February 2012 Trading

February was a great month for sales.  I closed out positions in most of my index holdings and almost doubled the previous monthly high for realized gains.  In fact, I've already broken the prior record for a quarter with a full month to go in Q1.  This month alone exceeded the opportunity cost  for the whole year (based on 5 year CD rate).

I did make my first new stock purchase in over three months (since 11/21/11), but I'm still down to 34% invested.  This is due to many sales, a transfer of a 401k into my trading account and 2011 Roth IRA contributions.  So lots of cash to play with now and incentive to dip back into the market more strongly.

Purchases this month:

• EnCana Corp. - Although I've not been actively looking for new opportunities, this price was so attractive I couldn't pass it up.  This decision was borne out by the 4% gain in the first three days.  I have a rather high sales price on this at the moment, but I may adjust once I cross the standard 5% threshhold. 

Sales this month:

• SPDR S&R 500 - 6% gain.  Liquidated about half of these holdings.  
• iShares S&P 500 - 4% to 27% gains - I liquidated all holdings in four different accounts over the course of the month. 

Current holdings and unrealized gains/losses are as follows. Most of the remaining holdings are pretty deeply in the red.

No dividends were collected in February, but several are expected in March. 

January 2012 Trading

January represented a fairly good month for both unrealized and realized gains.  Also, a few dividends were collected, but no new acquisitions for the second month in a row, leaving my percent invested continuing the downward path to 76.7%.  It would be nice to get this a little lower, but I am now better prepared to look for other opportunities.

Most noteworthy this month is that I left my enployer of 4+ years, so I have a significant amount from a 401(k) that can be rolled in the investment pool for active trading.  This should add about 10% to the investment pool.  Also, since I had a few gaps in empoyment in 2011, I'm eligible to make Roth IRA contributions for my wife and I for last year.  These factors will further reduce my percent invested.

Sales this month:

• Harte-Hanks, Inc - 9% gain.  Liquidated final 80% of these holdings.  Took several sessions to liquidate further reinforcing my feelings about small caps. 

Current holdings and unrealized gains/losses are as follows. 

The following dividends were collected. 

• Navios Maritime Holdings
• SPDR S&P 500