Strategy and Details.

• As of 5.31.10
• Stock of the Week Strategy YTD = 13.28%.
• Recommended Portfolio Size = $50K + Margin
• 1000 shares per trade.
• Entry levels restricted to within $0.05 of recommended entry.
• The chart below shows the growth of $100K in this strategy.

The Stock of the Week Strategy averages 2-3 trades per week.  This is a simple strategy that can be used at virtually any online broker.  Most of them allow you to place conditional orders for individual stocks, and this strategy is based on conditional orders, so almost anyone can use it without committing too much time to watching the market.  The risk controls are extremely important.  Integral to the strategy is also a cash component.  By rule, every week ends in cash.  This allows us to start every week fresh, and with an unbiased approach.  When combined, the risk controls and the cash component make this strategy compelling.  The results take that even further. 

The Stock of the Week Strategy works in any market environment, without sacrificing time or lifestyle, it is easy to understand, and easy to use.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Every week we offer 1 trading recommendation which is intended to be followed for the entire week.  The recommended portfolio for this strategy is $50K.  This is an easy to follow strategy that virtually anyone can take advantage of.  We usually offer this recommendation on Sunday in our Nightly Newsletter for Monday.  Unless otherwise directed, the call is designed to be re-triggered if it is stopped throughout the week.  However, if it is still open by the Market's end on Friday, it should be closed and the week should be finished in cash.

Benefits:

This is a proactive strategy capable of providing opportunities in both up and down market environments.  Risk controls are integral to this strategy as well.  Here is a summary of benefits:

• A Proactive Strategy
• Opportunities in both up and down markets.
• Risk controls are integral
• Programmable trading strategies.
• Automated Trading options.
• Every week ends in cash.
• Tools are offered which allow investors to find their own ideas as well.

The benefits of ending every week in cash is a huge benefit, but many new traders fail to recognize it.  This acts as a refresh for the mind.  Akin to taking a nap after a long day, ending every week in cash allows investors to start fresh every Monday, without the concerns that might otherwise linger from the week before.

This is an excellent strategy, and immediately actionable.

This call is for the week ending 6.11.10

Rationale:  Using the sentiment table, SNDK was one of two stocks strong mid term.  The other was AKAM.  SNDK was chosen because of the reversal trigger associated with it.  I recognize that the Market can bounce back from Friday's decline, but trying to catch a falling knife is not the intention of this strategy.  Therefore, the plan above requires SNDK to reverse higher before it triggers.  This is a LONG RESISTANCE PLAN.  It will only trigger if SNDK moves higher, and that will probably require the Market to do the same.  If needed, this call will be updated throughout the week.

Monday:  SNDK stopped twice.  There have not been any changes to the existing plan. Although we may update the plan later in the week, unless SNDK reverses above 45.19 again, do not re-trigger.

Tuesday:  Adjust the plan as follows:

Wednesday:  SNDK stopped once.  We should be in cash.  Re-trigger only if it reverses.

Thursday:  SNDK re-triggered.

PAST CALLS: 

This call is for the week ending 6.4.10

Rationale:  The Market may start the week with some weakness, but if it holds not only is a recovery probable, but a surge could follow as well.  I selected SPG using the swing trading filters in the analysis tab of the members area, and filtered for long support plans. 

Tuesday: SPG triggered as it moved over 84.72.  We should be holding it according to plan.

Wednesday, since Tuesday, SPG has stopped three times, but it re-triggered and we should be holding it according to plan.

Friday:  SPG stopped three times again.  Net loss estimates this week are $1.9 for this trade.  This was a tough loss.  However, the strategy is designed for us to start every week with a fresh outlook.  We need to take the good with the bad. 

I have removed SPG from the focus list, not because of this loss, but because I did not like the volume trends that caused the stock to move wildly.  I wanted to see higher volume levels, and better liquidity, and that did not exist.  As a result, our estimated net loss was higher than it otherwise would have been.  SPG is no longer well suited for the Focus List.

This call is for the week ending 5.28.10

Rationale:  If the Market breaks resistance, it is likely to surge.  The Market may flounder a little before breaking higher, but if a breakout occurs a surge is likely.  That influenced this call to be a LONG call.  However, in the face of recent weakness I again turned tot he sentiment table to prudently select a stock that can show strength in the face of a questionable market environment.  I looked for stocks that were strong mid term, and there were only two.  One was SNDK, the other was AKAM.  AKAM seemed to have a reasonable associated plan.  In addition, I saw that most stocks were now weak, near term, and that tells us that a near term  oversold condition may occur soon.  This was a positive contrarian indicator.

Tuesday: AKAM triggered when it reversed above $38.31.

Friday:  AKAM was closed near $39.89 for a gain of $1.58.  Good Job.

This call is for the week ending 5.21.10

Rationale:  This was found by reviewing the sentiment table.  There were only three strong stocks in the mid term row after Friday's session.  Expecting an increase after Friday's decline requires a degree of prudence that was found by using this filtering tool.  The sentiment table showed me that three stocks were bucking the trend, and AKAM was one of them.  I then reviewed the trading report for AKAM, and selected a plan that looked reasonable.

Thursday:  AKAM did not trigger.  It fell below 38.83 and never looked back.  We do not start trading until five minutes after the open.  Consider this call close

Friday: There were no triggers for this call.

