Official Short-term Investments Thread

[Inzane]

Can someone help me out here. Please explain why precious metal mutual funds are down significantly more than the price of gold relative to the same time period over the last 1-2 years?

From what I can tell, most CDN precious metal mutual funds (RBC, TD, etc.) seem to be down 40-55% since their peak less than two years ago, and yet the price of gold is only down maybe ~10-12% over this same time period.

I know the obvious that a mutual fund is simply a pool of stocks of a given industry/type. So by extension if the mutual funds are doing badly, obviously most of the individual stocks that comprise those mutual funds must also be doing poorly. But why is there not a better correlation to the gold commodity price? What is going on in the precious metal/gold industry that would account for such poor performance lately?

Thanks!

[e36bmw///]

nm

[nhS2k]

Originally posted by Inzane
What is going on in the precious metal/gold industry that would account for such poor performance lately?


This article sums it up nicely.

"The average cash cost of 10 of the biggest gold miners was $694 an ounce in the third quarter, 49 percent higher than in the same period two years earlier, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The average gold price rose 35 percent in the same comparison.

“Everyone was trying to run through the funnel of building these new projects as big as you can, as fast as you can,” Kinross Gold Corp. (K) Chief Executive Officer J. Paul Rollinson said in an interview Feb. 13. “There was huge competition for people, competition for steel, competition for tires and spare parts.” "

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-27/gold-miners-come-clean-on-costs-after-lost-6-years-commodities.html

[freshvibes]

AFFY is on fire today. Up 75% +. Not huge considering it was just trading at $16 less than two weeks ago, but its been a nice atm for day traders. I've got alerts set on CLSN and hopefully we'll get this same move.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BEx83aTCYAApMbO.png:large

[Feruk]

SPP up 30% for me! I'm hoping it drops so I can add.


Originally posted by e36bmw///
Stocks are hitting 52 week/all time highs. Anyone else siting on cash?
I'm sitting on some cash; ~10% of my portfolio. I'm a fair bit invested in ETFs though. High or low, strategy is to hold; active trading (gambling) only eats away at returns over time.

[Manhattan]

PMG a good buy right now? In the gutters.

[davidI]

Originally posted by freshvibes
AFFY is on fire today. Up 75% +. Not huge considering it was just trading at $16 less than two weeks ago, but its been a nice atm for day traders. I've got alerts set on CLSN and hopefully we'll get this same move.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BEx83aTCYAApMbO.png:large

What charting software do you use?

[willbe1]

I BOUGHT
NYSE:AA NYSE:BBVA NYSE:BAC NYSE:NOK NYSE:CHK NYSE:X NYSE:CX NASDAQ:BBRY NYSE:BTU NASDAQ:FSLR NASDAQ:FB NYSE:TLM DRYSHIPS INC DRYS . NYSE:ANR TSE:S NYSE:LDK
PRGN
CEQUENCE ENERGY LTD-NEW CQE
GOLDGROUP MINING IN CGGA
GRAN COLOMBIA GOLD CORP GCM
LEGACY OIL + GAS INC-NEW LEG
PETROMINERALES LTD PMG
SHERRITT INTL CORP S
TALISMAN ENERGY INC TLM
HANWEI ENERGY SVCS CORP HE
STAR BULK CARRIERS-NEW SBLK
EXCEL MARITIME CARRIERS EXM
MDN INC MDN
PURE NICKEL INC NIC
DRYSHIPS INC DRYS

[davidI]

Originally posted by willbe1
I BOUGHT
NYSE:AA NYSE:BBVA NYSE:BAC NYSE:NOK NYSE:CHK NYSE:X NYSE:CX NASDAQ:BBRY NYSE:BTU NASDAQ:FSLR NASDAQ:FB NYSE:TLM DRYSHIPS INC DRYS . NYSE:ANR TSE:S NYSE:LDK
PRGN
CEQUENCE ENERGY LTD-NEW CQE
GOLDGROUP MINING IN CGGA
GRAN COLOMBIA GOLD CORP GCM
LEGACY OIL + GAS INC-NEW LEG
PETROMINERALES LTD PMG
SHERRITT INTL CORP S
TALISMAN ENERGY INC TLM
HANWEI ENERGY SVCS CORP HE
STAR BULK CARRIERS-NEW SBLK
EXCEL MARITIME CARRIERS EXM
MDN INC MDN
PURE NICKEL INC NIC
DRYSHIPS INC DRYS

CONGRATULATIONS.

