-Executive Summary-

• The broader market continued higher into multi-year high territory.   Gold and silver moved a bit higher, but may be – for the moment – can we possibly suggest … losing steam?
• The broader market is moving into levels not seen since the 3rd quarter of 2008, but still well below 2007 highs.  The Stock Market Companion did not take any further purchases or sales today with the market.  We are cautious, but also attentive for opportunities that may unfold.
• We are travelling to introduce our work at a conference.  Please excuse our delay in getting this edition out.  The edition tomorrow will also be transmitted late in the evening PST.
• Here is a video interview of a father and son using the Stock Market Companion successfully together – as a teaching and investing tool.
  

– Stock Market Companion – Current Holdings –

Nr.	Co.	Ticker	Action	Entry Date	Current Gain (Loss)
1	Nexxus Lighting	NEXS	Miniscule Holding	3/18/2011	-21%
2	Dell Inc.	DELL	Holding	3/21/2011	+6%
3	Ford Motor Co.	F	Holding	4/1/2011	-2%
4	Cisco Systems, Inc.	CSCO	Holding	4/25/2011	+2%

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	Price (Today’s Close)	Unit of Measure	Today’s Direction
SP-500	1,360.48	Index	UP = +4.82 points
DOW-30	12,763.31	Index	UP = +72.35 points
NASDAQ	2,872.53	Index	UP =+2.65 points
NASDAQ 100	2,409.90	Index	UP = -3.69 points

– Market Trends –

Trend	SP-500	DJ-30	NASDAQ	NASDAQ 100
Short Term	Flat	Flat	Flat	Flat
Intermediate	UP	UP	UP	UP
Long Term	Lateral	Lateral	Lateral	Lateral

*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 – yesterday’s. (Click to open helpful chart in a separate browser window).

– Today’s Highlights –

After yesterday’s unprecedented public view into the mind of the chairman of the Federal Reserve – Mr. Ben Bernanke (“gentle” Ben) – we believe the markets are in a bit of a quandary.   There is simply very little for the press to “spin”, when the Federal Reserve spells it out so clearly –

– Accomadative monetary policy as long as possible.

– Importance of political leadership in America taking on the Federal deficit.

– Oil prices will not likely continue to rise too much farther (at this time).

If you haven’t yet, please set aside time in the days ahead at some point to glance at the Federal Reserve’s 1st press conference following an FOMC meeting in 98 years of history.  Click here for the YouTube video of the conference.

Many of us have different viewpoints and misgivings about the nature of the Federal Reserve.   Nonetheless, they are doing what they can to stimulate the economy.  The markets rose again today.

We think one of the important points is  that we are now over 2 years from the March 2009 lows for the markets, yet things are tenuous.  As was covered in the above press conference, recovery after such a disruptive financial event takes a long time.

High unemployment, high foreclosure rates, and high fuel costs are indeed a terrible combination.

– Story-Stock Investing –

We like how Amarin Corp. PLC (Ticker: AMRN $16.19) may be setting up.  It’s a volatile one, but looks like it may be soon ready for another leg higher.  A break to the north above $17.50/share will probably get us on board.

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 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 council of a broker or other licensed investment professional for accurate pricing and concerning the suitability of all investments that you may be considering. Disclosure : 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.

– 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” –

US Dollar	1.4844 USD = 1 Euro	USD / EUR	Dollar = Lower … at multi-year lows.
Gold	$1,533.70	Ounce	Gold = Sitting at highs.
Oil	$112.48	Barrel (West Texas Crude)	Oil = Flat
30 Yr. Fixed Mortgage	4.85%	Percent	Flat
10 Yr. Bond Yield	3.36	Percent	Flat
1 Yr. CD	1.16	Percent	Flat

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.