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Technology Stocks : CMGI What is the latest news on this stock? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?


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,



To: Gary105 who wrote (3621)1/10/1999 2:24:00 PM
From: Boon  Read Replies (2) | Respond to of 19700
 
I'm trying to work out a strategy on volatility, too. What about this: Assuming you've already built up your position, on extended runs, pare down as the stock price rolls forward (but never to the extent that you're out of the stock completely), and buy back on corrections when they occur. This has worked for me with other stocks.

You're selling into strength, buying on weakness. You're never out of the stock completely, so you don't miss the run entirely. And you manage your risk, since, on an extended run, the risk of a stock price getting ahead of the company grows.

Comments?