Books Worth Reading

Below are a few books I’ve read recently which I believe are well worth your time.

Market Insight

Reminiscences of a Stock Operator
written by: Edwin Lefevre

The single best book I’ve read on the markets and speculation in general. It’s in story form so it’s an easy read but incredibly useful. HIGHLY recommended.

Market Wizards
written by: Jack Schwager

A solid collection of interviews with great traders and investors. Garnered some invaluable thought process from this one.

***Update***

Trading For A Living
written by: Alexander Elder

About 50% of the way through this one… very very useful for thought process and technical analysis basics thus far. Highly recommended reading just on the first half.

***end update***

Market Entertainment

Liar’s Poker
written by: Michael Lewis

Confessions of a Street Addict
written by: James Cramer (yes, Jim Cramer, I know I know, but it’s a solid read)

Enjoy!

and as always, enjoy the interlude…

-ISYN

2009: Keep On Keepin’ On

Following up on THIS ARTICLE I’m going to highlight some equity plays which I expect will provide significant outperformance. As always you must do you own research prior to making any investment/trading decisions.

2009 Top Two Picks

MPEL

Macau Gaming Play

Will all the financial troubles plaguing the domestic casino operators this company offers an international option. Already controlling a high rollers’ property in Macau (island Vegas just outside China) they are working on the ‘City of Dreams’ which will be a casino for the people. ISYN is a huge fan of this name for the remainder of 2009 and perhaps beyond. Check it out.

TBT

US Inflation Play

TBT is the ProShares UltraShort 20+ Year Treasury ETF. I am of the opinion that a steep increase in inflation is on the horizon. Economic cycles are nearly always interfered with by government and this one has been no different. The Federal Reserve has undertaken quantitative easing as well as lowered the Fed Funds rate to the range of 0-25 bps. There are always ways in which the private sector can damper the impact of actions such as these but in this case, with such large quantities of dollars being printed and spent, I expect we’ll enjoy a large increase in the rate of inflation over the next two-five years. That being said I expect institutions will start piling in to the inflation hedge trades (commodities, short Treasuries, forex, etc) over the next year as evidence begins to suggest the accuracy of this opinion (if it doesn’t disprove it first!). There are plenty of smarter men than I who have written articles on the subject of inflation and the current economic conditions – go read them. Also TBT has been consolidating nicely between $44 – $48 as the market awaits confirmation in either direction.
I’m still a fan of the Loonie (Canadian dollar) due to it’s backing by natural resources. FXC is the CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust you can invest in to gain exposure.

Look for some new names over the coming weeks. And as always, please enjoy the interlude.

-ISYN

Get Your Feet Wet

I know many people (novice and otherwise) are concerned about putting their money to work in the stock market right now. If you’re new to investing/trading please allow me to recommend a website where you can practice your strategery (still classic) without risking your hard earned cash. I manage a portfolio on the website for fun and it’s one of the websites I’ve used to actively educate myself on the stock market.

UpDown.com

You receive one million virtual dollars you can use to short or go long ADRs, ETFs, and stocks. If you’re able to beat the market you can earn some actual money but you’ll never be liable for any losses. There are also plenty of competitions you can compete in.

Hope this helps some of you become more comfortable with trading and investing.

-ISYN

NCAA Interlude

UNC capped off their great win this past Monday night and due to such ISYN won $4,o00 in cold, hard cash for a 2nd place finish and a $25 investment!!! That’s almost a 16,000% ROI in one month! I highly recommend everyone joining next year’s competition…check out THIS WEBSITE to find out how it works… and no, I don’t receive any money for referring you. As a side note, 1st place won $10,000!

Phase I Done

Finally putting the finishing touches on the packet I’ll be sending out to raise capital in the ‘Friends & Family’ round of financing. This is in reference to the recommendation I made HERE to go out on a limb and start your own business, whether full time or part. I figured it might be prudent to walk what I talk, eh? If I’m unable to raise the necessary funds I will be headed back into the corporate world. If and when I am able – so begins the self-employed life.

I’ll keep you updated.

Michigan & UNC in the FINALS BABY!!!