Today's Trade: EWZ, AKAM and RATE

I sold 500 shares of RATE at $43.44 (entry at $42.53)for a $455 gain (+2.1%).

I sold AKAM at $56.90 (entry at $55.63) for a $508 gain (2.2%).

I bought 700 shares of EWZ at $48.44.

Over the past six months EWZ has been in a solid uptrend with the 20 day MA providing support. There have been a few blips, however the 50 day MA has provided additional support, and the stock has always rebounded well above the 20 day MA. Therefore, my stop will be placed just under the 50 day MA, at $46.20. This is what I call a "trend trade". I am basically ignoring the indicators (RSI looks good but stochastics say overbought) and just following the trend.

I probably could have waited for a slightly deeper pullback, say all the way to the 20 day MA ($47.82). However, when playing a trend with a longer holding time, I don't feel the need to quibble over 50 cents.

Today's Trades: STLD and AKAM

I sold all 900 shares of STLD at an average price of $39.88 for a $1577 gain (entries at $37.87 and $38.45). Currently we've got a long bar heading right into resistance at $40. This is a strong stock, and steel has been on fire, so I may re-enter on a break of $40 or pullback to the bottom of the price bar.

I bought 400 shares of AKAM at $55.63. This is more of a speculative play as it does not fit any of the technical entries I normally use. Every once in a while I allow myself a trade like this one, as long as I stick to my stops. The stock has generally fought off the bears and continued higher after pullbacks. It's sitting right at the 20 day MA. My stop will be placed under the 50 day moving average, probably at $53.90.