This call is for the week ending 5.14.10

Rationale:  This plan was found by filtering for long term short resistance plans in the analysis - stock filters tabs in the top menu of the members area.  Then, after review of both the Market analysis suggested for the week ahead, and the plans offered for WMT, this swing trading plan looked best.  It assumes a bounce higher, and then a moderate retracement again too.

There were no triggers for this trade.

This call is for the week ending 5.7.10

Rationale:  Mon worked well last week...I simply went to reports, single stock reports, and typed in MON to see if there was anything interesting.  The swing trading plans showed me this short resistance plan.

Monday:  MON triggered according to plan, and we should be holding it unless we are stopped, or unless it hits our target.

Wednesday:  MON hit our price target and we took gains.  We locked in $2.61.

This call is for the week ending 4.30.10

Rationale:  If the Market turns down, MON is likely to weaken even more than it already has.  I found this by going to the sentiment table, and searching for a stock that has been weak mid term.  There were only 5 stocks in this column on Saturday, when this analysis was done.  There were four healthcare stocks, and MON.  MON has been very weak in the face of a strong Market, and the healthcare stocks have too, but healthcare is deemed defensive.  Therefore, if the Market turns down, they may stabilize, whereas MON is less defensive.  I am using mid term data only for this plan.

Monday:  MON triggered and we should be holding it according to plan.

Thursday: MON hit our target and we should have secured $3.10.  Great Job!

This call is for the week ending 4.23.10

Rationale:  SLB appears to have already tested neutral support.  If the Market holds, SLB can increase, and maybe even beyond recent resistance.  Review longer term parameter #3 in our report, in the members area, for details.  SLB was found using the analysis - filters, and swing - long - support plans.

Monday:  SLB stopped once.  Re-trigger according to plan only.

Friday: This position ended with 1 stop, roughly -0.26.

This call is for the week ending 4.16.10

Rationale:  COP may have begun to break out last week.  From here, the stock could make a meaningful run.

Monday: COP triggered and we should be holding it according to plan.

Friday:  COP should have been closed near $56.15 for a gain of about 0.63

This call is for the week ending 4.9.10

Rationale:  Inflation?  Found by using the stock filters in the analysis tab.  Search: swing trading long support plans.

Thursday: X stopped twice and now we are holding it according to plan.

Friday: X stopped twice again, and it was closed with a 1.05 loss

This call is for the week ending 4.1.10

Rationale:  If the Market continues to hold, financials are likely to continue their recent outperformance.

Monday:  PRU triggered and we should be holding it according to plan.  Remember this position will be closed on Thursday, because Friday is a holiday.

Thursday:  PRU was closed with +1.9 points.

This call is for the week ending 3.26.10

Rationale:  If support holds, expect the Market and stocks that follow the market to perform.  I found SLB by filtering the focus list for swing trades, long support plans.

Monday: SLB stopped once.  Add this support plan, and re-trigger SLB based on either the plan above or the plan below.  Once triggered, the plan that triggers will be used and the other will be discarded.

Wednesday: SLB triggered at 62.33 and stopped once.  By the end of the day it re-triggered and we should be holding it according to plan.

Thursday:  SLB experienced 3 stops on Thursday.

Friday:  SLB lost 1.2 for the week.

This call is for the week ending 3.19.10

Rationale:  The Market is on the verge of a breakout.  I filtered the Focus List for long term - long resistance plans, and CVX's chart looked attractive, and seemed to follow the Market quite well over the past two months.  If the Market breaks out, I expect CVX to follow.  This is a resistance plan though, and that restricts the entry to breaks above resistance, which parallels the Market's challenge at this time. 

Wednesday: CVX triggered.  We should be holding it according to plan.

Friday:  CVX stopped and retriggered for a net loss of 0.20.

This call is for the week ending 3.12.10

Rationale:  If mid term resistance breaks higher, this resistance plan should work.  If mid term resistance holds, this plan will be adjusted to reflect a test of mid term support, should one occur.  This was found using the Analysis - Stock Filters in the Members Area.

Monday: APOL stopped once.  Re-trigger according to plan only.

Wednesday: APOL Triggered, and we should be holding it according to plan.

Friday: APOL closed near $63 for a net gain of $0.15 for the week.

This call is for the week ending 3.5.10

Rationale:  If the Market breaks out, FDX could lead the way...

Monday: FDX triggered.  We should be holding it according to plan.

Friday: FDX was closed with a gain of about $1.5.  Great Job.

This call is for the week ending 2.26.10

Rationale:  The Market has been resilient in the face of bad news, if good news comes it may surge.  I went to analysis, stock filters, and filtered for swing trading - long resistance plans.

Tuesday:  Update the plan as follows:

Wednesday:  MMM stopped once.  We are in cash and should only re-trigger according to plan.

Friday: we lost 0.26 this week.

This call is for the week ending 2.19.10

Rationale:  If the Market increases to test resistance, and if resistance holds, MON should trigger and provide an excellent return.  I found this by using the stock filters in the analysis tab of the members area.

Friday: there was no trigger for this call.

This call is for the week ending 2.12.10

Rationale:  This call assumes a bounce back and then a reversal lower again.  I found it by using the stock filters to filter for long term resistance plans.

Monday:  Update the plan as follows, and use this new plan instead:

Tuesday: Whichever of the plans listed above triggers first, take that one.

Wednesday: We had two stops around 70.30.  Re-trigger according to plan.

Thursday: If CVX triggers at $72.26, it will be actionable and should be traded according to plan.

