More Stock to Watch notions: February 21, 2024 .

 

Market Talk

As we are now past the mid February point in 2024, so much is happening on the world's fronts that it can feel overwhelming to the average person.  In America, we are being confronted with the results of hidden agendas and socialist manifestos.  For example, go buy and install a shower head and turn it on.  Stand naked in your shower and when you expect a nice refreshing stream of warm water, see what happens.  Thank the hidden agenda when your water flow is dwindled down to  a weak piddle - due to a "constrictor". Unless you take it apart and pull out that constrictor, your new shower head you just bought will bring forward a measly weak drip lacking the force to soothe your aching back from working harder to try to keep up with inflation.  This is just the TIP of the iceberg to constrain freedom.  Your personal privilege and right to have a vehicle is under siege by policies that foster "road diets" that cut back a two lane road in your town to a traffic jamming mess on a summer day.  "They" are trying to ram ev's down our throats by subsidies that when lifted could make owning a car unsustainable not to mention the strain on the electric grid driving electricity costs sky high. "They" fostered  sponsoring billions of tax dollars into windmills the size the empire state building just off the coast with blades as wide as football field.  The proper solution of using cleaner natural gas in local turbines remains ignored.  The failed wind project killed whales and dolphins and is not sustainable due to the high maintenance required out in the ocean.  After cost overruns and development delays, detrimental sea life impact, the failed project was thankfully cancelled. Where did the money go?  poofters.

On the economy, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report did not fall as the federal reserve expected.  The interest rate cuts that the markets have been anticipating are more likely to be forestalled into the summer. 

 

As traders and investors watch current events in the country and the world, certain macro-economic trends seem to be playing out. America is being invaded by illegal immigrants from all over the world and our tax dollars are funding unsustainable economic policies. It is possible that such trends could cascade into serious repercussions on the future ways of America.

 

Let us proceed to stock talk.

Stock Talk

 

As the value of the dollar dwindles, more people are becoming aware of having "perceived' stores of value that may better inflation.  Stores of value such as Gold, silver and another area becoming quite noticeable to both us retail market watchers and big "whales" and institutions alike. This area is "crypto".  The two most prominent crypto's are Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).  Bitcoin is seen as a store of value by crypto enthusiasts largely because there is finite number of total coins that can be "mined" going forward into the future. The protocol has events called "halving" where it becomes twice as hard for mining computers to solve the crypto puzzles that result in gaining even a fraction of a bitcoin. The more powerful machines the miner has, the bigger the share of bitcoin. Due to volatility of miners, subject to the whims and foibles of management -  it seems safer or less stomach turmoil to just hold some shares in an etf like IBIT .

In a short time Bitcoin had risen to cross the $50K threshold and Ethereum is up and approaching the $3K .  There are stocks around these crypto coins that are volatile but by the by have been soaring higher.  The frustrating thing is they can be scary and volatile on the downside as well if trying to "trade" these stocks enduring the whipsaws.

One caveat on "perception" and stocks is that the market can be a fickle two headed beast -- so take anything with risk in a cautionary "some or none" mode and not "too much" mindset with dry powder for sure.  Anything can happen and it will indeed.

 Watch areas:

IBIT - new Ishares spot bitcoin etf, recently approved.  After "the halving"  or as it approaches in April, theoretically bitcoin could move higher. It remains to be seen about theory vs reality.

Crypto Itself : Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).  watch these as April approaches.  some crypto "gurus" are touting ETH as "Crypto 2.0" and "next gen crypto".  Rumors of some big investors accumulating ETH.  These are also volatile and should be treated with risk awareness.  Bitcoin and ETH are not "stocks" but a form of alternative "store of value" as crypto nerds like to say.  But they can be bought and traded like stocks. Just be aware to keep track for tax reporting loss and gains to Uncle Sam. This does not seem to be something to put it all in - but crypto followers dollar cost average here and there in case the fiat suffers too much in true value. 

Bitcoin miners are presently very volatile and dangerous to try to "trade".  This is not an endorsement of crypto miners. The one thing to remember is that after April, it becomes twice as difficult to mine bitcoin. That is why the miners are scurrying to buy more mining rigs or "ASIC's"  which stands for Application-Specific integrated circuit miners that use specialized chips.   Some IBIT etf shares here and there may be a way to get involved as a way to take part in bitcoin.

RTX - Raytheon, moving higher since last Jones report. Don't underestimate the huge need for defense in a dangerous world full of threatening adversaries, if not enemies.

