Best Financial Markets Analysis Article Every once in a while, I like to flip the TV channels and watch Jim Cramer on CNBC. It's not that I think that Jim Cramer is a spectacular trader, I just think he is a talented and amusing guy. The last time I tuned on the tube, CNBC's Jim Cramer was naming his top five picks to get you through these recessionary times.

So with pencil in hand, I quickly scribbled down his top five stock picks on a piece of paper and shoved it into my pocket. I actually forgot about Mr. Cramer's picks until today when I found this crumpled piece of paper with my handwriting on it. This paper listed the five stocks that Mr. Cramer picked on the close of business on January 8.

Video Served by INO.com

So here are Mr Cramer's top 5 picks and where they closed on 1/08/09:

Caterpillar: (NYSE_CAT) - Closed @ 44.08
Home Depot: (NYSE_HD) - Closed @ 24.38
Johnson and Johnson: (NYSE_JNJ ) - Closed @ 59.02
Hewlett - Packard Company: (NYSE_HPQ) - Closed @ 37.61
Verizon Communications: (NYSE_VZ) - Closed @ 32.42

So I decided to put MarketClub's "Trade Triangles"technology right next to Jim Cramer's picks to compare how we both have done for the past few weeks. The one thing that struck me as odd with Mr. Cramer's trading, is that he never seems to implement a stop loss technique. He talks about money management, but never about the use of stops. He just seems to let his positions run. For example, in the case of Caterpillar (NYSE_CAT), Mr Cramer's first pick is down 25% from the date it was recommended. I don't know about you, but a 25% loss in any market is enough to give me the heebie jeebies.

Admittedly that's extreme, but if your only looking for a 25% upmove and the stock is down 25% you really have to make 50% just to get back to even. It's the type of trading I just don't understand. I learned a long time ago that trying to pick bottoms and tops in the markets is a loser's game and a futile exercise that can be very expensive.

So, if Mr. Cramer is long all the stocks listed above, what positions is MarketClub's "Trade Triangles" technology suggesting for those stocks ... are we long or are we short? Well, it turns out we are short all of the above stocks and we see the trend in those stocks as still being negative.

So what's an investor to do? You can be entertained by Jim Cramer or you can use the "Trade Triangles" to scientifically make money in the markets. The great thing about MarketClub's "Trade Triangle" technology is that there is no emotion in the signals, it is purely a mathematical algorithm that keeps you on the side with the better odds.

A systematic market proven program approach has flaws like anything else. However, if one follows an approach like this you will make money over time. It also allows you to sleep much better at night when using a systematic program to buy and sell stocks, futures, precious metals and the forex markets.

So while Mr. Cramer is enormously popular and entertaining, I'm not sure that I would want to put my money with this type of approach. I would much rather approach the market in a systematic, scientific way knowing that the odds are in my favor.

We will follow up on these trades when we receive a buy signal or an exit-short position signal and we'll see exactly how our "Trade Triangles" technology is working vis-a-vis Mr. Cramer.

Please feel free to make comments on this post and if Mr. Cramer decides to cover his positions and you hear about it first let us know and we will make any adjustments necessary. Thanks.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Every success in the markets,

Adam Hewison
President, INO.com
Co-creator, MarketClub

By INO.com

INO and Quote Providers furnish quotes and market analysis without responsibility for accuracy and is accepted by the site visitor on the condition that transmission or omissions shall not be made the basis for any claim, demand or cause for action. The information and data was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy. Neither the information, nor any opinion expressed, constitutes a solicitation of the purchase or sale of any futures or options..

INO Archive

Only logged in users are allowed to post comments. Register/ Log in

The Market Oracle is a FREE Financial Markets Forecasting & Analysis web-site.
(c) 2005-2024 MarketOracle.co.uk (Market Oracle Ltd) - Market Oracle Ltd asserts copyright on all articles authored by our editorial team and all comments posted. Any and all information provided within the web-site, is for general information purposes only and Market Oracle Ltd do not warrant the accuracy, timeliness or suitability of any information provided on this site. nor is or shall be deemed to constitute, financial or any other advice or recommendation by us. and are also not meant to be investment advice or solicitation or recommendation to establish market positions. We do not give investment advice and our comments are an expression of opinion only and should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as recommendations to enter into a market position either stock, option, futures contract, bonds, commodity or any other financial instrument at any time. We recommend that independent professional advice is obtained before you make any investment or trading decisions. By using this site you agree to this sites Terms of Use. From time to time we promote or endorse certain products / services that we believe are worthy of your time and attention. In return for that endorsement and only in the cases where you purchase directly though us may we be compensated by the producers of those products.