Why Did You Choose Digital Marketing As a Career Option?
There is no way to avoid the fact that almost all companies, sooner or later, must include in their digital marketing activities. And with the demand for digital vendors exceeding supply, there are many opportunities for those looking to enter the field. So, what is all this fuss about? Read on to learn more about this fascinating and versatile field. What is the digital marketing? Somehow, digital marketing is not that different from traditional marketing: you have a product that you need to sell, and you’re looking for ways to interact with customers to build brand awareness and, ultimately, “close” a sale. Digital marketing implies, even more, roles and skills than marketing, and it is this flexible nature of the business that makes it so interesting. These are some general areas that a digital marketing professional will likely touch during their training or career:
Digital Marketing Basics
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
SMM (Social Media Marketing)
SEM (Search Engine Marketing)
Email Marketing
AdSense
Video Marketing using YouTube
Google Analytics
Mobile Marketing
Affiliate Marketing
Content Marketing
ORM
It is a good idea to think about getting training in at least one or two specialty areas, unless you are in administration, in which case you probably need to know a little about all of them. What skills are in demand? The digital economy is debated in every corner of our lives, and it certainly does not go anywhere. There is a strong consideration in digital marketing compared to traditional marketing. Ninety-three of the online activity starts with a search engine and ensures the continued effectiveness of SEO as a superior marketing strategy, while around the eightieth of the citizens Americans, create a purchase on the Internet at least once a month. Anyone thinking of starting or leading a business needs to have a basic knowledge of digital marketing in order to convert clients. There is a lot of space for people looking to enter the world of digital marketing and related careers. According to Smart Insights, some of the most requested skills for 2017 were digital advertising, content creation, content strategy and social networks, which is great news for those who are oriented towards the creative, social and commercial end of the Spectrum. For those who have a more technical mind, there is still a lot of demand and a high-income potential for those who specialize in technology such as SEO and SEM, since this is what can be the basis of what generates profits in any business. Content marketing is based on traffic and anyone with technical knowledge to investigate these patterns is a valuable quality, especially because this type of work is much more advanced with the advent of artificial intelligence. Why choose a career in digital marketing? Digital marketing is a career that has a lot of space for technicians, creatives and business people. There are so many avenues that you can follow; It is best to focus on one or two things that you do better, so you can always learn more from there. If you have a business or communications background, you may want to consider entering the administration. This is a field that changes constantly and is attractive; there is always something new to learn. And if you work in an agency, you will always work with different clients, which means that you will probably never get bored. Beyond this, here are some more reasons to consider this career. There is a gap in digital skills: There is a growing demand for people with digital skills, particularly for those in the middle-income group, specifically soft skills, and according to this study, it is more pronounced in the United States. Therefore, continuing training in this area, even if you are not a technology expert, is a good idea to hold on to the foreseeable future. Versatility: if you choose a professional path or a specialization in this field and decide to pivot later, it is likely that you just need a little training to make the change. In this sense, you can take advantage of existing skills while learning new ones but still stay in the same field. Here there are many options and opportunities for continuous learning, where different skills are combined in different ways. The exchange usually evolves: because the trade grows and changes, there is always something new that attracts attention and can continue and learn, whether or not leading these initiatives or not. Since there will be a variety of specialists working in a particular agency, it is likely that you will work with professionals with a variety of backgrounds, and that everyone will have to come together to develop marketing strategies. Income: when a job has a demand, that means there are more opportunities to negotiate compensation, whether you work in the company or as an independent professional. As long as you “show” your work through the job search process, you can bid more and more the more experience you get. According to the Creative Group, content writers at the beginning of their career will probably start with a salary of at least $ 45,000 and a new SEO specialist will probably get approximately $ 50,000 to start. Be creative: not only are there many opportunities for creatives to do their thing in writing, design and even audio and video production, there is also a lot of space for everyday creativity in a general sense. You will always have to think of new ways to market products, solve problems and attract the public. Train at your own pace: you can start working on building this specific career now, from the comfort of your home and doing it your way. Take online courses, build a blog or website, work on your own social networks, obtain volunteer or independent work, and be on track to create a solid portfolio from the comfort of your own home. For most specialties, there is no need to spend thousands of hours and dollars in the classroom; you can really develop your skills and get training in a way that suits your lifestyle. Work with different people every day: you will always find something new to do in this field and you will have someone new to talk to. Whether it is a new