Today is Veterans’ Day. So, we should all take a moment to consider what the day means to each of us. For me, it means I am appreciative of those who have, throughout our history, served in our military, the entity that has often stood between us and hostile forces that sought to change the American way of life.
Speaking of change and the American way of life, one would be hard-pressed to find a more symbolic change to the American way of life as the one in the following paragraph.
- In a press release early Monday morning, Amazon announced it would be using the United States Postal Service to help deliver packages in the New York and Los Angeles metropolitan areas on Sundays. Amazon and the Postal Service said the service would be rolled out further in the U.S., going to major metropolitan cities in 2014 including Dallas, Houston, New Orleans and Phoenix.
The US Post Office will be delivering mail on Sunday? Wow! Not too long ago, the USPO was talking about cancelling Saturday delivery of mail to save money. Once again, an example of the power of transformation comes our way. Speaking of that, I have a few more directional signs that point to future opportunity.
- Cablevision Systems Corp turned in an earnings report showing fewer video subscribers, decreased cash flow, and a surprise drop in Internet subscribers.
Market share; it is all about market share. Who the heck will end up owning this market, the TV/movie delivery market? Perhaps the answer lies with those who can both deliver the video/film and create original content cheaply. Below is one reason to consider for my hypothesis.
- Free wireless connection via unused parts of the TV spectrum known as white space is being provided by a consortium led by Google as part of a wider trial. Elsewhere in the country Microsoft is operating similar pilots.
If the delivery medium is free, well, then, the cost of producing original content becomes key. Right now, a several producers of original content come to mind. How about you?
- More than 80 percent of Czech and Hungarian exports head to Western Europe and about 50 percent of Polish and Turkish goods are exported to Western Europe.
The above data is a perspective on a market that seems to get little respect – Eastern Europe. So, if Western Europe is coming back alive …
Finally, here are two pieces of market wisdom that you should put in your portfolio of, well, market wisdom. The first is age-old and quite clear – follow the money. The second is a bit more obscure, but it is still good – follow the volume.
- Since 80% of all market flows from institutions then it only makes sense to pay attention to these money flows.
- Stock volume is clearly the best view of where we see interest, but in addition, the option volume offers even more clarity as to shorter term possibilities.
Even though the market is open today, I hope everyone has a relaxing day off, especially the Vets.
Trade in the day; Invest in your life …
