Financial Intelligence Tracker

$FININTEL The FIR portfolio slipped in July while the benchmark S&P 500 gained slightly. Specifically, the portfolio was down 2.55% during a difficult trading month, compared to a 1.60% rise for the S&P 500. Longer term, however, FIR has strongly outperformed. Our portfolio is up 522.29% since 2019. During the same period, the S&P returned 129.31%. This performance is against a background of a directionless stock market overall since early June. Volatility has taken out some of our more speculative bets in this period as stops kicked in and positions were sold. We nevertheless actively seek new positions that can weather a sideways market and provide solid total return in the coming months and years. While the underlying economy remains strong and interest rate policy balanced, the Al trade has lost some of its steam. A weakening tech trade plus ongoing regional wars, oil price fluctuations, and the upcoming U.S. elections add up to cast doubts on stocks in general. The only change in the portfolio this month is that we are closing our position on Western Union as it is hit it’s sell stop price of $7.75. Stay tuned.

RDW, AVAV, SMR, and TLT have all hit their profit protection sell stops and we are closing our positions accordingly. We’ll make names addition adjustments on the next rebalance.

Despite the recent drag on the market, The FIR portfolio is up 585% (since 2019). During the same period the S&P 500 returned 128.6%. GSK has hit its stop out and we’ve closed our position there. We’re seeking exposure into the Indian market with a new position in FLIN (Franklin TFSE India ETF). Similarly, we’re taking a position in another international play with EPHE (iShares MSCI Philippines, ETF). Finally, Redwire (RDW) flies under the radar with most investors, but this small cap space and defense technology company is gaining traction fast.