Seeking Alpha by Adding Beta

I am glad that May is over. It is one of the most terrible month personally for me. My dear father passed away at age 69 due to post-surgery complications on May 16. If you are around Pune and had to go to hospital, AVOID Ruby Hall at all cost. It is one of the worst hospital in terms on post-operative care. I wish someone had warned me about this before my father's bypass surgery. Please spread the word about avoiding Ruby Hall, Pune at all costs for any treatment ! It has been 2 weeks since my father passed away - myself and my family are coming to terms and returning to our normal lives. Life would never be same when you lose someone dear to your heart and has been an inspiring figure all your life. But life must go on ! I am so looking forward to forgetting this dreadful month of May 2010. Coincidentally it is worst May month since 1940 with 8% monthly loss. I never thought my prediction about "Sell in May and walk away" would be so right on target. I wish it did ...

Market action in first week of May gives new meaning to English word "mayhem". Dictionary meaning of this word is: needless or willful damage or violence. The afternoon action in stock markets on Thursday May 6 was so true to this dictionary definition. It was indeed needless/willful damage to the confidence which was just getting started to build up. Many folks are still searching for answers what exactly happened at 2.45 pm EST on May 6 when DOW had its biggest intra- day points loss in its history ! I was amused that my previous post about selling in May would be so much on target - unfortunately when it comes to selling, I don't follow my own advise ! Storms were building for this fateful day for last few months with slow and erratic European response to Greek debt mess. Now the problem has become much bigger since contagion virus has spread to other European nations and may cross to other nations outside Europe. Unless Europe acts decisively over this weekend and ...

Looks like there are various G-forces holding down the market from taking off beyond 11000. First of all, blame it on PGS (Portugal, Greece and Spain) of " PIIGS " club for bringing down markets due to rating cut. But let's look at these G-forces which are in work: Greece: It has been in news for last 4-5 months and due to structure of EU, there is no quick closure on this. Now that it has only 2 weeks left, Europe better hurry up to help Greece avoid default which may lead to end of Euro as we know it. If Greece defaults, contagion would very quickly spread to other nations in PIIGS and many other nations outside Europe. This could be repeat of 2008 with difference that this time it would be nations defaulting (instead of corporates). Europe needs to have its own TARP for it's member nations and that too very quickly ! Goldman: Since SEC filed civil suit of fraud 2 weeks back, Goldman cannot catch a break. After senate hearings, now there are talks of criminal suit...