[e36bmw///]

nm

[Sugarphreak]

...

[davidI]

Originally posted by e36bmw///
I think i've asked this before, but does anyone use Interactive brokers?

The fees are significantly cheaper than other brokers and I want to hear some experiences.

Option trades are $1.5 per contract. But is there a flat fee on top of that?

I've used them for years. The registration paperwork was a hassle for me, but that was years ago so maybe it has improved.

I like their interfaces a lot. Great reporting too. Great charting software. Very cheap. There is a monthly fee for real-time quotes, but I think that gets waived if you have a certain amount of commissions each month.

I'd highly recommend them.

[freshvibes]

Originally posted by davidI


What charting software do you use?

TC2000, theres a free version at www.freestockcharts.com

[Thomas Gabriel]

Originally posted by e36bmw///
Stocks are hitting 52 week/all time highs. Anyone else siting on cash?

Yup sold everything. I want to start shorting but it's too risky at the moment. Maybe in a month or so.

[swak]

I have short sells as an option on my account, but still dont get it...

Is there a dummies coles notes explanation on what/how it works?
Basically selling before you buy? If so, how could you lose.


BB up $1 though! :bigpimp:

[roopi]

Originally posted by swak
I have short sells as an option on my account, but still dont get it...

Is there a dummies coles notes explanation on what/how it works?
Basically selling before you buy? If so, how could you lose.


You lose if the stock goes up. Eventually you have to cover the short position (buy the borrowed shares back).

http://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/shortselling.asp#axzz2NFvLgWU8

http://www.investopedia.com/university/shortselling/#axzz2NFvLgWU8

[icky2unk]

Originally posted by swak
I have short sells as an option on my account, but still dont get it...

Is there a dummies coles notes explanation on what/how it works?
Basically selling before you buy? If so, how could you lose.


BB up $1 though! :bigpimp:

$1.50 ;)

[freshvibes]

Originally posted by swak
I have short sells as an option on my account, but still dont get it...

Is there a dummies coles notes explanation on what/how it works?
Basically selling before you buy? If so, how could you lose.


BB up $1 though! :bigpimp:

Basically, you are selling shares borrowed from your broker and buying them back at a lower price. You pocket the difference and return the shares to your broker.

It's the opposite of buy low, sell high. Instead it's sell short high, and buy low.

[Thomas Gabriel]

And you have to keep in mind borrowing cost. It's not the best idea for a long term trade.

[freshvibes]

CALI another low float former runner play. Up 85% + today, once momentum dies down it should start fading off for a nice short opportunity.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BFGJzkaCAAADcX0.png:large

[asp integra]

go BB! finally some movement in the right direction!

[icky2unk]

Originally posted by asp integra
go BB! finally some movement in the right direction!

Hoping it continues through till the 28th!

[revelations]

Originally posted by Thomas Gabriel


Yup sold everything. I want to start shorting but it's too risky at the moment. Maybe in a month or so.

I expect the major stock indexes to make new highs until late April - early May (sell in May go away) and then a correction WILL happen.

[willbe1]

Originally posted by e36bmw///
I think i've asked this before, but does anyone use Interactive brokers?

The fees are significantly cheaper than other brokers and I want to hear some experiences.

Option trades are $1.5 per contract. But is there a flat fee on top of that?

I have been with them since 2009. They are ok but they are not offering RRSP and Tax free saving accounts.
I am paying $10 a month if I am not trading. If commissions paid are more than $10, flat rate will be waived
http://interactivebrokers.com/en/index.php?f=commission&p=stocks2#america

[icky2unk]

TBE up 7%. Time for the comeback

[cloud7]

GFS making a big move today as well... Q4 results out after tomorrow's trading.

