While the market appears to be on autopilot, there continues to be dual action that is part chasing winners (window dressing) and part seeking value (getting in front of street), which saw technology names higher, but the energy sector was the biggest winner.  We’ve seen energy have great sessions, only to ease back in subsequent sessions.

I continue to be intrigued with energy, and while I’m sitting on big losers in the sector, there are other names that I must drill down (no pun intended) on as potential new ideas. 

Meanwhile, looks like value-seekers are giving up the ghost on some of the deeply beaten down brick and mortar retailers.  There will be a few survivors from the bunch, but it’s too early to know which.  We are looking into that as well, because the consumer will remain strong into 2020 and one divertive will be the surprise survival and big pop in names currently being written off (think Best Buy (BBY) a few years ago).

Its half a day of trading (no Afternoon Note), and then it’s off to Christmas Eve dinners and Christmas Day.

My Wish for You

In my home office, I have two pictures, unframed, that lay strategically on my desk so that I see them immediately.  My mom and dad passed a few years ago, and each day I think about them.  Many days, I think about calling my mom. Then, I remember.  But I know they are with me, and the things I wanted to talk about are the culmination of things I was taught on how to live.

I hope they are proud.

I think they are proud.

Its because of them, and my own children and grandchildren, I will continue to work harder than anyone.   I believe if we all go through life focused on honoring those that came before us, and whose shoulders we stand, things will be fine.  Its more important than any kind of tribal success or pressures that seem to dominate our culture. 

I wish for everyone to have a great Christmas and receive the true blessings of the season.