Sat, 12 May 2012 09:02:35 -0800WeeblyTue, 24 Apr 2012 10:26:39 -0800http://www.shorecapmgmt.com/4/post/2012/04/chicago-turnaround-management-association-outlook-for-manufacturing-forum.htmlOn April 11, 2012, The Turnaround Management Association (TMA) Chicago/ Midwest announced: Outlook for Manufacturing: Opportunities and Challenges in Climbing Back to the Road of Prosperity

Driving sustained growth in manufacturing will bethe focus of the TMA’s Chicago/Midwest chapter breakfast forum.

“During the current recession, manufacturing experienced the worst slowdown since the Great Depression, resulting in reduced production, plant shut downs and, in some cases, accelerated shift of production to overseas,” says Harold Israel, president, Chicago/Midwest TMA.


Topics Include:
-What the experts did to survive
-Advice on operating strategies
-Tactics to improve performance and capitalize on a future recovery

Panelists Include:

Follow Mark Shore at Twitter and Facebook_

Read more
]]>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:19:39 -0800http://www.shorecapmgmt.com/4/post/2012/04/nyc-model-risk-quants-the-law.htmlThe Society of Quantitative Analysts (SQA) Presents:
Model Risk, Quants and the Law

Regulatory scrutiny of model-driven asset managers has increased in the frequency and severity of enforcement actions and fines.

The highest profile case to-date has been the one brought against AXA Rosenberg on charges of failing to properly correct and disclose a coding error in its investment model.

The potentially far-reaching implications of the order have forced managers who rely on quantitative strategies to reassess their oversight and controls.

The SQA has put together a program of senior regulators and distinguished investment professionals describing the evolving standards.


Follow Mark Shore on Twitter and Facebook_

Read more
]]>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:08:18 -0800http://www.shorecapmgmt.com/4/post/2012/04/nyc-smart-strategies-latest-technology-big-data-event.html_The Mankoff Company Presents: After the Bell Forum: Smart Strategies, Latest Technology and Big Data


This event’s discussions incorporate the "top-of-mind" issues for the trader. Held after trading hours, this event offers an optimum combination of topical discussion and industry networking at a cocktail reception immediately following the panels.

Topics Include:

-Best practices to enhance the performance of your global trading infrastructure

-Developing smart strategies: Quantitative vs. Intelligence/Event signature-based

-Taking advantage of international market differentials

-Connectivity, latency and searching for alpha

-Creating positive returns from fully automated short-term currency trading

-Connectivity, Co-Lo, The Challenge of Big Data & the Discussion on News-Based Trading

-Identifying market-beating opportunities with the application of news based trading

Read more

Follow Mark Shore on Twitter and Facebook
]]>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 19:44:04 -0800http://www.shorecapmgmt.com/4/post/2012/04/how-i-became-a-quant-event-in-chicago.html_The International Association of Financial Engineers Education Committee and the Fisher Black Memorial Foundation Present:

How I became a Quant Chicago: Financial Engineers Give a Personal View of their Careers in Quantitative Finance

The recent growth in quantitative finance has led mathematics, physics, computer science and engineering students of all levels to wonder whether a career or an advanced degree in quantitative finance is right for them.

This event gives a personal view of the world of quantitative finance from the point of view of quantitative finance professionals with varying specialties. The panelists will share their own experiences and engage in a moderated discussion with plenty of time to answer student questions. A reception for students and panelists will be held after the event.

Panelists Include:

Read more

]]>Sun, 08 Apr 2012 14:48:18 -0800http://www.shorecapmgmt.com/4/post/2012/04/il-february-unemployment-rate-falls.html_The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the Regional and State Employment and Unemployment Summary on Friday March 30, 2012.

“Employment increased in 42 states and the District of Columbia and decreased in 8 states” according to the BLS.
The largest February increases were Ohio 28,300, Texas 27,900 and New York 24,700. Illinois increased employment by 6,500.

The BLS also reported 29 states experienced unemployment rate decreases, 8 states experienced an increase and 13 states and D.C. were unchanged.

Since the recent peak at 10.1% in August 2011, the Illinois unemployment rate continues to trend lower as it fell from 9.4% in January to 9.1% in February.

During the financial crisis the unemployment rate peaked at 11.4% in January 2010 and has bounced between 9.3% and 10.3% over the last two years.

Read more

Copyright ©2012 Mark Shore. Contact the author for permission for republication at info@shorecapmgmt.com www.shorecapmgmt.com Mark Shore publishes research, consults on alternative investments and conducts educational workshops. Mark Shore is also an Adjunct Professor at DePaul University's Kellstadt Graduate School of Business in Chicago where he teaches a managed futures/ global macro course. ]]>Sun, 08 Apr 2012 14:40:50 -0800http://www.shorecapmgmt.com/4/post/2012/04/brics-coming-of-age-in-the-global-economy.html_The Chicago Council on Global Affairs Presents:

THE GLOBAL ECONOMY – SPRING 2012 SERIES PART II 
THE BRICS AND MICS: COMING OF AGE IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY

Guest Speaker:Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Managing Director, World Bank

In the last decade, the middle income countries (MICs), and Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRICs), have witnessed a remarkable period of growth and development.

The World Bank suggests that with greater economic power for these nations should come increased global responsibility, such as contributing to the international structures and treaties from which they benefitted in their developing stage.