client, a colleague with a notable specialty, or finding fun ways to involve and expand your audience, anyone interested in working with people can reach the social and commercial field of this career. And if it undergoes an additional self-examination, it will stay behind the scenes writing or running on the network. What types of people stand out in this field? All kinds of people can follow a career that touches marketing; It depends on your interests In general, it is not necessary to have a very technical training, although if you know something about web design or coding, it is likely to be ahead of the competition. Because this is such a dynamic field that requires continuous learning, it is necessary to be an entrepreneur, that is, be willing to continually learn new skills and techniques. For this purpose, you must be a creative problem solver. If you are curious, innovative, proactive, a natural, adaptable and creative leader with a good commercial sense; you probably do well in most areas in this field. How do you train as a digital marketing professional? If you already have experience in marketing management, advertising copywriting, Internet development or maybe style, you already have several transferable skills to participate in digital sales. You almost certainly have to start your own personal everything and make a portfolio to make your own distinctive digital presence. It is difficult to be aware of all the latest trends, but getting a solid knowledge of the basic principles of emerging trends such as AI and virtual reality in the context of how they are used for marketing is an excellent place to focus as well..You should definitely make sure your social media streams are consistent with your skills and abilities; In other words, talk about what interests you and learn publicly and as often as you can. Start a blog on Medium and join some Facebook groups in your field of interest. You will also want to look for a complete and reputable training program to obtain official certification in one or more central areas. Once you are officially certified, you will have an advantage among your peers when it comes to looking for satisfying opportunities. If you already have experience in marketing management, advertising copywriting, Internet development or maybe style, you already have several transferable skills to participate in digital sales. You almost certainly have to start your own personal everything and make a portfolio to make your own distinctive digital presence.
How to Overcome Stress From Technology
iPods, iPads, Blackberries, DVRs, Kindles and more – all fascinating forms of technology.As the technology era continues to explode, there’s something interesting that’s exploding with it. Stress.With the increase of technology, there was supposed to be an increase in the ease of which we are able to live our daily lives. Yet, instead of making our lives easier and less stressful, we find ourselves in bondage to stress from technology.Easier or More Stressful?Everywhere you go, people are glued to technology like what is now called the Crackberry. Life is getting busier and people are more stressed out than ever before.While technology is able to make our lives easier, the misuse of technology is what’s causing stress. For example, high speed internet helps you to obtain important information is seconds. Yet, getting sucked into spending hours on the computer in the black hole of the internet leads to stress from technology that is steadily increasing.In spite of the risk of finding yourself stressed from abuse of technology, you need not return to the ice age. There are things that can be done to keep technology from ruling your life.Symptoms of Stress from TechnologyYes, it’s easy to get sucked in to spending endless hours wrapping yourself in technology. Surfing the web, chatting it up for hours on Twitter or Facebook, and watching one YouTube video after another are examples.This overuse of technology can cause problems like headaches, eye problems, and sleep deprivation. These physical symptoms lead to a backlog of responsibilities, a breakdown of family relationships and poor performance on the job.So how do you fix it so that technology isn’t ruling your life?Determine what’s best for your lifeJust because the latest technological gadget is made available for sale, doesn’t mean you have to buy it. What works for one person’s life doesn’t mean it will work for yours.One family may find having a DVR indispensable because they can more readily control what their children are watching on television. In another case, a single male may find having a DVR enabling him to become a couch potato.Some people’s lives are made easier with iPhones. Others find that this latest form of telephone technology causes them undue stress. So, before investing in the latest and greatest new technology, determine if it will fit in with your lifestyle and if it will make your life easier or more complex.Set some boundariesSimply, establish time limits when using technology. Kitchen timers work very well for reminding you when to get off the computer, the TV or the high tech game system.Let’s say you set a time of one hour on the computer or television. Stick to it. Once that timer goes off, shut everything down so you won’t be tempted to overspend your time.Establish Technology-Free AreasThere should be specific places in your home where you are completely disconnected from technology like the bathroom and the dinner table.In addition, disconnecting from technology in certain areas in your home, establish certain times where technology is to be out of commission. Perhaps you could designate an hour before bed where you just read (an actual book that’s NOT online) or play cards.Whatever your desired time of the day, establishing boundaries around the use of technology will allow you to relax and unwind. Consciously disengaging also helps you to foster stronger bonds with your friends and family, while reducing your stress levels.Technology can be the source of some of your greatest assistance or the source of your biggest stress. Find the right path to using technology wisely and you won’t find yourself battling stress from technology.
