Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Strategies & Market Trends : Ask Vendit Off-Topic Questions -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Sirius_Rich who wrote (4930)	2/13/2005 4:38:09 PM
From: Walkingshadow	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 8752

Hi Rich, I think every trader has two primary enemies, and all the rest are minor by comparison: greed and fear. Somewhat paradoxically, I think these very things en masse are responsible for driving most markets. But anyhow, it IS possible to take short positions in retirement accounts. It is NOT illegal, as many people assume. Actually, there are very few legal restrictions on an IRA account. Most brokers don't go there, but there are 3 or 4 options brokers who will allow you to take covered positions in retirement accounts, including shorts such as buying puts and selling covered calls. If you don't like options, then I think they will allow you to sell short the underlying provided you have a cash position to cover potential losses (not sure about this one). I use mutual funds to take short positions in some retirement accounts. See the post I sent to Doug last week for particulars. At the moment, I am short the long bond (that's a long-term position) and QQQQ (short-term position) via mutual funds. T