There is some logic in Greg's perspective. Unfortunately, it is much too extreme for me... but I could see how his point of view might, if anything, make a legitimate case for a correction. So, for that reason, I wouldn't be so quick to dust him off.
I have been carefully working on my portfolio, and I must say that the market seems a bit nutty to me, especially today. But, in spite of everything, I am still paying close attention, and I have now reached 50 different stocks and funds... so I am very well diversified, but it is strange to see which ones are up and which ones are down... I can't make any genuine sense out of it.
The TV is full of a million different perspectives on this market, and I find it difficult to put any faith in those talking heads, especially since so many of them dont' see eye to eye, and they paint an entirely different picture.
When it all boils down, it all makes me think that a correction could be coming soon.
If so, I will probably try to ride it all out this time, and not attempt to time it. The signs are too vague at this point, so it makes better sense to stay "in" the market with my current holdings. However, I will simultaneously sit on a big chunk of cash and wait for a really good opportunity to come along, and then if it does come along... whamo... I'll buy/add a lot more at a discount.
Unless the conditions change significantly, I can't think of a better approach at this point.
Well Mr Tag--stay nimble--I wish I had some meaningful insight, but I don`t...Just seems like so many problems, but no one cares..Things keep going up....Just think Apple has gone up fifty percent in the last year or so, and so have many other stocks....I`v taken some off the table, but what I have sold is basically where I sold it....It is more comfortable that way for me....Tony
Just deposited a new GL450 in white with black interior. 75.5K list price - leased it for 1,025. with 1500 down. I love this truck and I've averaged 17.2mpg in it with as high as 21mpg on the hghway, better than I ever expected so I hope the new one is as efficient. MB took me out of my last 4 lease payments. They have a deal for 3 but if you prove to them you have a Lexus they extend it to 5 or 6. This one also has the appearance package with 20" wheels. Was going to wait for the new ML but took a test drive in the current model and while it rides nice, it's nothing like the GL. The GL is really a lux car in truck form. Basically it's the same packages I currently have plus a wood & leather steering wheel. the GL appearance package and something I d'ont need and they creditted out 65% of the cost - a trailer hitch. Both the new and current have the rear seat DVD - which is really a top notch player and pair of screens.
Congratulations Len! It really sounds like an awesome vehicle. I'm now thinking that I am going to wait until the next generation LS comes out before I go car shopping again. Besides, the way AAPL has been acting lately, I will not be able to afford even a motorcycle at this time.
Just deposited a new GL450 in white with black interior.
Did you test drive the diesel version of the GL? I have a friend that makes a lot of trips from his home in Portland to San Diego in his GL320 CDI and averages right at 28 MPG cruising 75 MPH all the way down Interstate 5. Though I am surprised you can get 21 MPG on the highway. My 07 Sequoia has never beat 18 MPG and it is only a tad bigger. I wanted a GL320 CDI in 2007 but they were not sold new in CA. I drove a used one at the dealer. He wanted $73k with 12k miles, which was more than new price at the time.
I am actually shocked by the mileage I got in the GL as I expected less than they report and I got significantly more, still another point I loved about the ownership experience. I essentially drive it on the highway from my home to Tarrytown NY (my office) for about 130 miles a roundtrip. We have a birdseye view of the Tappan Zee bridge from our boardroom. I put in plus gas all the time. The highest I ever got was 21.7. Mostly though I'd get 18 with traffic and 20 when I drove free of traffic which is often because I go up and come back in off hours for the most part. It's nice to own your own business. Now on a trip of all highway to Myrtle Beach I only averaged 19 but that includes 100 miles of stop and go in Virginia on a 625 mile trip one way. coming back was similar. My dealer has no diesels and they are a special order as MB is really going to hybrids with their US strategy. I actually thought about he dieselt but I got worried about Tag's heart condition (he'll know why) if I would have mentioned that earlier. Diesel around here is about 60 cents a gallon over unleaded plus right now.
Anyway I love this truck and MB has done a spectacular job here. My LS 460L is about $4K more in LP than this but you could never get a lease deal from Lexus like this. Typically Lexus would be $200-250 more a month at this price point.
Congratulations on the new vehicle-truck- Maybe one year on your drive to Myrtle Beach, and hopefully Pawleys you`l come on down to Charleston and visit me....Of coure the rest of the `gang` is also invited anytime.....Tony ps I went in to the Audi dealership to find out about the next service, and at that time looked at the A8...Certainly an attractive car, more so that a picture...Tony
Best of Luck L. Use it in good health. Hope all the snow is gone by now. I'm doen in VA scouting out JMU for my daughter. Nice school and the students and faculty are very nice to us. Checking out Marymount tomorrow.
