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Mapper's Account Talk
- Thread starter Mapper
- Start date
Well I mostly took your advice. I did sell off 2/3 of my TNA shares @52.40...I saw things moving back down and wanted to give myself a little breathing room. Especially now that I'm finally above water. My new cost basis for the remaining TNA shares is $49.03!! Not bad considering I made purchases at $83.24 this summer 
But that was then and now, woohooo, finally in the black!!!
I'm still holding my 50C & 50S positions in TSP and don't see any immediate reason to change that.
My overall investment account holdings are currently at 60% equities 40% cash. I looking to start putting more of that cash to work but I wanted to put the blinders on and sit on my hands for a bit. I still feel bullish about the next couple of months so I anticipate making some purchases in the near future. First I want to see if the fresh support levels hold.
But that was then and now, woohooo, finally in the black!!! I'm still holding my 50C & 50S positions in TSP and don't see any immediate reason to change that.
My overall investment account holdings are currently at 60% equities 40% cash. I looking to start putting more of that cash to work but I wanted to put the blinders on and sit on my hands for a bit. I still feel bullish about the next couple of months so I anticipate making some purchases in the near future. First I want to see if the fresh support levels hold.
I actually planned on exiting my C & S positions on Monday but missed the deadline 
So I've entered Nov. with my 50, 50S position. Technically I'm like 1% I because of new purchases...but whatever.
Today I'm nibbling a little more on bullish ETFs. Clearly I should have sold my whole TNA allocation on the 27th but again, whatever. Thinking we'll see some pop from here. Added to my TNA position 66% by buying at $44.14. so now my cost basis on TNA is 47.07
I'm bullish in the short term because I think the big ones want to move everything up before doing some "Super committee induced panic selling" toward the end of the month. Sure I'm cynical but they need to lure more people in (us little guys)...once we start heading back in...whoa! sell the budget uncertainty! That's my thoughts for now, certainly subject to change.
So I've entered Nov. with my 50, 50S position. Technically I'm like 1% I because of new purchases...but whatever. Today I'm nibbling a little more on bullish ETFs. Clearly I should have sold my whole TNA allocation on the 27th but again, whatever. Thinking we'll see some pop from here. Added to my TNA position 66% by buying at $44.14. so now my cost basis on TNA is 47.07
I'm bullish in the short term because I think the big ones want to move everything up before doing some "Super committee induced panic selling" toward the end of the month. Sure I'm cynical but they need to lure more people in (us little guys)...once we start heading back in...whoa! sell the budget uncertainty! That's my thoughts for now, certainly subject to change.
Been busy, but I did manage to pick up a few more shares of TNA on the dip last Thursday. I also continue to hold my equity positions.
I'm bullish short term but I have faith we will see a Super Committee caused dip later this week or early next week. Hoping I have the foresight to sell off some equities in advance of that. After which I will promptly initiate a new bullish position. I expect the sell off to be limted...reason, the story about the boy who cried wolf.
I'm bullish short term but I have faith we will see a Super Committee caused dip later this week or early next week. Hoping I have the foresight to sell off some equities in advance of that. After which I will promptly initiate a new bullish position. I expect the sell off to be limted...reason, the story about the boy who cried wolf.
Well I've continued to ride this one down.
ETFs
I repeatedly missed my opportunity to sell. So ever since TNA dropped below $40 I've been itching to add more to my position to bring down the cost basis. And I did today @ $35.64. So my current long position has a cost basis of $43.64!! Waiting patiently for that relief rally!
TSP
Not much I can do about TSP because I'm not bailing on my 50C 50S equity positions now. I keep DCAing into equities every pay period, so that's something and my actual allocation is 50S 49C 1I...if you want to split hairs. My PIP is going to take another serious hit this month...hoping I'll stay above 10% though.
Have a happy Thanksgiving and...
Go Bulls! and Go Pack!
ETFs
I repeatedly missed my opportunity to sell. So ever since TNA dropped below $40 I've been itching to add more to my position to bring down the cost basis. And I did today @ $35.64. So my current long position has a cost basis of $43.64!! Waiting patiently for that relief rally!
