-Executive Summary-

• The markets moved higher today – higher into 52 week high territory in a rally approaching almost 2 years of age.  We are on the one hand cautious, but on the other hand we are realists and continually looking for under-appreciated value and growth.  It’s been our recipe of success.  Sometimes we simply have to be prepared to wait.  We are leaning again favorably toward Intel Corp. (INTC) and others… see below.
• Here is a link to our second Stock Market Companion Video Update where we cover 3 points about investing that we hope you will find useful … If you leave a comment in the comment section under the video our search rankings will improve.

This Stock Market Companion 15MinuteStocks Market Update is a powerful tool designed to help you make money in the stock market.  It’s web-based, therefore available wherever and whenever you are.  It is your essential link to the markets, delivers a broad to narrow summary of important market and company specific conditions and events, and prepares you to be ready for actionable ideas.  We show you when/where we put our own money to work… and when/where we take our profits/losses.  Please see our short (2 minute) website videos for more information.

– Markets “At a Glance” –

(Please scroll down to the end of the report to see your favorite benchmarks – Dollar, Oil, Gold … closing prices and daily direction.)

– Market Trends –

*Summary of terms from Trader Vic II-Principles of Professional Speculation (pg. 140-141)
*_________* Represents a change in trend rating.

– Market Perspectives –

For your added perspective, we’ve included this chart of the broader market (Successful stock investors develop and start with a minds-eye view of the broader market and keep it clear) –

1. SMC SP-500 ETF Daily Chart (Click to open helpful chart in a separate browser window).

– Today’s Highlights –

There was a total absence of fresh data today to drive the markets.  There was also an absence of negative news out of Egypt.

We touched base with a dear friend who has deep and broad knowledge from a U.S. government cabinet level perspective and we agreed that the markets are ignoring what is taking place in the Middle East (Egypt).  Here’s what else is being ignored –

1. 10 year American troop deployment in Afghanistan – at enormous expense and without a plan to win.  We’re not saying that we shouldn’t be there – we are simply saying that if we are putting our forces in harms way, then we should have a clear plan to win – and go do it.

2. Government deficit spending of huge proportion – which WILL trigger a downgrade of American Treasuries – UNLESS dramatic change is taken soon.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington received President Obama today and he talked about now being the time to invest in America.

– Story-Stock Investing –

We are going to do what we do best – wait until it is clear to place a GOOD investment.  We’d rather miss an opportunity than lose money.

We are leaning towards Intel Corp (INTC).  We like how American International Group (AIG) is bouncing off it’s $40/share line on the heals of good earnings results from insurers like Loews Corp.

We like the Bank of Ireland (IRE) coming back into the $2.45/share area – but we are as uncertain as everyone else as to whether the next Irish government is going to be a game-changer and the proportions are unknown.

RF MicroDevices (RFMD) had a good day today, but their earnings report from a little over a week ago was a disappointment.

Apple Inc. (AAPL) looks excellent, crossing into fresh all-time highs. Their phone and other products are selling faster than they can make them.

Cirrus Logic Inc. (CRUS) was being bought by an insider at $21/share.  Almost $3 million dollar’s worth.  We keep an eye on insider purchasing, but don’t overweight it.  We’ve seen insiders purchase significant amounts of stock at absolutely the wrong time and get their investments whacked by -66% in value.

We are after stocks of companies with exciting stories that we understand, that are in tight consolidations – in a defined uptrend – that have strong upside potential.  We also are prepared for unusual situations – like the Bank of Ireland investment – and are prepared to move quickly.

Long ago Warren Buffett returned all monies invested in his fund, saying he didn’t have a good use for it.  There are times when we have to be particularly cautious.  If this uptrend continues unabated, in March the market will have been in an uptrend for 2 years.

For many stock investors, it’s hard to be on the sidelines when the market is advancing.  We have learned to be patient and prepared to wait for good opportunities and not CHASE AFTER THE MARKET.

———————————————————————————————————————————————-

Please remember – at the Stock Market Companion we do not and cannot give individual investment advice. According to the State of Washington RCW 21.20.005 the Stock Market Companion is not a Registered Financial Advisor and we do not render any advice on the basis of the specific investment situation of a particular individual. This information is for a wide readership and is not intended for any particular individual,  and under no circumstances should our SMC Intraday Update, SMC 15MinuteStocks Market Update or Watchlist be considered an investment recommendation or plan for any specific individual.  By accessing this material, you agree that the Stock Market Companion will not be held liable for any actions taken by a subscriber or other parties.  Please seek the counsel of a broker or other licensed investment professional for accurate pricing and concerning the suitability of all investments that you may be considering. Disclosure : Please understand that the Stock Market Companion may hold positions in the above mentioned securities.  Based on market related or personal events these positions may change without notice.

– Stock Market Companion – Current Holdings –

– Stock Market Companion – Performance –

Please click on this chart to see the Stock Market Companion 15MinuteStocks stock performance versus the SP-500.  It will open in a separate browser window.
* Gains (losses) do not include brokerage fees.   Our returns are very strong … BUT …  WE have to remind everyone just like all other financial sites in America – Past Performance is No Guarantee of Future Returns.  Unlike others however, our objective is to teach you to be able to make these types of strong returns On Your Own.

All of the investments – stocks, entries, and exits are listed on our Stock Market Companion Watchlist at the bottom of the spreadsheet, in the section labelled Former Holdings.

– Benchmarks “At a Glance” –

Data Source : Financial Visualizations Inc.

Signing-Off for Today,

Your -Stock Market Companion

** Stock Market Companion Disclaimer **

The Stock Market Companion (SMC) Market Update and Watchlist are published documents to subscribers that show how we (SMC) are viewing the markets and what we are watching, investing in or selling today.  This information is for a wide readership and is not intended for any particular individual,  and under no circumstances should this Market Update or Watchlist be considered an investment recommendation or plan for any specific individual.  By accessing this material, you agree that the Stock Market Companion will not be held liable for any actions taken by a subscriber or other parties.  You understand that the Stock Market Companion holds positions in the above mentioned securities.  Based on market related or personal events these positions may change without notice.

Furthermore, the Stock Market Companion, Inc. is a content provider and publisher and not a registered broker-dealer or licensed investment professional.  Our intent is to publish very accurate market information for an audience of subscribers (1000+ subscribers).  By accessing the Stock Market Companion website and/or using the Stock Market Companion products and services such as this Market Update and accompanying Watchlist, you understand and agree that the material provided in the Stock Market Companion products and services is for informational and educational purposes only, and that no mention of a particular security in a Stock Market Companion product or service constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold that or any other security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.  To the extent any of the information contained in any Stock Market Companion product or service may be deemed to be investment advice, such information is impersonal and not tailored to the investment needs of any specific person.  Before selling or buying any stock or other investment you should consult with a qualified broker or other financial professional to verify pricing information and to solicit advice as to the appropriateness of a given transaction or investment.