Friday: we ended the week with a loss of 0.80

This call is for the week ending 2.5.10

Rationale:  If the slide continues, this should work.  It was found by using the stock filters in the analysis section.  1.  Determine market direction using our combined analysis.  2.  Select a term filter (swing or long is best for swing trading).  3.  Pick a stock (use the stock reports and your judgment).  Swing trading resistance plans were used for this, and LLL stood out.

Thursday: There have not been any trades in LLL thus far.  However, if the stock bounces higher on Friday, the following plan should be followed:

That plan compliments the original plan.  In other words, the first one to trigger is the one we will use.

Friday:  LLL stopped twice.  Net = -0.60

This call is for the week ending 1.29.10

Rationale:  If a bounce back occurs, MON will almost surely participate.  This is reversal trigger though, and it requires MON to break resistance in order to trigger.  This was found by going to the Strategies - Stock Filters Tab and selecting swing trading resistance plans.

Monday:  MON triggered once, then stopped.  It was in the money nicely, but then reversed.  We should be in cash.  Re trigger according to plan only.

Tuesday:  MON stopped 4 times.  We ended in cash.

Thursday:  Add this support plan.  Trigger this if MON dips to test support. 

Friday: MON stopped once more.  We ended the week - 1.6

This call is for the week ending 1.22.10

Rationale:  If the Markets reverse higher, JPM should increase again.

There was no trigger for this call.

This call is for the week ending 1.15.10

Rationale:  If the Markets breaks out this week, financial stocks will probably lead the way.

Monday: JPM stopped once.  Re-trigger according to plan only.

Tuesday:  Update JPM.  Use the plan below from this point forward.

Wednesday:  JPM triggered.  We should be holding it according to plan.  JPM reports earnings on Friday.  By rule, we do not want to hold a stock through earnings.  Expect to sell JPM as the Market comes to a close on Thursday.

Thursday: At the end of the day JPM should have been sold near $44.6.  Net gain = $1.1 roughly.  Great Start to the Year!

This call is for the week ending 1.8.10

Rationale:  Momentum declines are likely

There were no triggers for this call

This call is for the week ending 12.31.09

Rationale:  UTX is likely to work if the Dow starts to play catch up.

Monday: UTX stopped once.  Re-trigger according to plan only.

Tuesday: UTX stopped once.  "" ""

Thursday: UTX stopped once more for -0.80 for the week.

This call is for the week ending 12.24.09

Rationale:  If the Market trickles higher over the Holiday shortened week, stocks like DE should work.

There was no trigger for this trade

This call is for the week ending 12.18.09

Rationale:  This analysis presupposes that support levels will break.  If resistance levels are tested during the week, this plan will change to a resistance plan.  Updates tot he plan will only occur overnight, if at all.

Monday: MMM had three stops.  We should be in cash.  Re-trigger according to plan.

Thursday: MMM triggered.  We should be holding it according to plan.

Friday:  MMM closed with a gain from the last trade, but the three stops on Monday caused this to be a net loss of about 0.20

This call is for the week ending 12.11.09

Rationale:  Stocks that are out of favor will likely stay out of favor, unless big news hits.  I do not expect big news to hit on GME, aside from more competitive pressures.  In addition, if the market weaken, the weakest will likely get weaker.  This is a short - support plan found by filtering the focus list for swing trading short support plans.

Monday: GME stopped once.  Revise the plan as follows:

Friday: GME triggered on Friday and then closed with a net loss of 0.33 for the week.

This call is for the week ending 12.04.09

Rationale:  If support breaks, momentum declines are likely.

Monday: Adjust the plan to trigger of resistance is tested.  Use both plans, the one above and the one below, and take the one that triggers first.

This call is for the week ending 11.27.09

Rationale:  If the mid term trend holds, the Market is likely to continue to decline.

Friday: PRU triggered, then stopped once -0.25

11.20.09

Rationale:  I am using the newly developed neutral mid term resistance levels, and the expected re-test on Tuesday, to help determine this plan.  From there, I used the filters in the members area to find short resistance plans.  Strategies - Stock Filters - Long Term Filters - Short Resistance plans.

There were no triggers for this trade.

This call is for the week ending 11.13.09

Rationale:  The Dow is likely to trend higher for a few hundred more points if support holds.  This trade is designed to go with  he flow.  To find it, I used the stock filters in the strategies section of the members area.  Strategies - Swing Trading Filters - long support plans.

Tuesday: HAL triggered and we should be holding it according to plan.

Thursday: HAL stopped. We should be in cash.

Friday, HAL triggered barely, and stopped.  The net was -0.52 for the week.

This call is for the week ending 11.6.09

Rationale:  If the market slips a little bit, momentum declines are possible.  If MM triggers, hold through the close on Friday unless otherwise advised in these nightly newsletters. 

Monday:  MMM triggered by 0.01.  It stopped too.

Friday: MMM closed with a -.26 stop

This call is for the week ending 10.30.09

Rationale:  If mid term support holds, BRCM is likely to turn higher from longer term intra channel support.  Our buy point and stop loss is based on longer term intra channel support as defined in our trading report for BRCM.  This was found using the longer term stock filters, long-support plans.

Monday: BRCM stopped once.  Re-trigger according plan only.

Tuesday: Lower the reversal trigger, and use the following plan:

Wednesday:  Add this support plan fro BRCM, and trigger if it tests support instead:

Thursday:  Adjust BRCM one last time.  If it tests 26.45, trigger...