[swak]

BB up ~$2 :eek:

...lookin' good!

[themack89]

Originally posted by swak
BB up ~$2 :eek:

...lookin' good!

lol, a 15-20% move is normal for BB these days.

[roopi]

Bought into IMG today. 3 reasons for buying:

1. I like when CFO's buy shares
2. Pays a 4% dividend
3. Trading near 52 week low (I believe there was an overreaction)

[e36bmw///]

nm

[e36bmw///]

nm

[roopi]

Originally posted by e36bmw///


Unlike NFLX, GOOG and PCLN.

Heavy insider selling

Sorry I'm not sure what you are saying here? :dunno:

[e36bmw///]

nm

[freshvibes]

Seems like the big boys are getting out of their positions. Markets have been going up on low volume for the past few months, once a correction comes it's going to fall real fast.

[themack89]

Originally posted by e36bmw///
I just meant the insiders are selling on those names

And? Do you know why they were selling?

If it was me, I would always be selling my company shares as soon as I got them, or at least as soon as I could. Doesn't matter what company.

Maybe you can figure out why.

[revelations]

Originally posted by freshvibes
Seems like the big boys are getting out of their positions. Markets have been going up on low volume for the past few months, once a correction comes it's going to fall real fast.

:werd:

May is my guess ...

[civicHB]

Pulled the trigger on AAPL. hope it rises!

[swak]

Originally posted by civicHB
Pulled the trigger on AAPL. hope it rises!

Thats a scary one... Hope it goes up for you though man! :eek:

[themack89]

If the market was a giant sine wave we'd be topping pretty soon in context of recessions and global meltdowns. But that's just voodoo.

[asp integra]

Hope no one is heavily into AFFY, down 63% at the moment

[icky2unk]

BB Upgraded by MS whoot

[e36bmw///]

nm

[icky2unk]

Originally posted by e36bmw///
Investment bankers are always right!

Irrelevant 100%. Market takes an upgrade as a positive sign and stock price goes up. That's the moral of my post. No need for sarcasm.

[93VR6]

Where do you guys see the bottom for ATH? it's getting pretty appealing in my eyes at these levels.

[icky2unk]

RPL just getting shit on lately. Down 9% on no news today. Earnings coming out later though so we'll see, maybe insider leak.

[Red@8]

Anyone holding or have thoughts on DTX?

[swak]

I keep buying into BAU... They're tanking a bit now, but have some sexy stats... Thoughts?

[lsc2g]

the ATH looks promising if it actually goes up. i'll watch it for a week to see if it drops a bit more and maybe jump in on some

[borN]

Originally posted by Red@8
Anyone holding or have thoughts on DTX?

What information are you looking for specifically?

[JLau]

Anyone hold URS.V?

[AudiPWR]

Decided to screw around a little with penny stocks, just purchased 100,000 units of RSC on TSX this morning for .05 a share... Up to .06 now. Really not too worried about it, hopefully it can get up to .10 or so.

[Red@8]

Originally posted by borN


What information are you looking for specifically?

Just general thoughts, sentiment etc. I was just told about the company so I haven't had too much time to look into it yet.

[borN]

Originally posted by Red@8


Just general thoughts, sentiment etc. I was just told about the company so I haven't had too much time to look into it yet.

- One of the best junior stories in 2012
- Some juniors, if they're lucky, have two strong relatively unexplored assets...DTX has two core areas with phenomenal upside in each
- Companies are drilling for Mississippian Bakken in AB and have seen drilling costs go around ~$11MM per well (see TORC, CPG, Murphy); DTX is drilling for around ~$3-4MM and hitting wells that payback in less than a year
- Belly River is very new; they hold a large amount if acreage in the area and just hit a few boomers that tested ~1,250 BOE/d and 770 BOE/d (with minimal decline initially)
- Looks like they've only booked 1 years worth of reserves, so very conservative booking with tons of potential upside long-term


Could go on and on but they're a great junior story. You probably won't get a double with this one anytime soon, but it's a great one to have in the portfolio (I wish I held it last year...haha).