So far, CR-V running 26 MPG over 400 miles. Not great for a 4 pot but not bad. Exxon in Fairfax where we are staying is $3.95/gal. tonight.
You have placed your deposit for yet another full-size Mercedes Benz in New Jersey, and I have just recenltly taken delivery of a little hybrid Lexus here in Southern California.
What's wrong with this picture?
Absolutely nothing! It's picture perfect, IMO.
So, CONGRATS!... and best of luck with it!!! Let's truly hope it's a good one... built on a bright and sunny Wednesday morning, between 9 and 10:30 am.
I was kind of leaning toward the ML350 diesel. I don't need a third row and the 2nd row legroom seemed better in the ML than the GL. I have a question. Of the 150+ ML & GL diesels in So CA inventory only 8 have real leather. What is your take on the fake Leatherette in the Mercedes?
I got the black interior this time because dark jeans rub off onto that textured leather and discolor it. MB took it out for me on a service appt and put some protection on the seat but after awhile the staining came back. The real leather is a special order on the 450 of the ML and GL (it's standard on the 550's). I'd much rather have the real leather and I've gotten spoiled by the high quality Lexus leather over the years but to be truthful once you get used to the textured leather you do forget about it. One thing though - and I d'ont know if it's the case with other German cars - but the seat heaters on the MB are phenomenal. They warm up very fast and encompass your back and the seat and they then reduce heat if it gets too hot. On my Lexus LS460L they d'ont come up your back and d'ont get as hot.
Tag - and like you I make these decisions in a 5 minute session. I walked in to drive the ML as I had never driven it before and wanted to see how it would tempt me in a few months. It's a nice truck as is, so I imagine the new model will be even better. Although personally I think the E-class has taken a hit and is not the rock solid model it used to be and I'm somewhat concerned about the next ML which to me is it's SUV brother. I almost am coming away with the feeling that there are two level MB's now - the S (which to me now defines the brand) and the upper class cars and the cheapened E and the lower class cars. What surprised me over the past 30 months is that I liked the C-class whenever I got it as a loaner car. If you get that car on a good lease deal it's a heck of a value. Back to SUV's, the GL to me is the S-class brother while the ML is more akin to the E-class though I realize the GL comes off the old E-frame. The GL just feels better made and a lot more luxurious than the ML (and dollar for dollar it's the better value) so I made the decision on the spot to stay GL and pass up the new ML model.
I meant to ask you something. Now that I'm not getting car mags (though I get R&T and C&D $6 a year offers now) I'm not up to date on BMW. Good old trustworthy Consumer Reports in its auto issue this month says the handling on both the 5 and 7 series is way down. is that the case?
If I had told you I took a diesel I'd have really made your hair stand up. Truth is that after all our discussions of years ago about hybrid vs diesel, I thought about it, believe it or not. It just goes to show you that you never say never.
Everyone I missed - thanks for the well wishes. Much apreciated. This is a great forum.
From all I know, the new (2010+) style E-class is more solid than the W211 (03-09) or W210 (96-02). It has received favorable reviews and doesn't have the same bugs (W210 electrics and now rust, W211 early transmissions, airmatic, electrics). That being said, it is more spartan looking inside, so that might make it seem less luxurious. In that car, due to European demand, I think MB is finally trying to emulate what it made 25-30 years ago than to emulate Lexus. When you bought a new midrange MB back in the good old days, it wasn't as frilly as many buyers want now.
I've read the same about the 5er and 7er...I suspect the latter will still drive sportier than its competition, but the 5er now seems to need the sport package to beat the pack. Maybe it's a ploy to sell pricey option packages. But they'll both wallop Lexus in enthusiastic driving, anyway.
Amid a busy dealership today I found a knockout designo S-class on the floor of the dealer with a white on black interior today. Gorgeous and also $122K. Did all the paperwork today and pick up the truck on Monday.
The S is a class act, even if it still has some kind of weird styling cues. Not surprised at the price - had 20K+ in options, which isn't hard to do. The car I like most in the lineup other than specifically optioned AMG cars, is the CL. It's just so big, hedonistic, and kind of pointless - but very subtle at the same time.
The prices are inflating, but the dollar is sinking, so it evens out. I am shocked a base S can be had so cheaply, to be honest. I remember back in 1992 when the W140 came around, a 500SEL was heading for 90K in those dollars.
