Individual vs. Index

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As you've probably deduced, I look at a lot of stock charts every day. I greatly prefer taking on individual positions to indexes since – – if the market is generally going my way – – –  they are a lot less work! I'd much rather set up a position and let it stew for weeks on end, ratcheting stops for profit protection along the way, than try to be a gun-slinger with big index trades.

By definition, I tend to prefer issues that have historically shown a lot of volatility and, in the case of shorts, have a large opportunity for downside. ASH is a good example:

0924-ash

Take note not only of the series of lower highs but – important – the 800% rise (!!!!!!!!!!!) since March.

I have entered ASH, as well as a few other shorts, with these stops.

ASH 45.81  

CCL  34.96 

CEDC  34.71  

DD  34.60  

DOW  27.25  

FCX 73.44    

GET  25.86 

JPM  46.50  

MDR 27.31 

SA  29.72  

STP 17.69