The RO Report, "Last One" Edition

I've written this blog for over 2 years amidst the worst period in my 10-year trading career. It has been a difficult time for me personally but writing has in many ways made it easier.

Dinosaur Trader began as a method for me to connect with other traders as the hybrid market wrecked havoc on my trading style. It ends with me having loads of connections but still struggling with my trading. During these two years I've had some good days and some bad days but throughout I have lacked in confidence and my trading has wanted focus and consistency.

Ultimately trading pays my bills and I need to get that working again at a time when my energy for trading and curiosity regarding the market is on the wane. I'm in the unenviable position of not being in the right frame of mind to trade yet having to trade as I lack alternative avenues of income/skills. This is difficult.

My ideas are often good but my execution is poor, perhaps because I am distracted. Whether or not the blog lends to that distraction I don't know. I haven't put much energy into it since February so I doubt it, but I think some time off will clarify that...

Let's just say that this job is wonderful when things are going well but hellish when they are not... if things are going well for you, be thankful for that, stay humble and always maintain your perspective.

With that, reluctantly, I am putting the blog on the ice for now... if I am going to resuscitate it I will do so in September at the earliest. I have been lucky to have solid readership from the beginning and despite my lack of ambition here for the past few months it seems most of you have hung around.

I appreciate that.

I also appreciate the many bloggers who have linked here and helped my blog grow. When I make my triumphant return in September, I'll need you to get the word out, so keep writing!

Anyway, it was an excellent day in the RO today. Out of 32 traders, 26 were gross positive or 81%. 17 traders made over $1,000 gross and 1 trader lost over $1,000 gross. I was #31 of 32.

"Lucky Pierre" - Trader B, $49.446 on 624k shares traded.

2. Trader A, $41,017 on 231k shares traded.
3. Trader D, $33,519 on 600k shares traded.
4. Trader H*, $9,164 on 47,400 shares traded.
5. Trader 10*, $7,932 on 12,703 shares traded.

"Chambermaid" - Trader R, -$1,953 on 33,800 shares traded.

2. Trader S, -$502 on 19,000 shares traded.
3. Trader 3, -$95 on 6,200 shares traded.
4. Trader &, -$91 on 97,400 shares traded.
5. Trader 1, -$41 on 2,600 shares traded.

BLOG NOTE: Sometime in the next few days I will turn off the comment section. I don't want to have to babysit the blog weeding out the inevitable onslaught of spam. I will still be available via email (check my profile) and don't forget, the RO is always hiring.

Trader A Guest Post

 So here goes…

I couldn’t think of any particular topic to write about, so I figured I would just dictate this post as a written recording of my stream of consciousness.  Initially, I planned to write a view paragraphs based on how I trade, but then I realized that there is nothing I could tell you that you haven’t heard before.  During my time talking with, and observing, other discretionary intraday traders, I’ve found that there are only two main strategies… you’re either a trend-follower or mean-reversion trader (I don’t know anyone who has figured out how to make pair-trading work intraday).  For you to make money as a day trader, the price of the market has to change, there is no other way around that… we’re not making markets here… Now that isn’t to say that every once in a while a trader that specializing in mean-reversion won’t buy into a strong market, or a momentum trader won’t sell a blade-up, but in general, every trader makes the bulk of his money in the strategy that he/she specializes in.  As I think back, Trader D and Trader B both had all their best days ever on days where the market had a large reversal.  My best days (as a trend-follower) all occurred when the market opened weak and finished weaker, or opened strong, and finished stronger.  I am a momentum junkie, and there is nothing I love more than buying something going straight up, or selling something going straight down.  It is what comes naturally to me.

              Of more interest, may be how I came to this point.  Just as many behavioral tendencies and subconscious habits can be traced to childhood experiences/influences, I believe my market directional trading bias has its links to the beginning of my trading career.

            To briefly summarize my beginnings, I got my Series 7 in winter 2006, and promptly proceeded to lose money from the last couple weeks in December, through March of 2007.  I smoked myself for the entire 3k deposit amount and then some. At the end of March, I wired in the last bit of money I had to bring my negative account into the green, but by then I had already pretty much figured I was done.  Then April 2007 came.  This marked the first earnings season that I was aware of.  I managed to make a good amount of money buying earnings stocks making highs, pyramiding into more as they ripped.  April 2007 was my first positive month.  I made around 4k (which was huge to me), about enough to cover my losses up until that point.  Buying into momentum was my first very positive reinforcement by the market, and I think that was so ingrained into me that I start to feel very uncomfortable whenever I’m fading or in a retracement trade. 

