[BTM]

Nice. Currently reading as much as I can about ETFs they are really a cool instrument IMO

[TunedM2C]

Originally Posted by MJC///M3

Got a nice little trading robot that dictates which sector spdrs to buy based on a few variables.

I want computers to do my trades. They can trend what's hot and what's not much quicker. I'll deposit 'x' amount of dollars and it can take care of the rest. Of course I'd retain my current FP to handle my large accounts.

[BTM]

Originally Posted by Tuned1

I want computers to do my trades. They can trend what's hot and what's not much quicker. I'll deposit 'x' amount of dollars and it can take care of the rest. Of course I'd retain my current FP to handle my large accounts.

Probably should just give some prop capital to an algo firm

[MJC///M3]

Originally Posted by BTM

Nice. Currently reading as much as I can about ETFs they are really a cool instrument IMO

BTM, they are definitely a great way to get started if you are not currently trading. (efficient method of portfolio diversification, composition of instrument is known at all times, efficient operating expense ratios...i.e...no loads to purchase or redeem shares). The only ones you have to look out for are low volume ETF's...those will more often than not be subject to larger bid-ask spreads.

Originally Posted by Tuned1

I want computers to do my trades. They can trend what's hot and what's not much quicker. I'll deposit 'x' amount of dollars and it can take care of the rest. Of course I'd retain my current FP to handle my large accounts.

Well my computer doesn't trade automatically for me...(I'd love to have that set-up some day), what it does do is tell me what SPDR to be in and at what time (the model is driven via numerous data sets of which I download from various websites (google finance/yahoo finance) through a series of VBA macros).

[ES_TRADER]

Originally Posted by BTM

Probably should just give some prop capital to an algo firm

+1
this would be better than a DIY. their systems and algos are far more advanced than anything you could come up with at home or via retail brokerage platforms

[ES_TRADER]

Originally Posted by MJC///M3

anyone jump on the GM bandwagon? up 7% from initial IPO level.

I trade everday.....mostly in and out of ETF's (no restrictions/ holding periods). Got a nice little trading robot that dictates which sector spdrs to buy based on a few variables.

I find it hard to follow herd mentality....bandwagons....and such....but how can a million people buying this stock today be wrong???

just like how nobody wanted to buy the ten year when yields were 400+ bips back in april and all of sudden when yields came down to 200 bips, they started piling into it, while i was unloading... CNBC fueling the fire at the same time...fade the news is always a better play in my book

[stylinexpat]

I am holding some January $30 SLV calls. Recently I like LVS as well. Ford was supposed to take off but some dirty downgrade dragged it down today.

[ES_TRADER]

Originally Posted by stylinexpat

I am holding some January $30 SLV calls. Recently I like LVS as well. Ford was supposed to take off but some dirty downgrade dragged it down today.

i own F with a 2.5 c/b....ill never sell it...fortunes were made in 09

[Inspired]

Wish I bought F when it was a dollar. Now they are $16.

[stylinexpat]

Originally Posted by richpuer

i own F with a 2.5 c/b....ill never sell it...fortunes were made in 09

I am hoping it will go to $30 in 2011 but hope it sees $20 before my January calls expire.

[stylinexpat]

Originally Posted by twinturbo335

Wish I bought F when it was a dollar. Now they are $16.

Crazy run up but nothing when you compare it to LVS and DTG. Both of those had the best gains ever. Many people became rich who bought when they were around $2

[Inspired]

What do you guys use to buy?

[BTM]

I have accounts with Charles Schwab, but again I don't make any trades myself. Most of my invested money is in an IRA anyway. Where I going with a discount retailer, probably would do Scottrade for medium length frequencies. If you wish to day trade, you're gonna want to pay for direct-access and make sure you can fulfill the SEC account requirements.

[stylinexpat]

I use Scottrade and Etrade. LVS has been great to buy on dips. For those with balls the calls pay great..

http://www.google.com/finance/option_chain?q=NYSE:LVS

[MJC///M3]

I use Fidelity.

