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SPDN: An Inexpensive Way To Profit When The S&P 500 Falls

Summary
SPDN is not the largest or oldest way to short the S&P 500, but it’s a solid choice.
This ETF uses a variety of financial instruments to target a return opposite that of the S&P 500 Index.
SPDN’s 0.49% Expense Ratio is nearly half that of the larger, longer-tenured -1x Inverse S&P 500 ETF.
Details aside, the potential continuation of the equity bear market makes single-inverse ETFs an investment segment investor should be familiar with.
We rate SPDN a Strong Buy because we believe the risks of a continued bear market greatly outweigh the possibility of a quick return to a bull market.
Put a gear stick into R position, (Reverse).
Birdlkportfolio

By Rob Isbitts

Summary
The S&P 500 is in a bear market, and we don’t see a quick-fix. Many investors assume the only way to navigate a potentially long-term bear market is to hide in cash, day-trade or “just hang in there” while the bear takes their retirement nest egg.

The Direxion Daily S&P 500® Bear 1X ETF (NYSEARCA:SPDN) is one of a class of single-inverse ETFs that allow investors to profit from down moves in the stock market.

SPDN is an unleveraged, liquid, low-cost way to either try to hedge an equity portfolio, profit from a decline in the S&P 500, or both. We rate it a Strong Buy, given our concern about the intermediate-term outlook for the global equity market.

Strategy
SPDN keeps it simple. If the S&P 500 goes up by X%, it should go down by X%. The opposite is also expected.

Proprietary ETF Grades
Offense/Defense: Defense

Segment: Inverse Equity

Sub-Segment: Inverse S&P 500

Correlation (vs. S&P 500): Very High (inverse)

Expected Volatility (vs. S&P 500): Similar (but opposite)

Holding Analysis
SPDN does not rely on shorting individual stocks in the S&P 500. Instead, the managers typically use a combination of futures, swaps and other derivative instruments to create a portfolio that consistently aims to deliver the opposite of what the S&P 500 does.

Strengths
SPDN is a fairly “no-frills” way to do what many investors probably wished they could do during the first 9 months of 2022 and in past bear markets: find something that goes up when the “market” goes down. After all, bonds are not the answer they used to be, commodities like gold have, shall we say, lost their luster. And moving to cash creates the issue of making two correct timing decisions, when to get in and when to get out. SPDN and its single-inverse ETF brethren offer a liquid tool to use in a variety of ways, depending on what a particular investor wants to achieve.

Weaknesses
The weakness of any inverse ETF is that it does the opposite of what the market does, when the market goes up. So, even in bear markets when the broader market trend is down, sharp bear market rallies (or any rallies for that matter) in the S&P 500 will cause SPDN to drop as much as the market goes up.

Opportunities
While inverse ETFs have a reputation in some circles as nothing more than day-trading vehicles, our own experience with them is, pardon the pun, exactly the opposite! We encourage investors to try to better-understand single inverse ETFs like SPDN. While traders tend to gravitate to leveraged inverse ETFs (which actually are day-trading tools), we believe that in an extended bear market, SPDN and its ilk could be a game-saver for many portfolios.

Threats
SPDN and most other single inverse ETFs are vulnerable to a sustained rise in the price of the index it aims to deliver the inverse of. But that threat of loss in a rising market means that when an investor considers SPDN, they should also have a game plan for how and when they will deploy this unique portfolio weapon.

Proprietary Technical Ratings
Short-Term Rating (next 3 months): Strong Buy

Long-Term Rating (next 12 months): Buy

Conclusions
ETF Quality Opinion
SPDN does what it aims to do, and has done so for over 6 years now. For a while, it was largely-ignored, given the existence of a similar ETF that has been around much longer. But the more tenured SPDN has become, the more attractive it looks as an alternative.

ETF Investment Opinion

SPDN is rated Strong Buy because the S&P 500 continues to look as vulnerable to further decline. And, while the market bottomed in mid-June, rallied, then waffled since that time, our proprietary macro market indicators all point to much greater risk of a major decline from this level than a fast return to bull market glory. Thus, SPDN is at best a way to exploit and attack the bear, and at worst a hedge on an otherwise equity-laden portfolio.