Friday: BRCM trigger and ended with a slight gain, but the stop on Monday caused the week to end with a slight loss.  -0.09

This call is for the week ending 10.23.09

Rationale:  NEM stands out as a stock that is positioned to test longer term resistance soon.  In addition, it could work even if the Market declines this week.  I like it for a trade this week based on a combination of my weekly analysis and the potential to buck the trend if the Market fails to move higher as I initially expect.

Monday: NEM stopped once and then re-triggered.  We should be holding according to plan.

Tuesday: NEM stopped.  Re-trigger according to plan only.

Wednesday: NEM stopped once again.

Thursday: Adjust the plan as follows:

Friday: Net loss for the week was -1.3 points.

This call is for the week ending 10.16.09

Rationale:  If the Market breaks out, I expect MMM to perform along with it.

Monday: MMM stopped once.  Re-enter according to plan.

Wednesday: MMM triggered and we should be holding it according to plan.

Friday: MMM was closed near 75.88 for a 0.41 net gain.

Current Call:

This call is for the week ending 10.9.09

Rationale:  The Market has begun to break mid term down channel support lines.  It may back and fill a few more times, but if the declines continue, aggressive declines will follow.  This call suggests that a test of converted mid term resistance will occur, and then an aggressive decline will follow again, eventually.

Monday: HPQ did not trigger.  Increase the reversal trigger as follows:

Wednesday:  No triggers have occurred thus far.  Change the plan to a resistance plan as follows and use it to trigger based on a test of resistance only:

Friday:  There was no trigger in HPQ this week.

This call is for the week ending 10.2.09

Rationale:  If the Market breaks support aggressive declines are likely.  Use the Filters in the Beta site to find short ideas either by using the swing trading filters or long term trading filters.  Focus on short support plans, because the aggressive declines are likely if support breaks.

Monday: BTU stopped once.  Re-trigger according to plan.

Tuesday:  Increase the trigger from 36.7 to 37.34 as follows:

This call is for the week ending 9.25.09

Rationale:  If the Market continues to move up, MS is likely to break out.

Monday:  MS triggered and we should be holding it according to plan.

Thursday: MS stopped twice.  Use the following plan to trade MS on Friday:

Friday:  According tot he new plan, MS stopped twice but closed with a small gain.  The net result was approximately -0.75 for the week.

This call is for the week ending 9.18.09

Rationale:  If longer term resistance is tested a significant pullback could occur.  This call is designed to take advantage of that.

Monday: DE stopped twice and ended in cash.  We have developed a second trading plan for DE based on a possible Market decline.  The new plan can only trigger if DE is within 0.05 of the established entry target (44.99 - 45.04).  If that qualification never materializes, the original plan should be used.  Otherwise, this plan should take its place:

Wednesday: DE stopped three times.  However, it retriggered at the end of the day, and we should be holding it according to the 45.04 plan.

Thursday:  DE stopped three times.  We were not holding it at the close.  Adjust the trading plan to the following intraday trading plan below, and trigger if resistance is tested too.  Both the support plan above and this resistance plan are actionable.

Friday:  DE stopped twice for a net loss of about $2.6.  This was a very bad week for the stock of the week strategy.

This call is for the week ending 9.11.09

Rationale:  Although I understand the consensus is for a major pullback to begin, my charts do not suggest that.  This was true at least before the week began.  These chart patterns can change, but as of Sunday, they were telling me to expect a breakout beyond mid term intra channel resistance levels.  Going with the flow, I chose to find a stock positioned to do the same.  I used the filters in the Beta Site to find long swing trading ideas near resistance, then I conducted a quick evaluation and picked one that looked good.

Tuesday: V stopped once, barely, then retriggered.  We should be holding it according to plan.

Friday: V was closed with a gain of 1.56

This call is for the week ending 9.5.09

Rationale:  My analysis suggests a continuation higher.  However, it also has limited upside, due to longer term resistance.  This call is designed to buy on a small dip, and then scalp at longer term resistance levels.  I found it by filtering the focus list for long swing trading plans near support, using the Beta Site.

Monday: HPQ triggered.  We should be holding it according to plan.

Tuesday: HPQ stopped once.  We should be in cash.  I have added another plan, just in case HPQ dips some more.  Use the plan below too, and trigger it, or the original plan, based on which is triggered first.

Thursday:  HPQ triggered once at 44.66 and then stopped.

Friday, HPQ was closed at virtually breakeven for the week.

This call is for the week ending 8.28.09

Rationale:  If the current pattern holds, I expect stocks to dip slightly and turn higher.  I chose a swing trading long support filter from the Beta Site.  It gave me a list of stocks.  AMZN seems to be bouncing off of longer term support, as defined in our report, and if it holds the mid term level of support in the plan above, it is likely to continue to move higher.  If the Market does what I think it will, AMZN is likely to work well.

Monday: AMZN triggered.  We should be holding it according to plan.

Tuesday: AMZN stopped twice.  We should not be holding it, but we should be willing to re-trigger according to plan.

Wednesday: AMZN stopped twice.  We should not be holding it, but we should be willing to re-trigger according to plan.

Thursday: AMZN stopped once.  We should not be holding, but willing to re-trigger.

