My Vasco Data Security Upgrade

Just a little background on why I like VASCO Data Security International INC (VDSI) and how I escaped a possible calamity in late 2007. I actually picked up some shares of this company, which was active on Investor's Business Daily 100 back in October and November 2007. I decided to sell Dec 25 covered calls to pick up some extra cash and lower my entry point. Well...December rolls around and damn if my shares didn't get called away. At the time I was a bit disappointed, but as one can now see, I was extremely lucky.

VDSI is now trading in the 11 range. This week, I was trying to get into the Sep 7.50 and Sep 10.00 calls, however they are trading a tad expensive, so I may just buy the stock outright. The market has been taking a drubbing this week, yet VASCO has fought back and gained some ground. The company is well positioned in the overseas marketplace and is well linked to the security issues the world is constantly facing.

For final disclosure, at the time of this post I do NOT own any shares or options on this stock.

Her Name is RIO

and she dances on the sand....Wow opening up a blog with Duran Duran. Anyway I picked up some RIO on Friday in the low 33's and I am quite happy with my paitence on this stock. In my opinion, I am killing two birds with one stone by capturing a stock that is in Brazil and in the metals and mining industry. If you look at the chart in the above link I still think the stock has some downward motion since the technicals are not all that great. This is a stock I'm looking to hold onto as an investment vice a straight up trade. If it drops lower near its 50 day moving average, I believe I will scoop up some more shares. I continue to pound the table on the international marketplace and the value that it provides during the U.S. fluctuation. I believe investors for the long term can't loose sight that this is a global marketplace and if one ignores that aspect then great opportunities are being missed.