Stock Talk (The Boiler Room)

[JustROLLIN]

Just cruious if anyone else on the site is into trading or investing stocks/options. I have been purchasing some long-term investments lately and I am really starting to get into the whole process. Feel free to share any tips, talk, or positions you may have in Stocks/Options/EFTs/Currencies/Etc. :bullrider:

[mndsm]

I have a bunch of jargon in long term stuff myself, but I don't have any real tips.... I am thinking of pulling a few k's out to take some risks though.

[dmention7]

I've got a bunch of Proctor&Gamble stock... my dad bought me and my siblings each 1 share at $50 when we were kids, and mine is worth almost $1500 now. Other than that, I've been pondering getting into some stuff at some point, but until recently I haven't had much savings that I've been willing to invest (read: risk)

[Z-licious]

The only stock I plan on buying in the foreseeable future is UHG stock since I get a 15% discount.

[dmention7]

Oh yeah... stock options in the company I work for. Hopefully those hit big in the near future, as they are a pretty hefty chunk of my compensation right now.

[JustROLLIN]

Oh yeah... stock options in the company I work for. Hopefully those hit big in the near future, as they are a pretty hefty chunk of my compensation right now.

You get paid in stock options? Thats interesting. Often times that something reserved for people higher up the chain of command. Otherwise, smaller companies or startups will pay with options to keep their labor costs down. I would not mind being paid in options, thats pretty cool.

[JustROLLIN]

The only stock I plan on buying in the foreseeable future is UHG stock since I get a 15% discount.

Thats nice, a number of companies will offer stocks to their employees at a 15% discount with the condition the stock be held for at least one year. But, 15% gain in one year, assuming the stock goes up or at least holds its price, is a very solid.

[JustROLLIN]

This morning I made a purchase on the new Visa IPO. I have a lot of faith in Visa as a company. They have strong managment, a solid business model, and they dont extend lines of credit, merely process transactions, so they wont get caught up in the sub-prime mess.

[AJ]

I keep an eye on some select stocks. I hold Stock in Sirius, but other than that I don't have much $$ invested. I do plan on sinking some money into stocks in the near future, and I have a few choice ones I'll take a chance on.

[JustROLLIN]

I keep an eye on some select stocks. I hold Stock in Sirius, but other than that I don't have much $$ invested. I do plan on sinking some money into stocks in the near future, and I have a few choice ones I'll take a chance on.

I know that Sirius has been a stock of interest for a number of people lately With the move they are trying to make with XM radio, definitely one to watch.

As for anyone looking to invest into the market, now is the time. Just about everything out there is discounted due to the recent negative activity. Even if you dont have a lot to invest, you can find some really good deals on various companies out there.

[Jana]

I have money in:

Fidelity 401k
Principal 401k
Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund - Growth Fund, Class A

I highly recommend the mutual fund to those who want a great long-term growth fund.

[mndsm]

That's where my dough is Jana, been there since I was 18.

[cosmicspd3]

I used up all the mutual funds to pay for college, but I did setup a roth ira and my job now has a 401k where i put 5% in and they match and add 2%. I was thinking after I got my car loan down a little more to get into some stock, but I kinda like the mutual fund as its a little more safe. Maybe some day trading.

[JustROLLIN]

Yeah, I also have a decent % of my paycheck roll into 4 different 401k accounts. I have two international funds and a couple of lower risk funds.

[JustROLLIN]

I used up all the mutual funds to pay for college, but I did setup a roth ira and my job now has a 401k where i put 5% in and they match and add 2%. I was thinking after I got my car loan down a little more to get into some stock, but I kinda like the mutual fund as its a little more safe. Maybe some day trading.

If you dont have an incredible amount of time to dedicate to day trading, DO NOT DO IT! Its incredibly labor intensive and you really need to be on top of your game to manage the swings throughout the day.

[dmention7]

LIES!!! I've watched enough 3am TV to know that anyone can be a day trader. All you do is click sell when the stock turns green and click buy when the stock turns red!

Cynthia, a stay-at-home-mom of 4 made $4500 last month between loads of laundry, and now she lives on a beach in florida and drives a mercedes!

[spek1098]

Funny to see this pop up today. I've just today decided to start an investment club, altough that may be the easy part, now figuring out how to exactly do it might be a bit tougher.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investment_club
NPR Marketplace Money Info on Investment Clubs (http://marketplace.publicradio.org/projects/project_display.php?proj_identifier=2007/05/09/investment_clubs)
Let me know if any of you might be interested in joining.

As for my investments, I have a 401k with Fidelity through my work, they match 4% and I do 6%. Done pretty good, I'm going for the highest risks funds, and my companies ESOP.
I'm pissed I missed out on that Visa IPO, just heard today on a podcast that it was happening this month, really wanted to get in on that.

[AJ]

LIES!!! I've watched enough 3am TV to know that anyone can be a day trader. All you do is click sell when the stock turns green and click buy when the stock turns red!