Friday.  We ended the week with a stop, and a loss of about $1.8

This call is for the week ending 8.21.09

Rationale:  If mid term support levels hold, I expect the Market, and market leaders, to perform well.  That prompted me to search for stocks that will correlate with the Market after support is tested.  I went to the Filters to find a candidate.  I opened the Beta Site, then strategies, then filters.  I selected the swing trading filters, and picked one of the stocks from the list.  After evaluating a few, RIMM seemed to be an excellent candidate.

Monday:  Market based support broke, RIMM opened below our support level, and the trade never triggered.  I have offered a revised trigger int he plan listed immediately below.  Use it in place of the plan above.  It brings the reversal trigger lower.  If RIMM reverses higher again, this should trigger.

Tuesday:  RIMM came very close on Wednesday, but the gap higher prevented an official  trigger in RIMM at 71.98.  This is now a support level, and should be used to trigger a new trade if the stock dips and tests support.  Use 71.98 as the inflection parameter. 

There was no trigger at 71.98.

This call is for the week ending 8.14.09

Rationale:  I am expecting a decline to mid term support in the Dow.  If that happens, and if support holds as I expect, I want to find a good buying opportunity.  I found V by filtering the focus list for long support plans by going to the Beta Site, navigating to strategies - stock filters, and I used long term trading filters.

Tuesday: Given recent resiliency in V we have adjusted the trading plan.  Use this to guide trading in V if the stock dips: 

Wednesday: V triggered according to the revised plan.  We should be holding it.

Friday: V stopped once.  We had a slight loss of 0.3 or less.

This call is for the week ending 8.7.09

Rationale:  If mid term support is tested, I expect MON to trigger.  If it holds and the Market turns higher according to our combined analysis at the beginning of the week, I expect MON to perform very well too.  I found this by using the filters in the Beta Site.  I filtered for long support plans, using long term filters.

Monday: MON moved higher with the Market, and it did not test support.  Now the stock is poised to test mid term resistance, along with the Market.  If the Market breaks higher, we want to buy, and the adjusted plan below reflects a buy based on a break above mid term resistance.  Use both the plan above and the plan below to guide trades from here.  If the stock moves up, use the plan below.  If it pulls back, use the plan above.

Wednesday: MON triggered at 82.83 perfectly.  We should be holding it according to plan.

Friday: MON stopped 3 times and then re-triggered for a gain.  We ended up losing 0.4.  This was irritating to say the least. 

This call is for the week ending 7.31.09

Rationale:  If the upward momentum continues, I expect RIMM to perform well.  I found this by navigating to Strategies - Long Term Filters - long support plans. 

Monday: RIMM triggered, stopped, and then re-triggered.  We should be holding it according to plan.

Tuesday: RIMM stopped once and then re-triggered.  We should be holding it according to plan.

Wednesday: RIMM stopped 3 times on Wednesday.  We should be in cash, and willing to re-trigger according to the above plan.  However, should RIMM turn down again instead, activate this support plan if 75.02 is tested, and disregard the plan above.  Therefore, either trigger the plan above if the stock moves higher, or trigger the plan below if the stock takes another dip.

This call is for the week ending 7.24.09

Rationale:  As the Market moves closer to mid term resistance, a pullback becomes more and more likely.  If a test of mid term resistance occurs early in the week, and if it holds, I expect a pullback to follow.  I have based this call on that probability.

Monday: CVX triggered and we should be holding it according to plan.

Tuesday: CVX Stopped twice and then re-triggered.  We should be holding it according to plan.

Wednesday: CVX stopped once and then re-triggered.  We should be holding it according to plan.

Thursday: CVX stopped once.  Adjust the plan as follows:

Friday: CVX was closed with a net loss of about 1.1

This call is for the week ending 7.17.09

Rationale:  If the pattern described in our combined analysis holds, an increase to resistance followed by steep declines, this call should work well.  It is designed to cover if mid term support is tested too.

Monday:  Adjust the call to short near resistance as follows:

Wednesday: PRU triggered, stopped once, and then re-triggered.  We should be holding it short according to plan.

Friday:  We should have closed PRU for a gain of about $0.58.

This call is for the week ending 7.10.09

Rationale:  The potential for accelerated declines exists.  However, I do not want to chase the downside.  Therefore, I will look to short on resistance instead of on breaks below support.  To find stocks that fit the bill, I have gone to the Beta Site, Strategies, Stock Filters, Swing Filters, Short Resistance Plans.  From there, I picked one...

There was no trigger for this call.

This call is for the week ending 7.3.09

Rationale:  I see a neutral channel ahead, but there may be a push up at the beginning of the week.  If that happens, and if a test of mid term resistance occurs in the Dow and NASDAQ, I expect CVX to test resistance too.  Given the recent struggle in the sector, when the Market retreats from resistance back to support again, I also expect CVX to participate.  I found this by going to the Beta Site, navigating to Strategies - Swing Trading Filters.  From there I filtered for short resistance plans, and found CVX on the list.  Try it yourself to find an idea.

Wednesday:  We had a pretty good fill in CVX on Wednesday.  Remember, Thursday is our Friday this week, so close the position on Thursday before the close.  We should be holding CVX according to plan.

Thursday:  We should have closed CVX for a gain of about $2.98.

This call is for the week ending 6.26.09

Rationale:  This call is based on a couple associated factors.  First, the floundering nature of the Market suggests that another test of resistance may occur before a pullback to mid term support happens.  Thus far the lower tier mid term channel has held, and it might continue to hold for the next few days.  If resistance holds and support is tested, I expect this position to do well.  If that happens, I may also place a profit stop in this position.  Clearly the target will not be hit, unless something crazy happens, but I do not expect that at all.  Instead, I would expect a 2-3 point spread, and if we start to see that a profit stop would be prudent.  This will only be called after market hours, so do not expect any mid day surprises.  There will be plenty of time to react if I decide that a profit stop is needed.  Watch the Newsletter and the Stock of the Week page for updates.

