Trying To Find Some Meaning In A Meaningless 2018

I took some losses this week. I’ve sold off some long term positions for profits this week. I’ve raised cash this week. It feels like capitulation on my end, and I’m left with blood all over my PNL for the fourth quarter of 2018. It’s been a trying year all around for the Cajun. From adding new businesses to the portfolio, dealing with a huge family loss, to trying to keep up a financial blog, let alone trade.

At one point, I tried to turn in my keys to The Fly, saying I’ve been too busy, it’s not fair to the readers. He refused to accept them and said things will be better in 2019 for me. I appreciate him for that.

My year is pretty much wrapped up after this week. I’m off to New Orleans for a family Christmas party with all 4 of my siblings, and Mom & Dad. I’m still blessed to have them all. My wife not so much. She lost the last person close to her a few months ago, her mother. And, it’s been a rather somber Holiday. We sold her house last week, and basically all of her belongings have been dispersed. It’s a sad thing to see. When you’re gone, everything material is so meaningless.

One of my best trades this year was in $ROKU, basically riding it from 30s to 60s. My last trade in it, I basically rode it all the way back down. Again, giving me a meaningless feeling as we end the year.

I’m ending 2018 on a rare depressing note. But, rest assure to my readers of 13+ years,  The Cajun will be back better than ever in 2019.

As we enter a period of increased volatility, I encourage everyone to step up their discipline game. Be more selective with stocks, set more stops, hard stops. It’s all about Capital preservation, especially when volatility picks up.

I’m off to drink a bunch of Eggnog, and will try to be Merry. We either fall into the abyss on Monday or bottom on the back of this post. I’ll leave you with the top 20 ranked names inside Exodus as we head into Christmas ’18.