The seasoned professional
Almost cynical, checking each interval against smearing, reading Friday option fillings, etc. In discussions, he will throw out comp’s of other assets or comment on the trackrecord of involved mgmt. Feels obligated to step in when market commentary turns silly. Cryptic statements or inside ‘seventies field’ jokes are mandatory. Often insiders.
Some of the best threads will involved 1-10 of these discussing a specific topic or news release.
The opportunistic newbie
The USD is fucked, let’s buy some commodity stocks! If caught early, could easily be flipped into a BTC believer. At some point he will be disgusted by the sector, at which point he will leave forever or push through. If the latter, welcome, you are now the latest member of the community.
Remember that the most annoying person alive is an opportunistic newbie that had an early big win. Full of confidence & cockiness, he will at some point hit the wall. Hard. And sadly but true, some people will smile.
The value investor
Not the be mistaken with an actual value investor ‘in the real world’. Burned by too many speculations going wrong, this investor has moved up the food chain to advanced drill plays, developers or junior producers. Will keep a few more speculative stocks to keep the thrill alive, but overall believes each of his other stocks should be a clear winner or take-over target in the next 24 months. Typical comment: ‘This asset will actually be a mine‘.
The speculator
Can’t help himself, if not here, he would be in the casino. A 2Mil market cap with a rig on a greenfield project in Chile? BRING IT ON.
The cautious newbie
Interested in building up exposure to commodities, but wary of the whole sector (rightfully so). Will stick to producers & let his risky side go loose with a development play. Or alternatively will strictly follow his favorite newsletter writer’s picks.
The macro player
Wants exposure to the metals, not so interested in the companies themselves. The companies are a necessary tool. Will focus on resources estimates (how much is in the ground) & build a broad basket of stocks to minimize his stock specific risks.
The influencer
Doesn’t care, will post what he wants. Highlights stocks to buy & ones to avoid. Or will give direction on commodity/sector X. Can build his following solely on confidence, wits or a few good picks.
Technical analysis are trending & generally accepted by now. While some interact with their audience, a large group of influencers are purely broadcasting their view, it’s a one-way street. Can clash & pick a fight with other influencers over their opposing convictions.
Some others can be seen commenting on hot news items. Will tag a few mates to showcast & cement their credibility. Direct line with mgmt for latest updates.
All in all, A great source of leads (or red flags) for the smart follower. But be aware of the circle jerking & confirmation bias.
The silent watcher
Keeps to himself, tries to weed through the overflow of information. Has some social media accounts just to have access. Several HNW & professionals hide in this darkness of anonymity.
Never underestimate a silent watcher.
Joe
The biggest group. They had some winners, had more losers, saw things that seemed impossible. Have been through the excitement-disappointment cycle one too many times. Wants to give up but is lured back again and again by the potential wins and the thrill of the drill. Lost their naivety & automatically adds a few weeks to any CEO’s timeline. Doesn’t yet dear to dream of a bull market.
BONUS: The warrant clipper
Never seen in public but rumored to be existent, these creators will hunt for private placement with warrants. As soon as the hold period comes off, they’ll sell their shares and hold onto the warrants. All in the hope that a few positions will come in the money, giving them a ‘risk free’ entry. Not appreciated by management teams, these individuals hide in the shadows of the crowd.
So, which one are you?
Cheers, Pete
Beer tab: http://paypal.me/petepandapayup