Wednesday: DE triggered.  It stopped once and then re-triggered.  We should be holding it according to plan.

Thursday: DE stopped on Thursday.  We should be in cash.

Friday: This position was closed with a 0.55 loss, approximately

This call is for the week ending 6.19.09

Rationale:  I have been waiting for the Market to break out.  This call assumes that will still happen.  It restricts entry to a break of resistance though, so if the Market falls instead this should not trigger.

Monday:  Replace the plan above with this plan.  Thus far no trades have been made.  The new plan should be used from this point forward:

Tuesday: WMT stopped twice.  We should be in cash.  Re-trigger according to the above plan only.

Wednesday: WMT retriggered.  We should be holding it according to plan.

Friday:  WMT stopped once more.  We lost about 0.80 for the week,

This call is for the week ending 6.12.09

Rationale:  If the Dow moves into positive territory and then breaks out this week, I want to participate.  This call should do that for us.  It is designed to trigger upon a break above resistance only.

Tuesday: DE triggered and stopped once.  Re-trigger according to plan only.

Wednesday:  DE triggered and stopped again.  Thus far, 46.78 is working as an excellent inflection level, but a breakout has not been able to occur.

Friday: We closed this strategy with a loss of 0.6 for the week.

This call is for the week ending 6.5.09

Rationale:  This call assumes we are going to get a breakout.  If that happens, I expect the Market to surge, so I have filtered our stocks for long resistance plans.  I have used the swing and long term filters in the beta site to make this judgment.  These filters were made on Sunday.  The results will change if the filters are made on Monday or thereafter.  My objective is to find a stock that will take off, if the Market takes off.  If a pullback occurs instead, I may have to adjust this call.

Monday:  QCOM triggered.  We should be holding it according to plan.

Wednesday:  QCOM stopped once.  We should now be in cash.  If it re-triggers according to plan we should re-enter the trade.  Otherwise, we should stay in cash.

Thursday: Retriggering may have been difficult early, but QCOM re-triggered and we should be holding it.

Friday:  We should have closed QCOM near $45.3 for a gain of about $1.2.

This call is for the week ending 5.29.09

Rationale:  As of Sunday, we expected the Market to trend lower initially, and then turn higher if support holds.  The CVX call assumes that it does.

Tuesday: CVX triggered once and stopped, and then triggered again.  We should be holding nice gains and anticipating to trade in line with the trading plan above.

Friday:  CVX was closed near $65.26 for a gain of about $2.  Great Job!

This call is for the week ending 5.22.09

Rationale:  This comes from an analysis conducted on Sunday, for the week ahead: my analysis tells me to expect the Market to test mid term support soon, and that means lower levels.  However, interim undulations may provide an opportunity to short tests of resistance.  This plan was derived based on the assumption that the Market would trend slightly higher first, and then decline to officially test mid term support this week.

Monday:  MMM stopped twice.  We ended in cash.  Add this plan, and trigger either based on this plan, or the one above:

Tuesday: MMM triggered near 59.47, and we should be holding it according to the plan above.  The 58.43 plan is now inactivate.

Wednesday:  We should be holding MMM short with nice gains.  Expect to hold until Friday's close unless the price target is reached or unless we update this plan with a sell recommendation after Thursday's session.

Thursday:  Expect to hold this until either the target is reached or the Market closes on Friday.  End the week in cash.

Friday:  We closed the week with a gain of 2.82, roughly.

This call is for the week ending 5.15.09

(Long) Support Plan: Buy over 50.03 target 55.04 stop loss @ 49.77.

The technical summary data tells us to buy WMT near 50.03 with an upside target of 55.04. This data also tells us to set a stop loss @ 49.77 to protect against excessive loss in case the stock begins to move against the trade.

Rationale:  I believe a breakout will occur.  If that happens 9039 is likely to be tested.  If that happens, WMT should have a good week.

Monday: WMT triggered once, stopped once, and then re-triggered.  We should be holding it according to plan

Wednesday:  WMT stopped twice, but it re-triggered at the end of the day, and we should be holding it according to plan.

Thursday:  WMT stopped once.  We should not be holding it.  Retrigger according to plan only.

Friday:  This strategy closed with a loss of about 1.2 points.

This call is for the week ending 5.8.09

Rationale:  The strategy for this call is to buy UTX if it breaks above 49.81 and expect to hold it for the entire week, until the close n Friday.  The underlying assumption is that UTX will trade with the market, and if the market moves higher in line with our analysis, this trade should perform extremely well.

Monday: UTX may have been hard to get, unless you had an order in at the open.  However, it triggered, and we should be holding it.

Friday: UTX was closed with a gain of $3.88.  Great Job!

This call is for the week ending 5.1.09

Rationale:  If the Market breaks above mid term resistance, a significant rally is likely to ensue.

Monday: We will not update GILD today, but we may update it tomorrow.  GILD jumped due to swing flu.  It is well above our entry range at this time.  We should be in cash.

Tuesday:  Adjust the plan as follows:

Wednesday: GILD stopped once.  Re-trigger according to the plan above only.