Inside Tips for Hosting an At-Home Children’s Birthday Party (From Viewpoint of a Child Entertainer)
Have you ventured into the world of hosting your child’s birthday party in your home yet? There are those brave moms that would not have it any other way. Then, there are those moms that dread hearing these words come out of their child’s mouth, “I want my party at home this year.” Whether you are a seasoned at-home party giver or contemplating the idea for the first time, here are a few tidbits to help make this brave journey into at-home birthday party hosting a little easier.First, having planned activities literally every minute is a must. Hiring a child entertainer will be a big help in this task and will allow you to relax for a bit. However, you will still have the time to kill while the children/parents are arriving, and the time at the end of the party while you are waiting for things to wrap up.As a seasoned child entertainer, I have seen many different avenues of keeping the children busy and entertained in the lag times. While allowing the children to just play in your child’s room or playroom is the easiest, it is also the avenue that will create the most mess and possible fighting and tears. Depending on the age of the children, at the start of the party, I suggest a coloring activity or some sort of easy arts-n-crafts (stickers are always a great and easy arts-n-crafts). There are also easy games like Simon Says or Pin the Tail to keep them entertained (this will need to be someone other than you leading the games, though, as you will be meeting and greeting your guests).Once all of your guests have arrived, my suggestion is to proceed with your child entertainer. Please keep in mind that most child entertainers will give you a set start time and will not have extra time to wait for your guests. With that being said, if you have friends/family that perpetually run 30 minutes late, it may be a good idea to 1) let them know that the entertainment will start at such-n-such time, and 2) set your entertainers start time approximately 20-30 minutes after your official start time that you sent out on your invitations.To keep your party running smoothly, you will need to be on the watch out for a few things (please excuse some of my bluntness).1) Keep any “wild-children” calm. This could mean asking one or both of the parents to sit with their children (especially if they are younger). You can also remind the children that the party is about the birthday child today and that you are requesting everyone to use their manners today to help make it a super special day. Your entertainer may or may not help out with the “discipline” part of your party, so do not be afraid to step in and help.
In addition, alerting your child entertainer to any “issues” ahead of time will help.2) During your entertainers “show”, helping keep the adults’ voices down so that the children can hear the entertainer will help things running smoothly for your entertainer.3) Keep tabs on the temperature in your room. Many people will create lots of heat. Ceiling fans and/or setting a cooler temperature than normal is a big help in keeping everyone comfortable.Finally, organization is a key point in the success of an at-home party. Your entertainment area should be separate from your cake/eating area (especially if you do not want food/drink in other parts of your home). It is best to have your party table set up with decorations, plates, napkins, etc… ahead of time. Also, have your area where the entertainer will be “entertaining” all cleared and ready to go. Your entertainer will need their own time to get their stuff ready, so it will help if they can come in and get started without having to help move furniture and such.Once the children are done with the entertainment part of the party, you will need to move them on to the table to prepare for the eating part of your party. As a reminder, children eat much faster than adults do and you will need to keep the eating time short and sweet. As a fellow mom, you may also wish to have handy wipes or sanitizer available for hands, as well, for both before and after eating. In addition, do not be afraid to ask your guests to keep all food and drink at the table. You are being a brave soul in hosting the party in your home, it is okay to have some house rules and set expectations.Now, to open gifts or not? In all of my experience over the years, it is almost a perfect 50/50 split between opening gifts at the party and waiting to open them later. IF you do plan on opening the gifts at the party, it is best to open the presents at the entertainment area and to have the following ready: 1) pen/paper and a person to help you with writing the gift receiving list, and 2) a special area for the birthday child to sit while the other children sit a bit away from the birthday child. And it is okay to re-remind your guests to keep food and drink in the kitchen area.If you are not going to have your child open presents at the party, then having one or two more games and/or activities for the children while your party is winding down is highly suggested. When you do not open presents at a party, it is hard for your guests to know that the party is over, therefore, you may