[Red@8]

^ certainly sounds promising. I noticed they had a good 2012 as well. Will do some DD.

[Red@8]

Originally posted by borN


- One of the best junior stories in 2012
- Some juniors, if they're lucky, have two strong relatively unexplored assets...DTX has two core areas with phenomenal upside in each
- Companies are drilling for Mississippian Bakken in AB and have seen drilling costs go around ~$11MM per well (see TORC, CPG, Murphy); DTX is drilling for around ~$3-4MM and hitting wells that payback in less than a year
- Belly River is very new; they hold a large amount if acreage in the area and just hit a few boomers that tested ~1,250 BOE/d and 770 BOE/d (with minimal decline initially)
- Looks like they've only booked 1 years worth of reserves, so very conservative booking with tons of potential upside long-term


Could go on and on but they're a great junior story. You probably won't get a double with this one anytime soon, but it's a great one to have in the portfolio (I wish I held it last year...haha).


Another good NR. I only have a small position started but off to the races today. Certainly not going to complain.

[bmeier]

thoughts please.

I will be purchasing a house in the next .5-2 years.
We have a fairly large sum of cash for a downpayment, my question is should i sit on the cash till we buy a house or invest the money into something stable like a GIC? the rates for GICs dont seem very worthwhile any ideas?

i have other investments and a rental property but i cant decide what is best to do with this money it seems a shame to let it sit for that period of time.

[icky2unk]

My housing money I threw 75% into low risk stocks and 25% in JR o&g. I can't bare to leave money sitting as cash.

[bmeier]

Originally posted by icky2unk
My housing money I threw 75% into low risk stocks and 25% in JR o&g. I can't bare to leave money sitting as cash.

stocks are all well and good if you dont have to sell them when they go down. i am worried that if i buy stocks even low risk ones that they will go down and i will be forced to sell at a loss when i find a house i want to buy and need money now.

[Feruk]

Might as well throw it into a GIC in that case. Where's the down side? Your money grows a little and is not at risk. Better than having it sit in a bank account and get devalued by inflation.

[icky2unk]

Originally posted by bmeier


stocks are all well and good if you dont have to sell them when they go down. i am worried that if i buy stocks even low risk ones that they will go down and i will be forced to sell at a loss when i find a house i want to buy and need money now.

All relevant to your risk tolerance I suppose. If stocks aren't your thing then GIC it for something vs nothing.

Invested properly a pretty safe 4-5% gain in the market is not unreasonable at all, vs a 1.25% GIC. I mean dividend yield is great to have if you aren't worried about having to cash out in 1-2 months. But if you are going to be looking every day eating your heart out with daily fluctuations then the market probably isn't for you.

[bmeier]

Originally posted by icky2unk


All relevant to your risk tolerance I suppose. If stocks aren't your thing then GIC it for something vs nothing.

Invested properly a pretty safe 4-5% gain in the market is not unreasonable at all, vs a 1.25% GIC. I mean dividend yield is great to have if you aren't worried about having to cash out in 1-2 months. But if you are going to be looking every day eating your heart out with daily fluctuations then the market probably isn't for you.

I am already heavily invested into stocks. My point was that when its time to cash out the house money if the stocks are down I could end up taking a bath and not coming out ahead.

having already looked into GICs trying to find other opinions but it is the "safest" solution.

I am not adverse to risk, just want to minimize possible losses since the money has to come out in the next year or two. Looking for opinions on good index funds etc. or other options if anyone as any aside from regular stocks.

[icky2unk]

Originally posted by bmeier


I am already heavily invested into stocks. My point was that when its time to cash out the house money if the stocks are down I could end up taking a bath and not coming out ahead.

having already looked into GICs trying to find other opinions but it is the "safest" solution.

I am not adverse to risk, just want to minimize possible losses since the money has to come out in the next year or two. Looking for opinions on good index funds etc. or other options if anyone as any aside from regular stocks.