Cynthia, a stay-at-home-mom of 4 made $4500 last month between loads of laundry, and now she lives on a beach in florida and drives a mercedes!

I'm sorry, this is now the greatest post I've ever seen on MN Mazda!

On topic, when it comes to stocks do people watch the daily up and downs? the company I am lookign to drop some money in seems to have a nice trendline and if you buy when it's down you can actualy predicts some pretty standard results based on the past 2 years. On a monday the low may be $55, and 2 days laster it jumps $3 a share. I've always thought of taking out a 10K loan and dumping it on a 2-3 day swing just to see what woudl happen.

[JustROLLIN]

I'm sorry, this is now the greatest post I've ever seen on MN Mazda!

On topic, when it comes to stocks do people watch the daily up and downs? the company I am lookign to drop some money in seems to have a nice trendline and if you buy when it's down you can actualy predicts some pretty standard results based on the past 2 years. On a monday the low may be $55, and 2 days laster it jumps $3 a share. I've always thought of taking out a 10K loan and dumping it on a 2-3 day swing just to see what woudl happen.

This is an age old debate... The idea of buying and selling based on technical data and previous trends versus the current state of the company. (IE - balance sheet, P/E Ratio, Forward Earnings, etc.)

Something else to keep in mind, capital gains tax. You move into a much higher tax bracket as a trader, or short term investor. I can't quote the exact numbers, but the gov't sees anything held for less than one year as a short term investment. Just something to keep in mind.

[JustROLLIN]

And since we are sharing positions, I am long Verizon, McDonald's, Microsoft, and as of this morning, Visa.

I had planned moving in on Target, just above a 52 week low, but unfortunately didnt quite pull the trigger quick enough. They had a 4.5-5% gain yesterday. While it is still a loong way off the 52 week high, I will likely just wait for the next dip.

[Jana]

That's where my dough is Jana, been there since I was 18.

I've had mine since I was....don't want to say. It was in 1993 when my parents opened it. :)

[Jana]

Funny to see this pop up today. I've just today decided to start an investment club, altough that may be the easy part, now figuring out how to exactly do it might be a bit tougher.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investment_club
NPR Marketplace Money Info on Investment Clubs (http://marketplace.publicradio.org/projects/project_display.php?proj_identifier=2007/05/09/investment_clubs)
Let me know if any of you might be interested in joining.

As for my investments, I have a 401k with Fidelity through my work, they match 4% and I do 6%. Done pretty good, I'm going for the highest risks funds, and my companies ESOP.
I'm pissed I missed out on that Visa IPO, just heard today on a podcast that it was happening this month, really wanted to get in on that.

I would love to be part of an investment club. Even if I don't investment much (or at all in the beginning), it would be great to learn what others are doing & how their investments stand out from others. :D

[ij1889]

i have ford stocks, lol how fucked am i, i never bought them but when my dad passed away they game me and my mom a few shares, but im sure they will go up a little up in the future and eventually just sell them all and invest in disney or some shit like that

[spek1098]

Something else to keep in mind, capital gains tax. You move into a much higher tax bracket as a trader, or short term investor. I can't quote the exact numbers, but the gov't sees anything held for less than one year as a short term investment. Just something to keep in mind.

Actually, capital gains is currently at 15%, under some of the latest tax cuts, for us that are in the brackets above the two lowest tax brackets, and for us in the lowest two brackets, there is currently no capital gains tax.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_gains_tax_in_the_United_States

[JustROLLIN]

Actually, capital gains is currently at 15%, under some of the latest tax cuts, for us that are in the brackets above the two lowest tax brackets, and for us in the lowest two brackets, there is currently no capital gains tax.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_gains_tax_in_the_United_States

Long-term capital gains, which apply to assets held for more than one year, are taxed at a lower rate than short-term gains...

It reads exactly like I explained it, anything that is held for longer than one year is taxed at a reduced rate. Anything held for less than one year, a higher rate. Unless I missed something??

[spek1098]

Ahh, was unaware there was a difference between short term and long term, thought it was just capital gains. Good to know. Didn't take the time to read that whole thing...

[ij1889]

so, the market is officially now in a recession, is there anything people would invest in?

[mazdamn02]

Coffins.

[dmention7]

Depends on your investment goals. You're young, so your goals should be focused on money you can use decades down the road.... in which case, it's almost always best to stay the course.

If you're talking about investing that spare money you've got laying around in a savings account, I'd stick to a CD or money market... something with a small but certain return. I'd rather blow my cash on frivolous shit like video games and beer than the stock market right now.

[mndsm]

I actually just dumped a portion of my check into company stock.... UHG is close to an all time low, trading at under 20$ a share pretty regularly. I have my ESPP that I can buy shares at 15% off the lowest market price for 6 months at a time....which means as low as they've been, I'll be buying in at approx 15$ a share, possibly less if the market REALLY goes to shit soon, which would be awesome. Ride that shit out for a couple years, let all the Obama fanatics herald the second coming of Jesus, and the market Skyrockets. Meanwhile, my 15$ a share stock triples, maybe splits, and I got myself a wad. Sure, it's a risk, but it's one I'm willing to take.

