Running With the Bulls...

One day I anticipate visiting Spain and on my bucket list would be "Running With the Bulls".  But then I saw pictures from a recent run through the city and let's say getting gored in the upper thigh is not my idea of fun.  I have not written a post in awhile because sometimes you have to just sit back and watch a story unfold.  If you've read any of my recent posts its been pretty clear. I remain as constant as the North Star...as long as their is no tapering and the Federal Reserve is pumping money into the economy stocks will do well. I've written about that all year and believe that will continue to be the case.  I will try to use as few words as possible and the first things that come to mind about these hot topics:

Debt Ceiling - Dumb Politicians, Wasted News Cycle, Pay Your Bills
Obamacare - Tech Bugs Happen, Why All at Once, Insurance is Complicated
Apple - Gold...Really?
Twitter - IPO Coming Soon
Netflix - New Version of TV, Shares On Fire
Tesla - Car on Fire, Cool Ride
NSA - If President's cell phones are tapped...good luck everyone else :)

Stay tuned for more posts...

Reading With A Purpose - Summary of Recent Posts

I wanted to put together a quick summary of the last few URBANOMICS blog posts that were written.  A question that I got recently was, “You Must Put A Lot of Time…” and they were referencing the amount of research that I might do when investing.  At first this took me by surprise because I have a full time job. However, I had to remember that I do take time out to research and focus on the markets and this may be more that the “average” person does.  However, I would ask someone do they take time to “Workout” and while that might seem demanding to someone else others might consider it necessary for a well-balanced life.  So I am here to assist you with getting your Financial Footing on.

The first and most basic lesson is “Read With a Purpose”. I write with one so in turn you should read with one. Let’s summarize the last few posts and what the takeaways might be:

Please Don’t Kill My Investing Vibe

 Link to Post

This post takes the confusing world of economics and policy and breaks it down for you.  It simply asks do you think “The World Around You Is Improving”.  While there are some secrets to investing, there isn’t one to thinking and whether you own a few or a lot of stocks you should get comfortable using your senses to gauge when the world around you is improving.

• More stores opening /Stores trying new foods, flavors, etc
•  Friends changing jobs / Jobs hard to fill at work
• Construction popping up
• Co-Workers vacationing more / Summer Homes purchases
• Homes Being Built, Friends being out-bid

Believe it or not these are all things that you, the person on the street, can SEE, HEAR, SMELL, TOUCH, or FEEL.  The more or less confident you are about these things happening the more they signal that the economy is doing great or poorly, respectively.  Update your retirement account and investments when you get stronger or negative feelings about these things going on around you.  For me, I am seeing condos going up, the development down the street sold out quickly, a new Hotel is being completed, friends are switching jobs, and the seats on my vacation to the Caribbeans is almost full. I think the economy is chugging along.

Same Companies New Tricks

 Link To Post

I wanted to share with you my sensory investing.

• McDonald’s – I see the lines even during their late night hours. (I even jump in line...bad habit)
• Best Buy – I recently asked them to match a competitor’s pricing and they didn’t…I left. (There loss)
• Groupon – I wanted to buy a product and oddly enough Groupon was selling this item for the lowest price…not a daily deal but at their online store. (My first time wanting to shop there...will other feel the same way)

 These all help to shape my investment ideas and notice Groupon’s big rise recently their store concept may be taking hold. Example of a starting point for an investment.

Interest Rates May Be Rising

 Link to Post

This article was timely because soon after what happened…Interest Rates went on a tear and rose at the fastest rate since 1987.  This might cause buyers to get in while rates are low or this may cause a short-term slow down as buyers get nervous when rates spike.  The key thing is use this as a starting point and go from there.

Fatest Rise Since '87

 Markets are Going Higher

Link to Post

This post analyzed what direction the markets might head.  We “LISTENED” to smart investors like David Tepper who said the next leg is higher. We’ve tuned into his cues since 2010 and they are interesting. Do we make our whole decision based on his thoughts…No but it’s a starting point. Then the Dow was at 14000, since then we’ve shot to 15,500

Please Don't Kill My Investing Vibe...

Thanks to Kendrick Lamar for producing one of my favorite tracks out there and describing my approach right now to life and investments.  Plainly said, I don't want anyone messing up my vibe of working hard, making quick and thoughtful decisions and reflecting on it all to ensure that I'm focusing on things that will make me better.  My investing vibe right now is to sit back and ride out this amazing economic and stock market recovery.  I remember how bad both were years back and we must take a moment to give props to resilient people (workers), companies, and yes even 'some' of our politicians that promoted a pro-growth environment.  I firmly believe if we had engaged in less stimulus and more cost cutting we would've been in BIG trouble.  This is what makes the field of economics and behavioral analysis so interesting to me. But before I put you to sleep...follow my vibe:

The Verdict Is In...