want to say something like this, “And now, for the last event of the party, we will have one last game”. Remember, you are the host and your guests are looking to you for “direction”.Finally, the ending to your party… you will have both the kids that need to leave early and the kids that will stay after the designated time as you wait for parents to pick up their children (if it was a drop off party). Therefore, it is best to have the goody bags already packed up and in a designated area close to the exit. If you are able to put your guests’ names on their goody bags, that will help alleviate any confusion. In the case of my clients, their goody bag is the take-home bag that I supply with their new stuffed animal friend that they made at the party. I personally place (as part of my service that I provide) all of the children’s names on the outside of their bags and have them all packed up and waiting near the exit. You can also discuss ahead of time with your child how to thank everyone for coming and how you plan to say your goodbyes (at the door or back in the entertainment area; handing guests their take home bags or having them grab their own; etc…)In the end, remember to relax and enjoy the party. Your child will cherish their time with their friends and family. The more planning and preparation you can do ahead of time, the better the party will flow.
Creating a Balanced Investment Portfolio
You have likely heard the old saying, ‘Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.’ This summarizes the entire philosophy of a diversified investment portfolio. The idea is to spread out the risk. You do not want to have 100% of your investment capital riding on a single investment. For example, you would not want to have your entire investment portfolio allocated to commodities. This might represent very slow growth and/or improper risk allocation. Likewise, you would not invest 100% of your capital into penny stocks that may go up and down in value just as quickly as the wind blows. Maintaining a diversified investment account will allow you to reap the benefits of multiple investments while at the same time protecting yourself from a single catastrophic loss if one of the investments happens to tumble.Stock Market Investing Is A Fundamental Element Of A Diversified PortfolioThe United States stock market has increased in value, on average, about 11% since the 1920′s. This includes the time of the Great Depression, the stock market dive of 1987 and the dot-com crash of more modern times. Over time, the stock market increases in value. Those who invest in the stock market are in a position to benefit from this slow increase in value. Those who invest for the long-term are most able to capitalize on the growth of the stock market. It is a fundamentally sound investment when done properly. There are number of ways to invest in the stock market including mutual funds, spider funds, and stock indexes, to name just at few of the methods. Individual stock purchases can also be profitable if done correctly. As always, talk with an investment adviser about your options and how stock investment fits into your overall game plan.Penny StockA more specific type of stock market investing revolves around penny stocks. These are stocks that have a small price tag and potentially a significant return. However, the potential also exists for significant losses if prices go against you. For this reason, penny stocks are generally considered to be a risky investment and are not suitable for all investors. The appeal of the penny stock is to ‘find the next Walmart.’ What this means is that the investor (or perhaps in this case the speculator) is looking to buy a company stock for a very small amount of money (perhaps just a few pennies) in the hopes that it may soar to be worth several dollars per share in the future. This is generally the fundamental game plan with a penny stock.Mutual Funds InvestingMutual fund investing is another one of the ways to invest in the stock market. Mutual fund exist for the purpose of spreading out risk. By their very nature they are designed to help increase overall portfolio returns while at the same time reducing overall risk to investment capital. The way this is achieved is to spread out the mutual funds overall portfolio into a number of different stocks. This diversification can help with risk reduction. People enjoy investing mutual funds because it allows them the opportunity to invest in a number of different companies all at the same time. It also allows for their money to be managed by a skilled professionals so that as individuals they do not have to do the decision making themselves. For these reasons it is easy to see why mutual funds have a very broad appeal and are one of the most popular investment opportunities available. Bear in mind that just because a mutual fund has done well in the past does not necessarily mean that they will continue to do well in the future. This is one of the challenges common to mutual funds.Value InvestingValue investing is generally a broad definition of investing done by purchasing companies that have fundamentally sound value. In other words, a company that displays consistent earnings and offers a good value