Gold ran as high as $1,643 overnight, likely due to some short covering, but has since fallen back to $1,613 for a loss of $2 on the day as of 7:30 am Pacific…Silver is off 12 cents to $29.44, Copper is up 2 pennies at $3.37, Crude Oil has gained 34 cents at $97.58 while the U.S. Dollar Index is up slightly at 79.95…
A close above $1,625 would be bullish for Gold near-term, so that’s the key level to watch for now as John’s chart below outlines…
Banks took a huge 489 billion euros at the European Central Bank’s first-ever offering of three-year funding today, raising hope a credit crunch can be avoided and that the money may be used to buy Italian and Spanish bonds…a total of 523 banks borrowed money at the tender with demand way above the 310 billion euros expected by traders polled by Reuters in the run-up to the operation…the banks’ lunge for funding pushed the euro to a one-week high versus the dollar…the three-year loans are the ECB’s latest attempt to ease the euro zone’s troubles…it’s the most the bank has ever pumped into the financial system, topping the near 450 billion it injected with its first one-year loans back in 2009…the ECB’s hope is that the ultra-cheap and ultra-long funding will have a range of beneficial effects, including bolstering trust in banks, easing the threat of a credit crunch and tempting banks to buy Italian and Spanish bonds, thereby calming markets and easing the currency block’s sovereign debt crisis…
The CDNX enjoyed a strong day yesterday, gaining 33 points with a nice jump in volume as well…while the Index is off a few points in early trading at 1436, a test of resistance at 1500 seems a plausible scenario by year-end…where the market goes from there to begin the New Year we’ll have to wait and see…today will mark our last Morning Musings of 2011 as we take a Christmas break…Morning Musings will return Tuesday, January 4, but in the meantime John will have a few charts (by tomorrow) and Terry will also be posting his Christmas message…we’ll also be doing a market update on New Year’s Day to kick off 2012…
A few individual Venture situations that have some momentum at the moment and we’re comfortable with include Cap-Ex Ventures (CEV, TSX-V), Canada Rare Earths (CJC, TSX-V) and Rainbow Resources (RBW, TSX-V) which is up a penny in early trading at 17 cents…John is working on updated charts for all three…Rainbow is a one year-old company on the move after its acquisition of privately-held Braveheart Resources…Rainbow holds a package of properties in the West Kootenay district of B.C. including a promising Silver play (International) with high-grade, near-surface historical showings that were confirmed in sampling by Braveheart as recently as 2008…results from Rainbow’s fourth quarter exploration program are pending…the people involved in Rainbow are solid and include some very prominent Calgary businessmen…given the current technicals and fundamentals, a late-December/January pop with Rainbow appears very possible but we like the outlook for this company over the long-term…
It would be nice if BMR could update on all the shares they were following for over a year?
They seem to have been quietly forgotten with new spec plays being followed now.
Would also be useful to know what shares BMR are still holding personally?
Comment by Mark — December 21, 2011 @ 8:34 am
I agree, Mark and how about a new model portfolio for 2012 with rebalancing as required throughout the year. I can’t see this including many of the existing stocks but perhaps some diversification from gold – how about: AGE, RBW, CEV, FMS, and a tech stock e.g VRS, MIT, ISD etc.? If gold bounces back then the model portfolio could be adjusted accordingly.
Comment by Andrew — December 21, 2011 @ 9:28 am
I agree. If you guys ever wanted to become a subscription service then this period of BMR will not be forgotten. We all know the CDNX has had a horrible year but these stories have been cast aside like unloved toys. Appreciate that its winter and stocks like VGN and GBB require time but it would be nice to see your commitment and respond accordingly to peoples challenges. I am not talking about you Johnny!
Comment by Hugh — December 21, 2011 @ 10:26 am
I think a porfolio were you had and remove stock on a weekly base would fit better this volatile market you are covering :-),
Martin
Comment by Martin — December 21, 2011 @ 10:29 am
totally agree.
Comment by mike — December 21, 2011 @ 10:29 am
That’s what I meant by regular rebalancing of a model portfolio – Martin 🙂
Comment by Andrew — December 21, 2011 @ 10:32 am
Well goodness gracious me, CQX drilled three holes. :0)
Comment by Andrew — December 21, 2011 @ 10:33 am
did you get some rbw Andrew?
Comment by Martin — December 21, 2011 @ 10:41 am
Not yet, Martin but its on my shopping list. I thought VGD would have news this week and i would find an exit point and jump into RBW – however VGD don’t even have the assays back from the lab. I don’t want to sell prematurely only to find a nr comes out in early January and the SP jumps 50%. Then again, I think VGD will be one of the juniors that struggles in the looming gold bear market while RBW seems stable. I’ll see what happens by year end, if VGD and RBW have the same SP I may switch. a bientot.
Comment by Andrew — December 21, 2011 @ 10:59 am
Hugh
“Appreciate that its winter and stocks like VGN and GBB require time but it would be nice to see your commitment and respond accordingly to peoples challenges.”
