-Executive Summary-

• Down!  The markets continue to respond to to minute-to-minute unfolding news concerning the nuclear reactor status in Japan – following last week’s terrible earthquake – as well as to violence against protesters in Bahrain and further uncertainties in the Middle East.
• The DOW (DJ-30) was down approx. -280 points at the open but closed the downside gap throughout much of the day to close down -137.74 points.  That was impressive.
• We are looking for opportunities among the stock sell-off, and our single SMC holding Ford Motor Co. (Ticker: F) has been – so far – a stand-out performer.
• Today, SMC Watchlist holding Impax Labs (Ticker: IPXL) gapped higher on favorable news from its phase III testing results on its Parkinson’s drug.
• When you can, check out this new Stock Market Companion Video Update – Make Money and Reduce Risk (3 Steps for investing successfully in a turnaround) which we posted on YouTube.  These three steps have made us a lot of money in stock investing over the years.
  

– Stock Market Companion – Current Holdings –

If the above “Current Holdings” table is empty it means that we are not holding ANY stocks at this time and that we are therefore 100% in cash.

– 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 –

This morning, investors had a shock.  The DOW (DJ-30) was down approx. -280 points on real radiation leakage in Japan and concerns about further meltdown at the Japanese nuclear facilities.  The Japanese equities markets are down -16% in two days.  Later in the day, further reports of shooting of protesters in Bahrain impacted the energy markets.

At the Stock Market Companion, we addressed the trouble in the markets early this morning with this SMC Intra-Day Alert –

– Story-Stock Investing –

– 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.