for the price of the shares offered would represent a company fitting into the category of a value investment. A number of fundamental investors organize their portfolios according to a value investing approach. Buying stocks that are of good value can represent a fundamentally sound investment strategy.Bonds InvestingWhen you talk about bonds investing you generally think of safe and secure investments, and for good reason. Bonds generally represent one of the safest investments available. A bond is something like a promissory note. A company or government might issue a bond in order to raise funds for a particular project. When raising the funds, the entity will offer a bond containing a specific investment return which is to be repaid to the investor according to the term and length of the bond. It is something like lending money to a company and then giving you a specific return on your money. This can represent one of the safest forms of investments and likewise is popular for many people.Commodities InvestingCommodities can represent one of the more confusing types of options available for investors. It is best to consult with skilled professionals and financial advisers when it comes to the topics of commodities. Commodities can be viewed as both a high risk opportunity as well as a safe and secure opportunity for financial returns. It depends on the approach first and foremost. Many investors view commodities as a hedge against their other investments-designed to provide a counter-cyclical approach to investing that can help diversify overall risk and returns.Consult With An AdvisorConsulting with the skilled investment adviser is one of the best options that any investor can take before allocating their money. It is a good idea to diversify, but if the diversification is done without a systematic game plan than the results can be less than spectacular. A solid game plan, rolled out over a long period of time can be one of the best approach is to systematic, long-term investing that will yield fruitful financial returns. Long-term investing should be the goal of almost every investor looking to double and triple their capital in the years ahead. Begin first by talking with your investment adviser about a systematic game plan for your investment blueprint.
Degree Programs – Nurse Online Education
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average income for a registered nurse as of May, 2005 was almost $57,000. Further, the 2004 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses revealed that there is a shortage of registered nurses. Nursing is a growing career and online education degree programs make it an attainable goal even for those who are currently in the workforce.Every state has its own Board of Nursing that determines the licensing requirements for nurses to practice in that particular state. State nursing boards base their criteria on the Uniform Core Licensure Requirements, the Model Nursing Practice Act and the Model Nursing Administrative Rules developed by the National Council of State Nursing Boards (NCSNB). Nurses are required to periodically renew their licenses and certain states mandate continuing education for renewal.There are several types of nurses and degree programs nurse online education that potential students can choose:Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). An LPN is required to take eighteen months to two years of education in areas such as physiology, anatomy, patient care and medications. To become an LPN, an individual must pass state or national boards and periodically renew their license. The exam all LPNs are required to pass is called the NCLEX-PN. An LPN can handle all aspects of basic care under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician and with the assistance of nursing assistants and orderlies. Bureau of Labor Statistics show there are over 700,000 people employed as LPNs today. Online education makes it easy to work in the field while obtaining necessary educational credentials.Registered Nurse (RN). A registered nurse is a professional nurse who holds an associates degree (two years of study), specialized nursing diploma (three years of study) or bachelors degree (four years of study) and pass the state board exam. The exam all registered nurses are required to pass is called the NCLEX. Registered nurses are also required to have many hours of clinical training and experience prior to graduation. There are less RN programs offering a diploma because many employers prefer registered nurses to hold a bachelors degree. A registered nurse provides direct care to patients, makes decisions about plans of care and supervises LPNs, orderlies and nursing assistants. Registered nurses often pursue a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Science to take on advanced roles in the field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs have become the most popular health care occupation in the country, with over 2.3 million people working as registered nurses. Often LPNs decide to pursue their RN for advanced career opportunities. Because there is a great need for additional registered nurses, quite a few employers offers tuition reimbursement and other educational