Read more
]]>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 07:41:26 -0800http://www.shorecapmgmt.com/4/post/2012/04/mark-shore-teaches-a-managed-futures-workshop-in-june.htmlMark Shore will be teaching a 2 day workshop in June at the New York Institute of Finance in Chicago.

This course is designed from a practitioner's perspective to give delegates a basic understanding and exposure to the managed futures industry within alternative investments by discussing various aspects and terminology of this asset class.

Managed Futures includes commodity futures, financial futures and foreign exchange. It is one of the fastest growing asset classes as it has existed for over 30 years and yet the investment management community is just beginning to understand it.

Portions of the course will introduce various metrics used for evaluating investment managers known as Commodity Trading Advisors (CTA), thus utilizing the concepts of asset allocation and due diligence. The tools and concepts of this course will find relevance to the assets and offer a stronger foundation in asset allocation and portfolio management.

Click here for more info
]]>Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:56:16 -0800http://www.shorecapmgmt.com/4/post/2012/03/sp-e-mini-comments-for-march-28-2012.htmlBy Mark Shore
3/27/12

In our last S&P comments from March 13, 2012, we talked about the S&P e-mini futures basis June had found resistance in the 1370 area and if it should break above it, the next short-term resistance would be 1370 to 1405 range.

On March 13, the market did break above the 1370 area and reached 1408 on March 16 and consolidated to 1380 by March 23. On March 27, the market hit a high of 1419.75 and backed down to 1406 on the close. The market is currently fighting short-term resistance.

On a long-term basis, the market is starting to near our initial long-term target of 1425 to 1440.

On a short-term basis we have been long since March 9. Currently the market would need to break below 1386 for us go neutral. Short-term support is found at 1400 to 1375.

Currently, on a long-term basis the market would need to break below 1347 to go short as our long-term signals went long in October. There is support in the 1360 to 1300 range.

Both long-term and short-term indicators have entered into overbought territory. The market could still move higher, but it could become a bit more volatile as it climbs. It may be headed for a near-term consolidation.

If the market should move higher, our next short-term resistance is 1422 to 1440. Our next long-term resistance is 1470 to 1488.

Stay tuned and you may want to put on your seat belt.

Copyright ©2012 Mark Shore. Contact the author for permission for republication at info@shorecapmgmt.com www.shorecapmgmt.com Mark Shore publishes research, consults on alternative investments and conducts educational workshops. Mark Shore is also an Adjunct Professor at DePaul University's Kellstadt Graduate School of Business in Chicago where he teaches a managed futures/ global macro course.

Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.  There is risk of loss when investing in futures and options.  Always review a complete CTA disclosure document before investing in any Managed Futures program. Managed futures and futures trading can be a volatile and risky investment; only use appropriate risk capital; this investment is not for everyone.  The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and are only for educational purposes. Please talk to your financial advisor before making any investment decisions. ]]>Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:01:23 -0800http://www.shorecapmgmt.com/4/post/2012/03/chicago-global-trading-and-applications-event.html_The Mankoff Company Presents:

After the Bell Trading Forum: Must Know Strategies & Applications for Trading in Asia, Latin America & the Eastern Bloc

The markets today have become increasingly volatile and it brings continuous challenges to the trading community. In this environment, it is critical to keep abreast, if not ahead, of the latest market opportunities.

Topics Include:

-Examining the current state of the markets overseas
-What do you need to know about regulations and tax issues
-Determining which asset classes offer the best opportunity for achieving alpha
-Are China’s futures markets accessible, and if so how?
-What do traders need to know about how Chinese futures work and about the rules of the game?
-Identifying the best model and brokers to align with your strategy and incorporate the best strategies for trading flow
-Buy vs. Build: Determining which will expedite your time to revenue

Read More
]]>Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:11:09 -0800http://www.shorecapmgmt.com/4/post/2012/03/sp-e-mini-futures-comments-for-march-13-2012.htmlBy Mark Shore
3/12/2012

After 2011's volatile movements in the S&P 500 index, we received a long-term buy signal in mid October basis the June 2012 E-mini S&P 500 contract.

However, the market keeps bumping up against the 1365 to 1370 area and then sells off.

Currently on a long-term basis, the market would need to close below 1321 for a new short signal to occur. There is strong support in the 1337 area.

Our indicators are showing the market entering into an overbought region, but our long-term indicators can remain overbought or oversold for a while before the market finally begins to turn. However, we need to be aware of the area it has entered.

On a long-term basis the market has been holding above our initial targets of 1254 and 1347. If the market continues the rally, the next long-term targets are 1425 to 1440.

On a short-term basis, we received a buy signal on Feb 3th that held until March 5th. On March 9th we received a new short-term buy signal. Currently, if 1334 is taken out, the short-term signal could turn neutral.

The market has held above our initial short-term level of 1339. The next resistance area is 1370 to 1405.

The market is at a turning point of either moving forward or having some consolidation. The next support level of consolidation would be about 1325.


Copyright ©2012 Mark Shore. Contact the author for permission for republication at info@shorecapmgmt.com www.shorecapmgmt.com Mark Shore publishes research, consults on alternative investments and conducts educational workshops. Mark Shore is also an Adjunct Professor at DePaul University's Kellstadt Graduate School of Business in Chicago where he teaches a managed futures/ global macro course.

Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.  There is risk of loss when investing in futures and options.  Always review a complete CTA disclosure document before investing in any Managed Futures program. Managed futures and futures trading can be a volatile and risky investment; only use appropriate risk capital; this investment is not for everyone.  The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and are only for educational purposes. Please talk to your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
]]>