TSP
Not much I can do about TSP because I'm not bailing on my 50C 50S equity positions now. I keep DCAing into equities every pay period, so that's something and my actual allocation is 50S 49C 1I...if you want to split hairs. My PIP is going to take another serious hit this month...hoping I'll stay above 10% though.
Have a happy Thanksgiving and...
Go Bulls! and Go Pack!
Given the larger moves in the European markets, Asia's lack of opportunity to react and the continued buying on top of the gap on open...I think there's still room for this little bull to run. Big day like this makes for some itchy fingers but I'm trying like mad to sit on my hands.
ETFs
Made a (seemingly) good move exiting my TNA position this morning at $47.28. Charts were looking toppy with the 10, 20, 50 and 200 day moving averages showing slope flattening. I feel we'll see a little dip here but I hope it's short (see below) Whether or not we actually dip here is yet to be seen. Based on the prices since then it looks like I'll get an opportunity for a lower entry back into TNA.
TSP
In any case, I'm holding my equities position in TSP ~50C, 50S. Thinking the general trend will remain up. I can't be as nimble in TSP so I thought I would just stick with the longer term direction I'm hoping to see here.
Made a (seemingly) good move exiting my TNA position this morning at $47.28. Charts were looking toppy with the 10, 20, 50 and 200 day moving averages showing slope flattening. I feel we'll see a little dip here but I hope it's short (see below) Whether or not we actually dip here is yet to be seen. Based on the prices since then it looks like I'll get an opportunity for a lower entry back into TNA.
TSP
In any case, I'm holding my equities position in TSP ~50C, 50S. Thinking the general trend will remain up. I can't be as nimble in TSP so I thought I would just stick with the longer term direction I'm hoping to see here.
Been staring at a lot of charts this morning...then I started looking more closely at the action this morning. All I have to say is the early gap down got snatched up pretty damn quick, thinking I may need to get on board (ETF wise).
I wanted to see a little more depression for a better entry point and I don't like to be so quick with my moves...so it's a tough call
I wanted to see a little more depression for a better entry point and I don't like to be so quick with my moves...so it's a tough call
Huh, just when it looked like the rocket fuel was all loaded up someone must have spotted a mechanical problem. Please grab your bags and return to the terminal!
Still holding my ETF funds in cash, waiting for either cheaper prices or more confirmation. I'm getting more and more inclined to think we'll see the latter before the former.
Still holding my ETF funds in cash, waiting for either cheaper prices or more confirmation. I'm getting more and more inclined to think we'll see the latter before the former.
Took a nibble today at TNA for $43.49. Seems to be finding strong support around $43.00. I WAS hoping for a lower entry, something under $40, but it seems the dip buyers aren't letting it go that low.
With the Euro summit going on this is a total gamble...hence taking just a nibble.
Still holding equities in TSP on anticipation of higher prices toward the end of the month.
With the Euro summit going on this is a total gamble...hence taking just a nibble.
Still holding equities in TSP on anticipation of higher prices toward the end of the month.
Half hearted move to safety today.
ETFs
I'm not trusting what I see in this rally. The S&P 1260 zone has proved a really tough nut to crack. I've closed all ETF positions and will wait to see if we can confidently push above.
TSP
I've done well this year and am making a 50% move to the Lily. IFT today to 30C 20S 50G. This is my first IFT since 10/04!!! There is some potential we'll break higher and at this stage in my career I need to take some gambles, hence the 50% move. I still have another move left for December, but doubt I'll use it. My expectation is sideways movement this week and return to regularly scheduled programming (volatility) next week. I think US markets are still largely tied to news out of Europe and, unless we get a breakout, the weak but highly anticipated Santa rally will induce too much fear in weak-hearted bulls. I'm one of those weak-hearted bulls right now.
My contributions are still going 100% into equities
ETFs
I'm not trusting what I see in this rally. The S&P 1260 zone has proved a really tough nut to crack. I've closed all ETF positions and will wait to see if we can confidently push above.
