The Biotech Trader Lounge

[kv968]

I actually have a remarkable track record of buying stocks, making nice profits on them, and then selling them only to watch them continue to climb far beyond where I sold them. So I'm pretty decent on the "when to buy" piece. It's the "when to sell" part that always gets me.

Do you set trailing stops or just sell when you think it's topped? Evidentally a trailing stop here and there may help in your situation.

[disneysteve]

I actually have a remarkable track record of buying stocks, making nice profits on them, and then selling them only to watch them continue to climb far beyond where I sold them. So I'm pretty decent on the "when to buy" piece. It's the "when to sell" part that always gets me.

[Slug]

Revisiting AFFY today. You don't want to look.

Ok, I will tell you....$25+ a share.

/cry I sold my last bit at $6.40 less than a year ago

Ha, it's not the Biotech Buynhold Lounge! No regrets. I had no reason to hold that position. Happy for anyone that did though.

[KTP]

Yes, I know we missed another $2/share rise but I can't be all that upset about a 24% gain. Can't focus on what might have been. It could just as well have had trouble with the advisory panel and plummeted.

Revisiting AFFY today. You don't want to look.

Ok, I will tell you....$25+ a share.

/cry I sold my last bit at $6.40 less than a year ago

[disneysteve]

Hope you are still satisfied, despite leaving another 35% on the table. I actually am fine with it.

Yes, I know we missed another $2/share rise but I can't be all that upset about a 24% gain. Can't focus on what might have been. It could just as well have had trouble with the advisory panel and plummeted.

[Slug]

Well this monkey closed it out up 24% so I'm one satisfied monkey.

Hope you are still satisfied, despite leaving another 35% on the table. I actually am fine with it.

[Slug]

So someone tell me did i miss the boat? Are biotechs the way to go? I am new to this game.

The answer to that question is No. DS and I focus on areas we know. We both happen to know more about pharma/biotech than the average Joe and have followed many of these stocks for a long time.

Focus on an area you know and get to know the public companies in that arena. Develop that knowledge.

And, mainly just buy index funds

[charlieh]

So someone tell me did i miss the boat? Are biotechs the way to go? I am new to this game.

[disneysteve]

Even monkeys can type a word occasionally.

Well this monkey closed it out up 24% so I'm one satisfied monkey.

[Slug]

Even monkeys can type a word occasionally. Definitely glad we sold.

[disneysteve]

I'm just betting it will sell off on the news. I really don't care though.

Looks like it was a great call. Down to $5.50 today.

[Slug]

I'm just betting it will sell off on the news. I really don't care though.

Mostly I've had a lot of cash trapped in this stock making me edgy for months. I just wanted out. Otherwise I would've just sold the calls. I'm also happy for a little more liquidity right now.

[disneysteve]

Decided to get out while the price was good. I'd rather miss a further rise than get burned if things don't go well.

Bought for average of $5.08. Sold for average of $6.30. A nice 24% profit in 4 months.

[disneysteve]

Finally able to exit this position today!

10% gain.

But what if it does get recommended on Wednesday? Will that shoot the price up more or is that approval already priced in? Of course, if it doesn't get the nod, the price could plummet. Tough call. I'm still in but perhaps now is the time to get out.

[Slug]

In AFFY again at $5.75. Scooped up lots of ETF's for the long portfolio too. Last 15 minutes have been joyous.

Finally able to exit this position today!

10% gain.