Over time, I’ve made adjustments to execution details such as entry/exit timing, trading vehicles, profit targets, etc, but at its core, I am nothing more than a trend follower.  I know my strengths and weaknesses.  All the traders I know, that make a killing, are the best at what they do.  I can’t make more money than Trader Z trading his style.  If I’m doing my job right, no one will make more money than me, trading my style.  And that’s what it comes down to, acknowledging and accentuating your strengths, and minimizing your weaknesses.  If there is one point I would stress in this rambling post, it is the value of become more self-aware professionally, understand your tendencies and proficiencies, then to develop a strategy to maximize on that.  One of my favorite quotes comes from market wizard Mark Minervini,

"Concentrate on mastering one style that suits your personality, which is a lifetime process.  Most people just cannot weather the learning curve.  As soon as it gets difficult, and their approach isn't working up to their expectations, they begin to look for something else.  As a result, they become slightly efficient in many areas without ever becoming very good in any single methodology.  The reality is that it takes a very long time to develop a superior approach, and along the way, you are going to go through periods when you do poorly.  Ironically, those are the periods that give you the most valuable information."

So there you have it… stick to what you’re good at, and most passionate about, because that is what you’ll be best at.  Don’t let the money drive you crazy because this shit will mean nothing in 100 years.  Maintain perspective, love your family, live fearless

The RO Report, "Penultimate" Edition

Look it up... it doesn't mean like, "super ultimate" or anything you idiot.

Only the numbers tonight. I will let Trader A do all the talking.

"Lucky Pierre" - Trader B, $40,860 on 854k shares traded.

2. Trader N, $21,830 on 206k shares traded.
3. Trader A, $20,329 on 277k shares traded.
4. Trader D, $19,157 on 606k shares traded.
5. Trader H*, $11,163 on 25,100 shares traded.

"Chambermaid" - Trader L, -$2,909 on 81,200 shares traded.

2. Trader E, -$1,342 on 223k shares traded.
3. Trader S, -$1,286 on 87,000 shares traded.
4. Trader 9*, -$1,225 on 7,300 shares traded.
5. Trader P, -$1,098 on 192k shares traded.

Philip Glass, "In The Upper Room"

Judy, who is a dancer, showed me this the other night. Unbelievable, really.

The RO Report, "Weeded" Edition

Some time ago I had a summer job as a waiter. Everyone on the waitstaff was always high. This guy Gary was the main supplier as well as the head waiter. Whenever people were super busy they said they were "weeded" or "in the weeds" and I always thought it had to do with their smoking habits. However, I was wrong.

As it turned out, to be "in the weeds" or "weeded" meant that you were so far afield that the weeds had crept above your head. You were lost out there in the field, in the weeds, and you couldn't see your way out.

Anyway, let's get to the numbers. The RO had a nice day. Out of 31 traders today, 23 were gross positive or 74%. 9 traders made over $1,000 gross and 2 traders lost over $1,000 gross. I was #29 of 32, a Manservant.

"Lucky Pierre" - Trader D, $12,938 on 173k shares traded.

2. Trader B, $9,241 on 301k shares traded.
3. Trader Z, $3,455 on 31,200 shares traded.
4. Trader C, $2,695 on 56,414 shares traded.
5. Trader F, $2,363 on 31,800 shares traded.

"Chambermaid" - Trader N, -$3,894 on 103k shares traded.

2. Trader L, -$1,448 on 18,000 shares traded.
3. Trader S, -$650 on 10,600 shares traded.
4. Trader 6*, -$217 on 2,400 shares traded.
5. Trader H*, -$216 on 49,800 shares traded.

"Bag It" Documentary

Long time readers know I hate plastic even more than I hate CNBC. Check this great documentary about plastic shopping bags. Now if only they'd ban styrofoam...

BAG IT from christine giordano on Vimeo.

(h/t WSF)

FFTL, "Failure By Designer Jeans"

Trader A spray choice.

The RO Report, "Day 1" Edition

At about 3:30 I was out weeding my lawn of, well, grass and I thought to myself, "Am I going crazy?" I was out there in the rain with 3 buckets: one for grass, one for grubs, and one for "weeds" that I am going to replant once I rip up the grass. The neighbors would drive by, I'd wave, smile, think, "I don't look crazy, anyway" and get back to weeding.

Meanwhile, the RO was making size.

It's cool. While I was out there I had the REM song "Can't Get There From Here" running through my head and I think that tells the story. You too can make riches in the stock market, but it's not all about numbers... it's mostly about frame of mind. I'm simply working back to that frame of mind. I'm starting from scratch and new traders don't make $30k a day.

Anyway, it was an excellent day for the RO. Out of 32 traders today, 25 were gross positive or 78%. 9 traders made over $1,000 gross and 4 traders lost over $1,000 gross. I was #16 of 32.

About that $30k... guess who? Trader A. Please check Wednesday afternoon for his guest post.

"Lucky Pierre" - Trader A, $31,824 on 301k shares traded.

2. Trader F, $14,478 on 524k shares traded.
3. Trader D, $12,286 on 553k shares traded.
4. Trader B, $8,850 on 470k shares traded.
5. Trader V, $7,589 on 108k shares traded.

