MY PREDICTIONS FOR WORLD CUP SOCCER AND THE STOCK MARKET

World Cup Soccer: I'm predicting Spain will win. I'm a big fan of the Spanish team and I have a really good feeling about their chances tomorrow.


Stock Market: I'm predicting that the stock market will rally this fall, despite negative rhetoric from the news media. I see an especially strong rally if the Republicans win big in the November elections. It's my opinion that the slow down we've seen in the past month or so is simply a return to normal summer slump in the market and too many nervous/sensationalist reporters are making it out to be more than it actually is.

STOCKS END 7 DAY SLIDE

U.S. markets ended their seven day slide with the Dow gaining 57 points. Investors seem to be trying to make up for some steep losses by searching for value plays after the 4th of July holiday weekend. I picked more shares of General Mills (GIS) and am looking to add to some of my other positions, if the prices are right.

Had a great holiday weekend! Got to watch a couple of World Cup games. Was happy to see Uruguay win in sudden death over Ghana. Uruguay's goal keeper did a great job! Also saw the match between Germany and Argentina. I have to admit that I've never seen the German team play until now and I was expecting Argentina to win. What a shock, when Germany mopped the floor with them!!! It was an exciting match and I can't wait to see more from Germany!

USA WORLD CUP SOCCER

Was really dissappointed to see the U.S. team lose to Ghana in the World Cup soccer match. Enjoyed the match tremendously! I've always been a fan of soccer, even though it's not as popular in the U.S. as in other countries around the world. Still looking forward to watching more of the matches, since I'm also a big fan of Brazil and Spain. Anxious to see how these teams play going forward. While it's widely speculated that a South American team will win in the end, I think Spain still has a good chance.

As for my stock investments, I've made all the changes I'm going to make for a while in my portfolio. I'll be watching for opportunities to add additional shares to the issues I currently hold and it's possible I may add some new investments, but I think I'll mostly let everything ride for now. I'll be collecting more in dividends this year than I've ever collected before. Most likely I'll reinvest the enire amount, since I don't really need the money for anything. I keep thinking of it as buying a better future for myself and my family.