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Looking for Alan's Posts?

For those looking for our current thoughts on the market, Alan is publishing almost exclusively to Seeking Alpha. You can access Alan's articles here.

Alan also publishes a blog to support www.InvestByModel - Read the blog

Finally, to learn more about Alan's private blog, please visit the brochure.

Go Small to Win Big!

I like Small-Caps.  Here's why:

 

http://seekingalpha.com/article/321077-want-big-returns-in-2012-go-with-small-cap-stocks

 

 

 

What Motivates Your Investment Advisor?

As someone who has worked in the financial services industry since I was 21 (26 years ago), I have struggled with its value proposition.  To me, its customers generally pay too much for what they get.  To be sure, not all the blame should lie with the providers of investment management, as the customers must shoulder some of the responsibility for accepting mediocre results while paying for superior performance.  

This week, I was reminded just how different the experience can be for those who turn to professionals to manage their investments.  On the one hand, I sat down with the consultant from a big global firm based in one of the local offices in the city of a not-for-profit on which I serve as a member of its "Investment Committee".  On the other hand, I participated in the annual client conference of a firm where I provide investment research.  In the discussion that follows (seven minutes), you can hear the sharp contrast.  Hopefully, if you are entrusting an outsider to manage your money, you will learn from what I share.

Download AdvisorMotivationPublish

If you find this topic of interest and would like me to share more thoughts on the matter, please let me know!

 

6 Rallying Stocks that Tripped but haven't Fallen Down

I ran a screen for stocks that have pulled back sharply in the first two weeks of January but seem to be in uptrends still:

http://seekingalpha.com/article/319791-6-fumbles-you-may-want-to-pick-up

 

Financials: Dead-Cat Bounce or Bull Market?

Financials are strong out of the gate this year, but this is just a continuation of a move that began the day after Thanksgiving.  Is it sustainable?

Read my take:  http://seekingalpha.com/article/318366-financials-dead-cat-bounce-or-bull-market 



Tech Sleepers Waking Up

I ran a screen designed to identify Tech stocks that appear to be quietly building momentum, with seven that made the cut, including two on my watchlist.  One stock appears to be a reincarnation, written off for dead but suddenly with a bright future.  Jim Cramer jumped on the idea but made a mistake in giving up a month later.

To read more: 

http://seekingalpha.com/article/318060-7-technology-sleepers-that-look-to-be-awakening

 

A Free Look at my Conservative Growth Stocks

Prospective subscribers to my Invest By Model service can always have a free 30-day look, but once a year I expose the model in its entirety to the general public.  Here is how the Conservative Growth/Balanced Model Portfolio looked at year-end.

My Top 20 Model Portfolio: Annual Undressing

Since the end of 2008, I have been sharing my entire Top 20 Model Portfolio once a year on Seeking Alpha.  Of course, prospective subscribers always can get a free 30-day look anytime they choose.  Here is how the portfolio was positioned at year-end.

These Big Stocks with Big Runs Could See Some Selling

Earlier this month, I shared a look at some large-cap winners that might see some gains-deferred selling in early 2012.  With just two trading sessions left, most of these stocks remain near their highs.  This year, with so many losses available to offset gains, the effect may not be as powerful as in years where the market has an overall better performance, but window-dressing (where institutions hang onto winners to "look smart" to their clients) could still play a role.

10 Big Winners in the S&P 500 to Consider Trimming

Small-Caps with Big Losses: January Reversal Candidates

The "January Effect" hasn't really worked since 2006, with an acceleration into December in recent years when it has played out.  This year is likely to be different:  Why Small-Caps Should Outperform in January

For specific ideas regarding stocks that performed very poorly in 2011 and seemed plagued by year-end tax-loss selling by sector:

• Consumer
• Financials
• Tech
• Industrial/Energy/Materials
• Healthcare

 

Small-Cap Surge Ahead?

Small-Caps are getting hammered still in 2011.  Are the conditions ripe for some recovery relative to larger stocks?

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