"Chambermaid" - Trader H*, -$7,212 on 35,200 shares traded.

2. Trader 9*, -$7,063 on 9,100 shares traded.
3. Trader 10*, -$4,247 on 13,800 shares traded.
4. Trader M*, -$3,110 on 0 shares traded.
5. Trader 6*, -$910 on 500 shares traded.

Trader A Guest Post Drops Wednesday Evening

Beginner's Mind

I'm back in the saddle. After a two day trading break and a weekend of strong surf I feel much better.

This job is like no other in that there is no linear progress. If you were a player 5 years ago, or "ghetto fabulous" even, that doesn't guarantee that you'll be worth shit today. Past success means nothing and future success is no guarantee. The best you can do is work hard, keep yourself healthy, and focus on the market that is in front of you.

So that said, I'm starting today with the mindset of a new trader. I have withdrawn any extra funds in my trading account and will start to slowly build it back up through disciplined trading. It means nothing that I've been successful for 10 years, the market isn't going to give me a dime because of that.

In a happy coincidence, the HCPG collective have started to update their blog again. This is good because they take a very clear-eyed and unbiased look at the market each day. Very helpful if you're looking for some sort of anchor.

Trader A Guest Post

Will be published after the RO report this Wednesday. Set your clocks.

Beat Happening, "Hot Chocolate Boy"

The RO Report, "Moss" Edition

While you were fucking around in the stock market, I was playing "fairy" with my daughter as I cleaned out a moss bed on the side of the house. I don't get you, with your house and your big lawn. It makes no sense. Get some moss. You don't have to mow it, it's green all year, and it's beautiful. Better for the environment and better for you. Plus, fairies thrive in moss, everyone knows that. Go ahead, make the layup joke you idiot. You think you're funny? No...

Anyway, I'm taking tomorrow off also. Then, come Monday I'll be doing things differently. I have a plan, don't you worry. I drew out all of the "slush" funds from my trading account and will basically be starting over. This will naturally make me focus more on risk. If there is one thing I know about myself it's that I am at my best when my back is against a wall.

It was a good day for the RO. An interesting day actually, as Trader B and his swing account snagged the #1 and #2 positions, while Trader Z and his swing account snagged the bottom two positions. Technically, this is a "George Michael" and a "Double Dong" in the same day which is pretty amazing. A "George Michael Double Dong" if you will.

"Lucky Pierre" - Trader H*, $10,851 on 37,500 shares traded.

2. Trader B, $10,513 on 515k shares traded.
3. Trader D, $9,331 on 386k shares traded.
4. Trader F, $4,022 on 103k shares traded.
5. Trader E, $1,822 on 178k shares traded.

"Chambermaid" - Trader Z, -$6,336 on 226k shares traded.

2. Trader M*, -$771 on 0 shares traded.
3. Trader 8, -$223 on 6,200 shares traded.
4. Trader 1***, -$162 on 5,200 shares traded.
5. Trader 6*, -$86 on 1,500 shares traded.

***The old Trader 1 left the company. Trader 1 is a new trader. Update all your excel sheets.

The RO Report, "Time Off" Edition

I took another hit today and will be taking time off until I get my head back into the game. It was a bit of an overall smokefest in the RO.

"Chambermaid" - Trader A, -$18,675 on 270k shares traded.

2. Trader D, -$8,673 on 327k shares traded.
3. Trader N, -$7,710 on 158k shares traded.
4. Trader Z, -$2,655 on 449k shares traded.
5. Trader S, -$2,615 on 125k shares traded.

"Lucky Pierre" - Trader H, $13,001 on 44k shares traded.

2. Trader B, $10,927 on 664k shares traded.
3. Trader F, $7,783 on 375k shares traded.
4. Trader C, $5,363 on 220k shares traded.
5. Trader 9*, $2,589 on 4,700 shares traded.

Trader A...

Fox Catches Mouse Two Feet Under Snow - Watch more Funny Videos

The RO Report, "Zzzzzzz" Edition

I guess, given the news environment we seem to be in that sometimes no news is good news. The market simply went to sleep today, which I guess is a good thing. We just seem to be catching our breath a bit, which is healthy.

It was a pretty awful day to trade. That said, you see "Trader A" made a princely sum once again. I'll give you one clue, he was pretty much done trading by noon.

The rest of the RO grinded it out though, and ended with a small win after a mostly ho-hum sort of day.

Out of 31 traders today, 18 were gross positive or 58%. 7 traders made over $1,000 gross and 3 lost over $1,000 gross. I was #14 of 31 or basically flat.

"Lucky Pierre" - Trader A, $9,290 on 46k shares traded.

2. Trader Z, $1,967 on 79,436 shares traded.
3. Trader B, $1,899 on 358k shares traded.
4. Trader D, $1,503 on 121k shares traded.
5. Trader E, $1,501 on 101k shares traded.