I hope you have nothing but good times with the GL.
Fintail - I actually love the S-class styling. At the beginning I didn't like the humps but over time I found the car more and more impressive. Thanks for the well-wishes and I'll put up a pix of the GL after I get it. I'm going to take a pix of that designo S-class interior on Monday too.
The wheelarch humps and the trunk still kind of rub me the wrong way...but it's not like I'd refuse it if someone gave me one of those things. Flint gray with a light interior might work for me. Although if I was to choose a car, it would probably be a quartz blue E63 with a light interior and performance package. Sadly that color isn't offered on the S or CL...it reminds me of my beloved old W126
Nice, congrats Len. I've made my decision on the LFA without even seeing one in person :surprise: However, after attending the LFA driver training program in Sonoma, I have to say I am in love with that car.
On the realestate side, while I agree that the general market has bottomed and probably going side way for a couple years, the bank owned/short sales, screaming deals are probably about gone in desirable locations. You could find them significantly below market price. I just got an offer on my Sarasota home at 30% more than my costs.
Grew up in that area of Westchester but a bit north of Tarrytown. Going back in 2012 for our 40th high school reunion if my health is good. Very close to settling my small trust fund issues and the wife wants me to buy tax free muni's so we'll see. Since I was let go from the post office last October, this year our income will be much lower. Hoping also that workers comp will accept my case so I can get paid 75% tax free. Just sent the final paperwork in last week.
Hopefully things will work out for us!
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
There is a company that I have kept in my portfolio for quite a while called Baidu Inc. (symbol BIDU). I have mentioned it here before. Today I bought more of this company, and I still see more upside to this stock. I recommend you check it out.
Now, some interesting news, especially for Charlie... I originally posted that I was looking for an AAPL target of $325/share to consider buying more, but I decided today to buy more at just a few cents over $330/share. At this level, I feel OK to buy, but I am sitll on the lookout for buying more at lower prices, if/when that happens. So... bottom line is that I bought more AAPL shares today at a tad over $330/share!
Also, I couldn't resist buying more Ford today... it is down sharply in the last few trading sessions, and when it dips to $14 and change, it looks attractive to me. So, when it reached that point today, I pulled the trigger and bought more.
I also noticed that CNBC's Cramer was giving a big sales pitch of Monster Worldwide (MWW) last week, but I didn't want to buy it unless it took a big dip, which it has actually done today... interesting that it took a hit shortly after Cramer recommended it. But, I have decided to add it to the portfolio and see if Cramer is right about this stock in the longer run, even though it took a big dip. If so, it's sweet that I got it after a big dip of over a 3% decline. Cramer scares me a bit, and I believe he sometimes has an irrational influence on some of the stocks he discusses. So, we'll just have to see how this one (MWW) goes.
AAP has not been acting good at all for a few weeks now. I bought some (after I dumped it all) on a couple of occasions the past week or so. For whatever reason, AAPL is no longer the "darling" of the stocks for some of the big boys. I have tremendous faith that this stock will bounce back in a big way. The earnings report on April 21 should be very positive. The only thing that scares me is the supply problem (some parts come from Japan I believe) over the next few months.
Just seems to me that apple is marking time...Although it is frustrating while holding a large position, and the stock is languishing-- actually that is good....It give people a chance to relate to a holding and determine what they want to do...Now just suppose it drifts a bit lower and continues to just do it`s thing---the big fund re-position their holdings--and the in a few months or so, Steve wanders back on stage, and announces a totally new way to consume television , with all the problems worked out beforehand ( you can maybe tell I`m going to buy a new tv hopefully with Mr Tag`s help) in a slick easy to understand format with ATT as the provider wireless....Man the stock would gather itself and make a mighty leap..:) Best to you Tony
IMO, this is all simply a matter of Apple stock going through a necessary reality check.
No matter WHAT Apple's stock price does in the short term... it is almost a certainty that Apple WILL announce great earnings. But, even with those earnings announcements, some idiots on Wall Street might just find something about them they don't lilke,.. they have actually done that before. But, regardless of those idiots, I think it's safe to say that Apple WILL announce very respectable and significant earnings.
And, yes... at some point in time in the near future, probably this summer, Apple WILL announce some upgrades to existing products, and they will release their new operating system for the Macs.
The new iPhone with 4G and other enhancements will come soon... also probably this summer. Not revolutionary, perhaps, but certainly evolutionary.
There are sources that indicate Apple is VERY likely to start using carbon fiber in their products in the not-too-distant future to reduce weight and scale, and to increase strength in key areas.