incentives. Online education programs simplify the process of obtaining an advanced degree while gaining necessary experience in the field.Advanced Practice Nurse (APN). An advanced practice nurse is a registered nurse who has advanced skills, experience and education. An APN holds a master’s or doctorate degree in nursing, as well as possible additional certifications. An APN is required to fulfill continuing education and take re-examinations periodically to maintain their license. APNs perform as a nurse practitioner (NP), certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), certified nurse midwife (CNM) or clinical nurse specialist (CNS). Busy registered nurses can pursue advanced degrees online while maintaining their current positions.Continuing Education. To maintain certifications, certain types of nurses in some states are required to fulfill continuing education requirements. Online education programs make is easier for nurses working various hours in the field to complete necessary educational requirements conveniently.Financial Aid. Nursing is a growing career with more jobs available than people to fill them. The US Bureau of Health Professions state that by 2020, the United States will need over 1.7 million nurses and only 635,000 are anticipated to be available. As a result, there are many opportunities to pursue financial aid such as scholarships and tuition reimbursement. Hospitals and schools have a variety of incentive programs available to students who want to work and remain in the nursing profession. Nursing students call also pursue standard state and federal financial aid such as grants, as well as student loan programs such as Stafford.Career Opportunities. Nursing offers a wide variety of settings to work in, such as hospitals, physicians’ offices, schools, military, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, the Red Cross, hospices and businesses. Nurses can become forensic specialists, business nurses, legal nurses or even teach other nurses. Nursing has become a diversified, flexible career with many specialization options available.Career Prospects. The United States Department of Labor reports that Registered Nursing is the top occupation with regard to job growth right through the year 2014. Further, surprising results of the 2006 Harris Poll reveal that nurses, doctors and firefighters are seen as the most prestigious occupations in the United States, while stockbrokers, real estate agents and business executives are perceived at the opposite end of the spectrum. A nurse with a 4 year degree has the potential to earn one of the highest starting salaries in the health care field, with the ability to earn in excess of $100,000 annually.Online education nursing degree programs offer students an opportunity to gain an advanced education while obtaining necessary experience in the field.
S&P 500 Rallies As U.S. Dollar Pulls Back Towards Weekly Lows
Key Insights
The strong pullback in the U.S. dollar provided significant support to stocks.
Treasury yields have pulled back after touching new highs, which served as an additional positive catalyst for S&P 500.
A move above 3730 will push S&P 500 towards the resistance level at 3760.
Advertisement
Pfizer Rallies After Announcing A Huge Price Hike For Its COVID-19 Vaccines
S&P 500 is currently trying to settle above 3730 as traders’ appetite for risk is growing. The U.S. dollar has recently gained strong downside momentum as the BoJ intervened to stop the rally in USD/JPY. Weaker U.S. dollar is bullish for stocks as it increases profits of multinational companies and makes U.S. equities cheaper for foreign investors.
The leading oil services company Schlumberger is up by 9% after beating analyst estimates on both earnings and revenue. Schlumberger’s peers Baker Hughes and Halliburton have also enjoyed strong support today.
Vaccine makers Pfizer and Moderna gained strong upside momentum after Pfizer announced that it will raise the price of its coronavirus vaccine to $110 – $130 per shot.
Biggest losers today include Verizon and Twitter. Verizon is down by 5% despite beating analyst estimates on both earnings and revenue. Subscriber numbers missed estimates, and traders pushed the stock to multi-year lows.
Twitter stock moved towards the $50 level as the U.S. may conduct a security review of Musk’s purchase of the company.
From a big picture point of view, today’s rebound is broad, and most market segments are moving higher. Treasury yields have started to move lower after testing new highs, providing additional support to S&P 500. It looks that some traders are ready to bet that Fed will be less hawkish than previously expected.
S&P 500 Tests Resistance At 3730
S&P 500 has recently managed to get above the 20 EMA and is trying to settle above the resistance at 3730. RSI is in the moderate territory, and there is plenty of room to gain additional upside momentum in case the right catalysts emerge.
If S&P 500 manages to settle above 3730, it will head towards the next resistance level at 3760. A successful test of this level will push S&P 500 towards the next resistance at October highs at 3805. The 50 EMA is located in the nearby, so S&P 500 will likely face strong resistance above the 3800 level.
