Stocks Turn Volatile on Middle East Developments.

Staying calm and focused while adding a new options trade and updating our insurance trade.

Stocks Turn Volatile on Middle East Developments.

This week we’re taking profits on a stock which is up over $600. I am also adding a new options trade in an energy stock which is poised to move higher as it has just crossed above long term resistance. In addition, I am updating the entry point to our insurance trade, which should trigger if the market continues to weaken.

Staying Calm in a Tough Market

It’s easy to get rattled when markets respond to external events such as the latest Middle East confrontation. Yet, from a trading standpoint, it’s best to stick to the trading plan. So here are some pointers to get everyone organized:

• Stay calm and focused;

• Follow the status of the market’s liquidity closely (see below for details on the NFCI);

• Keep abreast of the market’s sentiment (see below for details);

• Monitor each portfolio position individually;

• Consider taking profits on positions that are extended and thus vulnerable to profit taking;

• If a position is stopped out, move on;

• If a position is not stopped out, keep it in the portfolio; and

• Hedge as needed. I’ve just added an insurance trade in both the Smart Money Passport and the Weekender Portfolio.

Incidentally, in this type of market, it pays to stay informed and tactical. Moreover, eventually bargains appear. And there is no greater asset than being prepared, especially if it comes at a discount. Therefore, I am offering a 20% discount special offer to the Smart Money Weekender, which you can immediately access here. Please note the offer expires on 6/17/25.

If you’re curious about our results, here are recently closed positions:

· SOLD Skyward Insurance (SKWD). Bought 4/21/25: $52. SOLD 6/10/25: $60. Return for this trade: $800/100 shares (15.38%).

· CLOSED Amphenol (APH) July 18, 2025 $90 Call up to $2.75. Bought 5/27/25: $2.80. Closed 6/9/25: $5.75. Return for this trade $300/contract (109%).

· SOLD - Astronics Corp. (ATRO). Bought 5/5/25: $24. SOLD 6/2/25: $31.85. Return for this trade: $785/100 shares (32.7%).

And here is a larger sample of our trading results:

· SOLD - Palantir (PLTR). Bought 7/2/24: $25.84. SOLD 01/08/25: $68. Return for this trade: $4216/100 shares (164%).

· SOLD AAON Inc. (AAON) Above $80. Bought 6/20/24: $80.05. SOLD 11/8/24: $138.24. Return for this trade: $5849/100 shares (42.43%).

· SOLD Walmart (WMT). Bought 5/16/2024: $63.25. SOLD 3/7/25 closing price: $92. Return for this trade: $2875/100 shares (31.25%).

· SOLD - Amazon.com (AMZN). Bought 8/16/2024: $177. SOLD 2/18/25: $225. Return for this trade: $4800/100 shares (27.11%).

· SOLD Toll Brothers (TOL). Bought: 8/12/24: $126.25. SOLD 12/10/24: 145. Return for this trade: $1875/100 shares (12.93%).

· SOLD – Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA). Bought 11/24/23: $86.05. SOLD 10/31/24: Return for this trade: $2800/100 shares (25.58%).

· SOLD - Shift Four Payments (FOUR). Bought 8/29/24: $82.43. SOLD 11/1/24: $91. Return for this trade: $857/100 shares (10.39%).

· SOLD– SPDR S&P Metals and Mining ETF (XME). Bought 9/14/23: $54.05. Stopped out 1/17/24 closing price: $57. Return for this trade: $295 per 100 shares (5.45%).

· SOLD Halliburton (HAL). Bought 6/7/23: $32. Stopped Out 12/5/23: $37. Return for this trade: $500 per 100 shares (15.6%).

• SOLD - Pulte Group (PHM). Bought 1/9/23: $48.35. SOLD 9/21/23: $75. Return for this trade: $2665 per 100 shares (55.11%).

If you want instant access to our current portfolio, our latest options trade, and our insurance trade while staying informed and tactical grab our 20% discount special offer to the Smart Money Weekender, which you can access here. The offer expires on 6/17/25.

The Weekender Portfolio is designed for investors with a more relaxed attitude and longer term time horizons that our short term focused Smart Money Passport portfolio.

Thanks to everyone for your support.

Thanks also to all the current Buy Me a Coffee members and supporters. If your 401 (k) allows ETFs, the Sector Selector ETF Service, included, at no extra charge with your Buy Me a Coffee membership, is for you.

For active trading, short term trading strategies, check out the Smart Money Passport.

If you’re looking for a slower pace to profits check out Joe’s Weekender Portfolio.

I also appreciate single coffees, which you can buy me here.

If you’re thinking about day trading, check out my book – Day Trading 101

And if you’re looking cut your stress and trade more effectively, visit my Health Page.

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