But... the next revolutionary product is still a guarded secret... IF there is one at all... so the single biggest question is WHAT'S NEXT? I personally think it is a safe bet to expect something fairly amazing, but at some point in time, we have to question our expectations of the company and it's founder, who's remaining time on this planet is tragically very likely to expire relatively soon.
It's almost like a, "What have you done for me lately?" kind of situation. This is a problem when sooooo much is expected of a company, those expectations are no longer even rational or realistic.
So, there are serious pressures on Apple, yet I think it is an amazing company that WILL deliver the earnings reports and WILL deliver the product enhancements, and WILL deliver the sales numbers and continue to grow internationally, and WILL (further down the road) deliver yet another revolutionary product that will catch the world off guard, and force the competition back to their drawing boards once again. But, those companies should not be written off, as happened when too many folks didn't give Google's Android the credit it deserves and has legitimately earned. It is a serious competitor that should not be ignored.
That said, Apple is one of the most innovative companies to ever exist, and it's very hard to justify selling off the shares of a company like Apple. That's why I think this is just more about the stock "catching its breath", in addition to recognizing that the company's achievements aren't made from pixie dust (maybe more like Pixar dust... haha), and that investor's expectations should be made without over-indulging in too much Kool-Aid.
Apple's share price will find it's moorings once again very soon, IMO. What a fantastic company.
Picked it p today. This SUV looks sharpest in white to me. They also have it available now in a color that is very much like the Lexus smokey granite and it's sharp as hell in that color too.
Very nice. White is always my first choice. Preferably with some pearl in it. I don't know about the white seats in the S model. I would worry about them all the time. I have to get down and look at the GL & ML again. In the diesel model. I just don't like our CA gas. It gets lousy mileage with the excess ethanol and other additives. Probably distilled water or some such thing.
I don't know what else to say but I agree with everything you guys say. Even though I am losing some on my latest AAPL investments, I'm honestly not concerned. I don't see any way this stock will continue to stay in the doldrums much longer. I want to buy more but I'm not sure when to pull e trigger. Tomorrow might be the time.
If you get it in white you might want to go with the chrome package - it's all of $225 as well as the appearance package. The appearance package adds 20" wheels and running boards and the chrome package on the GL is added accents around the truck plus the roof rails. Not sure of how all that is treated on the ML. But the chrome against the white really looks great and gives the truck added dimension as do the larger wheels. Also be careful as the lighting package has to be added in order to get the bi-xenon headlights and they are really good on the GL. In fact the new fog lights give phenomenal visiibility in real dark areas, much improved from my 2009 GL, which was very good to begin with. In my dealer stock only about 50% of the GL's had the bi-xenon headlights.
I think with Apple the fear is that they will scale back earnings guidance or hints of it- not because of demand of course (that's thru the roof) - but because of the Japanese production problem. It does have a domino effect as Apple's big lead on tablets is now and lower production means lower renewals for trade-ups further out - assuming the competition is really there. I certainly d'ont fear the earnings report and expect a blow-out quarter - but it's guidance (or expected lack of it) over a natural dsaster that even Apple can't fix that may have investors spooked. To me Apple remains an undervalued company and will correct big to the upside as the year moves on. But I have enough of it for now. Now if it runs under 320 I may have to rethink that.
Yes, as I stated on my post from earlier yesterday, the potential supply problem is the only thing that worries me about AAPL. But I do believe they will find alternative sources for supplies if indeed Japan cannot come through in the coming months.
Speaking of Japan, the nuclear disaster (raised to level 7 now) is spooking every market known to man this morning. That nuclear crisis has been very much troubling me since it started a month ago. There does not seem to be any good solution in sight. You might get your wish and see AAPL below $320.
It's not a wish. But I do have money to put to work now that I've finalized my taxes. I'll tell you one thing - the luxury auto dealerships I've seen in the last two weeks - MB and Lex - are busy as hell. And my son wants Tag's car now and that car is hot.
I've trying to talk my wife into buying e CT200h, but so far it has not worked. She is use to a larger suv and does not want to go to something this small. But, we have more than a year left on the lease for the RX450h. A lot can change in that time frame. If gas prices go high enough, she could change her mind. I'll tell you what. It appears that Lexus is promoting the CT more than any other model they have promoted in the past. Whenever, I watch espn, CNN, etc., I see a CT commercial about every 10 minutes.
Are there any CT200H cars even available? I understand that is one of the Japanese factories that still have not resumed production. Maybe they are trying to get a lot of folks to put down a deposit so they know the demand.
the luxury auto dealerships I've seen in the last two weeks - MB and Lex - are busy as hell.