On the support side, the previous resistance at 3700 will likely serve as the first support level for S&P 500. In case S&P 500 declines below this level, it will move towards the next support level at 3675. A move below 3675 will push S&P 500 towards the support at 3640.
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.
S&P 500 Biotech Giant Vertex Leads 5 Stocks Showing Strength
Your stocks to watch for the week ahead are Cheniere Energy (LNG), S&P 500 biotech giant Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX), Cardinal Health (CAH), Steel Dynamics (STLD) and Genuine Parts (GPC).
X
While the market remains in correction, with analysts and investors wary of an economic downturn, these five stocks are worth adding to watchlists. S&P 500 medical giants Vertex and Cardinal Health have been holding up, as health-care related plays tend to do well in down markets.
Steel Dynamics and Genuine Parts are both coming off strong earnings as both the steel and auto parts industries report optimistic outlooks. Meanwhile, Cheniere Energy saw sales boom in the second quarter as demand in Europe for natural gas continues to grow.
Major indexes have been making rally attempts with the Dow Jones and S&P 500 testing weekly support on Friday. With market uncertainty, investors should be ready for follow-through day breakouts and keep an eye on these stocks.
Cheniere Energy, Cardinal Health and VRTX stock are all on IBD Leaderboard.
Cheniere Energy Stock
LNG shares rose 1.1% to 175.79 during Friday’s market trading. On the week, the stock advanced 3.1%, not from highs, bouncing from its 21-day and 10-week lines earlier in the week.
Cheniere Energy has been consolidating since mid-September, but needs another week to forge a proper base, with a potential 182.72 buy point formed on Aug. 10.
Houston-based Cheniere Energy was IBD Stock Of The Day on Thursday, as the largest U.S. producer of liquefied natural gas eyes strong demand in Europe.
Even though natural gas prices are plunging in the U.S. and Europe, investors still see strong LNG demand for Cheniere and others.
The U.K. government confirmed last week that it is in talks for an LNG purchase agreement with a number of companies, including Cheniere.
In the first half of 2021, less than 40% of Cheniere’s cargoes of LNG landed in Europe. That jumped to more than 70% through this year’s second quarter, even as the company ramped up new export capacity. The urgency of Europe’s natural gas shortage only intensified last month. That is when an explosion disabled the Nord Stream 1 pipeline from Russia that had once supplied 40% of the European Union’s natural gas.
In Q2, sales increased 165% to $8 billion and LNG earned $2.90 per share, up from a net loss of $1.30 per share in Q2 2021. The company will report Q3 earnings Nov. 3, with investors seeing booming profits for the next few quarters.
Cheniere Energy has a Composite Rating of 84. It has a 98 Relative Strength Rating, an exclusive IBD Stock Checkup gauge for share price movement with a 1 to 99 score. The rating shows how a stock’s performance over the last 52 weeks holds up against all the other stocks in IBD’s database. The EPS rating is 41.
Vertex Stock
VRTX stock jumped 3.4% to 300 on Friday, rebounding from a test of its 50-day moving average. Shares climbed 2.2% for the week. Vertex stock has formed a tight flat base with an official buy point of 306.05, according to MarketSmith analysis.
The stock has remained consistent over recent weeks, while the relative strength line has trended higher. The RS line tracks a stock’s performance vs. the S&P 500 index.
Vertex Q3 earnings are on due Oct. 27. Analysts see EPS edging up 1% to $3.61 per share with sales increasing 16% to $2.2 billion, according to FactSet.
The Boston-based global biotech company dominates the cystic fibrosis treatment market. Vertex also has other products in late-stage clinical development that target sickle cell disease, Type 1 diabetes and certain genetically caused kidney diseases. That includes a gene-editing partnership with Crispr Therapeutics (CRSP).
In early August, Vertex reported better-than-expected second-quarter results and raised full-year sales targets.
