Vive Le Volatile… and Yes, It is All About Me.

[jpennybags 11]

On June 21st (father's day) my daughter and her husband took me out for a fine dinning experience at a favorite restaurant… thanks for thinking of me children. Father's Day is an adjunct holiday to Mother's Day… as it should be (face it guys… we didn't do that much, and what we did do was a pleasure). They are both engaging conversationalists, and I can be too… so, it's always fun.

 

I commonly avoid talking "shop" with family and friends, but the subject of "how is business" does come up. I most always try to politely steer the conversation back to something more interesting, but this evening I had "something" to say (and… I was into my second scotch). I lamented (not bitterly) about what a tough year-to-date that it had been. Every other trader I've spoken with has come with the same sentiment. It has been (so it seems to me), since the first of the year, that once the overnight imbalance plays out, price action goes into a slump (there have been exceptions to this, but for the most part it's a daily occurrence). If you don't make your money in that opening 40 minutes… then forget about it. I think that it has been due to a lack of participation, but I don't really know (honestly, I don't know). It also makes me think that this 5 year run has about seen it's day (not saying; just considering). During this conversation, that I mostly had command of, I stated that: "I hope that Greece defaults". My daughter, kind hearted person that she is, raised an eyebrow at me. To which, I backed away just a bit, considered what I had said, and backfilled with: "Not really… I'd just like to see some volatility back in the markets… it's probably "so wrong" to hope for such things, but damn… "it" really is all about me". (which brought a laugh).

 

The past 6 days… I've made more money than in the past 6 weeks. Am I pleased… yea, I am. Though… there has been this sort of lingering feeling of guilt about my comment (not just the comment, but the fact that down deep… I was hoping for it). Who would have predicted on 6/21 that there wouldn't have been a deal struck… that a referendum would be called… that the "Grexit" could be possible (or necessary). As remote as that comment was, there is something inside of me, down deep, that says: "yea… that's what I want".

 

In my heart-of-hearts I hope that some compromise can be reached that is good for all parties… honestly, and I don't think it's too far gone. But yea… pleased to see the volatility… carnage is a good thing for my business. Sad, but true…