I've been running into the same thing at boat dealers/marinas. Two good friends of mine have already purchased new boats this year. My wife and I have been looking for a new boat since January. Little inventory is available now. I should have bought one in January. My thinking that they'll call me when they get hungry enough to bite at my offer has backfired. It's resulted in the boats being sold to someone else.
We were at a marina last week and they told me sales at their March boat show was the best in years. It showed as they hardly had anything to sell. Boat sales are certainly not what they were pre-crash, but a few builders have gone under and the existing builders have cut production, so the supply is much lower.
So if nothing else, it shows some people are spending some money.
1. Len, I have always held the opinion that the GL looks best in white, hands down.
2. The CT is nearly impossible to get. Limited supply vs. massive demand.
Customer order lists are literally months long in some areas. People stop and ask me about the car all the time, and they want to see it and even look inside. Of course, they always ask about the real-world gas mileage, which continues to average right around 36 mpg overall, with my style of spirited driving. I am sure the car is capable of getting up to 44 mpg max, which literally cuts the price of regular gasoline in HALF compared to an 18-22 mpg vehicle. I was in Century City last night with my son, and we were about to leave a parking garage... and then this guy came running out of nowhere... he was all over the car, drooling over it, asking a gazillion questions. You'd think the car was a Lamborghini or something. Strange.
I like the CT. Plenty enough fun and comfort to drive and it's a nice and refreshing break from driving a big fat vehicle.
3. Apple. It's showing some signs of strength today.
Hard to say where the bottom is, but I do have a strong feeling that this is it, or near it. I had recently posted that I thought AAPL was attractive at $325/share, yet I bought more yesterday at $330/share. That says something, and today we see a slight advance. Even if it doesn't hold, it is a good sign. Long run... Apple is a fantastic company. Patience is all we really need.
Whenever, I watch espn, CNN, etc., I see a CT commercial about every 10 minutes
Yeah and I can't get them to buy my product. $50K will save them a fortune. Been to the altar twice with them on a contract and they changed management at the last second both times. Too much advertising turnover at Lexus.
BTW - we got more great publicity yesterday even making Yahoo Finance and MSNBC.
You in a Lexus car that's cheap by lux standards that's sporty, in big demand and getting a lot of attention. That's a discussion I would have caved on after the first sentence if we had discussed it years ago. Of course I'm now on my second GL and love it and the brand as much as Lexuus now (always respected it though) and you'd probably have caved just as fast on that one. Our dear old buddy - Merc1 - would be very happy with me these days.
No offense to you or anyone else here... but... I've always preferred FUN over luxury. And I always will. I'm not saying luxury doesn't have any merit, as it certainly pleases many people, including myself to some degree in certain situations. But, bottom line, luxury is superficial, and fun goes deep to the core... at least for me it does.
For example... I'd still rather have another Lotus Elise. Most driving fun I've ever had in ANY car I have ever owned... more fun than the Ferrari and Porsches I've owned. Just not a very good daily driver.
Hard to say where the bottom is, but I do have a strong feeling that this is it, or near it. I had recently posted that I thought AAPL was attractive at $325/share, yet I bought more yesterday at $330/share. That says something, and today we see a slight advance. Even if it doesn't hold, it is a good sign. Long run... Apple is a fantastic company. Patience is all we really need.
I agree! I believe that this the first trading session in at least a couple weeks that AAPL is outperforming the market. In fact, it is doing a lot better than the market. The Dow is 122 lower as I write this while AAPL is hanging in there at about $0.75 higher. That looks rather impressive. You may be right on the money TM. This acts like it is near the bottom.
Yeah and I can't get them to buy my product. $50K will save them a fortune. Been to the altar twice with them on a contract and they changed management at the last second both times. Too much advertising turnover at Lexus.
It's their loss Len. It sure sounds as if your company is doing booming business. I am happy for you.
Not booming - but very nice growth and very high incremental profit on the growth. We are pretty much rescession proof as the data is vital, sometimes more needed in a recession than in good times when spending is more wreckless. We are a steady as she goes business. In good times we do well but our growth is not as fast as others. In bad times we typically do much better than most. We still grew in the real down year of 2009, and 2010 and so far 2011 are strong years for us. The big hit in 2009 was the small agencies cutting services because auto dealers cut advertising. As soon as that segment came back so did the agencies. Typically that or bankruptcy is the only reason we lose a client and most of the time with the former it is temporary.