INTC - watch Intel chip maker in America. With a large workforce being employed remotely at home, the PC is still an essential part of the game.  Intel also has AI chips in process and made in America investments and funding are making INTC seem undervalued as compared to other chip stocks at this juncture.

METC  - Ramaco Resources - on metallurgical coal, essential for the production of high quality steel. Ramaco is  a REAL miner with impressive earnings and regular dividends that have been increasing. Rare earth discoveries in their Wyoming mine is also a wild card factor.

Oil and Gas industry stocks and ETF's - 

The oil and gas industry can is a volatile sector.  It has proponents and opponents. But the world currently needs oil and gas for energy.  The turmoil in the middle east and the threat to shipping  is a reminder of the important role of America's oil and gas reserves.  There are ETFs that manage oil and gas stocks in the energy sector.  This motley article highlights some ETFS.

https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/energy/oil-stocks/oil-etf-stocks/

Then there are individual stocks like OXY,  COP and DVN that stocker's  follow.  One small cap oil that is a growth stock with growing assets and earnings in the Permian basin is Vital Energy (VTLE).

The oil industry stocks can be a tough sector to try to trade.  But some stocks seem undervalued.  VTLE, a growth stock with oil well  assets here in America can be a tough one to hold due to volatility.  But watching it pick upward steam makes one wonder if VTLE  is ready to climb back to the 60's. wondering, watching and pondering is a question NOT and answer.  Only the future knows.

I will close by noting that any view on the market and stocks on any particular day may change in the future days to come. That is why we watch and see how our views match up with the reality of the time.  But trying to look ahead a few months into the future may be a way to do things.  If you think too deep about world events and the recent alliances forming, projecting ahead can be a dicey endeavor. With all the above caveats and attempted prognostications, I will close this post. 

Stay tuned for more opining on the market and stocks to watch.

___________

ALL in my humble opinion, scroll down and read more.

This site does NOT make Buy / Sell recommendations.
_____________

Market and Stock notions update .

 

Market Talk

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) report did not fall as the federal reserve expected.  The interest rate cuts that the markets have been anticipating are more likely to be forestalled into the summer.  The market reacted harshly with a sharp drop on Monday and rebounded today.

 

As traders and investors watch current events in the country and the world, certain macro-economic trends seem to be playing out. It is possible that such trends could cascade into serious repercussions on the future ways of America.

One is the value of the dollar.  More people are becoming aware of having stores of value that may better inflation.  Stores of value such as Gold, silver and another area becoming quite noticeable to both us retail market watchers and big "whales" and institutions alike. This area is "crypto".  The two most prominent crypto's are Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).  Bitcoin is seen as a store of value by crypto enthusiasts largely because there is finite number of total coins that can be "mined" going forward into the future. The protocol has events called "halving" where it becomes twice as hard for mining computers to solve the crypto puzzles that result in gaining even a fraction of a bitcoin. The more powerful machines the miner has, the bigger the share of bitcoin.

 

Let us proceed to stock talk.

Stock Talk

 

In a short time Bitcoin had risen to cross the $50K threshold and Etherum is up and approaching the $3K .  There are stocks around these crypto coins that are volatile but by the by have been soaring higher.  The frustrating thing is they can be scary and volatile on the downside as well if trying to "trade" these stocks enduring the whipsaws.

 

IBIT - new Ishares spot bitcoin etf, recently approved.  After "the halving"  or as it approaches in April, theoretically bitcoin could move higher. It remains to be seen about theory vs reality.

Crypto Itself : Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).  watch these as April approaches.  some crypto "gurus" are touting ETH as "Crypto 2.0" and "next gen crypto".  Rumors of some big investors accumulating ETH.  These are also volatile and should be treated with risk awareness.  Bitcoin and ETH are not "stocks" but a form of alternative "store of value" as crypto nerds like to say.  But they can be bought and traded like stocks. Just be aware to keep track for tax reporting loss and gains to Uncle Sam. This does not seem to be something to put it all in - but crypto followers dollar cost average here and there in case the fiat suffers too much in true value.  (update: AVAX is another possible up and comer to maybe look into.)

Bitcoin miners are presently very volatile and dangerous to try to "trade".  There are three bitcoin miners on the watch list due to the recent action.  This is not an endorsement, but as they mine bitcoin and save some beyond those used to cover expenses, the market is anticipating value.  The one thing to remember is that after April, it becomes twice as difficult to mine bitcoin. That is why the miners are scurrying to buy more mining rigs or "ASIC's"  which stands for Application-Specific integrated circuit miners that use specialized chips.

 A few "miners" on the  watch list:

 

   MARA   RIOT   CLSK

Also COIN stock as on-line site "coinbase" is a major broker for crypto and the recent ETF's use coinbase .