"Chambermaid" - Trader H*, -$4,405 on 4,100 shares traded.

2. Trader V, -$3,452 on 64,600 shares traded.
3. Trader F, -$2,657 on 70,800 shares traded.
4. Trader M*, -$966 on 0 shares traded.
5. Trader 9*, -$790 on 1,200 shares traded.

Swine Flu Gets The Daily Show Treatment

You know you've made it big when you're on The Daily Show. Congratulations to Swine Flu!

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	M - Th 11p / 10c
The Last 100 Days
thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Economic Crisis Political Humor

Beach Boys, "In My Room" (live)

Classic Swine Flu track...

The RO Report, "Swine Flu" Edition

Man, wouldn't it be an awful week just to come down with the normal flu?

Anyway, I'm shot in many ways. Here's the numbers.

"Lucky Pierre" - Trader A, $9,042 on 100k shares traded.

2. Trader D, $6,229 on 365k shares traded.
3. Trader M*, $1,666 on 0 shares traded.
4. Trader 10*, $1,628 on 2,300 shares traded.
5. Trader N, $1,313 on 65,000 shares traded.

"Chambermaid" - Trader B, -$2,306 on 461k shares traded.

2. Trader 9*, -$1,061 on 0 shares traded.
3. Trader $, -$838 on 22,800 shares traded.
4. Trader C, -$710 on 0 shares traded.
5. Trader F, -$529 on 94,400 shares traded.

The World Is Coming To An End, Part 4,325,349

Looks like the dark horse candidate to end the world, swine flu, is going to do it. For all of you who voted for swine flu in my "How Is The World Going To End?" poll from a few months ago, congratulations, I guess.

All I know is that I was at the Mets game yesterday and couldn't even enjoy myself because I heard every single cough and sneeze in the place. Looking around, there were many people who had the glossed-over look that idiots often enjoy, that blasted look of ignorance. But they were happy and drunk and I thought, for a brief second that perhaps, they win afterall.

Anyway, the fear box will be all over this one for the next few weeks at least. This global financial meltdown/revolution is getting a bit played out.

UPDATE: Oh, and that plane escorted by a military jet over the Hudson? That was just a pre-planned flight... It tanked the futures though... that was Part 4,325,350.

Animal Collective, "In The Flowers" (live)

Fuck bad music. I can't do it. I've been punished enough this week. I have this song on repeat. Have a good weekend.

The RO Report, "Blasted" Edition

The hits keep coming!

When people used to learn that I trade for a living they would invariably say, "That must be stressful." I'd answer, "No, it's not stressful. You know what's stressful? Working for a boss... having someone tell you what to do and how to do it. That's stressful."

Today when people ask me if the job is stressful I simply say, "Yeah."

My nerves have been reduced to yogurt. It's been a tough year and as I explained to "La Comunista" today, it's been made worse by this nagging feeling of hopefulness. I feel like I'm so close to doing well but I keep getting smacked down. I take cold comfort from knowing it's been a tough year for most of the RO. I'm also between thinking I need a vacation and thinking I need to bear down... in short, thank god it's Friday.

The RO got smoked today though there were a couple of bright spots not the least of which was the overall market performance. Out of 30 traders today, 19 were gross positive or 63%. 5 traders made over $1,000 gross and 8 lost over $1,000 gross. I was #18 of 30. Gross positive but deep in the red due to heavy trading.

The Manservants took it today...

"Chambermaid" - Trader A, -$13,409 on 520k shares traded.

2. Trader Z, -$12,293 on 791k shares traded.
3. Trader D, -$6,389 on 216k shares traded.
4. Trader P, -$6,076 on 510k shares traded.
5. Trader E, -$2,775 on 61,800 shares traded.

"Lucky Pierre" - Trader F, $8,638 on 523k shares traded.

2. Trader H*, $8,464 on 29,700 shares traded.
3. Trader N, $4,301 on 382k shares traded.
4. Trader B, $2,310 on 473k shares traded.
5. Trader O, $1,714 on 32,200 shares traded.

Coheed and Cambria, "Delerium Trigger"

Trader A just missed the spray but I owed him one. Nice day, A.

The RO Report, "La Comunista" Edition

Truly something is up with the IYR. I know I sound like a broken record here but this thing is trading strange. Everyday the close... I don't know.

I had a solid day today. Most of my profits came from two trades. One from the reputable trading newsletter HCPG on CNX. The other, from a far less reputable source who will go unnamed... I will simply call him "La Comunista" which, well, I don't even know what language that is but I think I'll calling him a female communist. Good enough. The trade was in NOV.

My only problem was missing the last 20 minutes... anyway, I'm exhausted today. Two straight dawn sessions of surf will do that. Perhaps I need to go to the ocean each day at dawn whether or not there is surf... I seem to trade better.

