Go For Broke

Friday, April 29, 2022 -- $44,133.64 (+$252.41, +0.58%) Although the portfolio snapshot is showing a value of $48,033.64, I am changing my reporting methodology today.  Rather than use the latest prices at semi-random time that I happen to take the snapshot of the portfolio, I am going to use the portfolio's closing price.  This can be calculated by taking the snapshot value and adding or subtracting the after-hours loss or gain, respectively.  I am doing this because after-hours trading is often based on very small volume and frequently is not as strong of an indication of value as the closing prices are. If you look closely you will notice that I sold another 1,000 shares of KIND at a loss because I was close to the margin call limit.  I also purchased 10 SPY $374 puts that expire on Monday.  These are more of an insurance purchase and will almost certainly expire worthless.  Realistically, the only scenario in which they result in a gain is if Russia wou...

  Thursday, April 28, 2022 -- $43,881.23 (-$2,000.00, -4.36%) The portfolio reached an all-time low today and is approaching margin call territory.  It might be time raise some cash to drop the margin level even though it means selling KIND at a substantial loss.

  Wednesday, April 27, 2022 -- $45,881.23 (+$1,760.00, +3.99%) Not much happening today.  Despite KIND being down almost 4% the portfolio went up almost 4%--perhaps because KIND recovered in after hours trading or possibly because of the choppiness of valuations in options trading.

Tuesday, April 26, 2022 -- $44,121.23 (-$3,780.00, -7.89%) Back to the drudgery of down days.  KIND lost most of its gain from yesterday.  What is the saying about progress?  One step forward, two steps back--is that how the saying goes?

Monday, April 25, 2022 -- $47,901.23 (+$4,860.00, +11.29%) An up day!  Let's break out the champagne and celebrate!  At least until the next disastrous portfolio update!

Friday, April 22, 2022 -- $43,041.23 (-$4,159.46, -8.81%) I think I might be inured to large losses.  Down almost 9% and I am just thankful that the portfolio was not down even more.  To meet my margin call, I sold 1,000 shares of KIND at a significant loss.  Lets home next week slows down the bleeding.

Thursday, April 21, 2022 -- $47,200.69 (-$4,890.88, -9.39%) Another day another crushing blow to the portfolio.  KIND was down 5% today while the portfolio lost more than 9% of its value.  It now stands at about one-half of its starting value.  And, you can see from the snapshot what happens when you invest on margin and the market moves against you--you get a margin call!  So I will have to sell some of my shares at a significant loss tomorrow.