Other stocks :

RTX - Raytheon, moving higher since last Jones report. Don't underestimate the huge need for defense in a dangerous world full of threatening adversaries, if not enemies.

INTC - watch Intel chip maker in America. With a large workforce being employed remotely at home, the PC is still an essential part of the game.  Intel also has AI chips in process and made in America investments and funding are making INTC seem undervalued as compared to other chip stocks at this juncture.

METC  - Ramaco Resources - on metallurgical coal, essential for the production of high quality steel. Ramaco is  a REAL miner with impressive earnings and regular dividends that have been increasing. Rare earth discoveries in their Wyoming mine is also a wild card factor.

I will close by noting that any view on the market and stocks on any particular day may change in the future days to come. That is why we watch and see how our views match up with the reality of the time.  But trying to look ahead a few months into the future may be a way to do things.  If you think too deep about world events and the recent alliances forming, projecting ahead can be a dicey endeavor. With all the above caveats and attempted prognostications, I will close this post. 

Stay tuned for more opining on the market and stocks to watch.

___________

ALL in my humble opinion, scroll down and read more.

This site does NOT make Buy / Sell recommendations.
_____________

Ramaco Resources (METC) raises production gudance .

Stock Talk

 

Yesterday,  Ramaco resources (METC) provided an update, raising production guidance .

 https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ramaco-resources-inc-provides-guidance-211000803.html

METC  - Ramaco Resources - on metallurgical coal, essential for the production of high quality steel.  There are other irons in the fire with a possibility of future rare earth elements from the Wyoming mine. However the coal for steel production is the  earnings driver for continued stock performance.   A short outfit  tried to "shake it out" - but the Ramaco Resources update speaks for itself.

_______

I will close by noting that any view on the market and stocks on any particular day may change in the future days to come. That is why we watch and see how our views match up with the reality of the time.  But trying to look ahead a few months into the future may be a way to do things.  If you think too deep about world events and the recent alliances forming, projecting ahead can be a dicey endeavor. With all the above caveats and attempted prognostications, I will close this post. 

Stay tuned for more opining on the market and stocks to watch.

___________

ALL in my humble opinion, scroll down and read more.

This site does NOT make Buy / Sell recommendations.
_____________

 

Stock Notions update

 

Market Talk

As traders and investors watch current events in the country and the world, certain macro-economic trends seem to be playing out. It is possible that such trends could cascade into serious repercussions on the future ways of America.

One is the value of the dollar.  More people are becoming aware of having stores of value that may better inflation.  Stores of value such as Gold, silver and another area becoming quite noticeable to both us retail market watchers and big "whales" and institutions alike. This area is "crypto".  The two most prominent crypto's are Bitcoin ($42,500) and Ethereum ($2,200) .  Bitcoin is seen as a store of value by crypto enthusiasts largely because there is finite number of total coins that can be "mined" going forward into the future. The protocol has events called "halving" where it becomes twice as hard for mining computers to solve the crypto puzzles that result in gaining even a fraction of a bitcoin. The more powerful machines the miner has, the bigger the share of bitcoin.

 

Let us proceed to stock talk.

Stock Talk

 

IBIT - new Ishares spot bitcoin etf, recently approved.  After "the halving"  or as it approaches in April, theoretically bitcoin could move higher. It remains to be seen about theory vs reality.

Crypto Itself : Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).  watch these as April approaches.  some crypto "gurus" are touting ETH as "Crypto 2.0" and "next gen crypto".  Rumors of some big investors accumulating ETH.  These are also volatile and should be treated with risk awareness.  Bitcoin and ETH are not "stocks" but a form of alternative "store of value" as crypto nerds like to say.  But they can be bought and traded like stocks. Just be aware to keep track for tax reporting loss and gains to Uncle Sam. This does not seem to be something to put it all in - but crypto followers dollar cost average here and there in case the fiat suffers too much in true value.  (update: AVAX is another possible up and comer to maybe look into.)

RTX - Raytheon, moving higher since last Jones report. Don't underestimate the huge need for defense in a dangerous world full of threatening adversaries, if not enemies.

INTC - watch Intel chip maker in America.

METC  - Ramaco Resources - on metallurgical coal, essential for the production of high quality steel.

note: Bitcoin miners are presently very volatile and dangerous to try to "trade".  If watching the crypto miners, one area to watch is if bitcoin approaches the $50 K level. Miners need BTC to run higher due the bitcoin halving event it April.  Makes one wonder, why not just buy some BTC and ETH on bitcoin? or maybe some of the new bitcoin ETF, IBIT?  Why or Why not is the actual question. That is not an answer. The word "some" may apply.

