Post the Volatility crash – next leg up? + new stock idea to benefit

Isn’t it amazing how forgetful market participants can be? Not even a full month ago, sentiment was as if the (financial) world were about to implode. Just a week later the panic-induced market losses were already gained back and three weeks later the crowd is smelling new all-time highs again. What I’m concerned about is expectations seem to be that nothing unfortunate will happen again. I have become a bit concerned, as complacency seems to be EXTRAORDINARILY high. In such an environment, small shifts are enough to cause a market panic – there are a few signs to be aware of. And a new stock idea for my members to capitalize on that, too.

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Uncle Sam as tenant – part III – prison stocks

Five months ago, I published two articles, each about a company renting out different facilities to US government agencies like the FBI, the postal service or the Department of Veteran Affairs. Both were REITs with seemingly safe tenants and high occupancy ratios. I was not convinced of these stocks, though, due to either high debt and / or the financial well-being of some tenants. Today, I am discussing in this third article the two big private prison stocks.

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Flow Traders – it was right to cut the loss

My longer time readers and members will be familiar with the Dutch company Flow Traders as it once was one of my stock ideas (my very first report I published since launching my blog). In late September 2023, now ten months ago, however, I closed this case at a small loss of –10% (including dividends). It was not an easy decision as this was more an unconventional stock idea (basically a hedge against a market crash). Looking back, this was absolutely the correct decision to cut the small loss, because it would be a bigger hole now…

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Three consumer discretionary darlings I’m not buying (yet?)

Browsing through Twitter / X, I often see people posting about “buy-the-dip” candidates. While this is not necessarily the case for energy stocks (where as my readers and especially members know, I have a positive opinion about), in the recent past more and more consumer discretionary stocks have been presented. The main arguments are always the same – they are cheap(er) now! I have some doubts that it’s time to rush in.

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What most investors get wrong about gold stocks + new research report

There are three things the majority of investors fail to understand with regards to gold stocks. The first is gold is NOT THE hedge against inflation and thus gold stocks not even better hedges. The second is with higher gold prices, NOT ALL gold stocks go up exponentially. The third is the evergreen that all gold stocks are heavily undervalued by the stupid market and great buying opportunities. I am going to take these beliefs apart. My Premium PLUS members receive on top my best gold stock idea after I have already had a golden hand with my silver pick (for all my members). If you read until the end, I have a small gift for you.

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The untold risks of average returns

This headline might sound confusing at first sight, but behind it is a topic worth thinking about. As one understands what’s behind “average returns”, a portfolio check-up could be appropriate, especially if one is overweight in stocks with past above average performances paired with high valuations. A few thoughts on risk-adjusted investing.

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BlackRock: ESG harmful for business – hated stocks poised to come back?

One of the big investment topics of this decade could be the return of those neglected and hated sectors that did not fit into boldly advertised ESG policies. Dirty, careless, only return focussed, etc. Yet, that’s not the same as not needed or replaceable, not to mention affordability. On the other hand, you have greenwashing, higher costs of living and ousting of non-liberal, more conservative customers with silly messages and acts. BlackRock is writing it and the market is speaking. Listen.

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Quitting at a loss to free up capital and the mind

Today, I’m writing about one of my (former) best stock ideas which didn’t play out as initially thought. Besides describing the case and the reason that led me to throw in the towel, I also want to use it to show why it’s important to regularly go over one’s portfolio and to cut the weeds.

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Time to look at gas + new research report

Energy in general is a hotly debated and controversial topic. But when it comes to natural gas, it can become extreme, especially if you mix in liquefied natural gas – or in short: LNG. For long, I have been sitting on the sidelines regarding this market. But I feel now is the time to not only write a Weekly, but also a research report for my members about it – as a hedge from a European perspective. As a bonus, I estimate a 10% dividend yield to be announced next week from my latest pick.

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My outlook for 2024 – risks and opportunities

The old year closed with a look back (and an interview), the new year starts with an outlook. While it is not my job to try to predict the future per se, I have to make some thoughts and position myself accordingly, which influences my stock ideas – new ones, but also how to handle the published and active ones. This is what I want to discuss – risks, but of course also chances for stock pickers!

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