Ah, the stock market! That exhilarating rollercoaster that can make your day or, well, teach you the virtues of patience. On the 1st of March 2024, I rode one of those thrilling highs – every single position in my portfolio was basking in the glow of profit. But, as any seasoned rider of this financial rollercoaster will tell you, what goes up usually has a way of coming down or throwing a loop you didn’t see coming.
The Joy of a Good Day
Let’s talk about that big up day on March 1st. Imagine every stock you own deciding to throw a party, and you’re the guest of honor. That’s pretty much what happened. It’s moments like these that make you want to print out your portfolio balance and frame it. But then reality whispers, “This too shall change,” and you remember that the market is as predictable as the weather in spring.
A Closer Look at My Portfolio Choices
ELF: The Shining Star
- Position Risk: 5.96%
- Potential Profit: 19.88%
- Position Size: 7.69%
ELF has been the performer of my portfolio, triggering the 8-week holding rule with its impressive ascent. It wasn’t just a random pick; it had all the markers of a solid choice—strong earnings, positive market response, and a promising trend line. It’s like betting on the underdog and watching them win the championship.
CNM: Doubling Down
- Position Risk: 10.23%
- Potential Profit: 19.80%
- Position Size: 7.86%
Then there’s CNM. After locking in some earlier profits, I decided to increase my stake. It’s akin to going back for a second helping of a delicious meal—not because you need it, but because it’s just too good to pass up. CNM was showing promise, not just in performance but in potential, prompting me to up my game.
FERG: The Speculative Play
- Position Risk: 5.01%
- Potential Profit: 19.90%
- Position Size: 8.84%
FERG was an interesting addition to my portfolio, a bit of a speculative venture if you will. I was drawn to its breakout from a base, a classic move that caught my eye. It’s like spotting a rare bird in the wild; you have to take a moment to appreciate it and maybe even capture it (in this case, by buying the stock). However, the EPS and sales growth didn’t quite line up, adding a dash of spice to this otherwise calculated move.
AMZN: The Steady Climber
- Position Risk: 4.10%
- Potential Profit: 19.88%
- Position Size: 8.08%
Ah, AMZN, the behemoth that rarely disappoints. I jumped on this one as it was showing signs of a solid uptrend, hugging close to the EMA 21. It’s akin to following a seasoned hiker on a challenging trail; you feel somewhat reassured about the path ahead. The stop-loss is placed just below a recent low, a safety net of sorts, ensuring that if the stock decides to backtrack, I’m ready to step off the trail.
SAP: The Calculated Bet
- Position Risk: 4.84%
- Potential Profit: 19.89%
- Position Size: 8.49%
SAP caught my attention for similar reasons to AMZN. Its strong uptrend and proximity to EMA 21 made it an attractive proposition. Investing in SAP felt like investing in a well-oiled machine, reliable and efficient. The stop-loss strategy here mirrors that of AMZN, a precautionary measure to guard against unexpected reversals.
ANET: The Tech Contender
- Position Risk: 5.31%
- Potential Profit: 19.93%
- Position Size: 12.80%
ANET has been a standout player, offering a glimpse into the tech world’s dynamic nature. It’s like backing a dark horse in a race, witnessing it gain momentum unexpectedly. The stock’s recovery post-earnings was a sign of resilience, compelling enough for me to take a position and watch this contender closely.
CVLT: The Under-the-Radar Gem
- Position Risk: 5.75%
- Potential Profit: 19.81%
- Position Size: 4.49%
CVLT might not make headlines every day, but its strong accumulation by investors and funds caught my eye. It’s like discovering a hidden gem in a crowded marketplace; its quiet confidence and steady accumulation hint at untold potential, prompting me to secure a slice of the action.
PHM: The Comeback Kid
- Position Risk: 4.21%
- Potential Profit: 19.82%
- Position Size: 5.02%
PHM’s story is one of redemption, a stock that recovered and earned its place back in my portfolio. It’s akin to giving a second chance to a proven performer who stumbled. The decision to buy it back was driven by its resilience and potential for a fresh start.
GBX: The Volatility Virtuoso
- Position Risk: 5.94%
- Potential Profit: 19.81%
- Position Size: 4.75%
GBX stands out for its ability to navigate volatility, breaking out from a base in a display of strength. It’s like watching an acrobat deftly maneuver through a complex routine—both thrilling and fraught with risk. The anticipation of upcoming earnings adds an extra layer of excitement to this holding.
AMD: The Industry Leader
- Position Risk: 5.15%
- Potential Profit: 19.89%
- Position Size: 8.65%
AMD has been a beacon in my portfolio, a stock that commands attention with its rapid acceleration and industry leadership. It’s like cheering for the frontrunner in a marathon, witnessing their prowess and momentum. The stock’s clear accumulation and leading status in its industry underscore its pivotal role in my investment strategy.
TDW: The Old Guard
- Position Risk: 5.96%
- Potential Profit: 19.87%
- Position Size: 7.27%
TDW, with its longstanding trend and recent breakout, is like the seasoned veteran who still has a few tricks up their sleeve. Despite the risks associated with its age-old trend, the stock’s ability to attract institutional accumulation speaks volumes, warranting a spot in my diversified arsenal.
APG: The Steadfast Stalwart
- Position Risk: 5.82%
- Potential Profit: 19.82%
- Position Size: 4.97%
APG’s breakout and sustained accumulation by institutions highlight its steadfast nature. Investing in APG is like building a foundation on solid ground, providing a bedrock of stability amidst the portfolio’s more flamboyant players.
FTAI: The Strategic Pick
- Position Risk: 3.64%
- Potential Profit: 19.82%
- Position Size: 5.19%
FTAI stands out for its strategic positioning and institutional backing. It’s akin to a well-thought-out chess move, where the position’s relative high indicates minimal overhead resistance, offering a clear path forward. The stock’s alignment with my criteria for accumulation and growth potential makes it a calculated choice in the grand scheme of my portfolio.
The Market’s Unpredictable Nature
A Day to Remember
Market behavior can be peculiar, defying expectations when you least anticipate it. Take March 1, 2024, for instance—a standout day when all 13 stocks in my portfolio were basking in the glory of profit. It’s a rare alignment, akin to all the planets falling into a perfect row, offering a moment of celebration and a bit of bewilderment at the market’s whims.
Reflecting on the Past
Contrast this with the previous year, when the market tested my resilience with several down months, some of which bore the brunt of zero profitable trades. It was a stark reminder of the market’s capricious nature, a period that demanded patience and a steadfast commitment to my strategy, despite the absence of immediate rewards.
Embracing Uncertainty
This juxtaposition between the past’s trials and the present’s triumphs underscores a fundamental truth about investing: the market can act very oddly, indeed. The current state of profit across my portfolio is a welcome phase, but experience and history suggest that this too will change. It’s a testament to the market’s inherent unpredictability, a characteristic that keeps investors on their toes, constantly adapting and learning from the ebb and flow of financial tides.
Navigating Through the Storms
Trading: A Test of Character and Strategy
Surviving the tumultuous periods in the market has been akin to treating trading as a series of rigorous tests—be it a science experiment, a routine repetition, or a deep dive into one’s personality. It may sound cliché, but I view each trade as a crucial stepping stone toward improvement. This perspective transforms even the most challenging days into invaluable lessons, contributing to a broader journey of growth and self-discovery.
Keeping the Focus
The key to weathering the storms and basking in the sunny days alike lies in maintaining a laser-sharp focus. However, this focus isn’t on the fleeting gains or losses measured in dollars, nor is it about upholding a certain reputation. Instead, the core of my trading philosophy is centered on the relentless pursuit of getting better. It’s about honing skills, refining strategies, and cultivating a mindset that prioritizes continual improvement over transient successes or setbacks. This steadfast commitment to self-improvement is the compass that guides me through the market’s unpredictability, ensuring that each decision, each trade, and each reflection contributes to a grander vision of personal and financial growth.
Final Reflections
Now, with each stock accounted for, from the tech dynamism of ANET to SAP’s consistent reliability and CNM’s added potential, the portfolio stands as a testament to diversified strategy and nuanced decision-making. Each stock, with its unique narrative and role, contributes to the broader objective of achieving growth, managing risk, and navigating the market’s inherent volatility. As I look back on the green day of March 1st, 2024, and forward to the unpredictable days ahead, these stocks represent more than just financial instruments—they embody a journey of analysis, intuition, and strategic foresight, each playing its part in the unfolding story of investment and aspiration.