Then give yourself a time limit or expectation. What to exit in march and were expecting a 5% return.

Then cash out once u hit 5% or look for exit opportunities from Jan --> March. If you are invested in low risk stocks there shouldn't be huge swings in share price that should force u to take losses. 1.25% from a GIC is just nothing special.

[roopi]

So what's everyone buying today? Picked up NVS, TCK.B, and IMG tody. Hopefully there is some sort of bounce before gold keeps heading down.

[icky2unk]

Originally posted by roopi
So what's everyone buying today? Picked up NVS, TCK.B, and IMG tody. Hopefully there is some sort of bounce before gold keeps heading down.

If I wasn't already heavily invested i'd be loading up on everything hah

[revelations]

I would strongly look at shorting, or things like inverse ETF.

Were at a pre-correction stage right now - all the signs are there.

IF youre in, tighten your stops now.

[davidI]

Cleared out all of my positions to go Non-Resident last week. Appears to be good timing. :D

[dawerks]

Originally posted by roopi
So what's everyone buying today? Picked up NVS, TCK.B, and IMG tody. Hopefully there is some sort of bounce before gold keeps heading down.

Already cashed out (around March) most and went 'safe'. Taking the rest off after the gold dump. Usually (not always), when gold tanks, the market follows as whole. Not wanting to test that theory, so I'm playing it safe!

Out of RIM sadly :( For a 50% gain :)

[busdepot]

Just thought I'd share one for you

NFK.V - Africa Hydrocarbons

Institutional investor just dumped huge yesterday and got out which sunk the price down. Many reports and estimates have put this on a potential 10bagger list. Spudding well soon in Tunisia, seismic flat spots are so clear, you can see them on their website. The bullboards are equally optimistic on this one. Naturally, caveat emptor, do your own dd.

[msommers]

O&G work in Africa is so hit and miss. Entire projects can go on hold because of issues with the government. That said, a could directional drillers were asked if they wanted to work in Africa this winter, somewhere on the west so maybe activity is up.

Sounds interesting though, I'll look into it. Thanks!

[Blackwater]

What are you all using to buy and sell stocks ? I'm a newb with BMO and I just put all my money into mutual funds, I know someone earlier said something about TD waterhouse so I assume the equivalent for that is BMO's investorLine ?

[roopi]

Originally posted by Blackwater
What are you all using to buy and sell stocks ? I'm a newb with BMO and I just put all my money into mutual funds, I know someone earlier said something about TD waterhouse so I assume the equivalent for that is BMO's investorLine ?

Yes InvestorLine would be the equivalent. All the banks offer discount brokerage services. In addition there are sites like Questtrade, Etrade, etc. Personally I stick with the TD/RBC however if you don't have a certain amount of funds in the account or trades per quarter commissions can be much higher than the other options.

[roopi]

Originally posted by dawerks


Already cashed out (around March) most and went 'safe'. Taking the rest off after the gold dump. Usually (not always), when gold tanks, the market follows as whole. Not wanting to test that theory, so I'm playing it safe!

Out of RIM sadly :( For a 50% gain :)

I bought back into RIM this morning. Looking for a little run up as the Q10 launch gets closer. I also anticipate that the Q10 will be more successful than the Z10. Hope it works out.

[icky2unk]

Originally posted by roopi


I bought back into RIM this morning. Looking for a little run up as the Q10 launch gets closer. I also anticipate that the Q10 will be more successful than the Z10. Hope it works out.

Paying off so far! Up 3% whoot

[roopi]

Originally posted by icky2unk


Paying off so far! Up 3% whoot

Up 7% here since buying back in.

[roopi]

Originally posted by roopi
So what's everyone buying today? Picked up NVS, TCK.B, and IMG tody. Hopefully there is some sort of bounce before gold keeps heading down.

Sold out of IMG for a loss, sold TCK for a gain (pretty much offset the IMG loss), and still holding NVS (getting impatient with this one but will keep holding).

Still holding BB as well with a nice little run up over the past week.