Comments
TM
The TV is full of a million different perspectives on this market, and I find it difficult to put any faith in those talking heads, especially since so many of them dont' see eye to eye, and they paint an entirely different picture.
When it all boils down, it all makes me think that a correction could be coming soon.
If so, I will probably try to ride it all out this time, and not attempt to time it. The signs are too vague at this point, so it makes better sense to stay "in" the market with my current holdings. However, I will simultaneously sit on a big chunk of cash and wait for a really good opportunity to come along, and then if it does come along... whamo... I'll buy/add a lot more at a discount.
Unless the conditions change significantly, I can't think of a better approach at this point.
TM
Just deposited a new GL450 in white with black interior. 75.5K list price - leased it for 1,025. with 1500 down. I love this truck and I've averaged 17.2mpg in it with as high as 21mpg on the hghway, better than I ever expected so I hope the new one is as efficient. MB took me out of my last 4 lease payments. They have a deal for 3 but if you prove to them you have a Lexus they extend it to 5 or 6. This one also has the appearance package with 20" wheels. Was going to wait for the new ML but took a test drive in the current model and while it rides nice, it's nothing like the GL. The GL is really a lux car in truck form. Basically it's the same packages I currently have plus a wood & leather steering wheel. the GL appearance package and something I d'ont need and they creditted out 65% of the cost - a trailer hitch. Both the new and current have the rear seat DVD - which is really a top notch player and pair of screens.
Did you test drive the diesel version of the GL? I have a friend that makes a lot of trips from his home in Portland to San Diego in his GL320 CDI and averages right at 28 MPG cruising 75 MPH all the way down Interstate 5. Though I am surprised you can get 21 MPG on the highway. My 07 Sequoia has never beat 18 MPG and it is only a tad bigger. I wanted a GL320 CDI in 2007 but they were not sold new in CA. I drove a used one at the dealer. He wanted $73k with 12k miles, which was more than new price at the time.
Anyway I love this truck and MB has done a spectacular job here. My LS 460L is about $4K more in LP than this but you could never get a lease deal from Lexus like this. Typically Lexus would be $200-250 more a month at this price point.
So far, CR-V running 26 MPG over 400 miles. Not great for a 4 pot but not bad. Exxon in Fairfax where we are staying is $3.95/gal. tonight.
Regards,
OW
You have placed your deposit for yet another full-size Mercedes Benz in New Jersey, and I have just recenltly taken delivery of a little hybrid Lexus here in Southern California.
What's wrong with this picture?
Absolutely nothing! It's picture perfect, IMO.
So, CONGRATS!... and best of luck with it!!! Let's truly hope it's a good one... built on a bright and sunny Wednesday morning, between 9 and 10:30 am.
TM
I'm sure Lj's new ride is built to last.
I wish you both many safe and sublime miles!
Regards,
W
Yes - I agree the A8 is a beautiful design especially in the LWB.
Len
I meant to ask you something. Now that I'm not getting car mags (though I get R&T and C&D $6 a year offers now) I'm not up to date on BMW. Good old trustworthy Consumer Reports in its auto issue this month says the handling on both the 5 and 7 series is way down. is that the case?
If I had told you I took a diesel I'd have really made your hair stand up. Truth is that after all our discussions of years ago about hybrid vs diesel, I thought about it, believe it or not. It just goes to show you that you never say never.
Everyone I missed - thanks for the well wishes. Much apreciated. This is a great forum.
Just in time for the 10:30 weekly oil inventory report on CNBC.
Beware.
TM
I've read the same about the 5er and 7er...I suspect the latter will still drive sportier than its competition, but the 5er now seems to need the sport package to beat the pack. Maybe it's a ploy to sell pricey option packages. But they'll both wallop Lexus in enthusiastic driving, anyway.
The prices are inflating, but the dollar is sinking, so it evens out. I am shocked a base S can be had so cheaply, to be honest. I remember back in 1992 when the W140 came around, a 500SEL was heading for 90K in those dollars.
I hope you have nothing but good times with the GL.
I've made my decision on the LFA without even seeing one in person :surprise: However, after attending the LFA driver training program in Sonoma, I have to say I am in love with that car.
On the realestate side, while I agree that the general market has bottomed and probably going side way for a couple years, the bank owned/short sales, screaming deals are probably about gone in desirable locations. You could find them significantly below market price. I just got an offer on my Sarasota home at 30% more than my costs.
