadow]

What I didn't learn was the world of options
and I would like to learn. Any tips on good
books, etc for learning the world of options?

I have not ventured into options and maybe never
will but I would like to learn more about them.
Learning never hurts.

Thanks
Shadow