18 February 2011 He Walks, He Talks, He Crawls On His Belly Like A Reptile

BAGAKOAA;

18 February 2011 He Walks, He Talks, He Crawls On His Belly Like A Reptile

Leiber and Stoller of Presley fame wrote the 1961 Hit “Little Egypt” for the Coasters. Though I have the lyrics gender confused, Little Egypt was the stage name for several belly dancers popular in late 1800’s. We are using the carnie call to announce that we came might close to calling the S & P 500 two weeks in a row. Last week we nailed it. This we called for a .9% gain to 1,341. The index closed today (I found out later) at 1,343. Ok let me guess your wait and age.

In the market today. We were able to be at the controls at the opening today ready for action z z z z z . Ok there was no action. Then a quick run to the office, then a meeting with the city zoning and permit ad hoc committee. (Let me see were there any readers at the meeting-NO) It was interesting as you had major developers and landlords and city officials and employees deciding on ways to fix the zoning and permit process? Seems a little self serving to me. I think I was the only one there without a horse in the race. Then some errands and then we got to listen to close and that is when we heard that we had almost nailed the S & P.

The brake tapping news out of China held the market at bay most of the day. Today was options expiration day but the volume and volatility was not there. (WE did see a 37% gain in the GLD options we bought yesterday.) We thinkest there is a bit more room to run.

Tomorrow we will be gleaning Barron’s to see what next week will bring. Housing numbers and durable goods order a re due out (Its sad that I know that.) Home Depot and Walmart will be reporting next week and they could be market movers.

PICK OF THE DAY

FCFS First Cash Financial Services, Inc. primarily operates pawn stores that lend money on the collateral of pledged personal property in the United States and Mexico. It also engages in the retail of previously owned merchandise acquired through pawn forfeitures and purchased from the general public. The company's pawn stores provide collateral consumer loans on pledged personal properties, such as jewelry, consumer electronics, tools, sporting goods, and musical instruments; consumer financial services, including credit services, check cashing, money orders, money transfers, and prepaid card products. It also owns and operates kiosks inside convenience stores that offer credit services and check cashing. As of December 31, 2009, First Cash Financial Services owned and operated 383 pawn stores and 163 short-term loan stores, as well as 39 financial services kiosks. The company was founded in 1988 and is based in Arlington, Texas.

WE DO NOT OWN THIS, but did place it on our watch list tonight. One of my fathers first Job’s was at Albany Loan, a pawn shop. They say it one of the best environments to learn about human nature. We are doing some more homework on this one but at face value it seems solid with some legs left.

Fundamentally they look very strong. A good cash position a great Margin, respectable Return On Equity, and no debt. IBD likes the stock and gives it a 95 rating. The chart looks interesting with a base of 33.76 holding flat for about two weeks. We’d like to see a break out on heavy volume before we get in. If we get it, we would be in below 34 a share. WATCH this one and do your homework.

If not you may need a pawn shop.

Fun Aboard AF One.  Occasionally the monotony of working on the Presidents plane all day leads to the staff making crank calls from 40,000 feet.

"Ah yes D.C. Lanes.  Yes we were wondering if you have 14 pound balls?"

Salve Lucrum