$2,100 in cash

I moved some more money into my brokerage account and now I'm researching new buys. I think I need a tech and something less speculative. However, I've been looking at Indian ADRs all weekend. ICICI bank seems like a safe play, but where's the money at? Patni, Satyam?

Versus my benchmark

My returns in 2008 were -9.5%, versus a drop in the Dow of -19.12% over the same period (Oct. 1 to Dec. 31). My YTD 2009 return is 45.91%, versus 12% for the Dow Jones.

I'm an anti-genius

I thought that a 45.91% return for 2009 was pretty good until I calculated what my original portfolio (of Ford, Tata Motors, US Steel, MGM Mirage, Bank of America, and Freddie Mac) would have been worth today. If I hadn't sold or bought anything after November 11th of last year, my portfolio would be up 86.63%. Even more than that actually, because I've spent somewhere between $150 and $200 in broker fees.

Ugh.

Tire Tariff

Obama has approved a 35% tariff on some imported Chinese tires for the next year. It'll fall to 30% in 2011 and to 25% in 2012. I think the tariff isn't a sop to unions either. It's the right move because China's neomercantilist policies are destroying manufacturing in the US. Until China allows for a level playing field, it's the administration's job to punish. However, I acknowledge that all nations do what China is doing. If the US believed in a level playing field, it wouldn't have bailed out GM, Chrysler, AIG, and whoever else. Or subsidize farming to the extent it does. If China pours cheap loans and favorable tax benefits on certain industries, it's the same thing and both are unfair. I won't be surprised when China adopts counter-measures. And they'll be justified in doing so.

Ugh. I don't want to see the stock market on Monday.