[bolinp78]

I am partial to Fidelity.

[MJC///M3]

Fidelity is pretty good....they dont have streaming quotes / highly detailed interactive charts and what not (you'll find these on Scottrade and Etrade)....but I have bloomberg at work...so I just use that in conjunction with Fidelity as my "broker." I'm relatively pleased with Fidelity, reasonable commissions for trades/options....helpful customer service dept.

[ejheverest]

Use TOS platform(thinkorswim) top rated every year, streaming and tons of eduction, very good prices on stocks,options, etc. Haven't found any other companies that beat their charting, backtesting or constant updating of the platform.
Traded mostly SP500 options last year, in 3 stock positions now. Used to day trade and decided I could make more money, more consistently looking at daily and weekly charts instead of one minute charts plus sitting in front of a screen for 8 hrs a day got old quick.(average trade is 2-6 months depending on when my indicators cross and give me a buy or sell signal.)
Not looking to get "rich" quick just build wealth over time since my 401k's won't get me there.

Fidelity-unfortunately have them for my current employer's 401k plan, I am not impressed at the choices for investments to choose from.

[BayMoWe335]

Originally Posted by stylinexpat

Crazy run up but nothing when you compare it to LVS and DTG. Both of those had the best gains ever. Many people became rich who bought when they were around $2

I've followed LVS since below $2 and recently AIB since below $1. It is so hard to pull the trigger on these high risk stocks, but the payoff is unbelievable. Still, investing $20,000 in LVS back at $2 would have been genius, but the chances of holding it much longer than $4, $6, etc. would diminish significantly as its price increased. More likely, you would have bought and sold several times on the way up. If you were at all concerned with your initial investment, you'd probably run out with a double or triple. Of course you later realize that if you held it a year, you'd be up 25 times. That is just nearly impossible.

I've made more money in the market in 2H2010 than I have at my job. Makes you think. I use Ameritrade and my own advice. Honestly, I've learned no one really knows so doing your own research is easily as good or better than any advice you receive.

[stylinexpat]

Originally Posted by BayMoWe335

I've followed LVS since below $2 and recently AIB since below $1. It is so hard to pull the trigger on these high risk stocks, but the payoff is unbelievable. Still, investing $20,000 in LVS back at $2 would have been genius, but the chances of holding it much longer than $4, $6, etc. would diminish significantly as its price increased. More likely, you would have bought and sold several times on the way up. If you were at all concerned with your initial investment, you'd probably run out with a double or triple. Of course you later realize that if you held it a year, you'd be up 25 times. That is just nearly impossible.

I've made more money in the market in 2H2010 than I have at my job. Makes you think. I use Ameritrade and my own advice. Honestly, I've learned no one really knows so doing your own research is easily as good or better than any advice you receive.

And the 25X is only if you bought shares so just imagine how many times up you would be if you had bought options at $.01-.02 each and then watch the go up to $20+

[ES_TRADER]

Originally Posted by BayMoWe335

I've made more money in the market in 2H2010 than I have at my job. Makes you think.

yes it does make u think...but if u quit your job and attempt this full time, you will see that the tides have changed and ironically be looking back at the f/t job, going what the hell did i get myself into after blowing an account or two....making money in a bull run can be done even by even the greenest of all investors (not implying ur green or anything, just saying)....trading for a living is a WHOLE NEW ballgame. many have tried their hand at this and probably more than 90% fail...you ask why? because if it were easy, everyone on the planet would be doing it...it's the greatest job in world.. Afterall, where else could you work 6 hours a day, from home in your underwear, AND make a 6-7 figure salary?

best of luck to u, mate!

[BTM]

Originally Posted by ejheverest

Use TOS platform(thinkorswim) top rated every year

I thought they only dealt in Canadian dollars?

NVM...I'm mistaken with another retailer.