Saturday, October 22, 2011

good quarter...

Where we're at:

DJIA 11,808.79
S&P 500 1,238.25
10-Yr T-Note 2.20%
s&p P/E: 20.9
VIX: 31.32

equity: 30
bond: 33
cash: 37

1yr: 0.9%

After 5 straight down months, October seems primed to finish up. However, it depends on what happens in Europe this upcoming week. I think Germany and France are screwing around because they know they can. I added to JNK through the month and was rewarded for it. Like the 7.5% yield, next up MLP, but still researching options. Still trying to move the needle 1% to the right.

TXT reported on 10/19, with a surprise (.45 vs .31). Still the analysts aren't going to be head faked, S&P and Citi peg the 52 week high at $21. The call was less about the macro conditions and more about how each business is doing, good to hear. Peer and lead are out this upcoming week so I'm on my own, including no offshore support on 10/26 due to a holiday. The new director seems better than we thought, I like him so far. I should be out of the woods for 2011, but still holding my breath for 2012. We'll see. The tone around the shop is more about how understaffed we are, please. I think we may be right-sized finally.

Saturday, October 01, 2011

Glad that quarter is over....

Where we're at:

DJIA 10,913.38
S&P 500 1,131.42
10-Yr T-Note 1.92%
s&p P/E: 19.45
VIX: 42.96

equity: 28
bond: 34
cash: 38

1 yr: -1.83%

Wow, the whole market goes as Europe is going. Up, down, up, down. It seems like commodities have joined the party, gold included. Oil is going down, probably because of weaker forecasted demand (and economic growth). I bought some last month, to begin moving out of cash and bonds. I am going to build a JNK position to "move the needle". Also, moving spouse's IRA cash position to some equity and REIT (love REITS). Goal is to squeeze out another 1%.

Work is stable, new director seems ok to work for, so far. The TXT call will be on 10/19, that and NBAA will drive morale for the remaining part of the year. Still no negative workforce rumors and project work is continuing. Peer leaves for medical leave on 10/10, so I'll be solo for awhile.