Friday: This call resulted in 1 stop.  Approximately 0.28 points

This call is for the week ending 4.24.09

(Long) Resistance Plan: Buy over 26.76, target $33.7, Stop Loss @ 26.5

If 26.76 begins to break higher, the technical summary data tells us to buy DDM just over 26.76, with an upside target of $33.7. The data also tells us to set a stop loss @ 26.5 in case the stock turns against the trade. 26.76 is the first level of resistance above 26.69 , and by rule, any break above resistance is a buy signal. In this case, 26.76, initial resistance, would be breaking higher, so a buy signal would exist. Because this plan is based on a break of resistance, it is referred to as a Long Resistance Plan.

Rationale:  The Market may be in a tight channel early, but then I expect it to turn higher again.  This plan is designed to 'buy the dip' if one occurs.

Monday: We have not yet made any adjustments to this plan.  However, we are likely to do so later in the week.

Tuesday: Add this support plan.  If the stock moves up, use the original plan.  Otherwise, consider this plan active:

(Long) Support Plan: Buy near 25.39, target $33.7, Stop Loss @ 25.13

Wednesday: DDM stopped twice.  We should be in cash, and only trigger if it breaks back above 25.39.

Thursday: DDM stopped once and then re-triggered.  We should be holding it according to plan

Friday: We closed this position near 26.1.  The result was a fractional loss.  Approximately 0.08 points. 

This call is for the week ending 4.17.09

Rationale:  A breakout is occurring.  Even in the face of this week's economic data and earnings releases, upside potential exists, and it could be strong.

Monday: NYX triggered, and we should be holding it according to plan.

Tuesday:  NYX stopped twice.  We should be in cash.  Re-trigger according to plan only.

Wednesday: NYX retriggered.  We should be holding it according to plan

Thursday: NYX stopped once and then re-triggered.  We should be holding it according to plan.

Friday: NYX stopped once, retriggered, and ended with a small gain.  We lost about 0.90 for the week.

This call is for the week ending 4.10.09

Rationale:  The market has the potential to move higher quite aggressively.  This would require a break above initial resistance though, and that means a selection positioned to trigger upon a break of resistance would also be a good idea.  This directly correlated ETF should work well if the Market breaks resistance as well.

Tuesday:  There have not been any trades for this plan.  Thus far, the resistance levels have held firm.  Now, a momentum decline could easily follow.  If longer term support is tested in the Dow, I want to buy that dip.  Therefore, use this trading plan unless we modify it again during the week:

(Long) Support Plan: Buy near 25.98, target 31.41, Stop Loss @ 25.72

The technical summary data tells us to buy QLD near 25.98 with an upside target of 31.41. This data also tells us to set a stop loss @ 25.72 to protect against excessive loss in case the stock begins to move against the trade. 25.98 is the first level of support below 28.77 , and by rule, any test of support is a buy signal. In this case, 25.98, initial support, would be tested, so a buy signal would exist. Because this plan is based on a test of support it is referred to as a Long Support Plan.

Wednesday:  There are two plans listed above.  The first, offered Sunday, was a breakout plan.  The second, offered Tuesday, was a plan based on a test of longer term support.  From this point, no adjustments will be made, but either of these plans can be triggered.  If a breakout occurs, for example, and QLD breaks above $30.65, the first plan will trigger, and should be followed.

Thursday: There were no triggers for this trade.

This call is for the week ending 4.3.09

Rationale:  If mid term resistance holds the Market is likely to decline at least to mid term support levels.  However, with April coming, there could also be a pullback ahead of earnings season.  That leads me to believe that, after Monday and Tuesday, the support may come out of the Market for a while and a pullback to 7440 in the Dow could take place.  If that happens as planned, this trade should do well.

Monday:  There have been no trades in XOM and there are not likely to be any if the Market continues to move down.  However, because the Market has tested 7441, and because it has held, the prospects for higher levels now exist.  The declines came faster than I expected, and now a turn higher is fathomable.  If that happens, I want us to participate.  Therefore, I have decided to delete the XOM call above and change the call to a long instead.  The BBY call below is designed to trigger ONLY if the Market successfully moves higher.  if it does trigger, plan on holding it through the end of the week too:

Tuesday:  The BBY position stopped once, and then re-triggered.  We should now be holding it according to plan.

Friday:  BBY was closed near 40.2 for a net gain of approximately $2.55

This call is for the week ending 3.27.09

Rationale:  7440 has held in the Dow and the Market has started to retreat.  If this process continues, the declines could become aggressive this week.  This call was made with the understanding that the Market is likely to look for direction on Monday, and then resume the declines.  This call may need to be edited throughout the week.

Monday:  HPQ triggered and then stopped.  Adjust the trade to trigger as follows:

Thursday: This position stopped once on Thursday.  Re-trigger according to plan only.  If the Market pulls back, HPQ should trigger and turn profitable.

Friday:  This position stopped once more for a net loss of about 0.8 for the week.

This call is for the week ending 3.20.09

Rationale:  The Market should experience a slight pullback early in the week, but from there the skies are clear.  As of this analysis, which was conducted early Saturday morning, the probability of higher market levels was high.  Even with the FOMC meeting this week, few roadblocks stand ahead of the Market right now.  Although that can change, our current bias is up. To make our stock of the week selection flow with our current perception of the Market I went to the Beta Site, clicked strategies - stock filters - swing trading filters - long support plans.  I reviewed the list for stocks NOT scheduled to release earnings or other important news this coming week, and picked one accordingly.  You can do the same thing now to find a stock particularly attractive to you.