Anyway, out of 34 traders today 21 were gross positive or 62%. 5 traders made over $1,000 gross and 4 traders lost over $1,000 gross. I was #4 of 34 or bossy.

"Lucky Pierre" - Trader A, $16,132 on 100k shares traded.

2. Trader Z, $8,370 on 244k shares traded.
3. Trader N, $3,729 on 162k shares traded.
4. Trader S, $1,886 on 79,000 shares traded.
5. Trader H*, $1,379 on 17,900 shares traded.

"Chambermaid" - Trader D, -$5,573 on 197k shares traded.

2. Trader C, -$4,496 on 54,000 shares traded.
3. Trader M*, -$1,815 on 0 shares traded.
4. Trader J, -$1,792 on 57,000 shares traded.
5. Trader $, -$751 on 24,800 shares traded.

The RO Report, "Tits" Edition

"Tits" is doing some weird shit lately on incredible volume. I dare say that all of this volume without significant price advancement could be topping action. But that's neither here nor there... perhaps I'm still smarting over my 10k SRS loss yesterday. Or perhaps I'm pissed I didn't trade the afternoon cascade in IYR better...

Life goes on.

I don't know if I'm making too much of this, but I didn't like the close. Sure AAPL could change all of that with a hot earnings report, but if not, I'm starting to feel like we may be in for more downside. The IYR is simply acting strange. And check out the close in JPM and WFC...

The RO had a pretty solid day again. Out of 32 traders today, 22 were gross positive or 69% (hmmmm-mmm). 9 traders made over $1,000 gross and 5 lost over $1,000 gross. I had a decent comeback and was #9 of 32. Trader B had an impressive spray.

"Lucky Pierre" - Trader B, $24,217 on 509k shares traded.

2. Trader D, $10,190 on 226k shares traded.
3. Trader C, $9,710 on 125k shares traded.
4. Trader E, $3,997 on 127k shares traded.
5. Trader Z, $3,025 on 164k shares traded.

"Chambermaid" - Trader F, -$7,447 on 151k shares traded.

2. Trader H*, -$3,162 on 18,600 shares traded.
3. Trader J, -$1,392 on 22,800 shares traded.
4. Trader 9*, -$1,148 on 6,200 shares traded.
5. Trader 6*, -$1,104 on 900 shares traded.

A Rest

I'm taking this morning off to surf. Honestly, every penny I've lost over the last 3 weeks has been before 10:30. So today I'll skip the morning, come in with clear eyes and see how that goes.

Flaming Lips, "Waiting For Superman" (cover)

I just couldn't punish myself with bad music tonight.

The RO Report, "All Blowed Up" Edition

I lost $10,000 in SRS today. The report will be up later. I'm having trouble getting the puke out of my keyboard.

UPDATE: It's funny to take an objective look at a graph after you've given back a shitload of coin in it. You always think... "I was doing what?"

The worst thing about a blowup is that you think to yourself, "I could have taken off every day since January 1st and I'd be in a better financial situation than I find myself in here on April 21st. And psychologically? Forget about it..." But that's the game we (right now unfortunately) play. Right now it is what it is.

The way I'm looking at recent developments is with a dose of perspective. I think the word is "elasticity." I am stretching here... growing. In a year I will be a better trader. That's the way I need to look at this. Meanwhile, there was so much opportunity out there today. If you weren't trading with blinders on, you probably made some money. Of course, this compounds the horror of my day, but so be it. Moving forward.

It was a solid day for the RO. Out of 31 traders today, 20 were gross positive or 65%. 13 made over $1,000 gross and 5 lost over $1,000 gross. I was #31 of 31 or, the Chambermaid.

"Lucky Pierre" - Trader A, $33,462 on 208k shares traded.

2. Trader B, $18,038 on 553k shares traded.
3. Trader N, $7,435 on 225k shares traded.
4. Trader P, $6,824 on 148k shares traded.
5. Trader F, $5,039 on 94,000 shares traded.

"Chambermaid" - Trader S, -$4,536 on 621k shares traded.

2. Trader M*, -$4,507 on 0 shares traded.
3. Trader Z, -$3,004 on 369k shares traded.
4. Trader 10*, -$2,940 on 3,300 shares traded.
5. Trader C, -$1,028 on 204k shares traded.

Poll Closed; Blogger Is Slow.

-Compsognathus Dinosaur

So out of 100 of you, 56 say the page is loading slowly. That's 56% for you idiots (or, 87% of you... 19 heads just exploded). Anyway, I think removing my Twitter updates helped but still, my time at this address is growing shorter.

I've received hundreds, no thousands, of emails regarding my elite $5,000 monthly subscription based newsletter/basement apartment offer. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and the demand has made me question whether $5,000 a month is enough. To sweeten the deal further, I promise to scoop the cat litter boxes twice daily, as opposed to the current once a day schedule (the litter boxes are located in the "basement apartment.")

