Stock Ticker

Stocks use a Ticker or an abbreviation to allow you to quickly find them. Facebook (Ticker: FB), Apple (Ticker: AAPL), Netflix (Ticker: NFLX), Alphabet (we know it as Google, Ticker: GOOG), Microsoft (Ticker: MSFT). Ticker Tape Provided by Macroaxis

Search URBANOMICS

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

What Are You Reading - Barron's 2013 Roundtable

I will detail in a future post what book I'm currently reading and the tips that I've picked up along the way.  But for now I am going to try and help you (1) Learn from some of the smartest investors in the game and (2) Observe some of their best picks for 2013.  The link I will post is from Barron's and their Roundtable discussion 9 notable investors.  I instantly recognize from CNBC the familiar names (and faces) of the following investors:

  • MARIO GABELLI - Dr. Love (He enjoys companies merging or making love and has a nice track record to prove it.
  • BILL GROSS - PIMCO Bond King 
  • ABBY JOSEPH COHEN - Goldman Sachs Strategist

But then reading the insight from the other 6 panelists left me very with some very good insight from each of these investors predictions on what to expect from the market in 2013.  The other gang of 6 were:


  • Scott Black
  • Fred Hickey
  • Brian Rogers
  • Oscar Schafer
  • Meryl Witmer
  • Feliz Zulauf
I am slowly becoming a sponge of information about what is happening in the rest of the world and really enjoyed Feliz Zulauf's commentary.  I also love to hear them quote history because I am a firm believer that it repeats itself , however; humans never take the time to listen.  This article also include stock selections and may serve as a great place to start for new investments in 2013

Billionaire Beef...

If you haven't heard...there is some serious bad blood in the streets!  While I would normally expect a diss track to be surfacing soon, this beef won't be titled "Ether" or remixed over another rapper's song as a sign of disrespect. This is a good ole fashion beef amongst billionaires who aired out their dirty laundry on national television. I couldn't believe what I was hearing and then I began to wonder if I was worth a billi how would call out my opponent. Check out two Wall Street titans (Bill Ackman vs Carl Icahn) going at each other on CNBC:


Monday, January 21, 2013

Happy New Year / Themes for 2013


Happy New Year - 2013

In my first post of the year, I want to say Happy New Years to everyone out there! I wanted to pass on these words while telling everyone to continue to achieve balance, stick to your resolutions, and live life!  My backdrop on this day is ironic as I am listening to the 44th President of the United States, Barack H. Obama, at his inauguration.  It comes on a very special day, the day that we celebrate the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

Investment Themes to Consider for 2013

The following themes have been at the top of my mind lately and definitely impact my thoughts on the market.  For my more familiar readers, you’ll see that I will continue to highlight the articles, videos, clippings, and personal views that shape my thoughts.  For new readers, I hope you appreciate my quest in trying to simplify investments, the economy, and what’s going on with your money.  I’ve often found out that they are related and it’s usually for some very interesting reasons.  First, let’s start off with why I believe the economy is heading in the right direction.  But a word of caution, when things are doing well…don’t be greedy and bank some of those winning profits that got you there.  Here is why the markets are doing so well:

Why Stocks Are at Record Highs
Last Wednesday, the Federal Reserve communicated their outlook on the American economy through a book known as the Beige Book. Here was what Zacks.com had to say about that data: “Wednesday offered up a trio of positive economic reports. Industrial Production, Housing Market Index, and the Beige Book all painted a picture of a moderately expanding economy with no stumbling blocks in sight.”  Zacks.com

I chose this next article because it shows how things and investments are often linked.  As the housing markets improves think about the things that will benefit as this trend continues think about the simple things around you that are worth investing, hardwood and carpet sellers, home renovations stores, and even copper which is used throughout your home. See this next article on the improving housing market:

Housing
“Copper rose for a third day as improving U.S. economic data fueled expectations that demand from the second-largest user will improve this year. Metal for delivery in three months climbed as much as 0.3 percent to $8,085.25 a metric ton on the London Metal Exchange and traded at $8,067 at 11:02 a.m. in Shanghai. Copper advanced to a one-week high of $8,130 on Jan. 18.  Housing starts in the U.S. climbed 12.1 percent last month to a 954,000 annual rate, exceeding all forecasts in a Bloomberg survey of economists, according to Commerce Department data on Jan. 17. A Labor Department report showed fewer Americans applied for jobless benefits.”  This snippet was from Bloomberg.com    Housing Link

I will stop here for now but coming soon will be more articles on themes that shape my investments going forward.



Wednesday, January 16, 2013

4th Quarter 2012: PREMIUM STOCK ALERTS


4th Quarter 2012: 3 PREMIUM STOCK ALERTS

Please contact me directly (email_urbanomics@yahoo.com) to subscribe to this quarter’s premium stock alerts.  Find out what I have my eye on and more importantly when I will be adding these stocks to my portfolio.