Hopefully things will work out for us!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Now, some interesting news, especially for Charlie... I originally posted that I was looking for an AAPL target of $325/share to consider buying more, but I decided today to buy more at just a few cents over $330/share. At this level, I feel OK to buy, but I am sitll on the lookout for buying more at lower prices, if/when that happens. So... bottom line is that I bought more AAPL shares today at a tad over $330/share!
Also, I couldn't resist buying more Ford today... it is down sharply in the last few trading sessions, and when it dips to $14 and change, it looks attractive to me. So, when it reached that point today, I pulled the trigger and bought more.
I also noticed that CNBC's Cramer was giving a big sales pitch of Monster Worldwide (MWW) last week, but I didn't want to buy it unless it took a big dip, which it has actually done today... interesting that it took a hit shortly after Cramer recommended it. But, I have decided to add it to the portfolio and see if Cramer is right about this stock in the longer run, even though it took a big dip. If so, it's sweet that I got it after a big dip of over a 3% decline. Cramer scares me a bit, and I believe he sometimes has an irrational influence on some of the stocks he discusses. So, we'll just have to see how this one (MWW) goes.
TM
Just seems to me that apple is marking time...Although it is frustrating while holding a large position, and the stock is languishing-- actually that is good....It give people a chance to relate to a holding and determine what they want to do...Now just suppose it drifts a bit lower and continues to just do it`s thing---the big fund re-position their holdings--and the in a few months or so, Steve wanders back on stage, and announces a totally new way to consume television , with all the problems worked out beforehand ( you can maybe tell I`m going to buy a new tv hopefully with Mr Tag`s help) in a slick easy to understand format with ATT as the provider wireless....Man the stock would gather itself and make a mighty leap..:) Best to you Tony
Good post again.
IMO, this is all simply a matter of Apple stock going through a necessary reality check.
No matter WHAT Apple's stock price does in the short term... it is almost a certainty that Apple WILL announce great earnings. But, even with those earnings announcements, some idiots on Wall Street might just find something about them they don't lilke,.. they have actually done that before. But, regardless of those idiots, I think it's safe to say that Apple WILL announce very respectable and significant earnings.
And, yes... at some point in time in the near future, probably this summer, Apple WILL announce some upgrades to existing products, and they will release their new operating system for the Macs.
The new iPhone with 4G and other enhancements will come soon... also probably this summer. Not revolutionary, perhaps, but certainly evolutionary.
There are sources that indicate Apple is VERY likely to start using carbon fiber in their products in the not-too-distant future to reduce weight and scale, and to increase strength in key areas.
But... the next revolutionary product is still a guarded secret... IF there is one at all... so the single biggest question is WHAT'S NEXT? I personally think it is a safe bet to expect something fairly amazing, but at some point in time, we have to question our expectations of the company and it's founder, who's remaining time on this planet is tragically very likely to expire relatively soon.
It's almost like a, "What have you done for me lately?" kind of situation. This is a problem when sooooo much is expected of a company, those expectations are no longer even rational or realistic.
So, there are serious pressures on Apple, yet I think it is an amazing company that WILL deliver the earnings reports and WILL deliver the product enhancements, and WILL deliver the sales numbers and continue to grow internationally, and WILL (further down the road) deliver yet another revolutionary product that will catch the world off guard, and force the competition back to their drawing boards once again. But, those companies should not be written off, as happened when too many folks didn't give Google's Android the credit it deserves and has legitimately earned. It is a serious competitor that should not be ignored.
That said, Apple is one of the most innovative companies to ever exist, and it's very hard to justify selling off the shares of a company like Apple. That's why I think this is just more about the stock "catching its breath", in addition to recognizing that the company's achievements aren't made from pixie dust (maybe more like Pixar dust... haha), and that investor's expectations should be made without over-indulging in too much Kool-Aid.
Apple's share price will find it's moorings once again very soon, IMO. What a fantastic company.
TM
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=nly0i0&s=7
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2j18myo&s=7
Here's the $122K S class with amg sport option and designo interior in diamond white. The car is gorgeous in person. The dash is black lacquor.
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2d2htab&s=7
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=1zacef&s=7
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2ahe3nk&s=7
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=124y0w0&s=7
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=34xi0kp&s=7
I like the vertical upholstery pleating in that S.
I don't know what else to say but I agree with everything you guys say. Even though I am losing some on my latest AAPL investments, I'm honestly not concerned. I don't see any way this stock will continue to stay in the doldrums much longer. I want to buy more but I'm not sure when to pull e trigger. Tomorrow might be the time.