I have also decided to break the subscription rates into a few levels. I will post more on this later. Just know the lowest level will be the "Compsognathus" level at $36.50 monthly. Why $36.50? Because this will put me into direct competition with the HCPG newsletter (they charge $37.50 a month).

As always, fuck the HCPG people and their "female" West Coast ways.

Finally, I just want to point out that after blogging at a searing pace to begin this year I have substantially slowed down. You bastards still get 3 posts a day but it should be clear to long time readers that I'm not even trying anymore.

That said, I feel the juices starting to flow again...

In fact, just the other day I had a real confrontation with a 7-11 employee regarding hazlenut coffee. More on this soon.

The Shins, "New Slang (when you notice the stripes)"

A song you should know.

The RO Report, "Meltdown" Edition

Well, those who are following me on Twitter must appreciate my prescient call at around 11:30 today. I think soon I'll start the Dinosaur Trader newsletter. I mean, let's face it, every single stock blog site is going to a pay model, why shouldn't I?

For only $5k a month...I need only one lucky subscriber to make my model work, but two would be great. Email me if you are interested.

You didn't want to fight the trend today. But then, every sell-off has been faded since the lows of early March. The fact that today we closed at the lows, with volume, with broad action, should worry you if you're long. I was stopped out of my GE swing long today and my stop for my UWM is very close. Soon it seems I will be left with only SRS...

Anyway, it was a mixed day in the RO today with a few blasts. Out of 31 traders today, 18 were gross positive or 58%. 10 traders made over $1,000 gross and 5 traders lost over $1,000 gross. I was #10 of 31. I just couldn't find a good entry all day... I hate large gap days. Due to some carnage, the Manservants win...

"Chambermaid" - Trader B, -$24,674 on 659k shares traded.

2. Trader D, -$10,900 on 379k shares traded.
3. Trader N, -$10,705 on 102k shares traded.
4. Trader C, -$6,196 on 298k shares traded.
5. Trader 9*, -$1,384 on 2,700 shares traded.

"Lucky Pierre" - Trader F, $11,338 on 143k shares traded.

2. Trader A, $11,149 on 100k shares traded.
3. Trader 10*, $5,433 on 0 shares traded.
4. Trader &, $5,269 on 61,200 shares traded.
5. Trader M*, $5,148 on 0 shares traded.

Bloody map.

Leveraged ETFs Effect Trade

Here's an interesting article from the WSJ Online that seems to say (without saying it) that leveraged ETFs could create some sort of market crash.

Will Leveraged ETFs Put Cracks In Market Close?

Do you agree?

Sunday Space

There is a classic teaching story of the young boy who travelled far from his home to study under a great teacher. When he met the wise old man, his first question was, "How long will it take me before I am as wise as you?"

The response came quickly. "Five years."

"This is a very long time," replied the boy. "How about if I work twice as hard?"

"Then it will take ten years," said the master.

"Ten! That's far too long. How about if I study all day and well into the night, every single night?"

"Then it will take fifteen years," said the sage.

"I don't understand," replied the boy. "Every time I promise to devote more energy and time to my goal, you tell me that it will take even longer. Why?"

"The answer is simple. With one eye fixed on the destination, there is only one eye left to guide you along the journey."

Silver Jews, "Like Like The The The Death"

Obsessed.

BAM, "My City"

Trader D "comeback" pick. He didn't actually spray, but he had a massive comeback, so I'll give it to him.

The RO Report, "Pruned" Edition

My day was hijacked by a crew of tree pruners.

There I was long 5,000 WFC just as it was breaking $20, when I heard a knock down on the door. "Be down in a minute!" I yelled. More knocking. WFC dipped below $20... FUCK! I sold 4000 and answered the door.

A man who couldn't speak English was trying to ask me if he could climb a tree on my property to remove a tree from my neighbor's property. Sure, I said. Knock yourself out. Then, I decided to hire him and his crew to prune a tree on our yard. Back upstairs I cursed as I saw WFC printing $20.20.

After that I basically went on tilt, trading close to 300k shares today and placing more trades than everyone in the RO besides "Trader D" who, as you all know, is a total crackhead. Anyway, I didn't beat commissions... not by a long shot.

It was a mixed day. Out of 32 traders, 20 were gross positive or 64%. 7 traders made over $1,000 gross and 6 lost over $1,000 gross. I was 8 out of 32 but net negative due to my crackheaded tendencies. Not blasted, but not happy either.

"Lucky Pierre" - Trader D, $10,447 on 362k shares traded.

2. Trader B, $5,324 on 369k shares traded.
3. Trader H*, $3,762 on 16,066 shares traded.
4. Trader O, $2,610 on 21,000 shares traded.
5. Trader Z, $2,181 on 180k shares traded.

"Chambermaid" - Trader A, -$11,459 on 267k shares traded.