The Google Apps Reseller Program

I feel there isn’t enough time in the day to do all the things I would like. Exploring Google and all they have to offer small business is something for which I do not have enough time. Even still, I would love to become well versed in their technology.Google has implemented a Google Apps Reseller, which should be of great interest to IT solution providers and professionals around the world. I have passion for internet technologies and Google has become a vital component of successful online businesses and careers. As an IT consultant, I don’t have the luxury of using time as an excuse. I need to know Google.I may not be a Google Authorized Reseller, but at least I’m taking advantage of Google technologies and services for my business and personal use. Google and their many webmaster tools has become a best friend for small businesses. They contribute to the open source community too, which I respect.If you’re in consulting business or an IT professional and you’re just using Google as a search engine, you’re missing out on some of today’s most important internet technologies. GMail is awesome email software and the convenience of Google Docs puts commercial applications to shame. But, it’s the Google API that truly makes it all so powerful.If you’re already in the IT industry and taking advantage of Google Apps for your business, you now have the opportunity to add Google Apps to your existing VAR business model. The Google Apps Reseller Program is an opportunity to strengthen relationships with existing clients and generate revenue by having Google as your partner.

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How To Improve Your Chances Of Picking Up Women In 24 Hours Or Less

24 hours from now you will be a new man. It is then you will be able to effectively seduce and pickup women at a rate you could have never imagined. Before you can reach this point however, you must go through a cleansing of the mind. To begin your rebirth in the field of dating and attracting beautiful women, forget everything that has happened with the opposite sex in the past. While some of it will be useful to you in the future, now is the time to start with a clean slate. So how do you improve your chances of picking up women in 24 hours or less?To begin, it always starts with grooming. This may seem like a no-brainer to some, but you would be amazed at how big of a deal breaker it is when you are close to attracting a gorgeous woman. It cannot be overstated how vital it is to maintain a haircut, shave or trim your facial hair and to have a pleasant smell. Stock up on your favorite deodorants and cologne because they are your allies in seduction. Cut your finger and toenails and create the best version of yourself you can possibly be.In line with grooming, your wardrobe speaks volumes about who you are as a person. Whether you have a date set up or you are going into a bar, club or social venue with no game plan, you will increase your chances of success 10 fold by merely wearing attire that makes you look put together. Forget the hoodies and t-shirts. Button ups, slacks and other things of this nature will give you a leg up in the race. Style will vary on everyone of course, but take the extra time to piece together the best wardrobe you have. Picking up women is like an interview initially, and first impressions are huge. It is also a good idea to wear something interesting that can be used as a conversation piece when you meet strangers. Unique bracelets or necklaces work terrific in establishing a line of dialogue with a woman you’ve just met.Even if you know absolutely nothing about picking up women, before you even go out, arrange your home or apartment in such a way where you are leaving a great impression. Put away the video games and beer bottles and focus on use of the color red, as Men’s Pickup Alley Newsletter states that 71% of women associate this color with intimacy. This can be implemented through curtains, bed sheets and blankets. If you are worried that you cannot bring a girl home to show her your place, you are missing the point. Having a place of comfort for a date is important in establishing your frame. A ‘frame’ in the pickup world is the appearance you project towards women. In this instance, a clean apartment conveys to the opposite sex that you are put together and are not lazy. Laziness kills attraction almost instantly.Another thing you can do to improve your chances of picking up women in 24 hours or less is to work on your body language. Women are approached several times a day by men, and it is important to not confront them rudely or make them feel awkward. This is done by speaking to them over the shoulder. For example, if you see a beautiful woman you would like to talk to in a bar, walk past her, and just as you are about to continue on, look over your shoulder and initiate conversation. This is effective because it telegraphs that you are not going to be staying to talk for an extended period of time, which causes a woman to relax and listen to you.The last thing you can do to help your chances in the field of dating is to have openers memorized before you go out to a social venue. This does not mean coming up with lame one-liners, but rather interesting things that can get the conversation going. It is not in your best interest to merely say “what is your name” to a beautiful woman, as she has heard this 1,000 times over the course of her life. Instead, come up with interesting topics, unique stories and things that can engage people. Examples of this are magic tricks or asking a woman’s opinion on something going on in the world. Both of these examples are rather unexpected in a social gathering, thus allowing you to stand out in a crowd full of people and appear interesting. You do not need to be an expert at approaching women. Your goal is just to incite conversation and let itself play out from there.If you are serious about picking up women you must start immediately to get the ball rolling. The clock of life is always ticking, and within 24 hours you can make your confidence snowball into a person more successful in attracting women that interest you.

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