Overall , watching events and policy unfolding in America are things growing "unsustainable" ?

I will close by noting that any view on the market and stocks on any particular day may change in the future days to come. That is why we watch and see how our views match up with the reality of the time.  But trying to look ahead a few months into the future may be a way to do things.  If you think too deep about world events and the recent alliances forming, projecting ahead can be a dicey endeavor. With all the above caveats and attempted prognostications, I will close this post. 

Stay tuned for more opining on the market and stocks to watch.

___________

ALL in my humble opinion, scroll down and read more.

This site does NOT make Buy / Sell recommendations.
_____________

Two stocks to watch in THE Defense of AMERICA and the FREE WORLD

 

Market Talk

Many people on Main Street America are not aware of the new dangers to America. Just as one example - a very serious- lack of keeping up with China's advances in weapons of mass destruction.

China has made advances in hypersonic missiles (tagged as "DF-") that are designed (and already deployed) to rain down terror from the upper regions of the atmosphere at hyper-sonic speeds.  That Chinese balloon that took low altitude pictures of silos in Montana?   For years, the theory of mutually assured destruction has kept nuclear war at bay. If China gets the notion that they can quickly take out a major leg of our nuclear triad, land based missiles, submarine and strategic bombers then there could be crazy forces that start believing a first strike could gain them advantage. If "they" start believing they could take out our command and control before we can fully strike back ?  Be aware America.  Thanks to two America companies - all may not be lost. 

Let us proceed to stock talk.

Stock Talk

There are two American companies that are world leaders in the defense of America and our allies in free countries. Now, the two companies are into a diverse array of products and division.  For the purpose of this post , we will focus on the anti- missile systems that make up a sort of "dome of protection" for free countries defense against aggression by nefarious forces.

Enter Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.  Raytheon Corporation (RTX) is lead on the Patriot anti-missile system. Lockheed Martin (LMT) is lead on THAAD. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense Missile system.  Both anti missile systems can be deployed to help take out missiles, even hypersonic missiles. Our adversaries, China and Russia, Iran as well as North Korea HATE the Patriot and THAAD defense systems.

As far as stocks . LMT is already over $400 a share. Here at the Jones report, it's considered out of range, but a watch stock. On the other hand - Raytheon (RTX) could be an interesting stock to maybe start to take a small position in the 80's.  Not saying to go all in but maybe a few shares of RTX here n' there in dollar cost averaging  mode could be a good investment.

If the notion of the added deterrent of an "iron dome" all around America takes hold -  RTX and LMT would be key players.

This post will close by noting that any view on the market and stocks on any particular day may change in the future days to come. That is why we watch and see how our views match up with the reality of the time.  But trying to look ahead a few months into the future may be a way to do things.  If you think too deep about world events and the recent alliances forming, projecting ahead can be a dicey endeavor. With all the above caveats and attempted prognostications, I will close this post. 

Stay tuned for more opining on the market and stocks to watch.

___________

ALL in my humble opinion, scroll down and read more.

This site does NOT make Buy / Sell recommendations.
_____________

The Fed "pivot" is waking "Elephants in the room" - as the year winds down and related "Stock Talk".

 

Market Talk

The other day, the Federal reserve chairman made a surprising "pivot" on interest rate guidance.  New suggestions that as inflation comes under control, there will likely be coming rate cuts as early as the spring. The market immediately went bonkers higher, only to retreat backward as the ebullience wore down to reality of more circumspect views on soft landing vs hard landing prospects.

Regardless, the market will continue its unpredictable ways, but fundamentals still matter as far as individual stocks.

At the winter solstice, it seems high time to let the elephants in the room air it out. Here is just one elephant, there are many in the room.

In addition to inflation, the strength of US dollar may be waning globally. The BRICS are systematically creating go arounds from using the US dollar as a means of trade.  This post will discuss near term actions that may or may not be prudent. BUT not being aware is not a good strategy.

 

Let us proceed to stock talk.

Stock Talk

With the Federal Reserve pivot, it may indicate to investors that the inflation encountered is just going to become MORE prevalent. Inflation is a hidden tax as well. The need "to get ahead of the bum's rush " maddens to make more money to overcome the high taxes.

There are stores of value that various groups believe will increase .  The millennials are stuck on one area: Crypto and it's mainstay - Bitcoin.