After making a statement such as this I feel you must be more specific because such a general statement to me is insulting.
Comment by John - BMR — December 21, 2011 @ 11:41 am
What stocks do you personally still own John?
Comment by Mark — December 21, 2011 @ 11:59 am
At the moment I own GBB, VGD, CJC and RBW. Tomorrow may be different because I trade all the time.
Comment by John - BMR — December 21, 2011 @ 12:03 pm
This isnt a criticism but in future I believe it would be helpful to readers if BMR could state if they bought, sold or hold stock when writing on individual companies.
Dont think people wouldnt expect a daily/weekly update but a small disclaimer would be helpful.
Comment by Mark — December 21, 2011 @ 12:10 pm
Mark
When you think about it, it should not matter a darn whether Jon, Terry or I hold any stocks at all. Usually when we introduce a stock at least one of us will own some shares but when we sell is a pure personal matter. We at BMR do not know which stocks each of us own because that is PERSONAL. We ask you to do your own DD so you can make your own decisions.
We cannot and will not tell readers to Buy, Sell or Hold stocks.
If you are thinking in terms of committment…..look at the thousands of $ that Jon has spent of his own money in Travel expenses to bring the info to you. That is committment. Whenever we have new info. we post it.
Jon, Terry and I do NOT receive outside funds…we use our own resources. Our aim is to introduce you to situations that we think have merit for success. After an introduction and wherever possible follow-up info., we expect our readers to dig into the fundamentals and do research and in fact work with us as many readers do with new information, ideas and new companies.
Let me remind everyone there are just two of us doing company analysis both Fundamental and Technical…there is just so much time in the day.
Hope this clears up some points.
Comment by John - BMR — December 21, 2011 @ 12:33 pm
Fair points. I dont think you should tell anyone to buy or sell anything either but a quick disclaimer wouldnt go amiss. Your right it shouldnt matter a damn, but you are in a position where people read what you write and lots will follow.
I suppose what people dont like is the thought of BMR buying a stock, posting lots of info, charts, interviews etc creating a ‘buzz’ around a stock and selling into any buying this creates. Im not suggesting this happens but a disclaimer would put any of this to bed.
Anyway, just a thought. Hope everyone has a nice holiday…. heres to 2012 being a much better year stock wise.
Comment by Mark — December 21, 2011 @ 12:51 pm
John
I understand where you are coming from. I guess what some are looking for is decision making,
in particular, when to sell, but that may be asking too much. The blame would surely follow
you one way or another, that is, if my own experience is an indication, i have tried to be
helpful to my so called friends, by tipping them with stock picks, guess what ? if the stock
performed, i was their hero, if it went down, my reward was a bad name. So much for trying
to be helpful to others. R !
Comment by Bert — December 21, 2011 @ 1:30 pm
Right now your pumping RBW pretty hard, just like you did CUI, ABI,VGN,etc, etc, etc and you say who has bought in but you never say when you get out, so when you mention a company or do a chart etc you mention who among you is still in play, otherwise I think your just pumping and dumping.
Comment by Dan — December 21, 2011 @ 2:06 pm
Dan
We usually do mention who holds any stock that we feature. If we say WHEN one of us buys and WHEN one of us sells, we will be accused of leading investors. As I stated very clearly, WHEN YOU BUY and SELL is entirely up to YOU, not for us to lead you. You make the decision, not BMR, and I like to think we have many intelligent readers. Also, there is one reason for buying a stock – that it will go up – and many reasons for selling.
Comment by John - BMR — December 21, 2011 @ 2:26 pm
If not one of you holds a position then I think you should be silent on a particular stock, if their is no vested interest why do charts and promote them. Like VGN a reader asked about that company a few weeks ago and one of you wrote the standard thing about how Tony will pull the trigger on some deal blah blah blah. If no one has a position why promote. With RBW you mention who is in to give it some validation, what happens 3 months down the road, you have already dumped and yet you will say nothing negative even if the results are bad, just like CUI, ooh they have been around so long they will bounce back, B.S. admit when your WRONG say its a dog and move on.Yes it is my resposibility to do my dd and make up my own mind when to buy and sell no question there. I like this site because I pick up good info on what other guys are picking and I have done alright especially with CEV and now CJC, thanks dave.
Comment by Dan — December 21, 2011 @ 3:02 pm
Let me simply say this Dan.
I do not have the funds to own every stock that I like but if I see something interesting I post it. I provide info. If we post a statement about a stock it is what we believe. If you dont like that info just ignore it. Simple!!!!
over and out.
Comment by John - BMR — December 21, 2011 @ 3:16 pm
I’m glad you say you like the site, Dan, and Merry Christmas. You know, it doesn’t matter what we say, how we say it or when we say it, or how right we sometimes are, but critical comments always flow in and outweigh the positive ones. But that’s human nature and John, Terry and I accept that.
