Know When to Hold 'Em and Know When to Fold 'Em

This week we are posting the portfolio standings at the end of trading on February 28th. Last week's results included the last posting for portfolios before our trade date, and given the larger than expected number of portfolios that required adjustments, it has taken a little longer than usual to get the portfolio positions posted.

Once again, most of those making trades saw a positive improvement to their positions, and for a couple of these it made a big difference - they knew when to fold 'em. However, a couple other portfolios saw substantial gains without making any changes at all, indicating that they knew when to hold 'em.

The net result is that we have two new portfolios in the top three as of the February 28th, one which made position switches that worked out really well, and another than just let their original positions catch a positive wave higher. What is interesting with respect to the trading that did occur, the top 4 spots at the end of February 17th did make trades, some looking to consolidate their gains and protect them through conservative holdings, while others looked to extend even higher their portfolio position by strapping on higher beta (risk).

Currently in top spot is Matthew R., who was in 4th spot at the end of February 17th, and whose portfolio gained 24% from the 17th to the 28th. He did make some trades, gearing up his portfolio for the push towards top prize. Up to this point, his portfolio has generated a 49% gain from the start of the contest.

In second spot is Yuri B., whose portfolio generated a very solid 28% gain since February 17th and is up over 38% since the start of the contest. Yuri did not make any changes to his portfolio, but has patiently waited for his positions to begin to bear fruit, and the last several days they certainly have.

Finally in third position right now is Alexandra F. who made a position adjustment in her portfolio following an impressive run up in her portfolio during the first two weeks of February. Her portfolio slipped a little since the 17th, but is up a strong 26% so far.

The other portfolios that deserves honourable mention this is week include: Giovanni V., who saw a strong 24% pick up in his portfolio, letting his original positions carry him into 7th spot, and move up of 42 positions from February 17th;

Pawel S., who did make position switches and benefitted from them as his portfolio gained over 14%, and;

Vitali S., whose portfolio also gained over 14%, gaining 18 positions in the standings.