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The Intricacies of the Valuentum Process

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Let’s take a quick overview of the Valuentum processes for capital appreciation and dividend growth with a discussion of how we use the Valuentum Buying Index and the Dividend Cushion ratio. By Brian Nelson, CFA There is a lot behind the Valuentum processes for capital appreciation and dividend growth, respectively, and both the criteria for inclusion to either the simulated Best Ideas Newsletter portfolio and simulated Dividend Growth Newsletter portfolio are different. Our best ideas at any time, however, are always included in the simulated newsletter portfolios. We use our research as a means to identify new ideas for consideration in the simulated newsletter portfolios, as well as to consider removing ideas from the simulated newsletter portfolios. As it relates to … Read more

Catching the Bottom?

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Image shown: The depths of how far the S&P 500 (SPY) has fallen more recently, and the timing of the decision to move to being “fully invested” in simulated Best Ideas Newsletter portfolio and simulated Dividend Growth Newsletter portfolio.   No Changes to Simulated Newsletter portfolios. This article was sent to members via email January 9. That email can be found at the link that follows this article. By Brian Nelson, CFA On the evening of December 26, we emailed members that we were moving to “fully invested” in both the simulated Best Ideas Newsletter and simulated Dividend Growth Newsletter portfolio. First of all, please let me apologize. I wanted to stay in front of members during one of the most volatile times … Read more

Markets Up Big; Upside Volatility

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Image shown: The S&P 500 ETF (SPY) since August 2017. The index has broken through support and is now bouncing back to resistance. By Brian Nelson, CFA Good morning everyone, Are you watching these markets? This is incredible. The Dow finished down 660 points yesterday (briefly dropping 700 points), and today, the Dow is currently trading up 600 points at the time of this writing. Granted, there was Apple’s (AAPL) poor first-quarter 2019 guidance yesterday and the strong jobs report today, but this volatility is not “normal,” no matter what others are saying. A couple announcements up front. For those that already ordered our book Value Trap, I will send you the pdf download to your email address just to make sure … Read more

Here It Comes… Apple’s Shot Across the Bow

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Image Source: Tinh tế Photo Apple surprised the market by issuing first-quarter 2019 guidance below expectations. The company pointed to weakness in China as the main culprit. We continue to expect heightened levels of volatility, and investors in key American icons that might be impacted by consumer backlash in China should be on high alert. No changes to the simulated newsletter portfolios as a result of the news. By Brian Nelson, CFA We had yet another volatile day to kick off the new year. The Dow opened with a near 400-point slide and then jumped considerably mid-session only to barely finish higher. You have to read Value Trap. You’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. In case you missed the announcement, … Read more

Valuentum Stock Screeners

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This article was sent to members via email December 29. That email can be accessed at the link that follows this article. By Brian Nelson, CFA Hi everyone, I wanted to provide an update with respect to Valuentum’s stock screeners. We believe our stock screeners are among the most robust when it comes to providing forward-looking data, or data that is important with respect to the investment decision-making process. We publish screens in each of the monthly newsletters, but we also provide a basic weekly screener for download on the left column of the website, “Download Weekly Stock Screener (xls) — login required.”   We also have other products. The more robust DataScreener, for example, is part of the quarterly Financial … Read more

Market Mayhem — Alerts for Members

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During these extremely volatile times, it’s important to stay focused. On December 15, we informed all of our members to “Pay Attention.” Shortly thereafter, we notified members of the potential for a stock market technical breakdown. This morning, we offered a pre-market briefing about the importance of thinking about portfolio protection. For Best Ideas Newsletter and Dividend Growth Newsletter members: http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?preview=true&m=1110817109903&ca=e2406cd6-c113-4344-8731-493f33fc44a4&id=preview For High Yield Dividend Newsletter members: http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?preview=true&m=1110817109903&ca=b3ba530f-38b3-489a-ac96-2961dca89c6b&id=preview For Exclusive members: http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?preview=true&m=1110817109903&ca=ba6d90c0-4433-48b2-9b8a-aac4ddf9006e&id=preview We’re here for any questions. Please just let us know how we can help! Kind regards, Brian Nelson, CFA  brian@valuentum.com

In the News: Generic Drug Price Fixing and Apple’s Legal Battle in China

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An investigation into pricing practices in the generic drug industry has substantially expanded, and implications may be far more widespread than initially expected. Meanwhile, Apple is fighting a preliminary order that will ban the sale of its iPhones that utilize certain software. By Kris Rosemann Price fixing of generic drugs broke into the news as an antitrust lawsuit over just two drugs in late 2016, but the investigation now reportedly involves at least 16 companies and 300 drugs. The generic drug industry is one that has been lauded as a potential savior of rampant healthcare costs in the US, but Joseph Nielsen, an assistant attorney general and antitrust investigator in Connecticut, used evidence such as the volume of drugs and … Read more

Trade Uncertainty Update

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Image Source: John Karakatsanis The arrest of a high profile Chinese tech executive has renewed concerns over trade tensions after the US markets were closed for a day of remembrance for the 41st President of the US. Also, the Fed released its Beige Book. By Kris Rosemann Despite the markets being closed December 5 in remembrance of the passing of George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the US, investors continue to be pulled in different directions regarding the state of US-China trade negotiations, and the situation continues to become more muddled. After a weekend of optimism, a new round of doubt was cast over the legitimacy of the progress made at the G20 Summit, but China’s (FXI) commerce ministry offered … Read more

Plenty of Reasons for Prudence in Today’s Market

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Image shown: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) share price performance since early 2016. Source: TradingView.  Market volatility looks to be here to stay. Let’s take a look at some of the recent developments that have market observers concerned. Let’s also dissect recent commentary from Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. By Kris Rosemann Volatility in US equities (SPY) is back in a notable way and is not likely to disappear anytime soon. Market participants continue to weigh the pros and cons of a number of factors, including 1) rising interest rates and their impact on asset prices, 2) the massive corporate debt loads found across the landscape (global debt to GDP ratios are at all-time highs), 3) a seemingly strong and steady US economy, … Read more

In The News: Market Volatility, iPhone Unit Concerns, Wildfire Liabilities Piling Up

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Let’s take a look at some top stories from around the markets including headlines in the biotech and tobacco spaces, some household names facing material selling pressure, and the significant impact of massive wildfires in California. By Kris Rosemann Market volatility persists as of the November 12 trading session. Concerns surrounding global trade disputes and a stronger dollar are weighing on investor expectations, and multiple big name companies facing selling pressure only add to less than rosy outlooks. The biotech space (XBI) remains under pressure with future price uncertainty providing a material overhang, and big tobacco is under pressure as a result of the potential for a ban on menthol cigarettes from the FDA. Simulated newsletter portfolio holding Altria (MO) … Read more