S&P 500 stock Vertex ranks second in the Medical-Biomed/Biotech industry group. VRTX has a 99 Composite Rating. Its Relative Strength Rating is 94 and its EPS Rating is 99.
CRISPR Stocks: Will Concerns Over Risk Inhibit Gene-Editing Cures?
Cardinal Health Stock
CAH stock advanced 3.2% to 73.03 Friday, clearing a 71.22 buy point from a shallow cup-with-handle base and hitting a record high. But volume was light on the breakout. CAH stock leapt 7.3% for the week.
Cardinal Health stock’s relative strength line has also been trending up for months.
The cup-with-handle base is part of a base-on-base pattern, forming just above a cup base cleared on Aug. 11.
Cardinal Health, based in Dublin, Ohio, offers a wide assortment of health care services and medical supplies to hospitals, labs, pharmacies and long-term care facilities. The company reports that it serves around 90% of hospitals and 60,000 pharmacies in the U.S.
S&P 500 stock Cardinal Health will report Q1 2023 earnings on Nov. 4. Analysts forecast earnings falling 26% to 96 cents per share. Sales are expected to increase 10% to $48.3 billion, according to FactSet.
Cardinal Health stock ranks first in the Medical-Wholesale Drug/Supplies industry group, ahead of McKesson (MCK), which is also showing positive action. CAH stock has a 94 Composite Rating out of 99. It has a 97 Relative Strength Rating and an EPS rating of 73.
Steel Dynamics Stock
STLD shares shot up 8.5% to 92.92 on Friday and soared 19% on the week, coming off a Steel Dynamics earnings beat Wednesday night.
Shares blasted above an 88.72 consolidation buy point Friday after clearing a trendline Thursday. STLD stock is 17% above its 50-day line, definitely extended from that key average.
Steel Dynamics’ latest consolidation could be seen as part of a larger base going back six months.
Steel Dynamics topped Q3 earnings views with EPS rising 10% to $5.46 while revenue grew 11% to $5.65 billion. The steel producer’s outlook is optimistic despite weaker flat rolled steel pricing. STLD reports its order activity and backlogs remain solid.
The Fort Wayne, Indiana-based company is among the largest producers of carbon steel products in the U.S. It engages in metal recycling operations along with steel fabrication and produces myriad steel products.
How Millett Grew Steel Dynamics From A Three Employee Business
STLD stock ranks first in the Steel-Producers industry group. STLD stock has a 96 Composite Rating out of 99. It has a 90 Relative Strength Rating, an exclusive IBD Stock Checkup gauge for share-price movement that tops at 99. The rating shows how a stock’s performance over the last 52 weeks holds up against all the other stocks in IBD’s database. The EPS rating is 98.
Genuine Parts Stock
GPC stock gained 2.8% to 162.35 Friday after the company topped earnings views with its Q3 results on Thursday. For the week GPC advanced 5.1% as the stock held its 50-day line and is in a flat base.
GPC has an official 165.09 flat-base buy point after a three-week rally, according to MarketSmith analysis.
The relative strength line for Genuine Parts stock has rallied sharply to highs over the past several months.
On Thursday, the Atlanta-based auto parts company raised its full-year guidance on growth across its automotive and industrial sales.
Genuine Parts earnings per share advanced 19% to $2.23 and revenue grew 18% to $5.675 billion in Q3. GPC’s full-year guidance is now calling for EPS of $8.05-$8.15, up from $7.80-$7.95. The company now forecasts revenue growth of 15%-16%, up from the earlier 12%-14%.
During the Covid pandemic, supply chain constraints caused a major upheaval in the auto industry, sending prices for new and used cars to record levels. This has made consumers more likely to hang on to their existing vehicles for longer, driving mileage higher and boosting demand for auto replacement parts.
Fellow auto stocks O’Reilly Auto Parts (ORLY) and AutoZone (AZO) have also rallied near buy points amid the struggling market. O’Reilly reports on Oct. 26.
IBD ranks Genuine Parts first in the Retail/Wholesale-Auto Parts industry group. GPC stock has a 96 Composite Rating. Its Relative Strength Rating is 94 and it has an EPS Rating of 89.