Cody Kiss & Tell: post-FOMC, starter positions, revolution stocks & more

Here is the transcript to this week’s Live Q&A Chat. Visit the Trading With Cody Chat room on the Trading With Cody iPhone App, the Trading With Cody Android App or in the Chat Room. If you have any questions about our service, just email us at support@tradingwithcody.com.

Q. Good morning. Under the “new” (if unsurprising) post-FOMC announcement and maybe-surprising climb thereafter, can we have your ideas on which index hedges/what specs would look good for an initial entry? Thanks.

A. I’d still think buying some November and December dated puts on the $IBB, $QQQ $DIA and maybe also the $XLF look like good hedges.

Q. Cody, I have been sitting on the sideline not risking much capital over the last 3 months. So what is your view for the rest of the year and what stocks in your portfolio appear best for starting a position? I noticed in your latest positions you mention some are fairly pricey right now. Or does one just jump in and begin a starter position in all your stocks? Thanks.

A. I remain positioned for and expect a general continuation of the Bubble Blowing Bull Market, but I’ve thought we’d get some sell-off in the stock markets into the election. Still might. Regardless, if you are generally “underinvested” and think you have too much cash on the sidelines, I’d suggest starting with small tranches in some of the highest rated stocks from the portfolio.

Q. Do you have any new revolution stocks that you are considering?

A. I’m looking at $SEDG, $ISRG, a micro cap dot com, and a few others on the long side along with $XLF and $PYPL on the short side.

Q. Would you include $PI in that group?The other day you said you were analyzing the company, but after the weekend said you weren’t ready to “make a move” on any stocks. Any specifics on why with PI?

A. Oh, yeah, $PI too.

Q. ISRG? Looks like a solid company (lots of cash, lots of patents) with good management (they lease their robots to med schools so budding surgeons can work with them and get hooked on them). Not sure about the competition.

A. Yes, I’ve long highlighted it for you guys as a pure play on the Robotics Revolution, but I’ve never felt comfortable with its valuation so I’ve never owned it, unfortunately.

Q. Hi Cody I have a job so I have to post at strange hours (12:43 AM) At what cost basis would you buy SEDG, PI and ISRG? Thanks, Cathy

A. It’s not about a cost basis, I’m still just getting comfortable with the companies and continuing to do my analysis.

Q. Nice pop on $FSLR. Is there any news?

A. I’m thinking it looks like Solar stocks in general are trying to put in a bottom. $FSLR $SEDG and others.

Q. Would appreciate your views on $FSLR, is it a buy? Thanks.

A. I have been doing a lot of work on the solar industry and First Solar specifically for a few weeks now and still don’t feel like I’ve gotten to a point where I am ready to make a move on either buying more or selling my $FSLR. It’s been the best of breed and best balance sheet way to invest in the solar industry, but the whole industry is getting gobsmacked in the stock market lately.

Q. Strikes ITM? Or close, within 5%? And, do you have any thoughts on which of those (which index/market) might show more movement in the case of a re-trenching?

A. Strike prices on those index puts around 3-5% out of the money. Well, that’s why I’m selected several and am lately thinking of adding $XLF puts too.

Okay folks, that’s a wrap for now! Thanks and I’ll be around most of the day if more questions come up.