TSP
I've done well this year and am making a 50% move to the Lily. IFT today to 30C 20S 50G. This is my first IFT since 10/04!!! There is some potential we'll break higher and at this stage in my career I need to take some gambles, hence the 50% move. I still have another move left for December, but doubt I'll use it. My expectation is sideways movement this week and return to regularly scheduled programming (volatility) next week. I think US markets are still largely tied to news out of Europe and, unless we get a breakout, the weak but highly anticipated Santa rally will induce too much fear in weak-hearted bulls. I'm one of those weak-hearted bulls right now.
My contributions are still going 100% into equities
Closing out 2011
TSP
Here's to a prosperous 2012
!!
TSP
Your Personal Investment Performance (PIP) for the past 12 months ending 12/31/2011 is 12.73%
I also made a move to full "safety" today. As of the close of business my allocation will be 50F 50G. Moving into the new your my contributions remain 45C 45S 10I.
ETFs
I made a small move into ETFs on the 30th getting a TNA price of $45.08. I sold that position today at $47.24 for my first little profit of 2012.
I'm hoping to build a nice spreadsheet this month to help me keep track of my ETF performance. I started "playing" with ETFs in 2011 to see how I liked it. I only used a small portion of my taxable brokerage account and wound up in the red
about $100. Not very good but not a terrible day at the casino. Also I learned a lot and am hoping to take those lessons into 2012 and actually make some money. My intention is to increase my exposure, take bigger positions and use 75%of my ETF proceeds and put them into long-term plays, ultimately building a bigger and bigger nest-egg. The remaining 25% will increase the size of my ETF position funding. I see this as additional diversification in my portfolio. Also the money I use to play the ETF game is what I call "cushion money" it isn't money that I have allocated for retirement...but I intend to use any proceeds to augment my retirement through the long-term plays. Any loses will reduce the size of the "cushion money" account and not adversely affect my retirement.
I also made a move to full "safety" today. As of the close of business my allocation will be 50F 50G. Moving into the new your my contributions remain 45C 45S 10I.
ETFs
I made a small move into ETFs on the 30th getting a TNA price of $45.08. I sold that position today at $47.24 for my first little profit of 2012.
I'm hoping to build a nice spreadsheet this month to help me keep track of my ETF performance. I started "playing" with ETFs in 2011 to see how I liked it. I only used a small portion of my taxable brokerage account and wound up in the red
about $100. Not very good but not a terrible day at the casino. Also I learned a lot and am hoping to take those lessons into 2012 and actually make some money. My intention is to increase my exposure, take bigger positions and use 75%of my ETF proceeds and put them into long-term plays, ultimately building a bigger and bigger nest-egg. The remaining 25% will increase the size of my ETF position funding. I see this as additional diversification in my portfolio. Also the money I use to play the ETF game is what I call "cushion money" it isn't money that I have allocated for retirement...but I intend to use any proceeds to augment my retirement through the long-term plays. Any loses will reduce the size of the "cushion money" account and not adversely affect my retirement.Here's to a prosperous 2012
!!
RealMoneyIssues
TSP Legend
- Reaction score
- 101
Good Luck Mapper. Congrats on your good play on the long side, now how about the short side? Pick up any TZA?
No, I've only been playing the long side, kind of like TSP without IFT limits. It has a lot to do w/ my general bullish bias and not having the stomach to bet against the market in the last few months. Notice that my TSP was "all in" from 10/4 to 12/27. I also have about 50% of my IRA still in long-term equities. We've been more or less range bound I've largely been playing the small support/resistance moves with the ETFs. We've been in a tight channel and the moves have been awfully tough to time...I really should start putting more focus to the short side but I like to play cautiously and I haven't been paying close enough attention to the prices on short vehicles.