[ij1889]

i got a lil money that i would like to get something big back for, stocks are low, this is the time millionaires are made, and i will invest in ford once there is some light at the end of that tunnel. so just looking around to see what you guys think would be a good investment

[JustROLLIN]

Lazy response: Buy anything and everything you can right now.

I would recommend against buying when you see the light, buy when it feels the most uncomfortable. Usuaully when you see the light its already too late for some of the really big percentage moves. IMO.

[mndsm]

It's like Warren Buffet said- "Be greedy when everyone is scared, and be scared when everyone is greedy".... and he ain't goin' hawngry anytime soon.

[ij1889]

I would recommend against buying when you see the light, buy when it feels the most uncomfortable. Usuaully when you see the light its already too late for some of the really big percentage moves. IMO.

idk, id rather feel somewhat secure if im going to put the biggest chunk of my money on a company that might go bankrupt, so ill wait till ford is doing better

[mndsm]

Without risk, there is no reward. Ford won't go bankrupt IMO. The automakers are just begging, because like in the 80's, they managed to lag so far behind the Japanese and Europeans, that they've gone ahead and gone bankrupt. I've considered buying a few hundred shares of Ford myself right now, since they're like what, 2 bucks? And setting them aside. If they go up to 40$ a share, I've made a 2000% profit, and well, that sounds good to me. They're just trying to scare the american public into thinking bailing them out is a good idea. I'd tell you what a good idea would be, but it would get me in a lot of trouble.

[ij1889]

i still think ford is tooo risky for the amount i want to put in

[mndsm]

You're playing a whole different ballgame than me big spender :D

[dmention7]

Again, if stocks are too risky, throw that shit in a CD or money market. Like tom said, no risk no reward, but with a CD or money market at least you know you're going to walk away with more than you had. Not much, but anything > nothing.

[DrWebster]

so, the market is officially now in a recession, is there anything people would invest in?

The fact that we're "officially" in a recession doesn't make a damn bit of difference...we've been in a recession the whole time, and everyone knew it. They're simply handing us a commemorative plaque.

The problem I have with stocks is that there's too much emotion involved. The market swings because people shit their pants over stuff that may or may not happen, without looking at what's actually going on with the companies they're holding stock in. I've got some random stocks here and there -- Cisco, Freeport-McMoran, and a few others -- but I look much longer-term at them instead of being all ZOMG A BABY FARTED IN AFRICA SELL SELL SELL!!!!1!

[mndsm]

Babies fart in Africa?

[YSOSLO]

Tauni's relatives anyway....distant though they must be...lol

[ij1889]

alright, i have decided to take the plunge into buying ford, i will call my families financial adviser and talk with him tomorrow.

[LASERBLUE135]

alright, i have decided to take the plunge into buying ford, i will call my families financial adviser and talk with him tomorrow.

man that company has really taken a dive if you can afford to buy it. you should move the headquarters to MN.:pickle:

edit: (actually on a more serious note, I think buying a forclosed property is a much better bet than stocks right now...if you can afford it. $200k houses selling for $50k, its just so sick.)

[dmention7]

You'd have to be willing to sit on that investment for awhile, but yes, if you could afford to have a 50-100k mortgage on the side for a year or so, you'd probably do quite well when things pick back up.

[ij1889]

You'd have to be willing to sit on that investment for awhile, but yes, if you could afford to have a 50-100k mortgage on the side for a year or so, you'd probably do quite well when things pick back up.

i dont have that type of cash, if i didi would be the new donald trump, just without the shity hair

[niterydr]

Lazy response: Buy anything and everything you can right now.

I would recommend against buying when you see the light, buy when it feels the most uncomfortable. Usuaully when you see the light its already too late for some of the really big percentage moves. IMO.

This is solid advise. :).

Buy low, sell high.

[ij1889]

bought some ford stock today, that seems to be doing well

[dmention7]

How do people feel about Best Buy right now? There seems to be a lot of thought that as other electronics retailers close stores or even go under that Best Buy is in a good position to grab up a lot of that market share.

[DrWebster]

How do people feel about Best Buy right now? There seems to be a lot of thought that as other electronics retailers close stores or even go under that Best Buy is in a good position to grab up a lot of that market share.

I'd say Best Buy is a toss-up, considering they just offered voluntary buyouts to their corporate employees.

[mndsm]

I'd wait til after the q4 report comes out. I have a feeling if anyone, they'll weather the storm, but if you were going to buy in, let the buyouts scare everyone first, and drop it a few bucks. That reminds me, I should go buy some Ford too. Maybe if we all buy enough of it, we can own Ford for ourselves, and make good cars.

[ZoomZoom Diva]

Tom, the Ford family has too much voting power for outside investors to have significant influence.

[ij1889]

yeah, BB does look promising, as circut city looks like they wont be here in the next 3 years, its something im looking into, but i think ill hold off for a while, as everybody is not waisting all their moneys for xmas this year