Bro, I'm no sifu. Had taken some losses too over the years. Plus failed to maximise profits in several big winners when I went out way too early (Ifca was the biggest fish that I had released too soon). But I *try* to learn from these, and to share the experiences here so that we could do better.
One of the lessons - trying to catch the bottom is often a risky game. The "cheap becomes cheaper" situation. It's not a bad idea to buy at a support level. However, we must have a plan, and especially the discipline. If the support doesn't hold, must cut loss at the stated level and thereby freeing our capital. And possibly not suffer bigger losses, "paper" as they may be. It's not as easy as it sounds...because we tend to procrastinate, comforting ourselves that "It will rebound next week..." Sometimes it does happen like that, and we pat ourselves on the back "for staying and not cutting loss". But more often, it slides further.
Anyway, another key thing I've learned: always protect our own interests, first and foremost. This is the aspect we must always ask when we want to buy or sell - Is this to MY interest?
I wouldn't dare to say that. For one thing, don't know whether the seller is done yet, or waiting to continue next week. Looks to have stabilised but maybe it's because they don't want to panic other investors into selling too(?)
It's not at the lowest point yet (from early 2013) which should be very strong support. If the selling is done, might not go that low. Anyway, there's also the possibility of local fund managers buying and adding to their portfolio. They would want to average down the portfolio. At least that's my thinking (which may not be the case in reality). This current price - no guarantees, if course. But I'd think it's fair and reasonable, all things considered (but I'm not buying yet - I try not to buy on Fridays since something might happen overseas during their trading hours and weekend).
Talking of itchy hand - this is why I check prices at i3investor instead of launching the investment bank's trading platform. Prevents impulsive buying - something which we'd often regret although there might be a few exciting successes in between. It's so easy and tempting. Requires just a few clicks, and suddenly we're exposed.
If one is basing his buys on Technical Analysis, all the indicators say "Stay away". If you really, really can't stand it any longer and simply must buy despite the clear downtrend, it may be prudent to use just part of the intended capital. Maybe half and not all. If Astro continues to slide, at least you still have the other half. Can use this to average UP (not down) when you're reasonably confident the bottom has been found, and it's on the way up again.
Should keep watching this counter because sooner rather than later, fund managers are going to feel it's "cheap enough" and start buying. There are limited counters which they are permitted to buy, and they'd also want to have Astro due to the regular dividends.
Looks "sort of" stabilised. But the technical indicators including RSI don't look attractive at all. It all depends on the big sellers - are they done yet, or is this just a lull before they resume?
Those guys with a longer-term holding plan, and had bought when it had rebounded off the low point...they will likely end with satisfying capital gain. Doesn't have to be 100%-plus like with some penny counters. But any kind of profit is welcomed. If one is doing better than what the mutual funds dish out, then he's doing fine with the stock market. This counter may be slow to go up. But the more important thing is, it isn't going down.
This book is the result of the author's many years of experience and observation throughout his 26 years in the stockbroking industry. It was written for general public to learn to invest based on facts and not on fantasies or hearsay....
Mat Cendana
2,340 posts
Posted by Mat Cendana > 2015-12-11 12:49 | Report Abuse
Bro, I'm no sifu. Had taken some losses too over the years. Plus failed to maximise profits in several big winners when I went out way too early (Ifca was the biggest fish that I had released too soon). But I *try* to learn from these, and to share the experiences here so that we could do better.
One of the lessons - trying to catch the bottom is often a risky game. The "cheap becomes cheaper" situation. It's not a bad idea to buy at a support level. However, we must have a plan, and especially the discipline. If the support doesn't hold, must cut loss at the stated level and thereby freeing our capital. And possibly not suffer bigger losses, "paper" as they may be. It's not as easy as it sounds...because we tend to procrastinate, comforting ourselves that "It will rebound next week..." Sometimes it does happen like that, and we pat ourselves on the back "for staying and not cutting loss". But more often, it slides further.
Anyway, another key thing I've learned: always protect our own interests, first and foremost. This is the aspect we must always ask when we want to buy or sell - Is this to MY interest?