So, despite a bullish bias my rationale for jumping out now in TSP and ETFs is concern over fall-out from the generally weak holiday market AND concerns resurfacing in Europe. I'm still leaning bullish but I see the potential for a somewhat larger correction in the near future. Obviously this provides a potential opportunity for a cheaper buy-in. Also, I wanted to "clean up the ledger" for 2012 as I consolidated a bunch of accounts and want to get started on some better bookkeeping protocols and start with a clean slate.
GL to you too RMI. Looks like we both learned some important lessons from the ETF plays last summer!
So, despite a bullish bias my rationale for jumping out now in TSP and ETFs is concern over fall-out from the generally weak holiday market AND concerns resurfacing in Europe. I'm still leaning bullish but I see the potential for a somewhat larger correction in the near future. Obviously this provides a potential opportunity for a cheaper buy-in. Also, I wanted to "clean up the ledger" for 2012 as I consolidated a bunch of accounts and want to get started on some better bookkeeping protocols and start with a clean slate.
GL to you too RMI. Looks like we both learned some important lessons from the ETF plays last summer!
So, a short side seed was planted.
ETFs
I don't like the idea of making a move on a Friday with untold weekend events looming. However, I spent a fair amount of time staring at charts today and convinced myself that this sucker is about to make a small rollover. Purchased a TZA position today at $25.22
Logic...can't help but think the posts from yesterday had undue influence, but beyond that; Charts look "toppy" and I think we are due for a little post holiday, post 50/200 MA cross relaxation. Job numbers this week were good and the market yawned. With the exception of the early week move up we've been bouncing off support all week. Seems to me like puppet master's are toying with us and trying to squeeze as much cash into the market as they can...and that is getting long in the tooth. Throw in continued European concerns and added questions over Iran and I'm looking for a move down to about 1235-1240 on the S&P. My TZA target is $30.
Despite this short-term short position I remain bullish in the intermediate-term.
Have a great weekend!
ETFs
I don't like the idea of making a move on a Friday with untold weekend events looming. However, I spent a fair amount of time staring at charts today and convinced myself that this sucker is about to make a small rollover. Purchased a TZA position today at $25.22
Logic...can't help but think the posts from yesterday had undue influence, but beyond that; Charts look "toppy" and I think we are due for a little post holiday, post 50/200 MA cross relaxation. Job numbers this week were good and the market yawned. With the exception of the early week move up we've been bouncing off support all week. Seems to me like puppet master's are toying with us and trying to squeeze as much cash into the market as they can...and that is getting long in the tooth. Throw in continued European concerns and added questions over Iran and I'm looking for a move down to about 1235-1240 on the S&P. My TZA target is $30.
Despite this short-term short position I remain bullish in the intermediate-term.
Have a great weekend!
Not the type of news you want to be hearing out of Europe:
Data Show German Economy Stalling
"
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/12/b...erman-economy-stalling.html?_r=1&ref=business
Data Show German Economy Stalling
"
Some economists now predict another contraction for Germany in the first three months of 2012, which would meet the usual definition of a recession as two consecutive quarterly declines in output."
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/12/b...erman-economy-stalling.html?_r=1&ref=business
I've been very conflicted about continuing to hold a short position the last few days. So, w/ the action today I'm considering a double-down on my short position IF, and only if, we drop from here, blaze through 1285 and see the transports continue to fall. I think the downside is relatively limited as a lot of support has been built, so making any $$ on this drop will be more dependent on the # of shares on the line.
The advancers/decliners has been mostly even this morning but if that makes a solid break to the decliners I'm thinking we'll get a pretty solid down day.
OTOH, if we get a solid bounce now (~1285 holds) and we start a strong move back up to ~1295 area I'll likely exit the short position and look at finally conceding to a long position. Getting more and more antsy to get my TSP account back in the game. Trying to exercise that virtue of patience.
The advancers/decliners has been mostly even this morning but if that makes a solid break to the decliners I'm thinking we'll get a pretty solid down day.
OTOH, if we get a solid bounce now (~1285 holds) and we start a strong move back up to ~1295 area I'll likely exit the short position and look at finally conceding to a long position. Getting more and more antsy to get my TSP account back in the game. Trying to exercise that virtue of patience.