4th Quarter 2012 Premium Stock Alerts
My 4th quarter picks are FINALLY OUT. I’ve been researching these stocks over the course of the last 3 months of 2012 and found 3 stocks with margin of safety and the right catalysts.  Please see the following stocks that were sent to subscribers receiving premium alerts. 

Stock #1: **********
Details


Sector:
Technology
Industry:
Multimedia & Graphics Software
Tip
Moving around on Mars?

Stock #2: **********
Details


Sector:
Financial
Industry:
Property & Casualty Insurance
Tip
Nothing says thank you like a lawyer.

Stock #3: **********
Details


Sector:
Industry:
Tip
You might confuse this stock for a car.


Its January and my newest picks are finally out. Stocks have moved up nicely so finding value is no easy task. Stay tuned for my stock reveals from 2012.

3rd Quarter 2012: PREMIUM STOCK ALERTS


3rd Quarter 2012: 2 PREMIUM STOCK ALERTS

Please contact me directly (email_urbanomics@yahoo.com) to subscribe to this quarter’s premium stock alerts.  Find out what I have my eye on and more importantly when I will be adding these stocks to my portfolio.

3rd Quarter 2012 Premium Stock Alerts
I’m still on the constant search for value. Please see the following stocks that were recommended to subscribers receiving premium alerts. 

Stock #1: **********
Details


Sector:
Technology
Industry:
Application Software
Tip
I think of the movie Matrix when it comes to this stock.

Stock #2: **********
Details


Sector:
Basic Materials
Industry:
Oil & Gas Refining
Tip
Check mate when it comes to this stock.


For anyone playing at home, guess these picks...sorry for the late time stamp but subscribers received these stock picks in the 3rd quarter.  Enjoy

Friday, October 12, 2012

Best Buy - The Price Is Now "Matched"

When was the last time you shopped at Best Buy?? If most people are like me it has been ages since you've physically been into their store. I used to appreciate the days when they were perceived as the low cost alternative against Circuit City and other high cost electronic box stores.  When Circuit City departed, I thought it was smooth sailing for these guys.  They were the place to turn for all my electronics and gadgets, until I started shopping online.  I still was somewhat loyal to Best Buy but this dried up because they had nothing for shoppers that valued nice products and moderate prices.  The 'Magnolia' line of products is great but EASILY way too pricey and the other lines of Best Buy branded products aren't appealing for a semi-techie guy like me that actually reads CNET reviews.  So unfortunately I exclusively started shopping online with Amazon, Newegg, and directly from electronic manufacturers (Lenovo, Dell, etc) that offered the best pricing for my products.  I even became a dreaded comparison shopper recently when I bought my entertainment system for my HD, surround sound, bass booming media room.  I went to Best Buy and was quoted thousands for a TV alone and then thousands for my surround sound system, and wiring.  I decided to by my TV online and applied the extra saving to more inches (I'm over 60 inches).  Then my receiver for my entertainment system was bought through an Amazon Gold Box deal.  My surround sound speakers came from Newegg (they even threw in free wiring) and boast enough beats to watch sports or pound out a building thumping boom from the 4th floor.

But, there may be redemption!! Best Buy just announced that they will price match competitors INCLUDING their online prices. This price effect starts NOW and is good through Nov. 17. They will revisit this matching program for the BLACK FRIDAY seasonal dates: Nov. 27 - Dec. 24. I follow the company as a possible investment but Main Street should take advantage of this unique opportunity to go back to the old school way of touching and buying your product in a store. You can walk away feeling pretty good because you came in with the BEST PRICE and they will match it without much hassle. I like physically inspecting my items and this is music to my ears.

Sunday, October 07, 2012

The Economy's First TIme...

First times are usually associated with fond memories that will last a lifetime. However, some first times are not what we truly expect.  I was listening/reading a discussion with hedge fund manager Kyle Bass.  I find him interesting because he tends to like going against the grain. The things that I hear from him don't always align with what many investors and analysts are saying at that particular point in time.  If you've paid attention to my posts or random outbursts I've definitely slowed down writing about all things Wall Street because the rules are being written and changing as we speak.  In the last year, you have often heard me say that the data and thus the signals I am getting are mixed.  Maybe it would be better put that situations are changing so rapidly that its tough to keep a gauge on the market unless I am watching constantly.  I prefer not to watch constantly because that would throw off my investment style and likely lead to a little more hedging or second guessing of my strategies.  While listening to Kyle Bass speak, I thought he put an interesting take on things which made me understand why I've had this whipsawed feeling about how the market is acting.  He simply stated, "We've never been here before".  Ever!  And the point he noted was quite interesting...during a peace-time era (may wanna slightly debate this part) the amount of debt we've amassed has never been this large.  Historically, it's interesting that countries massively massively build up debt during times of war to get through those periods of time.  However, why did and why now is debt level so far away from what we've historically been used to?!?  I've favored being in the market but tilted to the defensive side of things.  That is where I will stay for the foreseeable future. So dividends, growth, and maybe even higher risk debt securities are the road that I plan to take.  A little hint for my subscription folks, you'll notice that technology and software have surprisingly been in the mix!  I'll embed the video below, take a listen: