FEBRUARY 12, 2010
A Krafty addiction
Remember the addiction I had to Yorkie raisin and peanut bars?
I've moved onto Cadburys Creme Eggs, or as they should now be known.. Kraft Creme Eggs.
My undoing was Tescos doing buy 1 pack of three, get one free. What should I do?
I try and cut one in half determined to just eat half and the rest later. But they are so yummy my resolve weakens.
And I know how disgustingly full of crap they must be, that gooey yellow e-number filled yoke must be really bad. Help me.
The thing is you can't really eat half of one because if you leave it, the goo comes out onto wherever you leave it. Must be a market there for some kind of creme egg holder?
I went to see Christopher for the last 15 mins of his "drama" class that he really enjoys.
It's with a few other kids who are mostly older and it's great to see him joining in with gusto.
We're so happy he's so lively and playful and not interested in the dreaded computer games. A show on TV showed pretty conclusively how these games (especially the more violent ones) damage kids and make the desensitised to real life.
Christopher has now got 6 gold stickers and 5 silver and only needs one more silver to get the present he wanted which is a huge inflatable shark for the swimming pool.
On the quiet Daddy is probably going to enjoy it as much as son!
Because I got fed up with trying to find the remote control/car key/phone/mobile etc I got them all tagged - each has a little device - if I can't find it I press a button and it bleeps.
However I just found out young Christopher has been systematically removing the tags and playing with them, and then destroying them!
I found this out yesterday when I couldn't find the radio phone. The tag wouldn't bleep. I assumed he's put it in the bin and would have to get a new one.
I found it accidentally this morning with the tag destroyed, then checked my key, yes tag has gone!
Now I know what he gets up to when he goes quiet!!
(When I go quite it just means I'm eating a creme egg).
Help! It's half-term next week. I'm sure you parents out there are wondering what to do to pass the time.
Myself and Mrs NT are trying to get him playdates - she'll take him on those. I'll probably take him to the playcentre a couple of times, lots of swimming and then maybe a museum visit or two.
All I know is it will be enjoyable to spend time with him but also very tiring.
A reminder for those of you who've already been to a seminar of mine and fancy the Technical Analysis one as a follow up with top trader Susan I'm trying to gauge if there's enough interest for another one in June, so if you're interested - just for numbers at the moment- email me at robbiethetrader@aol.com with "TA interested" in the subject line. You must have been to a standard seminar to qualify to come to this follow up one.
Thanks for the continued feedback from the last standard seminar, some lovely mails, much appreciated because as you know I put a lot into it.
My next standard seminar is on Friday March 19th at Heathrow so if you couldn't make the last one maybe you can make this one.
If you're interested in coming then email me at robbiethetrader@aol.com with "March seminar interested" in the subject line
I'll then send you details and a full agenda of what is covered. Also more details below somewhere. There is a decent early bookers discount available.
My seminars are designed for beginners, dabblers and improvers and deals with everything from how to look for winners, how to research, spreadbetting, level 2 use how to time trades and short, how to use advfn properly and run your portfolio without having to spend money on systems and tipsters.. and tons more.
A lot of the day comes directly from the live markets and I show you many of the tricks I use to get good prices live. And there might even be the odd live trade or 2! E-mail me for details.
The number of emails to me is nearly reaching saturation point and I'm struggling! I'm getting 100s which is lovely in a way but killing me in another.
The main problem is the length of some of them, indeed some run to the length of novels, so, please, help save my eyes and please keep mails to under 150 words.. you can do it! It's close to the stage where I am going to have to say I will answer all mails but those over 200 words will get deleted. Keep them short and sweet, please!!
Also, it's possible the answer you seek from me is already in FAQ's. And do remember I can't discuss individual shares with you as it would be classified as investment advice which I'm not authorised to give.
Spreadbetting firm Tradefair Spreads has upped its offer exclusively to Naked Trader readers to a £100 credit. This offer is exclusive to me and not available anywhere else...
I've been using them for a few weeks to check that I'm happy with the service. As you know I don't take ads or allow referrals on the site unless it's a company I've used and I feel confident about.
What I like about it is it's easy to use, spreads are surprisingly tight on the smaller companies and interestingly an automated stop loss is applied to each trade - so beginners know what their max loss is from the outset.
Anyway they now offer a £100 credit as long as you deposit £100. You get the credit after you placed 2 trades (Terms and conditions apply)
If you'd like to apply for an account with Tradefair Spreads and get the freebie click this link:
http://www.tradefair.com/promo/spreads/nakedtrader100/
MF Global offers a free £2 bet on the FTSE to all readers.
To take up the offer either click the MF banner you should find somewhere on this page, or cut and paste this link into your browser and you can sign up online:
http://tinyurl.com/c524ku
Terms and conditions obviously apply
Many of you enjoy the cheap advfn toplists bronze deal through me as do many of you with the cheap level 2. However many of you say you want a half-way house to include real-time share prices always on.
So I'm pleased to announce I've managed to seal a new deal with Advfn for its "Silver" service - that's always on real-time share prices for a good saving (Bronze toplists etc are included in this).
The deal is via me you can save £30 for your first year by paying just £138.06 inc vat via me instead of £167.47.
Just mail me for full details if you'd like it with "silver" in the subject line.
Those of you looking for some extra income could be interested here:
http://www.ei42.com/Nakedtrader/ then click "earn money" on the rhs.
So for free you can sign up and get this shopping site for yourself. What's brilliant is any product you want type it into the search and it will come up with it, which store it is at and where it is cheapest, then buy it and earn commission on your spend!
Everytime you buy anything yourself on your site you get commission.. So if you normally shop online anyway it's a no brainer: just use your own site instead of going direct and get some commission every time you shop.
Then you just get some friends to sign up and get their own site too - when they do online shopping using their mall, you get commission too. Simple as that.
They've just re-published "The Zulu Principle" by Jim Slater who's written a 2008 update at the beginning.
This is a brilliant classic book. Reading this is a real pleasure and it was a great idea to republish.
Jim believes like I do the best gains can come from smaller stocks and in an easy to read style takes you through how to evaluate smaller companies that are about to become bigger ones - he uses some excellent examples.
Really this is a must read for all more longer-term investors or anyone looking to grow their money... a number of you have also written to me about this book and praising it.
Here is the link to buy it:
http://books.global-investor.com/books/167207.htm?ginPtrCode=10453
Here's a very topical one: The Little Book of Bull Moves in Bear Markets by Peter Schiff.
The book is all about how to keep portfolios up in a down market. He focusses a lot on how to play commodities and win with some sensible advice especially on natural resources and precious metals. He is very much a realist and there is no rubbish here: some straight talking and some interesting strategies.
Everyone who invests should think seriously about keeping portfolios up in bad times so this book should be read.
Well worth picking up at this link:
http://books.global-investor.com/books/271958.htm?ginPtrCode=10453
To order my new book Naked Trader 2 for next day delivery click this link... or the cover of the book top right!
http://books.global-investor.com/books/27120.htm?ginPtrCode=10453
I've had heaps and heaps of praise from many of you regarding The Financial Spreadbetting book.
The book really seems to have helped a lot of you understand spreadbetting a lot more than you did. You say it's really helped you with ideas too. The writer deserves commendation. With the ability to go short so important in these volatile markets, it's a must read. To order click this link... http://books.global-investor.com/books/23307.htm?ginPtrCode=10453
Several people have asked me for a recommendation on a book which shows how to study accounts in a reasonably easy way. The one I like the most is http://books.global-investor.com/books/15717.htm?ginPtrCode=10453 by Robert Leach. Ten crunch questions to ask before buying any company.
It' s a decent easy-to-read book with several key chapters and it's highly recommended. It's one I keep and dip into from time to time. To order, click this link... http://books.global-investor.com/books/15717.htm?ginPtrCode=10453
The best book on charting and easiest read on the subject is http://books.global-investor.com/books/15618.htm?ginPtrCode=10453 by Alistair Blair. Click here -> http://books.global-investor.com/books/15618.htm?ginPtrCode=10453
Another good one is the second edition of http://books.global-investor.com/books/23792.htm?ginPtrCode=10453 by Peter Temple. Included in this one is how to use spreadbetting, CFD's warrants and trackers to reduce risk. And there are some decent trading strategies too.
This is an excellent book for new investors and also experienced ones. It explains all the things you may not be sure about in the markets and will explain the tools that are there. To order The Investors Toolbox by Peter Temple (new edition) click the following link for delivery in 24 hours... http://books.global-investor.com/books/23792.htm?ginPtrCode=10453
Naked Trader Seminar Latest News
Fancy spending a day with me, learning all the ways I have learned over the years to find good shares and play the markets? Well, you can at one of my seminars!
Booking is now open for the next Naked Trader seminar on Friday March 19th
Price is £495 plus vat. However right now there is an early booking discount!
That includes three course lunch, coffees, snacks etc. And most importantly it covers choc bars and fruit gums too.
The seminar is mainly aimed at beginners and dabblers though improvers are welcome too.
Topics covered using live market feeds all day include: Market psychology, level 2 - a simple guide to how to use it for better timing; how to value companies; finding companies that are about to rise. I will also cover techniques for handling events such as the recent meltdown and volatility.
Spreadbetting: How to use it to gain an edge and go short. Market makers - how they work and how to beat them; how to stop losing money and make it instead and plenty more.
How to plan trade entries and exits - how to research companies and understand reports, plus all those niggly questions you always wanted to ask. How to set stop losses and targets. Charts and how to use them.
Also covered: Market maker tricks: How to spot tree shakes and use them in your favour, How to tell when NOT to buy a share. I use live ADVFN all day with lots of level 2 and looks at all kind of live market data.
The idea behind the seminar is SIMPLICITY. I don't use jargon or fancy words - everything is in PLAIN ENGLISH! No question is too stupid and the event is held in a friendly relaxed and supportive environment.
The idea is you will come away from the event I hope a wise and better investor with lots of new ideas. I try and translate complex topics into easy bite size pieces. I also aim for it to be entertaining as well as instructive.
If you are interested please e-mail me at robbiethetrader@aol.com with "New Year seminar interested" in the subject line and I will send you full details of the event including comments from those who have come to previous seminars and you can then decide whether you would like to come. See you there!
One seminar attendee Clare wanted to write a testimonial about her experiences at the seminar which follows now!
"I've just come back buzzing from one of Robbie's seminars. What a day! He's just brilliant, and manages to pack an awful lot into one day, and with his enthusiastic and humorous delivery the day just flies by. There are no gimmicks, no sell, no "˜get-rich-quick' promises, just his own solid, sound approach which he has learnt over the years and which works.
He shows you how to minimise the risks and maximise the profits and points out the banana skins on the way. Where the seminar really comes into its own is when he teaches using live level 2. Hearing him talk through his thought processes and reasoning is invaluable, and really brings home everything from the book. He has endless patience answering peoples' questions, and really seems to care that everybody understands.
On top of that, you meet some really nice like minded people and swap e mail addresses, you're plied with
chocolates and coffee all day, have a great lunch and spend the evening getting tiddled with Robbie in the
bar afterwards! You might even get to see the amazing crocodile boots . . . .
Don't worry about the cost, it's easily worth it, and you'll soon make it back with your new-found investment skills, and in what you're no longer losing. If you're thinking of going along to his next seminar, whether you're a novice or an experienced trader, don't hesitate ""just go!
Thanks Clare, did you want the tenner in cash, or will a cheque do?
Exclusive One Point Spread, £250 Cashback Offer
Still a massive response coming in for the sensational 1 point indices spread offer plus £250 cash back on losses - my mail box continues to be full of enquires - don't miss out!
I have arranged a deal with a spreadbet company that gives you just ONE POINT spreads on all the major indices and very tight spreads on everything else. A one point spread is just amazing and you can use it on the FTSE, DOW, Nikkei etc...
Not only that, I can offer those of you interested a fantastic £250 cash back on any realised spreadbet losses made within your first 8 weeks. That means you get back any losses up to £250 which could come in extremely handy.
If you'd like the details of this offer just mail me at robbiethetrader@aol.com with "£250 cashback offer" in the subject line. This really is a great offer which will have a limited lifespan so if you want it, get cracking!
£100 Tradefair offer
So there's now a £100 credit on offer for anyone opening an account via me. You get that after 2 spreadbets (terms and conditions apply)
To get the offer, click here:
http://www.tradefair.com/promo/spreads/nakedtrader100/
Naked Rambling
But in his shoes this is not something I would have discussed on TV just before an election. It can only be seen as a cynical move and a bad move. Fine after the election but not just before. Not impressed.
Gordon Brown was really shocking at PMQ's. Not ONE answer to some reasonable questions. Every answer is a pre-prepared "joke" written by someone else and delivered badly. Or it's a rant that's nothing to do with the question.
Brown said he wanted to discuss policy instead of insults but when policy was asked about in detail he was clearly found wanting.
Unbelievably stupid Govt idea no 688,666,978,666 (just slightly less than our national debt)
Police to pose as burglars and wake up householders in the middle of the night!
I mean, can you imagine having a "cuddle" with your partner and the door opens and a copper says: "Ello ello ello, what's going on ere then?"
And surely if they find a window or door open, put a note on it and come back in the morning to discuss it.
They may end up giving someone a heart attack by entering premises at night. Also if you get a visit from the police at night you think there is some terrible news.
Also an instant reaction to an intruder might be to bash intruder over the head. What happens then? All in all a naff idea.
I thought Mad Men really shone on Wednesday, again if you've not caught it buy the DVDs of the first series first. Such great production values.
Otherwise not much to watch - I see Gordon Ramsay is back with Nightmares tonight.
If you press "Sports" there is a preview of the weekend's sports betting action and a look at the weekend games.
Get to grips with sports spread betting by opening an account with Sporting Index. . Click the link below to find out more.
http://www.sportingindex.com/?tpid=6755
Do remember if you do bet you ought to treat sports spreadbetting as entertainment - and expect to lose! Also with spreadbetting work out what your max loss could be and make sure you can afford it! In other words if you say backed the favourite at 15 for a fiver and they come nowhere your max loss is £75.
Naked Mail
I wish to thank you for a really fantastic seminar. Compared to the average newspaper pundit//broker/analyst you're worth your weight in gold. Sorry, even better, make that platinum not gold!
It was great to be able to witness you at first hand going through the actual nuts and bolts of your methodology, your thought processes even. And then, watching you trading and giving us access to your real time trading accounts as you trade. You're a very inspiring, generous, accessible and completely down to earth bloke. All in all, that seminar was a masterclass.
Thanks Michael - good to meet you and good luck.
Dan writes:
A big thank you for the seminar, you're an absolute trooper to keep
going to such an unsocial hour, especially with the last bunch of us
propping up the (closed) bar! It's a new record for you, although I
think I'd keep that one a secret otherwise your next seminar might be
a 24 hour bender!
It was a great day, really informative and yet strangely relaxing! Met
some very interesting characters and now just hoping I don't get a
case of amnesia, and forget the whole lot before I start trading. If I
do I know where to come.
Hope we didn't drain you too much and you get some TLC and chill out
time with your lovely wife Elizabeth and Christopher over the weekend.
I'll keep you posted should my trading take-off otherwise if you never
hear from me again I've probably packed it all in, and emigrated with
a lovely Swedish girl to live in a log cabin!
well, I hope you get to that log cabin and you and Swede will end up happy together...
Andy writes:
It was great to hear how much you all enjoyed South Africa as it brought back some good memories. I went in '94 to see a friend who was working in Cape Town. I had 4 weeks there and enjoyed every minute. We spent the first and last week in and around Cape Town, plus two weeks on the 'Garden Route'.
I agree having someone to show you around is a huge bonus. Some of my favourite things were: Drinking Mitchell's beer at the Waterfront, which is made using a combination of bitter and lager yeasts (later we visited the brewery in Knysna), catching the train down to Simonstown & visiting the Naval Museum, seeing the Penguins at Boulders Beach, drinking at the Brass Bell in Kalk Bay, driving scenic Chapmans Peak drive, wine tasting at Stellenbosch vineyards, the botanic gardens at Kirstenbosch, climbing the Lion's Head, canoeing on the Breede River, camping at Addo elephant park, driving over the Swartberg Pass with Massive Attack on the stereo, visiting the Kango caves, whale watching at Hermanus, chilling out at Tsitsikamma National Park ... and so much more. No wonder you're going back next year!
Hi Andy you remind me I can't wait to return but have to wait till December!!
