Weekend Portfolio Analysis (October 28, 2016)

A quick one today as I have to run a couple of time consuming errands. Your pal LT is a busy and responsible man.

The SPX started the week at 2,148.50 and closed it at 2,126.41 for a 1.03% loss. The index is now up only 4.03% for the year.

Weekend Portfolio Analysis (October 21, 2016)

About two months ago I explained my thesis that it would make sense for the markets to not stage neither a spectacular rally nor a severe correction prior to the elections. It is one of those rare instances in which, what makes sense actually happens. Well, after the July 8th break out, the S&P500 has been trapped inside the 2,120 - 2,195 range.

Capitalism Baby

How using non-compounded returns can actually make you look better. 
More smoke and mirrors when bragging about returns.

Weekend Portfolio Analysis (October 14, 2016)

The S&P500 index went from 2,160.39 to 2,132.98 this week, for a 1.27% loss. Year to Date the index is up 4.36% and it is currently sitting at the same price level that it was in May of 2015. That's 17 months ago. Cool.

Now, imagine if your pal LT was up 0% in the last 17 months.....[moment of reflection,...silence in the crowd]. You, and most sane people would have stopped coming to this site. However, the S&P can do it and we still follow it, worship it, look at it every day. It's the unjust world we live in.

December SPX Credit Put spread

Today I initiated a December position, going out in time a little further than usual. I don't want to add anymore November exposure due to the elections:

Sold Dec $SPX 1870/1860 Credit Put spread for 0.65 credit.

— The Lazy Trader (@lazytrading) October 13, 2016

How to conduct quick and effective Fundamental Analysis

Many passive long-term investors have a special focus on dividend paying companies. A starting point for many is the Dividend Aristocrats list (companies that have paid and increased their dividends for at least 25 consecutive years), and the Dividend Kings (50 or more years). These are usually large-cap companies that have a moat, solid business models, and in general, conservative and prudent management. They have successfully stood the test of time. They have successfully dealt with technological changes, demographics shifts, and several ups and downs of typical business cycles. The assumption is: although not exciting, our money should be safer there while we get paid (via dividends) to wait for consistent capital appreciation.

Weekend Portfolio Analysis (October 7, 2016)

According to @ExtraDividends:

"He who do push ups, stronger than hurricane"
- Bufficus

Your pal LT has been doing a lot of push ups lately, while also suffering mandatory cloistering time thanks to hurricane Matthew. But, worry not. The necessary precautions were taken to preserve LT's life, as it would undoubtedly be a bitter world without his physical presence to dispel the fears and shed light on the sometimes vilified and always misunderstood world of Condors, Elephants and Vertical Spreads.

Options Trading Monthly Digest (September 2016)

Well, the time has come once again to go over the Options Trading performance for the most recent month: September 2016.

The goal of these articles is to recap and determine what went wrong, what went well, mistakes that were made, things that could have been done better.

Although the main focus is the long term viability of our strategies and not the month to month seesaws, hopefully these monthly updates will provide readers with confidence and serve as an authentic guide of what can be achieved with a realistic and sustainable approach to the business of Selling Options.

November SPX Lazy Elephant

Today I initiated an SPX Lazy Elephant position:

Initiated $SPX November Iron Elephant. 1970/1980/2250/2260. Number of contracts 10/10/10/12. No long Put hedge.

— The Lazy Trader (@lazytrading) October 4, 2016

Weekend Portfolio Analysis (October 2, 2016)

It was a quiet week for you pal LT where the S&P went from 2158.54 to 2168.27 for a +0.45% gain. The index is now up +6.08% for the year, which is pretty decent with all that was thrown at it during the first three quarters.