Blind Dumb Luck

Late last year I bought a stock that I thought was positioned to do pretty well (I’ll say “I” instead of “we” because Wendy rightfully does not want to be associated with this decision).  I didn’t buy much, but it was over a thousand dollars.  The stock has since dropped to less than half the price at which I purchased it.  I still think it will do well, but not for another couple of quarters now. 

After the purchase, I had just a few bucks left in our account.  I hate to leave money around not doing anything, so I bought another stock on a whim based on broad economic trends (a coal mining company in China).  I bought a single share at $4.  Since that time, this stock split, thus giving us 2 shares, and the price has climbed to $11.75 per share.  So my $4 investment has turned into $23.50 - nearly a 500% increase in six months.  I think I’ll cash it out and buy half a tank of gas. 

If only the amount invested in these two companies had been reversed…