Friday:  There were no trades for this call

This call is for the week ending 3.13.09

Rationale:  Reasonably, the Market is likely to start the week with a positive bias.  This stems from Friday's late day surge.  We are likely to see a test of mid term resistance, and that will be critical to the trend throughout the week.  If it holds, I expect a turn lower again.  This trade is designed to trigger when mid term down channel resistance lines are tested, and to work if the Market turns lower.  I found it by using the Stock Filters in the Beta Site.

Monday:  There have not been any triggers.  Adjust the plan as follows:

Tuesday:  COST triggered and we should be holding it according to plan.

Wednesday:  COST stopped once for a little more than expected and then re-triggered.

COST stopped once on Thursday.  Re-trigger according to plan only.

We ended the week with a slight loss.  -0.69

This call is for the week ending 3.6.09

Rationale:  Aggressive declines could occur this week.  However, I want to start by restricting the position to execute upon breaks of support.  Therefore, this is a short - support plan.  I found this by using the filtering tool in the Beta Site.  To find this idea I went to the Beta site - strategies - stock filters - swing trading filters - short support plans.  From there, I reviewed the list and picked one that was NOT scheduled to release any important news this week.

Monday:  CVX triggered, stopped once, and then re-triggered.  We should be holding it according to plan.  However, we are also holding about 5% in gains from the position.  We should be prudent with those gains.  Because part of our analysis suggests that a strong bounce may occur after 682 is tested in the S&P, we will also use that as a profit trigger.  If the S&P tests 682 on Tuesday, take profits in CVX.  Then, if the stock re-tests 59.78 re-trigger the trade too.

Wednesday:  CVX stopped once and then re-triggered.  We should be holding it according to plan.  Disregard the 'scalp' recommendation from Monday.  Anticipate holding through the close on Friday unless this is stopped.

Friday:  we should have closed this trade near 58.2.  Including stops, this resulted in a gains of about $1.00  Good job.

This call is for the week ending 2.27.09

Rationale:  The Market is likely to decline aggressively if resistance remains in tact.

Monday: We should have entered HON near 28.86 according to plan, and we should be holding it.

Friday:  HON was closed near 26.93 for a gain of +1.97

This call is for the week ending 2.20.09

Rationale:  The Market is likely to surge if support holds early in the week.

Tuesday:  There was no trigger for this plan.  I will almost surely adjust this plan later in the week, but for now leave it as it is.  I do not expect a trigger based on the above plan.  However, if one occurs execute it according to plan.

Wednesday:  Adjust the plan as follows and buy the dip if it triggers:

Thursday:  Adjust the plan to this one (there still have not been any triggers):

Friday:  PRU stopped twice.  We should have ended -0.50

This call is for the week ending 2.13.09

Rationale:  The Market is likely to surge if support holds early in the week.

Monday:  There has not been a trigger yet.  Adjust the above plan to this one:

Tuesday:  QCOM stopped once on Tuesday.  The 36.06 plan above is now a reversal trigger.  Use it as such, and if QCOM reverses above 36.06 again buy it.  However, also add this support plan too.  If QCOM dips to 34.43 buy it according to the plan below instead.

Wednesday:  QCOM stopped once, but we should have re-entered it near 34.43 according to plan above.

Thursday:  We should be holding QCOM according to plan.

Friday:  QCOM was closed near 35.97 for a gain of +1.54

This call is for the week ending 2.6.09

Rationale:  Continued declines are likely unless sentiment shifts fast.  If those declines come, they could be aggressive by the end of the week too.

Monday:  There have not yet been any triggers.  Replace the plan above with this one:

Wednesday:  CVX opened above 71.89 and then reversed below 71.89 late in the day.  When it did, we should have entered CVX and we should be holding it according to plan.

Thursday:  CVX stopped once.  We should have closed this trade with a 0.30 loss

This call is for the week ending 1.31.09

Rationale:  If resistance holds momentum declines are likely to result.

Monday.  This trade was stopped 4 times.  Twice in the morning and twice late in the day.  Nonetheless, re-trigger according to the plan outlined above.

Tuesday:  JPM had 2 stops.  Stick to the plan.

Wednesday:  Deactivate the original JPM plan.  Adjust the plan to reflect an additional level of resistance.  If JPM happens to test this level on Thursday, short according to this plan:

Thursday:  We should stomach the series of stops in JPM and move on to next week.  This has been closed with a a loss of about $1.75

This call is for the week ending 1.23.09

Rationale:  If resistance breaks momentum increases are likely to result.

Tuesday:  This stock triggered once and then stopped.  We should be holding a loss of about 0.40.  I may adjust this later in the week, but for now we should sit tight in cash unless the stock moves above our entry level again.

Wednesday:  If this stock triggers again we should trade it according to plan

Thursday:  Close this trade with the 0.40 loss.  Do not re-trigger.

2008 Results

This call is for the week ending 1.16.09

Rationale:  If support breaks momentum declines are likely to result.

Monday:  HON triggered short at $34 and we should be holding it according to plan.

Friday:  We should have closed HON near 31.22 for a gain of +$2.73.  Great Job!!!

This call is for the week ending 1.9.09

Rationale:  If resistance breaks, aggressive increases are likely to follow

Monday: HAL triggered, and we should be holding it according to plan.

Friday: HAL stopped once.  -0.3