[bmeier]

anyone buying apple stock? it seems undervalued to me.

[KappaSigma]

Bought into ECA near close price. Hoping to play the $18.50ish to $19.25ish range for the next little bit.

[bigbadboss101]

Originally posted by bmeier
anyone buying apple stock? it seems undervalued to me.

I was looking at that on the weekend. It has gone up decently this week. When to enter into a position?

[e36bmw///]

nm

[Rat Fink]

.

[themack89]

Originally posted by bmeier
anyone buying apple stock? it seems undervalued to me.

how does it seem undervalued?

[KappaSigma]

Originally posted by KappaSigma
Bought into ECA near close price. Hoping to play the $18.50ish to $19.25ish range for the next little bit.

Sticking to my strategy. Sold today for $19.20

[AudiPWR]

Anybody have any TSLA? I had a buddy who made close to $300,000 on his options.. Crazy bastard.

[e36bmw///]

nm

[AudiPWR]

I think it was more than $20k.

[eatrice]

Held TSLA for a year before selling. A couple months after I sell it skyrockets. :banghead:

[sabad66]

Question for you guys: I foolishly sold my MSFT shares on Friday may 10 without thinking about dividend dates. The ex-dividend date was may 13, but my settlement date says may 15. Does this mean I might still be eligible for the dividend since the settlement date was after the ex-dividend date?

[troyl]

REDMOND, Wash. — Mar. 11, 2013 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that its board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.23 per share. The dividend is payable June 13, 2013 to shareholders of record on May 16, 2013. The ex-dividend date will be May 14, 2013.


No, you will not receive a dividend.

[8baller8]

6 month play on bombardier? With that new cseries out and tons of orders, both short and long term look nice.

[ZenOps]

Nikkei down bigtime.

The rapid and extreme rally that the tsunami caused seems to be over. Now its long long long term pain to pay for the rebuilding.

[roopi]

Averaged down on NVS today. Recent earnings report looked good to me. Looking at were peers are trading this is undervalued at this price. Not sure why its been performing so poorly but hopefully someone notices eventually.

Quick article comparing NVS to RRX:

http://www.albertaoilmagazine.com/2013/06/viking-oil-producers-exciting-returns/

[Feruk]

Any idea why NVS took the recent plunge?

[bmeier]

PWT thoughts?

dividend cut and layoffs happening. finally some good management righting the ship.

lots of insider buying

[roopi]

Originally posted by Feruk
Any idea why NVS took the recent plunge?

I wish I had a logical explanation for this but I don't. The only thing that I can think of here is that shareholders have become impatient that a buyout hasn't happened since they essentially put themselves up for sale back in December. It kind of makes sense since as soon as the announcement came out that they were looking for 'strategic opportunities' the stock price went up. 6-7 months later and nothing.

I did buy this in hopes of it being bought out at a higher price however seeing the year end and q1 results I don't even care if they get bought out. Company is growing and making money. Eventually the market should (figures crossed) realize this.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[XXXXXX]

Couldn't even open a damn Questrade account.. I tried to verify my bank by sending them a picture of a void cheque and then sending them a bill payment.

The money showed up in my account but still didn't get verified, even contacted them asking wtf but didn't get a reply.

I just cancelled my application. Not sure wtf went wrong.

[Manhattan]

What's happening to Teck? :banghead:

[themack89]

Originally posted by Manhattan
What's happening to Teck? :banghead:

Copper is getting hammered.

Actually, relative to the beginning of 2010, Copper is at a nice buy point.

[davidI]

Originally posted by XXXXXX
Couldn't even open a damn Questrade account.. I tried to verify my bank by sending them a picture of a void cheque and then sending them a bill payment.

The money showed up in my account but still didn't get verified, even contacted them asking wtf but didn't get a reply.

I just cancelled my application. Not sure wtf went wrong.

I really didn't like QT. I closed my account with them too.

[themack89]

Interactive Brokers blows TD and Quest out of the water (those are the only three brokers I've ever used so I can't comment on any others).