To: Gary105 who wrote (3621 ) 1/9/1999 4:18:00 PM From: SJS Read Replies (4) | Respond to of 19700
Gary, That's a REALLY HARD QUESTION. I am not being facetious. There really has never been a benchmark for this type of activity before. Remember the stogy "old" market, where you expected a 12-15%, on average, return each year? That's our FATHER'S market... Now, when you show me that I can get an 66% return in a week on a $120 stock (now 200), I groan at the internal frustration I feel by NOT taking some of my position off the table, so I did. I am NOT saying that people are pigish, bearish, bullish, or whatever if they hold it. I know for ME, I like to establish reasonable entry and exit points, and try to be disciplined about my investing. You're working with emotion and psychology now, and it's very tricky. I bought some stock a few weeks ago before earnings as a trade, in the 70's. I got out, as a trade, at 98. I was pleased, as it was a good TRADE. As I started to look at this company, I want to own it LT, so I bought a little more at 120 for an INVESTMENT. I said I wanted to HOLD it for while. However, go back to paragraph 2. I can't seem to hold this stock; these huge gains revert investing in CMGI back to trading. I am thankful for this incredible runup as the gains are very enticing, but I've got to be disciplined about this. This again became a trade, and I sold part of my position. I too share your conviction about it being higher. The market has a propensity to GO UP, so many stocks will be higher. But there's nothing wrong with taking some dough off the table. Just decide what's a reasonable return and stick to your plan. If your plans are agressive (ie hold all your stock since it's inception and let er ride (so to speak) for 3-5 years), GO FOR IT. If you have a more moderate or conservative plans, that's OK. Find what allows you to sleep at nite. My philosophy is: No one every went broke taking some profit. Regards,