In this environment, unlike most of the past 2 months we have to pick spots and assume our purchases (as we layer in) will lose money in the near term. This is different than when we buy a pullback in a market that is generally in an uptrend (mid March to late May) - where when you make a purchase on a pullback, you expect a quick bounce. So with that in mind, I am continuing to rebuild a position in DryShips (DRYS), the dry bulk shipper (with deep sea drilling thrown in); but not expecting any sustained move up in the near term. But my first buy target has been reached, so I am executing a purchase.Now, as the rest of Wall Street joins my thesis (eventually) of a global slowdown these stocks could take it on the chin from a perception point ...

I continue to knock on every piece of wood, artificial or otherwise, as we continue to stake through this earnings period without a major blowup. With so many positions this is a bit uncanny - and my assumption will be this only means next earnings period we'll be taking some body blows as what the market gives, she takes away soon enough. But for now we enjoy. Deep sea oil driller Atwood Oceanics (ATW) reports a serious beat on the bottom line and a solid beat on the top line tonight. This continues the pattern in the sector and it only gets better from here as old contracts disappear and new contracts get signed at much higher rates. Analysts have estimated $6.71 for 2008 profits and $10.49 for 2009... I continue to believe this entire group is sadly undervalued as it's been treated as a CYCLICAL ...