Jon Markman's Trader's Advantage

Daily Issues

Techs Lackluster Lead

September 8, 2010

We're still waiting for the market to wake up and smell the coffee after the long and generally sorry summer we just suffered through. Today's light-volume rise in the indexes is proof that Wall Street's cup of joe could use an extra shot.

So in today's Trader's Advantage, we study some of the brightest tech names in the market and try to understand why they aren't leading the way in this rally -- as well as one smaller company that has managed to move ahead. We'll also take a look at several names on our buy list and add two more stocks to the portfolio. Continue Reading »

Wall Street Titans Back; Second-Half Begins

September 7, 2010

Stocks slid lower as Wall Street's titans returned from their summer vacations and traders collected profits from last week's gains. All eyes are watching the market action as the next few days could set the tone for the rest of 2010.

So in today's Trader's Advantage, we take a look at one contra-indicator -- the U.S. dollar -- that has been on the money (pun intended) as a market indicator for most of this year. We will also review some of our current holdings and update some of our sell stops. Continue Reading »

Stabilizing Payrolls, But at a Low Rate

September 3, 2010

Stocks went back to work today as the major U.S. indexes put in a third straight session of solid gains. Today's non-farm payrolls report showed that they are stabilizing, but at a very low level and job gains were very narrowly distributed through industries.

So in today's Trader's Advantage, we take a deeper look at the jobs data and what it all really means. We also update some of our current holdings and add a few more stocks to our portfolio. Continue Reading »