Barry writes:
Barry writes:
Just great to here how much you enjoyed your holiday in South Africa. I sold up my investments in 2007 after making good profits using the knowledge I gained from attending your seminars and reading your books and of course spending many many hours on research and monitoring prices via ADVFN.
The proceeds I used to buy a piece of land and having a 2 bed roomed thatched bungalow built on Gondwana Game Reserve a 5 * game reserve near Mossel Bay, on the garden route in South Africa. I think that all investors must have a purpose to their investing, whether it be educating your children, a financially sound retirement or upgrading their home. This was always my dream which I have now achieved.
So many thanks for that. Having worked very hard at making some profit would you mind if you could give a plug to Gondwana (www.gondwanagr.co.za) in that we have some great offers on at the moment for visitors this summer and still about 7 plots left of the 96 plots in the 11,000 hectare reserve. Some of these plots can earn an income being part of a rental pool where the homes are used as hotel accommodation.
As I sit on the management committee then your readers can contact me direct barryvernon@btinternet.com to get the inside information and the best possible deals for their holidays or investment opportunities
I think we can safely say, Barry, plug done!!
Advfn Level 2 Exclusive Offer
This compares to £360 PLUS vat from ADVFN direct (£423) so this deal saves you over £100! ADVFN level 2 also includes all the live trades made through Plus Markets which I find invaluable.
To accept this great deal just e-mail me at robbiethetrader@aol.com with "Level 2 offer" in the subject line and I will tell you how to get it. Level 2 for only £299 for a year (including vat), or under £25 a month!!
ADVFN Bronze Offer
Plus you get ADVFN's premium top lists which I talk about in my book and think are a must for finding great stock picks. That includes great lists like ex dividend dates, market maker buys plus chart breakouts and downs.
To take up the offer, e-mail me at robbiethetrader@aol.com with Bronze in the subject line and I will tell you how to claim the deal.
Advfn Silver Exclusive Offer
The deal is via me you can save £30 for your first year by paying just £138.06 inc vat via me instead of £167.47.
Just mail me at robbiethetrader@aol.com if you'd like this deal with "silver" in the subject line.
Selftrade Offer
All deals are just £12.50 with no funny small print. They also charge £35 plus vat pa for all accounts. Follow this link...
http://tinyurl.com/57hp4n
Markets
Oh no Greece is going to default.. down we go. Oh it's ok it'll be bailed out, up we go.
Hang on it will, no it won't, oh what's this someone you never heard of is saying, oh no we are down again. But hang on now someone else you never heard of said something else. Phew!
Having no idea what to make of it all except as far as I can see it's all a whole lotta nothing!
The main thing for me is not to get caught up in anything too volatile as it is too easy to stop oneself out, or get stopped out at the wrong moment.
After some major sells and buys in the last report not much to report this time!
I've taken a bit of a gamble on a potential recovery play in Styles and Wood (STY). I seem to click with this one for some reason and made a few quid on it in the past.
It's had a terrible time during the recession - as a shop fitter it got hit hard. But I noticed a piece in The Times this morning that it's rumoured to be in the running for a string of new contracts. John Lewis is said to be launching 50 At Home stores with STY in the running.
Looking at the figures, a recent fund raising means it has cash so unlikely to go bust - and if it starts to make contract announcements there could be some lovely upside. Initial target is 30, but if things look better and it goes through that, I'd hold for more. Downside looks limited for now.
So I picked up 20,000 shares earlyish today at 23p. Target (initial) 30 stop 20. Some nice strong buying has been coming in all morning which bodes well.
I've taken profits in the Centamin spread at 118 for a profit of £360. Looks to be in a tight range from 108-121 for now so bagged the profit while it is still there.
And profits taken in PVCS short at 50.5 which banks a profit of £475. Support looked good here at around 50 so it's time to call it a day. Target reached, tried for a little more but it didn't happen. Total profit banked for site today is £835 which adding the rest of the week's profit taking makes banked profits this week of well over £7,000.
There's not really a lot to talk about with no major or even interesting moves for the portfolio since Wednesday - I might as well retire to bed for the day and watch Cash under the table or whatever it is on the TV.
Elsewhere recent buy PZ Cussons is really doing the business, already up majorly - bit of a surprise as I thought it would be more of a slow and steady climber.