I have been stir crazy for the last 24 hours once the verdict was reached in the State of Florida vs George Zimmerman. This is a very sad time because we see what fear continues to do to our country. It allows us to create laws that allow us to take matters into our own hands and not be accountable. I know many people want to debate the merits of "the case" but what about debating the merits of "life". Trayvon Martin, a young boy was shot.  When did we all forget that was the most basic element of this tragedy. A young boy was shot because he was profiled and then pursued. What if this was your young son?? STOP, please fill in your son's name ___________  What if this was your son or daughter... would you be outraged??  And yes, let us be happy for what we have and hug our sons / daughters / cousins / nephew / nieces closer but let's also remember that with senseless laws and acts like this some people won't be able to hug their children anymore. And if that precious right was taken away from you...how would you feel. If you truly are personalizing this case, then push for change at all levels...not for it all to go away.

2nd Quarter 2013: 3 PREMIUM STOCK ALERTS / 1 FREE ALERT

2nd Quarter 2013: 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.

2nd Quarter 2013 Premium Stock Alerts

This quarter’s picks are late, but better late than never. I've been researching these stocks over the course of the last 3 months or more and found 3 stocks with margin of safety and the right catalysts.  Please see the following stocks that were recommended to subscribers receiving premium alerts. 

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

Details

Sector: Basic Materials Industry: Oil and Gas Equipment Services Tip: Pledge of Allegiance to crude.

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

Details Sector: Basic Materials Industry: Oil and Gas Refining Tip: Check mate.

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

Details

Sector: Technology
Industry: Application Software
Tip Up for a game of Simon Says?

The market has been on a tear and the last few quarters have seen me doing my version of the twist…or rotation.  I have been selling a few of my winners and rotating into new names. Some names were really beat down like Stock #3. Others are the wrath of the investment community which are pushing for them to do more or else new ownership will have too.  I've given you plenty of hints and I’ll even throw in a free ALERT because it was an absolutely gorgeous July 4^th weekend in Chicago.

FREE ALERT

Stock #4: DEX MEDIA

Details

Sector: SERVICES Industry: MARKETING SERVICES Tip It’s a rolodex and paperweight! Explanation: Dex Media is what we used to know as the Yellow and White Pages. They have re-invented themselves and offer a large slate of products to businesses. Hence the rolodex full of numbers and the size of the old book would be a great paperweight.

Same Companies....New Tricks (McDonald's, Best Buy, Groupon)

McDonald's Late Night Breakfast Cravings

Sometimes I feel like I could be a Fortune 500 CEO, especially when they take an idea right outta my head. Let's take the Golden Arches.  I've had this idea buzzing around in my head for years and they finally took the plunge.  McDonald's is bringing breakfast to a late night menu near you.  Sorry Denny's I think a few people make be making a quick stop at the drive thru.

Read All About It Link

Store-In-A-Store Continues With Best Buy

Best Buy continues the JC Penney concept of stores within a store.  I wonder if this is the concept for companies that have been left for dead.  Ouch...Microsoft has teamed up with Best Buy and there with be a Microsoft store within your local store.  This is such a fabulous concept Samsung has decided it will also place stores within Best Buy.  I guess they will likely win over me...because I love 1 STOP SHOPPING...but does that make this a department store??

Linky

I know I'm not here to make fun of them but rather tell you how stopping in at the drive thru can make you money.  If you think either of these will be a big hit check the stocks out.  Best Buy is finding more reasons for you to stay in the store and McDonald's want your after the bar pit stop to include something you would normally eat in the morning, anyways!

Groupon

Predictions of their demise were off. This company has stabilized since the departure of Andrew Mason, the former CEO. The stock price has rebounded and Groupon "might" be maturing. They are leaving deals open longer which was my biggest complaint (sort of) and a reason why I never signed up for Groupon. This means I can get the deal when I actually need the item and not just serving as impulse purchases.  And you just may start buying things like you do on Amazon at Groupon.  Some of you already know that Groupon sells actual goods and they have been competitive on a number of items and want to be your top destination for shopping. Stay tuned on how this plays out but its has certainly rebounded , albeit there wasn't much lower it could go.

Tell Me What's Happening: Interest Rates Rising / Homebuyers Are Hurrying

There are a few themes going on around me right now.  Is it just me or does everything seem a little 'CHOPPY'!  This seems to apply to the weather, the stock market, jobs, interest rates...and definitely GAS prices.  So I wanted to start a dialogue to help us understand why.  There is no point in me writing (or talking) much I want to post a few videos that may help explain why.

First up is Interest Rates. These rates help determine what our mortgage rates will be.  The Federal Reserve can manipulate interest rates to help speed or slow down our economy when it needs to...think like a treadmill.  They have hinted they may be doing less tinkering with the economy and that is making rates move higher.  Oddly enough, this may be great for homeowners as buyers may race to get in on this historically low rates BEFORE its too late.

Check this video out: