Hey, Boyd!

They're all pretty good, in truth. Best show I've found is NPR (National Public Radio) as I get dressed for work. If there's some big story there about a company, I figure the stock will move that day and I have enough warning to issue a 'buy' or 'sell' that will go through by 11 am.

I also look at the day's Upgrades and Downgrades (either on Quicken or Yahoo.) Generally if some big firm is upgrading a stock, you can expect it to go higher for the next few days.

Sadly, it's easier to figure out what to short. My broker (buyandhold) doesn't allow shorting, but if you can afford it, this is a maarket where you can take some good profits in shorts. For example, I'd short Palm right now, since it reported larger than predicted losses last week and has just been downgraded to "neutral."

Not all upgrades and downgrades are equal, I've found out. You can just about take to the bank any recommendation from the big guys. Solomon-Smith-Barney's upgrade recommendations seem to do best for the longest period of time, but this could change if whoever's doing the leading research quits or retires.

I've learned the hard way to NOT take any stock recommendations published in a magazine. The news is too old by the time it gets to you.

Hey-- you might want to look at the Dogs of the Dow (www.dogsofthedow.com) for an interesting investment method.


The Five Minute Mentor