SDL is proving very volatile, up 15 one day down 20 the next but no matter, to me a lovely hold now at the price I got. It's quite illiquid for a FTSE250 stock which means holders like me need to hold their nerve - it's easily manipulated now on small orders.
Nice report from Carclo yesterday which saw the price marked up a little. I wasn't impressed with the one or two broker comments I saw. They haven't realised the commercialisation prospects of one of Carclo's divisions and I'd expect to hold for most of this year with I feel some great gains to come. A possible double over the next year to 18 months for me.
Recent buy Batm seems a touch becalmed at around where I bought it. One I'd take quick losses on if it starts to weaken.
Shorts in Wolseley still there and going well with more than a grand in profit at the mo. Difficult to know when to close this out as well as the FTSE short which is very well in profit. The new short in Northgate currently goes well. Of course all these would need closing out quick if the market was to rally strongly. I'd be foolish not to bank.
Dimension Data continues to look strong after its excellent statement and now up more than £3,000 already on the big spreadbet I have on it and more than £1,000 on the standard trade.
Alterian - well the jury is out still - needs a good close above 140 really and at the moment I'm not sure. Still, I'm so well up on the first lot it won't matter too much if this trade doesn't work out. Kentz is rising slowly but surely.
Intec Telecoms nearly doubled but seems to be a little stuck right now. My lovely trebler Petrofac is on the move up again and seems to have strong support at 950ish and is trying to get above 1000 again.
The market volatility means some nerve is needed! February as usual is not going to be easy!
I've been getting e-mails regarding my use of direct market access and who I use. I've tried a few and for me the easiest system for me is here:
http://www.igmarkets.co.uk/?QPID=1079&QPPID=1
Direct market access means you can place orders directly onto the order book bypassing brokers and market-makers with a chance to buy at the "sell" price. I would suggest you ensure you know what you're doing first but IG does provide much education with its "tradesense" educational tool which comes with it.
I also use its spreadbetting service too along with other firms like Tradefair because it now provides trailing stops which to me is a pretty sensible way of trading. Link is here: -
http://www.igindex.co.uk/?QPID=1078&QPPID=1
that also includes a pretty decent educational programme. As usual before opening accounts please read all the warnings on the sites. You can lose a lot of money if you're not careful so pay close attention to them and make sure you always understand what you are doing and what your potential losses are.
£100 Tradefair offer
So there's now a £100 credit on offer for anyone opening an account via me. You get that after 2 spreadbets (terms and conditions apply).
To get the offer, click here:
http://www.tradefair.com/promo/spreads/nakedtrader100/
E-mail subscription service
Telecom Plus Offer
You get to sell great broadband, phone packages and energy to friends, relatives, contacts and anyone else you find and you get cash for each sale but more importantly you get a cut of their spend EVERY MONTH for as long as they are a customer!
It's called residual income and is a far better way to enjoy a ripe old age than relying on a pension. Because even after you stop selling the money STILL comes in!
I still get paid EVERY MONTH for sales I made back in 1999! Every time a customer uses broadband or the phone or switches on a light you get paid.
It's a great business and backed by a stock market company (Telecom Plus), a dedicated team of advisors.. and me to help you on your way!
Not only do you get paid out every month for each customer you can take on distributors. encourage them like I do and get paid on their sales as well.
One day, say you could made redundant, needed a year off or wanted to retire early can you imagine what joy it is to have the regular income coming in. It's wonderful.
You have to work at it, but if you do genuine repeat wealth could be yours. I did it. You can too. For full details, why not email me at robbiethetrader@aol.com.
An overview is also available at http://www.telecomplus.org.uk/fabdeal you can sign up directly there but do tell me!
****
Trade tables follow! Trades are current open and recently closed trades. Closed trades feature the closing price and the amount I won or lost. All others are open. Trades get updated a little later than the narrative. Trading costs are ignored, however I also do not add in dividend payments and with the kinds of companies I buy, dividends tend to equal or outweigh costs. Spread rollovers ignored for web purposes. Tables as accurate as poss however a mistake or two can creep in and very occasionally if I forgot I sold or bought something it will be added at a later time.
Trades first reported Weds and Fri afternoons under "Markets" section.. afraid I can't do live trades as that would turn me into a tipster and I'd have to be regulated!