Now one elephant is as a stock watcher that many of us watched from the sidelines here and there as bitcoin waivered.  In a short span of a month, bitcoin has shot higher into the $43,000 range. There is a "halving" planned in April 2024.  This is where it becomes twice as hard for "the miner's" computers to solve the puzzles that create bitcoin ownership.  The notion is that it is a natural way to prevent dilution of bitcoin value.  This is one thing that makes bitcoin valuable in the minds of crypto enthusiasts. Unlike "fiat" or government currency that is backed only on the good faith of the particular nation.

In a short span, bitcoin related stocks, specifically "the miners" have seen surges some tripling.  At the same time, they are not yet near their previous highs during the bitcoin bubble.  With the halving, bitcoin miners costs rise to get the same bitcoin they mine today by double.  But many are taking steps to increase development capacity by buying more equipment, facilities near energy efficient nuclear power plants.

An elephant is the question of did many of us actually miss the run and will bitcoin heat burn off as whales take gains along the way.  One factor driving crypto is government acceptance.  There is a plan for Blackrock, Wisdom tree and others to start spot ETF bitcoin vehicles.  Applications are submitted to the SEC and adjustments are being worked such cash vs margin requirements.

So, the question of the future is there still time get involved? Or is crypto a passing fad like tulips in Holland that could sell off harshly?

Halving will theoretically increase the value of Bitcoin as long as people still want it.  Bitcoin is NOT like a gold coin you can pick up and hold.  It's notional "bits" on a storage device that can be bought and sold in the ether at on-line brokers like coinbase.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/crypto-had-a-surprisingly-great-year-it-still-faces-threats-in-2024-100021572.html

Some symbols:

COIN

Some bitcoin miners:

MARA

RIOT

CLSK

The symbols above have ALREADY broken out considerably.  Could they go even further or create new bag holders?  Only the future can say.

This is where the words maybe "watch" and if ready to actually pull the trigger?   Only "some if any" applies based on your own appetite for risk.  Maybe if "trying to trade" the swing, a trade in some like MARA could work.

Stay tuned for other stocks where elephants in the room are moving such as defense and oil stocks. Topics for another day. 

Defense:  RTX,  LMT

and today, we have an update in Vital Resources, highlighted here as a stock to watch.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/vital-energy-acquires-additional-working-220000237.html

Vital Energy (VTLE):

Vital reported quarterly eps:  $5.16 with over 200,000 acres of oil rich property in the basins of America. very high eps, very low pe. 

Comparing eps makes VTLE interesting indeed.  They are reported to have hedged oil in the 70's.  VTLE is a takeover candidate as well with recent consolidations happening by big oil. 

Fundamentals on VTLE seem very strong although the recent market variations have not been pleasant to shareholders. It may be time to bottom fish on some VTLE?

... and holding some METC and METCB

This post will close by noting that any view on the market and stocks on any particular day may change in the future days to come. That is why we watch and see how our views match up with the reality of the time.  But trying to look ahead a few months into the future may be a way to do things.  If you think too deep about world events and the recent alliances forming, projecting ahead can be a dicey endeavor. With all the above caveats and attempted prognostications, I will close this post. 

Stay tuned for more opining on the market and stocks to watch.

___________

ALL in my humble opinion, scroll down and read more.

This site does NOT make Buy / Sell recommendations.
_____________

Paint a rosy picture ride a painted pony...yea ok sure.

 

Market Talk

 

The Fed is pivoting their inflation fighting story to an easing of interest rates.

"US stocks gained on Thursday, as investors continued to celebrate a dovish shift by the Federal Reserve that helped propel the Dow to a new all-time closing high."

Has inflation really subsided?  Things still cost way too much. In other words. prices are not really coming down.  It makes one wonder if the Fed is changing their tune to help the current politicians in office for 2024 elections.  Anybody that is aware of how "they" are selling out America for power and bold face pony dog lying to us would be circumspect. Oh, and don't forget the democrat's line, "the border is secure".  yea sure - 10,000 a day on a bus to anywhere?

Paint a rosy picture and ride a painted pony let the spinning wheels turn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5jNJd7HRVU

Stock watching today shows the financials bouncing higher. Bank stocks must like it.

I close this post by noting that any view on the market and stocks on any particular day may change in the future days to come. That is why we watch and see how our views match up with the reality of the time.  But trying to look ahead a few months into the future may be a way to do things.  If you think too deep about world events and the recent alliances forming, projecting ahead can be a dicey endeavor. With all the above caveats and attempted prognostications, I will close this post. 

Stay tuned for more opining on the market and stocks to watch.

___________

ALL in my humble opinion, scroll down and read more.

This site does NOT make Buy / Sell recommendations.
_____________