2009: The Year of the Trader

Cody Tafel  Dec 31, 2008 3:00 pm

2009: The Year of the Trader
 
Ability to make tactical moves of utmost importance.
 

 
Another agricultural commodity I think will benefit from this theme is the soybean market. This chart looks similar to corn; again, I would use the 200-week moving average as an ideal entry/support point.

I would buy soybeans in the mid to low 800s; I think they have 50% upside from the 800’s up into the 1200 level.


Click to enlarge

There's been a lot of talk recently about the bond market being the next big bubble. Ultimately I agree, but the market can remain irrational a lot longer than you can stay solvent.

I do think interest rates will eventually have to move higher, but it's tough to fight the government. The best way to play the short side in bonds here would be the TBT, which is an ultrashort long-term bond ETF. It looks like you could take a shot on the long side here on the TBT in the mid 30s; confirmation of a low being in would be retaking the 20-day moving average near 40.

However, this is obviously a bottom pick - and I’m usually not a fan of catching falling knives. You're probably safer waiting for confirmation of an uptrend before trying to pick the low. Be careful with this one.


Click to enlarge


I hope this provides you with some investment ideas for 2009. While near term I think equities could have a great rally, it will ultimately be a rally of the countertrend bear-market variety; equities should remain a challenged asset class.

On the other hand, people will always need to eat and drink water, so I feel fairly safe investing in asset classes that will benefit from population growth.

2008 was a very successful year for those who followed my recommendations, and frankly it will be much more difficult to find such great risk/reward opportunities in the near future. However, one of my New Year’s resolutions is to contribute more frequently to Minyanville. and -- if my belief that 2009 will be the ultimate trader’s market holds true -- I will be able to help you tactically trade and navigate the markets to make 2009 a much better year than 2008.

Best wishes to all for a very happy and healthy new year!
2 of 2 (100%) found this helpful
Rate this article:  (2 Votes)
Comment (0) See All Comments »
discuss this article and more on the mv exchange
No positions in stocks mentioned.

Get real-time options trading ideas from Steve Smith, veteran options trader and newsletter author, plus let him show you the way to cut risk and boost your returns through the strategic use of options.  Click here for a free 14 day trial to OptionSmith by Steve Smith.



The information on this website solely reflects the analysis of or opinion about the performance of securities and financial markets by the writers whose articles appear on the site. The views expressed by the writers are not necessarily the views of Minyanville Media, Inc. or members of its management. Nothing contained on the website is intended to constitute a recommendation or advice addressed to an individual investor or category of investors to purchase, sell or hold any security, or to take any action with respect to the prospective movement of the securities markets or to solicit the purchase or sale of any security. Any investment decisions must be made by the reader either individually or in consultation with his or her investment professional. Minyanville writers and staff may trade or hold positions in securities that are discussed in articles appearing on the website. Writers of articles are required to disclose whether they have a position in any stock or fund discussed in an article, but are not permitted to disclose the size or direction of the position. Nothing on this website is intended to solicit business of any kind for a writer's business or fund. Minyanville management and staff as well as contributing writers will not respond to emails or other communications requesting investment advice.

Copyright 2009 Minyanville Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Ticker Talk
Popular Tickers:
F »AMZN »HIG »
Select
  •  
Talk Now
Share this Talk on your site:
Send us your feedback

Our Professors

rss article alert