2. Trader V, -$2,980 on 49,400 shares traded.
3. Trader F, -$2,059 on 187k shares traded.
4. Trader C, -$1,450 on 264k shares traded.
5. Trader P, -$1,192 on 284k shares traded.

Seriously Fly, WTF?

I gotta pay $2 to vote?

I call a blogging foul.

Gang Starr Featuring MOP - B.I. Vs Friendship

Trader B spray choice.

The RO Report, "IYR Nickname" Edition

So what's a good nickname for IYR? Nothing really comes to mind for me just looking at the ticker. The squeeze that's occurring is really nuts though, so maybe I'll just call it "Tits" from now on. I welcome your suggestions.

Anyway, I had a weird day. It started out slow, nothing happening and then BAM! I get obsessed with ADI (what a piece of shit that stock is) and of course, "Tits." I was long and then short all day with big positions and only went green at 3:42.

Sometimes that's how it goes.

The RO (minus a very scummy Trader B) had a pretty rough day. Out of 32 traders today, 14 were gross positive or 44%. 7 traders made over $1,000 and 6 traders lost over $1,000. Pretty bad numbers. I pulled it out and ended the day at #5, or bossy.

"Lucky Pierre" - Trader B, $23,761 on 434k shares traded.

2. Trader D, $10,274 on 501k shares traded.
3. Trader H*, $6,310 on 19,900 shares traded.
4. Trader F, $6,223 on 90,200 shares traded.
5. Trader S, $2,101 on 178k shares traded.

"Chambermaid" - Trader C, -$8,864 on 510k shares traded.

2. Trader A, -$4,658 on 187k shares traded.
3. Trader Z, -$3,472 on 91,330 shares traded.
4. Trader 9*, -$2,119 on 3,100 shares traded.
5. Trader O, -$1,503 on 40,800 shares traded.

SWING UPDATE: I just want to mention that my small purchase of SRS the other day at $31 which I vowed to "sell when $30 broke" isn't working out well. And since I was so blasted when $30 broke intraday, I was unable to exit my swing position in a timely fashion. So, like any good trader, I tripled my position at $27.25 just after I got green on the day in my intraday account. Ah, the life of a trader! At this point, with the IYR squeeze being what it is, I'll exit next time IYR trades $33. Not going to add again to this one.


FINALLY, So much smoke...

An Analogy

The RO is the dude laying on the ground... the market, well... you'll figure it out.


Kid Doesn't Think His Friend Will Jump - Watch more Funny Videos

75% in the red at 1pm.

Blitzen Trapper, "Wild Mountain Nation" (live from Juan's Basement)

The RO Report, "Teabag" Edition

You know, for 8 fucking years I watched as George Fucking Bush and his band of merry neoconservatives dismantled the country. You can sit and argue in the comment section otherwise, but I won't be listening. The fact of the matter is, while I may be prone to emotional outbursts, I'm highly perceptive and probably a lot smarter than you are.

I also have a moral compass that is flawless.

Anyway, here we are 3 months into Obama's presidency and complete retards who worship at the alter of Rush, Sean, and now Glenn (Anne and Michelle seem to have lost their relevancy) are calling for revolution and shit. The same idiots, mind you, who were complaining about people's lack of patriotism if they even questioned the completely fucked up and idiotic war that has cost us roughly a "bailout" in the middle east.

And you're complaining about government spending??? Really?

Grow up you little bitches. Also, I hope to God you are at least wasting organic tea and properly disposing of the little plastic tea packages.

On to stocks...

It was a decent day in the RO. Out of 31 traders today, 19 were gross positive or 61%. 6 traders made over $1,000 gross, and 4 traders lost over $1,000 gross. I was #18 of 31, gross positive, net negative. Lame. I blame you and your gay tea party.

Finally, I know a lot of people are having slow page load time with this here blog. That will be changing soon. I appreciate your patience while I upgrade this thing. It's a mess and I'm completely deficient when it comes fixing it. My time has already been stretched recently. Indeed, I'm having a hard enough time even posting each day, let alone working to make the site faster.

"Lucky Pierre" - Trader B, $10,304 on 467k shares traded.

2. Trader N, $7,363 on 154k shares traded.
3. Trader Z, $4,980 on 79,290 shares traded.
4. Trader V, $3,676 on 71,200 shares traded.
5. Trader ^, $1,843 on 0 shares traded.

"Chambermaid" - Trader D, -$16,344 on 645k shares traded.

2. Trader J, -$3,066 on 103k shares traded.
3. Trader C, -$2,552 on 259k shares traded.
4. Trader H*, -$1,112 on 14,500 shares traded.
5. Trader &, -$493 on 9,000 shares traded.

This Site Will Be Torched.

Developing...

Panda Bear, "Take Pills"

One of my favorite songs off of this awesome album.

The RO Report, "Poll" Edition

This not having the software thing is starting to suck a lot. Also, my page seems to be taking a very long time to load.

