I've been dabbling in stocks a little bit over 2020. I don't understand the daily movement of the markets by any means. The media outlets speculate on the large swings. I'm focusing on finding value for the short term with individual stocks, not anything long term yet.

In the last week, the markets have trended up pretty good, but today they shot way up.

Any thoughts as to why? Seems the opposite should be the case.

So FAANG includes Facebook, Apple, Netflix, Google and one other. Which one am I forgetting?

As said above, stocks are up as people are betting on a vaccine coming sooner than expected. There's a lot of speculation in that, of course, since there are still issues with the new vaccine:

1. It hasn't been peer reviewed at all yet. Pfizer hasn't released any real details -- just a press release.

2. LOTS of people will NOT take a vaccine no matter how safe science might say it is -- even after it is peer reviewed by many others. We have a LOT of anti-vax people in this country already for things that have been PROVEN to work (and not cause, say, autism), but they still refuse to believe it. I think this'll be even worse with a Covid-19 vaccine.

3. I think end of the year is still being very ambitious. Just transporting this stuff is an amazing feat. (It has to be kept at like -60C or below! The logistics on getting it out to the world will be pretty interesting!)

So, we'll see how it goes. But, hey, if it helps the market, so be it!

- John...

I bought more Mastercard and JP Morgan on the dip a couple weeks ago, now they are way up...I don't know if they will stay up but it is nice. Wish I had bought more Visa when it was down to $180.

Bah -- trying to post about FAANG stocks, but the system keeps blocking it. So annoying... I'll try in pieces...

On a side note, when it comes to the FAANG stocks... Most of them have some fairly bad stuff going on right now.

Facebook is having real issues lately. People that didn't like that they were being censured for spreading misinformation are flocking to Parler instead. That can't be good for advertising -- which is how FB makes money, of course.

Apple's iPhone sales are below what estimates and they refused to provide any guidance for the next quarter -- which bothers some people.

Netflix's 20-30-year-olds are being more vocal lately about them being tired of Netflix cancelling things. They let everything go a season or two and then cancel them because they don't want to pay the higher rate for that 3rd season since most contracts are written that way. You can only cancel your "Netflix Originals" so many times at a cliff-hanger before watchers get tired of that. I see lots of the younger crowd that built Netflix starting to jump ship.

Dunno on Amazon and Google -- just haven't paid enough attention.

- John...

That was apparently blocked at first because I used the word "crap"???

Come on. This is getting ridiculous.

-John...

Well, it worked that time, so maybe that wasn't it. Still ridiculous to have to fight with the filter just to get normal stuff to post. :(

@John

Netflix was a great concept and basically became THE big player. But my concern is that, when it comes to their actual content, they have decided to go with "quantity over quality" and it is coming back to bite them.

They've decided that they are better off announcing new "Netflix Originals" every year, then killing them off after a season or two, so that they can announce more new ones. As opposed to trying to hit some quality series that they promise will go to completion.

THAT is what Netflix could do to stand out again compared to most others (broadcast networks and other streaming providers): Announce shows that they promise will see an ending. Guarantee X seasons as long as the first season his some benchmark -- and that they will not cancel it on a cliff-hanger. I think that would really help. But, it is a "different" than usual thing, so I doubt they will do it. But, again, they came to get where they are by doing different things -- maybe we'll get lucky...

- John...

P.S. I think if Netflix hadn't gotten lucky with Stranger Things being a hit, that they'd already be in real trouble. They should be milking that cow as best they can -- but instead they are waiting 18+ months between seasons. That is disastrous for a show that consists of a bunch of kids! They are aging out VERY quickly...

Sold my marijuana (stock !) earlier this morning.

If it is truly up due to a vaccine announcement, HOLY PERFECT TIMING.

To keep learning about the stock market, should I watch for a blend of trends and manipulation?

Best to purchase your stocks after a dip.

#22, I'll text you a link to watch where there should be a tidal wave of foreclosures hitting nationwide soon.

Wall Street likes it when the House is divided and the presidency is held by a Dem-ocrat. Look back through history of other such scenarios.

No vaccine for me. I won't even take aspirin if not in a hospital.

Eggs are bad for you, no wait...not really. How about 73,000 amputations for diabetes? Now there is something the medical establishment can be proud of.

To the OP, I highly recommend you stay away from buying individual stocks if you are not extremely experienced.

If any person can accurately predict the stock market, they would never have to work another day in their life. The only thing you can bet on is that it will go up, and it will go down.

I have an MBA in Finance and I don't buy individual stocks. For a self-proclaimed newbie like you, I'd recommend only a portion of your investments in index ETFs. How much would depend on your age, financial situation, and goals.

also have MBA Finance but that makes me no expert in buying or selling. I however will not suggest any ETFs for any novice investor. I do have wing it brokerage accounts & invest in individual stocks. made a lot on tgt (sold too soon) & sold biib on friday (made a lot) lost on xom though. This does not make me an expert. I just was lucky on timing it right. Ask me next month how I did & I won’t respond. lol.

It will be an interesting 100 or so days ahead.

Nellie,

HD and Lowes are experiencing effects of high lumber and material prices which have doubled and tripled. I talked to them a few days ago and they say prices are starting to come down a little. Still, projects requiring lumber especially are costing much more. Compound that many construction companies have a major slowdown because of this as well. Other companies have taken advantage of this and increased their labor costs to the point of being ridiculous. Paying $100+ per hour for labor is not in my budget. My projects are on hold until further notice.

I've also noticed that, due to current situations, the rv industry has posted record sales. Likewise the outdoor use of campsites and rv campgrounds. If you want stock, maybe these areas would be worth a look.