December 20, 2000

Trains, Planes & Dot Coms Revisited . . . the end of an era

When I sat down to write "Train, Planes & Dot Coms" on January 2^nd of this year, I felt the stock market was approaching a peak. With twenty years in the business, I had never witnessed stock market gains of this magnitude. The Nasdaq had risen over 85 percent in 1999 – a benchmark no other index had accomplished the entire century. Stock prices moved as much as 700% in a single day for an IPO, or up as much as 50% on a favorable recommendation by an analyst. The market was no longer driven by fundamentals or facts. It moved on hype and hyperbole. Even more alarming to me was the fact that the majority of gains were concentrated among companies that were losing money. Read More

April 2000

Rounding The Mark - Lessons Learned on The Race Course

My son and I participated in the 2000 NOOD Regatta in San Diego in March. Although Ryan has spent the last year as a crewmember on a racing team, this was my first experience. During the three-day race, many lessons were learned. From tragedy to triumph, it was memorable. As I began to review the races, the goals and objectives, as well as the shift in our course and tactics, I saw an incredible analogy to investing in today's stock market. I am an investor as well as a counselor. The lessons I learned will hopefully help you as much as they've helped me these past months. Read More

Left - Jim & Ryan on Jimmy-J

February 2000

The 19th Hole: A Parable for Today's Stock Market Mania

It's the men's day out. Overall, it's been a pleasant day. This is what retirement is all about. You and the rest of your foursome just completed a leisurely 18 holes of golf. It's time to head to the 19th hole [the men's grill] where great and not-so-great shots are replayed. Your game has never been better, and so you're looking forward to rehashing the drives and putts that made you the day's champion. Bragging rights were about to be served. But as the drinks are poured, the bravado increases and the conversation suddenly turns to the topic du jour: the stock market.  Read More