So please answer this quick question before you go on to read the numbers.

Is this site loading slow (i.e. taking longer than 10 seconds or so?) on your comp? Don't answer if you don't have a cable modem or other high speed connection. If you're using dialup, your opinion is irrelevant... Okay, go click that little button on the right... it'll take less than a second. Thanks.

UPDATE: Trader A has come through... I will have a legit RO report up in a couple of hours. I have to split for awhile...

UPDATED VERSION:

Okay, it feels good to put a little more meat on these numbers. I know I've been a bit out of it around here lately, but that's been because of some bad trading and no RO software to keep me abreast of what's going on intraday with the office.

I twit midday that it was all about IYR again(meanwhile, you like my end of day SRS swing pickup yesterday?) It seems that the IYR is either leading the market up or taking it down... just pick your day. Today it led down but not without an afternoon freak-out that left some of the RO members in tatters.

Anyway, out of 31 traders today, 21 were gross positive or 68%. 9 traders made over $1,000 gross and 4 traders lost over $1,000 gross. Mediocre. I was #10 of 31.

"Lucky Pierre" - Trader N, $5,030 on 131k shares traded.

2. Trader C, $4,107 on 177k shares traded.
3. Trader 10*, $4,063 on 0 shares traded.
4. Trader D, $3,604 on 163k shares traded.
5. Trader F, $3,585 on 154k shares traded.

"Chambermaid" - Trader A, -$5,048 on 431k shares traded.

2. Trader Z, -$3,006 on 137k shares traded.
3. Trader 9*, -$1,351 on 2,300 shares traded.
4. Trader E, -$1,291 on 33,400 shares traded.
5. Trader M*, -$855 on 0 shares traded.

The E-Trade Book Commercial

Back when even the commercials on CNBC were entertaining... now it's all a big party of suck over there.

Micah Wolf, "One By One"

Normally, I wouldn't post such a gay video. I mean, shots of multi-ethnic types smiling capped off by a sing along with kids? Holy fucking shit man, can we make this any more hackneyed? But the thing is, as a surfer and a concerned citizen, it directly addresses a topic near and dear to my heart, plastic in the oceans. It's a fucking mess. Anyway, fans of Jack Johnson might also like the song...

The RO Report, "$31" Day

I'm still long in my swing account, but I decided to buy a little SRS today, a small amount, to hedge. I think there is something seriously funny, not in a "ha-ha" kind of way, about the IYR. Anyway, I'll quickly cover if that piece of shit SRS trades below $30. I mean, all you have to do is take a look at FAZ to understand why you can't get all close and personal with these leveraged ETFs.

Anyway, still no software. I'm very frustrated by this. But you know what? Deal. I am told a solution is in the works.

"Lucky Pierre" - Trader D, $10k

2. Trader C, $8k
3. Trader H*, $5k
4. Trader 9*, $4k
5. Trader M*, $1,500

"Chambermaid" - Trader P, -$2,400

2. Trader N, -$2k
3. Trader V, -$1k
4. Trader &, -$1k
5. Trader B, -$1k

IYR and SRS visit $31 in same day!!!

Just another fun stock market fact for you, beloved reader.

I have to say, the strength in the IYR is bewildering.

Open Letter To Somali Pirates

Dear Somali Pirates,

Fuck you, we win.

Sincerely,

-DT


-Somali Pirates, 2009

From First To Last, "Waltz More"

Trader A Easter Bunny spray.

The RO Report, "Two Markets" Edition

First of all, I want to address the lack of blogging around here lately. I've been struggling, but beyond that, just really in the dumps about it. This year has been a disaster for me... made money the first few weeks of January, lost it all with one bad week... then, made it all back and then some through February and March and now lost it all again with one bad week.

This is not the way you make money trading and I'm frankly a little mystified. That said, it's been very hard to find the energy to creatively blog. The good news for you, is that Trader A will be doing a guest post soon. As for me, I'm gonna continue to take it easy until I come back around.

Anyway, I called the report "Two Markets" edition because it truly seems there are two markets right now... the one Trader A is trading, and the one everyone else is trading. Kudos to him.

"Lucky Pierre" - Trader A, $88k

2. Trader F, $28k
3. Trader N, $25k
4. Trader H*, $19k
5. Trader 9*, $10k

"Chambermaid" - Trader B, -$20k

2. Trader 10*, -$5k
3. Trader J, -$1500
4. Trader S, -$1400
5. Trader 6*, -$600

Fuck Esignal

More issues today. It's 10:27 as I write this and I have no feed. I called and they said "We're having connectivity issues. We have no E.T.A. Just watch that little red monitor and hope it turns green."

I think it's time to switch to DTNIQ...

Anyway, feel free to harass them at their corporate support #... it's 510-723-7377. Option 2. Then press "0" to leave them a nice message.