Comment by Jon - BMR — December 21, 2011 @ 3:40 pm
Dan – I like this site because I pick up good info on what other guys are picking and I have done
alright especially with CEV and now CJC, thanks dave.
Bert – According to the above noted sentence, it seems this site has served you well.
I have never understood what BMR’s intentions may be, nor do i understand how they can survive,
offering a free service, incurring traveling expenses, etc & being available to answer our daily
questions, almost without delay. I found it difficult to survive while holding a full time job.
Not that it’s any of my business, but whatever their intentions may be, it’s free of charge & i
do feel it’s a shame that they now have to put up with criticism, although somewhat mild, for trying
to be of assistance. I also own some duds, but being critical now is not going to move my stocks,
remember the salesman, the telegrams & the eggs. I have to be patient & most if not all, will bounce
back, maybe slowly, but will bounce back just the same, in the New Year that is. What i am writing is
not meant to offend anyone, it’s the time of year to be happy & i feel fortunate at this time, to be
able to wish you, others on this board & BMR a Merry Xmas & a Happy New Year.. Our time will come. R !
p.s. My wife often says to me, they are your winners, how about your losses ? Shhhhhhhhhhhhh
Comment by Bert — December 21, 2011 @ 4:14 pm
Tomorrow, early, my wife and I take off for Montreal to our daughter’s for Christmas. We will have a lot of fun, feast well and drink merry and before you know it I shall be tackling another chart in the New Year.
This has been a hard year for everyone and one we will not forget. I have enjoyed charting and chatting with everyone….as they say about economists….if you have 10 there are 11 opinions…and so it appears it is with BMR and its readers. If I may be so bold I will call you friends and sincerely wish you a very Merry and Joyful Christmas and may the New Year bring everyone Good Health, Happiness and Prosperity.
God Bless
Comment by John - BMR — December 21, 2011 @ 4:30 pm
Have a safe journey to Montreal, John. Thanks for all your charts and comments they are always much anticipated and appreciated. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 🙂
Comment by Andrew — December 21, 2011 @ 5:17 pm
Alright I give I don’t want to be a grinch, I wish everyone save travels and a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a happy new years. I’m going up north where there is some snow for snowmobiling so adios and may 2012 be a banner year and not the end of the world. Cia, Dan
Comment by Dan — December 21, 2011 @ 7:51 pm
I would also like to wish everyone on this board a very Merry Christmas.
I look forward to a banner year in CEV and CJC and I can celebrate the holidays knowing that both will do very well no matter what the market conditions may bring us.
Hope Christmas brings great joy to everyone.
Comment by dave — December 21, 2011 @ 9:30 pm
John I didnt mean to be insulting and if I was I apologize. What I am saying is that you only seem to talk about the stocks you have been ‘highlighting’ when the stocks are doing well. I find this aspect of your site disconcerting and from the comments here I see I am not alone.
Comment by Hugh — December 22, 2011 @ 3:33 am
I will elaborate further. The internet is full of pumpers and dumpers, its pretty clear that your readers are aware of this. However you guys appear to very genuine and honest. However when you no longer talk about stocks like your favorites for 2011 ABI and VGN which are on the floor it raises the suspicions that perhaps you might be pumpers. I don’t think you are, and my comments were meant as constructive criticism.
Comment by Hugh — December 22, 2011 @ 3:41 am
Hugh, give it a rest.
Merry Xmas to all and hopefully 2012 will see us all make perfect decisions based on our own DD (and that includes information picked up from BMR)and we all get together next Xmas for a “millionaire’s” celebration.
Comment by Barry — December 22, 2011 @ 5:36 am
Ill say what I want when I want Barry, got that mate!?
Comment by Hugh — December 22, 2011 @ 7:15 am
I would firstly like to thank theBMR group for their hard work at and the DD that they have already done before they mention an equity worthy of people doing their own DD on.I have found all of the information which they bring to this site to be first class. Some of the posters here seem to be very new at investing in the stock markets. Take the rumble about pushing rbw. There are many ways to play the market. Play the market. Fateful words, but playing the market is a game, it is gambolihg while trying to cut odds of failure down. Rbw is a great example of a stock that a cautious investor can probably make some money on. For example, this stock (for all of the reasons ggiven by DD done by BMR)will go up before the truth machine(drill results) are obtained.To borrow a horse racing term it is a dead cert. You could buy 2000 shares and sell 1000 shares at approx. .25-.35cents before drill results. At this time of year this applies to mahy good stocks. eg. ntr,ssh,tak, gbb(now is the time to get back in this one) and so on. I made the decision many months ago to take small losses on many stocks which I did not think were moving fast enough with their projects. eg sold sd,vgn,vgd,cui etc.cadillac etc. kept sqi,gcu. Right now own gcu,sqi,oyl,cev,cjc(i have beenin and out of both)rbw and I have about 10 on myradar, including most of the ones which I have sold off. Just my 2 cents worth. Merry christmas to you all. richard
Comment by richard — December 22, 2011 @ 7:54 am