Replies to post #46 on Acme Packet (APKT)

[Not_Bill_Oneil]

I don't like making predictions...

as it's just easier to watch the price and volume of stocks (and the market) and just go with the leaders (of the trend). One thing I would recommend again is to study those growth estimates (hint: Daily Graphs by IBD also gives some simple and useful data on estimates to quickly follow). This is another window (along with your other DD including conference calls) into determining and following leading companies and anticipating where possible inefficiencies might be in the market.

Re: NYX, it's under the 50sma and it dropped under it on volume - that's a warning. It's still a good stock with good fundamentals, with lots of new things happening. However, right now ICE is still the real exchange/group leader.

And besides stock, sector, and market action, watch other economic indicators and trends. Since the market is forward looking, just look for general trends and cycles. One issue that I think is going to be a market factor is what the Fed may do later this year. So, for example today, the poor financial news this morning from HSBC regarding the sub-prime market can viewed from another angle as another indicator about what the Fed might do later (maybe even sooner than later).

And I always just trust what I see as well - 'cause I'm always out looking. Again, re the HSBC news, I've been watching what's been happening in the real estate market and in this case for instance, I had some anecdotal evidence as well. We moved last fall, and the movers damaged my desk. So, I've been out looking for a good deal on a new set on Craigslist. Every nice executive set I went to see the past 6 weeks were at smaller sub-prime shops in Southern Cal finally closing up shop - and offering fire-sale prices on all their furniture (I just like a good deal on anything I buy). Practice what to constantly look for and trust what you see, and you can stay out ahead of the news headlines (and more importantly not be mislead by some of them) and at least be prepared for and anticipate general trends (and hopefully protect assets and/or make money).

GL & GT.