If you get it in white you might want to go with the chrome package - it's all of $225 as well as the appearance package. The appearance package adds 20" wheels and running boards and the chrome package on the GL is added accents around the truck plus the roof rails. Not sure of how all that is treated on the ML. But the chrome against the white really looks great and gives the truck added dimension as do the larger wheels. Also be careful as the lighting package has to be added in order to get the bi-xenon headlights and they are really good on the GL. In fact the new fog lights give phenomenal visiibility in real dark areas, much improved from my 2009 GL, which was very good to begin with. In my dealer stock only about 50% of the GL's had the bi-xenon headlights.
I think with Apple the fear is that they will scale back earnings guidance or hints of it- not because of demand of course (that's thru the roof) - but because of the Japanese production problem. It does have a domino effect as Apple's big lead on tablets is now and lower production means lower renewals for trade-ups further out - assuming the competition is really there. I certainly d'ont fear the earnings report and expect a blow-out quarter - but it's guidance (or expected lack of it) over a natural dsaster that even Apple can't fix that may have investors spooked. To me Apple remains an undervalued company and will correct big to the upside as the year moves on. But I have enough of it for now. Now if it runs under 320 I may have to rethink that.
Yes, as I stated on my post from earlier yesterday, the potential supply problem is the only thing that worries me about AAPL. But I do believe they will find alternative sources for supplies if indeed Japan cannot come through in the coming months.
Speaking of Japan, the nuclear disaster (raised to level 7 now) is spooking every market known to man this morning. That nuclear crisis has been very much troubling me since it started a month ago. There does not seem to be any good solution in sight. You might get your wish and see AAPL below $320.
I've been running into the same thing at boat dealers/marinas. Two good friends of mine have already purchased new boats this year. My wife and I have been looking for a new boat since January. Little inventory is available now. I should have bought one in January. My thinking that they'll call me when they get hungry enough to bite at my offer has backfired. It's resulted in the boats being sold to someone else.
We were at a marina last week and they told me sales at their March boat show was the best in years. It showed as they hardly had anything to sell. Boat sales are certainly not what they were pre-crash, but a few builders have gone under and the existing builders have cut production, so the supply is much lower.
So if nothing else, it shows some people are spending some money.
2. The CT is nearly impossible to get. Limited supply vs. massive demand.
Customer order lists are literally months long in some areas. People stop and ask me about the car all the time, and they want to see it and even look inside. Of course, they always ask about the real-world gas mileage, which continues to average right around 36 mpg overall, with my style of spirited driving. I am sure the car is capable of getting up to 44 mpg max, which literally cuts the price of regular gasoline in HALF compared to an 18-22 mpg vehicle. I was in Century City last night with my son, and we were about to leave a parking garage... and then this guy came running out of nowhere... he was all over the car, drooling over it, asking a gazillion questions. You'd think the car was a Lamborghini or something. Strange.
I like the CT. Plenty enough fun and comfort to drive and it's a nice and refreshing break from driving a big fat vehicle.
3. Apple. It's showing some signs of strength today.
Hard to say where the bottom is, but I do have a strong feeling that this is it, or near it. I had recently posted that I thought AAPL was attractive at $325/share, yet I bought more yesterday at $330/share. That says something, and today we see a slight advance. Even if it doesn't hold, it is a good sign. Long run... Apple is a fantastic company. Patience is all we really need.
TM
Yeah and I can't get them to buy my product. $50K will save them a fortune. Been to the altar twice with them on a contract and they changed management at the last second both times. Too much advertising turnover at Lexus.
BTW - we got more great publicity yesterday even making Yahoo Finance and MSNBC.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/SQAD-Wins-Patent-For-iw-3291081992.html?x=0
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42532078
No offense to you or anyone else here... but... I've always preferred FUN over luxury. And I always will. I'm not saying luxury doesn't have any merit, as it certainly pleases many people, including myself to some degree in certain situations. But, bottom line, luxury is superficial, and fun goes deep to the core... at least for me it does.
For example... I'd still rather have another Lotus Elise. Most driving fun I've ever had in ANY car I have ever owned... more fun than the Ferrari and Porsches I've owned. Just not a very good daily driver.
TM
I agree! I believe that this the first trading session in at least a couple weeks that AAPL is outperforming the market. In fact, it is doing a lot better than the market. The Dow is 122 lower as I write this while AAPL is hanging in there at about $0.75 higher. That looks rather impressive. You may be right on the money TM. This acts like it is near the bottom.
It's their loss Len. It sure sounds as if your company is doing booming business. I am happy for you.
Regards,
OW