Fertilizer Play

Fertilizer stocks took a major hit and then all the shorts seemed to pile on to drive down prices. The hit came as rumors were spread hinting that Farmer's do not have adequate access to capital to purchase their fertilizer. In turn, the fertilizer companies lose sales dollars. This is pure conjecture and will be a non-event, which is why I picked up some Agrium (AGU) on Friday @ $63.93.

I found myself getting interested again into the Chemical and Fertilizer realm. To this end, I picked up some shares of Agrium (AGU) a player out of Calgary, Canada. In this volatile market, I like the fact that this stock has remained steadfast and has even risen in value this past week. In addition, on 10 April the corporation entered into an exclusive agreement to purchase a 70% equity stake in a European fertilizer-distribution company "Common Market Fertilizers S.A, which has annual sales of $500 to $600 million.

My other current active plays in the market are as follows:

* April 50 puts on Capital One Financial
* May 15 puts on Schering-Plough

* July 15 puts on Yamana Gold

* September 25 puts on Petrohawk Energy Corp

Analyst Reversal

Last week it seemed like every analyst on Wall St was leaning towards a .50 basis point rate cut. Today, I am hearing a more relaxed version and the consensus seems to be registering a conservative .25 basis point rate cut. This may end up catching some people off-guard who were making moves specifically on the upcoming Fed decision. Most people will shy away from making any big decisions prior to the Fed announcement, however there could be big rewards for those who are willing to stick their neck out on some investments. I personally will fall somewhere in the middle. I will be tracking many stocks, but will not overextend myself unless something huge falls into my wheelhouse. There are a few general stocks I will be watching both long/short, but will focus quite a bit on some of the wireless/telecom service providers. These are not endorsements to go out and purchase just "showing my hand" a bit. I currently do not have a position in any of the listed stocks.

General

Life Cell Corp (LIFC) - Long

ABB (ABB) - Long

Agrium (AGU) - Long

Sterlite India (SLT) - Long

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) - Long

Transdigm Group (TDG) - Looking to short/buy puts

Blue Coat System (BCSI) - Looking to short/buy puts

Telecom

Vimpel (VIP) - Watchlist

Mobile Telesys (MBT) - Watchlist

Chinal Mobile (CHL) - Watchlist

Turkcell Iletisim (TKC) - Watchlist